Guyana Chronicle E-paper 07-29-2018

29th JULY, 2018

Oil bonanza No.105350

–– Guyana tops the world in oil-and-gas discoveries for 2018

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Persons being treated to sweet samples from Food Maxx Supermarket at ‘Caribbean Cookout’, the first annual international food, drink and cultural festival held on the lawns of Castellani House on Saturday (Vishani Ragobeer photo)

Success man 77 alleged TIP goes berserk victims rescued

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15 –– beats niece, stabs mother-in-law and girlfriend

Success man goes berserk

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–– beats niece, stabs mother-in-law and girlfriend

A five-year-old, her aunt and grandmother were brutalised by 36-yearold Julian Sergeant aka “Troy” who apparently went berserk on Saturday morning.

Among the victims were his reputed 18-year-old girlfriend, Tiffany McBeth; her mother, Lorrain McBeth and the child.

The incident occurred around 2:00am at Sergeant and Tiffany’s house which is located in Success, East Coast Demerara (ECD), said Kim McBeth, a close

relative of the victims.

“My mom and niece went to spend a night by Tiffany them on Friday… everything was going good because when I called, they were gyaffing and so before they went to bed,” said Kim. According to her, the occupants of the house were awakened by screams from the child who was allegedly being choked by Sergeant.

At first his girlfriend thought he was dreaming, but it got serious after the choking persisted. In an effort to help the child, Lor-

rain intervened and tried to get the child away from him but he turned his attention to Lorrain and Tiffany, said Kim. “He then picked up a knife and started stabbing my sister Tiffany and my mom but I don’t know what triggered this because everything was good,” she said.

The victims managed to escape the house and go to the hospital where they received treatment and were later discharged.

Lorrain received nine stitches on her face and six

The suspect, Julian Sergeant aka Troy (Demerara Waves photo) on her hand, while Tiffany received nine stitches for a deep wound on her back.

According to Kim, the child is unable to see because both of her eyes are still swollen.

Aside from the recent ordeal, Kim recalled that her sister and Sergeant had a small argument in the past but it was not as extreme.

The suspect was apprehended by ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and is assisting with investigations.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 29, 2018

Over 100 small businesses benefitted from loans, grants

By Svetlana Marshall OVER 100 small businesses benefited from loans and grants through the Small Business Bureau in 2016, a report tabled in the National Assembly revealed.

Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin tabled the Small Business Bureau (SBB) 2016 Annual Report in the National Assembly on Friday.

In the report, the Chairperson of the Small Business Council Valerie Grant stated that in 2016 the SBB, in keeping with its mandate, administered the Micro and Small Enterprises Development (MSED) Project which resulted in the approval of loans for 63 businesses totaling approximately $237.7M. She noted that the Grant Committee also approved 73 grants totaling $21.9M. “Through the grant scheme and mutual guarantee scheme approximately 373 jobs were directed, created and or sustained,” Grant reported.

In that year, a strategic public awareness campaigned rolled in far reach areas of the hinterland regions, resulted in 2395 new businesses signing up to be a part of the SBB. “In 2016, the SBB established training agreements with several training partners. Through these arrangements coupled with internal resources, a total of 1,353 persons were trained across Guyana, in various areas including business management fundamentals and hands-on technical skills training,” the Small Business Council chairperson further noted.

The SBB had also partnered with CUSO International, Georgetown Chambers of Commerce (GCCI) and GeoTechVision through a signed a MoU to establish a business incubator. Additionally, the bureau also started plans for the establishment of two industrial incubators.

When compared with 2014 and 2015, it can be said that the bureau performed favourably in 2016. According the SBB 2015 Annual Report, approximately 230 jobs were created that year compared to 373 in 2016.

In 2015, a total of 24 loans were issued to entrepreneurs along with 136 grants while in 2014 only 12 loans were disbursed and 25 grants.

Oil bonanza

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 29, 2018

–– Guyana tops the world in oil-and-gas discoveries for 2018

By Svetlana Marshall

GUYANA is leading the world in terms of oil and gas discoveries for 2018, at least for the first half of the year, according to Rystad Energy – an independent research and business intelligence Norwegian company providing data, tools, analytics and consultancy services to the global energy industry.

In a statement on Friday, Rystad Energy said global discoveries of conventional oil and natural gas are seeing an exciting recovery with discovered resources already surpassing 4.5 billion barrels of oil-equivalent (BoE).

The intelligence company said the average monthly discovered volumes Year to Date (YTD) are estimated at 826 million barrels of oil-equivalent, up approximately 30 per cent compared to 625 million boe in 2017.

“During H1 2018, Guyana led the top five countries in terms of total discovered resources added, followed by the United States, Cyprus, Oman and Norway. These five countries hold three-fourths of the total resources discovered this year. The discoveries in Guyana, the United States and Cyprus are located in ultra-deepwater and are 100 per cent owned

by oil majors… (which) indicates that oil majors have started to re-focus on deepwater exploration,” Rystad Energy explained.

It added, “the biggest offshore discovery to date this year is believed to be the Eni-operated Calypso gas find offshore Cyprus, while the largest onshore discovery, a gas-condensate find, was reported on the Mabrouk North East prospect, operated by Petroleum Development Oman.”

Rystad Energy’s analysis comes days after U.S. oil giant – ExxonMobil-- increased its estimate of the discovered recoverable resources for the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana to more than four billion oil-equivalent barrels.

The increase follows completion of testing at the Liza-5 appraisal well, a discovery at Ranger, incorporation of the eighth discovery – Longtail into the Turbot area evaluation and completion of the Pacora discovery evaluation. The previous recoverable resource estimate was 3.2 billion oil-equivalent barrels.

ExxonMobil’s three major oil discoveries for 2018 at Ranger, Pacora and Longtail wells collectively have an estimate of one billion barrels of oil or more, Rystad Energy noted.

Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Senior Director of Public and Government

Affairs, Deedra Moe, on Saturday told Guyana Chronicle that the company will increase activities within the Stabroek Block.

“Our work in Guyana is very exciting.

We’ve had incredible success with our drilling programme and are looking to increase activity, given that success. We are happy to be a partner with the country to continue to explore and develop its resources,” Moe said.

In the United States, oil discoveries have been made at Ballymore and Dover prospects in the Norphlet play in deepwater Gulf of Mexico.

“The Norphlet play, which is characterised by high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) conditions accompanied with complicated and elusive structures revealed to be fortunate for Chevron and a prevailing success for Shell. Chevron discovered a significant oil play at the Ballymore prospect with its first exploration well in the subtle play whereas the Dover discovery located 13 miles from the Appomattox host was Shell’s sixth discovery in the play,” Rystad Energy explained.

It said that Cyprus marked its entry in the list owing to Eni’s promising gas discovery at Calypso 1 NFW ultra-deepwater well in Block 6. The discovery well encountered an extended gas column in rocks of Miocene and Cretaceous age, confirming the extension

of “Zohr-like” play in the Cyprus Exclusive Economic Zone, Rystad Energy said.

“Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) announced a giant gas-condensate discovery at Mabrouk North East prospect in the northern part of its concession area located west of Saih Rawl field. In the Norwegian Sea, significant discoveries were reported

by OMV and Wintershall in the Aasgard and Aasta Hansteen area respectively, with combined recoverable resources close to 240 million boe. While in North Sea, Aker BP and Equinor made the other two discoveries which together added 75 million BoE,” it added.

According to the research and business intelligence company, the discovery trend is expected to continue in the second half of 2018, backed by ongoing exploration in emerging offshore provinces and many promising high-impact wells targeting potential resources in the millions.

“An uptick of 30 per cent from the abnormally low levels in 2017 might seem encouraging, but E&P players are currently facing a low reserve replacement ratio, on average of less than 10 per cent.

This is worrisome considering the impact on global oil supply in long term,” said Espen Erlingsen, Head of Upstream Research at Rystad Energy.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 29, 2018

Carr fire: California blaze leaves five dead

(BBC) A wildfire in northern California has killed five people, including two children and their great-grandmother, and forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes.

Six other people are reportedly missing.

The fires in Shasta county are being sucked up by strong winds to form "fire tornados" that are uprooting trees and overturning cars, fire officials say.

The blazes, known as the Carr fire, have destroyed at least 500 structures.

Firefighters are battling the blaze, which is only 5% contained so far. Thousands of homes are under threat.

The wildfire began on

Monday after a car malfunctioned. It has scorched over 48,000 acres (194 sq km) of land - an area larger than the city of San Francisco.

"We are seeing fire whirls - literally what can be described as a tornado," California department of forestry and fire protection (CalFire) chief Ken Pimlott told reporters.

"This fire was whipped up into a whirlwind of activity" by gale-force winds, he said, "uprooting trees, moving vehicles, moving parts of roadways."

"These are extreme conditions... we need to take heed and evacuate, evacuate, evacuate."

More than 3,400 firefighters have been deployed - but

About 500 building structures have been destroyed by the Carr fire

the local fire department has warned that hot, dry weather is forecast for the rest of the week, and could make the blaze worse.

Sherry Bledsoe has confirmed that her grandmother Melody Bledsoe, 70, and her two children Emily Roberts, five, and James Roberts, four, died in the fire, reports say.

Relatives had been searching for them since the fire destroyed their home in

the town of Redding.

Melody Bledsoe's husband, Ed, earlier described how she had called him and told him to return home because the fire was getting close.

Six other people are also missing.

What are fire whirls?

Fire whirls, also known as fire "tornadoes", are spinning vortexes of air, ash and fire They form when rising

hot air begins to rotate and forms a vortex that picks up flammable gases and burning debris vegetation Fire whirls typically only last a few minutes but can be very dangerous because they can move quickly They can reach dozens of metres in height, with core temperatures as high as 1,090C. About 37,000 residents have been forced to leave the area.

One local, Liz Williams, found herself and her two children stuck in traffic as people rushed to evacuate.

She eventually fled by foot.

"I've never experienced something so terrifying in my life," she told AP news agency. "I didn't know if the fire was just going to jump out behind a bush and grab me and suck me in."

The Carr fire is one of almost 90 active large fires

in the US, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

In California, the Ferguson fire has killed one firefighter and led to the closure of much of Yosemite National Park, while the Cranston fire in Riverside County in the south has burned 11,500 acres (46 sq km) of land.

Wildfires are a common occurrence in California during the state's long, hot, dry summers.

However, experts say this has been the worst start to the fire season in 10 years - partly due to the 2012-2017 drought that killed off large amounts of vegetation.

In December, Governor Jerry Brown said devastating wildfires fuelled by climate change had become "the new normal", and that large fires "could happen every year or every few years".

Midwife training centre attacked in Afghanistan's Jalalabad (BBC) Militants have attacked a midwife training centre in Afghanistan, killing two guards and a driver and injuring at least eight other people.

The attackers set off explosives and fired gunshots at the centre in Jalalabad, Nangarhar province.

Afghan security forces regained control after a gunfight lasting six hours.

No group has yet said it was behind the attack,

although Islamic State militants have claimed several recent attacks in the eastern province.

The Taliban have denied any involvement.

The attack began at around 11:30 local time (07:00 GMT) and ended around 18:00.

The attackers placed explosive devices in the street near the complex, an eyewitness told AFP. Attaullah Khogyani,

Nangarhar spokesman for the provincial governor, told the BBC one of the assailants died when he detonated an explosive vest, while the other was killed by security forces.

In total, 61 midwives and two children were rescue from the compound, Mr Khogyani added.

However, two guards and one driver were killed in the attack, while three members of the security forces, three civilians and two centre employees were hurt.

The centre offers twoyear midwifery training courses for women from the province.

It is not clear why the midwife training centre was targeted.

However, militants often choose official buildings and medical facilities for their attacks, and many Afghans are opposed to unmarried women working outside their homes.

More than 50% of births in Afghanistan take place without a trained midwife.

The country has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world - 396 deaths per 100,000 live births - well above the global average of 216 deaths.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 29, 2018

President wants official commemoration of 1990 (Trinidad Guardian) President Paula-Mae Weekes says the time has come for Trinidad and Tobago to have an annual national observance of one of the “darkest days” in our history the July 27th 1990—in which two dozen people lost their lives and many more were injured and which left a trail of destruction across the capital city.

Weekes is suggesting that such a commemoration “would serve as an annual reminder to remain vigilant in preserving our hard-won democracy.”

The country, she said, must always remember that 1990 “was not simply a grab for power, but an egregious attack on our democratic ideals.”

The President said she was “convinced” that a “proper and fitting annual observance” of the attempted coup d’etat of 1990 to mark the “significance of one of the darkest days in our history,” is long past due.

Weekes is also urging citizens on the 28th anniversary of the insurrection led by Jamaat al Muslimeen leader Yasin Abu Bakr to “continue to reinforce our commitment to democratic values and to

our complete opposition to violence, whatever the justification.”

In a statement on the 28th anniversary of the attempted coup, the President said while for the past 28 years citizens have been reminded of the event through church services, newspaper articles or interviews conducted on the subject, “I have long wondered why there has never been an annual official remembrance.”

Weekes said such a commemoration “would demonstrate an awareness and recognition of the ordeal of those who suffered and died,” and will also show an appreciation for the members of the armed forces who “risked their lives to ensure that the insurrection did not spread further, and serve as an annual reminder to remain vigilant in preserving our hard-won democracy.”

Recalling the events of that fateful day, she said citizens bore witness to the “violent and illegal attempted overthrow of our government by a group of individuals, intent on seizing power,” in a siege which lasted for five long days.

It is a period, she believes, “should remain al-

Trinidad and Tobago President Paula Mae Weekes

ways etched in our collective memory.”

The capital city housing the seat of this country’s democracy was ravaged by fire and looting and in the aftermath 24 citizens lost their lives and dozens more were injured.

Weekes said, “those who did not lose their lives, lost their property and more importantly their sense of security.”

The unfolding events, according to the President “ushered in a period of mourning and of great loss.”

Despite our reputation for having short memories, she

said: “Today we remember those who lost their lives in the chaos of 1990 including Mr Leo des Vignes, Member of Parliament, Diego Martin, SRP Solomon McLeod, ASP Roger George, Estate Constable Malcolm Basanta, George Francis, Arthur Guiseppi, Helen Lavia, Lorraine Caballero and Mervyn Teague and the unknown, although direct, casualties caused by the traumatic events.”

She said many citizens continue to suffer daily as a result of the emotional wounds caused by what they would have experienced or witnessed.

But the country, she said, should not forget the bereaved who lost “a parent, a friend, a son or daughter,” and who may often feel as though they have been left behind.

Weekes noted that in the United States every year the names of the three thousand (3,000) people who died in the 9/11 terrorist attacks are individually read out in honour of their memory, “we do not even do that for our far fewer number of casualties,” she said.

Wendell Eversley, a survivor of the insurrection who has virtually single-handedly commemorated the event, told Guardian Media yesterday that he had written to the President on the issue of a national commemoration by letter on June 20, which he hand delivered. He commended the President for her position.

Eversley said he had also written to Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley on the issue and had received no response, but he is now hoping that “the Prime Minister will heed the message of the Head of State and that there will be a national commemoration of the event.”

TIME TO FIX ECONOMY

BY: CARA L. FOSTER

(Barbados Advocate) It is time for the problems affecting the economic stability of this island to be addressed.

This was proclaimed by Governor of Central Bank Barbados, Cleviston Haynes, as he delivered a few remarks during the opening session of the 38th Annual Review Seminar, which took place at the Radisson Aquatica Resort yesterday morning.

“As I speak, we all know about economic challenges that confront the Barbadian economy, which has suffered in recent years from weak economic growth, large fiscal imbalances, indebtedness and a substantial reduction in our foreign reserves,” he said.

“Our economy is at a juncture where these problems must be addressed frontally through careful calibration of macroeconomic policy and structural reform, that place the economy on a sustainable footing.”

Haynes revealed that the research papers presented during the seminar will cover a wide range of topics including economic growth trends and challenges, international business trade and tourism, fiscal policy tools and Government operations, new developments in money and capital markets, financial sector and developments.

Present to deliver a detailed keynote address was Dr. Wendell Samuel, Programme Coordinator at the Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Centre (CARTAC).

Samuel noted that in Barbados over the next few years, in order to get out of the rut it has put itself in, the young Barbadian economists and young Central Bank economists will be required to work hard.

The programme coordinator told the young economists present that they had the tools necessary to do such and encouraged them not to be daunted by the task that lay

Dr. Wendell Samuel, Programme Coordinator at the Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Centre (CARTAC) speaking with the Governor of Central Bank Barbados, Cleviston Haynes (right) during yesterday’s seminar.

ahead of them.

“You have the tools. It is going to create opportunities for Central Bank economists to earn their wings as economists and to build successful careers. So I urge you to grasp the opportunities with both hands as occasions like these are only once in a life-

time,” he said.

A large part of Samuel’s address focused on two islands, Antigua and Barbuda and Seychelles, who were similar economies with almost the same initial conditions and access to macroeconomic adjustments under fund supported programmes.

Through looking at the policies that were implemented in both countries and the results obtained, Samuel sought to highlight some tentative lessons that could be learned from these two experiences.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 29, 2018

Strengthening the AML/CFT regime

ON Friday, the National Assembly passed the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/ CFT) Amendment Bill, thereby clearing the way for the establishment of an Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation Financing Co-ordination Committee.

The Bill was passed despite major objections from the parliamentary opposition, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), on the basis that it not only replaces the AML/CFT Authority with a Co-ordination Committee, but is in breach of the Constitution.

Attorney-General and Legal Affairs Minister, Basil Williams, in defence of the Bill he tabled, told the House that in January 2018, the Government of Guyana was informed by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) that the AML/CFT Authority was not in compliance with Recommendation 2 of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)’s 40 recommendations.

Recommendation Two states that countries should designate an authority to have a co-ordination [body] or other mechanism that is responsible for national Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation Financing Policies.

“The CFATF commented that the authority, as presently consti-

tuted, was too narrow in scope, and applies solely to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU),” Minister Williams told his colleagues sitting on both sides of the House.

It was on this basis that Clause 3 of the Bill amends Section 7A of the Principal Act by substituting it with a new 7A in keeping with Recommendation Two, the Legal Affairs Minister said, while noting that the amendment now allows for the removal of the Authority and the establishment of a Committee.

Since the coalition government came into office, Guyana has taken her rightful place among member states that are compliant with the AML/CFT regulatory institution, and though much more work still needs to be done, one cannot help but notice the high commendation this country has been receiving for its success thus far.

The passage and assent in 2016 of the AML/CFT (Amendment) Bill has seen Guyana being removed from the monitoring categories of the Paris-based FATF and the CFATF last month and this month respectively.

According to the FATF’s website, Guyana’s removal had to do with the significant progress the country has made in improving its regime to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.

Guyana had, since 2009, been recalcitrant about complying with the regulatory institution, and was, in 2013, placed on the CFATF’s

monitoring list.

In February 2014, when CFATF’s Financial Advisor, Roger Hernandes visited Guyana, he informed the government that the country’s status was likely to remain for a minimum of two years, and that its removal was contingent upon the implementation of AML/CFT laws.

When countries become members of international organisations, it is incumbent upon them to adhere to the agreements they have signed on to. That the government, in 2009, felt it could have gotten away with not honouring its commitment to these international organisations hurt the society.

When the proverbial hammer hit in 2014, and the business community reacted out of concern as to the additional requirements needed to trade at the international level, Guyana was four years behind in honouring its obligation. What this highlights is that political grandstanding and inaction carry with them dire implications.

It is reasonable to think that the government of any country whose formal economy was moving in tandem with the underground/narco economy, which world governments would have been aware of, would be mindful of the security implications such developments would have on the people and the State, and that its international integrity would move it to correct that situation.

According to renowned econ-

omist, Professor Clive Thomas, in a study done between 2001 and 2008, the underground economy was back then worth approximately $188B (US$940M).

The society was also aware that persons of questionable character interfaced with officialdom; the most notorious of those “questionable characters” was Roger Khan, who, in 2009, was jailed in the US. So emboldened was he by his political connections, he took out a full-page newspaper advertisement claiming that he helped the government in crime-fighting, a claim that the government of the day never refuted.

One would also recall then Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon being the first person to qualify the wanton shootings and mayhem across the country as the handiwork of “phantom” or “death” squads.

In 2004, a presidential inquiry was commissioned into the role, if any, the then Minister of Home Affairs, Ronald Gajraj played in the phantom squad.

Although he was vindicated, a minority report submitted by Commission member, Justice Keith Massiah brought into the public domain evidence that gave rise to a conclusion that was contrary to the findings of the official Commission of Inquiry.

The aforementioned happenings would aid in arriving at an understanding of why international organisations are

determined to have Guyana, as a member state, conform to international standards, once it remains in these associations.

The financial integrity of a country and those who do business within and with it has a significant bearing on the legitimacy of its money.

In 2016 also, United States Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway, and Finance Minister Winston Jordan signed an agreement to implement the U.S Foreign Accounts Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). Minster Jordan advised that the agreement would help combat money laundering and tax evasion and avoidance. This is another step in ensuring the integrity of the movement of money.

Local banks are also expected to modify their policies in dealing with customers, to ensure both the integrity of money passing through them and the person or persons engaged in the transaction. This is a feature the banking institutions of all FATF and CFATF member states, and those who entered into FATCA agreement, would have to conform to.

This doctor needs a reality check Dear Editor IN all my years of going to medical professionals, I have never experienced or heard such awful experiences of women like myself receiving care from a gynaecologist.

I have decided to share my experience with this obstetrician/gynaecologist due to the number of responses I have received from other women about their hurtful encounters with him.

It must be noted that all of this is written from the perspective of a young woman seeking help. Also, if you have had a positive

experience with this doctor, you should feel grateful, but do not make me feel like I or other women shouldn’t express our concern over his behaviour towards patients. He could have been wonderful towards you, but that cannot serve as an excuse for how he behaved with other patients.

At his office, his motto is written under his esteemed qualifications. His motto “We will help you to get well and stay well with God’s help” is a reflection of his character.

His religious belief is expressed through his horribly executed statements and questions.

Two days ago, I along with two other persons

visited this gynaecologist’s office. To my surprise, we were welcomed by a doctor who had an attitude problem with his arms folded and distasteful tone.

As the patient listed her symptoms, he began to question her judgment. She stated that she has been experiencing irregular periods.

You’ll love the response he gave to that. “Oh, women go through that normally.”

Sir, you cannot come to that assumption without a physical examination or tests. Furthermore, responding like this creates a hostile environment. Patients would be unwilling or even afraid to share their other symptoms if

you dismiss it so casually. His tone reminded us that we are indeed powerless to doctors.

Additionally, other symptoms like pelvic pain and weight gain were given to this doctor. His response to these symptoms was, “Symptoms from the past are irrelevant.”

Now, doctors go through years of medical school. I would assume that they learn how to properly treat patients, and to also know how to console them if anything goes wrong.

From this experience, not only do I question his medical knowledge, but I also question his character.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 29, 2018

Who cleared US felon to carry a gun – and to land job with security firm

Dear Editor THE New York-based Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID) on Friday called on Guyana’s Police Commissioner and Minister of National Security to explain how a deportee, who served 20 years in a US jail for murder, was able to secure a police clearance for a security guard licence and gun permit with a false identity, in contravention of the Criminal Offences Amendment Act (2002), and the Prevention of Crimes Act (2002).

The security guard in

question, Robert Goodluck, is employed by KGM Security Firm, which provides security for Amazonia Mall, Providence Village, Guyana, the said mall which houses the New Thriving Restaurant and other businesses.

In 1991, Goodluck, whose real name is Robert Wren, was convicted for second degree murder, drug sale and unlawful possession of a firearm in Brooklyn, New York.

He served 20 years in prison from 1991 to 2010, when he was paroled and deported to Guyana. He has since been operating under the name of Robert Goodluck, which the

CGID has labelled identity fraud.

The Institute released portions of Goodluck- Wren’s New York criminal record as well as his Guyana Police Force deportee arrival intake form to corroborate its contentions.

Goodluck-Wren and his security colleague, Hash Ramroop, were on duty at the New Thriving Restaurant parking lot on July 8, 2018 when a confrontation broke out between them and Junior Minister of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes.

Broomes, who’s no stranger to death threats, and

her staff were visiting the restaurant for dinner. The minister’s driver, a police personnel, removed an unattended sign that prohibited parking in the vicinity of the restaurant’s entrance, and attempted to drive Broomes directly to the entrance.

Goodluck-Wren, armed with a high-powered assault rifle, rushed up, stopped the minister’s vehicle and replaced the signs. An exchange between the driver and Goodluck-Wren ensued, with the minister subsequently exiting the vehicle and removing the signs for the driver to proceed.

The police were called in and the guards were arrested.

Broomes told the police that, inter alia, Goodluck-Wren

cocked his gun and threatened her. It is against the law to threaten the President of Guyana or a minister of government. The minister also admitted to the police that she pushed down the signs after Goodluck-Wren hurled expletives at her.

Broomes said the guards even followed her into the restaurant where they continued to direct expletives at her.

She reportedly told the police that Goodluck-Wren was so aggressive and reckless, that she wondered if he was drunk.

She’d even suggested to police officers at the scene at one point that because Goodluck-Wren was armed with such a high-powered weapon, they should administer a

From page 6 ►

This doctor needs ...

In his office, his achievements are proudly displayed.

However, this isn’t the same man we met in that office.

With his responses, we raised important questions about our uncertainty about his prognosis.

Eventually, he kept repeating that we were crazy, and he ended his consultation by saying, “You guys are crazy! Whatever you plan on finding, you wouldn’t find it here!” He created an unwelcoming environment which made us leave his office immediately after that comment. After we left and even up to now, it still hasn’t sunk in that a doctor was so unprofessional towards us.

I’m sure you are thinking that they are two sides to a story.

Although that is true, accompanying situations from other women prove that this man is horrible towards his patients.

One woman commented on our Facebook post that she was told that she is too young to be pregnant, and that if she was his younger sister, he would beat her.

What I took away, espe-

cially from other comments on our Facebook page, was that this doctor had a problem with women who were unmarried.

Who are you to judge me, doctor, about being unmarried? I came to you with concerns about my health, and you judged me and chased me away because you didn’t like my marital status. How dare you? How dare you!

You took an oath which stated that you will care and respect for your patients while offering your MEDICAL HELP. You had no right to chastise me because you did not agree with my choices.

Now, this is where the meat of the article is. The Guyana Medical Council.

You are responsible for ensuring that all doctors treat their patients with respect along with monitoring the performances of each licensed doctor. So, I do hope this letter reaches to you.

Investigate him! Christianity or any other religious domination should not and should never be influenced

in medical practices. You can belong to any religion, but if you are in the medical field but you cannot use your religious beliefs to treat people in a disdainful manner.

Which religion teaches people to be cruel? I probably missed that page when I was reading the holy book. I do have a feeling that this may not be taken seriously. We know that people in power are influenced by money and social standing. This letter will serve as the first step in having the medical council review this doctor’s behaviour. The medical council shouldn’t be influenced by monetary benefits or social benefits. If they don’t take it seriously, throw the whole thing away! We don’t need to have people that “supposed to protect us from discrimination” that just there for style.

If you want to be somewhere for style, there’s the bus park.

If you go at 4:30 pm, you will get a nice vybe there.

Lastly, I want to dedicate this letter to the women who have experienced psychological trauma from

his approach towards patient care. If any doctor treats you like this, it is just them not you. I believe you. There are other trust-

worthy and kind medical professionals that can assist you. I have to believe that they are. Actually, from what I have read,

breathalyzer test to determine if he was intoxicated.

Police announced on Friday that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has advised that no criminal charges be instituted.

CGID last week criticised the minister for removing the signs, saying it was beneath the dignity of her office, and that she should have called in the police to address the situation. The Institute subsequently condemned what it called “orchestrated political, sexist, mean-spirited and defamatory attacks on the minister’s character.”

Regards Rickford Burke

they are! To conclude with, this doctor if you are reading this, I do hope that you take your patient’s health seriously. I hope that you treat them with care and respect. After all, these patients are paying for your retirement plan.

Regards Juliana Lopes

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 29, 2018

TURNING POINT

THE spotlight this week is on Guyana-China relations, as I wish to share my satisfaction that we have reached a new turning point in the all-round relations between our two friendly countries.

Together with President Granger and several senior government ministers, I attended the simple but solemn ceremony at the Chinese Embassy on Friday last for the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), under what was described as the “Belt and Road Initiative.”

In his remarks, Cui Jianchun, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, described the event as an “historic turning point”, and as he said so, my mind raced into history at great events such as the Battle for Stalingrad (1945), the eve of the triumph of the Chinese Revolution (1948) and the patriotic, national liberation counter-offensive in Vietnam (1975), which were described in banner headlines (and later in books) as historic turning points.

It may appear to be an over-dramatisation of the simple signing ceremony, but I am a super optimist that Guyana will not be the same again were we to realise what Vice-President and Foreign Minister Carl Greenidge described as “unplanned consumption” of the many tangible things in the MoU. The up-beat Chinese Ambassador captured it well when he stated that “Guyana has a great future.”

DECLARATORY PRINCIPLES The inked document itself merely sets out the boundaries and rules of engagement, such as the declaratory principles, “areas of cooperation”, “settlement of differences” and the mandatory, termination provision, over which there could be no excitement. These are the usual legal and diplomatic jargons for which lawyers get handsome fees!

It may be necessary to go beyond the title of cooperation to look at the framework of the “Belt and Road Initiative” under which some $50 billion in development (grant/aid) projects could be accessed by countries such as Guyana.

In the longer-run, we could be great, even if we get a small piece of the Chinese pie which is translated in its 2017-2021 profile into US$8 trillion in imports; $750 billion in investment abroad; and 700 million out-bound Chinese tourists.

TARIFF WAR With the unilateral declaration by the United States of a so-called “tariff war” against China, there would be more than enough room on the shelves of Chinese shops

for Guyana’s rice, wood, fish, shrimp, sugar and assorted fruits and vegetables (whole or as value-added products).

With some 1.4 billion (1,400,000,000) people, there is no doubt that China could gobble down all of our rum and, of course, all of our gold!

With China reaching the status of a highly developed, prosperous state, Guyana could pursue some of the available transformative projects that could make us both green and great. These would include a modern airport and multiple-lane highways on the coast (now being completed), financing support in private-public partnership arrangements for bridges across the Demerara and Essequibo Rivers, Lethem-Linden-Georgetown highway and a fast train; deep-water Demerara/Berbice harbours; housing schemes and industrial parks that are self-sufficient with clean, renewable solar energy, and high-speed ICT connectivity.

You may say, as John Lennon sang, that I am a dreamer; that none of that would ever happen. But times have changed. Guyana is no longer a mythical story of Cinderella wooing a rich prince, or the beggar maid before King Cophetua.

ON CUSP OF FIRST OIL Guyana is on the cusp of harvesting first-oil, mere months away, with an untapped reservoir of black gold, estimated at 4 billion barrels. The eyes of the world are now fixed on Guyana, and we have enviable prospects for exponential development. Given the establishment of a Natural Resources Fund (our version of the Sovereign Wealth Fund) our development could be sustainable for future generations.

Today we can look back at the visionary leadership in both the Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham eras, during hostile “cold war” situations, when Guyana defended its reliable and dependable friendship with the People’s Republic of China.

In spite of which party had governed, Guyana maintained a “one China” policy. I am confident that this friendship would be consolidated under the coalition government of President Granger.

The Chinese Association and the Guyana-China Friendship Society have also worked silently over the years to build cultural relations that not only maintain the bonds between Guyanese Chinese and their ancestral homeland, but promoted trade and business that have become a dominant feature of commerce and cuisines in Guyana.

PRIDE IN SMALL ROLE Today, I feel pride, like so many others, in playing a small role both as a government minister and a practising attorney, to bring Guyana and China closer.

It started with access by Guyanese to all-day CCTV programmes, training of Guyanese journalists and encouraging Chinese investment in Guyana.

Instead of a garland for my modest efforts, I was maligned (as recently as in 2012) by the then government. The then Trade Minister Manzoor Nadir had falsely accused me of taking a bribe from the Chinese company that was involved in expansion work at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

I recall the Guyana Chronicle (17th October, 2012) reporting: “Nadir, holding a picture of Nagamootoo escorting a Chinese delegation from the company that won the bid for the Cheddi Jagan International Airport expansion project, dared the AFC member to challenge allegations of a $10M retainer he got in relation to representation in the particular project.”

I had worked mostly pro bono for those and other Chinese investors whom I had welcomed to my home as friends. I know that one day my family and I could look forward to visiting China, where we have also proverbially built, as the old saying goes, “a home in every town.”

Understanding Energy...

New estimates elevate Guyana’s status

LAST week, ExxonMobil confirmed what outside sources have long been speculating—the total recoverable reserves in the Stabroek Block now exceed 4 billion barrels of oil equivalent, including natural gas and other petroleum liquids.

This represents an 800-million-barrel increase from Exxon’s previous estimate, and new production figures suggest that Guyanese government revenues will reach well into the billions over the next decade.

According to an Exxon press release, that increase “follows completion of testing at the Liza-5 appraisal well, a discovery at Ranger, incorporation of the eighth discovery, Longtail, into the Turbot area evaluation and completion of the Pacora discovery evaluation.”

This is the largest and most comprehensive estimate released for the Stabroek

area and includes all of Exxon’s confirmed discoveries to date. It’s important to note, though, that this does not include other blocks owned by other companies, or reserves that are believed to be present, but have not yet been actually discovered.

Given the large number of successful wells in the Stabroek Block, Exxon announced that it could employ as many as five floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessels to extract and process the oil.

That would include the FPSO currently being built for the Liza Phase 1 development, the larger FPSO planned for the Liza Phase 2 project and up to three more vessels to serve the Payara and the more recent discoveries.

More FPSOs is good news for Guyana.

As Exxon country manager Rod Henson pointed out in an interview with OilNow,

FPSOs represent long-term jobs.

That’s because crewing, supporting, and supplying these vessels will continue long after the initial surge in contracts for construction and supplies that comes with one-time investments such as drilling wells and establishing facilities.

All together, these ships could produce as much as 750,000 barrels of oil per day by 2025, in line with previous estimates from Norwegian oil and gas research firm Rystad.

Rystad also forecasted tens of billions in estimated government revenue as a result of this potential output level.

The first two phases are already underway, with Liza Phase 1 currently in the well- drilling stage and Liza Phase 2 in the permitting and approval stage. The plans for a Payara Phase 3 and further developments,

involving new fields in the Stabroek Block, are bolstered by news of the recent discoveries.

A production level of 750,000 barrels per day would place Guyana at the same output level as OPEC members such as Libya, according to reports from international media.

In terms of reserve size, Guyana now ranks above established mid-level producers such as Gabon and Equatorial Guinea and on par with much larger regional competitors as Colombia.

By the mid-2020s, Guyana will produce more barrels of oil per capita than any other nation, placing Guyanese in an excellent position for the future and making it even more important that revenues are handled carefully, transparently, and responsibly.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 29, 2018

Dignity vs Dependence

IN many ways, I am a moderate, but, strangely, that makes me a radical in Guyana.

I want to talk about ideas and strategy and structure and progress; not who allegedly slapped whom after a certain election loss.

Guyanese politics, admittedly, is entertaining because of these kinds of rumours, but they have become boring the way hearing about Trump’s reputed affairs is a bit boring.

I can feel it in my bones that a battle over the nation’s character is brewing; and as much as it’s about political parties, it’s also not.

Local politicians have never really had enough revenue in the corporate treasury to promise anyone anything. Yes, they have advocated for national infrastructural projects, but save for GuySuCo, it’s been hard to say: “Vote for me and I will give you this cash benefit.”

This has been as bad as our politics is, a bit of a saving grace. It has meant patronage has been limited; not wide-ranging as in Venezuela. But I worry we are heading there.

Subsidised food was a hallmark of Chavez’s regime, on the one hand providing the poor with much-needed assistance, but also ensuring an absolute dependency on that regime.

This, of course, kept Chavez in power. But if you really think about those kinds of policies, they prey on the most vulnerable; and there is something about their character which smacks of colonialism. After all, their focus seems not to be on uplifting men, providing them a pathway to a future of dignity and pride, but rather tying them to supporting a particular elite.

You could argue that I pick on former President Jagdeo often, but I think it’s important to note I don’t criticise him for not being married, or make use of any other personal attacks. I criticise his ideas, because I know he can lead the right-wing policy reform Guyana needs, but also suspect that it’s easier for him to lean on Chavez-style patronage for votes.

I expect this style of politics to swing into full gear, once the PPP/C has identified its new presidential candidate; and I expect it to start with GuySuCo. The former president’s proposal that oil money be used to pay retrenched sugar workers a salary until they find new jobs (which could be never) sounds like it came from the mouth of Chavez

himself. It’s not that I think helping unemployed workers is superfluous, but that it’s clear to me that this is better handled through unemployment insurance, rather than handouts.

A programme which, as an example, pays all retrenched workers their former salaries for six months is something virtually every Guyanese can support; setting up funding for such a national, broad scheme is something I fully support.

But the core difference between these policies is not so much their structure, but what they communicate to voters.

A blanket handout in exchange, presumably, for electoral support does nothing to uplift the people in a community. Instead, it binds them to parties they may not even

want to support, because they depend on that party for survival.

On the other hand, unemployment insurance that provides a cushion for all when uncertainty strikes, provides workers both peace of mind and the confidence to seek the best jobs. This provides for dignity rather than dependence.

And this is where I believe the battle lines will be drawn; dignity versus dependence. It is all too easy to prey on Guyanese’s lack of self-confidence, selling them that handouts are all they can expect.

But I think that not only can we do better; this

reflects a startling lack of belief in our own people.

Much as he is despised by the PPP/C, I think there is so much merit to Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo’s belief that GuySuCo served as a means of trapping people into a mode of work with few future prospects; few avenues for growth and development.

After all, was it the enterprise’s goal to turn cane-cutters into managers, and managers into investors?

I want to leave you with a radical idea, not for tomorrow, but soon after oil production has kicked into high gear.

What if the govern-

ment paid Guyanese to take extra classes, so they could get a CSEC Math and English pass? Virtually all high-paying jobs require these two basic qualifications, and more than half of Guyanese are surely without this critical combination.

It’s simple, but wouldn’t it do so much to uplift a population suffering from the worst brain drain in the whole world?

Wouldn’t it go a long way in ensuring a skilled workforce?

The difference between dignity and dependence is deciding to believe in your people, rather, scheming to hold them captive.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 29, 2018

Plastics and their harmful effects on public health: A brief introduction By: Honourable Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, MP EVEN though it is considered one of the most preferred materials in the modern industrial world, plastic is now posing a serious threat to the environment as well as consumers’ health, in many direct and indirect ways.

The exposure to harmful chemicals during manufacturing, leaching in the stored food items while using plastic packages or chewing of plastic teethers and toys by children have all been linked with severe adverse health outcomes such as cancers, birth defects, impaired immunity, endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive effects, among others. It can arguably be said that we are long past the time for the regulation of plastic use as well as the promotion of plastic substitutes and the safe disposal of plastic waste in Guyana.

Strategically rethinking the way we deal with plastics will surely help in reducing the significant environmental and public health hazards it poses.

WHY IS PLASTIC HARMFUL? Plastics are derived from organic materials such as crude oil, natural gas, salt, coal and, in more recent years, from bio-matter.

Many thousands of different polymers are created through combining different organic chemicals together in a number of ways to create plastic.

Since its introduction, fuel-based plastics have revolutionised the industrial world.

There is practically no area of manufacturing today that does not involve the use of plastic. Through its cost effectiveness and particularly its convenience, plastic became the most preferred material of choice in the manufacturing sector, that is, until recently when a rethinking about its impact on the environment and public health began to gradually slow its continued use.

Phthalates or phthalate esters are esters of phthalic acid mainly used as plasticisers (the substances added to plastics to increase their flexibility and

transparency) in Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC). PVC is a widely-used material which can be found in most toys and other children’s products such as chewy teethers, soft figures, and inflatable toys.

It is very important to note that phthalates migrate into the air, into food and into people. Phthalates can be released from soft PVC by surface contact, especially where mechanical pressure is applied (e.g. during chewing of a PVC teether). Release of phthalates during manufacture, use and disposal of PVC products, in addition to their use as additives in ink, perfumes, among others, has led to their ubiquitous distribution and abundance in the global environment.

Chemicals added to plastics are absorbed by human bodies. Some of these compounds have been found to alter hormones or have other potential human health effects. People are exposed to chemicals from plastic multiple times per day through the air, dust, water, food, and use of consumer products.

In addition, bisphenol A (BPA), found in polycarbonate bottles and the linings of food and beverage cans, can leach into food and drinks.

GUYANA’S APPROACH TO THE USE OF PLASTICS The Government of Guyana is currently in the process of establishing legislation that will curtail the use of plastics in Guyana. In keeping with His Excellency, Brigadier (ret’d) President David A. Granger’s Green State Strategy, the use and disposal of plastics is being addressed in a holistic manner which will involve a multi-sectoral interdisciplinary approach.

A simple but effective measure was already taken in January 2017, when Section 7A (1) of the Customs Act Chapter 82:01 was amended to incorporate an environmental levy of GUY$10. This levy is being applied to all non-returnable bottles of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages or water and came into effect from February 1, 2017.

Leading supermarkets are also supportive of the move to eradicate the use of plastics. Supermarkets are promoting

the use of biodegradable cloth bags as well as cardboard boxes in which customers can carry their purchases. A premium price is now placed on single use plastic bags in some of the leading supermarkets in Guyana. This initiative is commendable and must be supported by all other business entities.

There is also A National Solid Waste Management Strategy for the Cooperative Republic of Guyana 2013 – 2024, which is a comprehensive document that outlines a clear vision which reads: “Informed communities participating in nationwide, integrated and financially self-sustaining waste management and resource recovery system that preserves public health and the environment, realises maximum value from resources, and minimises long-term costs to households, industry and government.”

You can use the following link to access and read this strategy: http://moc. gov.gy/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/ National-Solid-Waste-Management-Strategy.pdf CAREFUL STEPS MUST BE TAKEN TO DISPOSE OF PLASTICS When dealing with plastics in the home or workplace, careful attention must be placed on its disposal. Refrain from throwing plastic waste in gutters, trenches, rivers, or creeks.

Do not burn plastic waste in your yards or around your homes. When plastic is burned, it releases acids, gases, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, metals, dioxins and furans, and at least 190 other volatile organic compounds – many of which are not monitored – into the environment.

It is better to place your plastic trash in your bins and have the garbage collectors take it to the municipal landfill site where it could be disposed of properly.

Please know that all the plastic ever made still remains on the planet. A new study estimates that ever since its emergence, there is about 9 billion tonnes of plastics on the planet.

Therefore, too much caution cannot be exercised when disposing plastic

waste.

SOME SIMPLE WAYS TO DEAL WITH PLASTIC There are a number of very simple things we can do to ensure we limit the ways we deal with plastics. The following are some specific suggestions: * Buy food in glass or metal containers * Avoid heating food in plastic containers, or storing fatty foods in plastic containers or plastic wrap. * Do not give young children plastic teethers or toys * Use natural fiber clothing, bedding, and furniture * Avoid all PVC and Styrene products * Use a reusable produce bag. A single plastic bag can take 1,000 years to degrade. Purchase or make your own reusable produce bag and be sure to wash them often! * Use matches instead of disposable plastic lighters or invest in a refillable metal lighter. * Switch from disposable diapers to cloth.

Plastic has always been considered a wonder material that is cheap and brilliantly robust - so robust that it is virtually non-degradable. Every piece of plastic ever created is still here on the planet causing untold harm to our natural environment as well as to our health. We must rethink the way we deal with plastic so that we can avoid its harmful effects.

The Government of Guyana is in the process of putting measures in place to limit the use of plastics and to establish proper disposal methods. However, you can play your part through very small but meaningful actions in your home or workplace to limit the use of plastic, where possible. We have to be careful that we leave an environment in which our children and our children’s children can be safe from the harmful effects of plastics.

Managing and reducing the amount of plastic in our environment starts with you!

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 29, 2018

Açaí berries making impact in wine industry

By Margaret Burke

AÇAÍ berries are new to many Guyanese. In fact, many people living where the fruits can be located still think of it as dangerous for human consumption and that it is a poisonous fruit.

In fact, when passing through streams of what many call ‘sweet-water or black-water’ rivers in Guyana, bunches of these fruits, connected the ‘brooms’ of the açaí palm trees, can be found hanging over these streams.

The reddish-purple fruit appears lovely and more like a decorative setting over the

Açaí berries found mostly in some swampy areas within Guyana

Vanessa D’Aguiar showing off some of her younger friends int he Pomeroon streams. They bear resemblance to the other berries such as the blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, cranberries and strawberries.

However, some studies have disclosed that the açaí fruit pulp is much richer and more nutritious that the others.

A midwife by profession and one, who is wellknown, loved and respected in the Charity, Sirikie Pomeroon-Supenaam area is Vanessa D’Aguiar, a mother of four. She is also a friend and a community worker.

D’Aguiar has lived in the Pomeroon all her life and after writing the national grade six examinations, she gained a place at the Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary School, where she gained

several subjects at the CXC examinations.

Wanting to take up the nursing profession, she was eventually accepted for training as a nurse and subsequently a midwife (obstetrics) in Georgetown.

However, she still steered her skills right back to the community where she was born and bred, to serve.

“Having been exposed to farming all my life because most of my community strives on farming, even though I always had an interest in becoming a nurse, I was always been involved in farming in and out, I always had an interest in it,” D’Aguiar said.

AGRO-PROCESSING “I like agro-processing and so I started with the

açaí berries. What gained my attention was when I went to a workshop and the guy told me that he had this ‘manicole’ drink, [another name for açaí], which was made from the manicole palm (known in Guyana as the heart of palm).

Later, when the creek was dredging out I saw a ripe bunch and so I decided to pick it and experiment on it. I then gave some persons within the community to taste and they told me that it tasted good.

“Anyway, in times past I always thought that this thing was a poison, I never know the benefits of it. So once I found out I continued to make it and got more ideas and got better and better with it, making juice,” she proudly said.

D’Aguiar told the Guyana

Chronicle that after a visit to her community by a staff from the Ministry of Agriculture, she had about 12 different fruit wines, including Manicole wine. ““Manicole wine?” he asked, and I said yes and then he tasted it and said, “This thing taste good!” He encouraged me to continue making it,” she reported.

She explained that she continued to do it manually, concentrating more on the wine and not just the juice and getting sales for it in Georgetown, even though it was tough since the only way she had to do it was manually.

“Eventually, Dr. Maxine Parris from IICA visited the community and she helped me to get the necessary equipment so as to be able to extract the juice, and eventually not making the juice and the pulp from it, I started making the wine more, which was a longer process. I even got

some purchased by Sterling to mix in their ice-cream,” she explained.

When this publication visited her agro-processing industry in the Pomeroon, she had on display many bottles of the Manicole or Açaí berry wine, the Açaí liqueur, Açaí juice and the Açaí powder for making beverage. In stock also was a variety of fruits used for making cakes and other sweet foods or sweet ‘meats’. These included fruits from sorrel and carambola.

“Eventually, when I did my own research then I realised that the berries have been wasted for so many years. It is in season early and late in the year, but the palm tree is not ever destroyed when it is cut by the ‘brooms’ to get the bunches of berries.

“The açaí palm trees reproduce themselves through suckers that come up every time they are cut – there is no harvest and destruction going on, it produces more every time,” D’Aguiar assured.

D’Aguiar stated that even though the berries are not as much in season, she is able to use whatever additional fruits are available in the community to constantly make dried fruits and wines once time is available to her.

She reminded that as a nurse and midwife she also has other responsibilities, but with most of her spare time, she makes the time to put her other trade to the wheels.

CHALLENGES “I have most of the

Vanessa D’Aguiar, midwife and agro-processor fruits to my disposal for making from fruits to wines, I even have the machinery at my disposal and this makes my work so much easier and I a very thankful,” D’Aguiar said.

She, however, indicated that her major challenge is the amount of containers she is able to acquire to put some of her produce.

She stated that she has not yet been able to acquire as much large-size containers that she needs at this time. Additionally, all of the wines she produces must be stored in glass bottles, and this she said, continues to pose real problems for her.

The rainy weather, she said, can pose a problem for the drying and ripening fruits from time to time, but generally the rains have worked well for the growth of many of the fruits she uses to make her produce, she concluded.

Vanessa D’Aguiar proudly displaying some of her products

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 29, 2018

From start-up to thriving enterprise –– businesswoman Melana Hudson making her mark in craft industry

By Margaret Burke EMANCIPATION is in the air and proud Essequibian Melana Hudson, who is a born and bred Charity village lady, now has her hands full of work because of her artistic abilities.

“At first it was just a little fun and part-time craft, which others took seriously and obviously wanted more from me,” Hudson told the Guyana Chronicle.

She went on to explain that ever since she has started to develop and continue to venture out, by getting many more ideas, her business has been expanding.

The managing director of M.H. Designs, Hudson said she started her business just about five years ago, while residing temporarily in Trinidad and Tobago.

She was doing a course at the time. “I made my first bag, which was used for cosmetics and everyone liked it.

Eventually, the others started to order bags from me and so I making many more different bags,” she said. Eventually, she returned to her homeland and continued to work on all sorts of pieces of craft.

HAIRCARE LINE “I started with some female dress accessories as well, such as earrings, hand bands, headbands, necklaces and so on, then I ventured out with even more hand bags and more and more I got creative with these and now I am getting into my haircare line,” she stated.

Hudson explained that included in the haircare line are satin bonnets, soon to be launched, sloppy bennies, more exquisite headbands and many more items. She also said that the public will continue to see even more bracelets, tassel earrings, macramé

Managing Director of MH Designs, Melana Hudson products earrings, and necklaces – time,” Hudson offered. in a wide range of designs She told the Guyana and colours, ensuring that Chronicle that her busithere will always be some- ness is getting better and thing unique for everyone. this is because of her desire to be successful and her MARKETING determination to work PRODUCTS hard, developing on her “At first, it was a bit skills dad by day. tough but as I came out and started mingling VALUE FOR MONEY among people and they Hudson said, like with started realising what I any other type of business, was doing and liking my there are some things that products as well, they be- put a limit on what she is gan buy my stuff and even doing. started ordering specific She indicated that there things that they wanted are times when she is forced from me. to import ‘quality materials’ “I am so happy to see for the production of some that many people are ap- of her products, particularly preciative of my craft and for the making of her line my unique designs and so of bags. they order all sorts of things “I try to make sure that in the line of what I do. In I put out the best – to give fact, I have both local and people quality for their moninternational markets at this ey, in other words value for

Hudson proudly showing some of her handbags

displaying some of her their money, so in doing so sometimes I have to go and get stuff and bring them.

So that is one of my major issues,” she explained.

She further stated as a result of her having to import quality materials at times, it does affect the price some of her customers are asked to pay for her products.

However, even in this situation, she said her customers are always still willing to buy the products since she always strive to be reasonable with her prices, while ensuring that they get value for their money.

“For example, she said, I have customers who have my bags for years and they are still holding on to these bags. Sometimes when I see them I would say to them that they need a new bag and they would laugh. But in

A variety of clutch purses made by Melana Hudson all seriousness, my bags are strong and it is for that same reason that I always seek out the best materials and ensure that they are properly stitched and arranged,” she offered.

She explained that most of her customers tote a lot of load and so while her materials are mostly fabrics she always ensures that the quality is always there.

“I don’t want to know that I send a bag out there and it falls apart – that is so not right for my business so I ensure that even the way I design and stitch them, I make sure that they are strong enough,” she said.

FUTURE PLANS Hudson said the future plans she has for her business are very big.

“While in some ways the economy is tight and some businesses are slow, people still need bags and they still want to look good. At the same time, I try to ensure that the cost of my items are not too high to break people’s pockets; my main focus in starting this business was to always have affordable items. I am therefore positive that things are going to get better, not only for me and my business; that I am going to grow and expand, but I am also positive that things are going to bet better for my country, Guyana.

If you keep telling yourself that you can’t do it then you won’t do it. So as for me, I usually say I can, I will and I must and I have to,” Hudson stated.

Some of the hand bands, headbands and other accessories made by Melana Hudson

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 29, 2018

Andrews tops Enterprise Primary

By Anthony Layne

EOMA Andrews emerged the top candidate for Enterprise Primary at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) with 487 marks. Second was Joshua Caesar (483), followed by Ashaira Conway (478).

Eoma has been awarded North Ruimveldt Multilateral, Joshua, North Ruimveldt Secondary and Ashaira, Christ Church Secondary.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle about her path to the NGSA, Eoma attributed her success to her sacrificing much of her leisure time, to the dedication of her teacher --- and to extra lessons; and last, but certainly not least, to the support she received at home; in particular, she recalled her mother taking on the household chores that she (Eoma) would usually perform, thereby giving her invaluable time to study.

As far as her future is concerned, Eoma has her sights

set on becoming a paediatrician, because of her love for children.

Third-placed Ashaira credited her success to extra lessons and to her teacher Ms Allison Blenman, whom she said worked hard with her and other students.

Ms Blenman’s efforts, she said, were complemented by those of her mother and older sisters, who helped her tremendously with homework. Ashaira intends to pursue a career in medicine.

Meanwhile, Graduate Headmistress Valerie David, delivering her report at the school’s recent graduation ceremony, revealed that as compared to the last academic year, there were improvements in all subject areas and in overall passes.

In Maths, 40 per cent of pupils passed with 50 per cent and over; in English,66 per cent passed with 50 per cent and above; in Social Studies, 55 per cent were successful with 50 per cent and over; in Science, 56 per

cent passed with 50 per cent and over. Ms David heaped praise on her teachers, particularly those of Grade Six ,whom she said “carried them [pupils] over the last hurdle,and made tremendous sacrifices.”

Referencing the major challenges the school faced during the year, the headmistress mentioned the aggressive behaviour of pupils towards each other, indecent language and failure to complete assignments. Additionally, she lamented the poor example set by some parents who encourage their children to retaliate when attacked by their peers and the abusive behaviour of some parents towards teachers.

Ms David, who was presiding over her last graduation ceremony before proceeding on retirement later this year, delivered a strong message to parents : “ … It is your responsibility to ensure that they are loved,cared for and assisted

Eoma Andrews in every way to reach their full potential. Your duty is to ensure that this is done at all costs, so be there for them in every way that you can; guide them and protect them, show them love and understanding, attend their PTA meetings; be involved in every aspect of their school life and ensure that they complete their education. Please remember that every child has a special talent, identify it and channel their energies towards it .”

Joshua Caesar

Ashaira Conway

Delivering the charge to the graduates was Ms Goldie Scott, chief executive officer of Volunteer Youth Corps. Ms Scott charged them to stay focused on their goals and to work hard.Additionally,she assured them that once they have the support of their parents, peers and significant others, there would be no limit to what they could achieve. Echoing Ms. David’s message to parents, she exhorted them

to commit to working with their children, because there is a limit to what teachers can do.

Additionally, she urged them to spend time with their children, so that they may be able to spot their potential. Finally, she encouraged them to allow their children to be involved in programmes such as robotics and leadership, in order to enable them to realise their potential.

Jarrel Leander is KFC champion eater ‘KFC King’ Jarrel Leander collects his voucher from Marketing Manager Livasti Bhooplall (Adrian Narine photos)

Jarrel Leander (left) and Stephon Gabriel in tight competition

JARREL Leander of Kingston, Georgetown, emerged the champion eater in a chicken competition organised by the local Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) franchise.

Leander won the first round of the competition two weeks ago and went up against Stephon Gabriel, who won the second round last week.

In this, the final round, the duo raced to finish a 15-piece bucket of chicken in 15 minutes at the KFC, Regent Street location.

Both men cleared 14 pieces, Jarrel was ad-

judged the winner because he had managed to eat more of the chicken pieces than his competitor.

After winning, Leander said, “Today was very competitive,” and joked, “The man [Gabriel] could really eat.”

By eating his way past his competitor, the Kingston resident earned himself vouchers that can be used until the end of the year to get free KFC chicken buckets.

And, he was dubbed ‘KFC King’ by Marketing Manager Livasti Bhooplall.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 29, 2018

Union readies to roll out the red carpet –– as this year’s host of now annual Mega Emancipation celebrations

By Nafeeza Yahya

ON August 1 when Guyana joins the African diaspora the world over in celebrating the 180th Anniversary of the abolition of slavery, the East Berbice community of Union will be the toast of the Ancient County.

And that’s because, like the village of Gibraltar last year, it has been earmarked this time around to be the venue of a mega event to mark the occasion, simply called a Mega Emancipation Celebration.

Now officially known as Number 53 Village with the advent of Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), the name Union was reportedly derived from the word unity, in honour of those slaves who came together and pooled their resources to buy the community, which was once a cotton estate.

According to the hosts, the final touches are currently being put in place to accommodate the thousands of patrons, both local and foreign, who are expected to descend on the Number 53 Sports Complex, where a packed schedule of events is expected to unfold.

Word is that the guest of honour, as always, is President David Granger, whose knowledge of his country’s history is known far and wide. The occasion, the event’s hosts said, will be used to showcase a number of the president’s publications and other scholarly works.

Chairman of the event’s organising committee, Mr Kirk Fraser, told the Guyana Chronicle that patrons will be treated to a fun-filled day of African songs, dance, drumming, foods and culture in addition to art and craft.

The event is expected to kick off at 09:00hrs with what is called, understandably so, a ‘Freedom March’ from Number 49 Village to the Number 53 Sports complex, the venue of the mega event.

The Sports Complex, which was originally built by self-help, has since undergone a number of massive rehabilitative changes.

The march, Mr Fraser said, represents the migration of the slaves from Number 49 Village, where they were previously held captive, to Union, where they relocated after obtaining their freedom.

In addition to the cultural aspect of the programme, the event will see over 65 booths showcasing a number of art and craftwork commonly associated with the African presence, and African-oriented foods, such as your fufu, metemgee, konki, cook-up rice and cassava pone,as well as black pudding and white pudding, among other other delicacies.

Patrons, Mr Fraser said, will have the opportunity to purchase and sample the various mouth-watering fare while being entertained by live African drumming.

The villagers of Union, loosely known as “Congas” because of the assumption that their country of origin

Mr Vibert Welch is today’s Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in Central Africa, are said to be the ones who introduced Conga drumming here. The village itself is also regarded as home of the acclaimed ‘Congo Nya Drummers.’

Interestingly enough, the word “Conga” also refers to a type of drum used in Cuba to play folk music.

Said Mr Fraser, “I want to

encourage everyone to bring out the entire family, as the day will have something in store for everyone.

“And it is a great opportunity for the youths, especially to learn about our history and culture.”

Union is among few villages in East Berbice-Corentyne with a rich African history and tradition that has been preserved over the years.

In anticipation of the mega event, which is hoped to be used to showcase this to the entire country, massive rehabilitation works were done in the community that will see lots of long-term benefits for the villagers, especially the youths.

Mr Vibert Welch, Chairman of the Number 53 Complex Committee and a resident of the village, said he is proud of what they have been able to put together with grants from the government and assistance from the RDC. Upgrades were done to the multi-purpose building that houses an ICT hub, li-

The upgraded access road leading to the Number 53 Complex brary, women’s skills training centre, and is utilised all year round for meetings and entertainment.

Plus, the youths have a place in which to engage in recreational activities and get off the streets, Mr Welch said.

Rehabilitation was also done to the access road leading to the complex, as well as upgrades to

the fence and massive work to the grading, cleaning and levelling of the playfield.

Welch, too, is urging everyone to come out and experience first-hand, real African culture and traditions, and promises that no one will leave without having a great time, while being educated anout their history.

A fresh look

–– agro-processors push their brand, product at Uncapped

By Navendra Seoraj

AN attractive label or design always attracts the eyes of a naturally inquisitive human, so local agro-processors have started to capitalise on that by making their products stand out and be noticed.

In the past, the cost of good packaging was not favourable for local manufacturers, especially the small and micro enterprises. The advent of technology and other resources have presented manufacturers with the ability to ensure that their brand is exceptional.

An example of good presentation were the products made by Chanzar’s enterprise, a manufacturing business which had its well labelled and packaged products on display at the third Uncapped Market Place at the track and field facility at Leonora on Saturday.

Co-owner of Chanzar’s, Caroline David said their

Craftsmen/women had their beautiful designs on display as well (Uncapped photo) products which are branded Since it all started at plantain flour, cassareep and “Caesar’s Logi” contain no home, they added Logi to local juices, among others. preservatives and additives. the brand’s name because She believes that the list “Our look could compete Logi basically means home, will continue to expand bewith the international prod- where it all began. cause Uncapped presents ucts and our products are Although their heart is an opportunity for them to healthy… our aim is to help close to home, David said reach the customers and conpeople enhance their cooking the business hopes to extend sumers. in a healthy way,” she said. its reach to supermarkets out Chanzar’s was, howThe business, which was of Linden and even overseas. ever, just one of the 64 established by her father, has Some of the products that agro-processors who benebeen thriving on its image they offer include all-pur- fited in the same or similar and the natural components pose seasonings, clove powSee page 15 for over 40 years in Linden. der, mixed cinnamon power,

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 29, 2018

Noose tightens against human traffickers –– 77 alleged TIP victims rescued thus far this year

By Vishani Ragobeer SOME 77 alleged Trafficking in Persons (TIP) victims have been rescued so far for this year, Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally said on Saturday.

The minister made his disclosure at the Ministry of Social Protection’s (MoSP) ‘Freedom Fest’ held on Saturday at the D’Urban Park tarmac to raise awareness

in observance of World Day against Trafficking in Persons, which will be observed on Monday.

“Between January 5th to July 3rd, 2018, 77 alleged victims were rescued and provided with the necessary psychosocial support by the MoSP,” Ally said.

She also reported that 69 of those alleged victims were placed in protective care and some were assisted with job

A fresh...

From page 14

way from the expo.

Vice President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association, Ramsay Ali, said the association continues to host Uncapped with the aim of assisting local agro-processors to improve their business in many ways.

He said businesses which usually participate in the expo are able to improve their quality, packaging and the availability and presence of their products in stores.

Uncapped was first held at the Sophia Exhibition Centre for three days in 2017 and earlier this year it was shifted to the Guyana National Stadium where the participation grew.

The participation continues to grow, he said, noting that they hope to introduce Uncapped to Berbice in the last quarter of this year.

Guyana is expected to soon reap the benefits of

Some of the products made by Chanzar’s enterprise on display Saturday (Gabriella Hick photo) an emerging oil and gas sector and Country Manager of ExxonMobil, Rod Henson, said the country should maintain a diversified economy.

His suggestion was motivated by the wide variety of agro-processed products that were displayed at Uncapped.

He believes that Uncapped presents the best opportunity for small businesses to get their products to the market faster than usual.

“We already export rice and sugar, but we want to expand the range to more processed foods, so the growing industry needs encouragement,” Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin said at the recent Uncapped expo.

Although many businesses have been pushing the development of the agro-processing industry, the minister said the government will continue to support them by raising awareness about food standards, and making the regulations a little less complicated.

The minister had said the government will also conduct awareness campaigns so that everyone would know who is producing what, and the standards and certifications required for that type of production.

He believes that local businesses need to improve the quality of packaging in order to be competitive and attractive.

placements, educational and training opportunities along with judicial support, where necessary.

In May this year alone, eight of 16 young ladies (14 Venezuelans, one Cuban and one from the Dominican Republic) were rescued during a raid executed by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in Kitty, Georgetown.

Reminding that TIP is akin to slavery and it violates many basic human rights, Minister Ally declared: “Perpetrators will be prosecuted and we will do whatever it takes to ensure that former victims are given sufficient support services.”

The minister also acknowledged that the work of the Ministerial Task Force against Trafficking in Persons, the Counter-Trafficking in Persons (C-TIP) Unit of the MoSP, various faith-based organisations and other stakeholders have all been instrumental in the fight against this crime and the “callous industry”.

Minister Ally related that Guyana has been able to maintain its Tier- 1 ranking for meeting the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, as devised by the US Department of State.

The 2017-2018 national action plan for combating TIP; increasing the number of investigations, prosecutions, and convictions; and

Children gathering information from one of the Ministry of Social Protection (MoSP)’s booths at the Freedom Fest identifying and assisting more victims are all actions the ministry has been taking to combat TIP and which have helped it to maintain the country’s Tier- 1 status.

Ally, however, stressed that it is imperative for persons in society to be cognisant that human trafficking is not someone else’s problem, because it is a crime that affects all despite culture, creed or background.

“We all have a responsibility to bring this practise to an end,” she said, adding: “Survivors must be supported and their families aided and comforted.”

Ally also stressed that citizens must act “forcefully” against any suspected case of human trafficking.

According to her, “Too often we hear of stories of young men and women who

are promised legitimate jobs -- in the mining industry, for example -- but end up becoming victims to human traffickers.” Here, the minister voiced that persons are exploited, even sexually, and have their lives threatened daily.

The “heinous crimes” against these persons is an attack against the development of Guyana, Ally said, and noted: “We must be cognisant that for us to develop as a nation, we need all of our people -- our valuable human resources -- to be protected.”

It is for this reason the “Freedom Fest” was held on Saturday. The edutaining event sought to raise awareness among the general public on the vital role each person has to play.

Coordinator of the C-TIP Unit, Tanisha Wil-

liams-Corbin noted that the unit has been crafting programmes to empower victims to give them opportunities in order to get them to overcome their trauma.

The event included booths from the ministry and its various units and financial aid organisations as well. This was because, as Minister Ally noted, persons become more susceptible to human traffickers because of various root causes: extreme poverty, entrenched inequalities and the lack of opportunities. With this in mind, the ministry has structured its programmes around accelerating development as well.

Moving forward, Ally who is also the government’s chief whip, pledged the support of her ministry and government to stand with all victims.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 29, 2018

Region Two councillors agree on budget

THE regional democratic councillors from both the Government and Opposition sides have approved a proposed budget for 2019 at a special Regional Democratic Council (RDC) meeting held recently.

Some $46,270,000 for 2018 and $86,335,000 for 2019 in Capital Budget for Administration have been approved. For agriculture, $40, 000, 00 has been proposed and approved for 2018 and $177,275,000 for 2019; for public works, $68,230,000 in 2018 and $388,748,000 for 2019; for education, $193,800,000 for 2018 and $807,149,000 for 2019; and for health, $112,800,000 for 2018 and $330,015,000 for 2019 have all been approved.

Although there were a few amendments to the proposed budget, head of the Regional Democratic Council, Devanand Ramdatt said he was happy with the level of consultations done by the RDC in preparation of the budget.

“I feel that a budget should not only reflect what a council feel but should go

The regional democratic councillors during the specially convened meeting held in the RDC boardroom, Anna Regina through a process of consultations, and this is what I have been advocating for since I became regional chairman. The budget involved key stakeholders and am happy about that,” Ramdatt said.

He said at the various consultations, key stakeholders which included representatives from the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils,

Amerindian village councils, the Essequibo Chambers of Commerce and various programmes head of the Region Two Administration were able to give their views on key priority projects which they believed should be included in the budget.

Projects that were not in favour of the RDC were inspected and satisfactory amendments were made,

Ramdatt said.

He noted that the region’s 2019 budget will create a transformative and positive

impact on all the residents in Region Two, including the riverine areas.

Regional Executive Of-

ficer (REO) Rupert Hopkinson, who is the region’s accounting officer, said he was also pleased with the level of consultations from the various stakeholders and commended the efforts of the various programme heads.

Hopkinson said the budget focuses on the “Green State Development Strategies” and is positioned along a development path.

On the card for 2019 include several development projects such as constructions and rehabilitations of several schools, an agro-processing plant, construction of practical instructional centres at Cotton Field, renovation of the Suddie and Charity hospitals as well as the desilting of canals and drains.

Regional Chairman Devanand Ramdatt (centre), Anna Regina Mayor Rabindranauth Mohan (left) and Regional Executive Officer Rupert Hopkinson (standing) at the consultation held for crafting of the budget

Colombians freed of drug charge

FOUR Colombian men were on Friday freed of a drug-trafficking charge by Magistrate Esther Sam at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court due to insufficient evidence.

Yeison Sanchez, 27; Jesus Ameya, 52; Reginald Jamillo, 36 and William Regas, 36, all Colombians, were charged for aiding Gavin Adams to traffic 11.410 kilogrammes of cocaine between September 1, 2017 and January 2, 2018, at Grant Woodland, Pomeroon.

Adams was charged for trafficking the drug and is expected to lead his defence on September 10.

The foreign nationals were represented

by Attorney-at-Law Bernard DaSilva, who made a no-case submission, citing that Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit Prosecutor, Konyo Sandiford, had failed to prove her case and key elements of the charge.

Magistrate Sam ruled in favour of DaSilva and dismissed the charge against the foreign nationals.

In May, Angelica Malave, the girlfriend of Sanchez, was also freed by Magistrate

Judy Latchman in connection with a similar charge.

Malave was charged for aiding two men to traffic 11.410 kilogrammes of cocaine between September 2017 and January 2, 2018.

Her attorney Bernard Da Silva, during the trial, had noted that on several occasions the prosecution did not have any evidence against his client to sustain the charge before the court.

According to reports, on January 2, 2018, the police raided the home of Gavin Adams at Grant Woodland, Pomeroon. Adams took the ranks into a bedroom where the cocaine was being stored and gave a detailed report on how the drug got into the building and confessed. The Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) participated in the operation Based upon information, the police then went to Lot 288 Barrow’s Avenue, Republic Park, East Bank Demerara and apprehended Malave and seized a substantial amount of local and foreign currency.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 29, 2018

Tax (Amendment) Bill to assist small business

MINISTER of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman presented a Tax (Amendment) Bill aimed at creating a provision for small businesses to be issued with provisional licences.

The Bill, which Trotman presented to the House on Friday on behalf of Minister of Finance Winston Jordan, will amend Section 71 of the Principal Act by the insertion of a sub-section

4, when passed.

The proposed sub-section reads: “Notwithstanding anything to the contrary provided in this Act, the commissioner may issue, to a person who has applied to the

Man charged for having sex with relative LINDEN Benjamin, 50, a labourer of Mc Nab, Region Two, was charged for engaging in sexual activity with a family member when he appeared before Magistrate Esther Sam at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

The charge stated that on April 21, 2018, at Mc Nab, Lima Sands, he had sex with the family member.

He pleaded not guilty to the sexual offence charge and was granted $150,000 bail and will return to court on September 11.

commissioner for a licence, a provisional licence for a period of not more than two years, and for a fee of 50 percent of the respective annual licence fee, where it can be shown that the appli-

cation for the licence is in process and all efforts are being made to satisfy requirements therefor.”

The Explanatory Memorandum explains that the Bill seeks to empower the Guyana

Revenue Authority (GRA) to assist small businesses in the startup their operations, pending the grant of such permits as building permits and fire permits.

Labourer charged for exposing genitals FORTY-seven-year-old Khemraj, a labourer of Paradise Village, Essequibo Coast, was on Friday charged for exposing his genitals in public.

He made his first appearance before Magistrate Esther Sam at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court.

The charge stated that on May 22, 2018, at Danielstown, he exposed his genitals in front of an audience. He pleaded not guilty and was granted $50,000 bail.

The matter will be called again on August 28, 2018.

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Fire service to tighten fire regulations for hospitality sector THE Guyana Fire Service will be reintroducing strict requirements for the issuance of safety certificates given the increase in emergencies and other fire related disasters within Guyana’s hospitality sector, according to the country’s Chief Fire Pre-

vention Officer, Andrew Holder.

On the sideline of a Fire Safety Training Seminar for operators within the hospitality sector, Holder told reporters that over the past three years, there has been an increasing trend of fire related disasters.

For the first seven months of 2017, the Guyana Fire Service responded to 25 emergency calls from the hospitality sector, the Chief Prevention Fire Officer said while pointing out that the figure has almost doubled for the same period this year with 43 calls being

registered.

Based on investigations conducted, negligence and lack of knowledge with respect to fire safety and arson, topped the list of contributing factors. Holder said just about three weeks ago, the Fire Service averted what could have been a

Guyana’s Chief Fire Prevention Officer Andrew Holder major fire disaster at a food establishment on the East Coast of Demerara as a result of negligence.

He complained that many of the operators of hotels, guest houses, restaurants and eateries have failed to bring their establishments in compliance with safety requirements established by the Guyana Fire Service.

“As we speak the Fire Service has withheld a number of safety certificates for some of these entities because of the fact that they are non-compliant with our regulations and requirements,” Holder disclosed.

Chapter 22:02 of the Fire Service Act of the Laws of Guyana stipulates that the Chief Fire Officer must be satisfied that a premises is safe enough for human gathering before issuing a safety certificate.

While the Fire Service is pro-investment and pro-development, the Chief Fire Prevention Officer said it will mandate in the not so distant future that all operators adhere to the established regulations and requirements.

“In order for any hotel, guest house or similar establishment to be given this safety certificate, several things have to follow, an inspection of the premises, compliance with our recommendations and requirements and some amount of training in evacuation procedure for the staff because we need hoteliers to understand, should anything happen at their place of business, they are responsible for their guests,” he explained. It was noted too that the Guyana Fire Service is currently working with the Ministry of Public Security to upgrade and strengthen the Fire Prevention Act. As it is, the Fire Prevention Act consists of provisions for legal actions to be taken, but according to

Holder, the process is usually a lengthy one. He said that aside, the Fire Service remains pro-investment, and would utilise alternatives to ensure that the requirements are met.

The one day seminar which was held at the Fire Service Headquarters in Georgetown on Friday was attended by approximately 25 representatives from various hotels and restaurants including the Guyana Marriott, Tower Suites, the Guyana Pegasus, Grand Coastal Inn, and Sleep Inn. While it targeted smaller establishments as well, their representatives were a no show.

“These (guest houses and small food establishments) form the majority of our issue because of the fact that they are not up to international standards, they are not pressured to maintain proper housekeeping, maintain their electrical wiring,” Holder explained.

He noted that often times when they are approached by the Fire Service, there is resistance.

“Some of them would tell us that they are operating on a small scale and they can’t afford to put fire safety systems in place and stuff like that,” he explained.

The seminar was organised to edify operators within the industry of their roles and responsibilities should there be an emergency or disaster at their entity.

As such, focus was placed on general fire prevention – the chemistry of fire; kitchen fire safety in hotels; techniques in handling pots, stoves, microwaves and blenders among others; evacuation procedures; and use and operation of fire extinguishers.

Additionally, major emphasis was on the need to have in place safety mechanisms such as sprinklers and fire extinguishers in place.

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Bangladesh clinch ODI series despite Powell’s late assault BASSETERRE, St Kitts (CMC) – Rovman Powell’s late assault proved in vain as West Indies went down to Bangladesh by 18 runs in the third and final OneDay International here yesterday, to extend their painstaking four-year wait for a series win.

Chasing 302 – their highest-ever target against Bangladesh – West Indies once again lost their way in the middle overs and were restricted to 283 for six off their 50 overs.

Powell, entering at number six, top-scored with an unbeaten 74 from 41 balls to notch his second ODI half-century but lacked support down the order as the Windies lost wickets at critical moments, to tumble to their 12th defeat in 17 ODIs inside the last 12 months.

Talisman Chris Gayle struck 73 at the top of the order and stroke-maker Shai Hope chipped in with 64. However, the latter’s innings was an ultra-cautious effort and the run chase stalled, leaving the Windies with too much to do over the last 10 overs.

West Indies lost the series 2-1 following a 48-run defeat in last Sunday’s opener in Georgetown and then bounced back to win by three runs in the second ODI last Wednesday.

Left-handed opener Tamim Iqbal had earlier lashed 103 from 124 balls – his second century of the series – as Bangladesh rallied to 301 for six off their allotted 50 overs.

Mahmudullah struck an enterprising unbeaten 67 from 49 balls to provide the late momentum for the innings while Shakib-al-Hasan chipped in with 37 and Mashrafe Mortaza, 36.

Opting to bat first in the decisive affair at Warner Park, Bangladesh were provided with a solid start by Tamim, who anchored key partnerships to establish a solid platform.

Tamim, adjudged Man-of-theMatch and Man-of-the-Series, put on 35 for the first wicket with Anamul Haque (10), added 81 for the second wicket with Shakib, 36 for the third with Mushfiqur

Rahim (12) and another 48 for the fourth wicket with Mahmudullah.

Captain and fast bowler Jason Holder (2-55) broke the opening stand when Anamul tugged a simple catch to Kieran Powell at mid-on but Tamim and Shakib then rebuilt to ensure Bangladesh reached 116 without further loss at the half-way point of the innings.

The left-handed Shakib had faced 44 balls and struck three fours when he skied to Keemo Paul in the deep off off-spinner Ashley Nurse (2-53) and Mushfiqur lasted 14 balls before missing a scoop and having his stumps rattled by Nurse.

Mahmudullah, however, arrived to partner with Tamim and energise the latter half of the Bangladesh innings.

Tamim raised his half-century off 66 deliveries in the 22nd over and then required another 54 balls to reach his 11th ODI hundred in the 38th over.

All told, he blasted seven fours and a couple of sixes before falling in the 39th over, caught low down at square leg by Powell, mis-placing a sweep off leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo.

There was no loss of momentum on his dismissal, however, as Mashrafe joined Mahmudullah to in a fifth-wicket stand which yielded 53 off 42 deliveries.

Mahmudullah blasted five fours and three sixes – the second of which raised his half-century off 44 balls.

All told, Bangladesh gathered 42 runs from the last three overs as West Indies bowlers struggled at the death.

Needing to score at just over six an over, the Windies were anchored up front by Gayle who put on 53 for the opening stand with Evin Lewis (13) and a further 52 for the second wicket with Hope.

Lewis, shackled for most of his 33-ball stay, was first to fall when he tried to hit out and edged seamer Mashrafe (2-63) behind in the 11th over.

Gayle appeared focused on a big innings, facing 66 balls and crunching seven fours and five

sixes. He brought up his 49th ODI half-century off just 40 balls in the 15th over but perished in the 22nd to a catch in the deep off seamer Rubel Hossain.

Hope, dropped on 20 by Rubel off off-spinner Mehidy Hasan in the 32nd over, put on 67 from 83 balls with Shimron Hetmyer who made 30, but failed to find the acceleration required after Gayle’s departure.

He soaked up 94 balls and counted five fours, watching as Hetmyer missed a heave and was bowled by Mehidy in the 36th over and then turning down Powell’s offer for a quick single, after the left-hander had charged down the pitch and was run-out for four, at 179 for four, in the 38th over.

West Indies required 109 runs from the last 10 overs and even though Rovman Powell, who smashed five fours and four sixes, dominated a 45-run, fifth-wicket stand with Hope and a 38-run, sixth-wicket partnership with Holder (9), the Caribbean side came up short.

SCOREBOARD BANGLADESH innings Tamim Iqbal c Powell b Bishoo 103 Anamul Haque c Powell b Holder 10 Shakib-Al-Hasan c Paul b Nurse 37 Mushfiqur Rahim b Nurse 12 Mahmudullah not out 67 Mashrafe Mortaza c Gayle b Holder 36 Sabbir Rahman c Lewis b Cottrell 12 Mosaddek Hossain not out 11 Extras (lb1, w11, nb1) 13 Total: (6 wkts, 50 overs) 301 Fall of wickets: 1-35, 2-116, 3-152, 4-200, 5-253, 6-279.

Bowling: Cottrell 9-0-59-1 (nb-1, w-2), Holder 100-55-2 (w-2), Bishoo 10-1-42-1 (w-2), Paul 9-0-77-0 (w-1), Nurse 10-1-53-2 (w-2), Gayle 2-0-14-0 (w-2).

WEST INDIES innings C. Gayle c Mehidy Hasan b Rubel Hossain 73 E. Lewis c wkp. Mushfiqur Rahim b Mashrafe Mortaza 13 S. Hope c Shakib-Al-Hasan b Mashrafe Mortaza 64 S. Hetmyer b Mehidy Hasan 30 K. Powell run-out 4 R Powell not out 74 J. Holder c Rubel Hossain b Mustafizur Rahman 9 A. Nurse not out 5 Extras; (lb-3, w-8) 11 Total: (6 wkts, 50 overs) 283 Fall of wickets: 1-53, 2-105, 3-172 4-179, 5-224, 6-262.

Bowling: Mortaza 10-0-63-2 (w-1), Mehidy Hasan 10-0-45-1 (w-4), Mustafizur Rahman 10-0-63-1 (w-1), Mosaddek Hossain 1-0-10-0, Mahmudullah 2-0-20-0, Rubel Hossain 7-0-34-1, Shakib-AlHasan 10-0-45-0 (w-1).

English Racing Tips Pontefract 09:30 hrs Pentland Hills 10:00 hrs Almunther 10:35 hrs Gabr 11:05 hrs Mr Wagyu 11:35 hrs Rock Force 12:10 hrs Canford Bay Uttoxeter 09:10 hrs Vive Le Roi 09:40 hrs Adams Park 10:45 hrs Ennistown 11:15 hrs Imperial Presence 11:45 hrs Thelunarschooner 12:20 hrs Mrsrobin Wolverhampton 08:20 hrs Evanescent 08:50 hrs Penny Poet 09:20 hrs Zmhar 09:50 hrs Solar Gold 10:20 hrs Medici Oro 10:55 hrs Matchmaking 11:25 hrs Blyton Lass 12:00 hrs River Rule South Africa Racing Tips Turffontein 08:30 hrs Maple Syrup 09:05 hrs Rebel’s Champ 09:40 hrs Infamous Fox 10:20 hrs Make Me Happy 10:55 hrs Fortune Fella

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Thomas set to win Tour de France as Froome salvages podium finish

By Julien Pretot ESPELETTE, France (Reuters) - - Briton Geraint Thomas is set to win his maiden Tour de France after he held on to the overall leader’s yellow jersey in the penultimate stage yesterday.

Barring an accident in the procession to the Champs-Elysees today, the 32-year-old Welshman will give Team Sky their sixth title in seven years after Bradley Wiggins in 2012 and Chris Froome in 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

Froome had been the favourite to retain his title but he paid the price for the efforts he made to win the Giro d’Italia in May as he just failed to become the first man in 20 years

to achieve the Giro-Tour double.

Froome took second place in the 31-km time trial, against the clock, from SaintPee-sur-Nivelle, won by a single second by time-trial world champion Tom Dumoulin, with Thomas coming home third, 14 seconds off the pace.

Overall, Thomas leads Dumoulin by 1:51 and Froome by 2:24 after the lanky Briton leapfrogged Slovenian Primoz Roglic, who cracked in the last competitive stage.

Thomas topped the provisional rankings at the first checkpoint but the Briton rode cautiously to the line, taking no risk on sometimes slippery roads to secure his first grand tour title.

He posed for cameras

with his national flag and Dave Brailsford, the man behind all of Team Sky’s Tour de France victories and who was brought up in Wales.

Froome, who started the race as team leader, came close to another stage win but eventually had to concede defeat to Dumoulin. But he at least salvaged a podium finish after dropping to fourth overall following Friday’s last mountain stage.

Stage winner Dumoulin said: “It’s an amazing day.

It was stressful, though, because this morning I could not find my (world champion) rainbow jersey suit and I had to ask my sponsor to give me a new one at the last minute.

“What a crazy day.”

A gracious Froome told reporters: “It’s a dream to

School of the Nations cricketers meet Minister Norton A FEW members of School of the Nations’ cricket team on Friday paid a courtesy call on the Hon. Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton.

The team recently competed at the Sir Garfield Sobers International Schools Cricket tournament in Barbados, securing 15th position among the 22 teams that participated in the tournament.

Speaking with Minister Norton, the players all agreed that while they did not win, the experience gained from playing in Barbados was a learning curve, and will help them to become better cricketers.

The team members expressed gratitude to Minister Norton for his support and the continuous encouragement he extended prior to their departure for the games.

“We are grateful to you, Minister Norton and the Ministry, for always being there to assist our young athletes,” team coach Darien Best said.

Having listened to each of the young cricketers talk about their experience and how different the cricketing

Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton is presented with a detailed report of the Sir Garfield Sobers International Schools Cricket tournament.

landscape is in Barbados, Minister Norton asked for their view of what areas need to be addressed here in Guyana.

The young players highlighted that limited sponsorship of local cricket is a major concern.

“The cricketers in Barbados play a lot more games than we do. Our cricketers do not benefit from that steady exposure to good competitions. We also recognise the need for more emphasis to be placed on sports in the school system,” Best said.

Minister Norton told the team that he is, and has been

working aggressively to ensure that cricket in Guyana is regularised during his tenure as the Minister responsible for Sport.

Dr Norton encouraged the team to continue playing good cricket despite the challenges that exist. He reminded the players that they are young men with bright futures, and should always strive to maintain a respectable reputation.

The team also presented Minister Norton with a detailed report of their trip, including an overview of the matches that were played.

Team Sky rider Geraint Thomas of Britain, wearing the overall leader’s yellow jersey, finishes. (REUTERS/Benoit Tessier)

finish on the podium with Geraint. It’s incredible after a very hard day yesterday.

I wouldn’t have thought it was possible after yesterday.

I’m really happy.”

HAPPY TO SURVIVE France’s Julian Alaphilippe and world cham-

pion Peter Sagan, of Slovakia, both finished within the time cut and are set to claim the polka dot jersey for the mountain classification and the green jersey for the points classification, respectively.

“Yesterday was so hard.

I’m happy I survived it,” said Sagan, who crashed heavily

in a descent on Wednesday.

“Today was OK and tomorrow is the end of the Tour.”

Frenchman Pierre Latour will finish 13th overall and will clinch the white jersey for the best Under-25 rider.

Top horses on show in today’s Emancipation meet WITH over 60 top horses from Guyana, confirmed to participate in the Emancipation horse race meet, a truly pulsating and family fun day is in the making.

The one-day event is billed for the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club, Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne facility.

Thousands are expected to throng the famous venue for the six-race meet, where a fair amount of cash incentives and trophies are up for the taking.

In an invited com ment yesterday, Justice Cecil Kennard disclosed that all systems are in place for the mega event, which is expected to be an action-packed day of racing.

Kennard pointed out that the track is in superb condition and some fast times are expected in the grand showdown The feature race is open to horses classified ‘E1 and Lower’ and carries a first prize of $600 000. The other top three finishers will earn $300 000, $150 000 and $75 000 respectively.

… Over 60 animals confirmed to compete

A competitive day of racing is anticipated.

Other races on the day’s card include events for ‘L Class’ non-earners of $50 000 from January 2017.

The winner will receive $120 000.

‘K’ Class and Lower horses will compete for the $300 000 first prize, while two-year-old animals will vie for a top prize of $200 000.

The ‘L Class Open event will have $140 000 on offer

for the winner, while the three-year-old Guyana-bred Open and J2 and Lower will see the winning stable collect a top prize of $160 000.

Admission to the venue is $1200 for adults and $300 for children, while car parking and programme cost $500 and $300 respectively.

Race time is 12:30hrs.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 29, 2018

OMSCC Inter-county Over-40 tournament

Essequibo face uphill task to retain supremacy Frederick Halley TORONTO, Canada — After winning the Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs (OMSCC) Inter-county Over-40 softball tournament for an unprecedented five consecutive years, Essequibo face an uphill task to maintain supremacy when they square off with Demerara, Berbice and an All Stars combination at the Ashtonbee Reservoir ground on Caribana Sunday.

In a lopsided final, played at the same venue last year, the boys from the Cinderella County made light work of East Coast Bannas after earlier disposing of West Demerara in their semi-final encounter.

The eight-wicket victory in the Khan Memorial-sponsored tournament, played in honour of the late Samad,

Cecelia and Simon Khan, saw Essequibo rush to 98 for two in a mere 8.5 overs after earlier restricting East Coast Bannas to 92 for eight in the 20-over affair.

All Stars duo Yunis Usuf and Lloyd Ruplall

Hemnarine Chattergoon

Rovendra Mandolall

Significantly, Berbice who failed to field a team in last year’s tournament will be vying for honours this time around while a full-fledged Demerara team

ICC to help Zimbabwe Cricket settle outstanding player dues THE International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed the release of funds to Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) to enable the board to pay outstanding dues owed to its players and staff, including the players’ match fees.

This payment, announced via a Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) release yesterday, is part of the ICC’s package of measures to help the debt-stricken board get back on its feet.

ZC and ICC are still working out the full details of the payment plan, which was first announced at the ICC’s annual conference in Dublin earlier this month.

“Payment plan proposals will be discussed and communicated to all outstanding creditors once this process has been concluded,” the release said.

“This brings welcome re-

are also hard at practice for what is expected to be a hotly-contested tournament.

lief to the current staff and players and is the first step in the recovery process of cricket in Zimbabwe to its former health and strength.”

Zimbabwe played their two most recent series - a T20I triangular involving Pakistan and Australia, and an ODI series against Pakistan - without a number of senior players, who made themselves unavailable for selection after ZC failed to meet the players’ June 25 deadline for a payment plan for two months’ outstanding salaries and their match fees dating back to their tour of Sri Lanka in 2017.

ZC will now hope the players return to the fold ahead of Zimbabwe’s next international assignment, a tour of South Africa starting late September for three ODIs and three T20Is. (ESPN Cricnfo)

Among the big names set to represent the defending champions are former Guyana national player Jaimini Singh, former youth player Rovendra Mandolall, Azeez Baksh, Amarnauth Sukhoo, Robert Lall and Rudy Bhopaul.

Former West Indies and Guyana Under-19 player Hemnarine Chattergoon

headlines the Berbice combination which also comprises the likes of Mohan Harihar, Yadram Bogh and Muniram Karran.

Seasoned Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) stalwarts Yunis Usuf, Lloyd Ruplall and Ramo Malone will be donning the colours of the All Stars side, sponsored by businessman Nirad Lall. The trio have been performing outstandingly for both GTA Storm in the Ontario Softball Cricket League

(OSCL) and Impact in the OMSCC tournaments.

Former Guyana player Shivnauth Seeram and outstanding all-rounder Mahendranauth ‘Bobby’ Parasnauth make up a formidable lineup.

The Demerara team is being coordinated by Mark Khan, Raymond Seecharran and Patrick Shivrattan who were still to release the nucleus of the squad.

Meanwhile, the OMSCC will also be staging its

first-ever Over-60 game on the same day. According to president Azeem Khan, the match is being held in appreciation of the league’s founding members, past and present board members and sponsors.

The action gets underway at 10:00hrs and this year’s championship trophy is being sponsored by Dr Rudy Singh and his brother, Dr Raj Singh. Several other trophies and cash prizes are up for grabs.

Cricket teammates, rivals congratulate Pakistan’s Imran Khan on vote win

Imran Khan’s former cricket teammates and rivals have congratulated him on his election victory.

IMRAN Khan’s former teammates and rivals have congratulated the World Cup winner after his party won the most seats in Pakistan’s election.

The Election Commission said Friday that Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party enjoyed a strong lead over the outgoing Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) but short of an overall majority.

Khan will likely need to enter into a coalition to form a government.

“Congratulating the

new Prime Minister of our country,” tweeted ex-bowler Wasim Akram, who was part of Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup-winning side captained

by Khan.

Wasim had thrown his support behind Khan, 65, in the run-up to the election.

“It was in your leadership skip @ImrankhanPTI that we became world champions in 1992. It is in your leadership that we can again become a great democratic country,” he wrote on Twitter.

Wasim’s new-ball

partner Waqar Younis -who also flourished under Khan’s tutelage -- praised the leader-elect’s live broadcast to the nation on Thursday in which he claimed victory in the election.

“A special speech from a Great Leader.. Very simple, honest and practical .. Feeling so proud to be a student of such a Mentor.. Congratulations Skipper,” he tweeted Another member of Pakistan’s triumphant World Cup squad Ramiz Raja also lavished praise on Khan, considered one of Pakistan’s best ever all-rounders.

“Who could be a bigger and better example of a leader than Imran Khan, who as a super star had the world at his feet and yet elbow greased for 22 years to work for his objective and vision. He’s special and we are proud to have him as our Prime Minister,” Raja posted on Twitter.

Khan, who vowed to improve relations with arch-rival India in his first comments following Wednesday’s polls, also received praise from across

the border.

“Imran is the epitome of setting the bar high and reaching it. Congratulations & good luck to my cricketing hero, Imran Khan!” tweeted former Indian batsman Sanjay Manjrekar, who scored a double hundred against a Khan-led Pakistan in 1989.

Ex-Indian all-rounder Kapil Dev, who was a contemporary of Khan, tipped the former right-arm fast bowler to “deliver” as Pakistani leader in a TV interview.

“It looks nice that a cricketer and one whom we know is going to be the PM,” said Dev. Current Pakistan players Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Hafeez also posted messages on Twitter.

“Congrats to @ImranKhanPTI i hope u guys will do the best for Pakistan,” tweeted Amir.

“Ma Shaa Allah (God has willed) @ImranKhanPTI U done it once again.

Long marathon struggle against corruption. A man of strong belief,” wrote Hafeez. (Amazon .com)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 29, 2018

Ozil shines on return as Arsenal crush PSG 5-1 in Singapore

By John O’Brien SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Mesut Ozil enjoyed a successful return to action at the end of a tumultuous week as the German midfielder scored the opening goal for Arsenal in a 5-1 victory over a makeshift Paris St Germain side in a pre-season friendly in Singapore yesterday.

Ozil sensationally quit the national side on Sunday citing “racism and disrespect” for his Turkish roots as he bore the brunt of criticism following Germany’s disastrous World Cup, but he looked relaxed and focused against the French champions.

Arsenal fielded a strong team with Ozil installed as captain and the Premier League side soon took

control against weakened opposition, given the time and space they will not be afforded when the domestic campaign kicks off in August.

The German did not need long to stamp his authority on the contest, side-footing past a stranded Gianluigi Buffon in the 13th minute after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had raced clear down the right and sent a pinpoint low cross into Ozil’s path.

The Gunners were utterly dominant and should have added to their tally, but Buffon showed the brilliance that earned him 176 caps for Italy, saving well to deny Alex Iwobi, Aubameyang and Henrikh Mkhitaryan when they were all clean through on goal.

The French champions offered little in a tepid first-half

display, midfielder Azzedine Toufiqui twice curling shots wide of Bernd Leno’s righthand post before the German keeper stood firm to block Timothy Weah’s powerful shot in the 34th minute.

Christopher Nkunku produced Paris St Germain’s best moment of the half shortly before the break when the French midfielder jinked past three Arsenal defenders before sending a rising shot just over the Arsenal crossbar.

Paris St Germain made a much stronger start to the second half and Nkunku soon tested replacement goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez with a stinging free kick from the edge of the penalty area that the Argentine parried clear with a diving punch.

Nkunku was not to be denied from the penalty spot,

Mesut Ozil however, sending Martinez the wrong way with a spotkick awarded on the advice of the assistant referee after Weah had tumbled spectacularly following a clumsy Sead Kolasinac challenge The 60th-minute strike was reward for Paris St Germain’s endeavour but they were only level for seven minutes as substitute Alexandre Lacazette scooped a sublime finish

England should pick the best players - Botham ENGLAND are right to “cut the bull out” and pick Adil Rashid for the first Test against India, says Sir Ian Botham.

The 30-year-old’s inclusion for the Edgbaston Test, which begins on Wednesday, has divided opinion because he is only playing limited-overs cricket for Yorkshire this summer.

Botham, however, supports the decision.

“It is the best conditions for him,” said Botham. “The pitches are going to be dry and I am pretty certain he will get purchase out of them.”

He added: “I hope he does really well. I like the kid - he is very intense and always wanting to do better with his bowling.

“His bowling has come on leaps and bounds.”

Leg-spinner Rashid is a key player in England’s limited-overs team but has not played a red-ball match since September having elected to concentrate on the shorter formats.

However, after taking six wickets at an average of 25 in

Adil Rashid

three one-day internationals against India, and taking into account the current dry conditions in the UK, England recalled Rashid for his first Test since 2016.

The move angered Yorkshire, whose chief execu-

tive Mark Arthur said the county were “surprised” by Rashid’s recall, while the White Rose’s director of cricket Martyn Moxon said county clubs are “feeling a little bit like doormats”.

“With this case in particular we feel a little bit aggrieved,” Moxon said. “Counties have to pick up the consequences of what decisions England make.”

Former England captain Michael Vaughan supported his former county’s view suggesting Rashid should have made himself available for the four-day Roses clash against Lancashire last week - but the player has defended his decision to switch his focus in the last year.

Ex-England all-rounder Botham thinks Rashid has done little wrong and suggested some of the blame should be placed at England’s door.

“I have seen some ridiculous stuff written, and I am very much on Adil’s side,” said Botham, 62.

“I find it quite bizarre.

Adil wanted to play whiteball cricket, he has bowled

exceptionally well and in the last two series he played in Test cricket he bowled very well.

“Then for some reason England messed him around a bit.

“He took the option (to only play white-ball cricket), he has now bowled extremely well, they said: ‘Look, come in for this series, we would like you to play’, then I hear later on that they have told him if you don’t sign up to a four-day contract for next year you can’t play.

“Excuse me, if that is the attitude why is he playing now? They make it difficult for themselves.

“He is now on top of his game, he has come to terms with his game and how he should perform and I am really happy he is back in there.

“England should be playing their best players regardless of white-ball or red-ball contracts. If he is an English-qualified player and he can play - play. Cut all the bull out.” (BBC Sport)

over Buffon from close range to re-establish Arsenal’s advantage.

The Frenchman needed just three more minutes to double his personal tally when Buffon missed a punch as Paris St Germain scrambled to clear, leaving an unmarked Lacazette to make it 3-1 with a free header that bounced in off the post.

Defender Rob Holding and striker Eddie Nketiah

rounded out the scoring in the dying minutes as a rampant Arsenal more than made up for a disappointing penalty shootout defeat to Atletico Madrid in the tournament opener on Thursday.

Paris St Germain, who will welcome back a raft of World Cup players next week, take on the Spanish Europa League winners in the final match of the event tomorrow.

Malteenoes to host heated softball double-header today

Fazleen Mohamed

FRESH off convincing victories in their latest games, Fishermam Masters and Success Masters will clash in a heated battle when the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc. (GSCL Inc.) Over-40 round-robin tournament continues today at the Malteenoes Sport Club ground, Thomas Lands.

In the latest action two

weeks ago, Success Masters thrashed Narine Masters by 103 runs in a lopsided contest at Everest. The victors were led by Hackeem Majeed with 64, Vijay Baljit 35 and Baldeo Muller 25 as they compiled 187 for 8 from their 20 overs before bowling out Narine Masters for 84.

Turn to page 29►

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 29, 2018

BCB provides stipends for National U-19 players and coach THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) recently provided financial stipends to its junior cricketers and coach who have been selected to represent the country at the regional Under-19 tournaments.

Receiving benefits were Kevlon Anderson, Kevin Sinclair and Junior Sinclair of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, Alex Algoo of Young Warriors Cricket Club, Javed Karim of Blairmont

and Kevin Umroa of Albion Cricket Club.

Coach Julian Moore is the seventh Berbician that would be a part of the Guyana team seeking to defend both three-day and 50-overs titles which they won last year.

The BCB handed over a combined US$350 to the seven Berbicians under a scheme, which was launched earlier this year.

“The Berbice Cricket

Board under my presidency would spare no expenses to make sure that our players are well looked after and I would like to reassure that the board would always be on friendly terms with our players as they are the reason we exist,” President of the BCB said.

The hardworking president proudly announced that Berbice was the only county board that provides stipends for its players and this would

The youth cricketers pose with officials of the BCB.

continue as long as he remains at the helm of Berbice’s cricket.

He stated that he has gone out of his way to make sure that every player feels

Preparations underway for Caribbean Table Tennis Championships

Kaysan Ninvalle PREPARATIONS are underway for Guyana’s Mini and Pre-Cadet table tennis teams which will be head-

ing to next month’s Caribbean championships in the Dominican Republic.

The Caribbean’s Mini

Malteenoes to host heated ...

While Fisherman Masters replied to 133 for 3 made by RR Masters with 137 for 2 from 15.1 overs for the easy 8-wicket win.

Troy Ramsaywack (76) and Dennis Mangar (36) led the chase nicely with a huge partnership for which RR Masters had no answer.

However, the game of the day saw Regal Masters turn the tables on HS Masters with a 26-run victory in challenging conditions. Regal took first strike but were held up early on by the opposition bowling which was led by Samuel Kingston with 3-13 from four overs.

After losing their top

order cheaply with Eoin Abel, Linden Lyght and Mahesh Chunilall back in the hut with the score on 46 for 3 in the ninth over, the victors got a busy 31-run partnership from Saheed Mohamed (29) and Fazleen Mohamed (21) that put them on course for the challenging total.

After their dismissal, the lower order also cashed in with cameos from David Harper (15 not out), Mahendra Hardyal (15) and Parsram Persaud (10 not out) that took them to 129 for 7 after 20 overs.

HS Masters, who briefly entertained thoughts of a

and Pre-Cadet championships will be staged in Santo Domingo, August 26-31 and a 16-member squad will represent Guyana at the event.

The Under-11 Boys will come from Dhanesh Persaud, Alexander DeAbreu, Malachi Moore and Colin Wong, while the Under-13 Boys will be led by current national champion Jonathan Van Lange and will include 2016 gold medallist Kaysan Ninvalle, Krystian Sahadeo and Christopher Barrow.

The female Under-11 unit will feature Jasmine Billingy, Akera Watson, Samantha Sukhai and Rachel Saunders, while Titans’ Thuraia Thom-

as will lead the female Under-13 line-up with Nkechi McRae, Tatyana Mohamed and Roze-Anna Saunders completing the team.

The players are currently under intense training at the National Gymnasium as they step up preparations for the event.

The best two Caribbean Boys and Girls 13 years-and-under and 11 years-and-under players will be selected to participate in the Latin American World Hopes training and competition scheduled for October.

From page 28 ► second consecutive victory over Regal Masters following their thrilling last-ball win the last time the two teams met in May, then ran into Gamal Seenjan and their plan vanished.

Left-arm bowler, Seenjan opened and sent down his four covers consecutively for just nine runs while claiming a key wicket. HS Masters never recovered from the slow start and eventually folded for 103 off 19.5 overs. Fazleen Mohamed returned to claim 3-22 while Hardyal (3-30) and Persaud (2-23) supported admirably.

In the games today, Suc-

cess and Fisherman Masters will battle on Pitch Number Two while Narine Masters and RR Masters will slug it out on Pitch Number One. Both games begin at 10:00hrs.

Meanwhile, Regal Masters who drew the bye this week are leading the points table as the tournament edges closer to the play-off stage.

The other Masters teams in the tournament are Albion, Essequibo and Parika. The round-robin Over-40 and Open tournament are sponsored by Ink Plus, Crown Mining Supplies and Elegance Jewellery and Pawn Shop.

a part of Berbice cricket and most importantly is given equal opportunity to excel.

Each of the players expressed gratitude to the Berbice Cricket Board for the

stipends and the role the board is playing in his careers.

Meanwhile, the BCB has unveiled a comprehensive development campaign for its youth cricketers.

Langer to head new T20 selection panel NEW coach Justin Langer will become Australia’s main T20 selector as part of changes announced yesterday by Cricket Australia.

Mark Waugh, who resigned earlier this year, won’t be replaced by a new selector, with Langer to instead take on Waugh’s former role as chair of T20 selection.

A three-man panel of Langer, Trevor Hohns and Greg Chappell will handle Test and ODI cricket, while the coach will take responsibility for the T20 side and be supported by Hohns and Chappell as well as coaches and talent managers from Australia’s domestic teams.

Under the previous structure that was introduced last year, Waugh led a two-man panel with former coach Darren Lehmann to pick Australia’s teams for T20 internationals.

The structure for Test and ODI selection effectively remains the same, with Langer filling Lehmann’s role alongside selection chairman Hohns and national talent manager Chappell.

Australia had risen to near the top of the ICC’s T20 rankings earlier this year, which CA’s team performance manager Pat Howard says vindicated Waugh’s role as a selector focused on T20 cricket.

Justin Langer

“Having a selector focus on the T20 format for the past 18 months was viewed as a success ... and we will look to continue this in a slightly modified way,” Howard said.

“This sees Justin take on additional responsibility as both the head coach and lead selector in Twenty20 cricket, as we build towards the ICC World T20 in Australia in 2020.

“Justin has performed a similar role previously while (he was) coach of the Perth Scorchers, and has a wealth of knowledge around the Big Bash League and its players.

“The changes also see the State Talent Managers and Big Bash League coaches involved in the selection process for Twenty20 cricket, as we consult our experts in Australian cricket.”

The selection panel’s next task will be to decide on Australia’s Test squad for their October series against Pakistan.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 29, 2018

Josiah-Tanner leads relay team to gold medal at Masters Outdoor Championships

… finishes second in 10 000m

EULEEN Josiah-Tanner led her club team, the Southern California Track Club, to a gold medal in the 4x800m relays after claiming silver in the 10 000m in day three of the 2018 USA Track and Field (USATF) Masters Outdoor Championships in Spokane, Washington.

Yesterday’s medals take the Berbice-born runner’s tally to four. She had won gold in the 5000m and silver in the 800m on Thursday, running in the 40-44 age division.

The 44-year-old clocked 40.42.7 in the 10 000m and although it was not close to her personal best of 36:57, she still felt it was a great race, since she managed

to stay up with the pack, which included both male and female runners from different age groups.

“It was a combined event with men and women running together. I was in 4th position from start to finish in the overall race and second in my age group.”

After the 10 000m, Josiah-Tanner had a few hours before she competed in the relay (40-49 age division).

Running the first leg, the mother of three set the pace and created a lead that her team enjoyed to the end.

Her split of 2:34.28 was the fastest by her side. Her team won in a time of 13:13.45.

The dominant US-based

Guyanese long-distance runner is competing in her first-ever Masters Outdoor Championships. In March, at her first Masters Indoor Championships, she had won the 3 000m, while last month, she finished 21st overall and as the third person from the US to cross the finish line at the International Triathlon Union World Duathlon Championships in Denmark.

At that event, she was tasked with running a 10k, before biking 20k and running an additional 5k.

The former six-time Courts 10k winner is scheduled to close the championships with the 1500m and the 4x400m relay today.

Euleen Josiah-Tanner has won two gold and two silver medals so far at the premier Masters event in the US.

Euleen Josiah-Tanner has won two gold and two silver medals so far at the premier Masters event in the US THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) launched the 2018 edition of the Guyana Cricketer Magazine at the Presidential Suite of the Guyana National Stadium, Providence last Wednesday during the second ODI between West Indies and Bangladesh.

Present were several dignitaries, politicians, spectators, executives and staff of

the GCB. Marketing Manager of the GCB Rajendra Singh gave a brief background of what the magazine captured while Secretary Anand Sanasie added his elation at the launching of the highly anticipated 2018 edition.

Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira, who penned an article in the magazine titled ‘Reflections’, was presented with the first book.

The books were then personally distributed to several distinguished persons in attendance at the launching as well as spectators in the stands. Indeed it was the perfect atmosphere since the Windies headed for a well-deserved victory against the Bangladesh team.

The GCB would like to thank its sponsors who continue to add value to

this magazine as well as the artwork team and everyone who contributed with their articles to make this year’s magazine a hefty one.

The magazine is free and can be uplifted at the GCB office on 221-222 Regent Road Bourda, Georgetown.

Dominican born LeBlanc to head women’s football in the region GCB’s Marketing Manager Rajendra Singh and Secretary of the GCB, Anand Sanasie, during the launching ceremony.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday July 29, 2018) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Andre Russell (2) Keemo Paul Today’s Quiz: (1) Who top-scored for the WI in the second ODI of the recent series against Bangladesh?

(2) Who was the highest individual scorer for Bangldesh?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

MIAMI, (CMC) – Karina LeBlanc has officially been named as the head of the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) women’s football and will take up her new position on August 3 LeBlanc, who was born to Jamaican and Dominican parents and lived in Dominica until the age of eight, has been charged with spearheading the confederation’s campaign to strengthen and grow the women’s game throughout the CONCACAF region.

The former goalkeeper eventually moved to Canada whom she represented in five FIFA World Cups, two Olympics and three Pan-American Games. She

was a member of the bronze medal-winning team at the London Olympics in 2012.

In 2013, she became the first female professional footballer to be appointed as UNICEF ambassador.

LeBlanc also worked as a broadcaster and motivational speaker.

“I am honoured and excited to join CONCACAF at a pivotal time for women’s football. I have seen the growth and potential of our game across the CONCACAF region and around the globe and look forward to create additional opportunities for women in football.

“Our confederation is well-positioned to continue supporting and inspiring its member associations to build, develop and elevate

Karina LeBlanc is CONCACAF’s new head of women’s football

the women’s game,” LeBlanc said.

LeBlanc, who will be based at CONCACAF’s Miami head office, will report to the Chief of Football Officer, Manolo Zubiria.

CONCACAF president

Victor Montagliani, welcomed his countrywoman to the post, at a time when he said the Confederation is broadening and consolidating its development and growth portfolio.

“We are very pleased to welcome Karina LeBlanc as head of CONCACAF women’s football. She brings vast knowledge and passion for the sport, having played for 18 years and served as an advocate to provide access for more women to the game,” he said.

“She is the right leader to support our mission of advancing and promoting women’s football in a sustainable and scalable way. She will contribute to increase participation and awareness at all levels,” Montagliani added.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 29, 2018

Calvin Ming (second) chases the De Force number 11 car of Kory Enders.

Exciting Ming makes up five spots in race two

Calvin Ming awaits the start of yesterday’s Qualifying.

(By Stephan Sookram in Ohio, compliments of Ming’s Products and Services, Mohamed’s Enterprise and National Sports Commission THE three-race weekend continued for Guyanese Calvin Ming in Ohio with another promising performance which brought him fifth from a 10th place start.

Yesterday morning’s early qualifying was filled with lap drama as positions were topsy-turvy on the last lap of the 20-minute session.

On newer rubber, than most of the pack, Ming was running fourth as the session winded down and when he pitted, he had all but secured his spot on the second row.

However, blistering sessions from his American team-mate Kaylen Frederick, Sweden’s Ramus Lindh and Brazilian Lucas Khol along with the rest of teams pushed him down.

Ming’s 1:21.3380 time was good enough for 10th in that session which saw the top 14 cars separated by just under tenths of a second with pole-sitter Frederick setting a time of 1:20.6447.

From the start, Ming was on the attack, using the outside of the track through turn four to gain the inside advantage through turn five. His teammate and pole-sitter Frederick missed the braking zone at turn 2 on the opening lap which pushed him to last and a few laps later, he crashed out at turn 4.

Ming, on the other hand, was clinical.

When he was close enough, he took the outside line on the fifth turn to get the inside of turn six, doing so twice including his move into fifth.

His exploits moved him

five places in the 20-lap race which had significantly less yellow flags than yesterday, with Cape’s Kyle Kirkwood to take another win, Pabsts Khol to finish second and Igor Fraga to finish third.

He told Chronicle Sport, “Today was good, passing-wise. I didn’t get where I wanted to be in qualifying but it meant that I had to push from the start in the race.”

“I found some grip on the outside (of turn five) since yesterday (Friday) and I just sent it (the pass). So all in all, a good drive today. Tomorrow (Sunday) is going to be another hard day.”

Ming starts 16th today after grid positions were decided based on the fastest lap of yesterday’s race.

While stuck in traffic, he was unable to set a quick time. However, some of the back-markers used a safety car period to quickly pit for new rubber and were able to set solid race times which will allow them to start in the front of the pack.

Race time is 12:45hrs.

HQ are Champions of GPF’s Athletics Championship AFTER a long day in the field where spectators were treated to many thrilling encounters at the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) Athletics Championships, Head Quarters (HQ) were the winners with several outstanding performances from athletes Anfernee Headecker, Samuel Lynch, Joanna Archer and Tiffany Carto.

When the points were tallied on Friday night at the Police Sports Ground at Eve Leary, HQ were head and shoulders above their three other competitors, with a whopping 613 points.

HQ’s nearest challengers were the Country Division who finished on 344 points, while A Division ended with 293 and B Di-

vision 123.

The champions were especially outstanding in the relays, particularly their 4×400 team who lit up the Eve Leary track.

In his closing remarks, Assistant Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken thanked the athletes for their efforts while announcing that the best of the best will be pocketing as much as $150 000 each. Hicken commended all for their discipline and noted the importance of camaraderie.

Also present at the opening of the day’s proceedings was Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton.

The champions of the GPF Athletics Championship, HQ Division, pose with their trophies and prizes.

Bangladesh clinch ODI series despite Powell’s late assault PAGE

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Chris Gayle registered his 49th ODI fifty. (Cricbuzz photos)

Tamim Iqbal scored his 11th ODI ton and also registered the record for the most number of runs by a batsman in a three-match ODI series in the Carribean

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All-rounder Rovman Powell salutes the crowd after reaching his half-century against Bangladesh in Saturday’s final ODI at Warner Park. (Photo courtesy CWI Media

SUNDAY, JULY 29, 2018