Guyana Chronicle E-paper 07-25-2018

WEDNESDAY 25th July, 2018

5 bandits killed No.105346

… as police foil robbery at Turkeyen

… AK-47, other rifles recovered Timothy St. Hil

Eon Forde

Andrew Daly

Levi Braithwaite

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 25, 2018

IDPAD pushing for Guyana, West Africa air route –– sees CJIA as a ‘vital transit hub’

By Zena Henry THE Business Committee of the International Decade for People of African Descent (IDPAD) Summit has embarked on a campaign for the opening of an air travel route between Guyana and West Africa.

The Committee, which came out of a four-day summit held here earlier this year, is one of several advocating for the connection between the African continent and its 350 million descendants living in the Diaspora, and, among other things, the restoration of their economic independence and growth.

CEO and UN Fellow, Dr. Melissa Varswyk told the Guyana Chronicle, “Bringing People of African Descent in the Diaspora with Africans on the continent is top on the agenda, and Guyana is being identified as the hub for direct transport to Western Africa.”

The way Dr Varswyk

sees it, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport expansion project is a “vital transit hub” for travellers connecting to Africa from the Caribbean, Latin America and the North American region.

And, being a connection point, she said, Guyana and the rest of the region could benefit economically from cultural exchanges, the sharing of knowledge, skills, and tourism, as well as a shorter transit time.

IDPAD is of the view that Guyana’s geographical position as the only Englishspeaking nation in South America can help play a lead role in addressing travel woes, particularly for New World territories.

She said that the organisation has come to realise that non-African carriers are transporting about 80 per cent of the intercontinental traffic to and from Africa.

And this is not because Africa lacks airlines, Dr Varswyk said, but that several

African carriers with strong safety records are prevented from flying to Europe.

“These restrictions have detrimental effects on the growth of the air transportation sector in Africa,” she said. “Further, most of these airlines are exorbitantly expensive, and have to fly through their countries of origin where African travellers are required to have transit visas before they can be permitted to travel through these ports, onward to their

Dr. Melissa Varswyk final destinations.

“Due also to the lack of embassies and or dip-

lomatic cooperation, final destinations usually require visas. This means that on average, Africans travelling to any destination, especially outside of the continent, have to spend twice the amount of money on visas, notwithstanding the fact that the cost for any visa for Africans is way higher than what other people in other parts of the world would pay.

“These barriers,” Dr Varswyk said, “have meant that few Africans, on the continent and in the Diaspora, can travel and trade outside the continent.”

Dr. Varswyk said that

IDPAD is therefore working to facilitate and lessen travel restrictions experienced by travellers to and from the African continent, and has initiated discussions with leading airlines on the African continent which have the capacity to operate mid-Atlantic.

These discussions, she said, are already being coordinated, and that the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, the Government of Guyana, the International Civil Aviation Organisation and regional countries have already been engaged in discussion on the matter.

Mahdia cop doused with pot of hot dhal

AN argument over a Rastafarian being served food before a ‘bald head’ turned sour on Tuesday night resulting in a policeman being doused with a pot of dhal.

The policeman, Dellon Scotland is nursing burns to his neck, chest and hands after he was attacked by a customer while purchasing food at Mahdia in Region Eight (Potaro/Siparuni).

Reports are that sometime after 21:00hrs on Tuesday, the officer visited a food stand where a man sells vegetarian food on the roadside. Persons in the area reported that a Rastafarian man was also purchasing food at the same time from the vendor.

According to an eyewitness, while the vendor was serving food to the police officer, the Rastafarian remarked “a baldhead getting served

The roadway at Mahdia where the incident occurred. before a Rasta.” The remark irked the rank and an argument ensued. Reports are that during the argument, another man at the scene picked up the hot pot of dhal and

emptied the food on the officer. Another customer who was standing nearby sustained minor burns.

Mahdia residents told the Guyana

Chronicle that the officer did not receive life-threatening injuries as many discussed the outcome on Wednesday evening in the hill-top community.

5 bandits killed

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 25, 2018

… as police foil robbery at Turkeyen

… AK-47, other rifles recovered

By Leroy Smith FIVE bandits were shot and killed and police recovered a quantity of items including high-powered weapons, during a pre-dawn operation at Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara on Tuesday, when they foiled an attempted robbery on a home in the area.

The incident occurred just after 03:00hrs. Dead are: 38-year-old Timothy St. Hill, 31-year-old Levi Braithwaite, Andrew Daly, Eon Forde and Jermaine Doobay. The men were at the time engaged in an exchange in rapid and intense gunfire with the police. The

home and the after the police were alerted, the ranks responded promptly. One AK 47 rifle was recovered in addition to two other rifles. The Guyana Chronicle was informed that the men showed up at the location in motorcar HC-4195 and proceeded to pierce their way through a gateway which leads to the two homes.

Once in the compound, they proceeded to one of the two houses where they attempted to gain entry. The occupants then concealed themselves in a room and from there they telephoned the police on the 911 emergency numbers.

The police who were in the area in two separate

cross-fire. But it did not end there; seconds later, St Hill and Braithwaite came up with the car and began opening fire on the police who returned same, causing the death of St. Hill. When the Guyana Chronicle arrived at the scene the police were already out in their numbers conducting their investigations.

The police recovered a number of items with which the men had arrived at the scene in their vehicle, including house-breaking implements. Williams and Divisional Commander Senior Superintendent Edmond Cooper were also on the ground. Persons who live close by said they were

The entrance to the two houses located in the background investigations were initially conducted by both ranks from the Criminal Investigations Department’s Major Crimes Unit and divisional detectives. However, by the break of day, it was the aforementioned unit which was mandated by the crime chief to take over the probe.

Speaking with the media, Crime Chief Williams said the men broke into the

vehicles patrolling parts of the East Coast were directed to the location and upon spotting two of the men, they engaged the police by opening fire. The lawmen returned fire and the two who were shooting died.

Subsequently, one of the other bandits who was in the house and heard the gunshots came running out and he was caught in the

The vehicle the men used to get to the crime scene

awakened to the loud, rapid gunshots and some took evasive measures.

One man said that when he heard the gunshots he secured his young child and covered his ear with a headphone to prevent the child from reacting to the noise. The residents did commend the police for a job well done. The police conducted their work at the crime scene at the pitch of dark until dawn yesterday.

It was only after the place got bright that residents mustered the courage to come out of their homes to see what was going on. Persons who traverse the area for work only became aware that something was wrong when they noticed the police and so many media operatives who were present at the time.

BANDITS AFTER SAFE Meanwhile, Acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine at a news conference later in the day

The rifles and some of the other items recovered at the scene told the media that the police were able to confirm that the bandits were after a safe, which was in one of the houses on the double lot.

The occupants who were in the house at the time are not licensed firearm holders, hence they did not have any exchange of gunfire with the bandits.

The commissioner could not say what is in the safe.

The Guyana Chronicle was able to confirm that the house was constructed two years ago and is owned by an overseas-based Guyanese businessman.

His name was given as Jason Babulall. The man had already furnished the home and was in the process of moving to Guyana within a few weeks to take up residence.

KNOWN CHARACTERS Ramnarine told the media that three of the dead bandits were known characters who have criminal records.

Asked to comment on the police’s swift response, Ramnarine said a patrol from ‘C’ Division was in the area as well as a patrol from the Criminal Investigations Department. The latter was unmarked, and the ranks were not wearing uniforms of any sort. After the call came in about the robbery, the two joined forces and proceeded to the location. The ranks adopted tactical positions and closed off the one entrance to the area, knowing that the other end had the construction of a bridge

ongoing.

He related that the ranks moved in and upon spotting the first two suspects, shots were fired by them in the direction of the police who returned the favour, fatally wounding them. The acting police chief used his press conference to commend the bravery of his charges, whom he said will not go unnoticed and as it was because of their resilience not to back down amidst gunfire, the rule of law was maintained.

St Hill was identified by the police as a 38-yearold man who was in 2015 arrested and charged for possession of arms and ammunition without being a licensed holder for the items.

In 2016 he was again arrested, this time for possession of narcotics and in 2017, he was arrested for break and enter and larceny. In 2018, the same St Hill was the subject of another police

matter after he set fire to the Diamond Police Station lockups where he was being held. He was not finished there; his name was also called in the incidents of 2017 following the Camp Street jailbreak.

St Hill was reportedly providing the injured escapees and fugitives with medical aid, foodstuff and even clothing. He was also working to have a weapon provided for the group, police intelligence uncovered.

Braithwaite for his part was fingered in a 2017 robbery-under-arms case.

The police listed his address as Ruimveldt. In the case of Andrew Daly, 40 years old, of Westminster Housing Scheme, he was also charged with break and enter and larceny.

The police are still to check the criminal records for Jermaine Doobay and Eon Forde.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Man feared drowned while hunting for crabs

AN outing to look for crabs on the foreshore of West Coast Berbice turned tragic for a young couple on Tuesday when the 49-yearold male slipped into the Atlantic Ocean just off the MMA/ADA sluice at Trafalgar and disappeared beneath the waves.

Reports are that around 09:00hrs, Heron Ewart Anthony of # 29 Village, West Coast Berbice, had along with his wife Alicia just finished looking for crabs when he approached the sluice at Trafalgar and ventured to the edge to wash

Heron Ewart Anthony is feared drowned

mud off his feet. A tearful wife Alicia said that as he bent over to wash his feet he slipped into the ocean. He then tried to regain the spot from where he had slipped, but the sluice was open and he was pushed away by the powerful current.

She shouted to him asking if he would be okay and while swimming, he pointed in a direction where he would regain the beach.

At the time there was no one else nearby to render assistance. She said that she then ran towards the building where the sluice attendants

were staying to inform them that he had fallen overboard.

On returning, instead of seeing him climbing to the shore in the direction where she had seen him point, she saw only the empty ocean and no trace of her husband.

Many villagers went into the ocean where Anthony had disappeared and they were subsequently aided by a vessel from the Guyana Defence Force, but up to late Tuesday afternoon there was still no trace of the man. Relatives said too that they have been promised additional help by the Guyana Defence

The distraught wife of Mr. Anthony, Alicia Anthony, was inconsolable Force coastguard to try to locate Anthony today. Anthony worked as a mechanic with the RUSAL operations at Aroima, Berbice River. He and Alicia had been married for less than a year and he did not have any children.

Police investigations into the tragic incident are ongoing.

Meanwhile, some residents expressed the view that

The MMA sluice at Trafalgar where the mishap occurred

the MMA/ADA which owns the sluice, should prevent people from going there for purposes other than work. “Just near where Mr Anthony slipped in is a very, very deep spot just two or three feet from the shore and people should be discouraged from even being anywhere near that sluice, especially when it is draining,� a resident said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 25, 2018

African culture showcased on Main Street

WITH Emancipation Day just days away, the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) presented a wide array of African wear, artifacts and other cultural items on display on Main Street Avenue on Tuesday.

Out for show were food items, clothing, bags, shoes, jewellery and sculptures neatly presented at booths for passersby to see and acquire.

Seamstress Claire Richards told the Guyana Chronicle that with her locally made clothing items, she wants more African-Guyanese to be proud to wear clothing of their culture and not just on August 1st but any day of the year.

“Every year I try to promote the African clothing as much as possible. I wear my African clothing every day and some people are like ‘where she going, it’s not Emancipation Day’.

So I would ask them, ‘am I only black during emancipation time?’

“I’m black 24/7 so I wear my clothing every day, any day… I try to promote the African clothing for those who are interested and have accepted that they are black and not just one-day-Africans as we usually see,” she said.

Richards has been displaying her work for the past 18 years in collaboration with ACDA through her Kool Wrap Designs line.

Bringing a twist to it all, she put on display green tie-die skits and cloth

bags which she said are in effort to promote Guyana’s Green State Agenda with the use of less plastic bags.

Also on the Main Street Avenue stretch was jewellery maker, Kenneth Nelson whose colourful necklaces and bracelets attracted several persons.

He told this newspaper that although his jewellery sells even more around Emancipation Day, because Guyana is so multi-cultural, all ethnic groups usually visit his booths.

“Because Guyana is so diverse, even indigenous people can come and pick this up. When we have Emancipation Day, people come and pick them up, same thing when we have Indian Arrival Day and same for the indigenous people,” he said.

Nelson sources the seeds, drills and polishes them, a process which takes about 15 to 20 minutes and one which he continues to do as he sells.

“Some of them we source them from right in Guyana, those that are local beads and seeds that you get in the jungle or about the place like buckbeeds…what I do is adjust them and create different things from them,” he said, explaining his craft.

Coming up on ACDA’s list of activities leading up to Emancipation Day will be an Emancipation Spiritual Tribute in collaboration with the House of Santeria which will be hosted at the Square of the Revolution from July 29-31.

Jewellery maker Kenneth Nelson displays one of his necklaces made out of awara seeds (Samuel Maughn photo)

Kool Wrap Designs seamstress Claire Richards displays her eco-friendly clothing items on Main Street Avenue (Samuel Maughn photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 25, 2018

The media as watchdog THE media is a key and necessary component of any democratic state, given its all-important functions as public watchdog; keeper of the public’s conscience, and protector of the rights of citizens.

Add to this its seminal role as the bulwark against state-sponsored tyranny, and one will undoubtedly understand why its presence in any society represents a test as to whether that State is truly an adherent to the principles of democracy.

Given its time-honoured role as a powerful influencer and shaper of opinion, promoter and conveyor of ideas, its views are always greatly examined as to how it is leading the conversation, whatever that conversation may happen to be, and which interest group(s) it may be perceived to be supporting or vice versa.

In any state, a free media is mandatory to the expression of opinion, for there is no media that will stay silent on the pivotal issues of the day, be it political, social, or economic, all strands that are intricately interwoven and impact on the societal debates of the day. Its arguments will always flow from a particular position of interest.

Therefore, its centrality as a part of the state being able to find solutions for problems cannot be overestimated, given its great ability to direct the course of the debate. Thus, it is agreed that any democratic state will facilitate the media in its important quest to function in a manner that will serve the best interests of the state, and the well-being of its people.

But this can only mean a media that is responsible and ethical in its daily journalistic practice, and one that shouldn’t

have to be reminded that because of its important role, adherence to its wellknown principles is an absolute guarantor for objectivity, truth and balance.

The media in Guyana is functioning at a very critical period of its modern political history, particularly given the fact that there are very serious challenges, with that of race being at the top of the agenda. This categorises the media here as operating in a complex situation.

Put simply, although democracy gives the media the right to have its political affiliations, it does not mean the wherewithal to aid and abet narrow, insular, and dangerous ideologies that are harmful to the best interests of the nation.

Because, in a society that has racial overtones, the media should function to promote national conversations that will

lead to solutions rather than facilitate views from politicians, and supremacist groups that are unmistakably about domination that can only lead to further fissures throughout the society.

This cannot be objectivity, being truthful, or seeking ways to finding a solution to a problem that continues to fester at the centre of the nation’s core.

Therefore, it was encouraging, timely, and appropriate that the Ethnic Relations Commission’s (ERC) first encounter has been with the national media in terms of the former endeavouring to have such an institution as part of its mission of defeating racism and such forms of discrimination.

The given positive assurances from the media gathering bodes well for this great national mission.

This Prize needs keen scrutiny from the government

Dear Editor

THE Guyana Prize for Literature was established in 1987 by President Hugh Desmond Hoyte, when this nation was actually the poorest in the Western Hemisphere. Many wondered why this Prize for Literature.

Maybe Desmond Hoyte had a motive to invite the literary brains that migrated abroad for publication and literary exposure.

When Wilson Harris won the Guyana Prize in 1987, Mr. Hoyte asked Harris to remain here to work; Harris told Hoyte his offer was not lucrative enough. I believe Hoyte had a political motive behind the Guyana Prize for Literature, that’s why this new administration should scrap this Prize and use the money to educate our young scholars.

Since the inception of

the Prize in 1987, Mr. Al Creighton has been the secretary and administrator of this Prize for 30.5 years -- may I say he is the judge, jury, and executor of this Prize. I don’t know of any award in this world where they will ever retain the service of one man or woman for over 30 years and he is not even a born Guyanese. My major contention of this award was the incestuous clique of judges alternating as judge one year then entrants-winners the next year monotonously, like a spinning perpetual ‘’yo yo’’ and he has the mind to tell the Guyanese people that this practice of judges becoming entrants is a normal procedure with literary awards abroad; that is absolutely ridiculous.

It’s like saying cheating at an exam is practised abroad so it can be done in Guyana. Or electoral rig-

ging is practised abroad so it must be done in Guyana.

In my opinion, any literary award in the world where judges are alternating as entrants is a fraud that needs to be scrapped. If the Nobel Prize committee can award Bob Dylan the award above Sir Wilson Harris, that is very questionable. Sir Wilson Harris was cheated by the Nobel Committee.

In 1987, the very first year in which the Guyana Prize was established, Dr. Ian McDonald, distinguished literary critic and author, was the chairman of the panel of judges and a member of the management committee. In 1992, Dr. McDonald became an entrant for the prize and emerged a winner in the poetry category with his collection of poems–Essequibo. He subsequently entered again for the prize in 2004 and won the

award for the second time with his poetry collection–Between Silence and Silence. He has won the prize four times as a former judge and chairman of the management and he can win again. His entries should be disqualified, but for Al Creighton it’s okay; so it means if Mr. Creighton should resign as the secretary for 30 years, he can submit an entry and win the award next year.

Mr. Editor, I am currently a judge for the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2018.

I was sent a 12-page judging criteria for this award from Cambridge University that’s very confidential; no one in my family reads it and no relative or my children is an entrant.

So as a senior judge how will it look if I submitted an entry next year for this award? I cannot because I

am barred from entering.

Mr. Creighton cannot see the morality, ethics, and integrity of this spurious literary award, because he has compromised the standard of this award to give it to an incestuous clique of friends along with some scapegoats incompetent writers here in Guyana who have written ‘’literary pornography’’ to receive $5000 US dollars for ‘blue book’ literature.

I am calling for a CoI into this award that’s a fraud and I am willing to take the stand against Al Creighton and his committee to defend this award for the rights and dignity of our Guyanese writers who are robbed and cheated by compromised judging.

Maybe we need a referendum in Parliament to scrap this award -- I am willing to debate it pro bono.

In closing, I wish to quote from a past Guyana

Prize winner Ryhaan Shah from her Guyana Times Sunday Column July 22, captioned: ‘’Revamping the Guyana Prize’’ ‘’The Prize appears to be controlled by cronies who alternate as judges and winners, thus keeping the prize and monies awarded within a favoured clique. I had no interest in having my work judged by a prize committee whose integrity was questionable.’’

It takes a very honest mind to pen these words after reading this debate between myself and Mr. Al Creighton. This Prize needs keen scrutiny from the government that cost millions.

For the good of this nation, this government must do the honourable thing: scrap The Guyana Prize for Literature.

Regards Cecil Gideon

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Those who serve the public must be held at higher standards of honesty Dear Editor I AM happy that the management of the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) is attempting to recruit fit and proper persons for the prison service.

According to Director of Prisons Gladwin Samuels, applicants are now required to do drug tests before recruitment. Some have failed the tests. In addition, I recently saw in the daily papers the names, addresses and photographs of some aspirants for the job.

All these recruitment tactics and perhaps many more are designed to induct suitable ranks into the system, To curb the ridiculous ease with which illicit items are entering the various prisons and to suppress the rampant corruption in that institution. However, although this is a commendable and giant step in the right direction, much more needs to be done to bring the existing sad state of affairs at the prisons under control. There must be a broader and deeper shift in the paradigm.

In the recruitment process, the authorities should establish assessment centres, where applicants would be assessed by trained assessors. Sometime ago I recommended this course of action as part of the Guyana Police Force’s recruitment strategy-- no movement yet in that direction.

It is even more apposite for the Guyana Prison Service. An assessment centre is

widely accepted for recommending personnel actions in a variety of occupations, including the prison service. It is a place where a series of events, exercises or scenarios take place. It is one of the best methods available for selecting suitable candidates for either employment or advancement in law-enforcement agencies.

A brief analysis of the recruitment system in the GPS revealed that as long as an applicant passed the written examination, is medically fit, produced a clean police record, is drug-free and cleared by simple background checks he is guaranteed entry into the prison system. However, there is no testing for unacceptable behavioural traits. No evaluation for psychological behaviour. Hence, undesirables including psychopaths and others coming from the society with real hustlers’ mentality can easily become prison officers.

Over the years, the GPS has come under heavy scrutiny and criticism from commissions of inquiry and elsewhere.

Non-compliance with some of the CoI’s recommendations has resulted in fiery and deadly consequences in the prisons. Several persons in authority have posited statements to the effect that: there are just a few rogue elements that we have to get rid of; if they cannot do the job properly, they should just leave; it is just some rotten apples in the barrel that we have to deal with. Those statements are nothing more than self-serv-

Any insinuation that the judiciary is somehow lacking in knowledge is unjustified Dear Editor The Kaieteur News edition of July 22, 2018 published an article titled ‘Judiciary needs urgent training to understand the seriousness of SOCU’s work – SARA Director’ and therein attributed certain statements to Mr. Aubrey Heath-Retemyer, Deputy Director of the State Assets Recovery Agency (“SARA”) which the Bar Council of the Bar Association of Guyana condemns.

In particular, the article indicates that SARA is paying close attention to the manner in which the Special Organised Crime Unit (“SOCU”) is being treated by the Judiciary.

This statement can be construed as a threat to the individual members of Judiciary who refuse orders sought by SARA, which is most alarming and of grave concern.

Mr. Heath-Retemyer is also said to express the desire that Guyana were more like Brazil or Argentina where he says, “the legal people are more inclined to see justice prevail rather than apply the law”. This can also be taken as an attempt to direct the working and functioning of the Judiciary.

These comments were obviously made in ignorance of the contents of Article 122.A(1) of the Constitution which provides that: All courts and persons presiding over the courts shall exercise their functions independently of the control and direction of any other person or authority; and shall be free and independent from political, executive and any other form of direction and control.

As the Deputy Director of an important agency of the Executive, Mr. Heath-Retemyer is obliged to avoid any action, including the making of public comments, which can be taken as an attempt to direct the working and functioning of the Judiciary. Mr. Heath-Retemyer, it is reported, also indicated that the Judiciary needs training (presumably by the Executive) to ensure that the work of SARA

and SOCU gets done. In Guyana, as Mr. Heath-Retemyer should be aware, justice is done when the Judiciary applies principles of law to evidence proved in Court. Since the Judiciary does not exist to do the bidding of the Executive, the rights of Guyanese citizens and the application of the rule of law take precedence over the granting of remedies in a speedy manner to the liking of the Executive.

Any insinuation that the Judiciary is somehow lacking in knowledge is unjustified, without merit and could dangerously shake the confidence of the public in the ability of the Judiciary. Guyana is a democracy where the law is applied by an independent and impartial Judiciary whose function includes restraining unlawful excesses by the Executive, including Mr. Heath-Retemyer and SARA/SOCU. If that agency is not satisfied with the legal requirements in discharge of its functions, then the Bar Association assures the public that the fault does not lie with the Judiciary and/or its training.

There is no place for comments like those made by Mr. Heath-Retemyer as reported.

His comments should equally be condemned by the Government for not being its view of the Judiciary and by the citizens of Guyana as being an unjustified attack by an agent of the Executive on the independence of the Judiciary and in violation of the principle of separation of powers.

Since the Judiciary cannot defend itself and is unlikely to comment on the issue, Mr. Heath-Retemyer should immediately issue an unconditional retraction, apology and refrain from making any similar statement in future. The Bar Council has every confidence in the ability of the Judiciary and will at all times stand guard and rebuff such attacks.

Regards Bar Association of Guyana

ing, superficial facades, intended to draw attention away from their own failure. The real issue might not be the rotten apples, but the barrel. The task of corruption control is to examine the barrel, not just the apples, the organization, not just the individuals in it, because corrupt prison officers are made, not born.

Perry puts the issue succinctly, “Those who serve the public must be held at higher

standard of honesty and care for the public good than the general citizenry.

A higher standard is not a double standard. Persons accepting position of public trust take on new obligations and are free not to accept them if they do not want to live up to the higher standard.”

Regards Clinton Conway

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Broomes saves day for young scholar

ONE of Guyana’s latest medalists at the 2018 CARIFTA Games, Joanna Archer, 18, is now on her way to achieving her academic dreams thanks to intervention of junior Natural Resources Minister Simona Broomes.

Archer was recently awarded a full scholarship to attend the Monroe College in New York to study Criminal Justice but is facing financial difficulties and was, up until now, unable to purchase a plane ticket for her trip.

On Tuesday, she told the media of the disappointment she faced which eventually gave way to gratefulness after the matter was brought to Broomes’ attention by manager of Delight Travel Service, Adriana Onoja.

Onoja is an acquaintance of Archer’s grandmother, the teen’s guardian in place of her late mother, who would often

visit the travel service for assistance for the family.

Her grandmother Rosalene Giddings visited Onoja once again after Archer won Bronze in the 800m and silver in 4x400m at the recent CARIFTA Games and scouts pursued her for a scholarship which did not include travel fees.

To assist the young athlete, Minster Broomes presented her with the funds for a plane ticket which was provided through her children’s organisation, the Broomes Foundation.

Telling of the events which led up to this moment, Archer said: “I chose to go to Monroe College since they have a very good Criminal Justice programme along with a very good middle distance programme, everything that I need.”

“I was offered a full scholarship but air fare was not included in that

package. My family can’t afford it since air fare to the US is very much expensive so I was seeking sponsorship and God showed me Minister Broomes.”

In handing over the funds, Broomes said: “I want to really wish you well… I thank God for putting me in the position that I can be able to meet your desire. So I wish you well, you will do well, you will do extremely well.”

She also commended Giddings on doing a wonderful job of raising Archer who has already begun to make her proud and thanked Onoja, too, for bringing the matter to her attention.

Archer is now following in the footsteps of her aunt who studied law and told the media that she is mentally prepared to study just the same.

She still has plans to continue her athletic career as she hopes to represent

Junior Minister of Natural Resources Simona Broomes presents the funds to young athlete Joanna Archer. Standing nearby are Archer’s grandmother Rosalene Giddings (left) and manager of Delight Travel Service, Adriana Onoja (Samuel Maughn photo) Guyana in the 2024 Olym- to earn scholarships, for favourable passes and will pic Games in the 800m people that can’t afford to now head out to her new but, in the meanwhile, will study that are gifted with college on August 13, prepare herself to qualify both academic and ath- 2018. for such. letic ability. So, it’s very “To young persons, “Athletics [in Guyana] purposeful currently,” she especially persons that is really improving. In the said. can’t afford it; continue past three years, athletics The youngster grad- pursuing your dreams is really doing good be- uated last year from the because you don’t know cause first we just used West Demerara Secondary who God will put into to run but now we have School where she wrote your path,” she encourreasons to run. We run seven subjects gaining aged.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 25, 2018

GECOM commissioner requests detailed budget for LGE

A DETAILED budget for the conduct of Local Government Elections (LGE) slated for November 12, 2018 has been requested by at least one Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Commissioner on Tuesday when the full commission met to discuss its budgetary allocations.

“The matter was raised and I have requested a detailed budget for the conduct of LGE which I will scrutinise in terms of the cost of running those elections etc.,” said People’s Progressive Party (PPP) nominated Commissioner Sase Gunraj.

Gunraj told Guyana Chronicle just after the meeting ended on Tuesday that the hosting of LGE this year requires “peculiar expenditure”. He explained that as with every election, GECOM has to hire additional staff, increase logistic arrangements, as well as

procuring special materials that are unique to every election. “I really am unsure as to how the government by virtue of what is being said by the two ministers (Finance and Communities) – how they expect GECOM to conduct these polls in the absence of resources,” the Commissioner stated.

And while Gunraj has not been given a timeline as to when the GECOM will provide the budget to the Commission for perusal, he intends to keep requesting same as it is important to the conduct of the upcoming elections. He reminded that GECOM had made a budgetary request for $3.715B for 2018 but that was slashed to a proposed $2.9B, some $800M less than requested.

The actual expenditure for GECOM in 2016 amounted to $3.098B, the same year, Local Government Elections were held after a long hiatus.

GECOM Commissioner Sase Gunraj Recently, GECOM via a statement to the media said that the $1.2B allocated for LGE is insufficient. The entity has indicated that soon it will be engaging the Ministry of Finance to boost this figure. The electoral body noted that $160M was allocated for capital works

and items, and $1.6B for the normal operations of the Commission. The remaining sum of $1.2B was allotted for the conduct of LGE in November 2018.

The elections body said in 2016, $1.5B was expended on LGE. But on Saturday, Finance Minister Winston Jordan in response to GECOM’s public indication that it needs additional funds to host the elections said “We do not have a bottomless pit of money… everyone has money, but you cannot give any more than you get right now, so they have to cut and contrive… make it do.”

“The last thing we want is GECOM coming and saying they want more money….

It is my heartfelt position that we have enough fiscal challenges, for instance, we must find the money to pay the second half of the severance among other things,”

said Jordan.

He said the Commission cannot be doing the same thing for many years and not see any improvement.

Minister Jordan believes that there are lots of expenditures which are ‘unnecessary’ and ‘wasteful’, noting that a lot of things have to be considered. “They have done back-to-back elections where billions were given and it was used to acquire infrastructure and consumables, many of which are still in the storage and so on,” Jordan said.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Chronicle had reported that despite challenges that may face the Commission, LGE would not be postponed.

GECOM has said clearly that it will be moving ahead with all activities required in keeping with statutory timelines dictated by law.

But even as GECOM had made this claim, Gunraj

stressed that the without an election period GECOM incurs expenditure. “GECOM incurs expenditure. GECOM is doing continuous registration, GECOM has 27 odd field offices, GECOM has staff, facilities, rental, and all of those things are current expenditure. GECOM is building buildings to house the operations those are capital expenditure which made up the sum voted by Parliament,” the Commissioner added. Meanwhile, when contacted on Tuesday for a comment on the matter, GECOM’s Chair Justice (ret’d) James Patterson disclosed that GECOM’s budget of which LGE allocations is included was discussed by the Commission but was not in a position to comment on the matter at the time.

Attempts to contact other GECOM Commissioners proved futile.

Consortium to host Benn rails against sloth in ‘one-stop shop’ at CLC land management project –– to help improve lot of small businessman

A NUMBER of organisations representing Afro-Guyanese interests will today hold a major one-stop economic assistance event aimed at improving the lot of hundreds of micro, small and medium-scale enterprises in Region Four.

The event, which starts at 13:00hrs sharp, is billed for the auditorium of the Critchlow Labour College on Woolford Avenue.

Similar conferences are to be held in Linden at the LEN Building on Saturday, and on the Corentyne at the Rose Hall Youth and Sports Club on August 8.

The event will allow business owners to get guidance and assistance from representatives of commercial banks and agencies like the Small Business Bureau, IPED, the New Building Society, the National Insurance Scheme, the Guyana Revenue Authority, Credit Info Guyana, and the Deeds and Commercial Registries, as well as several government ministries and other agencies.

Over a dozen agencies have confirmed their participation, and several government ministers have signalled their intention of attending the event aimed primarily at bringing the services of State and private enterprises directly to end users.

Many small-business owners have been vocal about the difficulty of accessing credit to grow their businesses, and others are unaware of how to register and start up a business formally.

The various agencies will have their own booths or desks to render direct assistance to attendees.

Attendance is absolutely free.

The event is being organised by the International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly, Guyana. Other supporting organisations include the African Business Roundtable (ABR) and the Nile Valley Economic Community (NIVALECOM).

THE GUYANA Lands and Surveys Commission has expressed frustration at the slow pace in which the Mainstreaming Sustainable Land Development and Management Project is being implemented, with the entity’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Trevor Benn saying that he is not satisfied with the ways things are going.

This project is being implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO).

The components include, land reclamation and development, implementation of a land classification system, and other requirements to facilitate optimal land utilisation and sustainable land development and management. The project also caters for the development and operationalisation of GL&SC’s business plan, institutional strengthening of GL&SC and capacity development of stakeholders and young population, as well as to strengthen GL&SC’s information system and infrastructure for informed decision making and to increase education,

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GL&SC, Trevor Benn, addressing the meeting communication, outreach success stories. He said that ral Resources Officer. Ms. and public awareness rais- currently a number of proj- Bunning who admitted that ing. ects are being implemented indeed there were some A team from the imple- in Guyana by United Nation challenges promised to menting body of the FAO (UN) agencies, but that work hand in hand with is currently in Guyana en- many of them are not per- the GLSC to ensure that gaging the Guyana Lands forming to the expectation the project is successfully and Surveys Commission of the Guyanese people. implemented. on the project. In a release, “We can’t say with any While in Guyana, the the GL&SC said that the sense of pride, that we are team will also conduct visCEO welcomed the team close to completing these its to several regions and to Guyana but expressed projects, and we cannot add also meet with national frustration at the slow pace another project to that, I am and regional officials. It is in which work is being not prepared to sit here as the hope of Mr. Benn that conducted, noting that this CEO and watch that hap- the next few days will be project is extremely im- pen”. Mr. Benn stated. used to iron out all existing portant to Guyana and the The FAO team is be- matters. The project was ofgovernment and people of ing headed by Ms. Sally ficially launched on January Guyana.

Bunning, Senior Policy 18, 2018 and the compoBenn made it clear that Officer, Agricultural Sys- nents will run concurrently his utterances should not tems, Land and Water; Mr. over a period of four years. been seen as a personal Vladimir Evtimov, FAO It is being funded by attack to any of the FAO Land Administration Offi- the Guyana REDD+ Inrepresentatives, but said cer and Ms. Aurelie Bres, vestment Fund (GRIF) at Guyana is starving for some Land Tenure and Natu- the cost of US$14.8M.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Bus driver allegedly rapes lone female passenger A YOUNG woman was allegedly raped on Monday night while being transported in a Route #42 (Georgetown to Timehri) minibus on her way home.

“I got off from work at 10pm, I caught a bus to go home, the driver picked me up from Providence along with two other girls…the two girls stopped off at the Diamond car park, I was the only one left in the bus before he drove off from the car park. I told him I’m coming off at Tank Street and he (the driver) said ok,” the young lady related.

The traumatised woman said the bus driver while driving into Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD) slowed down the minibus and asked her “Tank Street for you? I said yes.”

She explained that after estimating the time the bus should arrive at her destination she bent her head for about two minutes. “When I looked up back he was going with full speed and the music got louder after he passed my stop. I called and called and called for him, he ignored for five times, then he slowed down turned down the music and asked if I’m sure I said Tank Street, that he said he heard Friendship, then he turned and said that I need to get a Timehri bus to go back, so I was like why do I need a Timehri bus?,” she explained.

Demanding that the driver stop the minibus and let her

out, the woman said that the driver then turned up the music and began to speed up the road as she began hitting the windows begging to be put off, but the driver only stopped when they reached New Hope, EBD. “At the bypass at New Hope was where he turned in and turned off the engine and he started climbing backwards towards me asking if I’m sure I said Tank Street. I said yes but he still kept coming, so I screamed and asked what he was doing? He didn’t answer, he kept coming and when he reached to me I was about to scream again when he raised his fist as a warning to hit me and he told me to take off my clothes, so I did and then he raped me,” she revealed.

She said that after the bus driver was finished he started cleaning up the minibus and told her “I know what I’m doing,” and asked if she was married and other personal questions. The driver, she said, demanded that she move to the front passenger seat of the minibus and he later dropped her off at the street she initially asked to be put off at which. “ I didn’t get the licence plate all I got was inside the bus, the windshield had ‘Money Train’ I don’t need anyone’s pity, I just want people to acknowledge that there’s a psycho out there and females need to be careful,” she finally said.

Painter charged for Patentia robbery

Edward Gudge, who was arrested after being involved in an accident, being escorted by a policeman A 39-year-old painter of Lot 192 Back Street, Grove East Bank Demerara, was on Monday charged with robbery under arms when he appeared at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate's Court before Magistrate Crystal Lambert.

The accused, Edward Gudge, pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of $200,000 and the case was postponed to August 9 and was transferred to the Wales Magistrate’s Court.

Gudge was arrested on Thursday last at his home and was taken to Wales Police Station after it was alleged that he had robbed Gayatri

Boodramlall, a housewife of Patentia, West Bank Demerara on June 1, 2018 at her home of a quantity of jewellery valued $ 440,000, a quantity of cigarettes valued $48,000, a quantity of rum valued $396,000, a quantity of Phone cards valued $642,000, one DVR valued$108,000 and $ 500,000 in cash.

He was in the company of two others who were armed. An identification parade was held and he was identified by the victim and her husband to be one of the three persons who robbed them.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 25, 2018

M&CC hosting $19M City Week …but still ‘very short’ in paying bills THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is gearing up to host City Week from August 19 in celebration of the 175th anniversary of Georgetown, and is working with a $19M budget to fund all of the activities planned.

Town Clerk Royston King was keen to inform the City Council on Monday that “not a single cent” would be spent from the city treasury. Instead, the activities will be funded solely from donations and sponsorships.

Already, a significant amount of money has been received from ‘friends’ of the council and asked if the council was really in a position to host this initiative while having other pressing financial issues to deal with, King said it is time that a celebration of this sort be held.

During the statutory meeting, Councillor Bishram Kuppen had asked for an update on the status of outstanding payments to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), and the workers’ credit unions.

King responded that the council is still “very short” with regard to such remittances and he went on to list other entities for which the council still owes money. Among them, he mentioned Guyana Power and Light (GPL), Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) and the smaller contractors who worked for the council on credit, while the major garbage contractors had pulled their services.

The council is also doing all it can, King continued, to keep ‘bread’ on the table for its workers and is continuing to struggle each month just to meet the salaries bill.

To persons who feel the sponsorships and donations coming in can be diverted to cover other pressing needs, King told reporters: “You can always divert funds to more pressing issues. There will always be issues that are very pressing, but there are times when you have to stop and reflect where you are, where you came from and how you hope to move on''.

“We have been receiving good support so far from our business partners. We have received a substantial amount of money coming so far in the form of sponsorship from our friends in the private sector,” he added, concerning the hosting of City Week.

Meanwhile, King said City Week is to celebrate 175 years of the elevation of Georgetown from being a town to a city.

He said many of the events, such as the mayor’s dinner and cocktail are ticket events which are expected to bring in money to the council. City Hall’s restoration fund will be launched at the mayor’s dinner.

For the cultural extravaganza, he said the Ministry of Culture has indicated its willingness to participate.

Municipal games are planned along with a ‘Seniors’ Treat’ and health fair. Mayor Patricia Chase-Green said she takes King’s word that no council money will be used because the council cannot afford it.

The objectives of City Week include fostering a closer relationship among employees through sports, cultural, and other forms of social entertainment; to provide an opportunity for the business community to showcase locally produced products; for the council to form alliances with other critical stakeholders; and to improve the council’s corporate image.

The council said it is hoping to brand City Week activities and promote it as a tourist attraction. Queen Victoria by letter patent, declared the colony a Bishop’s see on August 21, 1843. William Piercy was appointed bishop. This made the Parish Church of St. George’s a Cathedral and Georgetown thereby became a city.

At the time of independence on May 26, 1966, Georgetown ceased to be a British colony. Georgetown was 6.5 square kilometres.

On April 29, 1970, the boundaries of the city were extended, thus enlarging the city to 40 square kilometres.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 25, 2018

GPHC launches probe into stillbirth case

By Telesha Ramnarine

THE Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation has launched an investigation after a woman- Olive Correia Jacobs complained that the institution’s negligence resulted in the death of her unborn child.

The woman lost her child on July 6. Jacobs spoke with the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday just as she was leaving a private hospital, having gone there to deal with issues stemming from stitches which went loose

since leaving the GPHC. The 35-year-old woman has detailed her story in a four-page document to the press, citing several instances of alleged negligence on the part of the doctors and their lack of consideration and empathy during the entire ordeal.

Approximately 19 days later today, Jacobs said no one from the hospital has contacted her and that whatever she and her family know is as a result of media reports. An investigation into the incident has reportedly been launched.

The woman said if there is one positive she is hoping to come out of her story; it would be for doctors at the GPHC to be more careful and interested in their patients. She is convinced had she been shown such care and interest; she would still be in possession of her beautiful baby girl, whom she had to bury.

Guyana Chronicle attempted to contact the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer George Lewis on Tuesday but was told by his secretary that he was unavailable.

This publication was then referred to Public Relations Officer Mitzy Campbell who would only say that the investigation is still ongoing.

TIME TO DELIVER

Jacobs was healthy throughout her pregnancy, and dealt only with normal pregnancy symptoms.

On July 5, she was transferred to the GPHC from the Bartica Hospital via speedboat ride. At this point, she was over 39 weeks pregnant.

Olive Jacobs and her husband David Junior Jacobs Jacobs made sure to clar- with the fetus still inside of ify whether or not she would her. “We begged them to cut be able to deliver her baby me and take the baby out but in Bartica and was given all were told I have to push my assurances that she would be dead baby out. Even with able to do so. everything that was going Two weeks later, how- on, they did not allow my ever, she was told that she husband to stay with me. I would not be able to give was left there with my dead birth in Bartica. And this was baby inside of me, all alone.” when the transfer was made.

Even as Jacobs expressed “I was examined and that she could not walk to was told I’m two to three the delivery room, she was cm. Then they made a phone made to walk. “I went into call. After that, they decided that delivery room at 9:50 to clip my water bag and pm. I came out after 1:00 then check for my baby’s am. I pushed and pushed. heartbeat. There was no Then, a female and a male sound, not a beat, nothing. doctor put a lot of presThe medical personnel said sure on my tummy but baby maybe the machine is not would not come. So they working,” Jacobs recounts. give me a third degree cut.

“I was told to shower, Baby’s head was out finaleven in my agonising pain ly. They made the baby’s and a high temperature. I shoulders get stuck [so it told them I had a shower was] a next hard pushing. before but they said I had to Baby was finally out…beauanyways. I dragged myself tiful, fresh, healthy baby girl, and washed myself off; I dead, dead, dead. No life, no wanted to collapse. I was sound, no blink, no nothing, told I’m being transferred just plain dead, beautiful to the section before the child.” delivery room. It was my Jacobs was left in her luggage that was put into messy state until after anotha wheelchair and I was the er baby was delivered. “Then one to walk. I told the girl, they came and cleaned me ‘Please, I can’t; I need a up. I asked for a chair to go chair.’ She said I had to at my bed but the nurse said walk, and I needed to hurry. it’s not far; you have to walk.

I really struggled, but made So I started walking slowly it anyway. What choice did because of the severe pain I I have?” was in.”

Jacobs recalled that when Upon inquiring of the she arrived at the section, baby’s cause of death, the there was a number of med- doctors told Jacobs that they ical personnel at her bed, af- did not know. “On the still ter having left her unattend- birth certificate, the medied for the entire day. “They cal officer that certified the checked for baby’s heartbeat death wrote that she died on about three different ma- because of Cardiovascular chines. Now, they decided to arrest. On the day of the check on me and then inform autopsy we were told they me that my baby was dead.” are not going to cut the baby; No sympathy was of- that the baby died because fered or any further care of Sudden Death Syndrome. given. “They just left me How did they know that without anyone to assist without cutting her?” me. My husband tried to get Jacobs said she is looktheir attention for assistance ing to her God to bring her but without any success for true justice. “We are cona while. All this time, I was fident that our God sees in a soaked bed; my night- and knows all of you who wear was soaked. I was in neglected me and caused a big mess and in extreme the death of my beautiful pain. I asked for a change of baby girl. Life is precious to bed. Instead, the sheet was Him and very soon, He will changed and I thankfully render judgement. accepted what I got.”

So we will wait for that All of this was happening time to come.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Former soldier said shooting was accidental – witness

By Michel Outridge AS the manslaughter trial of former soldier Allister Woolford comes to a close in the Demerara High Court before Justice Sandil Kissoon and a 12-member jury, Detective Corporal Oswin Semple testified on Tuesday.

He told the court that he visited the crime scene on November 21, 2014 along with other ranks and supervised the processing for the scene in which he found a metal fragment which was placed in an evidence bag and he had the area with what appeared to be blood photographed.

The police witness told the court that he was the one to put the allegation to the accused and he said, “Sir is meh squaddie Johnathan bring a man pistol and is a GDF gun and put it pon meh fridge and gone in de washroom. Devon come in and I begin to play with meh phone and wasn’t really paying focusing.

But I put in the magazine and I left it with he. I then go and tek the gun from he and I squeeze pon de pistol and accidentally hit Devon through his neck.

He fall pon de ground, I drop de pistol and start to apply pressure pon de wound. Was me, John and Devon, I get a car and carry he to the hospital. John tek de pistol and tek it back to the base.”

Detective Corporal Semple said he was present at the GPHC Mortuary when a post mortem was conducted on the body of Devon Howell along with relatives of the deceased; Patricia and Allison Howell, who identified the body to Dr. Nehaul Singh.

An application was made by the state for the post mortem report in favour of Devon Howell be tendered and marked as evidence in the trial.

Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ranks Dennis Fung and Cliff Johnson both identified the gun which is an exhibit in the trial as the same which was issued to former soldier Jonathan Williams and lodged by him following the incident.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Williams was also recalled to identify the weapon in question as the same he was issued by the Army and said it was the same firearm he had left with the accused on the day in question.

Assistant Superintendent Vishnu Hunt took the stand and testified that he prosecuted the matter in 2014 at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and the evidence-in-chief of Corporal Floyd Hossanah was recorded and he was cross-examined by defence attorney.

The deposition was then read as evidence following an application made by the State since Corporal Floyd Hossanah is out of the jurisdiction.

Sergeant Alexis Adams who is attached to the Central Immigration and Passport Office Records Section testified that checks were made for Corporal Floyd Hossanah and it revealed he had left the jurisdiction and was still a serving member of the Guyana Police Force.

His e-card was produced by Adams and it was tendered as evidence in the trail following a successful application made by the State.

According to state prosecutor Mandel Moore the accused Allister Woolford is indicted for the December 8, 2014 manslaughter of Devon Howell at D’Andrade Street, Newtown, Kitty.

He told the court that on November 21, 2014 the accused while, armed with a gun, allegedly shot and killed his friend, Devon Howell.

Devon Howell succumbed to his injury on December 8, 2014 while, a patient at the GPHC.

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Importance of work ethics among young people

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 25, 2018

THERE is no need for a form of statistics to understand that an employer would choose a potential employee based on a stronger work ethical culture.

‘Work ethics are a set of moral principles an employee uses in his or her job.’ As soon as a youth finishes high school in Guyana, He/She is eligible to work. Many young persons like me, exited high school wit w h little to no knowledge about the working world.

Somehow, society expects us to transition from being a child in secondary school straight to a working adult without the necessary information on how we can be successful at the jobs we do.

The list of ethics that we need is endless. However, I narrowed my research down to the top five that I think would be most applicable in our society.

Dependability and reliability is very important. Before you start, there is most likely a training or briefing about the job. After completing that, it is up to you to execute the tasks at hand. A dependable person is automatically a reliable person. Being reliable, in return your employer develops a sense of trust for you.

Not just communication but effective communication is another important work ethic that we should consider. The way we communicate with others in our work environment can either make us or break us. Our body language, speech and tone of voice all have an effect on the relationship we have with our co-workers, clients and employers. It is very important to communicate with others to get your message across so that others can understand. You avoid conflict when you practise effective communication.

Respect can be defined as a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities and qualities of achievements. By you showing respect to your job, the company/organisation you work for, your co-workers and clients and employers, you strengthen your character. Respect increases productivity within your work environment. Have you ever been to a public entity as a customer and one of the employees was rude to you? Or have you witnessed employees fighting amongst themselves in front of clients/ customers? I know I have. The first thing that anyone will think of might be: it is a reflection of the company.

Respect showcases professionalism.

You can show respect in your

workplace by trying to understand other people’s perspectives and practising a non-judgmental attitude.

TEAM: TOGETHER, EVERYONE ACHIEVES MORE Teamwork is of utmost importance when it comes to achieving goals.

In a setting where many people work together, conflict is also avoided. ‘Many hands make work lighter’ is a quote I always heard as a little child. The more I got older, the more I understood it.

Teamwork is sharing different ideas and working together to accomplish a common goal. A workplace where everyone feels comfortable to be diverse and unique will have the most cooperation towards teamwork among its employees. Teamwork should be encouraged by all employers. The school, church and even the family are proof that when people work together, great things can happen.

I saved the best for last; self- discipline. One can never be successful in the other four ethics I provided without a sense of self-discipline. Forty per cent of our behaviour is habit-driven.

If you want to control those habits you aren’t too fond of, and also the way in which we conduct ourselves, we need a high level of discipline within us. A self-disciplined person controls what he/ she does and says. It’s almost the same as thinking rationally. It is safe to say the phrase self-control is synonymous to the phrase self-discipline. To be a reliable worker, an effective communicator, respectful individual and a team worker, one must first look at one's self.

We should also take the word self into consideration. Doing self-evaluation checks and looking for faults in our individual characteristics and personality traits and trying to improve on them can also help us in our work environment.

Employers should also keep classes or trainings to upkeep and instill the code of work ethics that their employees should stand by. “No ethic is as ethical as the work ethic.”

Work ethics are things you have to develop on your own. They serve as a moral compass that guides you on your road towards success.

The good thing about it is that you decide which direction your compass is pointed by the way in which we conduct ourselves and by the use of…

Yes, that’s right, work ethics!

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 25, 2018

This thing used FOR to bother me YOUR ATTENTION !

By Ronald Austin Jr.

IN my graduate years at the University of Guyana, my father introduced me to a book,titled ‘The March of Folly,’ written by Barbara Tuchman.

In this excellent work, Ms. Tuchman uses examples in history where there was the pursuit of policy contrary to self-interest.

Showing how those who possessed power engaged in behaviour that was detrimental to their interest due to the sheer ego, pomposity and chutzpah. The writer also noted the small and simple adjustment they could have made to avoid their downfall. This author of her magnus opus, ‘The Guns of August’, documented the Trojans’ decision to move the Greek horse into their city, the failure of the Renaissance Popes to address the issues that would lead to the Protestant Reformation in the early 16th century, England’s folly under the rule of King George in relation to the American colonies, the United States mishandling of the Vietnam War and other small case studies.

Prior to reading this book, I did not give much thought to the idea of the trappings of command and its inability to change course in the face of certain defeat due to silly decision-making. Furnished with the knowledge gained from this

masterpiece, I was able to rationalise how some humans can transform into obstinate dummies when they enjoy tutelage over others.

Building on what I just noted are the following examples to illustrate the point of this article. The teacher, the parent, the leader of a tribe, the politician, those in authority in any form are susceptible to the arrogance of rule. Let us look at the exhibit of an autocratic teacher, who would not dare entertain advice from her students. The student observes that the book placed at the top of the blackboard may fall and hit the teacher and cause some physical damage.

The student attempts to offer some guidance to Miss, but she high and mightily scoffs at this attempt by a junior beneath her and says: ‘Don’t you dare try to correct me, I am the master her, you are the student’. The child tries to plead her innocence and takes a last gasp of breath to say, ‘Miss, I was trying to help you avoid getting hit by the book.’ The poor child fails in her attempts and is placed in detention. Subsequently, a heavy breeze causes the book to topple and hit the teacher. She turns to class while wincing in pain and shouts, ‘Why couldn’t somebody stop this from happening’? Shivering in fear,

the students remain tightlipped, paralyzed by fear.

This is the mystery of domination in any form and in any circumstance, it does something to the minds of some humans that they themselves cannot explain. This thing used to bother me, until I read the ‘March of Folly’ and Tuchman explained that ‘…the command of power causes failure to think’.

How about the baker shop owner who was once an employee and joined with the workers to overthrow the proprietor of his former place of work, because the owner was a dictatorial bully. He convinced all the dissatisfied employees to leave this place of hellish work and join him at his new baker shop.. Within weeks of leading a rebellion and mass exodus against bad leadership, this once fighter against injustice who saw the downfall of his former boss due to poor decision-making, engages in the same behaviour when he is endowed with power. This phenomenon is indeed troubling, even more so to those who don’t have the luxury of reading what learned minds have to say on this topic. How could people witness and fight against the misuse of power and when they accede to the throne, repeat the same action that led to the fall of persons who

Teen to stand trial for attempted murder

EIGHTEEN-year-old Ken Das was on Tuesday committed to stand trial at the Demerara High Court for the attempted murder of another teen following a fight.

Das,19, a horse cart operator of Broad and Lombard Streets, after a preliminary inquiry before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan was committed for wounding Anthony Bartholomew on June 9 at Lombard Street, with intent to commit murder. He was released on $300,000 bail pending his hearing at the High Court before a

judge and jury.

The matter was prosecuted by Inspector Neville Jeffers while Das was unrepresented by an attorney.

According to reports, Bartholomew was standing on Lombard Street in the vicinity of the Charlestown Post Office, when he was confronted by the defendant and an argument ensued over a cellular phone.

This resulted in a fight, during which the 18-year-old is alleged to have stabbed the victim several times about his body with an ice pick.

He reportedly surren-

Ken Das dered to police at the Ruimveldt Police Station after committing the act, while Bartholomew was admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) in a serious condition.

once sat on throne they now hold?

If you encounter this enigma, go see the ‘March of Folly’ and this thing might no longer bother you.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Jehovah’s Witnesses to hold convention at weekend JEHOVAH’S Witnesses will, this weekend, host their annual three-day convention beginning Friday, July 27. The same convention will also be held the following week, August 3 – 5, 2018.

The convention will be held under the theme, ‘Be Courageous!’ at the Lenora National Track & Field Centre, West Coast Demerara.

In preparation of this event, the Witnesses have been actively participating in a campaign to invite the general public to attend.

“Admission is free!

No collections taken!” a press statement from the organisation has said.

The three-day programme will feature 54 presentations that will include talks, audio dramas, interviews, and short videos. A highlight

of the convention program will be the Public Bible Discourse: “The Resurrection Hope Imparts Courage-How.” This Bible-based talk will be presented on Sunday morning.

Additionally, a feature film entitled, “The Story of Jonah—A Lesson in Courage and Mercy,” will be shown on Sunday afternoon.

Each day, the program

will start at 9:20 a.m.

Also, the morning and afternoon sessions will be introduced by music videos prepared specifically for the convention.

To obtain more information on the conventions and the location, persons can log on to the official website of Jehovah Witnesses, jw.org, under the menu ‘About Us’ and select ‘Conventions.’

Jehovah’s Witnesses will this weekend hold their annual three-day convention at Leonora Stadium.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Packed Emancipation programme for Buxton

THE Buxton First of August Movement has organised its annual activities to observe the 180th anniversary of the end of plantation slavery in Guyana and the Anglophone Caribbean under the theme, ‘Emancipate Yourself from Mental and Economic Slavery.’

This year’s theme draws attention to the ongoing need for African Guyanese to redouble their efforts to make good on the emancipation promise of economic and cultural empowerment as prerequisites to true freedom.

In a release the movement said this year’s observances kick off on Sunday July 29 with an Emancipation Church Service at the St. Augustine’s Anglican Church, Buxton from 8:30 am. The service will be conducted by Father Peters, parish priest of St. Augustine.

On July 31, there will be a Libation Ceremony and the Emancipation Soiree. The Libation Ceremony will be held at the Emancipation Monument at the Buxton Market Square beginning at 6:00 pm. This will be followed at 9:00 pm by the Soiree which takes the form of a cultural program which includes Drama, Poetry, Folk Singing, Dance, Village Gaff, Queh Queh and Nancy Story. Several cultural groups and individuals from Buxton and beyond are slated to participate. Super Cat One Man Band will also be in attendance. The keynote address will be delivered by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon.

On August 1, Emancipation Day, there will be the annual Village Feeding, where villagers, especially the elderly and children, will be treated to a variety of African Guyanese foods.

On Saturday August 4, The Friends of Villages Museum and Archives Inc will launch the ‘Buxton Friendship Museum, Archives and Culture Center.’

The activities continue on Sunday August 5 with the annual Eusi Kwayana Emancipation Symposium at Friendship Primary School Sunday at 4:00 pm. The topic for this year’s symposium will be ‘The Coming Oil and Gas Economy: Prospects for Empowering the Poor and Revitalizing the Village Economy.’ The panelists are Professor Clive Thomas and Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman.

The observances conclude with an ‘Education Roundtable’ on Sunday August 12 at Friendship Primary School at 4:00 pm. The topic is ‘Restoring Education Excellence in Buxton: What is to be done.’ The Buxton First of August Movement expects this year’s activities to be the beginning of a year-long conversation among Buxtonions on village revitalisation and renewal.

Particular attention would be given to areas of education, business, agriculture and cultural empowerment.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Norton calls for paradigm shift in thinking –– as region’s youths meet to discuss population, development

By Lisa Hamilton MINISTER of Social Cohesion Dr. George Norton has called on a cohort of youth leaders from across the Caribbean to dig deep; turn things on their head if needs be in their quest for a brighter future for the region.

“There is still so much work to be done; we’ve got some catching up to do. It is time for our youths to shine; to share their experiences; to nurture hope for a better future and, some might even say, challenge conventional wisdom,” he said.

The occasion was the opening here on Tuesday of the inaugural Caribbean Forum on Youth Population and Development.

Dr Norton, who has portfolio responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, was at the time addressing the

Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton addressing the opening here of the inaugural regional youth forum gathering of youth represen- have all devoted time to emtatives and senior CARICOM powering those that fall in this government officials at the demographic,” Dr Norton said.

Marriott Hotel with a message “I am pleased today that of encouragement and hope. as members of CARICOM, “The fact that youths are a we all have made some efforts nation’s greatest asset can nev- to enable our young people to er be overstated, and I know take the lead in our societies,” that as individual countries, we he added.

The Minister expressed his satisfaction that a broad range of topics would be discussed during the three-day event, but also called for dialogue to be held on matters regarding the development of rural youths in the Caribbean.

He said that through proposing practical solutions, the represented youth leaders and organisations can make the foregoing suggestion a reality, and work for the betterment of young people across the region.

The forum, he said, also presents the opportunity for attendees to design a Caribbe-

based on evidence,” Dr. Slater said, adding: “More attention is needed to ensure that policies are gender sensitive and properly funded so that they can be more impactful.”

He also called for matters of youths affected by crime, violence and abuse to be given focus, and for the facilitation of mainstream youth development across all sectors through budgetting and national development plans.

At the forum, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), one of the event’s stakeholders, highlighted a number of

the Caribbean (UNECLAC) Director, MS. Diane Quarless.

TAILORED POLICIES Drayton pressed for tailored public policies to address the situation of youths and sexual and reproductive rights for young people, while Quarless urged the leaders to use their platforms to serve as critical agents of change.

A message came, too, from Suriname President and CARICOM Lead Head of Government for Community Development Desiré Bouterse

Several youth organisations in attendance at the three-day forum being hosted at the Marriott Hotel (Photos by Samuel Maughn) an youth platform for attaining Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“As youths and as officials responsible for youth development, the future of the entire CARICOM region rests on our shoulders here today in this room,” Dr. Norton said.

A FRESH COURSE “So, we must make every effort to chart a fresh course to prosperity, involving our youths.

This forum and many others like it will continue to have the fullest support and best wishes of the Government of Guyana and of myself,” he added.

Meanwhile, CARICOM Assistant Secretary-General for Human and Social Development Dr Douglas Slater stressed the need for the development of robust national youth polices. “More work is needed in members states in developing, monitoring and evaluating frameworks to assess progress towards youth development goals and to ensure that policy decision are

its investments over the years in youth development in the region. According to Vice-President of Operations, Ms. Monica La Bennett, the CDB has invested over US$1B in the education and training of youths; over US$200M for regional and national education training projects (2004-2016); and other assisting programmes.

She, however, said that persistent challenges such as poverty and vulnerability still remain, and presented statistics to show that 22 per cent of the men and women between the ages of 15 and 24, almost 17 per cent of the region’s total population, is estimated to be poor. This poverty, she said, is closely interlinked with social issues such high youth unemployment, risky behaviour and crime, and that it is hoped that through the forum, these and many other issues can be addressed.

Remarks came, too, from the United Nations Population Fund (UNPFA) Director of the Sub-Regional Office for the Caribbean, Ms. Alison Drayton and the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and

which was read by Suriname’s Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Ms. Lalini Gopaul.

In that letter, President Bouterse commended the event’s involvement of youths in matters of sustainable development, and urged the gathering to use their voices to influence matters such as youth inclusion, climate change and violence during the forum.

Messages also came from Chairperson of the Caribbean Regional Youth Council, Shaquille Knowles who presented a joint statement on behalf of the organisation.

Throughout the three-day event, topics such as gender equality; youth political and civic participation and the role for older persons in the changing structure of family, community and workplace in the Caribbean will be discussed.

At the end of the forum tomorrow, a document of recommendations will be compiled to serve as guide for CARICOM Member states to monitor, evaluate and improve on their existing youth policies and programmes.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Spirited response to LEN low-cost homes

SINCE the launch of the Linden Enterprise Network’s low-income housing about three weeks ago, approximately 120 residents, all of whom are women and single parents have applied for houses.

Applications are being submitted daily as persons continue to show overwhelming interest in the housing units costing $3.5 M. Given the overwhelmingly positive response, LEN has decided to build three-bedroom houses as well, to the tune of $4.5 M. This is to facilitate applicants with bigger families. Chief Executive Officer Tanniza Gasper told the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday that many persons have already had their plans approved for three-bedroom houses, but their estimates were above what they can qualify for mortgages from commercial banks.

To facilitate these ones, LEN continues to collaborate with lending institutions in Linden so that the low-income earners can be approved for $4.5 M. The other spin-off of this project is that the Linden-based company, Linden bricks, that is supplying the blocks made of bauxite waste to LEN can now hire more persons and the business is now better able to sustain itself. At first, its owner Robert Cameron had said that two years ago when he commenced operations, Lindeners and Guyanese took a while to buy into it, but now after seeing how economical it is, as well as the high quality of the blocks, things are looking up and the company was able to hire more persons.

The bauxite interlocking blocks are made from aggregates, all sourced in Linden.

The houses with the

same facilities as a regular two and three-bedroom houses, is constructed at a decreased comparative cost of $7 to $8M. The houses can also be constructed in less than 30 days without interruption. In addition to the bedrooms, it has a washroom area, a living room, dining space and a kitchen. Because the bricks can automatically interlock, houses are built faster, while cutting up to 20% of the cost, since most of the other materials are not needed to plaster the blocks. The houses are also cooler, since the bricks are very dense, thus heat takes a longer time to penetrate them.

They are also soundproof and bulletproof. There is also no need to paint the bricks, since they already have a natural, artistic look to them, which is also a means of economising.

Priority is being given to those already in posses-

The first low-income house that was constructed in Amelia’s Ward sion of their lands. Mortgages should be around $15, 000 per month.

Onika Schredar, who hopes to own one of the homes, said that the finished product is more than she expected. “I was here before it was finished, but

now that it is finished, it is even more beautiful than I imagined. I like the natural look and it has reasonable space; I like the tiling and so in the bathroom and I like how they set it up to show that every little thing can

hold in it.” Schredar is a janitor and currently lives in a bottom flat of her relatives’ family property.

She really dreams of owning her own home and is happy that the opportunity has knocked on her door.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Credit unions avoiding Credit Bureau –Judy Semple-Joseph

By Lisa Hamilton GUYANA’s top Credit Union and several others are failing to meet

their mandate, by law, to provide their credit information to the licensed Credit Bureau to facilitate responsible

lending and credit loss reduction.

This is according to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Judy Semple-Joseph of Guyana’s Credit Bureau, Creditinfo and Manager

of Sales and Business Development at the agency, David Falconer.

They revealed this during a press conference on Monday as they spoke about the positive developments arising from their database, designed to provide credit entities with the credit reports of borrowers.

The agency revealed a startling figure that out of all the credit unions in Guyana, only 2 are subscribed to Creditinfo.

This reality exists not for a lack of trying, said Falconer, who confirmed that all local credit unions had been engaged on the matter of their responsibility as well as the benefits they stand to gain in return.

“We’ve engaged every single credit union in the sector…we have targeted our outreach to the National Credit Union League and through them we have had innumerable meetings with, presentations and engagements with, every single credit union in the sector,” he said.

Meanwhile, the CEO

referred to the matter as a “sore point” stating that the Creditinfo’s engagement with the credit unions dates back to about three years ago or even earlier.

“We have been working to get the credit unions on board, we have been jumping through hoops...it is absolutely necessary for the larger credit unions to be affiliated with CreditInfo. It is critical,” she stressed.

IT’S A PROCESS However, the agency’s approach to the issue has not been a domineering one but, rather, a method of providing sensitisation to the unions about the benefits of their involvement.

“It’s a process that is involved. Our strategy was to start with the bigger lenders like the banks and we’re coming down. It’s a process of outreach and engagement in bringing people on board. Some are more difficult than others to bring on board. Even though it is mandated by law, there is a process

and it’s quite a task in some instances to get these institutions to sign on,” Semple-Joseph told the media.

This approach is also being taken as the credit bureau is obligated to ensure that it has a sufficient number of subscribers to ensure a more comprehensive database.

Adding clarity, Falconer said: “Our policy is not to go with a big stick and say ‘you must do this’.

We prefer to have you see the benefit and come on board voluntarily, because that is no way to start a relationship with anybody who you will have a relationship with literally forever.”

At the same time, the CEO warned about the advantages that can escape credit union users should the management continue to fail to comply.

“Those groups of borrowers that are associated with credit unions are missing out on the benefits of their association or their credit profiles See page 21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Woman’s body found; miner charged for murder FOLLOWING the discovery of the decomposed body of Petal Hafeez, which was found in an isolated area along Thomas Island, Cuyuni River, a 38-year-old miner has been charged for her murder.

James Allen appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and was not required to plead to the capital offence which alleged that between June 28, 2018 and July 8, 2018 at Thomas Island he murdered Hafeez.

Allen of Two Friends, East Coast Demerara was represented by attorney-at-law Trenton Lake. Prosecutor is Inspector Gordon Mansfield but the matter is being transferred to the Bartica Magistrate’s James Allen Court for August 16.

According to reports Hafeez went to work at a mining camp as a cook in the company of Allen. The woman was last heard and seen on June 28.

On July 8, Hafeez’s remains were found at a place called Thomas Island and the discovery was made by two males who were in a boat and encountered a strong stench.

The men tracked down the smell and found what appeared to be the remains of a female. The men shortly after informed the police of their discovery.

Arriving at the location, the police found the remains of a woman was in a shallow grave and next to the body was a suitcase with clothes.

Credit unions ...

From page 20

within that credit union.

They’re missing out on improvements on their credit scores because their information is not within CreditInfo’s database,” she said.

Earlier in the press conference, the representatives had told of the agency’s plan to roll out a new software application by next year which will see Guyanese having access to their credit scores from their mobile devices.

“We certainly would welcome the GPSC on board.

We’re continuing our engagements with that body and now with the committee that has taken over, we believe that we can be an integral part of that union’s future,” Falconer later said, adding: “We recognise how important credit unions are; financially speaking, credit unions enjoy the best arrangement with regards to their relationship with this credit union. We have bent over backwards to ensure that it’s not a burden for the union or their borrowers to participate in initiative.”

He was also keen to note that it is not simply a case of unwillingness for all credit unions, as smaller unions face the challenge of data storage which hinders their process of providing the needed information to the bureau.

Guyana has been leading the way in terms of Credit Reporting Legislation and, in the region, the Caribbean Community [CARICOM] is moving towards the development of a unified model to which Guyana’s legislation is being used as a guide.

Meanwhile, as a part of its sensitisation programme, CreditInfo has planned several outreaches in locations in Berbice, Demerara and Essequibo to create greater awareness about how Guyana can improve its credit sector.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Cocaine in gas bottles

Two businessmen get 4 years each, fined $6M

AFTER more than three months on trial, two businessmen were on Tuesday sentenced to four years’ jail along with a $6M fine after being found guilty

by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan of trafficking almost five pounds of cocaine in gas bottles.

Thirty-three-year-old Mark Gomes and 37-yearold Mohammed Kadir were on trial for having 2.250 kilograms of cocaine in their possession on March 29 at Sheriff Street. They were represented by attorney-at-law Mark Waldron and Glenn Hanoman respectively.

In April, Ryan Fowler, 33 had confessed to the charge when the matter was first brought before the Chief MagisMohammed Kadir trate and he was handed four years jail along with $6M fine.

Prosecutor for the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), Konyo Sandiford, during her initial facts in court, noted that on the day at about 19:45hrs, ranks observed two vehicles parked suspiciously in the vicinity of Sheriff Mark Gomes Street.

The court heard that Kadir exited motor vehicle PNN 2726 with a yellow gas cylinder and went over to the other vehicle, PMM 5807 which was being driven by Gomes with Fowler as a passenger.

CANU ranks subsequently intercepted the vehicle with the men inside, a search was conducted which unearthed the drugs hidden inside the gas bottle.

The magistrate during her ruling noted that Gomes and Kadir had knowledge and control of the drug in the matter in which the items were being transported and delivered.

The Magistrate noted that based upon the evidence Kadir transported the drugs to Gomes where they both acted in joint enterprise.

Sandiford made an application for the two vehicles intercepted during the bust to be seized in favor of the State on the grounds that the cars were used to traffic the drugs.

However the magistrate only ruled that Gomes’ vehicle, PMM 5807 be handed over to the State.

Last Thursday Gomes’ father, Andre ‘Zipper’ Gomes, a popular businessman was freed of a drug trafficking charge after Senior Magistrate Leron Daly dismissed the matter because of insufficient evidence.

Last year too, the reputed wife of ‘Zipper’ was sentenced to four years in jail after she pleaded guilty to having a large quantity of cocaine at the Campbellville house where she lived.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 25, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 25, 2018

7s Rugby team depart today for CAC Games Guyana won gold in 2010; coach optimistic of success

By Rawle Toney IN 2010, when the Central American and Caribbean Sports Organisation (CACSO) added Sevens Rugby to the list of disciplines for the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) games, Guyana won gold following their 31-7 win over Jamaica.

The CAC games rugby event was hosted at the Guyana National Stadium, and the ‘Green Machine’s’ victory was the only gold medal for Guyana at the CAC games in 2010, and was the first and still is the only gold medal for Guyana in a team event at the games which started in 1962.

Guyana did not participate in the 2014 Rugby championship, and now, eight years after creating history, the team, coached

by Lawrence Adonis, will feature Ryan Gonsalves, Dwayne Schroder, Claudius Butts, Peabo Hamilton, Rondel McArthur, Godfrey Broomes, Osei McKenzie, Ronald Mayers, Patrick King, Richard Staglon, Avery Corbin and Jamal Angus.

“We’re getting there,” Adonis said in an interview with Chronicle Sport yesterday, when asked about the team’s readiness, as they open against Jamaica, Costa Rica and hosts Colombia on August 1.

“I think the weather wasn’t on our side and that kept us back a bit, because we didn’t have any ground to train on, but over the last couple of weeks, we were able to get some good work in and we will be ready by the time game day in Colombia,” Adonis said.

According to Adonis, arriving early in Barranquilla will give the Guyanese ‘ruggers’ a chance to acclimatise and work on some chemistry, given the fact three players (Butts, Staglon and Mayers) will be joining them in Panama.

“I believe the guys are really excited to get back

‘Green Machine’ coach Lawrence Adonis

in action. Remember we lost the 7s (Caribbean) title last year and the guys have a point to prove; so we’re looking forward to the CAC Games and hoping to bring back the title to Guyana,” the long-serving rugby coach noted.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Alaphilippe whizzes to second stage win as Thomas retains yellow jersey

Quick-Step Floors rider Julian Alaphilippe of France wins the stage. (REUTERS/Benoit Tessier)

By Julien Pretot B A G NERES-DE-LUCHON, France (Reuters) - Julian Alaphilippe’s descending skills made the difference as the Frenchman claimed his second victory in this year’s Tour de France to take the 16th stage yesterday.

The Quick-Step Floors rider, who already prevailed in the 10th stage in Le Grand Bornand, whizzed past Adam Yates six kilometres from the

line after the Briton had hit the asphalt in a left-hand curve in the final descent.

Spain’s Gorka Izagirre took second place and Yates finished third, 15 seconds behind. The stage was briefly interrupted with 187km to go by a farmers’ protest, police using tear gas to disperse the demonstrators with some riders being affected.

Among them was world champion Peter Sagan and Briton Geraint Thomas, who retained the overall leader’s

yellow jersey after an otherwise comfortable 218-km mountain ride from Carcassonne.

Thomas still leads his Team Sky mate and defending champion Chris Froome by 1 minute 39 seconds and Dutchman Tom Dumoulin by 1:50 going into today’s 17th stage, a brutal 65-km, up-and-down trek from Bagneres-de-Luchon to SaintLary-Soulan.

Downhills were tricky yesterday and former world champion Philippe Gilbert went spectacularly over a low stone wall in the descent from the Col du Portet d’Aspet.

The Belgian got back on his bike after disappearing in the ravine for a couple of minutes.

It was in the same descent that Italian Fabio Casartelli crashed and died in the 1995 Tour de France.

“It’s pure happiness after a day of suffering,” said Alaphilippe, who tightened his grip on the polka dot jersey for the mountains classification.

Alaphilippe fought hard to get his place in the day’s large breakaway and he produced his effort at the right moment to be the second rider to reach the top of the Col du Portillon, 20 seconds behind Yates.

He was gaining time in the descent when Yates went down.

“I knew the last kilometres of the stage. I’m sad for Yates who crashed but it

Mathews returns as Sri Lanka captain with Chandimal out ANGELO Mathews will return to captain Sri Lanka for their one-day international series against South Africa.

Dinesh Chandimal had led the side in the tri-series against Zimbabwe and Bangladesh in January when Mathews was ruled out by injury.

However, Chandimal is serving a four-game suspension in ODI cricket for altering the condition of the ball in the second Test against West Indies.

Mathews will resume leadership responsibilities for the five fixtures on home soil against the Proteas, whom they whitewashed in a two-Test series.

Angelo Mathews

Dasun Shanaka and Shehan Jayasuriya have returned to the fold for the first time since November 2016, while uncapped duo Kasun Rajitha and Prabath Jayasuriya are also included in a 15-man

squad.

Dimuth Karunaratne, meanwhile, is one of four players named on a standby list for a series that gets underway in Dambulla on Sunday.

Sri Lanka squad: Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Upul Tharanga, Kusal Mendis, Thisara Perera, Niroshan Dickwella, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha, Akila Dananjaya, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lakshan Sandakan, Shehan Jayasuriya.

Stand-by: Dimuth Karunaratne, Isuru Udana, Nishan Peiris, Jeffrey Vandersay. (Omnisport)

could have happened to me.

I took a lot of risks. It’s bike racing,” the Frenchman said.

A breakaway of 47 riders took shape after the race was briefly interrupted by the farmers’ protest.

“Please respect the riders,

even if you have a cause to fight for,” said Tour director Christian Prudhomme.

The stage resumed after a 15-minute interruption and Alaphilippe stayed quiet in the breakaway group until the last climb to the Col du Portillon.

Sagan virtually secured a record-equalling sixth green jersey for the points classification, which he will officially wrap up if he reaches Paris. He leads Norway’s Alexander Kristoff by 282 points with 270 still up for grabs.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Eon Daniels taps in 5; hat-tricks for Shakem Welcome, Malachi Leacock

DAY 5 of the East Bank Football Association (EBFA)/Juicy Juice Under-13 League played last Sunday at the Timehri Red Ground saw a total of 29 goals scored in four matches as the future ball-weavers of Guyana continue to exhibit their skills in a developmental setting.

Agricola Red Triangle’s Eon Daniels tapped in 5 while Diamond United’s Shakem Welcome & Soesdyke’s Malachi Leacock scored hattricks.

Eon Daniels, who scored a helmet-trick on Saturday followed up with another breathtaking performance

when he tucked in five against Herstelling Raiders to lead his team to a 7-2 win, their second in as many matches.

Also clinical on the day were Shakem Welcome and Ronaldo Adams of Diamond United, who scored a hattrick and a double respectively, in leading their side to a 9-1 triumph over Kuru Kururu Warriors - their third win in as many starts and the young club’s best-ever run at any level.

Soesdyke Falcons were also outstanding on the day in their exciting 4-2 win over Samatta Point/ Kaneville, orchestrated by Malachi Leacock’s hat-trick

and equally impressive were Swan in their come-frombehind 4-2 win over Diamond Upsetters who had run away with a 2-0 lead by the 16th minute.

But the Linden Soesdyke Highway-based lads from Swan soared to a one-goal advantage after drawing level by the half-time break, 30 minutes on. Diamond Upsetters, tasting defeat for the first time in three matches, had taken the lead through goals from Shaquan Gilkes in the 13th minute and Izia Henriques three minutes later.

Their burst out of the blocks did not deter the young Swans who fired in

Diamond United scores one of the seven goals against Kuru Kururu Warriors.

minute.

Agricola’s Eon Daniels has taken the league by storm with nine goals in two matches. On Sunday his commanding style of play continued as he served up for himself, five more goals which came in the 10th, 14th, 18th, 41st and 52nd minutes.

His clubmate, Floyd Boyce had opened the scoring in the 5th minute while Jonathan Andries added his name in the 22nd minute in the 7-2 triumph over Herstelling Raiders.

Ofancy Winter scored Herstelling Raiders’ two goals in the 45th (penalty) and 56th minute.

Soesdyke Falcons recorded their first win of the league in three outings at the expense of Samatta Point/Kaneville. Leading the way with a hat-trick was Malachi Leacock who hit the back of the nets in the 26th, 31st and 49th minutes; the other goal coming off the boot of Aubrey David in the 56th minute.

Samatta Point/Kaneville had taken the lead on 18 minutes through Erin Fredericks’ goal, Akeem Francois accounting for the other goal in the 38th minute.

The league would continue this weekend at the same venue.

the 19th minute to reduce the lead by half through their leading goalscorer, Murphus Andrews. It was all they needed as they fired in three more unanswered goals.

Ezekiel Baptiste netted in the 27th minute to bring them level after which the go-ahead goal was converted

by David Lonke on the stroke of halftime. Merwyn Lonke, cousin of David scored their final goal of the match in the 57th minute to seal the win which was their third in five matches. That propelled them to third place in the points table behind Diamond United and leaders Timehri Panthers.

Diamond United continued their fairy tale run of form with another commanding performance, brushing aside Swan’s neighbours, Kuru Kururu Warriors, 7-1. Ronaldo Adams netted the first two goals in the 3rd and 11th minutes.

Shakem Welcome then tucked in the first of his three in the 33rd minute and again in the 49th and 60th minutes. Rick Ramotar added his name to the score sheet in the 40th minute while Shaquan Joseph emulated him, eight minutes later. Cleon Jardine scored the Warriors’ consolation goal in the 45th LATEST POINTS TABLE Team P Timehri Panthers SC 4 Diamond United 3 Swan FC 5 Agricola 2 Diamond Upsetters 3 Soesdyke Falcons 3 SPKV FC 3 KK Warriors 4 Hararuni Eagles 4 Herstelling Raiders 2 Grove Hi Tech 2

W 4 3 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 0 0

L 0 0 2 0 1 2 2 3 3 2 2

D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

GF 16 17 9 14 7 4 5 3 2 3 0

GA GD 1 +15 2 +15 8 +1 4 +10 5 +2 6 +2 10 -5 16 -13 11 -9 14 -11 4 0

Points 12 9 9 6 6 3 3 3 3 0 0

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira receives the Dolphin Award of Excellence

RHTYSC Organising Secretary Keith Hicks hands over award to Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira.

INTERNATIONAL Cricket Commentator Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira last Friday received the Dolphin Award of Excellence from the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club (RHTY&SC).

At a special ceremony held at the St Francis Training Centre, Perreira became the 33rd person to receive the award, which is given to friends of the club who have made outstanding contributions to the development of Guyana and have also been positive role models to youths.

Secretary/CEO of the RHTY&SC, Hilbert Foster, informed that Perreira has made tremendous contributions in the field of cricket, and as such his contribution could not have gone unno-

Fakhar fastest to 1000 ODI runs …Pakistan batter becomes fastest man to 1,000 ODI runs, erasing benchmark first set by Sir Viv Richards 38 years ago

By Louis Cameron FAKHAR Zaman’s remarkable start to his international career has seen one of the last remaining one-day international batting records set in the 20th century erased from the record books.

In just his 18th innings, Zaman notched his 1,000th run with a boundary through the off-side in the final match of Pakistan’s ODI series against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo on Sunday.

The left-hander is comfortably the fastest man to the milestone, breaking the record of 21 innings first set by the legendary Sir Viv Richards in 1980 and since equalled by Kevin Pietersen, Jonathan Trott, Quinton de Kock and, most recently, Babar Azam.

Having struck an incredible 430 runs in the first four matches of the Zimbabwe series, Zaman needed only a further 20 runs to set the new ODI batting benchmark.

Richards’ record had represented one of the last holdouts in the record books from a bygone era of one-day cricket, a format that has been transformed in recent times by bigger

bats, smaller boundaries, fielding restrictions and the influence of T20 cricket.

The West Indian had been the only player from the preceding century to hold a record as the fastest to a multiple of 1,000 runs.

The record for the fastest to every run milestone of 1,000 runs onwards has been set since 2001, with Hashim Amla the quickest to each milestone between 2,000 and 7,000, Virat Kohli the fastest to 8,000 and 9,000 while Sachin Tendulkar holds every record from 10,000 runs onwards.

Zaman’s rapid 148-ball double-century on Friday put him within touching distance of the 1,000-run record, with the opener blasting an unbeaten 210 off just 156 balls, Pakistan’s highest ever ODI score.

It was only the sixth double-ton in men’s ODI history and his 304-run first-wicket stand with Imam-ul-Haq was also a record.

His stunning series continues the incredible beginning to Zaman’s career in the top flight, with the 28-yearold a relative late-comer to the international scene.

A tall batter from Pa-

kistan’s northwest, Fakhar identified joining the Pakistan navy as the “biggest turning point in my career”, having appeared in a armed forces tournament that kick-started his domestic career.

He played five years in domestic tournaments before starring for the Lahore Qalandars in last year’s Pakistan Super League T20 competition, convincing national selectors to pick him for the Champions Trophy in the United Kingdom last year.

Written off as rank outsiders, Pakistan unearthed a new hero when Zaman struck his maiden international century against fierce rivals India in the final to lead the side to an unlikely victory.

FASTEST TO 1,000 ODI RUNS 18 innings - Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan) 21 innings - Sir Viv Richards (West Indies) 21 innings - Kevin Pietersen (England) 21 innings - Jonathan Trott (England) 21 innings - Quinton de Kock (South Africa) 21 innings - Babar Azam (Pakistan)(Cricket. com.au)

ticed.

“You are a hero to several generations of cricket lovers and you brought the world of cricket into our imagination long before television came into our homes.

Your voice inspired thousands of young West Indians to follow their dreams. Most importantly, you were a role model to my generation and others and you played a huge role in promoting

Guyana and West Indies cricket,” Foster said.

Perreira started his cricket commentary career in 1961 at the Rose Hall Canje ground at the First-Class level and broadcast his first Test match in 1971 when West Indies played India at the Bourda ground.

Up to his retirement two years ago, Perreira had done commentary in 147 Test matches, 200 One Day Inter-

nationals and over 350 Firstclass matches.

He also served as Sports Coordinator of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) for over a decade, and was an Adviser to the late Minister of Sport, Shirley Field-Ridley in the 1970s A humble Perreira said it was an honour to receive such a prestigious award from Guyana’s best.

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 25, 2018

$3M up for grabs at Lake Mainstay Regatta on August 12 … Gonsalves vs Scott to be main event OVER $3 million dollars in cash prizes and trophies will be up for grabs when the Lake Mainstay Resort hosts its annual Regatta on Sunday, August 12 at the magnificent fresh water lake.

The gates will be opened from 09:00rs on the day and the Regatta events will commence at 11:00hrs. The stage show immediately follows after the presentation of cash prizes and trophies.

Being dubbed the ‘Clash of the Daredevils’, the main events will see veteran power boat racer Neil Gonsalves and Team from Pomeroon take on Dave Scott and his team from Bartica.

There are 13 categories of Power Boat Racing and the

events are as follows: 3 – 15 HP – 2 laps Male/Female Race 2 – 40 HP – 3 Laps Male/Female Race 3 – 90 HP – 4 Laps Male/Female Race 2 – 200 HP – 5 Laps Male/ Female Race 3 – Open HP – 6 Laps Male/Female Race Along with: 1 – 200m – Male Canoe Race 1 – 200m – Female Canoe Race 1 – 200m – Open Swimming Meanwhile, a memorial race in the 90 HP category will be held in honour of the late Orin Bell.

After the daredevil regatta

races on the water, the big stage show and beach party will unfold with artistes such as Yoland Nedd (Dancehall/Soca Artist), Vicadi (Chutney/Soca), Vanita Willie (Guyana’s Chutney Queen), Kadi Kish (Soca), Calibro Band (Brazilian Music) with renowned comedian Lyndon ‘Jumbie’ Jones as the Master of Ceremonies (MC).

Music will be provided by Pream’s Mega Sounds and Essequibo Champion Music Fusion.

Other attractions will comprise a Children’s Fun Park with a merry-go-round, trampoline and a bouncy castle.

The Resort’s Food Court will be offering Lake Mainstay’s delicious unique cuisine while beverage bars will provide a wide variety of drinks from which patrons can

choose.

The Lake Mainstay Resort Regattas have grown over the years and have gained the reputation to be well organised, disciplined and the biggest in Guyana over the past five (5) years.

In a release to the media, administrators of the Resort noted that they are promoting a family event and anticipate in excess of 8 000 patrons from overseas along with locals, especially from Essequibo Coast, Region 2. Management advises all attending to be early to secure a vantage spot to enjoy the many racing events all day long.

The admission fee is as follows: Advance: Adults ($1 000) & Children ($500) At the Gate: Adults ($1 200) & Children ($700)

Mike Parris U-16 Schoolboys and Juniors Boxing C/ships

FYF dominates 2nd round of preparations for Caribbean tournament

By Michel DaSilva

THE Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF) Boxing Gym dominated the second round of the Guyana Boxing Association’s (GBA) Mike Parris Under-16 tournament which continued last Saturday at the Andrew `Six Head’ Lewis Boxing Gym, winning eight of nine fights that were contested on the day’s card.

The FYF gym won six out of six Schoolboys contests and two of two junior fights.

It should be noted that on June 9 when the five-pro-

gramme preparatory tournament began, the Harpy Eagles (HE) Gym came out on top, winning two fights in the Schoolboys category and three in the junior segment.

However, on Saturday, the FYF turned things around, dominating both the Schoolboys and Juniors competitions.

Things started rolling from the first fight when Vickasy Graham secured a walkover victory from Vergenoegen Boxing Gym’s (VBG) Hazel Adams in an all-female encounter.

This was followed by a

technical knock-out (TKO) win for Moses Crawford (FYF) over Kellon Pierre (HE). Michael Mangal (FYF) then followed up with a unanimous points-decision victory over HE’s Joel Mamers.

Alex Adams (VBG) then scored a unanimous points-decision win against HE’s Collin Williams before FYF’s Seon Graham forced the referee to stop his contest against HE’s Dextroy Brimmo at one minute 24 seconds of the third round.

Malachi Jones (FYF) then secured a unanimous

points-decision win against Joel Anthony (HE) and this was followed by Jones’ clubmate, Stephon McDonald’s win against HE’s Enoch Munroe after the referee stopped the contest at one minute five seconds of the third round.

Richard Howard (FYF) continued FYF’s dominance of last Saturday’s tournament by registering a unanimous points-decision win against VBG’s Doron Williams and his team mate Fitz Heywood closed FYF’s winning ways with a unanimous points-win against

St Lucia, Jamaica extend invitations to rescued Thai boys CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday July 25, 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 Tuesday’s quiz: (1) 7 ODI games (2) Courtney Walsh Today’s Quiz: (1) Where and when was the very first WI/BANG ODI in the West Indies played?

(2) Prior to the commencement of the current WI/ BANG ODI series, how many times the two teams had engaged each other in the West Indies?

Answer in tomorrow's issue

CASTRIES, St Lucia (CMC) – Prime Minister Allen Chastanet and Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett have announced that their countries are hoping to host the 12 boys from a Thailand football team and their coach, who were recently rescued from a flooded cave in the southeast Asian country.

Both Chastanet and Bartlett made the announcement at the Hotel and Tourism Association’s 54th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Harbor Club in Rodney Bay, Gros Islet last Friday.

They said the invitations had been sent and they were

waiting a response from authorities.

Chastanet said Jamaica were taking the lead and hoped for a positive development over the next few months.

Bartlett first announced his country’s plans to extend an invitation to the Thai boys and their coach last Thursday.

The 12 boys, aged 11 to 16, and their 25-year-old coach, had been trapped in the Tham Luang Nang Non cave system since June 23.

Their rescue from the flooded cave by international divers between July 8 and 10 garnered worldwide attention.

fellow team mate Patrick Harvey.

There were two exhibition bouts that showcased uncapped talent, as Alesha Jackman and her sibling Abiola put on a thrilling three-round exhibition, as did Joshua Hinds and Shaquancy Wright.

When the five-day tournament began on June 9, Pierre had defeated Hazel Adams in a Schoolboys 5559 weight contest. Moses Crawford lost to Colin Williams in a 60-64 kg contest, Michael Mangal lost to Alex Adams in a 70-74kg weight category and Stephon Mc-

Donald beat Joel Anthony in a 95-99kg contest.

In the Juniors category, Richard Howard had beaten Shequancy Wright in a 100105kg contest and Devon Wllliams lost to Leon Moore in a 105-110kg battle.

Meanwhile, St Lucia, Grenada, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Suriname and French Guiana have all indicated that they will be represented at the Caribbean Schoolboys and Junior championships which will be held here in Guyana from August 17 to 19.

Adams (5-7) destroys U-19s for 52 PREPARATION for the National Under-19 cricket team ahead of the regional tournaments, got off to a poor start yesterday, after they were bowled out for a paltry 52 early on day one of the 3-day practice game against the GCB’s Academy team.

Lack of proper application at the crease on a flat Everest pitch was the main reason for their failure with the bat, as they were eventually dismantled inside the first two hours of play.

Only National Under-17 captain Sachin Singh offered some fight with 18. Left-arm spinner Anthony Adams was

the chief destroyer with figures of 5-7. Raun Johnson and Ramaal Lewis chipped in with two wickets apiece.

In reply, the Academy team reached 136-9 when rain intervened, resulting in the day’s play ending prematurely.

Sherfane Rutherford has so far top-scored with 38, while Trevon Griffith made 28. Kelvin Umroa took four wickets, while Qumar Torrington and Kevin Sinclair had two wickets each.

Left-arm spinner Ashmead Nedd was the other successful bowler.

Play resumes today at 09:00hrs, weather permitting.

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 25, 2018

CAC Games 2018

Guyanese hockey women crash out, men’s squash team win

From left, Guyana’s Taylor Fernandes and Ashley Khalil pose with their Women’s squash doubles bronze medals in Barranquilla, Colombia at the CAC Games.

IT was heartbreak for the Guyanese Women’s National hockey team as they suffered a third straight loss to crash out of the Women’s competition at the 23rd Edition of the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in Barranquilla, Colombia, yesterday.

Meanwhile the Guyanese Men’s squash team won 3-0 against Panama but lost 3-0 to Colombia while the Women’s squash team lost 2-1 against Barbados. They

(Guyanese women) will play their second group match today against Colombia.

The win for the Guyanese men means that they can still make the semi-final of the Team competition but to do so they need to win their group game against Jamaica today.

After losing their first two games against the Dominican Republic and Cuba, the Guyanese girls faced Mexico yesterday.

Despite a strong performance in the first two quar-

Guyana’s National Men’s hockey team will be looking to keep their semi-final hopes alive today when they face Guatemala at the CAC Games in Barranquilla, Colombia.

ters again, it all fell apart for Guyana as the Mexicans seized upon errors in the fifth and 31st minutes to seal a 2-0 victory and collect maximum points as they top Pool ‘A’ with three wins from three games.

The scorers for Mexico were Fernanda Oviedo in

Narine, Pollard, Bravos will have World Cup chance claims CWI CEO Grave

Cricket West Indies CEO Johnny Grave

CRICKET West Indies (CWI) CEO Johnny Grave has revealed that a number of top international T20 players, previously involved in much-publicised spats with the board, could put themselves in contention for a spot at next year’s ICC World Cup by taking part in the upcoming regional season.

The Bravo brothers, Darren and Dwayne, Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard have all found themselves in disputes with the CWI in recent years, which has in many instances

prevented them from suiting up for the regional team.

None of the players, for example, played a part in the team’s ICC World Cup qualifiers and were ignored for the recent Charity T20 match at Lord’s Cricket Ground. Following what Grave has described as positive talks with the handlers of the players and a change in scheduling for the regional Super50 tournament the players could all be set for a return to the fold.

“Jimmy Adams (director cricket operations) and

I met with Dwayne, Darren, Pollard and Narine’s agent in Trinidad. We met with them individually because they all have different circumstances. I would describe the meetings as positive, as everyone was looking to the future rather than the past,” Graves told ESPN Cricinfo.

“The overall message to Pollard, the Bravo brothers and Narine was ‘come and play in the Super50 Cup’, so that Courtney (Browne, chairman of selectors) and his selection panel will have all the players in the system playing,” he added.

“This will not only increase the standard and hopefully give the panel a headache but will help our selectors better gauge and assess our young players if they’re scoring runs against Dwayne Bravo or Sunil in the final overs or getting Darren (Bravo) and Pollard out.”

the fifth minute and Michel Navarro in the 31st minute respectively.

Meanwhile speaking after the game, Guyanese goalie, Alyssa Xavier, said it was unfortunate that despite her team’s performance, they lost.

T h e N a t i o n a l M e n ’s

hockey team will be in action today as they look to keep their bid for the semi-finals alive; they will face the Guatemalan team who are winless after two matches. The Guyanese men are upbeat about their chances and will be looking to turn in a strong performance.

Guyana’s swimmers, Andrew Fowler and Jamila Sanmoogan, will enter their final events today when they swim in the men’s and women’s 50m freestyle respectively.

The 23rd Edition of the CAC Games is being run from July 18 to August 4 in Barranquilla, Colombia.

Tigers call on McKenzie to boost batting against Windies FORMER South Africa Test captain Neil McKenzie was scheduled to link up with Bangladesh yesterday, after he was appointed batting consultant to the touring side for the ongoing white-ball series against West Indies.

In a statement, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said McKenzie would work with the team until next year’s Cricket World Cup in England and Wales.

There will be little time for McKenzie to settle in as Bangladesh clash with the Windies in the second One-Day International of the three-match series here today at the national stadium at Providence.

Bangladesh won Sunday’s opener at the same venue by 48 runs, to register their first success of the tour. They were crushed in the preceding two-Test

series, undermined by their brittle batting.

In fact, they failed to post 200 in any of their four innings in Antigua and Jamaica, and were embarrassed for a record-low 43, in the first innings of the opening Test at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground when they crashed to an innings and 219-run defeat inside three days.

McKenzie fills the void left empty by former Sri Lankan batsman Former South African batsman Thilan Samaraweera, who Neil McKenzie appointed Banwas axed following last gladesh’s batting consultant year ’s ICC Champions Trophy in England. turning their attention to High performance coach a three-match T20 InterSimon Helmot has served national series beginning as batting coach on recent next Tuesday at the same tours. venue, and ending with Bangladesh play their a double-header at the final ODI against the Win- Central Broward Regional dies on Saturday at War- Park in Fort Lauderdale ner Park in St Kitts before on August 4 and 5. (CMC)

West Indies find themselves in a must-win game to keep the series alive.

A win today will give Bangladesh their first ODI series in Caribbean since 2009.

Providence to host first day/night ODI … Windies in must-win game today against Bangladesh

By Rajiv Bisnauth THE Guyana National Stadium will host its first-ever day-night One Day International when West Indies play Bangladesh from 14:30hrs today.

The historic event will be the second of the threegame ODI series between the two sides. However, while history will be made, the Caribbean side, after coming into the tournament as favourites, found

themselves in a must-win game to keep the series alive.

Bangladesh lead the series 1-0 after comfortably winning the first ODI on Sunday by 48 runs.

It will definitely be a huge task for the home side, taking into consideration the Windies’ dismal record of six wins in 14 ODIs at the venue. More so, the hosts haven’t won an ODI series in nearly four years since they de-

7s Rugby team depart today for CAC Games PAGE

30

feated the same opposition at home.

However, captain Jason Holder stressed that the side’s overall performance must improve, adding that the team has the potential to bounce back after the defeat on Sunday.

Holder, who was quoted by CMC, said, “I don’t think it’s the end of the world. We know the areas we need to tighten up on.

As I said, missing chances in any cricket will hurt you

– we missed one or two up front and I said, we just did not execute well at the end,” he explained.

West Indies were outplayed in all departments of the game on Sunday, and as seen in the series-opener, the surface is likely to be on the slower side, meaning the spinners will rule the roost yet again.

It will be interesting to see the Windies final X1, but for the tourists, they ticked all boxes on Sun-

day and are unlikely to field any unforced changes before they seal the series.

They definitely stand a chance to win their first ODI series in the Caribbean since 2009, which will be a huge relief for a side that recently lasted only six days in a two-Test series.

Squad: Windies: Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Shai Hope (wkp.), Kieran Powell, Shimron Hetmyer, Andre Russell, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder (c),

Devendra Bishoo, Keemo Paul, Alzarri Joseph, Ashley Nurse, Jason Mohammed Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal, Liton Das, Mushfiqur Rahim (wkp.), Shakib Al Hasan, Sabbir Rahman, Mahmudullah, Mosaddek Hossain, Mehidy Hasan, Mashrafe Mortaza (c), Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Nazmul Islam, Anamul Haque, Abu Jayed, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Abu Hider Rony.

Tour de France interrupted by farmers’ protest and police tear gas

Police officers remove hay bales off the road after a protest. (REUTERS/Stephane Mahe)

Avery Corbin will be one of the key players for Guyana at the CAC Games.

BAGNERES-DE-LUCHON, France (Reuters) - A protest by local farmers brought stage 16 of the Tour de France to a halt yesterday as bales of hay were thrown on to the road on the route from Carcassonne to Bagneres-de-Luchon and police tear gas blew into the faces of some of the riders.

The gas was used to disperse the protesters but it ended up blowing in the direction of the peloton, which led to the race being stopped at the 187 km-to-go point.

A Reuters picture showed a police officer spraying an isolated demonstrator with what appears to be pepper spray while she was sitting on the ground.

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The race continued after the brief hiatus.

Yellow jersey holder Geraint Thomas and world champion Peter Sagan were among the riders rinsing their eyes as the stage was stopped for 15 minutes.

It is not the first time that protesters have interrupted a prominent race, the most memorable incident happening in the 1984 Paris-Nice, when French great Bernard Hinault punched one of the demonstrators.

The last time a Tour stage was blocked by a demonstration was in 2004.

Local authorities said in a statement that an investigation into the incidents had been opened.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 25, 2018