Guyana Chronicle E-paper 08-16-2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday August 16, 2018

THURSDAY

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16th August, 2018

Back to the table

No.105368

See page 3

…GTU, Ministry of Education for further talks on teachers’ salaries …Minister Scott warns against proposed strike action

Boy tops at CSEC See page 14

President David Granger on Wednesday met with Baroness Valerie Amos, now Director of the SOAS-University of London, former Leader of the House of Lords and representative to the United Nations (UN) and The Lord Alli, Waheed Alli, a member of the House of Lords and entrepreneur at State House.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed, among other issues, Guyana’s ‘green’ development pathway and investment opportunities in the sugar, forestry, petroleum and ‘green’ energy sectors. At the conclusion of the meeting, the two sides agreed that Minister of Business, Mr. Dominic Gaskin will travel to the United Kingdom to meet with potential investors and to expand on Guyana’s potential as an investment destination. The meeting was also attended by Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon and Minister within the Ministry of the Presidency with responsibility for Public Affairs, Ms. Dawn Hastings-Williams. (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

Delon Clementson

18 years’ jail for juvenile rapist See page 14

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday August 16, 2018

Brazilian miner was shot to head

A POST-MORTEM performed on the body of Brazilian miner Estevao Costa Marques gave the cause of death as a single gunshot injury to the head.

Pathologist, Nehaul Singh indicated that the bullet entered from the back and exited through the front. He also opined that the deceased was shot from a range more than five feet.

Guyana Chronicle reported on Wednesday that a number of civilians were up to late Monday evening said to be “cooperating fully” with police investigating the murder which occurred at Puruni on Saturday.

This was confirmed by Crime Chief Paul Williams

when contacted by the Guyana Chronicle. This newspaper was also reliably informed that from what is being said in those statements, things are not looking well for the policemen involved in the shooting.

Word is that the lawmen, a constable and a corporal, have already been transferred to the city and are under close arrest at the Tactical Service Unit where their movements are restricted.

It is unclear at what point they may be put under full arrest, or if the police will seek to keep them under close arrest until they receive word on how to proceed with the matter from legal minds upon whom the police

Estevao Costa Marques

force usually rely for legal guidance.

The policemen who were stationed at Kurupung, reportedly shut shop and went about their own business, singling out particular mining camps along the Puruni River on which to carry out raids, which is what happened when the shooting

occurred.

The Guyana Chronicle has been reliably informed that diplomatic channels have already been opened between Guyana and Brazil on the matter, as the uncle of the dead young man is said to be a mayor in that country and has been paying close attention to the handling of the investigations and developments in the case.

On the day in question, the subordinate officer otherwise referred to as a corporal reportedly remained in a boat and allowed the constable to go and confront civilians without supervision.

It was during that period that loud explosions were heard, and when the cor-

poral reached the location, he found the man lying on the ground motionless. The constable reportedly told the corporal that the man discharged a weapon at him, and all he did was return fire, hitting him in the process.

Persons in the area dispute this, saying that the man did not shoot at the police; that it is the police who attempted to shake him down and opened fire on him when he did not comply with his demands.

Persons have long complained about the highhandedness of the police and even GGMC officials in the mining communities who would carry out illegal raids on foreign nationals and

Suspects in Providence robbery for court today

TWO of five suspects who allegedly carried out a daring robbery at Provi-

dence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on Monday, will be arraigned in court

this morning, the police have said.

In a statement, the police

said three security guards manning a business establishment at Plantation Road, Providence, EBD, were early Monday morning accosted and bound by five identifiable males, two of whom were armed with handguns.

The perpetrators then made their way into a section of the building which housed a family employed by the said business and removed a safe with valuables. In the process, the intruders assaulted one of the family members after demanding the keys for the safe.

According to the police, as the suspects were fleeing the premises with the steel safe, they saw a police patrol and were forced to abandon their loot intact and escaped. Based

on closed circuit television footage, a male employee of the company was seen aiding the suspects in committing the crime, and reportedly later confessed to facilitating the robbery.

Two of five suspects have since been arrested and will be arraigned before a magistrate today along with the employee.

The police said stringent efforts are being made to have the others apprehended and charged.

Those charged are: Gilbert ‘Gaza’ Burrows, 25, of 190 Elizer Street, Lodge Housing Scheme; Terron ‘Stereo‘Niles, 32 , of Norton Street, Bagotstown, EBD and the employee, Deodat Ramdhanie, 21, of 52 Block ‘Y’ Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara.

even small miners.

They say that persons are often threatened with either deportation or being charged if the officers do not get what they demand.

The investigation into this latest matter continues, even as the Public Security Minister has already added his voice to the situation and called for a proper probe, and again repeated his call for rogue elements to be rooted out of the Guyana Police Force.

Police say man had stolen items on him

A Cummings Lodge resident appeared Wednesday before Magistrate Fabayo Azore on a robbery charge.

The court heard that on August 13, 2018, at Albert Street, Queenstown, while being armed with a pair of scissors, Gary Thomas robbed Vasad Seoram of one cellphone valued $14,000, one black watch valued $ 5,000 and $19,000 in cash.

The 23-year-old labourer denied the charge that was read to him in court.

The police prosecutor had no objection to bail but asked that the defendant be placed on substantial bail.

According to the police facts, on the day in question, the virtual complainant was walking on Albert Street when he was attacked from behind. The defendant was armed with a pair of scissors.

The victim shouted for help several times and two persons came to his assistance. The defendant then tried to escape on foot but was captured. A search was carried out on him and the items were found in his possession. He was then taken to the Alberttown Police Station where he was charged.

Bail was granted in the sum of $50,000 on condition that the defendant report to the Alberttown Police Station every Friday. The matter was adjourned to September 26, 2018.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday August 16, 2018

Back to the table

By Lisa Hamilton THE Guyana Teacher’s Union (GTU) has accepted the Education Ministry’s invitation for an additional meeting to iron out previous unresolved issues regarding the teachers’ multi-year agreement even as Junior Minister of Social Protection, Keith Scott, warns the union against strike action.

The invitation for such was presented to the union on Tuesday. However, on Wednesday when GTU President Mark Lyte spoke to the media, he said that the union was not too keen to do so until a justification was provided.

“The union, having looked at the content of that letter, would need to seek some clarity from the minister before we agree what is it we’re coming to talk about. We already know what we proposed, what was accepted and recommended by the task force…. what is being put to the table has no bearing as to what was discussed in the task force, so why did we meet in the task force in the first place?” he had questioned.

Lyte added that these are unknowns which caused the GTU to be skeptical about returning to the negotiating table. As such, the union penned a letter to the Education Ministry on Wednesday and, after receiving clarification, Lyte confirmed with the Guyana Chronicle that the union would be attending the meeting today, scheduled for 14:00hrs.

The Education Ministry in a press invitation on Wednesday stated: “The Ministry of Education and the Guyana Teachers Union will be meeting at 14:00hrs tomorrow, Thursday 16th Augus, 2018,

to have further talks with a view of arriving at an amicable resolution to the teachers multi-year agreement. The meeting will be held in the MoE, 26 Brickdam boardroom.”

Prior to the new unfolding, on August 10, the GTU sent a formal letter to the Ministries of Education and Social Protection about a planned country-wide strike on August 27, expected to span a period of two weeks.

In response on August 15, Scott, whose portfolio has responsibility for labour, responded to the union in a letter stating that their planned “industrial action”, though welcomed, may very well be invalid.

“While your notification of contemplated ‘industrial action’ is welcomed, the path you have chosen to follow may be an incorrect one which may very well render your ‘steps’ illegal, null and void… for a strike notice to be valid and effective, it must be issued directly to an employer who is deemed to be a ‘property party’ “I don’t think that the ‘Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection’ can be properly defined as the employer or a property party in the instant case,” Scott stated.

He went on to express that he found the threat of strike action to be “premature and to be an absolute breach of faith” after the union had expressed interests in follow up meetings at the last shared dialogue.

“Throughout the meeting and more so towards the end thereof, you expressed a willingness to continue dialogue and at no time indicated that your union was contemplating industrial action, which

as you are aware, ought to be [in] conformity with an

Guyana Teacher’s Union (GTU) President Mark Lyte speaks to the media on the union’s engagement with the Ministry of Education.

establish grievance procedure,” Scott stated, further adding: “In keeping with good industrial relation practices, you are kindly requested to lodge a copy of the Recognition Agreement subsisting between your union and the Ministry of Education with the Office of the Chief Labour Officer.”

In encouraging the union to embrace the option of cordial discussions, Scott went on to state that “prudent industrial relations practices dictate that negotiations should not be conducted in an atmosphere of duress”.

The disagreements between the ministry and the GTU, which comprises teachers across Guyana, arose following what the union refers to as failed talks between the two parties. At their last meeting, the two sides agreed to some recommendations while others were not agreed upon and a few were retracted by the union.

Areas which saw mutu-

…GTU, Ministry of Education for further talks on teachers’ salaries …Min Scott warns against proposed strike action

al agreements include duty free concessions for teachers; housing issues to be considered in the position paper for the revolving loan fund; payment of the Whitley Council leave allowance and several others. One of the main issues, though, which remain on the negotiating table is salary and debunching for which the Government has proposed a ball park figure of $200 million for debunching in 2018 and $700 million for salary. However, the union had disagreed on this counter proposal, instead suggesting that it be retroactive.

Minister of Education, Ms. Nicolette Henry on Tuesday had said talks with GTU held last Thursday were not concluded but rather, some aspects of the union’s terms were agreed and a decision was taken for another meeting to be held to iron out the outstanding issues. She noted that the government remains committed to paying teachers their increases.

In an invited comment with the Ministry of the Presidency’s Public Information and Press Services Unit, Minister Henry said that coming out of last week’s meeting, the two sides agreed to some recommendations, but noted that some could not be agreed, while others were completely withdrawn by the union.

“I want to point out that some were agreed on in part, because it required much more than one area. For instance, [on] the issue related to duty-free concessions, we agreed entirely on what was proposed; when it came to the issue of housing and the revolving fund, we agreed also. However, [on] the issue of salary and debunching, we did not agree on [sic] at

all [since] the government proposed a ball park figure. In the case of debunching, we are looking at $200 million to address debunching for the year 2018. The union suggested that they believe that it should be retroactive and therefore they were not in agreement with looking at just 2018. In addition to that, the issue of salary also for which we had allocated the sum of $700 million, they felt that should also be retroactive,” she explained.

Minister Henry said given the difference of opinions and the number of issues that had to be addressed, the union and the government’s side “agreed in principle that we will meet subsequently to address the issues that were not resolved at that first meeting. So, my understanding and at least the agreement that came out of that meeting is that we will meet subsequently; and it is my intention to invite the union to continue to have meetings as was agreed [to] at our initial meeting.”

The Education Minister further explained that the reason the government’s side proposed a ball park figure had to do specifically with the process involved in debunching and salary increases. She noted that the union was asking for a 40 per cent increase across the board, which the ministry felt would have further compounded the issue related to debunching.

“So we needed to address that issue and so we gave a figure on what is available in terms of financing to address the debunching issue. Once the debunching issue is addressed and teachers in this instance can be categorised and put into scales, then it will give you an opportunity to give what is allocated to salary

increases in the respective categories… There is certainly nothing sinister or there is certainly no ulterior motive in awarding the ball park figure, because that did come up in the discussion. I just wanted to provide that clarity, because I believe that teachers and the Guyanese people need to understand what was proposed and why it was proposed,” Minister Henry said.

She said notwithstanding the absence of a multi-year agreement, the government provided salary increases in 2016 and 2017 for teachers in accordance with what was given to public servants. “In order to improve the conditions of teachers, we have taken several decisions. One is that we have offered to provide grants to schools that have science labs. There is the National Endowment for Science and Technology (NEST) programme, which is managed by the Ministry of the Presidency and that is to ensure that the environment the beneficiaries operate in are the best of what we can offer. In addition to that, we have increased stipends for teachers who are in training at the Cyril Potter College of Education by more than 50 per cent. In addition to that, the Remote Area Incentive (RAI) for teachers who work in the hinterland has seen an 80 per cent increase in 2018,” she reminded.

Further to this, Minister Henry said that in an effort to make work less onerous and demanding on teachers, the ministry has been exploring support mechanisms, particularly through Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and by strengthening the human resource capacity.

Another eruption of natural gas at Diamond Residents of Diamond Housing Scheme awoke Wednesday morning to another eruption of natural gas at the Fourth Street, Section A, Block X, Diamond location which first exploded last June.

The eruption caused the spilling of mud and water spraying several feet in the air above the houses of residents.

Since the last eruption, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission had set up a system for the gas to continue to flow through a pipe. However, mud and water subsequently got mixed in with the gas earlier Wednesday morning, causing the eruption.

For a few minutes, the spilling had ceased after the pipe experienced a blockage, but the eruption continued from other areas around the yard, as well as the yard next door where a three-storey building is currently under construction.

GGMC Senior Petroleum Technologist, Mitchell Prince, was at the site and explained that the eruption began since

the wee hours of Wednesday morning. “This morning about 01.30hrs, I was called and when I came I noticed it was venting gas, water and solids through the pipe. I went back to the office to make arrangements to save the houses from getting soiled in the interim…however, I received a call saying that it appears as though the pipe is blocked and because of that, the gas has found its way through [other areas],” Prince explained.

It was in mid-June of this year that Soownauth Gorakh, the home-owner, was illegally drilling a well at the residence and caused the natural gas explosion. The persons who were digging, unaware of the depth to dig, drilled to some 120 feet and hit the pocket of natural gas, which is said to be mostly methane gas. Gorakh and his family have since vacated the premises, which has become uninhabitable after the house sustained considerable damage after the first explosion, with the entire concrete back step having broken down, while the walls contain several sizeable cracks

GGMC Senior Petroleum Technologist, Mitchell Prince, left, speaking with the home-owner Soownauth Gorakh.

In the background is the pipe set up to control the gas emission (Samuel Maughn photo)

and holes.

Prince explained the drilling compromised the sub-surface in the yard, and possibly even in the yard of other surrounding residences. According to Prince, prior to drilling there was a sub-surface that comprised a layer of soil, a layer of pegasse, and a layer of clay that acted as a cap and prevented the gas from escaping; under the clay was sand, and the gas is normally in the sand along with

water and mud.

It was the damage to the clay cap that is allowing the gas to now escape through the soil at any point that is weak enough for it to come out. “The sub-surface is considerably damaged, because of the blow out from the drilling that they had in the first case,” Prince related.

“Because the sub-surface has been comprised [sic], it might even go into other yards.

That clay cap, they punctured

it, [and] so long as the clay has been damaged, the gas is going to get into the pegasse, and when it gets into the pegasse it might not bubble under this building, because the concrete is fine, but it would find somewhere else that is weak. If you walk around the yard you will see bubbles all around the yard because the cap is gone.”

Notwithstanding the possibility that gas could begin emitting in other yards where the surface is weak, Prince maintained that he does not think the reservoir or emitting gas poses a danger to the surrounding residents.

However, several residents registered their fear of the situation. “The gas was just going up in the air really high, it was terrible. We’re scared, this could happen in any one of our yards right now, something could happen to us, we don’t know what to do anymore. And then they’re telling us it’s ok, it’s ok, but it’s not ok,” expressed one resident who lives a few houses away from the eruption.

“I didn’t sleep all night, the

neighbourhood, nobody slept.

We don’t know what they’re going to do.”

A similar situation had occurred at a residence in the neighbouring community of Grove back in 2009. In that case, a system with a tank was set up to capture the gas and have it directed into the home of the residence for domestic use.

Prince was questioned about having a similar set-up in Diamond and having the gas piped to a resident or surrounding residents. “I’m not in a position to answer that,” he replied.

Prince noted that to investigate the full volume of gas contained beneath the community would be a costly exercise, but did concede that this pocket of gas may have some connection to the one in Grove. “We have to have an idea of the reservoir size and we do not have that. We would have to do seismic in the area, etcetera, but we have an idea that it might’ve been the same vein that comes from Grove, all the way across here,” He said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 16, 2018

Oil money better spent on education, healthcare –U.S. ambassador

By Navendra Seoraj AMID discussions on cash transfers of US$5,000 per household, U.S. Ambassador to Guyana Perry Holloway believes that oil revenues would be better spent on education, healthcare and creating a secure living and working environment for Guyanese.

While he did not rule out the option of cash transfers, he told members of the media that once proper social services are in place,

persons would make money and prosper.

“I think the focus should be more on the things that the government could do to provide the young people with the skills and knowledge to be successful,” said Holloway.

The ambassador believes that in other countries, the money was best spent when it is focused on the poorest of the poor.

According to reports, Guyana is set to become a significant petroleum pro-

ducer with proven reserves in excess of 3.2 billion barrels.

The first phase of petroleum production is due to begin in 2020 with an estimated 450 million barrels.

Ambassador Holloway said it is up to the government to decide how the revenue will be spent and even if the decision is to do cash transfers, he believes that it should be done in a focused way.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan said that if the cash-transfer approach was to be adopted, then extreme caution must be employed,

U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway

a view shared by Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman.

He had told reporters in the corridors of Parliament, that conditional cash transfers are not new to Guyana.

He said over the years, there have been such transfers which targeted education.

He pointed to the national school-feeding programme and the uniform vouchers that students in the public school system receive.

“I must admit to you, I would have a difficulty if Cabinet were to agree to it and in the implementation it wasn’t properly structured,” said the finance minister, who noted that rather than

giving citizens US$5000 as hypothetically suggested by economist, Professor Clive Thomas last Sunday in Buxton, issues within critical sectors should be examined.

“Why not look at issues such as education, health, youth programmes, small businesses… teaching a man to fish and then he could do it for a lifetime, rather than giving him a fish when he could only feed himself for a short while,” Jordan suggested, while noting that the matter has not yet reached the level of Cabinet.

Spirited debate as Youth Parliament opens SECONDARY school students were able to voice their opinions about four topical matters as the first round of debates in the fourth annual Youth Parliament was held on Wednesday at the Parliament Chambers.

The students debated four motions: Augmenting efforts to combat climate change; A healthy eating policy for schools; Enhancing the education sector and finally, Amending the Representation of the People’s Act (Chapter 1:03) to include youth participation.

Addressing the students at the end of the first set of debates, Speaker of the National Assembly Dr. Barton Scotland noted: “A great deal is to be learnt from the way you applied yourselves.”

He commented particularly on the motion to include youth participation, where the opposition proposed that Chapter 1:03 of the Representation of the People Act be amended to include one-third of youth candidates while the government called for this number to be one-fifth.

“The youths who spoke against giving the one-thirds [representation] did very well,” Dr. Scotland said, especially since what they were

Wednesday 15, August, 2018

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B

Youth Prime Minister, Jordan Kelman during his debate

doing was debating against themselves as youth.

And this, he said, “Speaks to the sort of discipline you are acquiring, quite beautifully.”

Debating over the four motions allowed the pool of young students, all in secondary schools, to voice their opinions on matters of national interest. It also allowed them to exercise their own debating skills.

Shaquawn Gill was one who exercised his powerful debating skills and managed to change the narrative from a consideration of a health policy to prohibit carbonated beverages and oily foods from schools to focus on the stark condition of teenage pregnancy and sexual and reproductive health in Guyana.

At the end of his presentation, it seemed as though the house had forgotten for just a min-

04, 09, 17, 20, 22

6, 2, 4

2, 0, 9

03, 08, 14, 18, 23

2, 2, 6

3, 8, 8

01, 07, 08, 11, 20

7, 8, 1

8, 0, 9

11, 15, 16, 18, 20

1, 4, 5

9, 6, 2

03, 05, 10, 18, 19

5, 8, 6

9, 1, 2

ute what the motion being debated actually was.

Members from the opposition also championed that this restriction would severely affect single-parents and financially-challenged families and instead lead to an increase in unemployment and crime. The government fought against this by advancing that a healthy youth population is critical to the development of the nation.

The shadow minister of education, Arifa Ahsidally, led the motion that the current education sector is in need of revamping. Education, for her, is “the foundation on which society is built” and she called for critical improvements in the sector in areas such as inclusive education for those children with special needs and the need for more focus on ICT. Her colleagues in the

opposition ably supported her and illustrated just how critical the need to revamp the system was. Members of the government, however, contested this by highlighting the education system has been producing top-tier students who have become giants in the Caribbean region.

Prime Minister Jordan Kelman, who hails from the Bishops’ High School, said in his address, “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.”

Kelman, delivering the last address, also spoke on all of the motions and reiterated his government’s position in each one. His address combined his great skill in intonation with a distinguished eloquence which received a rousing show of support from his colleagues, spectators and even some members of the opposition. In the end, it came as no surprise that Kelman was adjudged the Best Debater and Ahsidally copped the Best Speaker title. And at the end of the day’s proceedings, the government side of the house emerged victorious. These highly-anticipated debates will continue today as students from the University of Guyana (UG) share their arguments.

01, 04, 07, 09, 10 11, 12, 15, 16, 17

10, August, 2018

03, 04, 09, 11, 12

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday August 16, 2018

Lindeners urged to blow whistle on money launderers

By Vanessa Braithwaite LINDENERS were on Wednesday sensitised to the role they can play in reporting any form of suspicious financial transactions by clients or business partners, so that Guyana can win the fight against money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

This was related at an Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) sensitisation forum held in the town. Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams related that reporting is more so important, as Guyana is now heading to the fourth round of mutual evaluation to become compliant with the FATF regulations.

The audience comprised representatives from reporting agencies across Linden, including commercial banks, cooperative societies, the Linden Chamber of Commerce, insurance companies and regional officials. Representatives of supervisory bodies were also present and made presentations on their role in the fight of AML/CFT. These included the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Bank of Guyana (BoG) and the Guyana Gold Board.

In his opening remarks, Williams, who is also chairman of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFTAF), posited that Guyana has come a far way in its AML regime, moving from being blacklisted to now approaching evaluation in the fourth round. “Serious preparation is being made, hence ongoing regional outreaches are being held to expose citizens on their roles, since they are basically the gatekeepers of our legal economy. In this fourth round, we have to deal with not only recommendations but immediate outcomes, and we also have to show effectiveness and technical compliance, if we fail to do that we will be back to being blacklisted and that would really have a debilitating effect on our economy,” Williams said.

“AML/CFT affects each and every Guyanese as the world is serious about the financing of terrorists and therefore, Guyana should not be used as a conduit to finance these activities. To be successful, convictions are needed and it all depends on an individual’s decision to report suspicious cases and also to stay clean from illegal financial activities,” Williams explained. “One of the things we have to do to be successful is to get convictions to be effective, if we don’t get convictions, we would have to swim in the hole they have in the fourth round; getting conviction lies on all of you

here in this room, because you have to give information of suspicious transactions,” said Williams.

Those sentiments were echoed by Mr. Matthew Langevine, Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), who in his presentation, educated the audience on the role of the FIU, as an autonomous body responsible for requesting, receiving, analysing and dissemination of suspicious transaction reports and other information relating to money laundering, terrorist financing or the proceeds of crime. “Lindeners must know what is normal cash and unusual cash transactions and when irregularities are noted, an individual should not be hesitant in reporting same to the FIU or any other supervisory agency. You as representative reporting entities, you have a very, very, important role to play in this process, because it starts with you, you are what we call the gatekeepers, because you will see the irregularities first and so it important that you be trained and be aware of what is usual and what is abnormal,” Langevine said.

He said with Guyana on the cusp of experiencing significant development, it is pertinent that “our economy remains clean, so as to remain at best with international financial agencies and organisations such as CFATF.” Lindeners were also told to look out for predicated crimes which are followed by money laundering. These include drug trafficking, prostitution, smuggling etc.

Also giving brief remarks was Ramnarine Lal, Director of the Bank Supervision Department of the Bank of Guyana. He urged reporting agencies to know their customers and to have proof of identity since this is very important. “You must have adequate records of your customer, these must be updated periodically and must be kept for seven years,” he urged.

“After knowing a customer, suspicious transactions must be reported to supervisory agencies. Suspicious transactions are what you deem suspicious, it may not be illegal or it could be, but because of how you see this thing, you say something smells fishy about it, so just to be safe, you report it to the FIU, who would do the analysis to ensure that it is suspicious or not suspicious,” Lal stated. He added that suspicion normally comes after transactions of large and unusual sums of cash that are not consistent with the customer’s profile.

He urged reporting agencies, especially commercial banks, to have systems in place to identify launderers easily and to continually train staff in this regard.

Head of the Special, Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) Sydney James, told the gath-

ering that currently 350 investigations are being conducted and SOCO has a pivotal role in this regard. Convictions he said are important to SOCU, since it is the primary policing unit responsible for investigating money laundering and terrorist financing and could only be done through reporting

WITNESS PROTECTION WILL BE GIVEN Lindeners expressed their willingness to report suspicious financial activities, but were concerned about being protected from the perpetrators when they do blow the whistle. Williams reminded Lindeners of the Witness Protection Act, which guarantees

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams addressing the audience

witness protection when there is need to. This can go as far as changing one’s identity or

migrating to another country. Handling the witness protection is an anonymous body, which also trains reporting agencies on how this is being done and what is the best approach to take. While Lindeners expressed no-confidence in the police, Williams reminded them that it is a totally independent system and so no one should have fear in reporting, since they will be safe and protected.

Mayor of Linden Waneka Arindell, thanked the attorney general for bringing such a timely outreach to Linden, since it is needed for advancement of the town.

An educated population, she said, is one that makes the right choices

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 16, 2018

Fit and proper leadership of the police force IT is the right of every head of state, in effect, the commander-in-chief, to insist upon the highest standards of his security forces, especially those persons that are the nominal heads.

This right, and its concomitant insistence have to be understood against the background of the head of state, being morally responsible, by way of being elected with a mandate from the people and which in fact is inherent in the understanding, that the safe keeping of the state is assured in the hands of service leaders who are of impeccable character.

It is an insistence that President David Granger re-emphasised after he had sworn in members of the recently appointed Police Service Commission, along with its chairman. In delivering his post-swearing-in remarks, he spoke about an “unbribable” top cop, who

must also be able to oversee the security sector reform (SSR).

Given the troubling revelations of the findings of the Justice Trotman Commission of Inquiry into the Lindo Creek Massacre, which gave insight into the Guyana Police Force (GPF), coupled with the findings of the Paul Slowe Commission of Inquiry into allegations of a plot to assassinate the President, it is evident that the leadership of the police force has lost its way. One can therefore appreciate the President’s position on this very important security appointment.

No leadership of a police force must be guided or influenced by considerations other than those of the highest ethical standards and professionalism that are demanded for the proper discharge of its functions. Neither should there be political influence of any kind, except the making

of policy that is solely for the maintenance and upkeep of its daily professional operations. In fact, observers would notice that the current government is allowing its executive officers and heads of key state departments to manage independently. It is an imperative for building professional capacity in any democratic state.

That goes for the management of the GPF as well; a departure from the marked intrusions of the former government, a fact that had been publicly stated unambiguously by two former commissioners of police.

It cannot be over emphasised as in other editorial pieces on the GPF, the quality of leadership of any police force determines the following: first, its standard of discipline, since the latter influences the level of conduct which is so important for the proper adherence to the stan-

dard operating procedures for successful outcomes of daily security engagements; second, it is seminal, for it gives the cue for the esprit de corps, thereby setting the pace for the other subordinate officers to follow. This example is going to filter down to the body of junior ranks who will understand that their daily roles and conduct have to be performed and conform to the force’s disciplinary code and work ethic.

Any police force, in which a collective of its top brass is engaged in illegal activities, is a recipe for non-performance, gradual degrading of respect from the bottom, and eventual indiscipline among the ranks, thereby compromising operations. This cannot inspire confidence from the public either, since the latter will, with the passage of time, lose confidence in the force’s ability to maintain order,

much less to ensure citizens’ safety.

As a nation, those are the kinds of experience that had been at play, at some points of the police force’s sojourn, during the over 23 years of the PPP/C government. It has not done the image of the GPF any good, thus becoming necessary since 2015, for the coalition government to effect a raft of measures for a total and complete overhaul of the force’s entire structure, beginning with the naming of a new commissioner of police, four deputies, and the implementation of the all-important Security Sector Reform (SSR), which has already begun.

Bribes are a dirty fly in the ointment of any state security officer at any level of a law- enforcement agency, since its purpose is to corrupt investigations, with the aim of perverting the course of justice. But it is even gravest,

when it resides at the topmost strata, for the negative message that it sends to the rest of the ranks. No police force must be saddled with such a leadership.

It is certain that whatever appointments will come, and long overdue pending disciplinary measures taken, will be done with the best interests of the GPF and nation in mind. It will not be about “settling scores’’ with any officer(s), or seeking to “undermine morale,’’ as the leader of the parliamentary opposition constantly seeks to mislead about an agency, that sunk to all-time lows during his tenure as head of state and commander-in-chief.

It is about returning a police force to its once halcyon days, where the citizens can once more be proud of its leadership, fit and proper, because of its integrity.

Melinda Janki whips up fear Third Annual National Anti-Violence Candlelight Vigil set for Sunday, September 9 while providing no evidence Dear Editor, A video clip of former ExxonMobil Guyana lawyer, Melinda Janki, has been making the rounds on social media based on a presentation she did at Moray House a few months ago.

Just like most other things Ms. Janki says about Guyana’s oil production; her claims about massive environmental impacts are unfounded. The former lawyer for the oil company claims that each phase of oil production will cause more and more damage, while citing hypothetical situations rather than hard evidence.

Ms. Janki, who no doubt felt differently while she was contracted by Exxon, now believes that it is better for the oil to be left in the ground so that Guyanese, particularly the most vulnerable, would never see any of the benefits the coming windfall is set to bring. In fact, Ms. Janki, by way of unfounded

statements, claims that Guyana will not gain in any way from oil production. Real experts both at home and abroad agree that Guyana will rake in billions of US dollars from the first phase of oil production and billions more from subsequent phases.

In fact, Exxon has said it expects production to hit 750,000 barrels per day by 2026 from a record 5 development projects offshore, which translates to tens of billions of US dollars for Guyana, by the end of the next decade.

When the oil companies put out statements, we are all quick to confirm the facts before we believe it, and rightfully so, but when overnight experts say anything, people immediately assume it to be true.

Ms. Janki must not be allowed to trick Guyanese into thinking the end is near, for the country’s future is now beginning.

Regards Clement Smith

Dear Editor THE third Annual National Candlelight Vigil was officially launched at a press conference in Georgetown on August 10. In attendance was this year’s vigil patron, Dr. George Norton, Minister of Social Cohesion, Youth, Sports and Culture. Voices Against Violence (the collection of entities that plans and organises vigils nationwide) recognises that not only is the vigil an activity that can concretely build social cohesion, but that the patronage of Minister Dr. Norton will ensure that this year the vigil reaches into the hinterland and riverain communities and that promotion will be more widespread and intensive. We also hope that the minister’s patronage would encourage many more entities to come on board, including various ministries, agencies and departments of the government.

Set for Sunday, September 9, this year’s vigil is being held under the theme, ‘Working Together to Prevent Violence.” Launched in 2016 to mark World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10 each year), this event has brought together over 100 entities across Guyana to organise 800 vigils over the past two years as communities strive to make anti-violence everybody’s business. This year we’re aiming for at least 1000 vigils Non-political in nature, the vigils serve to bridge all sorts of divides on the social landscape by bringing communities together to be involved in anti-violence activism, while fostering the concept of communal action for community well-being. When communities come together

they can begin to become more caring and build more togetherness Communities and planning organisations have complete control over their vigils. Thus, violence can be addressed holistically, or organisers can choose what aspects of violence on which they want to focus. For the purpose of the vigil, violence also includes suicide, all forms of abuse and drugs and alcohol use/abuse. Vigils are inexpensive to organise with participants needing only candles, or they can even use the light from their cellphones. Organisers can choose to march around their communities, engage in chanting slogans, assemble at a pre-selected point and have a keynote speaker address the gathering. As has been done in the past by some entities, organisers can also include cultural performances in their vigils.

Voices Against Violence appeals to all to organise vigils: NGOs, faith-based organisations (churches, mosques, mandirs), community-based organisations, special interest groups, sports clubs, youth groups, professional groups, women’s groups, political parties, trade unions, business groups -- all and sundry. All vigil organisers and potential organisers are requested to contact Voices Against Violence, so we can map your vigils and provide any needed support, including pre-vigil promotion and post-vigil reporting.

Please contact Nazim Hussain at 644-1152 or 646-4849, Leslyn Holder at 639-1189, Pandit Deodat at 627-4423, Jinnah Rahaman at 692-5672 or Sixtus Edwards at 677-3597.

Regards Voices Against Violence

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 16, 2018

PPP/C could have opted for a fixed-date commencement of the JRA Dear Editor, IN June, I wrote a letter on the contentious Judicial Review Act, 2010 (“The Chief Justice Ruling on the Judicial Review Act”, GC, June 6-7; “it would be imprudent for the Minister of Legal Affairs to bring the JRA 2010 into operation in its present state” KN June 03). I am compelled (perhaps impelled) to write another. In that June letter, I unveiled the red-herring, cock-and-bull arguments of Attorney Nandlall that PPP/C Ministers of Legal Affairs could not have legally brought the JRA into operation, because there were before February 6, 2017 no Civil Procedure Rules (“CPR”) yet in force, as there are now. And I argued (not without force) that a new APNU+AFC government has (in the events which have happened) an absolute prerogative to decide for itself its own legislative agenda and policy, unfettered by the PPP/C legislative agenda and policy.

This you might think is sheer commonsense and constitutional logic. Such prerogative is but one of the incidents and beneficent purposes of the constitution’s scheme of General Elections. Governments are elected to fashion and pursue their own legislative agenda, programme and policies.

Besides, and moreover, it is a legal impossibility for a non-binding law as the JRA, 2010, to create a legal, binding duty to act to bring that JRA into force.

So, how and why was the attorney general’s application for a stay (pending the hearing of the substantive appeal) of the chief justice’s ruling ordering him to bring the JRA, 2010 into operation, refused by Jus-

tice of Appeal Rafiq Khan (“Amendments to review act coming” GC Sunday, August 12). That refusal is an outrage. Appellate Courts are created to correct error/miscarriage of justice by a lower court. So, that refusal might suggest that in the view of that learned justice of appeal, the attorney general’s appeal is bound to fail. I hold no brief for the attorney general and minister of legal affairs, so I am entitled to ask this question: is the refusal some manifestation of an Orwellian judicial mindset that would deny the APNU+AFC government that equal freedom to reject or disapprove of the JRA in its present state, that the PPP/C government (and by extension its controlled Parliament) enjoyed and exercised in 2010 to enact, the JRA? In our constitution, all governments are equal; none is more equal than another. The right and prerogative of one government to make involve the proposition that it is equally the right and prerogative of another government (subject of course to any constitutional limitations or restrictions– none of which exists in this matter) to unmake or disapprove (wholly or partly) as it sees fit; and in its own time line.

It is such simple, yet profound constitutional tenet, that both the learned chief justice (ag) and the justice of appeal, ignore. It is President David Granger’s government, and not the courts, whose Cabinet must in the final analysis (as a matter of governmental policy) decide if, and when, the JRA would be brought into operation, the minister being but a mere statutory conduit of such a cabinet decision. This is how the constitutional machinery of ministerial portfolio assignment works. This is sound

constitutional law; and if any principle of administrative law judicial review is inconsistent with it, that principle is, to the extent of its inconsistency void (article 8). Turning briefly to the nature of the JRA. What does such indefinite prospectivity connote and import? It seems to me that the question of the judicial enforceability (for in substance that is what the CJ (ag) Order to the Minister is) of such a prospective legislation against an unwilling and reluctant NEW government is the crux of this matter. This type of prospectivity, excludes certainty; it imports and is pregnant with uncertainty of commencement. The courts ought not to make certain, what Parliament, recognising the vagaries of governmental conduct of a nation’s affairs that can contrive to vex any government, has made uncertain. For, surely, the draftsman by providing for the commencement of the JRA in these words viz “ shall come into operation on a date appointed by order of the minister” (section 1) must have addressed his lawyer’s mind to the vicissitudes of a change of government happening; and, as it is, the JRA being a non-binding law pending its commencement.

Recently in the Trueba case, the CCJ interpreted the CPRs as being applicable “notwithstanding (and perhaps because) the Judicial Review Act [(2018) CCJ 8 (AJ) at 22] does not apply…” I mention this extract for two reasons: one, there is, ominously, no obiter dicta even remotely suggesting that the JRA is a sine qua non for the efficient application of the CPRs; the other is that it eminently supports my red- herring, cock-and-bull characterisation of Nandlall’s argument/case. By its

self-induced incorporation of the JRA by reference, into the CPR (see Rule 56), the makers of the CPRs have not thereby created any duty on the minister.

Put simply, they have as makers of subsidiary legislation (ie the CPRs), absolutely no jurisdiction whatsoever to have imposed any duty on the minister qua minister, as per section 1 of the JRA. Turning to the question of factual justification for non-commencement, I mention that Barbados has its Administrative Justice Act, (the equivalent of our JRA, 2010). In the Barbadian case of C.O. Williams Construction Ltd V. Blackman (1994) 45 WIR 94 in reference to section 5 of the AJA (B) [corresponding to section 8 of our JRA, but without the outlandish, odd, unknown concepts of “advisory declaration” and “prospective declaration “) the Privy Council lamented that “… the interpretation of section 5 of the Administrative Justice Act raises a question of difficulty and importance…”. How much more difficult to interpret would not our JRA in its present outlandish conceptualisations be? Did the draftsman of the JRA take into account the settled constitutional un-reviewability of service commissions decision? Not at all. These are all relevant factors that a prudent minister must consider. One must assume that this attorney general has done due-diligence research on which basis he has advised Cabinet of the utter imprudence and ill-advisability of bringing the JRA 2010 into force, without substantial amendments, to be determined after meaningful consultations. And even more imperfections and conceptual oddities in the JRA are discernible.

And, yet a stay has been

refused!

On balance, and having regard to the formidable, unassailable constitutional and other arguments in favour of the attorney general’s case, it must be a challenge for the learned justice of appeal to articulate some (reportable) reasoned justification for refusing or disallowing the attorney general’s application for a stay.

It is not as if the wheels of judicial review justice has somehow stopped turning since the CPRs 2016 came into force from February 6, 2017, and that the wheels can only recommence turning with the JRA being brought into operation. Far from it, quite the contrary, as the CCJ Trueba decision and reasoning show. The inference is irresistible that in refusing the AG’s application for a stay, the justice of appeal (part-time) in exercising his Rule 19 of the Court of Appeal Rules Cap 3:01 jurisdiction, either failed to relate principles to the undisputed facts of this matter, or asked himself the wrong questions. Is it constitutionally permissible under the doctrine of separation of powers, for a court to foist on a minister a duty that conflicts with a jurisdictionally proper Cabinet decision that falls well and squarely within Cabinet’s legislative territorial boundaries. Has the presumption that the minister has not obtained from the Cabinet its no-objection to the making of a commencement order been rebutted?

Respectfully, I pose these question to all the learned justices of appeal. Judicial vigilance and restraint to foil or thwart the PPP/C contrivance in its volte face to operationalise the JRA surreptitiously through the courts is not just an option; it is a constitutional imperative.

I end with this: the

PPP/C government could have opted for a fixeddate commencement of the JRA 2010, even in a timeline of years (my research has discovered a precedent in the UK where the Human Rights Act, 1998 had a commencement provision (similar to section 1 of our JRA) as regards its substantive provisions, but the government had given extra legislatively, an indication that its commencement would be October 2, 2000, some two years later). The PPP/C gave no such extra-legislation fixed time line.

They left its commencement entirely open-ended and indefinite with all its attendant constitutional ramifications and possibilities. The inconvenient truth (as one discerns) is that they must have been ambivalent about its commencement, because on one possible view of a benefit vs. burden analysis, it was perceived as pro-opposition. So, having created their Frankenstein of indefinite prospectivity, the PPP/C (by its surrogate former AG Nandlall), now resorts to the courts to compel the exercise of an arguably non-justiciable function to commence it. And, with an accustomed degree of cheap, misleading rhetoric, they have (perhaps not unsurprisingly) politicised this matter. What presumptiveness! I apprehend, that just as happened ultimately in the Cedric Richardson (Presidential term limit) case, the PPP/C will, in time, be told emphatically that the law and facts in this JRA, 2010 commencement matter is decidedly in favour of the attorney general and minister of legal affairs.

Regards Maxwell E Edwards

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday August 16, 2018

OP-ED Three years of PPP/C Fearmongering

By Imran Khan A COALITION victory “will trigger a mass exodus so that the U.S. Embassy (in Guyana) will have to clamp down, once again, in issuing visas.” (Bharrat Jagdeo, March 30, 2015) What has happened? The exact opposite of what Jagdeo predicted.

Non-immigrant visas issued at the Georgetown Embassy reached a high of 51,646 in 2016. This compares to a low of 4,786 in 2008.

Now one might think that these visas are being issued to people who will overstay their visit, so desperate are they to escape Guyana. Actually no, the suspected in-country overstay rate for Guyanese was a piddling 3.33%.

Just for some historical context, 168,335 Guyanese were granted permanent residency status in the US from 1990 to 2013. That’s 7,318

Victims robbed during traffic accident A TEEN on Wednesday appeared before a city magistrate on a robbery charge.

The charge alleged that on July 16, 2018 in Georgetown, while being in the company of others and armed with a knife, Samuel Ford robbed Sarah Brown of one handbag valued $8,000 which had $50,000 in cash .

It was further alleged that on the same day, Ford robbed Nicholas Brown of one cellphone valued $98,000.

The 18-year-old who resides in Albouystown denied the charges in front of Magistrate Fabayo Azore.

The police prosecutor objected to bail based on the serious nature of the offence and the fact that personal violence was used.

According to the police facts, the accused and the virtual complainants were travelling in different vehicles which end up colliding with each other on Vlissingen Road. As a result, the accused and several other men exited the car and robbed the virtual complainants of the items mentioned. They assaulted Nicholas Brown about his body with a glass bottle causing him to receive injuries. An investigation was later carried out and the accused was identified in an identification parade.

Bail was granted in the sum of $100,000 .The matter was adjourned to September 26, 2018.

per year, or 20 every day. So this place was clearly not a bed of roses under the 23 years of the PPP/C. And issuances of immigrant visas in 2017 were 4,127 - down from 4936 in 2010. So no, people are not heading for the exits.

Jagdeo said that were the coalition to win the May 11 elections, the exchange rate, which currently stands at around US$1.00 = US$213.00, would skyrocket to US$1.00 = GUY$500.00 in three years. (Demerara Waves, March 30, 2015) “People are concerned. There is no money in the banking system.

I know of banks that are selling currency at $230 to 1. Things are going to get progressively worse,” (Bharrat Jagdeo, March 13, 2017) “It then reflects itself in a change in reserves or a deteriorating Balance of Payments position and an exchange rate that will tank. This

what is going to put the pressure on an exchange rate that will tank.”

Bharrat Jagdeo, December 2016.

FACT: The Guyana dollar/US dollar rate as of May 2018 was G$212.48 as compared to G$205.2 in May 2015 (Bank of Guyana midrate average market exchange rates) That’s a decline of 3.5 per cent or 1.2per cent per year. Not a “tank” and not $500 to US$1.

“It is now almost 18 months since Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo returned to Guyana after one of the numerous joyrides and jubilantly announced they would be replacing the squandered Venezuelan rice market with a new market in Mexico. Nagamootoo lied then and has been totally silent since. He has nothing to say now that the Agriculture Ministry again lied that Guyana would be exporting 150,000 tons of rice and paddy to Mexico this year.” (Leslie Ramsammy, 22nd

March, 2017) Oh, this is a good one. In less than a calendar year, Mexico has purchased more than 174,875 tonnes of Guyanese paddy. That’s not us speaking; that’s Mexico’s Ambassador to Guyana in May 2018 talking to Prime Minister Nagamootoo whose 2015 “joyride” secured the deal.

“Rather than assist the rice industry, as we have demanded the Government to do, they are driving more nails into the coffin of the industry” (PPP/C press release, April 11, 2018). The PPP/C would be happy to see the final nail driven into the rice industry’s coffin if it would give them a couple of rice farmer’s votes. But sorry, compared to the first half of 2017, total volume of exports reached 290,000 tonnes, a 43% increase, earning the country G$23.2B as compared to G$16.1B.

Imran Khan

“To give them an opportunity is suicide; national suicide, we have to drink some gramoxone together”. (Roger Luncheon at PPP/C Wismar Rally warning of a coalition victory, April 12, 2015) Guyana’s suicide rate has actually been declining from being the highest in the world at 44.2 deaths per 100,000 people in 2014.

99-year lease for land to house centre for Venezuelans …Mabaruma council to pay $75,000 annually for five acres THE Government of Guyana through the Mabaruma Mayor and Town Council has agreed to lease five acres of lands from the Broomes estate for the establishment of a homestead settlement area or humanitarian centre for registered Venezuelans, who are occupying areas in Barima-Waini (Region One).

The land was owned by the late Dr. Edward Broomes. On Wednesday, Mabaruma Town Clerk Barrington Ward met with Broomes’ nephew Monty Broomes, and agreed that five acres of land would be leased to the Mabaruma Mayor and Town Council under a 99-year lease agreement.

Shortly after the meeting, which took place in Mabaruma, Broomes told the Guyana Chronicle that one acre of land would be leased at the cost of $15,000 per annum. It therefore means that the council would be mandated to pay $75,000 annually for the five acres of land.

The agreement is expected to be signed shortly.

The plot of land is located next to the Atabani Creek, and within one mile

of the Regional Administration Office, the Mabaruma Regional Hospital, the North-West Secondary School and the Mabaruma Primary School. Broomes told this newspaper that the land is excellent for farming, and once cleared, and the necessary drainage network put in place, construction could commence almost immediately.

According to the Mayor of Mabaruma, Henry Smith, there are approximately 150 Venezuelans living in the town, while a little over 50 of the Spanish-speaking nationals are scattered across other villages within close proximity to the border.

It was last Monday that Minister of Citizenship Winston Felix announced that government in collaboration with the Mabaruma Town Council had identified a plot of land for the establishment of a homestead settlement area for registered Venezuelans.

The announcement was made at the end of the fifth multi-agency coordinating committee meeting held at the Ministry of Citizenship, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown.

Minister Felix said the resettlement area would allow the Venezuelans to be self-reliant.

To complement the work of the Town Council, a Regional Coordinating Sub-committee is being set up to take charge of the situation on the ground, as the agencies on the national committee continue to lend the necessary assistance to those in the region.

Already, the Public Health Ministry has established health posts in the affected areas, including at Mabaruma and Morawhanna and will, by the end of next week, establish one at Imbotero Village from which migrants and residents are being screened and vaccinated, while it is bolstering its presence in Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region Seven). Refrigerators for the storage of vaccines at the locations have already been procured and will be dispatched and set up by the end of next week. “[The Department of] Immigration is continuing the registration and support work… The police [are] also following through with the support

work to this committee.

So, all agencies, locally, are locked into this committee to provide services and support for the Venezuelans in Guyana. We are also [examining] the situation in Region Seven [in order] to find out where [the Venezuelans] are and what numbers we have to [cater for],” the Minister of Citizenship said.

Meanwhile, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has committed its support to addressing the migration of Venezuelans and to help boost Guyana’s capacity to deal with such situations in the event of future occurrences.

Currently, the IOM is conducting work in gathering data on the migrants and observed trends through a Displacement Tracking Matrix in Regions One, Two, Four and Seven and has committed to developing Terms of Reference (ToR) for a consultant, who will review the various sectors current policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for dealing with migrants.

The consultant will also be tasked with the updating

and/or development of these, as well as the guidelines for emergencies, which can guide responses in the future.

The organisation will also be coordinating a capacity-building session in ‘Migrants and Countries in Crisis’ for members of the National Coordinating Committee as early as possible and capacity-building in ‘Camp Coordination’ will be done after the details for the humanitarian centre are finalised. This training will target individuals who will be responsible for managing the centre.

Additionally, the Immigration Department has been tasked with providing a list of equipment that is needed and can be procured for migrant registration and issuing of documents, while a Migrant Support Centre will be established in Region One to be housed at the Regional Democratic Council’s office.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday August 16, 2018

33 Peace Corps volunteers deployed

9

– in areas of education, health and the environment adolescent pregnancy and suicide and the services of

interaction with parents and the health care workers will

build trust among youths and community members, which

health and the environment.

These include help-

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence (Samuel Maughn photo)

Chief Education Officer (CEO) Marcel Hutson (Samuel Maughn photo)

By Lisa Hamilton THIRTY-THREE Peace Corps volunteers have been sworn in to assist Guyana in the areas of education, health and the environment at a ceremony hosted at the U.S. ambassador’s residence on Wednesday.

The occasion had in attendance First Lady Sandra Granger, Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence, Public Affairs Minister Dawn Hastings-Williams, Chief Education Officer (CEO) Marcel Hutson, head teachers from several regions and members of the diplomatic corps.

The Peace Corps volunteers have just successfully completed 10 weeks of pre-service training on the Essequibo Coast and will render their services to Guyana over the next two years.

Eleven of the volunteers will provide educational services, 12 will deal with environmental education and resource protection, while 10 will address adolescent health and well-being and maternal and child health issues.

Minister Lawrence said Guyana has a high level of

The newest members of Peace Corps volunteers to Guyana, who total 33. They will provide volunteer services to Guyana in the areas of education, health and the environment for the next two years (Samuel Maughn photo)

the volunteers are most welcome in the national effort to address these matters.

“My dear volunteers, I am sure that you are apprised of our health challenges, our youths in Guyana, like their counterparts globally, are challenged by a range of adolescent health issues. Among them are depression, early pregnancy, unsafe sex, Sexually Transmitted Infections and suicide where Guyana ranks highly, globally,” she said.

Lawrence added: “You will be severely tasked in changing harmful health behaviours at the outset. But I am deeply convinced that over an extended period of time, your intervention with the schools coupled with your

certainly impact significantly and influence positively the choices our youths make, so that the avoidable risk factors linked to non-communicable diseases will be reduced and healthier attitudes and actions will prevail across the length and breadth of our beautiful country.”

She further stated that Peace Corps Guyana’s Health Project will work to support Guyana’s National Adolescent Health Programme, which falls within the recently developed draft National Adolescent Health Strategy.

GIVE YOUR BEST Lawrence also urged the volunteers to render high-quality service by using their skill-building talents to

will better facilitate the great task ahead.

“I know that I can rely on your goodwill and benevolence to create adolescent-friendly environments in those communities in which you would be stationed. I am very confident that you, like those who have been before, will rise to the challenges and find innovative ways to ensure acquisition of knowledge and requisite skills to empower our adolescents and youth to become healthy citizens in the future,” she said.

Last last month, the U.S. Embassy signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ministry of Education to collaborate with primary and secondary schools in the areas of education,

ing children learn how to read through the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) pilot Literacy Project; strengthening science teachers through NCERD’s Education and Sustainable Development Project and supporting adolescent health and well-being through the Health and Family Life Education (HFLE) curriculum.

Chief Education Officer (CEO) Marcel Hutson, encouraged the volunteers to courageously execute their duties, as government works to do its part.

“As a nation, we recognise the critical nature of education in the process of transformation,” he said,

noting that “The Ministry of Education will continue to work with all our stakeholders to ensure that we maximise the performance of our children in the school systems.”

Public Affairs Minister Dawn Hastings-Williams said the volunteers will now have the chance to serve as “shining examples” for the country’s youths.

“The Peace Corps has continued to assist us in a significant way as we battle against these hindrances to development. The support of Peace Corps Guyana… by this batch of volunteers in the areas identified is most welcomed by the Government of Guyana,” Hastings-Williams said.

The 33 volunteers were guided through their swearing of the Peace Corps oath and pledge by U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway.

Throughout their years of service, the 33 volunteers will live with host families within four regions, while other volunteers previously stationed will continue to serve in the remaining regions of Guyana.

Woodlands Hospital commissions multi-million dollar ICU

Managing Director of Woodlands Hospital, Dr. Neville Gobin (Delano Williams photo)

THE Woodlands Hospital has commissioned a multi-million dollar In-

tensive Care Unit (ICU) which is expected to cater for the growing number of patients that access services at the facility.

The ICU is a special area in any hospital which caters for patients who are critically ill and need specialised care or one- on-one nursing. Over the years, the demand for intensive care has increased because of the influx of critically-ill patients, said Managing Director of Woodlands Hospital Dr. Neville Gobin, at the launch of the hospital’s new facility on Tuesday.

The hospital recognised that its ICU was inadequate and could not facilitate the influx of critically-ill patients, so they took a decision

to construct the new facility.

“This new facility has adequate space, seven bedsfive in the open and two isolated… the beds are well equipped with all that is required in an ICU setting…I think we have everything that you could find in an ICU in any country,” said Dr. Gobin.

He believes that an ICU requires four important ingredients, which include space, equipment, staff and doctors. Fifty years ago when the hospital first opened its doors, the ICU was equipped with just two beds and inadequate equipment and staff who were not properly trained to care of patients in the

ICU.As the popularity of the hospital increased, the ICU was expanded to accommodate four beds and better equipment.

“That also proved to be inadequate, so we’re here today with a more improved ICU…we also have a group of doctors and medical professionals who specialise in treating patients in the ICU…this adds up to excellent patient care,” said Dr. Gobin. He added that they intend to provide excellent care at a reasonable cost which caters for Guyana’s economic situation.

He said that although Woodlands try to make their prices reasonable, they are not in competition with the

A section of the new, modern ICU (Delano Williams photo)

Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), as that hospital caters for the entire population and Woodlands complements the services offered there.

While Woodlands do not foresee another expansion of the ICU in the near future, the hospital will do further expansions over the next two to three years.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday August 16, 2018

‘Strongy’ in Royal Castle drama …gets 54 mths, must pay $38M

Anthony Carmichael called ‘Strongy’

A 30-year-old disc jockey who was busted with over $12M worth in cannabis was on Wednesday found guilty on the drug-trafficking charge by Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman.

Anthony Carmichael, called ‘Strongy’ of Rosignol, West Coast Berbice, was sentenced to four years and six months jail along with a fine of $38.8M for trafficking 72.008 kilograms of cannabis on April 16, 2018, at Royal Castle, Sheriff Street, Georgetown.

The case was presented

by Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) prosecutor,

Konyo Sandiford.

According to the facts of the case, in the wee hours of April 16, a CANU officer went to Royal Castle Sheriff Street location where he observed a burgundy-coloured Toyota motor car in the parking lot. The vehicle was searched and five parcels of marijuana were found inside.

The driver of the car abandoned the vehicle after suspecting that he was under surveillance and subsequently turned himself over to law enforcers in the company of his attorney.

Magistrate Latchman noted that Carmichael had told a CANU officer following his

arrest that he had borrowed the Toyota car and uplifted the drugs at a sawmill in Berbice to take to Georgetown.

The accused further admitted to the CANU officer that he had a look-out man, who told him that he was being followed by two pickup vans and was advised to park the car at Royal Castle and move away.

The caution statement was admitted into court and the CANU officer (name withheld) also testified during the trial. The officer told the court that Carmichael told him that after parking the car he went into a taxi and later that day returned to Berbice.

The look-out man (name withheld) testified also and told the court that he played no part in transporting the drugs. He was only the ‘look-out man,’ while Carmichael handled the drugs.

He had disclosed that the accused told him that he was coming with cannabis from the Berbice River.

Magistrate Latchman ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt and found Carmichael guilty of the offence.

The bales of marijuana that were found in the red Toyota car

The magistrate considered the mitigating factors before sentencing…the fact that the drug was trafficked in an organised manner which had a look-out man and the quantum of the drug. She also considered that the accused had spent the last four months on remand.

He was sentenced to four years and six months jail, along with a fine of $38.8M by the magistrate, who told him “do not do this again.”

However, Carmichael is currently before the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s

Court, having been charged jointly with another for trafficking 9.165 kilograms of cannabis.

Reports are Carmichael was behind the wheel of a speeding car which broke through a police roadblock along the public road near the Fort Wellington Police Station.

The vehicle which was pursued by police was discovered crashed into a tree located in Number 23 Village, West Coast Berbice.

When the ranks were approaching the vehicle, two

occupants were seen exiting and entering another vehicle that sped away.

Ranks reportedly chased the second vehicle, which veered into a street at Number 27 Village, West Coast Berbice and landed ended up in a nearby trench.

The two males were seen exiting the vehicle and making good their escape in a nearby street, while the driver of the vehicle was arrested while in the process of attempting to dispose of the suspected cannabis.

Students get tour of Haags Bosch landfill

Landfill Site Manager Lloyd Stanton (extreme right), explaining the process to students

IN keeping with the Green Agenda, the Ministry of Communities on Tuesday took 16 work study students on a tour of the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill to educate them on what happens to waste after it is collected from their homes.

Landfill Site Manager Lloyd Stanton, explained every step to the students, from the collection of garbage from the trucks, to the dissemination of treated leachate into the waterways. He advised them to get rid of the out-ofsight, out-of-mind, mindset,

explaining that after garbage is disposed of by an individual and is taken away by the trucks, they usually aren’t interested in what happens to the waste after that. But really and truly, he said, that is when the garbage is prone to become a threat to the en-

vironment.

He added that every individual produces at least five pounds of waste every day, and that accumulates to over 350 tons in total that the landfill receives on a daily basis.

Stanton encouraged the students to practise the three Rs; Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. This, he said, will aid in alleviating environmental hazards.

Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Communities, Danielle Campbell-Lowe stated that the ministry will make it a regular feature to take persons at least three times a year to the landfill, so more persons can be aware of the process. She stated that it is all part of the Green Generation Guyana Project (GGGP), under the Sanitation Management Unit. She explained that under the GGGP, are many mini projects that place a lot of emphasis on greening and the environment, inclusive of the landfill visit.

“Most of these students-beyond science lessons-have not had any exposure to

environmental awareness, so we thought that the hands-on experience would do a lot for them in terms of how they see waste, going forward; and this is just one of the many, many projects that we have coming out of GGG,” Danielle said.

She further noted that they hope to improve the awareness out there as to what we throw away, how we can reduce the amount of waste we produce and how we can

recycle and reuse it, so that it has a limited effect on the environment.

In speaking with the students, most of them were thrilled and curious to understand the disposal process. A lot of them were ignorant as to what really happens to waste after the trucks collect it. They were all grateful for the knowledge received and said they would never forget the experience.

Operations at the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday August 16, 2018

ANSA McAl, IAST partnering to market rice cereal ANSA McAL Trading Limited has teamed up with the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST) to market the popular Morning Glory rice cereal and an official launch was held Wednesday at the company’s head office at Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara.

The launch was to not only formally introduce Morning Glory to the Guyanese public, but also to highlight the local aspects of production and manufacturing right here in Guyana, while solidifying the partnership between the company and the agency, ANSA McAl said in a release.

Other highlights included the use of locally grown rice from the rice fields of Essequibo, the use of organic and nutritionally beneficial products such as molasses and other vitamins and minerals.

Essequibo houses the manufacturing plant, which employs approximately 22 highly trained and knowledgeable staff members of IAST, with another 15 persons seconded to IAST at their ECD office. The

Dr Suresh Narine, Director IAST (right) Miss Anjeta Hinds, Manager AMTL–Food and Consumer Goods and Miss Tiffany Aaron, Brand Representative AMTL – Morning Glory

plant and the manufacturing process are of the highest quality and standard that are comparable to any operation in the developed world. The plant has the capacity to pro-

duce one tonne of Morning Glory cereal within a fivehour period.

ANSA McAL said it prides itself in fostering strong partnerships with

reputable products that allow Guyanese to get a taste of what they need, and through healthy “in-your-face” marketing make those products into what they want; Morn-

ing Glory Rice Cereal is no exception.

The company said Morning Glory can be found at leading retailers countrywide. “AMTL guarantees

the usual interactive promotions for consumers and that Morning Glory will become a staple in every household.” Morning Glory is the first of many locally manufactured products to be distributed by AMTL and there is a high level of gratitude to Dr Narine for entrusting the company with this initiative.

The teams from both IAST and AMTL encourage Guyanese to try Morning Glory and compare it to any other cereal brand available. The local, natural ingredients are sure to catapult Morning Glory to the forefront of the cereal category with its taste profile and texture. Morning Glory is proudly distributed

by ANSA McAL Trading Limited and is available countrywide.

The event was attended by Dr Suresh Narine, Director (Institute of Applied Science and Technology; Ms Anjeta Hinds, Manager (AMTL – Food and Consumer Goods and Miss Tiffany Aaron – Brand Representative AMTL – Morning Glory

Thandi McAllister talks up candidature RACKING up years of experience in service, People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) member Thandi McAllister is positive that she is the ideal candidate to serve as one of the party’s next vice-chairs.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, she affirmed that despite seven others vying for the same position, she brings to the table a unique array of talents and expertise that none other contending can mirror.

In1994, at the age of 12, McAllister began participating in PNC-related activities although, as policy goes, she had to wait until the age of 14 to become an official member.

When she became of age, she joined the youth arm of the PNCR, the Guyana Youth and Students Movement (GYSM) in her home village of Uitvlugt on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD).

Although just a teen, McAllister did not allow this to limit her ability, as she efficiently performed her duties to the point where she was continuously promoted to higher positions.

At 14, she served as the Treasurer of her Uitvlugt GYSM; at 15,

she became the Regional Assistant Secretary/Treasurer of the GYSM in Region Three; then at 25 she became the junior-vice chairperson and later the National Chairperson of the GYSM the same year.

Asked what she believes the leaders at the time saw within her to entrust her with such responsibilities at her age, McAllister responded: “The People’s National Congress is always attracted to talented young people. Young people who the party, over the years, has [sic] groomed for leadership. So, I surmise that there was some amount of talent which the leaders of that time recognised in me and thought it fit to groom me for leadership.”

Pulling back the curtains a bit further to her other influences, McAllister also credited her grandmother as one who groomed her for public speaking, coupled with the McAllister family line known for its association with the PNCR. “I did a lot of touring locally with my grandmother. She was a member of a number of societies and groups, so everywhere she went so did I. So, there was always an opportunity for me to say a poem or as she would

have said, ‘a recitation’,” McAllister recalled fondly, adding: “So, I guess it was just her nurturing perhaps what she saw as being naturally imbedded in me as an individual.” Even in school, she would participate in national spelling bee competitions, debates and elocution competitions and more.

Fast forward to 24 years later, apart from being Regional Vice-Chairperson of the party group, McAllister serves as representative of the Central Executive Committee of the PNCR group in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

With her candidacy for the position of Vice-Chairperson of the PNCR, she strongly believes that her years in the party has now provided her with an edge of experience and expertise which she can add to the party’s leadership.

“I think what all of that has done is given [sic] me a level of preparedness that is unlike any other to join the leadership of the party in promoting the interest, not only of the party, but the interest of all Guyana,” she confidently stated.

The 36-year-old is a maritime attorney-at-law, having graduated

Thandi McAllister

as valedictorian of the International Maritime Administration’s (IMO) International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI).

If elected, McAllister intends to advocate for constitutional reform in order to strengthen the party’s democracy and policy formulation, relative to key sectors such as oil and gas for the benefit of Guyanese.

Speaking about the latter, she said: “Having had training in Inter-

national Maritime Law, I do believe that I do have the skills set necessary to aid party policy formulation in the oil-and-gas sector.”

She will also push for investments in the GYSM to improve the party’s appeal to young people and consolidation of the party’s base through programmes dedicated to improving self-sufficiency of members and supporters. When asked whether she was concerned about the other candidates vying for the same position, she replied: “In this process one can either win or learn, so there’s no need to worry. All of the candidates who have presented themselves to the delegates, all of us, we bring talent and our own unique expertise to the table.”

She then added: “Having been groomed in the party for 24 years…I understand the policies and objectives of the People’s National Congress Reform. I embrace those policies and objectives and it is against that backdrop and the fact that I am still considered young that I represent the future of the People’s National Congress Reform. That is why I am the ideal candidate.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 16, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday August 16, 2018

CSEC, CAPE results on Friday THE Ministry of Education will announce results for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advance Proficiency Examination (CAPE) on Friday.

According to a press statement from the ministry, a boy secured the top spot at this year’s CSEC exam. The ministry did not provide the boy’s name or which school he attended.

“All other information will be provided at Friday's press conference. The ministry will not be providing any information prior to Friday

with regard to the subject,” said the ministry, adding that the announcement will be done at the National Centre for Education Resource Development (NCERD).

The sitting of the 2018 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations began on May, 7. The Guyana Chronicle had reported that according to information received from the Superintendent of Examinations within the Ministry of Education, Ms. Sauda Kadir, 12,266 candidates registered to sit

-boy tops CSEC the examinations this year as compared to 12,684 candidates in 2017.

Further, she had said that this year 923 candidates would be writing the CAPE examinations this year, while 851 wrote it in 2017. On Saturday, the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) reported that 11,000 pupils across the Region who wrote CSEC last May/June got no passes.

In 2017, Guyana had recorded a marginal increase at CSEC examinations, gaining a grade 1-3 pass rate of 63.8 per cent as compared to that of 2016, which was 63.39 per cent. However, there were appreciable increases

in a number of subject areas, although mathematics remains dormant and English Language fell. Though not pleased with those results, Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry, had pointed out that the pass rate has consistently increased over the past five years, moving from 60 per cent in 2014 to 62.72 per cent in 2015 and so on.

Some of the key subject areas did not see improvements. However, there was a 100 per cent pass rate for Music and Theatre Arts.

Those were supported by outstanding performances in 10 subjects, in which over 90 per cent of students gained Grades 1–3.

18 years’ jail for juvenile rapist

Delon Clementson

A 20-year-old man was sentenced to 18 years in prison for raping a child when he was 15 years old.

Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry handed down the sentence in the Sexual Offences’ Court on Wednesday in an in camera setting, close to a month after Delon Clementson pleaded guilty to raping a child under the age of 16. The child was only seven years old at the time of the incident.

Clementson had confessed that between August 1 and 31, 2013, he engaged in sexual penetration with a seven-year-old child. He was 15 years old at the time.

Child Link Counsellor, Celeste Mullin, delivered the impact statement in which the child said: “I feel very bad with what he did to me.

He did something very wrong

and now my grades are low, because it is hard for me to focus in school. I used to spend a lot of time with him, we used to play together. But now I do not like him anymore and I want him to go to jail, because I don’t want him to do it to anyone else.”

On Monday, his lawyer Adrian Thompson asked that a probation report be presented in court ahead of the sentencing.

That report was presented on Wednesday, when the 20-year-old reappeared before Justice Sewnarine-Beharry .

It was then that the judge handed down the 18-years sentence to the accused, with psychological evaluation.

The state prosecutors were Orinthia Schmidt and Lisa Cave.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday August 16, 2018

East Ruimveldt Market repairs to start soon GEORGETOWN Mayor Patricia Chase-Green announced on Monday that a contractor has now been identified to undertake rehabilitative works at the East Ruimveldt Market, and that materials have already started piling up at the site for the commencement of the work.

The market is being repaired with Government’s $24M subvention to the Mayor and City Council (M&CC), although some councillors were not in agreement with diverting the entire sum to that market.

Nevertheless, a majority of them voted in favour of all the money going towards the project.

Constituency Councillor Trichria Richards told the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday, that the repair works will cost $14.5M, and that she has since requested that the remaining sum go towards upgrading the roads leading to the market, and some internal ones as well.

The works were awarded to JR Engineering Contracting Company, Richards disclosed, and that the timeframe for completion was given as six to eight weeks.

The councillor said vendors have been complaining that the deplorable state of the roads in the market is preventing customers, especially

those with vehicles, from going there to shop.

The rehabilitative works, according to Richards, would include the sanitary blocks, revenue office, constabulary building and the construction of a gate and fence. The gate and fence are needed to tighten security at the market, and to allow for the opening and closing at specified times.

Describing it as the only

of the stalls are empty at the moment because drivers, especially, hesitate to use the roads inside.

Councillors, earlier this year, voted 13 in favour of the proposal to use the funds on the marketplace, while seven voted against, and one councillor abstained from the vote.

The East Ruimveldt Market, located on Vlissengen Councillor Trichria Richards

The deplorable state of the roads leading to the market deters customers from entering the market

drive-through market in the Caribbean, Richards had told this publication previously that the roads inside the market are expected to be done in partnership with the Ministry of Public Infrastructure.

The market houses more than 50 vendors, but many

Road and the East Ruimveldt Front Road, was built by the City Council in 1978.

The market at one time housed approximately 200 vending stalls, three public restrooms, and a City Constabulary office, and was said to have been attracting 2,000

customers daily.

In 2016, repairs to the market’s main entrance commenced, which allowed for easier access to vehicular traffic.

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan had paid a visit late last year to the constituency to look at drainage issues affecting the area.

There, Councillor Richards requested financial help for upgrading the market and the ministry subsequently wrote the City Council asking that some of the subvention money be allocated to works there.

Juvenile escapes from Sophia holding centre THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) has requested the help of the public to find 16-yearold, Leon Patterson, who escaped from the Juvenile Holding Centre at Sophia on August 9, 2018.

According to a press statement from the Ministry of Public Security, Patterson was discovered missing after his mother visited the facility on the aforementioned day.

“An instant search of the premises and surrounding areas was then made which proved futile, after which security cameras were examined, which revealed that one juvenile was emptying garbage, while the escapee was seen walking towards the admin building unaccompanied, and showed by another

camera later exiting the admin building through the back door,” said the ministry.

The relevant authorities were informed and the facility was visited by ‘A’ Division Commander and other officers of the GPF. A search of Sophia was done by police from ‘A’ and ‘C’ Divisions.

Anyone with knowledge about Patterson is asked to contact the nearest police station. Investigations are ongoing.

Early this year, four teens had escaped from the New Opportunity Corps (NOC), Onderneeming, Essequibo Coast. The escapees were later recaptured, but the NOC had to review the security measures that were in place.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 16, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 16, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 16, 2018

FROM BACK PAGE

Golden Jaguars...

“IT’s an opportunity for everyone from Guyana, whether you live in the country, whether you are further afield, to get involved,” said Michael Johnson, the newly appointed head coach of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) flagship team – the Golden Jaguars – following the first day of the Train And Play camp that is taking place in Rio de Janeiro.

The encampment is geared towards preparing the team for the CONCACAF Nations League with the long-term plan of enabling Guyana’s qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The plain-spoken Johnson firmly believes that for the programme to be a resounding success, the support of all stakeholders is necessary, stating “we need the help of the government, we all know the pitches could do with some signifi-

cant investment, grassroots football can do with some significant investment.”

The former Jamaica national player posited that they mean business with ‘Project 100’, the quest to break into the FIFA Rankings below 100, but added “we mean business, we’re not just saying we want to get into the top one hundred, but we want to be consistent, sustainable and stay there. We want to help the next crop of players coming through.”

“We want to be there for the next 10 –15 years; we want to be a powerhouse within the region; we want to be qualifying for World Cups and see investments coming back into Guyana; but the journey starts now. It’s great if we all wait though, anybody can do that, but do you really believe in the message that we as a staff, we as a group

of players, president Forde, everybody included is saying? We are here because we mean business; we are here in Brazil to work and we will get better, we will qualify for the top 100.”

“But in the process, we need the government to back us now, we need the sponsors now to say, ‘listen, I’m going to this journey’. We’re saying get involved in the grassroots now, get involved with the infrastructure, you know, how can you help? I really believe that this is a pivotal moment for Guyanese football. We get this right, we’ll be sustainable for the next 10, 15, 20 odd years or so,” the Jamaican said.

The first day of training was intense with players having the opportunity to showcase their talent and to prove that they are worthy to be part of the programme.

Swimmers to...

FROM BACK PAGE

By Tamica Garnett THE Guyana team to the Goodwill Swim Meet that will be held from August 17 - 19 is expected to begin departing for Barbados this morning, and notwithstanding the challenges that the team is facing this year, Coach Shyka Gonsalves is optimistic about the team’s chances.

“It all comes down to who wants it more, who’s more excited, whose adrenalin is pumping. The team is down an entire age group, 15 – 17 girls, which takes out individual and relay points, but you still got to be optimistic, be hopeful and keep the kids excited,” Gonsalves said. The 36 swimmers who will be representing Guyana this weekend is scheduled to come up against swimmers from Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, St Lucia, The Bahamas, Grenada and Jamaica, competing from the eight and under category up to the 15 - 17 category. Each team is allotted a maximum of 40 swimmers.

And though Guyana has been able to come close to a full team, the team will not be without its challenges in the ‘Land of the Flying Fish’ this year.

Despite its large size, the Guyana team will enter the competition with a disadvantage, having no swimmers to compete in the 15 - 17 category, something that hits the team hard, especially since this

is a category in which Guyana could’ve gain a lot of points, given that the other countries are also struggling in this category.

“It’s going to hit pretty hard because in actuality it seems to be the age group lacking in some of the countries as well, so if we had had a 15 – 17 age group it would have helped us a great deal.

But unfortunately for us, our girls are in between. So we literally have no one in this category in any of these clubs,” Gonsalves explained This puts even more pressure on the swimmers in the other categories to do well.

But Gonsalves is confident that they will step up to the plate.

“The kids have been training really hard morning and afternoon, so I have really good expectations for them; they’re excited and some of them are placed really well [in the start list]. Most of the older ones are in the top eight, and we also have [projected] medal standings,” Gonsalves shared.

“In my opinion, our stronghold are our 11 - 12 and 9 – 10, boys and girls.

Especially girls for 9 – 10 and boys and girls for 11 – 12.

We’ve some good swimmers like Aleka in 11 – 12. The relay teams they’ve bonded really well, so they’re really moving as well.”

However, we will see another weak point in the 8 and under age groups where the entire boys team is made up of first-time swimmers, while on

the distaff side several of the swimmers are also first-timers.

Team manager Jennel Ramsook also is optimistic about the team’s chances going into the competition. She took the time to thank the sponsors who made it possible for the team to be able to make it to the competition.

“Goodluck to our 36 swimmers, and I just want to thank our sponsors-- Dyna’s, ExxonMobil, Liat, GPL, Guyana Lottery Company, Guyana Olympic Association, National Dance Company and all the parents who supported our little fundraisers. We are very grateful and looking forward to your continued support,” Ramsook said.

Meanwhile, The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Incorporated yesterday handed over a sponsorship cheque to boys 15 – 17 swimmer, Joseph Matthew, to facilitate his participation at the meet.

GPL’s Assistant Public Relations Officer, Natalie Penard, said this is in keeping with their corporate responsibility.

Pernard noted that the utility company has a keen interest in youth development and sports.

“So, we have taken interest in Joseph’s performance over the years and are happy to be associated with such an important venture. We know that we are helping Joseph to live his dreams to one day becoming an Olympian. So, we are happy to make this donation,” Penard said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 16, 2018

Manchester United lack quality to challenge for title - Scholes

(REUTERS) - Manchester United’s lack of new signings combined with the uncertainty surrounding the team’s strategies and form gives the club a very small chance of challenging for the Premier League title, former midfielder Paul Scholes has said.

United manager Jose Mourinho has expressed his frustration over the club’s transfer activity on multiple occasions, with goalkeeper Lee Grant, midfielder Fred and defender Diogo Dalot the only new arrivals ahead of this season.

United finished 19 points behind champions and cross-town rivals Manchester City in the league last term and Scholes, who played more than 700 matches for United, said the club are lagging behind City and a strengthened Liverpool this season and does not see Mourinho’s side eclipsing their rivals.

“When you look at Manchester City, possibly Liverpool, I don’t think they (United) have the quality of those

Nigeria’s Moses announces international retirement (REUTERS) - Nigeria’s Vi c t o r M o s e s h a s a n nounced his retirement from international football at the age of 27 in order to focus on his club career.

Chelsea wing-back Moses, who made 37 appearances for Nigeria, played every minute of the African nation’s World Cup campaign in Russia where they were eliminated in the group stage.

“I have experienced some of the best moments of my life wearing the Super Eagles shirt and have memories with me that will last a lifetime,” Moses said

in a statement on Twitter.

“However, I feel that now is the right time to step away in order to be able to focus fully on my club career and young family, as well as to allow the next generation the opportunity to step up and to flourish.”

Moses won the 2013 African Cup of Nations and helped Nigeria reach the last 16 at the 2014 World Cup. He won the 2016-17 Premier League title with Chelsea but has not started a match under new manager Maurizio Sarri this season.

Duminy encouraged despite South Africa’s mixed results

JP Duminy insists South Africa are feeling positive as they depart Sri Lanka despite a mixed tour.

The Proteas were soundly beaten in both Tests before bouncing back in the first three one-day internationals, recording a trio of victories, but then suffered three straight losses in the final two ODIs and a lone Twenty20 match.

There were some record lows along the way - including Tuesday’s T20 total - but Duminy, who has retired from Test cricket, does not believe this tour has been like previous disappointing trips.

“I don’t think we’re walking away from Sri Lanka with negativity,” he said. “I think there’s a lot of positives “I’ve certainly experienced many tours of the subcontinent when you walk away with your head in your hands not knowing where your next run or next wicket is going to come from.

“Yes, there’s disappointment about the Test series but, from a one-day perspective, we’ve taken huge strides, in my opinion.

I’m excited by the brand of cricket we’re trying to adopt. “I believe we can only get better.”(Yahoo Sport).

Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes

two teams at the minute,” Scholes, who retired in 2013, told the Daily Mirror.

“Liverpool have made some really good signings. United finished above them last season.

“I just don’t see United getting closer to City. City are a really good side, great manager, some great players, a way of playing that they all know about.

“United seem to be not too sure what’s going on. You don’t really know the team, you don’t really know the players, you don’t know how they’re going to perform from one week to the next.

“I don’t see them challenging for the league this year.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 16, 2018

Hussain wants Stokes to make instant return to England Test team …praises his mental toughness

(REUTERS) - England all-rounder Ben Stokes has shown great mental toughness during his 11-month trial and he should be welcomed back into the Test team after being cleared of affray, former national team captain Nasser Hussain has said.

New Zealand-born Stokes missed England’s 2017-18 Ashes tour of Australia while he was investigated for his role in a street brawl outside a Bristol nightclub in September last year.

The 27-year-old was found not guilty on Tuesday

before the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) recalled him for the third Test against India which starts in Nottingham on Saturday.

“I am amazed how well he has coped mentally over the last few months with this hanging over him and as long as they feel he is mentally fit for selection then they should pick him,” Hussain told Sky Sports News.

The ECB confirmed it would now hold its own disciplinary process for Stokes and team mate Alex Hales, who was also involved in the

incident.

Hussain wants Stokes to work on taking his “unassuming” character beyond the cricket field as the player looks to rebuild his reputation.

“The Ben I know and who I see around the cricket team is a popular, unassuming, down-to-earth, very pleasant individual that will stay after a game and do autographs with kids for an hour and give his time,” Hussain added.

“But I only see Stokes at cricket, so Ben has to make a decision - the image we see

of him at cricket is probably not the image that has been portrayed over the last six months in the newspapers.”

Hussain, however, urged ECB’s Cricket Discipline Commision to set an example during the internal hearing and not take “the easy option”.

“They need to make a detailed and informed decision on whether those images are right for English cricket,” he said.

In a column for the Daily Telegraph, former England skipper Michael Vaughan said Stokes has

Ben Stokes

“suffered enough punishment” and must be backed to start a new chapter in his career.

“There is no need to keep clobbering him with suspensions,” Vaughan said.

“There is no question he brought the game into disrepute but cricketers have few opportunities in their lives to play an Ashes series in Australia and missing that tour

was a massive blow for Ben.” Another former England skipper and batsman Kevin Pietersen joined the conversation on Twitter, saying Stokes’ return can only benefit the sport.

“All sports need their entertainers. Stokes is one of those for cricket. He’s been cleared, HE HAS TO PLAY!,” the 38-year-old said. England lead India 2-0 in the five match series.

‘Red Rocket’ takes feature event of Nand Persaud ‘Karibee’ Mega Sprint Classic THE Nand Persaud Karibee Mega Sprint Classic turned out to be a thrilling day for horseracing with patrons out in their numbers.

The feature ‘D’ and lower four Furlongs event was a gem as it lived up to its early billings. In the end, it was Red Rocket of the Jumbo Jet Stable with Colin Ross on the mount that created a major upset by blowing away the opposition in the final part of the race to take the $400,000 and Stag Beer trophy as well as bragging rights.

Meanwhile, Golden Blue Echo and T&T of the Nand Persaud Stable took second and third places respectively.

Other results had Victory of the Boatswain Stable winning the event for 2-year-old horses. Occupying the other top four spots were Perfection, Set the Flame and Awesome Drift.

Ready to Romance of the Jagdeo Stable won the ‘J’ class race ahead of Pikachu, Uprising and Touchdown.

Uprising of the Hansraj Stable won the ‘L’ class race for Colts and Geldings as it beat off Plane Land, Byron and Massapequa Dr. Angel Eyes of the Bolonauth Stable claimed victory in the’L’ class race for mares and fillies. There was a win for Caitlina in the race for ‘L’ non-winners ahead of Mystery Man, She is a Princess and Royal.

The Champion Jockey was Randolph Richmond, while there were a number of contenders for champion stable and trainer awards. They were rewarded with trophies, compliments of Trophy Stall of Bourda Market.

The event was organised by the Nand Persaud group of Companies and their Sky Plus Promotion group.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 16, 2018

Norman Sue Bakery finals set for Saturday

Defending champs Sunshine aiming to retain title

By Frederick Halley

TORONTO, Canada — After suffering a setback in the Caribbean Sensation 10/10 final last Saturday, defending champions Sunshine will be aiming to make amends when they clash with Better Hope in the Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL)-organised Norman Sue Bakery (NSB)-sponsored 15-over Conference A final, set for Saturday at the Ashtonbee number one ground, Scarborough.

A new champion will be crowned in the B Conference when Good Success battle Carr Tec at Ashtonbee number two, since last year’s winner, Wakenaam, have been booted out of the knockout tournament.

Rems will also be vying for their second consolation crown in as many weeks when they oppose Caribbean Sensation at the Ashtonbeen Reservoir number one ground while the B

Anil Mahadeo

Conference consolation final features GTA Storm and Smashers on the Ashtonbee Reservoir number two field.

In last year’s final played at the same venue, Sunshine inflicted a resounding nine-wicket victory over then defending champion, Dant. Chasing a modest 108 for victory, after limiting Dant to 107 for seven in their allotted 15 overs, Sunshine raced to 113 for one in a mere 11 overs, win-

ning with four overs to spare.

The victory was engineered by a fine unbeaten second-wicket stand of 71 between Azam Haniff (36 not out) and Anil Ramoutar (23 not out).

While Sunshine were basking in glory in Conference A, Wakenaam were making light work of their opponents GTA Storm in a disappointing Conference B final, triumphing by seven wickets in a lopsided victory.

Despite losing to

New Zealand appoint new head coach on two-year deal

Gary Stead played his five tests for New Zealand in 1999.

FORMER New Zealand batsman Gary Stead has been named as the team’s

new head coach, signing a two-year contract.

The former Canterbury coach, 46, replaces Mike Hesson, who resigned in June after six years in charge.

Stead will begin his role in September, before the one-day international and Twenty20 series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates in October.

“It’s an honour and a privilege to be part of that, and I can’t wait to get started,” he said.

“It’s a matter of helping maintain New Zealand’s strong form on the interna-

tional scene, but also respecting what’s happened over the past four or five years by continuing to push for improvement.

“This is a well-established and high-performing Black Caps side with an excellent captain in Kane Williamson, and a real desire to win series and titles.”

Stead played in five Test matches - all in 1999 - and has since steered New Zealand’s women’s team to the World Cup final, and Canterbury to domestic titles in 2014, 2015 and 2017.(BBC Sport).

CHPA Emancipation dominoes competition billed to start tomorrow THE Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) sponsored Inter-Agency Emancipation dominoes competition is billed for tomorrow at the agency’s Brickdam and United Nations Place Office.

Nineteen teams from fifteen agencies have registered: Ministry of Communities; Ministry Natural Resources; Ministry of Public Health; Ministry of Public Security; Ministry of Education; Guyoil; GECOM; GWI; NDIA; GPHC; National Culture Centre; Supreme Court; GRA and host CHPA. The first round of the competition will be played tomorrowh with the second

round and final set for August 24th and 31st respectively. All games will be played at CHPA. Play starts at 17:00hrs each day.

Cash prizes and trophies are up for grabs.

First place trophy sponsored by Chung’s Global, 2nd place Star Party Rentals, 3rd place Top Branz and the Most Valuable Player trophy is sponsored by Communities Minister with responsibility for housing, Minister Valerie Adams-Yearwood.

The draw will take place tomorrow for the teams playing on the 17th and the 24th. The drawing will take place at CHPA at 17:00hrs

Sunil Ramkissoon

archrivals Dant in last Saturday’s 10/10 final, Sunshine are hot favourites to get past Better Hope, who, however, should not be taken lightly. Last year’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) Azam Haniff missed several games this season but showed glimpses of batting form versus Dant with a top score of 21.

Sunshine will also be relying heavily on Hemnarine Chattergoon and Looknauth

Ramsuchit who failed to impress last week while the likes of Imran Ali, Anil Ramoutar and Avinash Sookdeo are expected to play key roles. Led

by Anil Mahadeo, they also include formidable all-rounder Mahendranauth ‘Bobby’ Parasnauth.

While not possessing “big names,” Better Hope are not to be underrated, since they reached the final in 2016, losing to Dant in the process. Skipper Sunil

Ramkissoon has been exuding an air of confidence in his players and feels they are capable of coming out victorious. Avinash Singh, Richard Narine, Nick Joseph and Anand Nirmal are among the players capable of scoring big.

Last year’s MVP, Moin Khan, along with his brother Imran, Naveed Ali, Imtiaz Ali and Krishna Persaud are among the players Good Success will be banking on for success when they battle a wounded Carr Tec side which suffered a disappointing loss to Wakenaam in last week’s Conference B 10/10 final.

Skipper Bharrat Lachman will, however, be hoping that Carr Tec bounce back from the lost and add the NSB title to their collection. The hard-hitting Ravendra Mandolall has the ability to change a game and his presence is a vital cog in Carr Tec’s lineup which also include the versatile Mahendra Monilall.

BCB/SKY Vodka T/20 tournament...

Five teams through to playoffs

Hilbert Foster

T H E S k y Vo d k a T / 2 0 knock-out cricket tournament organised by the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) commenced last weekend with two matches.

Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets defeated Rose Hall Canje by 65 runs, while Skeldon continued their impressive start to the 2018 first division season with a three-wicket win over Tucber Park.

Albion Cricket Club a n d U p p e r C o re n t y n e were granted walkovers

over West Berbice and Young Warriors, respectively. Blairmont drew the bye and as such advanced to the next round as well.

At the Rose Hall Canje ground, the home team won the toss and elected to field.

Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets reached 130-5 in their 20 overs. Jason Sinclair made an unbeaten 41, while Andy Naidu and Clinton Pestano contributed 21 and 31, respectively.

Bowling for the home team, K. Ramsarran claimed 4-24, while left arm spinner Mark Sampson took 1-9 from his four overs. In response, Rose Hall Canje were restricted to 65 all out from 16 overs.

Sasenarine Sukhdeo struck 36 to be the only batsman to reach double figures. Shawn Perreira, Eon Hooper and Keith Simpson took two wickets each, while Sylus Tyndall, Clinton Pestano and Jonathan Rampersaud had a wicket apiece.

At the No, 73 ground, Tucber Park cricket team were bowled out for 111 off

ten overs. Garfield Benjamin (33), K. Michael (17), D. Talack (14) and Marlon Mickle (12) reached double figures.

Bowling for Skeldon, Jermaine Reid claimed 4-5 from his four overs and Sherwin Murray took 2 25. In response, Skeldon reached 114-7 with Charles France top scoring with 51.

Meanwhile, President of the BCB, Hilbert Foster, stated that he was pleased that the first division cricket season has finally commenced. He called on clubs to get themselves in order.

Foster further stated that those clubs which cannot follow the new set of rules would be left behind, as the BCB has enforced strict disciplinary measures regarding discipline and the behavior of first division teams.

The 2018 first division season will include the Patron’s Cup, Sky Vodka T/20, Pepsi 50 overs, Busta 40 overs, Brian Ramphal Double-Wicket among other tournaments.

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 16, 2018

Jaguars cart off OSCL All Stars title TORONTO, Canada — Jaguars made light work of Kaieteur to cart off last Saturday’s All Stars game, played at the Ashtonbee ground, Scarborough.

The feature was part of the Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) annual Family Day which attracted several children of members of the association and also saw the finals of the Caribbean Sensation- sponsored 10/10 tournament.

Set 129 for victory, after restricting their opponents to 128 for four in the 15over affair, Kaieteur were 109 for eight when their overs expired, going down by 19 runs. The top scorers were Lloyd Ruplall, who struck a six and a four in his 23 while his Guyana Floodlights Cricket Association (GFSCA) counterpart, Ramo Malone, was run out for 16.

Most Valuable Players Lloyd Ruplall (Kaieteur) and Uniss Yusuf (Jaguars) pose with the replica trophy.

Another GFSCA player, Uniss Yusuf, who represented Jaguars, had the amazing figures of three for two, bowling the final over of the innings.

Earlier, Jaguars were led to the challenging total through knocks of 26 from former Guyana Under-19 player Ravendra

Mandolall and 24 from Reyaz Prahalad, with both players opting to retire in order to give other batters a chance.

Kaieteur lost early wickets and struggled throughout, but a late flurry by Ruplall who was dismissed off the last delivery of the innings saw them reach 109 for

Jaguars skipper Shiv Persaud collects the winning trophy from Nyssa Narine in the presence of OSCL officials.

eight. Raja Pooran (one for 16), Riaz Kadir (one for 18) and Avinash Sookdeo (one for 19) were the main bowlers for Jaguars.

Yusuf (Jaguars) and Ruplall (Kaieteur) were named

DeNobrega set to defend Urban Benjamin Memorial Cycling title this weekend GUYANA’s top cyclists will converge in the county of Essequibo this weekend for the Urban Benjamin Memorial Cycling Road Race set for Sunday.

Team Evolution’s Paul DeNobrega who was last year’s winner in two hours 55 minutes 52 seconds, will be looking to retain his title and grab the lucrative first place cash prize as well.

However, as is often the case, it will be no easy feat as the other top contenders will all be out to dethrone DeNobrega and claim glory for themselves.

The likes of recently

returned Michael Anthony who is in good form along with Alanzo Ambrose, Curtis ‘Chappy’ Dey and Team Coco’s Jamual John will all be present and the 76-mile race is sure to be a thrilling one.

The race begins at Charity and the cyclists will proceed to Supenaam before returning to the point of origin for the finish.

Meanwhile, riders are expected to meet at National Cycling Coach, Hassan Mohamed’s Office at the National Sports Commission (NSC) on Homestretch Avenue at 8:00hrs on Sat-

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday August 16, 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) Dwayne Smith (Trident vs Zouks, Barbadoes, 2013) (2) Albie Morkel Today’s Quiz: (1) Who has made the highest individual score in CPL 2018 at Providence to date?

(2) Who was named Man of the Match in the first CPL game played at Providence this season?

Answer in tomorrow's issue

Paul DeNobrega is the defending champion in the Urban Benjamin Memorial Road Race.

urday morning for departure to the Parika Ferry Stelling to cross over to Supenaam.

Last year’s winner in the Juniors category was Curtis Dey, however this year will see a new winner being crowned.

In the Veteran-45 race, Stephen Fernandes rode in first last year, while Leer

Nunes came in second and Steve Ramsuchit third. The Over-45 category race was won by Andrew Spencer.

The following categories will be contested this year: Seniors Juniors Vets U-45 Vets O-45 Novices Mountain Bikes

the Most Valuable Players.

All the players and officials, including managers-- Vish Jadunauth (Jaguars) and Frederick Halley (Kaieteur)-were recipients of medals.

Meanwhile, the OSCL annual presentation, dinner and dance is set for Saturday, November 24 at Eastown Banquet Hall, Scarborough. (Frederick Halley)

Japarts bats for KOTS3

MINING company JAPARTS over the weekend signalled its intention to be a part of the upcoming King of the Strip 3 International Drag Race.

The event, which is being organised by the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club, will see competition from Suriname, Barbados and Trinidad at the South Dakota Circuit on August 26.

GMR&SC vice-presiden, Hansraj Singh, contended that the company is always willing to support motorsports locally, “Japarts is always ready to rally behind racing. They usually help in whatever way they can and this time around, it’s a big effort from them.”

“Their support will go directly into plans for August 26th event, some of which will feature enhanced track

preparation for the faster cars that are coming”, Singh noted.

Recently, the South Dakota strip benefitted from a regional standard launch pad, a project that was completed with the help of sponsors Delco Ice Company, Mohamed’s Enterprise, Secure Innovations & Concepts and B.M. Soat Auto Spares.

Over 60 entries are expected for the event and it was noted by an official that the final figure could be significantly higher as the KOTS 3 is highly-anticipated by the drag-racing community.

The sponsors for KOTS 3 include Mohamed’s Enterprise, Ansa Mcal, B.M. Soat, ExxonMobil, Tropical Shipping, Del Ice Company and Trans Pacific Auto Spares.

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 16, 2018

Atletico beat Madrid rivals Real in extra time to win Super Cup REAL Madrid began life without Cristiano Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane with defeat in the first ever Uefa Super Cup derby as Atletico Madrid scored twice in extra time.

Two excellent late goals from Koke and Saul sealed victory for Atletico after the game ended 2-2 in normal time.

It was Real’s first match since Ronaldo signed for Juventus for £99m in the summer and Zidane was replaced

as manager by former Spain coach Julen Lopetegui.

Koke’s smart finish and Saul’s sensational 16-yard volley in extra time helped Europa League holders Atletico win their third Super Cup in as many appearances.

Diego Costa also scored twice in normal time, thumping in the opener after 49 seconds and tapping in another after the interval.

Gareth Bale had set up Karim Benzema with a head-

er at the back post for Real’s first and captain Sergio Ramos slotted home a penalty for a 2-1 lead after Juanfran was penalised for handball.

Full-back Marcelo squandered an excellent chance to score the winner for Real with an overhead kick in the final seconds of normal time as back-to-back Champions League winners Real were looking to become the first side to win three Super Cups in successive seasons.

It was the fourth time in

Pollard promises struggling Stars will continue to ‘fight hard’

ST Lucia Stars captain Kieron Pollard insists the team has no intention of giving up on the season following yet another loss, this time to the Jamaica Tallawahs at Sabina Park on Tuesday.

The loss was the third in a row for the St Lucia-based franchise but perhaps more disconcertingly, was the 14th consecutive defeat overall, dating back to 2016.

On Tuesday, Andre Fletcher got the Stars off to a fast start with a brisk 43 from 33 and former captain Darren Sammy chipped in with 36 from 24 as the team posted a respectable 175.

As the Tallawahs pursued the target the Stars were their own worst enemy, it seemed, on too many occasions displaying sloppiness in the field with missed catches and botched stops. In a game that came down to the final two balls, it proved to be their undoing.

The performance was the kind it was hoped, Pol-

St Lucia Stars captain Kieron Pollard.

lard, who joined the Stars this season and was appointed, would help correct. It hasn’t turned out to be the case so far.

“It’s the nature of the game. In order to win games and to win championships you have to concentrate for 40 overs and we haven’t been doing that,” Pollard said following the match.

“Having said that batting first on that pitch everyone thought it was a bad decision but I think 175 was always going to be a challenging total.

We brought it right down to the end and taking a couple

of our catches and bowling a couple more tight overs and it could have been a different ball game,” he added. The captain is, however, not yet ready to call it quits.

“I’ve played in enough franchises. I’ve played in a franchise where everyone thought we were dead and we came back and won the tournament. So for me in my mind, the belief is still there and in the mind of the guys, the belief is still there.

Until we are mathematically out of this tournament we will continue to fight and we will continue to fight hard.”

Former India captain Ajit Wadekar dies aged 77 FORMER India Test and One Day International captain Ajit Wadekar has died at the age of 77.

The former batsman, who led India to triumphs in England and West Indies in 1971, scored 2,113 runs in 37 Test matches between 1966 and 1974. Wadekar later served as coach, manager and chairman of selectors for India.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wadekar was “a great batsman and wonderful captain” who made a “rich contribution to Indian cricket”.

“He led our team to some of the most memorable victories in our cricketing history”, Modi posted on Twitter. Current India head coach Ravi Shastri said it was “a sad moment for Indian cricket”.(BBC Sport)

Atletico Madrid celebrate with the trophy after winning the Super Cup REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov

the past five years that the Super Cup was contested

by two Spanish sides - but the first with both teams

from the same city.(BBC Sport)

Resaul gearing up for ITF tournament in T&T HAVING only just recently returned from participating in two tournaments, rising Guyanese junior tennis player, Heimraj Resaul, is currently in training, preparing to participate at the International Tennis Federatio (ITF) Tobago Under-18s which is scheduled to run from August 18 - 25.

Resaul recently performed at the Jamaica Blue Mountain Invitational where he ended as first runner-up in the boys’ Under-16 category and made it as far as the semi-finals of the boys’ Under-18 category. He also participated in the ITF Jamaica Under-18s, where he came up against intense competition from players across the Caribbean and North America.

He will be facing similar competition at the ITF Tobago Under-18s, so each win will be its own accomplishment. ““Training has been coming along really nice, we’ve been doing a lot of high-intensity training due to the level that I’m going to go play; it’s been really difficult trying to keep up but I think I’ve been doing fine,” Resaul related.

“I want to do really well and I would really like to at least get pass the first round, because the level of tennis is really high, so to be able to even get through the first round would really be an accomplishment for me, and especially if I’m able to do better than the first round,” Resaul shared, when Chronicle Sport caught up with him at training earlier this week.

Resaul’s coach, Shelly Daly-Ramdyhan also has good hopes for the 16-year-old when he performs next week.

“I know he has the ability, he’s ready, he’s hungry, so come next Monday he will give 100% of himself; so any good results won’t be a surprise to me, I expect him to do very well.

The exposure continues to be good for him,” Daly-Ramdyhan expressed.

Resaul has been using his experience from his performance in Jamaica to train for the tournament in Tobago, with the hope of improving.

“Getting into the second competition in Jamaica, there were a lot of players from around the Caribbean and the US and Canada, so with that much players it was a really high level. It was difficult to maintain that high level, but playing better players it kind of forces you to bring out the best in yourself, so I was actually able to play at a higher level than I’m used to, even though it was difficult to maintain that level I managed to do it for some time,” Resaul noted.

“Also from that I got an opportunity to observe the better players and I actually got to rally with a few of them, so it gave me insight into how much training I need to put in to get to that level myself.”

With just a few weeks between competitions, Resaul could not work on everything that he hoped to, however, he still managed to work on a few improvements.

“Between Jamaica and Trinidad is only about three and a half weeks so I couldn’t really change a lot of things about my technique,” Resaul explained.

“When I came back I tried out a lot of varying strategies, and I began to work on things such as consistency and movement, so it was kind of more about just tweaking things a little, because of the short time frame. It’s about working more on the technical and mental aspects of the game, not so much the technique and changing how I hit the ball.”

Notwithstanding the limitations, Daly-Ramdyhan says with Resaul’s enthusiasm and dedication to the sport, he’s on the right path to development, and continuing to attend tournaments like these is just what he needs to ensure his improvements is continually tested.

“He’s hungry, he’s very hungry for tennis and he has very big plans, so I know that his eagerness is there because he knows all the benefits that comes from playing at these tournaments and performing very well, so every tournament, every match, every practice he has that mindset that it all needs to be 100% in terms of approach,” she said.

Jamaican boxers due today for Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors championships

“GET INVOLVED!”

..tournament launch at Tower Suites this morning

Golden Jaguars head coach makes rallying call for support See Page 18

The Jamaica boxing team at the Norman Manley International Airport yesterday afternoon bound for Guyana.

THE third edition of the Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors boxing championships slated for the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue, from Friday to Sunday will be launched at 10:30hrs today at the Tower Suites, Main Street, Georgetown.

The tournament which will involve schoolboys and juniors drawn from St. Lucia, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada and host Guyana battling for honours over a three-night period, is

anticipated to be action packed and the public is being encouraged to support the event which will see fans paying $500 for stands and $1000 for ringside.

The eight-man Jamaican contingent was expected to arrive in Guyana last evening, but will now arrive early this morning, while the boxers and officials from St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago and Grenada are expected to arrive later today.

Trinidad and Tobago will be represented by a 12-member team which

includes eight males and four females.

Four officials will accompany the team along with four parents of six of the boxers.

St. Lucia will be represented by four boxers and two officials.

Guyana has named a strong 21-member unit along with four coaches in Sebert Blake (Technical Director), Clifton Moore, James Walcott and Joseph Murray. Action gets underway at 18:00hrs tomorrow.

Golden Jaguars coach Michael Johnson

Swimmers leave for Goodwill Meet in Barbados See Page 18

Guyana’s 2018 Goodwill Swim Meet team that will wing-out this morning Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2018