Guyana Chronicle E-paper 08-11-2018

SATURDAY 11th August, 2018

Trotman still in charge No.105363

…of Natural Resources Ministry 03 PAGE

Murder rate

down 17%

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26 more

14 PAGE

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land Perseverance

turn-key houses ‘Otisha’

must Minister of Social Cohesion Dr. George Norton samples one of the products on display at the conclusion of a Agro-Processing training programme at the Guyana School of Agriculture, Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara on Friday. The four-day programme saw 27 students from Regions Three, Four, Five, Six, Eight and Ten graduate with knowledge in food quality labelling, packaging and preservation. It was a collaborative effort between GSA and the Ministry of Presidency’s Office of Youth Empowerment. (DPI photo)

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19

stand trial

for alleged rape of boy

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 11, 2018

WUSC donates over $8M in equipment to Hope Estate -to benefit farmers in the community

FARMERS who operate within the Hope Estate would be able to access over $8 million in tools which were donated by the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) through its PROPEL initiative.

Over the years, farmers from the community have been using traditional means of cultivating their farms but, the equipment will assist them in shortening the time they take to prepare and cultivate their farms and improve their efficiency.

The Hope Coconut Industries Limited was tasked with storing and managing use of the equipment. In order to access the equipment, farmers would have to pay a small fee, said General Manager of Hope Coconut Industries Limited, Ricky Roopchand, during the handing-over ceremony on Friday.

‘This is a very special day for us… it augurs well for the estate and for the farmers who will have access to the equipment,” he said, adding

that it will not be a “free for all,” because they would need finance to sustain the tools.

Some of the items which were donated include four land tillers, four knapsack sprayers, four mist blowers, four direct seed planters, water pumps, grass cutters, boats, outboard engines, storage room and safety gear.

Deputy Project Director of PROPEL, Munish Persaud said the equipment will help to build the capacity of the Hope Coconut Industries Limited, but also provide a service to the farmers who need them.

The items were specifically donated as requested or needed by farmers, he said, adding that prior to making the donation, a team from the project met with farmers who expressed their concerns and said what was needed.

Persaud said the team observed that women were the poorest farmers in the area, so they would get priority for the equipment.

Although women would be the main beneficiaries, it would not restrict men from utilising the tools as well.

Farmers are also expected to benefit from training on how to use the equipment.

“The tools gon help me weed my farm faster, because I would take like half day to weed part, but with the new equipment, it gon take me less time,” said one of the female farmers from the community.

While the equipment would be beneficial for farmers, it would also help the company to boost its revenue stream.

PROPEL, which was implemented in five Caribbean countries (Barbados, Dominica, Guyana, Jamaica, and St Lucia), works with private-sector buyers, producers and governments to support up to 11,500 small to medium-scale producers in the Caribbean.

The organisation also works with processors and

A representative of PROPEL (left) hands over the items to General Manager of Hope Coconut Industries Limited, Ricky Roopchand, as farmers from the Hope Estate observe (Samuel Maughn photo)

related businesses to increase the supply of agricultural products – particularly fresh produce – to high-value markets, like supermarkets, hotels and traders, including exporters and importers, in the Caribbean.

Gender equality is an important element of the project, so the organisation has started to integrate gender-equality approaches by supporting women and men’s equitable access to high-value markets, sup-

porting women’s leadership and decision-making, and increasing the institutional capacity of partners to equitably respond to the needs of women and men and address gender-inequality issues.

‘Fun Park’ heads to MoE Ground tomorrow – to mark National Play Day

By Gabriella Chapman FUN Park Rentals in collaboration with the Ministry of Education will be hosting its third Annual National Play Day tomorrow at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground on Carifesta Avenue.

The theme for this year’s event is ‘Celebrating Children’s Right to Play!’

According to Acting Assistant Chief Education Officer (Nursery), Samantha Williams, play time has been significantly on the decline, with the focus more on academics at school, and parents being too busy to find the time to play with their children at home.

She also cited the rampant use of technology as another cause for the decline, adding that it’s because the Ministry of Education understands the importance of balance in the education of children that it seized the opportunity to

collaborate with Fun Park’ on this initiative.

Said ‘Fun Park’ CEO and National Play Day founder, Athalyah Yisrael: “A vision backed with confidence will allow you to change the world.” True to her word, in 2014 she had this vision to deliver excitement to children, which is how she came to found Fun Park Rentals, where they deliver excitement to children with bouncy castles and trampolines.

And in doing that, she found that there was a little problem, and that was that children were not spending enough time playing outdoors; that they were too caught up indoors logged on to technology.

“Playing outside is beneficial for a child’s development. It helps in developing their minds; helps them to exercise social skills, and it helps them to be physically healthy, among other things,”

Ms Yisrael said, adding: “So, in 2016, we launched play-day in Guyana, and we collaborated with the Ministry of Education because we see it as a national event. The more Guyanese children play, the better Guyana will be.”

She shared that a new bit of excitement has been added to the programme this year, and that they’ve also made provision for adults to also participate in the games instead of coming and watch their children.

To formally launch National Play Day 2018, ‘Fun Park’ delivered memorable play and bouncy castle fun to the orphans at the Red Cross Children’s Convalescent Home in D’Urban Backlands on Thursday, as their way of taking play to less fortunate children, and demonstrating how play can improve children’s social skills as well as help them learn how to work in groups, to share, to negotiate, and better resolve conflicts.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 11, 2018

Trotman still Natural Resources Minister –– Ministry of the Presidency confirms

THE establishment of the Department of Energy (DoE) under the purview of the Ministry of the Presidency has not resulted in Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman being stripped of his portfolio.

In a statement to the media on Friday, the Ministry of the Presidency made it clear that by virtue of a notice posted in the August 2, 2018 edition of the Official Gazette, Minister Trotman may no longer be responsible for petroleum (oil and gas) matters, but he still holds responsibility for gold and diamond-mining, logging and forestry sectors.

“The ministry would like to place publicly on record that the establish-

ment of the Department of Energy does not take away from the minister’s responsibilities,” the Ministry of the Presidency said, adding: “The DoE has only resulted in the Petroleum Division being shifted from the Ministry of Natural Resources to the department under the Ministry of the Presidency.

“All responsibilities for the natural resources sector, including the gold and diamond- mining, logging and forestry industries, among others, remain with Minister Trotman.”

The ministry’s statement follows a Stabroek News article dated August 10, 2018, suggesting that Trotman is no longer the

Minister of Natural Resources.

“Despite the fact that the Head of State President David Granger and the Ministry of the Presidency have, on several occasions, publicly stated that the minister has not been stripped of any responsibilities and remains a significant member of the government, this untruth has still found its way into the Stabroek News.”

The ministry noted that it was the Minister of Natural Resources who publicly stated on February 28, 2018, that it was he who had proposed to Cabinet that a Department of Energy be established and managed under the Ministry of the Presidency.

In a concept note submitted to the Cabinet, Minister Trotman had outlined the need for the new department, and the role it would take on with regard to oil management.

He stated that “given the evolving macro-economic and national security considerations, and the transformative nature of the imminent production of petroleum,” it is his view that several matters must be taken into consideration. Key among those matters was the proposal that “all policy matters, including, but not limited to, the negotiating and entering into contracts, and issuing of licences for exploration and production, be transferred/re-assigned to the Ministry of the Pres-

idency and placed within a Department of Energy and Development.”

The Ministry of the Presidency made it clear that the Natural Resources Minister continues to provide “sterling leadership at the ministry, and enjoys the confidence of President David Granger”, and that “it is under Mr. Trotman’s stewardship that significant progress has been made in capacity-building and preparations for ‘first- oil’.”

The ministry stated that while the government promotes and stands behind freedom of the press, the media must “pay attention to the ethics and responsibilities that ought to be observed in the profession of journalism.”

“The media must

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman take its responsibility to provide accurate information to the members of the public seriously,” the ministry stated.

‘Capacity-building for our population is key’

MINISTER of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, on Friday met with a delegation from the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), an international organisation of which Guyana is a founding member, that focuses on assisting countries to adopt new green models in their development and investment planning, formulate ‘green’ growth policies, build capacities for implementation of ‘green’ growth policies and mobilise finance for ‘green’ growth investments.

Since 2017, through a collaborative effort, GGGI has been assisting Guyana in the Scaling up of Renewable Energy Project and has been hosting workshops for the public and private sectors to garner widespread involvement. Through the collaboration, the GGGI through its Engineer/ Consultant, Mr. David Fernandez, has been assisting in the preparation of an Urban Sector Solar Energy Programme.

This programme is being designed to cater to both the commercial and industrial companies and will see the installation of solar photovoltaic panels at identified companies. Funding is also being sought through international financial institutions for the execution of

-Minister Harmon to GGGI delegation

Minister of State Joseph Harmon and other officials during the meeting this project.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed the Urban Sector Solar Energy Programme, Scaling Renewable Energy Programme, possible financing options and accessing Global Climate Funds (GCF) and the possible establishment of an office for the GGGI in Guyana. Minister Harmon, in his remarks to the group, said that in building capacity for the implementation of ‘green’ growth policies, local content is most impactful when buttressed by a prepared and educated population. He noted that Guyanese

must be equipped to take control of the development of their homeland. “In my view, local content can never progress unless you have the people being prepared to take their positive roles in society… So, while [we] will legislate for local content, if we do not prepare our people to benefit from that legislation, then it is basically… a piece of paper that gives the companies obligations, but do not really create a real benefit for the people themselves… I believe that capacity-building for our population is key through all of this—to the extent which

we’re able to get assistance in preparing our population, educating them, training them, and bringing them up to a certain level [where] they can, in fact, take over [the] management… of some of these projects… [This] is critical to us in our own development,” he said.

Minister Harmon also said that Guyanese are eager to see more tangible benefits of ‘green’ living and it is therefore important that moves are made in a positive direction as soon as possible.

“We have a population that is becoming more impatient.

They are hearing about this

‘green’ solution… but they want to hear something delivered that is ‘green’… I think they want to see some direct benefit coming out of this ‘green’ approach that we’re talking about and I believe that… we can demonstrate that it can positively impact the lives of every Guyanese citizen at their basic level…

We need to deliver. We need to deliver something to them that is transformative in their own lives, that is cheap and that is definitely connected to green growth…,” he said.

The meeting was also attended by Ms. Ndibi Schwiers, Director of the

Department of Environment; Ms. Sandra Britton, Liaison Officer, Department of the Environment; Mr. Gavin Bovell, Project Manager of the Office of Climate Change; Mr. Muharrem Askin, Senior Energy Engineer, Investment & Policy Solutions Division, GGGI; Ms. Charlotte Chow, Investment Officer, Green Investment Services; and Dr. Chanho Park, Director & Head of Programmes, Large Emerging Economies, Green Growth Planning & Implementation. (Ministry of the Presidency)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 11, 2018

Teachers to strike from August 27 –likely to be at it two weeks TEACHERS across the country are to go on strike from August 27, and the exercise is likely to run for two weeks, President of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) Mark Lyte said Friday.

Lyte said August 27 is the day all pre-term activities begin, and teachers are expected to be at school then. This is a regular and annual feature, he noted.

“As president and executive, we were given a directive that we need to take strike action, so we are in the process of preparing the letters to the minister and other ministries, especially the Ministry of Labour, that

A gathering of teachers eagerly await news outside of the Ministry of Education on Thursday as their union executives negotiate inside (Delano Williams photo)

the union will be taking strike action with effect from August 27,” the GTU president stated.

He said all teachers are expected to return to school on August 27 to prepare for the opening of school. “So we are withholding our services for that week, and that will run into the first week of school. So, for now, it will be a two-week strike which can also be extended.

“We have other options; we are, of course, not ruling out protest action: Teachers marching in the streets, but initially we are going to be taking a full-blown strike; withholding our services,” Lyte declared.

He made it clear that teachers are prepared to go on strike, for they believe that the government

Wednesday 8, August, 2018

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has disrespected them by offering a $700M payout.

“The minister came out and said increases should be based on performance, and during a tense period like this, it was insensitive to be saying those things to teachers. And I think that further agitated the crowd,” Lyte said.

He believes the move to take strike action is a last-resort one after repeated attempts to come to an amicable and workable solution to the concerns of teachers with respect to the multi-year proposal submitted by the union to the government.

“I am extremely disappointed,” Lyte said, adding: “After threatening before that we are going to take strike action, the President intervened and they set up a taskforce.

“One would have expected good intentions,

5, 1, 2

but looking at the counter-proposal, there was no intention there. I think the whole thing was put on pause and delay the proposal.”

Lyte noted that the counter-proposal by the government has “nothing in it for teachers, so this is a really disrespectful approach”.

The GTU president told reporters that teachers need to be respected.

“Teachers have reached a stage where they don’t want to hear of further discussions; they want to hear figures that we can accept,” Lyte stated.

O n T h u r s d a y, r e p resentstives of the Ministry of Education met with representatives of the GTU to discuss government’s counter-proposal.

The union said that instead of offering percentage in salary increase,

4, 9, 11, 14, 16

02 06 10 11 13 22 16

the government is offering teachers an overall payout of $700M towards salaries.

Lyte had said Thursday that when stretched across the 10,000 teachers in the system, the money would come up to little individually. “It is chicken feed for the teachers,” he lamented Thursday. He said that of the 27 issues presented, the government either rejected or could not address 22.

Teachers have been calling for duty-free concessions, Whitley council money, performance incentives, clothing allowances, improved qualifications allowances and hard-line station allowance. One of the most important areas teachers have been looking to have addressed is the debunching and salary increases.

10, August, 2018

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9, 6, 2

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1, 6, 13, 14, 17

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 11, 2018

Costa Rica Supreme Court rules Biodiversity Portal Launched against same-sex marriage ban By: Cara l. Foster

(BBC) Costa Rica’s Supreme Court has ruled that the country’s same-sex marriage ban is unconstitutional and discriminatory.

The court ruling gives the country’s legislators a time limit of 18 months to change the current law.

The president welcomed the ruling, saying he wants to guarantee “no person will face discrimination for their sexual orientation”.

However many lawmakers are evangelicals who strongly oppose gay marriage.

A Supreme Court judge, Fernando Castillo, told a press conference on Wednesday that the ban will automatically cease to legally exist in 18 months, even if no action is taken by the legislature.

The legislative chamber has 57 seats - 14 of which are held by evangelical members.

Protestors gathered outside the Supreme Court in San Jose this week to demand change

Late Wednesday’s ruling complies with a judgement issued in January by the Inter-American Human Rights Court that said samesex marriage should be recognised by all of its signatory members.

Enrique Sanchez, the country’s first openly gay legislator, told AFP that he did not believe the assembly would work out a law change between themselves.

He is a member of the

Citizen Action Party, led by President Carlos Alvarado who came to power on a proLGBT platform.

President Alvarado is a former rock singer and novelist, who won the presidential run-off in April following a campaign where LGBT rights became a key issue.

He beat evangelical pastor opponent Fabricio Alvarado, who vowed to defy the Human Rights Court’s rulings on same-sex rights.

Cabinet considers budget (Trinidad Newsday) THE Prime Minister is leading his ministers in planning for the upcoming national budget and the development programme at today’s one-day Cabinet retreat at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann’s, a statement from his office said.

The event was due to run from 7.45 am to 5 pm.

His office also issued a photograph of him and ministers sitting at tables around a room, the PM sporting a red pullover and male ministers largely ditching their ties but retaining their collared shirts and jackets. Dr Rowley is flanked by Minister of National Security Stuart Young and Planning Minister Camille Robinson-Regis. The two side tables are headed respectively

by Finance Minister Colm Imbert and Acting Attorney General Fitzgerald Hinds.

The retreat follows a small but momentous Cabinet reshuffle announced on social media last Sunday night. In this, Young was put to head National Security, on top of being Communications Minister and a Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), while being relieved of his former duties in the AG’s Office. Many commentators quipped that Young was now “Minister of Every-

thing.”

In the reshuffle, former minister of national security Edmund Dillon was made Minister of Housing.

La Horquetta/Talparo MP Maxie Cuffie became Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Public Administration. Cuffie had once been a cabinet

minister in that ministry but after suffering a stroke and a lengthy period of recuperation, he was made a non-cabinet minister, and now a parliamentary secretary. The ministry is now headed

by Marlene Mc Donald, formerly a non-cabinet minister under Cuffie.

(Barbados Advocate) After twelve long months of preparations, the Caribbean Biodiversity Information Portal has finally been launched.

Speaking at the official launching ceremony, which took place at The Savannah Hotel yesterday morning, Assistant Curator of the Natural History Department at the Barbados Museum and Historical Society, Kerron Hamblin, revealed that the project was a year long regional project among the Museum, the University of the West Indies Zoological Museum at the St. Augustine Campus and the National Zoological Collection of Suriname.

“This project aims to improve access to biodiversity data in Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname, and through this information portal it is expected that sharing information about

where and when species have been recorded, whether they are museum specimens or geotagged cellphone photos from citizen scientists, can assist in addressing regional priorities such as the impacts of climate change, the spread of invasive species, the need for conservation and protected areas, food security and public health,” he said.

“Currently the portal is just populated with information from the three partner institutions, but naturally, because the natural history collection at the Barbados museum is quite small, there are some gaps in the specimen record for Barbados.

Therefore, we need the help of stakeholders, such as yourselves, in closing the knowledge gaps and creating a more accurate picture of Barbados’ biodiversity.”

Speaking to the stakeholders present from the Bellairs Research Institute and The UWI, Cave Hill Campus,

Hamblin stressed that it is important to contribute to the portal as national inventories of biodiversity across the region are incomplete and [also] natural history collections as they are small and lack sufficient support.

“This portal that you will be introduced to today, intends to not only provide a clearer picture of biodiversity across the region but also to provide accurate data that could help to more effectively inform decision making, policy and research,” he said.

Paul Ouboter, Head of the National Zoological Collection at the Anton de Kom University in Suriname, echoed Hamblin’s sentiments, noting that the lack of data was a problem, and expressed that it was important for persons to understand the importance of the portal so that they could add information to share with other regional and international entities.

Brothers,Santo Domingo man slapped with 16 charges (Trinidad Newsday) Two Morne Diablo brothers and a third man from Santo Domingo were charged yesterday with 16 counts of

rape, kidnapping, grievous sexual assault and indecent assault arising out of the kidnapping of a 23-year-old Venezuelan woman.

The victim was rescued by a joint team of Anti-kidnapping Unit officers and the South Western Division last week Wednesday.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 11, 2018

Cutting wastage THE Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations two years ago drew attention to the National Agricultural Research & Extension Institute (NAREI)’s report that Guyana loses up to 23 per cent of the cassava it produces, and that 30 per cent of our fruits are dumped.

This sampling of wastage in our society when hunger and poverty around the world persist ought to serve as a declaration of the country’s potential, should these resources be properly harnessed.

Right here there are persons who go to bed without a meal and live in poverty, when, evidently, it ought not

to be so. What NAREI’s figures are telling us is that there exists an underlying deficit that ought to addressed, particularly in the areas of capacity for storage, distribution and markets.

President David Granger and some of his ministers have also routinely called on Guyanese to buy and consume local products.

Sensitisation is key here in cultivating taste, pride in producing and consuming local, creating employment and economic opportunities for self and fellow Guyanese, and the value of playing a role in reducing poverty and hunger.

Resurgent focus on local foods, admittedly, has left

Guyana somewhat behind in several instances. In addition to technology (that is, research and development), the appreciation of local products has diminished. Rectifying both requires investment, monetarily and culturally.

A process of education could include empowering producers and vendors with packaging techniques to make their products attractive, in addition to avoiding or minimising damage. Preservation and presentation techniques should also aim at putting the country at a competitive advantage in the global market.

At the self-sufficiency level, production of fresh foods enhances the nation’s

developmental thrust, assists the people’s desire for a healthy lifestyle, and reaching for the aspiration of breadbasket status in the Caribbean.

But such achievements are not without challenges. In the 21st Century where, globally, the benefits of organic and fresh foods are being pursued for health benefits, it is still not unusual to see Guyanese shying away from our local products. Some have come to associate using such products with poverty.

Such conditioning matters not that imported foods, most of which are processed, are not only unhealthy but diverting needed foreign exchange that can be directed to press-

The Krauss dilemma Dear Editor,

RECENTLY, the NY Times’ Clifford Krauss travelled to Guyana. Many Guyanese applauded the move, thinking that he was there to bat for the country. Far from it, Krauss was there simply to mark his spot at the wicket the way a batsman does when he is about to bat. Right now, he is surveying the field.

Put another way, Krauss went to Guyana to thread the needle; which is to say, he was looking for a way to spin a narrative that people would latch onto.

And the only reason he decided to go there is because Exxon has been showing so much success. This could get bad for Guyana in the future, and here is how.

If Exxon continues to be successful discovering well after well, then Krauss and his backers would look for a pretext and stitch Guyana into a straight-jacket, for their convenience, and through machination hijack the country’s petroleum pursuit.

It is true that Krauss is just a journalist, but many reporters are pawns working hand-in-glove with the government and private enterprises for a price.

Bear in mind that it is the NY Times that was caught red-handed canoodling with Hillary in the last US election. And, just recently, the paper stood solidly behind Sarah Jeong, a newly-minted editor with

numerous racially incendiary tweets to her name.

But the paper has its reasons, however ironic, just as Krauss and the people behind him have their own slanted reasons for wanting to go and paint Guyana in a corner.

It is basic psychology: If you beat up on someone and constantly portray him worst off than he really is, sooner or later that individual would come to believe it.

From that point onward, controlling and manipulating the target is a cakewalk. It is no doubt that Krauss and his ilk are up to the same game. Put Guyana down and then march right into the pie itself, using one of the “three paved highways”.

It seems that the Guyanese who are celebrating Krauss have a short memory.

Remember the days when the CIA actively worked to destabilise Guyana. Many seem to forget that entire “cloak and dagger” period, spanning decades, when Guyana teetered on the edge, engineered by operatives hell bent on sowing seeds of distrust and mayhem; never mind the welfare of Guyanese, many of whom had to run helter-skelter, forced to migrate overseas.

And when you think of it, these dark days could plausibly come back. With the US riding a wave of populist nationalism, Guyana might not seem important. For now! But given that China is creeping into every nook and cranny in the hemi-

sphere, even in big, bold ways such its $50M space station in Argentina’s Patagonia region (“China’s Long, Quiet Push Into Latin America, NY Times, 7/29/18), things could change in a flash.

It is exactly this kind of thrust that would force the hand of the US to re-enter and expressly counter the outstretched but far- reaching tentacles of Beijing.

Guyana’s strategic position is unrivaled and could prove crucial if the chess game gets too one-sided for the US to live with.

And thus, this is just one of the ways it could begin to unfold.

Someone like Krauss shows up and begins the process. Soon, Guyana is virtually nailed to a cross, crisscrossed by people who are out to hoist the country on a stake, while they make it their religion to tell you about “pie in the sky”, which, incidentally, fits in with the mantra that Guyana is not ready.

Guyana does not need a pen-andpaper specialist. If the country needs professional opinion, it should seek out and hire an expert. I believe that the President is on the right track by making history and education priorities in his administration. The great philosopher, George Santayana, nailed it with this quote: Those who forget history are condemned to repeat it.

Regards Ram Narine

ing local issues requiring attention for development.

Recognition by the government that there needs to be collective effort to arrest the trend of not being favourably disposed to local products and turning it around is well taken. Where acknowledgement is given that the government has to create the enabling environment for production and consumption to thrive, there are some areas that readily come to mind.

The government can look at providing institutional strengthening to NAREI through increased financial investment that will facilitate intensified research, and attract the brightest of minds through employment or ex-

change programmes. There is also utility in examining local market surveys to understand perception, production and consumption patterns, requirement to get the goods to the marketplace, storage facilities and availability, and other relevant factors.

In penetrating the international market, the government could utilise its overseas missions, whereby commercial units can be set up to monitor economic activities, including preferential tastes in the host countries. Guyana and Guyanese can achieve what the President has been calling on them to do. But doing so requires commitment to the ideals.

Climate Change...

What can we possibly do to mitigate it?

Dear Editor, THERE has rightly been talk of what the government can do to mitigate climate change. But what can we as individuals do?

New research published in the journal, Science has revealed that avoiding meat and dairy products is the single biggest way you can reduce your environmental impact on the planet. The analysis has revealed that livestock, which takes up 83 per cent of farmland and produces 60 per cent of agriculture’s greenhouse gas emissions, provide only 18 per cent of our daily intake of calories.

It has also revealed that the elimination of meat and dairy consumption would result in the reduction of more than 75 per cent of global farmland, an area equivalent to the US, China, European Union and Australia combined.

A World Wildlife Fund report has found that 60 per cent of global biodiversity loss is down to meat-based diets. A graph produced by Our World in Data suggests that, on average, 0.01m2 of land is required to produce a gram of protein from beans or peas, as against 1m2 to produce a gram of protein from cattle or sheep: A 100-fold difference.

Beef production results in up to 105kg of greenhouse gases per 100g of meat. Tofu, on the other hand, produces less than 3.5kg. In Ireland, a third of our greenhouse gas emissions come from ruminants. Albert Einstein’s quote has never been more apt: “Nothing will benefit human health and increase the chances for survival of life on Earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet.”

Regards Rooplall Dudhnath

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 11, 2018

Guyanese should demand investments in infrastructure, education and social services

Dear Editor,

NOT long after taking office, the APNU+AFC coalition government disbanded the $10,000 school grant initiative on the grounds that it was “fiscally unsustainable”, and could be seen as an “electioneering gimmick”.

Fast-track to August 1, 2018 and President David Granger is quoted in a speech urging Guyanese not to be

“slothful”, to desist from seeking “raises”, and to get prepared for the oil economy.

A few days later, the economist, Professor Clive Thomas suggested that every household in Guyana should benefit from an annual cash payout when oil revenue begins to flow. Enter the flip-floppers and party hacks.

Those who agreed that the PPP-led government schoolgrant initiative was being used as an electioneering

gimmick now think that a potential coalition government oil-payout initiative is the best thing since sliced bread; those who firmly agreed with the President that the culture of “always wanting a raise” was counterproductive, now say handouts from oil revenue is a brilliant idea.

One only has to look across at Venezuela to see how the creation of a welfare State killed productivity and contributed to soaring

‘Goldfields’ willing to find jobs –for laid-off sugar workers Dear Editor, SKILLED employees recently laid off from GuySuCo’s closed or downsized estates were given the opportunity to turn their technical training towards employment in the mining sector, as Guyana Goldfields Inc./AGM Inc. (“the Company”) conducted a five-day recruitment exercise recently.

The recruitment team endeavoured to secure the services of these employees in a continuation of the Company’s commitment to hire skilled Guyanese workers from any area to boost the efficiency of the mining operations.

This was also in recognition of the fact that many of these employees who were recently laid off were graduates of the sugar industry’s training centre, and possess many years of experience in much-needed skill areas.

The recruitment was done in communities close to various sugar estates that have been either closed or downsized, including on Saturday last at Corriverton, and on Sunday at the J.C. Chandisingh Secondary School at Rose Hall.

Interviews were also completed on Monday at the Canje Secondary School, and on Tuesday at the Enmore Community Centre.

On Wednesday, the same opportunities were offered at Wales on the West Bank Demerara for persons to be employed as positions become open.

AGM Inc.’s Human Resources team led the exercise, supported by personnel from the various departments scouting for these technical talents, including the Mines, Mill, Maintenance workshops, and Security and Camp Services. The prospective employees were told that this exercise was held to refresh and update the Company’s skills database, so that they could be considered for employment in currently existing vacancies, as well as for any job openings that may subsequently arise, especially in the face of the Company’s expansion plans.

Residents of these areas turned out in huge numbers, eagerly seeking information on the Company’s operations, which was provided in a short briefing by Mr. Benny, as well as the opportunity to secure a job. While over 30 persons participat-

ed in the on-the-spot interviews at Corriverton, over 200 persons were present in Canje and Berbice, and an additional 200 persons at Enmore to vie for these job opportunities.

The team focussed on interviewing persons with specific skillsets, including heavy-duty mechanics, auto mechanics, welders, electricians and auto-electricians etc. Several persons were also interviewed for possible employment in the hospitality sector of the operations as well. AGM Inc. looks forward to building a long and sustainable partnership with these new members of our work team, as we continue to provide a firstclass work environment and opportunity for employment to personnel from across all regions of Guyana. A similar outreach exercise is expected to be completed in Linden on Monday, August 20.

To obtain more information on this outreach, please contact: AGM HR Division at 238 Thomas Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown,Guyana.

Regards Guyana Goldfields Inc./ AGM Inc.

911 system was never down Dear Editor, CONTRARY to reports in some sections of the media that the 911 system is down, please be advised that this is furthest from the truth.

The Guyana Police Force wishes to caution that

the 911 facility is there for a specific purpose, and must be allowed to serve that purpose.

We have noted the prank calls and other calls which clearly waste a lot of valuable time and other resources, and we urge citizens to conduct themselves

in a manner in keeping with that of being a good citizen.

Regards Jairam Ramlakhan Superintendent Public Relations and Press Officer Guyana Police Force

inflation. Closer to home, the Amerindian community in Guyana has been the recipient of substantial State grants and support. One cannot conceivably say that our Amerindian brothers and sisters are better off as a result.

Most importantly, we lack the basic systems to equitably disburse any such funds. So it was in the case of the school grant, and so it remains.

We lack the political integrity required to not use such a scheme to buy votes.

So it was before, and so it remains. To believe otherwise points to madness. It is time that commonsense and good judgement are used in serious debates on issues with national implications. Those who appeal to the emotions and weaknesses of the poor with tactful comments on social media and elsewhere, in an attempt to sell the goodness of a welfare state, are in fact enemies of the poor. They serve political outfits, and operate at the bidding of their masters.

Guyanese people need to wake up before it is too late. Demand accountability and full transparency in the management of oil revenues; demand investments in infrastructure, education and social services. Reject attempts for you to be used as political footballs; reject overnight schemes designed to keep you in poverty and subservient to the State. Wake up!

Regards Patrick Davis

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 11, 2018

BrainCentral.com awards Grade four student

-as part of learn-and-earn vacation competition BRAINCentral.com has awarded a grade four student, Rahul Jawahir, the first of many weekly prizes which will be distributed between August and September, as part of the inaugural Learn-and-Earn Vacation Competition.

According to BrainCentral.com, the competition is for young learners between Grades four to 11.

Children who enrol in the competition receive scores for quizzes taken during the week. The learner with the highest scores for the week is awarded the winner of the week and can win prizes such as tablets, cellphones, and gift certificates for school supplies, electronics, fast food and movies.

“In today’s digital world, children more than any other generation have embraced (Information and Communication Technology) ICT and gaming technology with a level of zeal and familiarity that is unparalleled from other generations,” said BrainCentral.com.

The creators of BrainCentral.com have leveraged internet and gaming technology to develop an online educational platform to enrich the learning experience of young learners from grades four to 11.

The concept of the Learnand-Earn Vacation Competition is geared at encouraging the idea of rewards associated with learning. Rewarding children with tangible items

Young Rahul Jawahir receives his prize

is a practical and fun way to build the work ethic of young learners and the rewards that education brings.

Participants who sign up through the BrainCentral. com web portal can access a range of academic subjects

that are geared at preparing students for common entrance and Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) level examinations.

There are over 50,000 questions ranging from Grades 4 to 11 for students who wish to test their skills primarily in Maths, English and the Sciences.

With inputs from qualified educators of the pertinent subject matters, questions are fashioned to create thousands of quizzes that are easily accessible to the community on demand.

The BrainCentral platform combined with the questions are used to simulate exam conditions online and allow students to compete with each other via quizzes, mock exams or practice questions.

Chatrooms and discussion forums allow students

and teachers to meet and discuss academic topics, as part of the overall collaborative learning experience.

In the spirit of competition, they also award prizes based on individual and team performances. The long-term vision is to give students the opportunity to access teaching materials, whether quizzes, revision notes or even online tutors to help them with their studies.

BrainCentral (http:// BrainCentral.online) is an online learning environment for students. It helps them prepare for a range of academic subjects at the primary and secondary school levels. BrainCentral. online is available to the family at home and across all devices on a monthly subscription basis.

UG lecturers benefit from capacity-building programme

THE Pan American Health Organisation/ World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) in collaboration with the University of Guyana (G) hosted a five-day workshop for UG’s

Faculty of Health Sciences lecturers, in the specific area of Measurement and Evaluation.

Resident Representative of PAHO/WHO, Dr. William Adu-Krow, said the

programme taught lecturers to teach students how to use acceptable instruments that could stand the rigorous tests of the universal medical system.

Understanding the differ-

Some of the participants at Cara Lodge on Friday (Delano Williams photo)

ences between measurement, assessment, and evaluation is also fundamental to the knowledge base of professional teachers and effective teaching, he said.

Such understanding is

also, or at the very least, a core component of the curricula implemented in universities required in the education of future teachers, like the University of Guyana.

The lecturers who ben-

efited from the programme commended the facilitator and said more of those programmes are necessary for the advancement of the medical system. Certificates were awarded at the end of the programme.

According to the Department of Public Information, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Dr. Emmanuel Cummings, expressed his appreciation to PAHO for hosting the workshop. He too said that “it is critical’ in light of the recent accreditation being granted, noting that “it also helps us to have a better engagement with our students.”

Three Guyanese to pursue YLAI fellowship

THREE Guyanese have been chosen to be part of the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Professional Fellowship Programme in the United States of America (USA).

According to a press statement from the U.S. Embassy, Jaianan Hirai, Evie Kanhai-Gurchuran and Nigel Anthony Peters were chosen to be part of the programme, which will commence in September and last until October.

The programme will bring 250 young leaders from 36 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean to the U.S. This year, out of over 2,500 applications from the region, the three young leaders from Guyana have been accepted: Jaianan Hirai, co-founder of the A+ Computer Training Centre, located on the West Coast of Demerara, provides free and low-cost training

courses for young people who cannot afford the fees of traditional IT schools. Jai is also an IT Trainer at the University of Guyana and a Certified Network Administrator.

Evie Kanhai-Gurchuran, co-founder and CEO of Java Coffee Bar, an artisanal coffee shop in Georgetown. Java Coffee Bar reduces unemployment and supports Guyanese farmers by using locally sourced ingredients and by making almost all of its products from scratch. Evie is also the CEO of EMTEC, a marketing and graphic design firm, and Sites Builders, a product development company.

Nigel Anthony Peters is the founder of Arcadia Agri, a cultivator of organic fruits and vegetables in Guyana. By providing locally grown produce and hiring a young workforce, Arcadia Agri aims to reduce both food imports and youth unemployment in the country

Sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, the YLAI Professional Fellows Programme empowers entrepreneurs to strengthen their capacity to advance their entrepreneurial ventures and effectively contribute to economic and social development in their communities.

Business and social entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to expand their leadership and entrepreneurial experience through fellowships in small businesses, non-governmental organisations, and similar entities in 20 cities across the U.S. The programme will begin in Detroit, Michigan.

The young entrepreneurs will then engage in fourweek fellowships in cities throughout the United States and conclude with a closing summit in Washington, D.C.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 11, 2018

Gov’t ‘highly values’ pivotal –– Amb. Insanally role of First Peoples tells OAS confab GUYANA’S Permanent Representative to the Organisation of American States (OAS), Ambassador Riyad Insanally on Thursday led Guyana’s Delegation to a Special Meeting of the OAS Permanent Council as part of the commemoration of the First Inter-American Week for Indigenous Peoples.

The week, which began on August 6 and ended on August 10, also saw participation by Mrs. Lesley Dowridge-Collins, Deputy Chief of Mission, and Mr. Jason Fields, Alternate Representative.

The week of activities and the Special Meeting in particular, was organised to recognise the contributions made by Indigenous Peoples across the Hemisphere, and to promote dialogue on forward-looking policies regarding the protection of their rights, and the advancement of their social inclusion in the Americas.

In his remarks to the Permanent Council, Ambassador Insanally highlighted the fact that Guyana is home to nine Indigenous Nations which make up about 10 to 11 per cent of the population, and “occupy a special place in our country’s rich

Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the OAS, Ambassador Riyad Insanally (Ministry of Foreign Affairs photo) tapestry”.

He informed the meeting of some of the measures the Government of Guyana is taking in order to improve the socio-economic conditions of the First Peoples, through allocations in the National Budget to key sectors such as health, education, housing, infrastructure and youth enterprise training, with a dedicated Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs charged with keeping their special interests in the mainstream of national policy and

planning.

The Ambassador also made specific reference to, among other things, the Ministry’s indigenous language revival programme; the establishment of the Amerindian Land Titling Project Management Unit and the Grievance Redress Mechanism; the key role anticipated for the Indigenous Peoples, as “the traditional guardians of our environment”, in the rolling out of the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS).

Contractor vanishes with millions in cash, materials MAURESHANA Sharper, 31, of Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara, is counting her losses after a contractor she hired to build a pig farm at Soedsyke Linden Highway disappeared with her money, building materials and tools she provided him to complete the task.

Sharper, formerly of New Amsterdam, Berbice told the Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday that the contractor and his two employees, who hail from Berbice, stayed at the premises since it would have been a challenge for them to commute daily from Berbice to Soesdyke during the course of the project.

Soon after construction started, Sharper paid them a visit and realised that the men needed a few things to make their work easier and she provided them with a generator for electricity, a jack hammer to aid in their construction, a submersible pump and some amount of wire.

The woman said the man and his workers were paid more than 50 per cent of the costs required to get the job done. The contractor also took a large sum of cash to purchase other items and reportedly told Sharper that he was unable to receive same.

The woman related that last month, when the men were expected to start another stage of the project, they told her not to visit them on a date agreed since they will begin work the following day.

Subsequently, she realised that they gave her that excuse because they had already made arrangements to remove the materials from her property and were attempting to prevent her from walking-in and catching them in the illegal act.

Suspicious, Sharper said she decided to make an impromptu visit to the construction site and to her horror, found all the materials gone and the workers nowhere to be seen.

Following several inquiries from residents around

the construction site, the woman said she was told that a canter truck and a car carried away her materials. It happened the day her workmen told her not to visit the construction site.

The men, she said, from all accounts, told neighbours that they were moving the items to Georgetown since she (Sharper) requested them to do so.

Sharper said she did manage to make contact with the contractor and he told her that he did not steal the items and will get them back to her and gave her a date. However, on that date, he failed to honour his promise.

The items removed from the premises, she said, include two and half slings of cement, the jack hammer, generator, submersible pump, and steel rods among others.

Sharper, who valued her losses at around $2M to $4M, said she had reported the matter to the police who have reportedly launched an investigation.

Ambassador Insanally also pointed to the process of developing and implementing a 10-year Village Improvement Plan, focused on incorporating Indigenous communities into environmental management and development, in line with their knowledge and traditional practices; and President David Granger’s commitment to increasing the subvention for the work of the Toshaos, at the 12th Annual National Toshaos Conference last month.

The Guyanese envoy stated, too, that the Government of Guyana values highly the role played by Indigenous Peoples in Guyana’s national development efforts, adding, “Whilst we rightly celebrate our Indigenous heritage, we should also be considering anew how we balance traditionalist views of our Indigenous Peoples with their own desire to be fully integrated into the socio-economic, cultural and political life of our country.

After all, they are the people who started Guyana.”

Illegal Berbice money changers arrested

BERBICE police swooped down in front of the New Amsterdam Market and arrested seven suspected illegal money changers along with a businessman, before taking them to Central Police Station where they remained until press time.

It was during the busy mid-afternoon shopping period on Friday, that plainclothes and uniformed ranks stormed the area and nabbed the men, in whose possessions were local currencies. But, those who managed the elude the officers’ dragnet, criticised the move by the lawmen by announcing that the men are agents, as they are employed

by Cambio dealers, and are engaging in an honest day’s work.

“Further, where can we find a job after being in this trade for over 20 to 30 years. If necessary, we can pay a tax, as a small man… maybe a $4000 or so per month…

Some of us already pay taxes to the Guyana Revenue Authority…but…we can’t handle this harassment… we don’t deal with drugs. We come out here to maintain our family and pay our bills and attempt to have a good life...” reiterated a spokesman who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Meanwhile, efforts to contact Divisional Commander Lyndon Alves proved futile. However, according to the Bank of Guyana, only banks, (authorised dealers) and non-bank Cambios licensed under the dealers in Foreign Currency (Licensing )Act 1989, are authorised to conduct buying and selling of foreign exchange.

The Dealer of Foreign currency Act ( Licensing) Act 1989 states that Foreign currency can only be bought and sold from licensed, authorised dealers. Further, Section 17(1)of the Act states that “any person who sells to any person other than a licensee or authorised dealer any foreign currency shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine and imprisonment of one year.”

In addition, according to Section 17(2) of the Act, “ any person not being an authorised dealer, who buys or sells any foreign currency shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine and imprisonment of three years.”

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‘Techies’ join forces

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 11, 2018

–to solve national problems

FOR two and a half days, 17 innovative minds will participate in the Nexus Hack-Solve to create an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) solution to a national problem and create a prototype programme for possible local consumption.

The Nexus Hack-Solve event will be hosted at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre and falls under the auspices of local social impact and tech company, NeXus Hub Inc., which was launched only last month.

According to Eldon Marks, Director of the event and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Version 75 V75), the company spearheading the Hub, the idea for this Hack-Solve stemmed from V75’s participation in the inaugural Hackathon hosted by the Ministry of Public Telecommunications (MoPT).

“We were witness to the talent that exists in the industry and that’s what actually lit a fire in us to say we can possibly do more-- at least ourselves-- [and] take a grassroots approach,” Marks said.

The Hackathon event is a tech event that pits tech minds against each other to create the best software solution to a predefined problem.

Marks however noted that this is where the Hack-Solve differs from the Hackathon.

“What we’ve noticed in the Hackathon, [is that] competition is good, but won’t help our culture move past the inhibitions that we have, because I think it’s a situation where we need to focus on collaborating rather than competing,” he posited.

More than that, is that the Hack-Solve will be seeking to integrate technical and non-technical persons in the

creation of this solution. The predefined roles are: the Ideator, someone who is great at conceptualising solutions; the requirement engineer, who is responsible for detailing the workings required from the solution and on the more technical side: the designer and the front-end and backend developers, who deal directly with the programming and creation of the software.

The Hack-Solve began on Friday evening with the technologists perusing nine problems sent in by the general public. The first step was, to choose a single problem out of the set so that they could all work towards creating the solution.

The problems included: an automated system for tracking sex offenders in Guyana; reporting traffic and domestic violence; a system to assist the police with missing or wanted persons;

Director of the event, Eldon Marks, addresses the technologists as they ready for Hack-Solve

a software to detail transportation data; a court app for court days and general information; a platform for local vendors to showcase their products; a platform to raise civic awareness, particularly about politics; a log system for garbage and finally, a platform to index civic engagement and advocacy groups.

After the technologists have decided on a problem, they will work until Sunday to create a prototype solution.

“It is something that we have no idea of how it will turn out, it is sort of a social experiment,” Marks explained, but shared that he has positive expectations.

Aside from creating a solution, the idea is to embed a kinesthetic experience of civic responsibility of solving problems instead of merely

talking about them.”

Moving forward however, Eldon said: “Much of what will happen in terms of trajectory and strategy will be taken care of during the ideation session, but [what is done with the software solution] is pretty much 50 percent their responsibility regarding what happens next.” He however gave the assurance that the MoPT has shown its support and he believes there is scope for collaboration there.

Affirming this commitment was technical adviser to the Minister of Public Telecommunications, Lance Hinds, who shared the ministry’s vision of advancing ICT by creating an enabling environment for it.

He shared that the hackathon event was only meant to show persons the possi-

bilities in the field and it was initiated with the hope that the private sector would one day take over, and as such, he expressed kudos to Nexus Hub for stepping up to the mantle. Similarly, CEO of Metro Guyana Avia Lindie shared her commitment to the exciting and unique industry.

This event falls under the general mandate of the Nexus Hub, which is based on three main objectives.

These are: to foster collaboration through a physical space, online platform and programmes; to drive innovation with collaborative environments, tools, funding and mentorship; and to create opportunities through capacity-building, networking and support platforms.

Work on Indian Immigration Monument to begin next week CONSTRUCTION of the supporting infrastructure for the Indian Immigration Monument at Palmyra Village, on the Corentyne is slated to begin on Tuesday and is expected to be completed by next month-end.

According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), this project entails the construction of the monument base and podium, as well as peripheral components such as the walkway, landscaping details, internal drainage, roadway, lighting, visitor’s gallery, security hut and fencing.

“Through the provision of roadway access and designated parking lots, the Ministry trusts that this project will serve to enhance the area and attract visitors and locals as a national focal commemoration of our country’s ancestry represented in part by the East Indians who came to Guyana as indentured immigrants,” the DPI said.

The scope of works for the project is sub- divided into eight lots, the first

of which has to do with Construction of Monument Foundation, Base and Podium.

Lot Two has to do with Construction of Roadway, Internal Drains, Perimeter Walkway and Parking Area; Lot Three: Construction of Fencing and Internal Walkway; Lot Four Construction of Visitor’s Gallery and Security Hut; Lot Five: Supply and Installation of Concrete Pavers (Roadway and Parking Lot); Lot Six: Supply and Installation of Concrete Pavers (Perimeter Walkway and Internal Landscaping; Lot Seven: Civil Works Supervision of Services; and Lot Eight: Preparation of Internal and External Landscaping.

Thus far, two contracts have been awarded to local companies for Lots One and Two by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board.

Lot One has been awarded by to Raffik & Sons General Building Contractors for a sum of G$28,643,897,

while Lot Two has been awarded to A&A Engineering Services for a sum of G$34,867,217.

The contracts for the outstanding lots shall be awarded by the end of the third quarter of 2018, as works are ongoing.

“In honour of the continued relationship between nations, this monument was gifted to the Government of Guyana by the Government of the Republic of India as a symbol of cultural and historical celebration.”

The 12×12 monument is sculpted in bronze, and is a visual representation of ordinary Indian people in routine everyday life, with each bearing a significant artifact as an ode to the continued traditions brought by our forefathers from India translated to current livelihood and practices by Guyanese today.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 11, 2018

The joy that turned to sorrow –– sudden death leaves members of a family still reeling in disbelief

By Margaret Burke

“IT IS hard as it is to come to terms with the death of Ronaldo Gomes, our 18-year-old loved

Ronaldo Gomes, just a little while before his demise one, but it is even harder to know after more than three weeks justice still seem far away,” were the words of one of the relatives of the young man who perished in the waters at the Splashmins Fun Park.

Relatives and friends of Gomes of the ‘#justiceforronaldogomes’ took to the picket line yet again, this time at the Splashmins Fun Park on the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway on Sunday of August 5, holding several placards in which they were asking for justice and

speedy investigations. They marched in silence.

They had earlier protested at the Ashmins Store on High Street and subsequently at the Hadfield Street Office of Splashmins.

One of the cousins told the Guyana Chronicle that Gomes was a very strong swimmer, but even though he spent most of the day at the park, he only decided to go into the creek around four o’clock in the afternoon to take a swim. She reported that after an hour had passed and they did not see him return they went in search of him and after a long and meticulous search, they decided to report him missing to the management of the Park.

“We w ere not w ell received by the management, who brushed us off by saying that the boy must have gone off with a girlfriend. However, after some back and forth with the searching, we left at about 6:30pm, only to get a call a little while after telling us that the body was found,” the relative told this newspaper.

The relatives said that though their cousin went beyond the barricade rope, he would not have felt that he was in any danger or going against any of the rules of the Park, since all the sign by the rope indicated was that it was five feet of water. “… for people who cannot swim well, this would have been a caution, but anyone like our cousin,

being a good swimmer, he had nothing to fear so it was easy for him to go out a bit further,” they offered.

According to his immediate relatives, all evidence indicated that he was struck around the neck and face by a sharp instrument, which was later identified as a jet-ski plying the waters in the area. This resulted in an outing at the Fun Park

A section of the protesters on the picket line

A little relative holding one of the placards

This placard, being displayed by some relatives says it all

turning into a heart-rending situation for a Georgetown family.

Meanwhile, throughout the protest, which lasted for over two hours, management of the fun park did not make themselves available for any form of comments. However, the police were called in by the management of the park to observe.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 11, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 11, 2018

26 more land Perseverance turn-key houses – through new, ‘transparent’ selection process

By Gabriella Chapman TWENTY-six prequalified applicants were on Thursday selected by way of a lottery draw to be allocated housing units at the Perseverance Housing Scheme on the East Bank of Demerara.

The draw was done at the Head Office of the Central Housing and Planning Authority, where Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Ms. Valarie Adams-Yearwood stated that the process is a new and transparent way of selecting beneficiaries for the housing units.

She explained that in the past, selection was done internally by management, after which those selected would have been notified.

This time around, however, the names of all those who would have been prequalified by the banks and the New Building Society were placed in a bag and persons were invited to pull one, lottery-style. The names that were pulled from the bag represent those who would be given houses in the area.

“I would have done this in Linden two weeks ago, and that was the pilot,” Minister Adams-Yearwood said.

“And I think that the public felt very happy that they were involved in the selection process; and it also adds to the transparency.”

The units are two and three-bedroom flat houses, but they have not been completed as yet.

Minister Adams-Year-

wood explained that it was the banks which asked that the CPHA go ahead and do their selection so they can start the mortgage process and be ready to make disbursement when the houses are done. She also added that this is the strategy that will be employed throughout the rest of the housing process, so that no one can accuse the ministry of selecting friends and family.

Minister explained that it is also important to note that they cannot satisfy everyone wanting a house, because the demand far surpasses what they are capable of providing. She, however, has high hopes that with the oil find, they will be able to do more.

“You are to note that we cannot satisfy everyone who would have applied

Cabinet to peruse Dress Code Committee report

Cheryl Sampson receives the report from Committee chair Akilah Doris on behalf of Minister of Public Service, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine while PS of the ministry, Reginald Brotherson looks on. (Samuel Maughn Photo)

Cabinet will decide on the recommendations proposed by a Dress Code Committee established by the Ministry of Public Service after the report was handed over on Thursday at the Ministry of Public Service Waterloo Street Georgetown office.

The sixteen-month-long consultation on the unified dress code was handed over to Cheryl Sampson on behalf of Minister of Public Service, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine.

Permanent Secretary of the ministry, (PS) Reginald Brotherson said the Department of Public Service has always been proactive and that the Department has been charged with the restoration of standards, good conduct and governance.

“We are also aware of the

challenges within the public service and we have had to be proactive. We follow the ‘vibes’ about what is going on in the country,” he said at the simple ceremony.

A mandate from the Cabinet saw the establishment of the uniform committee in April 2017. The committee sought to determine the feasibility of a dress code for public servants and develop recommendations on an appropriate and unified code.

The inquiry adopted a quantitative design using the survey method. It saw the participation of 27 government agencies across Guyana, with 6, 797 questionnaires distributed to the agencies.

According to Chairperson of the committee Akilah Do-

ris, findings from the surveys showed an overwhelming preference for maintaining the existing dress code for public servants. More than 50 per cent of the respondents opted for government to finance uniforms for public servants.

She said the committee has considered the responses of the public servants and the various norms relating to professional attire and developed recommendations which have been stated in the report.

The recommendation, she said, takes cognisance of the tropical climate of the Caribbean region and Guyana’s rich cultural diversity.

for these housing units. For instance, we built 60 elevated concrete houses, and we had over 130 persons prequalified. So we cannot satisfy the demand as is,” she said. “However, we are projecting that as the oil money comes and more monies are made available to us, we’ll be able to build more units in a more rapid pace because it seems as though the demand now is for housing units rather than a house lot.”

Minister Adams-Yearwood further noted that the CHPA will be exploring ways in which to build houses that are affordable, since most of the persons wanting house lots are those who would find it difficult to be qualified by banking institutions.

In addition to the 26 units disbursed on Thursday, the Minister said that she is hap-

py to announce that they are constructing two disability units in keeping with her budget 2018 promise to the House, and Guyana’s committment to the UN’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

“We are working with the Disabilities Commission firstly to design the buildings to ensure that it is appropriate and suitable,” Minister Minister Adams-Yearwood said.

“We had them visit the project to see how it’s coming, and if it is to their satisfaction. They will also assist us in identifying the two beneficiaries. And that’s just the start. I’m committing to every housing project that we’re doing in the future, and they cater for persons with disabilities. And I think that’s a very nice note for us.”

The names of the beneficiaries of the two- bedroom houses are:

Christopher Hodge and Jasmine Benjamin-Hodge; Dwayne Andrews; Nalissa Mathoo; Trimaine Sampson; Sunnara Osborne; Ayanna Fontanelle and Randolph Reid; Danielle Campbell-Lowe and Paul Lowe; Nekisha Prince; Rochelle Peters; Monifa Carmichael; Erica and Victor Harrinandan; and Carolina Deochand.

Those for the three-bedroom houses are: Marlon Parris; Vernella Rutherford and Clement Bair; Monique Nelson; Sharmaine Yarde; Oneil and Carlotte Atkins; Ijeoma Opara; Rawleston Kennedy; Nalini Locke; Rosalind Perreira-Scott; Leanna Damond; Mel and Dale Williams; Matthew Morian; Pansy and Joseph Armstrong; and Anita Denny.

The two-bedroom houses are worth G$6.5M, and the three-bedroom one G$9M.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 11, 2018

Lab professionals upgrade capacity

EIGHTEEN professionals from primarily public testing laboratories in Guyana benefitted from a five day training course on the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Standard - General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories.

This training course, which was being held at the Guyana National Bureau of Standards, Sophia Exhibition Complex, concluded on Friday.

It was an initiative of the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, through the Ministry of Business, to build capacity within local laboratories to achieve the goal of establishing a network of competent and accredited laboratories in Guyana.

Analytical, environmental, food and

calibration laboratories responsible for the development and implementation of the laboratory management system were represented at the training.

Participating Organisations included the Guyana National Bureau of Standards, Guyana Forensic Laboratory, ACTLABS, Guyana Livestock Development Authority, Institute of Applied Science and Technology, Food and Drug Analyst Department, Veterinary Public Health Unit, Fisheries Department of the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Public Works Materials Laboratory, Guyana Rice Development Board, University of Guyana, GUYSUCO and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission. The training was facilitated by Ms. Maxine Campbell of Maxine Campbell and As-

The lab professionals undergoing training sociates Ltd, Jamaica.

From the training, participants should understand the requirements of the ISO/ IEC 17025:2017 standard; develop the relevant documentation such as manuals, policies, procedures, and work instructions; conduct internal audits within their respective laboratories. Ultimately, the testing and calibration needs of industry will be satisfied through services offered by public laboratories that are accredited to the international standard. Further, reliable and recognised testing services are critical for the export of locally man-

ufactured products.

The Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana (GCRG), through the Ministry of Business, and supported by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), is implementing a programme for improving the National Quality Infrastructure in Guyana (NQI).

The programme’s main objective is to support the economic diversification and exports through the enhancement of the NQI and through a National Export and Investment Promotion Strategy.

Murder rate down 17%

THE Guyana Police Force has recorded a five per cent decrease in serious crimes at the end of July, 2018 relative to the same period last year while there were 58 murders which equate to a 17 per cent decrease, according to the Force’s statistics.

For the same period, 76 illegal firearms were taken off the streets, compared to 81 for the corresponding period last year.

Statistics further revealed that there is a 25 per cent increase in robberies where no instruments were used; a seven per cent increase in robbery under arms where firearms were used; a 23 per cent decrease in robbery under arms where instruments other than firearms were used; a seven per cent increase in robbery with violence; a 25 per cent decrease in robbery with aggravation; a 24 per cent decrease in larceny from the person; a three per cent increase in rape; a seven per cent increase in burglary and a nine per cent decrease in break and enter and larceny.

Most recently, forty-six-year-old Rad-

ha Sukwah, the girlfriend of the Pomeroon remigrant who was killed last Friday night at his home, was slapped with a manslaughter charge.

Soberly appearing before Magistrate Christel Lambert at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court, the sweeper cleaner was not required to plead to the indictable charge.

She was granted $400,000 bail.

The charge read that on August, 3,2018 at Grant, Lower Pomeroon River, she unlawfully killed 73-year-old Deonarine aka ‘Russian.’

According to the prosecution, at around 20:00hrs on Friday last, Sukwah and Deonarine had a heated argument about her being unfaithful.

She told the police that the deceased pulled a knife on her as they scuffled. She admitted that the deceased had a gun and during the scuffle she pulled the trigger and a round struck the elderly man to the left side of his abdomen.

Deonarine died on his way to the Oscar Joseph Hospital at Charity.

The weapon used was not recovered.

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Prof. Thomas defends cash transfer proposal

RESPONDING to criticisms that a direct cash transfer to citizens from the oil wealth will negatively impact Guyana’s economy, Economist Professor, Clive Thomas called it an insult. He maintained that though there may be exceptions, that does not represent the majority outcome.

“The assumption that people will misspend the money and go to rum shops and have parties and smoke ganja, I think that’s an insult to the working people,” Dr. Thomas established. “We’ll find some people who’ll do that but in the generality, most poor people want to get out of poverty and they know best the means in which they can try to do that.”

down to the poorest of Guyana’s citizens.

“Most of them do not pay income taxes now, less than half of these persons pay income. So it’s no point giving out tax relief, that only benefits those that are in the middle sector or those at the top,” he indicated.

“I’m saying we cannot rely on arbitrary indicators, although they may be effective for some systems, those are not sufficient.

Because a significant portion of poverty lies among people who are not paying taxes. Look at the Amerindian community, some of them don’t even get monetary income.”

Dr. Hinds also pointed out that the suggestion of cash transfers is not meant

The head table at yesterday’s WPA press conference, from left, Randolph Williams, Dr. Clive Thomas, Tabitha Sarabo, Dr. David Hinds, and Tacuma Ogunseye Dr. Thomas made the rebuttal at a press conference of the Working People's Alliance (WPA) party, where they endorsed Dr. Thomas’ proposal for cash transfers as the party’s official stance. The party noted that they will “dedicate their efforts as a party to pursue this programme within the APNU-AFC coalition and among the broad masses of Guyanese people”.

Backed by WPA Executive members Dr. David Hinds, Randolph Williams, Tacuma Ogunseye and Tabitha Sarabo, Dr. Thomas maintained that a proposal for cash transfer would be the best route for Guyana. “We have to make people, poor people, ordinary people the centre of our priorities. And it’s an insult to say that a teacher, if you give a teacher a cash advance that teacher would go home and throw back. Majority of people in this country are not stupid, and this is about creating opportunities for people,” Dr. Hinds noted. Moreover, rather than creating a welfare state, he maintained that it would empower the poor.

“What I’m seeking to do with the proposal is to empower the poor people by giving them cash income that they can work on the schemes and the plans that they themselves have for moving themselves out of poverty, and not rely on the government saying we’ll give you this school or this lunch basket,” he explained. “We are trying to find a direct means of giving income to the poor and powerless in this country.”

Dr. Thomas pointed out that while other schemes such as tax reduction incentives may be well thought plans, they may not necessarily ensure that the benefits trickle

to replace other programmes that could be aimed to help alleviate the burden on Guyana’s poor. “We know that the Finance Minister said that we must spend money on schools and so forth we are, of course, in favour of that, but it’s not one or the other it’s all of them, cash transfers is just a part of it. We are coming at this from a standpoint of humanity,” Hinds said.

Dr. Hinds recorded his surprise that the programme has seen much resistance, especially by those who have championed the cause of the poor. “The WPA would like to call the nation’s attention to all those who have historically paid lip service to the poor and now when you have a proposal to lift the poor they run searching in every corner to find a reason why you can’t,” Hinds said.

“Now is a first opportunity that we get to find ways and means to ensure we lift them out of poverty. Our view is that if we solve the problem of poverty it will be a big way in solving a lot of the national problems. Because poverty is holding back countries like Guyana so we feel poverty alleviation must be a priority.”

However the party maintained that going forward the decision of how to use the nations looming oil wealth to help the nations citizens should be made following intense discourse with the ordinary people.

“What we’re trying to emphasize is that we’re taking it to the people.

We do have plans to go into communities and speak directly to the people and have them understand what it is we are trying to propose and bringing it back to the government with the hopes that they use it,” Sarabo said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 11, 2018

GRDB realises 90% of second-crop production target GUYANA’S rice industry continues to demonstrate its resilience to the many challenges the sector continues to face and has recorded 90 per cent of its targeted production for the second crop, which is also referred to as the autumn crop.

General Manager of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), Nizam Hassan, made this disclosure during a recent interview which he lauded the efforts of farmers, and the extension officers in ensuring that the industry prevails amidst ever-growing challenges.

“We were able to cultivate 80,000 hectares of farmlands. For the first crop, we achieved 99 per cent of our targeted production. The shortfall in our production target for this crop was due to the early arrival of the rain in April.

These rains not only affected the harvesting in the first

crop, but also affected land preparation and production of the second crop of 2018,” Hassan explained.

During his 2018 midyear review to Parliament, Finance Minister Winston Jordan noted that despite the reduction in rice production for the first half of 2018, the industry demonstrated promising signs.

“Notwithstanding a contraction of 3.8 per cent in 2018, yields have risen to 5.9 tonnes per hectare.

Yields are expected to grow further in the second half of 2018, in light of the release of a higher yielding variety – GRDB15 – by the Guyana Rice Development Board in April,” Minister Jordan said.

In fact, farmers who have planted this variety are expected to harvest as much as 8 tonnes per hectare, if recommended practices outlined by the extension staff are adhered to.

Even with this shortfall

GM of GRDB Nizam Hassan

Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder

in production, the General Manager revealed that Guyana recorded a 43 per cent increase in export volume for the period January to June 2018 when compared to the corresponding period in 2017, and 15 per cent increase in exports for the period January to July 2018 when compared to the same period for the previous year.

In 2018, for the period of January to July, Guyana exported 312,593 tonnes of paddy, rice and rice products while only 271,740 tonnes were exported for the same period in the previous year. This increase in exports earned Guyana approximately US$120M or GY $24.6B. This represents a 20 per cent increase in

revenue earnings.

Hassan also disclosed that GRDB export figures to Latin American countries also reflected an increase for the first half of 2018.

“With regards to the performance of our individual blocs, our exports have been 80 per cent more to Latin America with countries like Haiti, Colombia, Panama and Mexico really standing out. In fact, when we look at Panama for the January to July 2018 period, we’ve hit 7,886 tonnes compared to 5,310 tonnes in 2017.”

Hassan said.

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder has lauded the efforts of Guyana’s rice farmers in ensuring continued success of the industry, noting that they continue to express commitment to the sector ’s growth and development. He also urged farmers to engage the Rice Board and follow best practices to ensure maximum production and productivity

is achieved.

According to the subject Minister, while Government has been implementing key policy initiatives to ensure the industry prevails, it is necessary for all stakeholders within the industry to play their part.

“We have been doing exceptionally well when it comes to production and productivity, we have been doing well also in the areas of markets to the benefit of our millers and farmers as a whole...but while there are successes, our research station continues to work behind the scenes to avert any losses,” Holder said.

Minister Holder was at the time making reference to the recent incident regarding paddy weevil.

According to the Minister while it is necessary to ensure accountability of our extension team, it is also important for farmers to listen to the advice of the officers.

Police say they saw taxi driver throwing gun away A TAXI driver appeared on Friday before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman on gun and ammunition charges.

The court heard that on August 9, 2018 at Howes Street, Charlestown, Devon

Porter had in his possession a .38 revolver and one round of ammo without being the holder of a firearm licence at the time.

The father of two, who resides at West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, denied the

charges that were read out to him by the Magistrate.

Police prosecutor Quinn Harris objected to bail based on the serious nature of the offences and the penalties they attract.

According to facts given

in court, the defendant is known to the police.

On the day in question, police ranks were on patrol duty when they had cause to chase a suspicious motorcar.

In an attempt to escape, the defendant crashed into

a tree stump. When the car came to a stop, the defendant was found to be the driver.

Police say they saw the defendant throwing the firearm into the gutter.

Bail was granted in

the sum of $20,000 for the possession of ammunition and the matter was adjourned to September 7, 2018. The magistrate however remanded him to prison on the unlicensed gun charge.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 11, 2018

‘Put your faith to work’ … religious leaders urged to scale up fight against HIV/AIDS

By Lisa Hamilton

FAITH leaders across Guyana have been urged to “scale up” the fight against HIV-AIDS by removing barriers of stigma and discrimination that hinder the elimination of the disease.

The call came from Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr Karen Cummings at the opening of a two-day Guyana National Faith Leaders Consultation being hosted by Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV/ AIDS (PANCAP).

The function was held at the Marriott Hotel on Thursday, and forms a part of PANCAP’s goal to harness the resources of government, non-governmental and donor organisations to end the AIDS epidemic.

Dr Cummings told attendees that there are still major gaps in the response to HIV-AIDS, and that those gaps are discouraging persons afflicted with the disease from accessing quality prevention and treatment services.

And one of those gaps has to do with associating the disease with religious beliefs such as “moral failings and sinful behaviours”, along with a morbid fear that it can be spread by close contact.

Said Dr Cummings, “We need to recognise, acknowledge and embrace all people, regardless of their beliefs, race, political persuasion and sexual orientation.

“Please remember that persons living with HIVAIDS, like everyone else in society, need love, respect and care.

“As leaders, let the facts of the disease be known to all your respective constituencies; do not let your congregations and the communities you serve fall prey to the epidemic of fear and spread falsities about the disease that cannot be verified.

“It is unfair, unprofessional and unethical to behave in such a negative manner.”

She also urged healthcare providers not to be “blinded by prejudice and insular judgement”, and to be truly determined to fight the epidemic.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT Fears and prejudices aside, Dr Cummings acknowledged that much of the advances Guyana has made is thanks to increased stakeholder engagement,

which, in turn, has seen a reduction in the spread of HIV-AIDS. Through the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS), the Health Ministry has conducted numerous activities, teaching Guyanese of all ages how to protect and treat themselves from and for the disease.

Said Dr Cummings, what was once considered a “death sentence” is now viewed as a “chronic-manageable disease”, as antiviral medication and healthy lifestyles can now see persons living with HIV-AIDS for decades rather than a few years.

And as the government continues working on eliminating the disease countrywide, Dr Cummings is calling for increased stakeholder involvement and multi-sectoral corporation to aid in the fight.

“Addressing the HIV/ AIDS epidemic requires involvement of all concerned stakeholders,” she said, adding: “As faith leaders, we all play a pivotal role in society through the work we do and through the extensive influence we have.

As a consequence, we must continue to do our part in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Guyana with unshakeable resolve.

“We must work to improve advocacy and service delivery for young people by leveraging the inter-linkages between HIV and the broader development agenda.”

She also reaffirmed the government’s dedication to the cause, stating: “Let me assure you that we are committed to providing an equitable and sustainable response to HIV and AIDS; we must ensure that we scale-up high-impact HIV prevention measures that can significantly mitigate the spread of HIV within the Guyanese society.

“Through sustained commitment, vision and leadership, we can make a greater impact in the fight against HIV and AIDS.” According to PANCAP Director, Mr Dereck Springer who presented on the aim of the consultation, previous regional consultations and the role of faith leaders in fighting the epidemic: “We have quite a lot of work to do over the next few years, but we recognise the critical role that everyone must play in ensuring that we reach those targets.

“From its inception,

PANCAP recognised the critical role faith leaders must play in responding to HIV and has sought to engage faith leaders from day one.”

The ongoing consultation is a follow-up to a series of engagements involving faith leaders in Guyana and the Caribbean under the PANCAP ‘Justice For All’ programme.

Dr Karen Cummings (seated third right) shares a ‘photo-op’ with several religious leaders and stakeholders of the Guyana National Faith Leaders Consultation (Photo by Samuel Maughn)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 11, 2018

Jagdeo backs conditional cash transfers

OPPOSITION Leader Bharrat Jagdeo says he is in favour of conditional cash transfers as a means of improving the livelihood of Guyanese as opposed to simply distributing money when oil revenues begin to flow.

“I support conditional transfers, we’ve done that before and we need to help poor people,” Jagdeo said at a press conference at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition on Thursday.

Asked to elaborate on

the opposition’s utilisation of conditional cash transfers while in Government, Jagdeo referred to a $50M partnership with the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited (GBTI) on the Women of Worth (WoW) programme.

This, he said, was an initiative through which single-parent women could receive interest-free loans.

“That was a form of transfer. It was not done directly to individuals, but it made credit available to single women at zero interest rate. The avail-

ability of credit to poor people is critical for them to start businesses and to get out of poverty,” he said, adding: “In the Apprenticeship Programme and some of the other facilities we started, we said if you want the money, the tiny monthly grant we use to give, you have to show attendance at an educational institution.

So that is why it’s conditional upon achievements of other targets.”

However, Jagdeo was critical about those who spoke about the possibility in a light

that caused persons to believe that come 2020 large sums of money would just be handed to them. “You can and governments should do these sorts of things but not to create a syndrome where people believe, or to create the impression, that because oil is coming we will get a sum of money every year and we have to stop working,” he said.

Speaking to how cash transfers can be conditional he went on to suggest that pensioners could also be given a

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

tiny amount every month to enable them to get tested for diabetes and hypertension to reduce the cost burden on the health sector.

Along with his recommendations, the opposition leader put forward other issues he had with the idea of cash transfers and recommended that portions of the oil revenue be injected into education and job creation.

“What about the years when oil prices sink so low… for long periods like it has happened in some countries and people [because] they think they’ll get this money all the time? We have to help them create jobs, we have to help them with education.

So why not put the money into paying for scholarships?

We take $100M or $50M and we put it to help our kids who do well go to the best universities around the world and upgrade our university to a topnotch university with a global standard by bringing in new lecturers. That sort of thing would help us in the long run,” he suggested.

The topic came up for discussion following the rec-

ommendation of Professor Clive Thomas that the government make annual cash transfers to every household when it begins to receive its net inflow of revenue from oil production. Since then, both Minister of Finance Winston Jordan and Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman have commented on the matter.

“Rather than just giving people US$5,000 a year, why not look at issues such as education, health, youth programmes, small businesses,” he said, stating further: “I would rather hear more debate about using our resources to create opportunities for people so that they themselves could have lasting incomes as opposed to short-term incomes because monies that you are going to be giving out will soon end and you would have pitched your lifestyle sooner or later to the monies that you receive and when you can no longer give those monies, then what is going to happen?” Jordan said on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Trotman had stated: “It is possible and I don’t think we should reject it outright. It is possible if it is structured. You want to ensure that people who receive transfers serve their country and so we may look at it by added value in the pensions. We want to ensure that our young people have educational grants, we want to ensure the people who receive cash transfers are registered in our tax system and have paid taxes and not turning up and say ‘I am here to collect’.” Trotman has since noted that he will make a representation in this regard to Cabinet.

Money to drill wells seems to have dried up

A 41-year- old man appeared on Friday before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman slapped with fraud charges.

One charge allege that on May 30, 2018 at Soesdyke Highway, Shizam Mohan, while being solely entrusted by Pashon Bharat with the sum of $ 310,000 for the purpose of drilling a water well at Long Creek on the Linden Highway, fraudulently converted the money to his own use and benefit.

It was also alleged that between May 20 and 24, 2018 at Orange Walk in

Georgetown, Mohan while being solely entrusted by Omwati Bharat and John Bharat, with the sums of $110,000 and $10,000 respectively, also for the purpose of drilling a well at Long Creek, he fraudulently converted the money to his own use and benefit.

The father of two children, who resides at Cummings Lodge, ECD denied the charges read out to him.

The Police Prosecutor had no objections and bail was set at $300,000.

The matter was adjourned to September 7, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 11, 2018

‘Otisha’ must stand trial before judge and jury WELL known transgender personality, Otis Pearson, popularly known as ‘Otisha’, has been committed to stand before judge and jury at the High Court to answer to a rape charge The court heard that on December 24, 2017 at Station Street Kitty, Pearson engaged in sexual activity with a child under the age of 16.

Pearson, who resides at Station Street, Kitty was not required to plead to the charge He was committed on Friday by Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore following a

Otis Pearson, popularly known as “Otisha”

Driver must find $600,000 bail and report weekly FOLLOWING a minibus accident which claimed the life of a 43-year-old man as he was crossing the Covent Garden Public Road, East Bank Demerara, the 33-year-old bus driver on Friday appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Jamal Lowe, who is employed with Guyana Gold Fields and lives at Farm, EBD pleaded not guilty to the death by dangerous driving charge when it was read to him.

Particulars of the charge allege that Lowe, on August 8, 2018 at Covent Garden, EBD drove minibus, BVV 2848 in a dangerous manner which resulted in the death of Franklyn Dover of

First Street, Bartica, Region Seven.

During an application for bail by Lowe’s attorney, Clevaun Humphrey told the court that his client was the father of two and was the sole breadwinner for his family.

The lawyer further told the court that his client was not driving fast on the day in question and even took the injured man to seek medical attention.

Police Prosecutor Vivian Adolph objected to bail on the grounds that the defendant might tamper with the witness in the matter.

At the end, the Chief Magistrate overruled the prosecution’s objections and released Lowe on $600,000 bail. His driver’s licence

was suspended and he was ordered to report every Friday at the Providence Police Station. The matter was adjourned until August 28.

According to a police release, the driver of the minibus had said he was proceeding along the Covent Garden Public Road when the pedestrian reportedly ran across the road from west to east and collided with the front right side of his bus.

As a result of the impact, the pedestrian received multiple injuries and was rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre in an unconscious state, but was subsequently transferred to the GPHC where he died while receiving medical attention.

paper committal. He will remain out on bail.

Pearson was arrested in March of this year, after accusations were levelled against him in relation to having sexual relations with under-aged boys.

The Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA) had assisted the police in the probe and a file was compiled and sent to the DPP Chambers for legal advice.

CC&PA Director Ann Green who had conducted interviews, said that the alleged victims are under the age of 16.

Pearson had been very vocal on social media and was reported as saying during a television interview that he “has a young boy for every day of the week.”

But Pearson has claimed that the statement was misinterpreted and he denied having sexual relations with ‘little boys.’ He was accompanied by SASOD leader Joel Simpson when he made the denial.

However, a photograph later appeared with him (Pearson) in the company of a young boy.

Three youths charged with raping girl, 11 APPEARING before the Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Friday, were three teens charged for allegedly raping an 11-year-old girl.

Eighteen-year-old Caozuyag Menuy along with a 15-year-old and 14-year old co-accused were not required to plead to the indictable charge which alleged that between October 1 and October 31, 2017

at Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara they engaged in sexual activity with a child under the age of 16.

They were represented by attorney-at-law Paul Fung-a-Fat who made an application for bail.

The two older teens were released on $70,000 bail while the 14-year-old was released on $40,000.

The matter was adjourned until August 24.

According to reports

the girl was held against her will by the three boys at a Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara home during the month of October, 2017.

The three boys reportedly held the 11-year-old down and physically molested her.

The victim later told her mother about what had transpired and the matter was reported to the police.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 11, 2018

Inaugural Lucozade/Icool 11-stage cycling set for today

Ansa McAl’s Errol Nelson (red) hands over the sponsorship to race organiser, Hassan Mohamed (blue) in the presence of Lucozade brand manager Fharis Mohamed and ICool water Marketing assistant Gabriell Lopes.

A

S the cycling season continues to gain momentum, beverage giant, Ansa McAl through its non-alcoholic brands, Lucozade and Icool, has collaborated with National cycling coach Hassan Mohamed to conduct the inaugural run of the brands’ 11-stage cycling programme today.

Set for the inner circuit of the National Park, the top riders will assemble, as they stake their claim to gain ranking points as the best rider in the country as well as to secure a spot on the National team to represent the nation at the Caribbean

Lionel Messi succeeds Andres Iniesta

L

ionel Messi has succeeded Andres Iniesta as captain of Barcelona, after the Spaniard ended his 22-year stay at the club to join Japanese side Vissel Kobe in May. Sergio Busquets will be the vice-captain, with Gerard Pique and Sergi Roberto the third and fourth captains respectively.

All four captains are graduates of La Masia, Barcelona’s famed youth academy.

Messi, 31, joined the club in 2001 and is their record goalscorer. (BBC Sport)

Championships.

At the simple ceremony at the company’s headquarters located at Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara, Mohamed, who has continued to bring regular meets to the riders said he was pleased to have the company on board, recognising its stalwart contribution to sports locally.

Ansa McAl non-alcoholic brand manager, Errol Nelson, didn’t have much to say but expressed the company’s assurance of contribution to sports in Guyana and pledged its support in the development of young athletes.

Among the top riders to

contest the featured 35-lap Schoolboys and Invitational will be Romello Crawford, Evolution’s pair of Paul De Nobrega and Christopher Griffith, alongside Coco’s Jamual John, Alanis’ Alonzo Ambrose and Nigel Duguid, We Stand United’s Andrew Hicks, Silvio Innis, Deeraj Garbarran, Linden Bauxite Flyers’ Michael Anthony, among others in the various categories such as Briton John, Ian Jackson, Lennox Blackman, Ajay Gopilall, Curtis Dey will also participate.

The action starts at 09:30hrs and all are invited to witness the action.

Lionel Messi 10:40 hrs Mountain Angel 11:15 hrs Robero 11:50 hrs Toni’s Star American Racing Tips Saratoga Race 1 Gosilently Race 2 Chief Executive Race 3 Lyrical Lady Race 4 Winning Factor Race 5 Mesotherm Race 6 Road Home Race 7 Majestic Won Race 8 Yoshida Race 9 Storm Runner Canadian Racing Tips Woodbine Race 1 Cheek To Cheek Race 2 Prized Connection Race 3 Win The war Race 4 Ambitious Moon Race 5 Intanga Rose Race 6 Lottie Race 7 Twiceaslucky Race 8 Niigon’s Eclipse Race 9 Gertie T English Racing Tips Ascot 08:05 hrs Encore D’Or 08:40 hrs Cleonte 09:15 hrs Nicholas T 09:50 hrs Bless Him 10:25 hrs Sergio Leone 11:00 hrs George Of Hearts Haydock 08:20 hrs Humble Gratitude 08:55 hrs Rashdan 09:30 hrs Agrotera 10:05 hrs El Wazir

Chemsford City 08:30 hrs Toffee Galore 09:05 hrs Choral Music 09:40 hrs Polybuis 10:15 hrs Carolinae 10:50 hrs Cliffs Of Capri 11:25 hrs Rapier 12:00 hrs Spring Praise Newmarket 09:00 hrs Shambolic 09:35 hrs Eyelool 10:10 hrs Danceteria 10:45 hrs Main Edition 11:20 hrs Ripp Orf 11:55 hrs Petrus 12:30 hrs Master Archer Irish Racing Tips Cork 08:15 hrs Zagitova 08:50 hrs Mount Everest 09:25 hrs Panstarr 10:00 hrs Kalaxana 10:35 hrs Kailee 11:10 hrs Dandy’s Gold 11:40 hrs Idalia South Africa Racing Tips Turffontein 08:15 hrs Rock Sensation 08:50 hrs Torre Del Oro 09:25 hrs Deerupt 10:00 hrs Make Your Move 10:35 hrs Abelie 11:10 hrs Fort Carol

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 11, 2018

Prolific form revives Ian Bell’s thoughts of England comeback

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PROLIFIC season with Warwickshire and Birmingham Bears has renewed Ian Bell’s hunger for the game to the extent that he has entertained the possibility of reviving his England career.

Bell, 36, played the last of his 118 Tests against Pakistan in late 2015, but this season is averaging 55.41 in the County Championship and is currently the second-highest run-scorer in the Vitality Blast with 471 runs at a strike-rate of 144.92 a year after he stood down from the Warwickshire captaincy.

Early in Ed Smith’s tenure as national selector there has been a clear push for youth in the Test side with Ollie Pope set to make his debut against India at Lord’s following the call-ups of Sam Curran and Dom Bess, but England’s middle-order remains far from settled

Ian Bell

“The questions have started to come a little bit more now, with the form I’ve had through the season and obviously England’s middle order,” he told BBC WM. “If you asked me that question now I would definitely want to play again. If you’d asked me that 12 months ago, it would have been a different answer.

“Whether it is with Warwickshire, Birmingham Bears or England, I just still want to be winning games of cricket.”

Bell admitted he went through some tough times last year and struggled to adjust to life outside the England team where he had been a fixture since returning to the side during the 2009 Ashes until being axed ahead of the South Africa tour in 2015-16.

“Last year, I wasn’t in a particularly good place,” said Bell. “I’d struggled with the batting and there were some massive questions in my own mind as to whether it was time to retire and I did ask myself those questions.

“It’s been quite a tough adjustment not being an England player anymore. But I felt even when I finished with England that I had a lot of cricket left under my belt. I spoke to a lot of ex-players and they all said, ‘you’re a long time retired, don’t look back with any regrets’.” (Cricinfo)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday August 11, 2018)

COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 34 matches; 7 in Guyana (2) Shoaib Malik (Barbados Tridents vs St. Lucia Zouks, Barbados, 2013) Today’s Quiz: (1) Which two have never captained the Warriors in a CPL game to date?

Martin Guptil, Mohammed Hafeez, Riyad Emrit, Dinesh Ramdin, Jason Mohammed (2) The Warriors have made it to the CPL finals three times. When?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

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Djokovic stunned by Greek teen Tsitsipas in Toronto (REUTERS) - Greek teenager Stefanos Tsitsipas secured the biggest win of his career when he sent Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic packing in the third round of the Rogers Cup with a stunning 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-3 win on Thursday.

Stefanos Tsitsipas

Top seed Rafael Nadal battled past Swiss wild card Stan Wawrinka 7-5, 7-6(4) and will next meet Marin Cilic, who took down Argentinian Diego Schwartzman 6-3, 6-2.

A confident Tsitsipas sent a blistering forehand to the back corner while the ninth-seeded Serbian was heading the other way on his first match point to secure the win before looking at his box in disbelief.

“It’s a dream of any kid out there in this world, any kid that’s playing tennis, to beat these kind of players, so I can call it the best moment of my life,” a shocked Tsitsipas said in an on-court interview. “I never expected to beat such a top-ranked player and such a high-respected player like Novak.”

Tsitsipas, who turns 20 to-

morrow, relied on his serve and forehand combination to get by Djokovic, who was competing in his first tournament since collecting his 13th grand slam title at the All England Club last month.

The Greek teen made some errors near the end of the second set that allowed Djokovic, a four-time winner of the tournament, to set up a decider.

However, Tsitsipas did well to break Djokovic for a 2-0 lead in the third set and never looked back.

For the resident of Athens, who arrived in Toronto fresh off a run to the semi-finals in Washington where he lost to German world number three Alexander Zverev, the win is the latest in a breakthrough campaign during which he has reached the quarter-finals or better at seven ATP main tour events.

Tsitsipas, who beat Austrian seventh seed Dominic Thiem in the second round here, will next face Zverev after the second seed beat Russian qualifier Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 6-2.

In other matches, fourth seed South Kevin Anderson beat Belarusian qualifier Ilya Ivashka 7-5, 6-3 and fifth seed Grigor Dimitrov advanced with a 7-6(1), 3-6, 7-6(4) win over American Frances Tiafoe.

Russian Karen Khachanov eliminated American John Isner 7-6(5), 7-6(1) in a match that featured no service breaks.

UEFA investigates after assistant referee’s head badly cut open

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EFA has opened a disciplinary case after an assistant referee’s head was cut open by a full drink (container) thrown by a fan in a Europa League tie.

The incident happened during Austrian club Sturm Graz’s home fixture with Cypriot club AEK Larnaca on Thursday.

TV footage clearly shows a home fan rising from his seat and aiming the heavy projectile towards the assistant.

UEFA has charged Sturm Graz under regulations relating to the “improper conduct of supporters”.

This case will be dealt with by European football’s governing body on August 17.

Charity Ref Support said it believed that the game “should have been abandoned”.

“We believe the decision

by UEFA to continue their Europa League game after an assistant referee suffered a serious head injury when an object was thrown from the crowd was a missed opportunity to support match officials,” a statement read.

In response, UEFA said: “The referee is the official with the highest authority at a match and he decided, after

consultation with his assistants and the match delegate, to play the remainder of the match.”

Shortly after the incident, Sturm Graz released a statement saying the fan had been apprehended and they were now considering what action would be taken.

“We are sorry that today we have disappointed many football fans,” the club said.

“This damages the reputation of football and us as a club. We always try to see football as a positive celebration and to tackle these things exactly. Fair play is our top priority.”

The match was stopped in the 77th minute after Swedish assistant Fredrik Klyver was hit by what appeared to be a large plastic cup filled with liquid.

He received treatment at the side of the pitch for a nasty gash before being helped from the field of play with a bandage around his head.

After a delay of about 24 minutes, Klyver was replaced by fourth official Magnus Lindgren and the match was resumed. Lanarca went on to win the third qualifying-round, first-leg tie 2-0. (BBC Sport)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 11, 2018

James Anderson takes 5-20 to hurry tourists out for 107

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AMES Anderson took 5-20 as England bowled a woeful India out for 107 on a rain-affected second day of the second Test at Lord’s.

India fell to 15-3 after being asked to bat in conditions perfectly suited for swing bowling.

Anderson struck twice early on before the first of two lengthy rain delays.

Chris Woakes took 2-19, including captain Virat Kohli, in an extended evening session as India - 1-0 down in the series - folded in only 35.2 overs.

Woakes, returning to the side in place of Ben Stokes, and Anderson bowled superbly to expose India’s poor technique against the moving ball.

Only the intervention of Mohammed Shami, the number 11, pushed India beyond 100 before Ishant Sharma was trapped lbw by Anderson to wrap up the innings.

With the weather set to improve today, India face a sizeable task to drag themselves back into the match.

It was undoubtedly a good toss to win for England captain Joe Root, and Kohli admitted that had he won it, he would have bowled first.

Anderson was superb, moving the ball away from the right-handers, and at one point was bowling to five slips and a gully.

However, England were helped by the India batsmen, whose footwork and shot selection left much to be desired.

The dismissal of the openers set the tone for the day: Murali Vijay attempted to clip an Anderson outswinger through mid-wicket and was bowled, before KL Rahul pushed forward and edged to

James Anderson leaves the field after wrecking India.

wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow.

That India never settled between the rain interruptions - the first lasted two hours and the second more than three – was proved by Cheteshwar Pujara’s comical run-out immediately after lunch.

Pujara, returning to the side in place of Shikhar Dhawan, attempted to pinch a single to point, but Kohli changed his mind mid-pitch and debutant Ollie Pope collected the ball before knocking the bails off.

Woakes pressed England’s advantage after more rain, taking two wickets in two overs.

Kohli and Hardik Pandya were caught by Jos Buttler at second slip, both immediately after being dropped in the same position.

With Dinesh Karthik bowled through the gate by a Sam Curran inswinger, India were thankful for Ravichandran Ashwin’s 29 from number eight to reach three figures.

The only blight for England was their catching. As well as Buttler’s drops, Root also put down Ajinkya Rahane at fourth slip, although the brilliant Anderson ensured the mistakes were not costly. (BBC Sport)

SCOREBOARD

ENGLAND 1st innings M. Vijay b Anderson 0 K. Rahul c Bairstow b Anderson 8 C. Pujara run-out (Pope) 1 V. Kohli c Buttler b Woakes 23 A. Rahane c Cook b Anderson 18 H. Pandya c Buttler b Woakes 11 K. Karthik b Curran 1 R. Ashwin lbw b Broad 29 Kuldeep Yadav lbw b Anderson 0 Mohammed Shami not out 10 I. Sharma lbw b Anderson 0 Extras: (lb-5, nb-1) 6 Total: (all out, 35.2 overs) 107 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-10, 3-15, 4-49, 5-61, 6-62, 7-84, 8-96, 9-96.

Bowing: J. Anderson 13.2-5-20-5, S. Broad 10-2-37-1, C. Woakes 6-2-19-2, S. Curran 6-0-26-1.

Johnson announces 23-man squad for Brazil stint

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OLDEN Jaguars head coach Michael Johnson has announced a 23-man squad to participate in the ‘Train and Play’ stint in Brazil to be held from August 12 to 26, as Guyana seeks to build a foundation of excellence for the Senior Men’s National Team.

The squad, which consists of Guyana and international-based players from England, Canada and Trinidad & Tobago, includes three goalkeepers, eight defenders, six midfielders and six forwards.

Johnson, in an invited comment, said the camp will focus on both on-and-offfield activities, including developing a “winning mindset and drive for excellence” among the players.

“With the Nations League

and Gold Cup qualifiers on the horizon, the camp gives young players the opportunity to showcase their talents and their characteristics to the senior staff,” he said.

“The experienced members of the squad will be looking to establish themselves as we focus on preparing the Golden Jaguars for September 8.”

As Guyana look to qualify for their first CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2019, Technical Director Ian Greenwood said player assessment and instilling the new philosophy are primary elements of focus for this initial period of encampment.

Wi t h m a t c h e s b e i n g played on the FIFA dates between September 2018 and March 2019, Guyana, after their clash with Barbados,

will then travel to Turks and Caicos for a meeting between the two countries on October 13, followed by an encounter against French Guiana on November 20, before hosting Belize in March, 2019.

THE SQUAD: Goalkeepers – Jason Cromwell, Jermaine Cumberbatch, Sese Norville.

Defenders: Raushan Ritch, Kester Jacobs, Kevin Layne, Jake Newton, Kevin Dundas, Jelani Smith, Samuel Cox, Cecil Jackman.

Forwards: Eon Alleyne, Daniel Wilson, Kelsey Benjamin, Delroy Fraser, Delon Lanferman, Sheldon Holder.

Midfielders: Delwin Fraser, Job Caesar, Curtez Kellman, Anthony Benfield, Ryan Hackett, Vurlon Mills.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 11, 2018

Caribbean Junior and Schoolboys boxing c/ships

Our boxers will hold their own – coach Blake

By Michael DaSilva

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ITH the third edition of the Caribbean Junior and Schoolboys boxing championships just over one week away, AIBA three-star boxing coach, Sebert Blake is optimistic that the Guyanese boxers will hold their own and will win championship honours.

The championships will get underway August 17 and will conclude on August 19 at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

Speaking to Chronicle Sport, Blake, a former national amateur champion, said the recently concluded Guyana Boxing Association’s (GBA) Mike Parris/Pepsi Junior and Schoolboys tournament, which

was staged at the Andrew `Six Head’ Lewis Boxing Gym over a two-month period, saw the emergence of new boxing talent, and this, coupled with the experience of some of the boxers who participated in the second edition of the Caribbean championships last year, could see Guyana coming out on top.

Blake pointed out that Leon Moore Jr - son of Guyana’s national bantamweight champion and world title contender Leon `Hurry Up’ Moore - along with Forgotten Youth Foundation gym mate, Patrick Harvey and Vergenoegen Boxing Gym’s Leron Williams and Shaquancy Wright, all of whom are exceedingly talented and who participated successfully in last year’s championships, will lead Guyana’s challenge.

He added that talent was spotted at the recently concluded Mike Parris/Pepsi championships and this will add armour to Guyana’s challenge for championship honours.

showed tremendous improvement throughout the tournament and the exposure they received will do them good, come August 17 to 19.

Meanwhile, to date, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica have registered their boxers, while St Lucia and Cayman Islands have confirmed their participation.

The GBA is yet to receive confirmation from Antigua and Barbuda, Suriname US Virgin Islands and The Bahamas.

Trinidad and Tobago will be represented by eight males and four females who will be accompanied by six officials and four parents of six of the boxers.

Jamaica has named three males and one female along with a coach and a manager, while Grenada is sending four boxers and two officials.

Sebert Blake

Blake said from the initial day of the five-day preparatory tournament the local boxers

An action-packed day of racing is anticipated.

Over 50 horses entered for tomorrow’s Karibee Sprint Classic

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S of yesterday, more than 50 horses have been registered for tomorrow’s Nand Persaud Karibee Sprint Classic horserace meet, which will be staged at the company’s racing facility, situated at #36 Village, Macedonia Estate, Corentyne, Berbice.

The seven-race programme, which is being organised by the Sky Plus, Promotions Group, has gained massive support from corpo-

rate Guyana and is expected to be a day of thrilling racing, as the course is in excellent condition and is expected to remain ideally suited for sprint races over 660 yards and 880 yards.

The feature race is for horses classified `D’ and Lower over four furlongs and will see pre-race favourite, Isn’t She Charming among others look to secure the $400 000 first prize.

Set the Flames and Perfection will be part of the

two-year-olds, three-furlong race which carries a first prize of $200 000 and a trophy, while Guava Ground Girl will be looking to capture the `K’ Class and Lower race over three furlongs for the $140 000 first prize..

Pikachu will make an appearance in the L and Lower for studs over four furlongs and the winner will earn $100 000, while Country Girl is registered in the L Class and Lower race for mares, along with Physical Disturbance

and She’s Princess over a distance of three furlongs and like the studs, the winner will receive $100 000.

Only last week, Republic Bank Guyana Limited joined the list of sponsors which includes Ansa McAl, Trophy Stall, retired jockey Abdul Latiff, businessmen Deo Persaud, Jaikarran Sergobin, Jaikishan Persaud, Jumbo Jet Auto Sales, NTN Television and Prem’s Electrical to support the event.

TTFA president demands apology from US Embassy for ‘lies’ against his administration

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RESIDENT of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation David John-Williams is demanding an apology from the United States Embassy for telling lies against his administration.

The US Embassy had accused John-Williams of ‘dropping the ball’ with respect to members of TT’s U15 team not being granted visas to participate in the CONCACAF U15 tournament currently underway in Florida.

John-Williams’ comments came after the Trinidad and Tobago Girls’ Under-15 team failed to obtain visas to the United States to compete at the 2018 CONCACAF Girls’ Under-15 Championship which began on August 7.

In light of the situation, the TTFA president suggested that the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) should seriously consider the logic of placing future tournaments in the United States because most of its Caribbean members are being adversely affected by USA visa restrictions.

In what is seen as an unprecedented move, the US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires John McIntyre accused the president of letting his side down as it related to the situation with the visas.

“Our Embassy for months noted that individuals and groups should plan well in advance for any trips to the USA. The Trinidad and Tobago Girls Under-15 representatives approached the Embassy about visas after we were closed on Tuesday, July 31 to get their visas by Friday, August 3 with the Emancipation holiday in between,” McIntyre said in a statement.

“I will be blunt. Mr Williams and the TTFA just flat out dropped the ball on the visa process. Our Embassy for MONTHS noted that individuals and groups should plan well in advance for any trips to the USA. The Trinidad and Tobago Girls Under-15 representatives approached the Embassy about visas after we were closed on Tuesday, July 31 to get their visas by Friday, August 3 with the Emancipation holiday in-between.

“No names or details about the visa applicants were provided. Even after games were rescheduled, there was too little time allowed, just two working days for an established 7-10-day process, not to mention that this is peak visa season when most people have to wait six weeks just for a visa interview.”

However, John-Williams speaking to Newsday contradicted McIntyre’s claim that the TTFA approached the embassy after it closed on July 31. He said visas were already paid for on July 26.

“We applied for the visas at no different time than we normally would apply. We made every possible representation, from the Ministry of Sport, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, CONCACAF, US Olympic Committee to get a group appointment for the girls. And it was unsuccessful,” John-Williams told Newsday.

“Historically, this is not the first time that this has happened with a Caribbean team with visas. I, myself, had an audience with (CONCACAF president) Victor Montagliani and I said it really cannot continue this way. If you look at it, everybody (has) to get a visa to go to the United States.

“It’s a situation that CONCACAF needs to look at, in terms of where they place the tournaments. The USA has the facilities to (stage) these tournaments. Gradually Trinidad and Tobago (is) getting there to start to host tournaments like these. With the exception of Mexico, Canada and the US, almost everybody has to get a visa to go the US. That, in itself, is a challenge.” (Sportsmax)

CONCACAF U-15 GIRLS CHAMPIONSHIP

Guyana win final match

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UYANA National Under-15 Girls collected their second victory to conclude their participation in the CONCACAF Girls’ U-15 Championship in Florida, USA yesterday.

Guyana defeated Curacao by 6-0 in a match which saw the team dominate play throughout the match with resulting goals from Shacaylah Williams who scored twice, Samantha Banfield, Jalade Trim, Kersti Thomas and Shamya Daniels respectively.

The players executed the tac-

tical game plan presented by the technical staff. Guyana, captained by forward Jalade Trim, saw Banfield score the opening goal in the 12th minute, followed by Williams’ goal to give Guyana a 2-0 lead at halftime.

Guyana continued to pressure Curacao in the second half and Jalade Trim got on the scoresheet with a calm finish. Shacaylah Williams added one more goal in the second half to complete her brace.

Guyana’s final two goals came from Kirsty Thomas and Shamya Daniels who completed

the scoring with two minutes left in the contest.

The starting lineup of today’s match was as follows: Ludesha Reynolds (GK), Aliea Moses, Hasha Holder, Jenea Knight, Samantha Banfield, Shacaylah Williams, Jalade Trim (C), Anaya Willabus, Anastasia Salvadore, Ashaya Doobay and Allianna Holder.

The CONCACAF U-15 Girls’ Championship was the first international tournament for the National U-15 Girls for some time with a mix of Guyana and International-based players.

Guyana National Under-15 Girls team

“I believe the future is bright for the women’s game

in Guyana and the investment the GFF has made in the U-15

Girls will pay dividends in the future,” said Paul Beresford.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 11, 2018

Amazon Warriors aim to maintain momentum … clash with St Lucia Stars today from 16:00hrs

By Rajiv Bisnauth

A I N TA I N ING momentum will be the order of the day when the Guyana Amazon Warriors take on St Lucia Stars in their HERO Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 cricket match at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, from 16:00hrs today.

The local franchise, began the 2018 season in rampant fashion, whipping the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots by six wickets on Thursday evening.

Guyana bowlers have been exemplary with everyone contributing at crucial times, but it was young batting sensation, Shimron Hetmyer, who snared the limelight with a breezy, unbeaten 79, after the Amazon Warriors suffered early setbacks in the chase, losing three quick wickets inside the first three overs.

Hetmyer, in only his second game announced himself on the CPL stage.

His run against Bangladesh recently – 86 and 18 in the second Test and 52,

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Guyana Amazon Warriors Head Coach Johan Botha making a point during yesterday’s pre-match press conference. Fast-rising all-rounder Keemo Paul also share the head table with Botha.

Young batting sensation, Shimron Hetmyer, was the Amazon Warriors main batsman on Thursday evening.

125 and 30 in the ODIs – continued as he hit nine fours and four sixes to take Guyana home with lots to spare.

At a pre-match press conference yesterday at the Guyana Marriott Hotel Georgetown, head coach Johan Botha said he is

expecting a tough game today, adding that the Stars will definitely want to bounce back after their opening defeat against the Trinbago Knight Riders.

“I think when you got a loss you want to bounce back as quickly as you can and certainly they would want to, tomorrow night

Increased cash prizes for Prime Minister T20 Softball Cup … Three-day tournament to be officially launched tomorrow

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RGANISERS of the second edition of the Prime Minister T20 Softball Cup 2 have indicated that there is a substantial increase of cash prizes for both categories, when the three-day tournament concludes.

The tournament is billed for October 19-21 and information from the organisers indicates that the winning team from Open and Masters categories will pocket $100 000 more than last year’s winners.

This year $700 000 will be up for grabs in the Open category, while the Masters will vie for the winners’ purse of $600 000. Both categories will have a runners-up prize of $100 000 as well as trophies.

The tournament, which is organised by the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc,, is being played

in collaboration with National Sports Commission, the Ministry of the Presidency Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport. Several teams from the Diaspora are set to participate.

ers during the finals. Regal Masters and Speedboat are the respective defending champions.

Meanwhile, the official launch of the tournament is billed for tomorrow from 11:00hrs at the Everest

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

Lighted bails will be used in the competition and added entertainment will be provided by the Crossover band and cheerlead-

Cricket Club ground. Prime Minister (ag) and Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan, Minister of Social Cohesion and Sport

Dr George Norton, Director of Sport Christopher Jones along with the president of the GSCL, Ian John, are expected to deliver remarks.

To date Banks DIH, Hero Motorcycle, Regal Sports, among other business entities, have signalled their support.

Further, the quarter-finals in the Ink Plus, Crown Mining Enterprise and Elegance Jewellery-sponsored softball competition, will also be played tomorrow along with a feature 20/20 game between Corriverton Spartans and Regal All Stars.

The visitors will depend on Krishon Sobhai, Chandrashekar Arjune, Vishal Phillips, Randy Baichan, Kishan Gangaram, and Eon Hooper, a former national player.

The city team will bank on Patrick Rooplall, Fazal Rafeik, Sachin Singh and Khalid Haslim.

(tonight), so it’s up to us to keep on top and keep the pressure on them. Having said that their lineup has some quality players as well, so we will have to bring our A game,” Botha said.

On the other hand, the Stars have concerns, and although the team has been

rejigged, with a new captain in Kieron Pollard, the results for St Lucia at the start of the 2018 edition clearly haven’t taken a drastic turn for the better.

They are now on a 12-match losing streak stretching back to 2016, when they were called Zouks.

Taylor half-century helps Storm stretch lead

(CMC) – West Indies captain Stafanie Taylor struck her first half-century of the Blast Twenty20 tournament in a strong all-round performance as she helped fire Western Storm to an emphatic 76-run victory over Lancashire Thunder.

Playing at Taunton on Thursday, Storm piled up 185 for four off their 20 overs, with captain Heather Knight top-scoring with 76 and Taylor carving out an unbeaten 51.

In reply, Thunder crumbled for 109 all out with 10 balls remaining, with only 19-year-old Eleanor Threlkeld showing any resistance with 33 off 32 balls while Nicole Bolton chipped in with 21 from 17 deliveries at the top of the order.

Welsh spinner Claire Nicholas, entrusted with the new ball, claimed three for 11 while Taylor supported with two for 18 from three overs of off-spin.

The victory was Storm’s sixth win of the season, allowing them to stretch their lead at the top of the standings on 28 points.

Sent in, Storm lost experienced New Zealander Rachel Priest in the first over for four with as many on the board but Knight anchored two superb partnerships to ruin Thunder’s hopes of further quick breakthroughs.

She put on 64 for the second wicket with Indian opener Smriti Mandhana whose 49 came from just 25 balls and included seven fours and a pair of sixes.

When Mandhana departed, in the eighth over, Knight put on a further 102 runs with the right-handed Taylor who faced 37 balls and counted five fours and a six.

Knight perished at the end of the 19th over after belting nine fours and a six in a 50-ball knock.

See Pag

Amazon Warriors aim to maintain momentum e 31

The Guyana Amazon Warriors players will look to maintain the momentum in today’s encounter.

… clash with St Lucia Stars today from 16:00hrs

Increased cash prizes for Prime Minister T20 Softball Cup … Three-day tournament to be officially launched tomorrow

Flashback! The victorious Regal Masters team after they won the inaugural Prime Minister T20 Softball Cup.

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See Page 31 SATURDAY, AUGUST 11, 2018