Guyana Chronicle E-paper 08-17-2018

FRIDAY 17th August, 2018

No.105369

QC boy tops Guyana at CSEC PAGE

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Christian Pile

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Bandits rob, kill food vendor

THREE bandits robbed and killed Bourda Market food vendor, Troy Ramaldo, 45, called ‘Rasta’ of Lot 11 North Road, Lacytown, Georgetown on Wednesday night.

Reports indicate that the man was operating a food stall at the market between Robb and Bourda streets when he was killed. Ramaldo sold sausage and cheese at the market and is well known

in the area.

Police said at around 23:00hrs on Wednesday, the man had just closed his business and was awaiting a taxi to take him home when the suspects, one brandishing a handgun, pounced on him.

The gunman, according to a witness, discharged a round at the victim, hitting him while the others took away his jewellery and fled the

scene on foot.

The vendor was picked up in an unconscious state and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he died while re-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 17, 2018

ceiving medical attention.

The body is at the hospital’s mortuary awaiting a post-mortem scheduled for Friday. No arrests have been made.

Dead: Troy Ramaldo

Vietnamese found dead at D’Urban Backlands THE body of a Vietnamese man was discovered around 19:00hrs on Wednesday in the compound of a construction site where he was working and residing, police have confirmed.

Dead is Nguyen Nigoc Anh, 32. The site is located at Track ‘J’ D’Urban Backlands next to the Chinese Embassy, where a largescale complex is being built. A laceration was seen on the back of the victim’s head.

The body is at the Georgetown Public Hospital Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem.

Two persons have been held and taken into police custody and are assisting with the investigation.

Pastor forgot vows when he saw wife in man’s arms

A 50-year-old pastor found himself before the wrong congregation on Thursday when he appeared before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman charged for assaulting his wife whom he claimed was unfaithful to him.

Pastor Hansel Calisto, who is also a chain- saw operator, pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on August 13, 2018, at Bus Park, Port Kaituma, he unlawfully assaulted his

wife, Della Calisto. It is further alleged that he also made use of threatening language.

Calisto told the court: “I plead not guilty, it is just an allegation” as he denied the charges. The father of seven told the court that he and his wife have been married for close to 27 years.

Police Prosecutor Quinn Harris told the court that on August 13, Hansel, while the couple was being consoled by a welfare officer, held onto his wife and burst

the strap of her handbag.

He then grabbed the woman by her hand and pushed her down into the streets.

The pastor told the court that his wife was being unfaithful to him and he caught her in the arms of another man on the day in question at the bus park.

He also told the court that his wife left the house leaving him with the kids.

The pastor was released on $20,000 bail for the assault charge and $10,000 for

Pastor Hansel Calisto the other charge.

The matter was transferred to Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for August 22.

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Christian Pile tops Guyana at CSEC

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 17, 2018

QUEEN’S College student Christian Pile, 16, is Guyana’s top performer at this year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Examinations, with 19 Grade One passes.

The subjects he secured maximum passes in are English Language and Literature, general and additional mathematics, biology, physics, chemistry, integrated science, agricultural science, social-studies, geography, history, religious education, physical education, human and social biology (HSB), Spanish, electronic document processing and management (EDPM), principles of business (PoB) and information technology.

“I always knew that I had the ability to do extremely well when it comes

to academics,” said Pile, who praised his mother for being his source of encouragement.

“I remember I was doing 16 subjects and she [his mother] was telling me ‘You can do more!’ [and] ‘Why not try to do more… to the best of your ability’?” he told the Guyana Chronicle in an exclusive interview.

Not backing down from the challenge, he added three more subjects to the 16 he originally settled on sitting and his mother gave her full support by staying up with him during his long nights of studies.

From as early as Fourth Form, Pile started laying the foundation to do well.

He related that he had early morning lessons, which lead

into his school day followed by extra after-school lessons and evening studies.

“It’s really challenging when it comes to managing your time, when you’re doing 19 subjects,” he said, adding: “You have to be able to manage your time well and divide your tasks so that you can finish them.”

Pile, who was in the science stream, pursued subjects outside of his stream and worked closely along with his teachers who facilitated him and played an instrumental role in the completion of his School Based Assessments (SBAs).

The hardest part though, was waking up early (because a guy just has to sleep his sleep!) and then staying up late in the nights or even early into the mornings after

a full day of school.

Additional mathematics, a subject that he pursued only in Fifth Form, just a few months before CSEC exams, was perhaps his most challenging subject because it was a big step up from general mathematics.

Nevertheless, it was not all work and no play for Christian Pile. Though he scaled back on his extra-curricular activities leading up to his exams, he took music classes as guitar is his love.

He was also involved in athletics.

“Christian Pile is like any other regular student.

I just probably dedicated more time to my studies but I mean it’s not like I’m totally different from everyone else. I have lots of friends, I go out, I watch

movies, I play video games a lot,” he said.

And the experience and the sacrifices were not without their rewards.

“Definitely, it would have to be seeing that I am resilient and seeing that I can actually persevere, I can actually get through the rough times and actually succeed,” the young man said.

For his parents Fayann Simpson Pile and Nigel Pile, they knew that he was a “gifted” child that was destined for the top position.

Nigel gave his son his full support during his studies, a point his mother said was key to his success.

“You have to recognise that your child is gifted and that is what I recognised very early on… I was just

there dedicating all the time, you know -- the two o’clock, three o’clock morning sessions -- being there to encourage him when he was tired, frustrated and just feeling like he can’t do it,” she related.

Pile’s next move is to pursue the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) at Queen’s College in keeping with his dream to becoming an orthodontist.

In 2013, Pile, then a student of Mae’s Under-12, was placed second in the country at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) with 547 marks.

This year some 12,266 candidates registered to sit the examinations compared to 12,684 candidates in 2017.

Teachers to go ahead with strike –– after GTU, Education Ministry remain deadlock on salary increases, debunching

–– parties agree to several non-salary benefits

By Tamika Garnett TALKS between the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) and the Ministry of Education (MoE) remained in limbo after representatives from the two sides met on salary increases, debunching monies and other issues on Thursday.

While the ministry and the union did not agree on salaries and debunching sums, they made headways on several non-financial issues.

Addressing a group of teachers gathered outside the MoE Brickdam, Georgetown, headquarters immediately after the meeting, GTU President Mark Lyte confirmed that the union is looking to push forward with its planned strike action.

The union had decided last Friday that teachers will go on strike if the Ministry of Education does not give into its demands.

“We’re coming out very dissatisfied with this engagement, for the sim-

ple reason that our salary issues were a major concern here. Increases in salaries and other financial benefits all remain the same, [so] the unions position will have to remain the same, [that is] disagreeing with them,”

GTU President Mark Lyte as he addressed reporters following Thursday’s meeting (Samuel Maughn photo)

Lyte said after Thursday’s meeting.

“With regard to salary issues, salaries remains $700M on offer, the union rejected again; debunching the $200M remains the same, again we rejected.

We believe our increases are extremely important.

Our main concern is that our teachers cannot survive on the salary they are receiving and therefore the struggle continues.”

AGREEMENT On Thursday, the two sides were able to agree on several issues including the ministry agreeing to pay senior teachers improved salaries; the hiring of a specialist to help at schools that have dormitories, so as to ease the burden

Education Minister Nicolette Henry at Thursday’s press briefing (Samuel Maughn photo) on the head teacher; hinterland teachers being given a return fare once per term; and the setting up of a revolving fund committee to deal with the teachers house revolving fund (that committee will comprise a

representative from the Ministry of Communities, two from the MoE and two from the GTU) and schools that can facilitate a reduction in class size will commence See page 8

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday August 17, 2018

Tributes pour in for ‘Queen of Soul’ TRIBUTES are pouring in from the world of entertainment and politics for Aretha Franklin, the US singer known as the Queen of Soul, who has died at 76.

Franklin performed at inauguration events for three US presidents, and was a powerful advocate for the civil rights movement.

"For more than 50 years, she stirred our souls," Bill and Hillary Clinton said in a joint statement.

Barack Obama said her music had "helped define the American Experience".

Remembered for hits like ‘Respect’ and ‘I Say A Little Prayer’, Franklin won 18 Grammys, and had 17 Top

Ten US Chart hits over a musical career spanning seven decades.

She was diagnosed with cancer in 2010, and announced last year she was retiring from music.

The singer died at her home in Detroit surrounded by family and loved ones, her family said in a statement.

In 2005, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W Bush, when she was saluted for "capturing the hearts of millions of Americans".

She was "one of America's greatest national treasures", the Clintons said.

"She was elegant, graceful, and utterly uncompromising in her artistry."

Mr Obama said in a joint statement with his wife Mi-

chelle: "In her voice, we could feel our history, all of it, and in every shade; our power and our pain, our darkness and our light, our quest for redemption and our hard-won respect.

"She helped us feel more connected to each other, more hopeful, more human.

And sometimes she helped us just forget about everything else and dance."

The current President, Donald Trump, tweeted that Franklin had been "a great woman, with a wonderful gift from God, her voice".

The ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) said Franklin had made sure "black women wouldn't be ignored".

The singer was praised by the National Association for the Advancement of Col-

The scene on Thursday at Aretha’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star

ored People (NAACP) as an "iconic symbol of black pride whose music touched so many hearts and souls".

Civil rights leader Al Sharpton said he was "deeply saddened by the passing of a beloved friend and

queen-warrior", while fellow civil rights figure Jesse Jackson remarked, "Earth has lost a lot of music today."

NASA, the US space agency, noted that the asteroid bearing her name would keep on orbiting.

Trump's 'dirty war' on media stirs friction

– draws editorials in 300 US outlets MORE than 300 news outlets have launched a campaign to counter US President Donald Trump's attacks and promote a free press.

The Boston Globe made the call last week for a nationwide denouncement of the president's "dirty war" against the media, using the hashtag #EnemyOfNone.

Mr Trump has derided media reports as "fake news",

and attacked journalists as "enemies of the people".

And he tweeted on Thursday: "The fake news media is the opposition party."

"It is very bad for our great country... But we are winning!"

UN experts have warned that Mr Trump's comments about the media raise the risk of violence against journalists.

The Boston Globe had

pledged to write an editorial "on the dangers of the administration's assault on the press" on 16 August, and asked others to do the same.

The initial positive response from 100 news organisations has grown closer to 350, with major US national newspapers and smaller local outlets answering the call, along with international publications like the UK newspaper The Guardian.

15-08-2018 4

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Starting with the Boston Globe itself, the editorial there, headlined Journalists Are Not The Enemy, argued that a free press had been a core American principle for more than 200 years, while the New York Times chose the headline, A Free Press Needs You, calling Mr Trump's attacks "dangerous to the lifeblood of democracy".

It published excerpts from dozens more publications as follows: Turn to page 5 ►

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday August 17, 2018

Hospitals scrap surgeries, people forgo showers – as taps run dry in Venezuela

CARACAS (Reuters) - At one of Caracas’ biggest public hospitals, most bathrooms are closed. Patients fill jugs from a tiny tap on the ground floor that sometimes has a trickle of water.

Operations are postponed or cancelled.

The Central Venezuelan University Hospital, once a Latin American leader, is reeling as taps run dry.

“I have gone to the operation bloc and opened the tap to wash my hands, as you must do before a surgery, and nothing comes out,” said gynaecologist Lina Figueria.

Water cuts are the latest addition to a long list of woes for Venezuelans hurting from a fifth year of an economic crisis that has sparked malnutrition, hyperinflation and emigration.

Malfunctions in the capital’s water network due to lack of maintenance have taken a turn for the worst in recent months, depriving many in this city of 3 million people of regular running water.

Caracas is nestled in a verdant valley perched at around 900 meters (2,953 feet), and its water is pumped from much lower sources.

But the pumps have not been maintained, spare parts are scarce, and President Nicolas Maduro’s administration is short of cash.

“For many years, this deterioration process was not noticeable. But now the water transport systems are very damaged,” said Jose De Viana, former president of Hidrocapital, the State-run utility in charge of Caracas’

water supply.

Venezuela’s socialist government typically says water cuts are due to sabotage by right-wing “terrorists”.

Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez in July announced a “special plan” to fix the issues, but did not provide details. The Information Ministry and Hidrocapital did not respond to a request for information.

Lack of water, and taps that sometimes spurt out brown liquid, have triggered health concerns in a country lacking basic antibiotics and vaccines.

About 75 per cent of Caracas residents said they do not receive water regularly, according to a survey published by two Venezuelan non-governmental organisations this month. Around 11 per cent said they thought dirty water had caused skin and stomach problems. The survey does not have comparative figures.

Medical consequences are hard to gauge, as the Health Ministry no longer releases once-weekly data, but doctors say scabies and diarrhea are on the rise.

Water shortages have also made some basic daily activities untenable; poor residents say they take fewer showers.

In the low-income neighbourhood of Catia, university professor Mariangela Gonzalez, 64, has 127 bottles, gas containers and pots clogging the entrance to her house.

“When the water comes on, we have to run,” said Gonzalez. (BBC)

From page 4 ►

Trump's 'dirty war'...

The New York Post, a pro-Trump tabloid, answered the Globe's call by saying, "Who are we to disagree?" adding: "It may be frustrating to argue that just because we print inconvenient truths doesn't mean that we're fake news, but being a journalist isn't a popularity contest.

All we can do is to keep reporting."

But it also said: "Will this make a difference? Not one whit".

The Topeka Capital-Journal was another paper to join the campaign. It said of Mr Trump's attack on the media: "It's sinister. It's destructive.

And it must end now."

The paper was one of the few to endorse Mr Trump in 2016.

The fact that Mr Trump won without such media endorsements may cast doubt on whether the Globe's campaign would actually dent his

support.

Later on Thursday, President Trump tweeted that the Globe "is in collusion with other papers on free press".

There have been some dissenting voices to the Globe's campaign: At the conservative website, Townhall.com, Tom Tradup panned the Globe's "pathetic bid to pretend it is still relevant", writing: "I would not presume to tell anyone else what to think or what to do. But as for me and I suspect many others - I won't be putting any coins in any newspaper box August 16th ."

The Wall Street Journal declined to take part.

An earlier piece by James Freeman argued Mr Trump was entitled to free speech, and the Globe's drive ran counter to the very independence it was seeking. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday August 17, 2018

Overhauling the issuance of drivers licence system A SERVING member of the Guyana Police Force was recently placed before the court to answer twelve criminal charges. His bail was set at $1.2 million. The charges relate to the discovery of a massive driver’s licence scheme last April. In July, a total of 38 charges were levelled against two other police ranks relative to the same matter. According to particulars, the ranks conspired to, and carried out actions to fraudently allow persons to obtain licences by forging exam papers. Had the scheme not been uncovered, unqualified, unexamined persons could have been given licences, posing danger to themselves, other road users and public and private property.

In Guyana, to legally obtain a driver’s licence, one must pass a written test and a practical driving

test. A certificate of competence may then be obtained, which can be used to acquire a licence.

The fact that many Guyanese buy licences is an open secret; ask any mini-bus driver, and he will tell you that there is a “standard price” for a fraudently-obtained examination pass, as well as another “standard price” for a Certificate of Competence, either of which may be used to obtain a licence.

Many drivers will also ask cynically, “why would anyone go through the legal process, when you can pass a raise and get a licence?”

The recently unearthed scam, therefore, is certainly not a unique case; on the contrary, it is the norm.

Some may even venture to say that a larger number of licences are obtained fraudently, than are acquired by legal means. If that is even close to true, three questions arise: how

many (or what fraction) of drivers are legally licenced to operate vehicles? What are the implications for the safety of road users? And, how can government correct the problem?

The first question may be difficult if not impossible to answer; many fraudently-obtained licences would have a paper trail, including forged exam papers and results. The three police ranks arrested in the current scam were, in fact, submitting forged exam papers.

The answer to the second question is obvious: Persons who obtained their licences by illegal means most certainly pose a danger to the public. Those individuals would have obtained licences without passing the written exam or the practical test, or both.

The written and practical exams usually test a person’s knowledge of

road signs, traffic signals, stopping distances, and other knowledge necessary for safe driving. Therefore, a person who has never passed those exams may have little or even no knowledge of the meaning of a particular road sign or marking.

Clearly, those are matters of great concern.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 118 persons died on Guyana’s roadways in 2017, or 15.88 deaths per 100,000 persons. The Guyana Police Force has recorded 51 deaths between January and June 2018. Clearly, for a country with such a small population, those numbers are unacceptable. That brings us to the third question: what can government do?

Evidently, the current system of licencing leaves much to be desired; there are too many loopholes which corrupt persons can

exploit. In order to fix the problem, government would have to overhaul the entire system from top to bottom. Authorities would need to put in place an iron-clad, corruption-proof system which ensures that every person who wants a licence must necessarily undergo the required tests. But, even if a fool-proof system were implemented now, it would not address the problem of people who already have illegally-obtained licences. One solution to that problem would be to have every currently licenced driver undergo the requisite tests when applying to have their licence renewed.

Patchwork on Agriculture Road was not done properly Dear Editor, AFTER writing several letters about the deplorable state of Agriculture Road, I am compelled to write this letter again.

About three weeks ago I saw the same project engineer, Anthony A. Haynes, sent by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure to patch the bad holes I highlighted in my previous letter by pictures I took. I believe this engineer was sent back to complete his ''bogus work'' he left unfinished since he started this work.

I was happy that he came back to patch the holes in this road. I noted with interest he started the work from in front of NAREI going to the front from back. The holes in front NAREI he patched properly. Then I noticed he just dug out the bad parts and throw in some crush and run and rolled it over and did not

put bitumen for over 200 meters that now has two more holes already.

What infuriates me was he worked a few days and left the work to go and fix two roads in Block 8-- a road they called ''Jail Man Bridge.'' He fixed those two roads but left about 600 metres with deep holes and left to return to Agriculture Road to patch more holes he left unfinished in the rains.

It's mind-boggling that this Engineer will work in the rains and not on the hot days. The middle of the road that had a big hole that broke the road into pieces he tried to fix properly, but if you look at the bottom when it was dug out and what the throw in and rolled it over you will know it cannot last a year.

He failed to level the twisted parts of the road and sleeve the corners of the road.

As I go out on the road he cut off about 600 metres of the road

about four feet in width that has now become an accident zone when vehicles are coming from the opposite directions. He threw some red sand into it and gone; that is now a deep hole that can land a vehicle into the Mon Repos trench if you don't know the road when driving. He left lots of holes on the edges of the road he did not cut off and filled up with crush and run and bitumen. The 600 metres of bad work he left incomplete in front and over 400 metres at the back is a next bad testimony of the bogus work this contractor is doing and he is paid by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure to execute these deplorable road works all over Guyana.

In my firm opinion, this man need to be taken to court to refund the ministry their money for deplorable road works he has failed to complete. I am calling on the

Minister of Public Infrastructure to send a team into Agriculture Road to examine the bogus road work that is executed by Anthony A. Haynes, their contract engineer who has collected the government money by false pretense. From the inception he started to patch roads here he left the work unfinished and went away. It was after I wrote about it he came back to say he patched about 1200 metres of holes that costs $59,031,149.What bothers me [is that] the ministry sent back this same man again to complete his work who is a total failure and he failed again to patch the holes again by leaving this work unfinished.

I now wonder how many more millions he was paid for a few half days work. He left over 600 metres of holes in a street he was fixing in Block 8.

If government is paying this bogus contractor millions to execute

road works, he is getting away from with his 'lazy man workers' then something ought to be done with this man. He needs to refund the ministry of public infrastructure their money and be fired or those giving him contracts need to be audited by the Auditor General's Office and fired.

I am calling on the Hon. Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, to come into Agriculture Road to see the bogus work this contractor has done that is incomplete and gone with their money in his pockets. This is not good for the development of our country. I hope those in authority will address this issue in Agriculture Road I have raised here or the President will address it.

Regards, Rev. Gideon Cecil

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday August 17, 2018

Another Jagdeo mischief Dear Editor

THE deviousness of opposition leader Bharat Jagdeo is to ascribe well known venalities that were committed during his government to that of the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) administration.

In yet another display of this disgusting, dishonest narrative, reference is made in a report in Demerara waves of August 02, 2018, captioned, “Jagdeo accuses Granger of double standards in education, jobs, employment.”

In this article, he seeks to take the President to task for what had been a frank address by the latter to a pre-emancipation

gathering on emancipation eve. Among the many allegations he made [is] that “People see it all the time, how they are living the good life: a small group of them and the entire country, including many of these kids who were there”.

It is noted that he did not specify who “they” by name or category, status etc, but is certain that he means some high state officials. As far as is known--and Georgetown is a very small place--such a social life is not known to be lived by members of the Granger administration, or senior members of state. Certainly, even if they do have social time, it is not on the grand scale that became the brand of the nouveaux riche, during the criminal state

Don’t believe me, just watch Dear Editor, TO millennials and Generation X, the world they hear about from their elders will sound much different than which they are seeing today.

This is especially true for Guyana and to get a glimpse of the crucible Guyana was born into, perhaps the book, “Confessions of an Economic Hit Man,” by John Perkins could come close to explaining that the dystopian “trials and tribulations” of the early days were not entirely of our own making.

There had to have been an invisible hand at work.

Recently, Clifford Krauss of the NY Times alluded to this “Ghost,” if you will, in an article titled: “Oil and New Leadership Raised Hope in Guyana. But Political Rifts Are Resurfacing.” Herein lies a sliver of truth, “The nation’s two founders — Cheddi Jagan, an Indo-Guyanese, and Forbes Burnham, an Afro-Guyanese — vied for control in a bitter battle that led to election tampering, violence and labour strikes, partly organised by C.I.A. agents.”

But the role played by the CIA as indicated here is a huge understatement. Plainly, the CIA of yesteryear is

not the CIA of today. It is not inaccurate to suggest that in the 1960s, the CIA must have played Guyana like a fiddle. In fact, the only reason that Guyanese can look forward to a new day with petroleum in its future, independent and free, is because the US was not interested in the country per se– just its unique, strategic location.

Bear in mind that this is the same CIA that relentlessly sabotaged, engineered false flags, waged coups, overthrew governments by hook or by crook, and the list can go on and on.

After all, who is the CIA accountable to? They are literally, “god on earth.”

History is the best teacher and it is by no means scaremongering. It is just a convenient euphemism intended to remind Guyanese about the dastardly past so that, “history repeating,” remains just a song, not reality for a country like Guyana that has suffered for so long.

And just in case this is construed as scaremongering, perhaps this line from another song could help with that too: “Don’t believe me, just watch.”

Regards Ram Narine

of the former PPP/C. Much had been made about the government having to pay large sums as rent for some ministers of the government.

One suspects that may be what Jagdeo is referring [to].

Many of these cabinet officers are known to have had their material possessions long before they became cabinet ministers; and not feasting on the state’s resources, building mansions and accumulating other costly possessions as their counterparts did during the former administration. These are just some of the examples of ostentatious and profligate living by members of the PPP/C clique during the reign of their government.

These are indeed different times, and the coalition government is relentless in its initiatives in combatting this cancer. At least no minister is reported to be spending tax payers’ money on very expensive dental procedures, as occurred during the PPP/C administration.

As an aside, it is already shown that even high profiled party personalities are not spared when they infringe the law, as in the case of Abel Seetaram of the AFC, who had not so long ago been convicted by the court for a very serious case of assault.

Regards Troy Garraway

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday August 17, 2018

From page 3 ►

Teachers to go ahead ... doing so.

Speaking at a press briefing after the meeting, Education Minister Nicolette Henry maintained that what is being offered is all Government can afford.

“I want to say to my teachers that the Government of Guyana continues to care for you, and we will ensure that, as far as possible, you get what we could afford, what is best for you,

what is best for the country, and what is best for all of us. We promised a good life for all and we will work within what we have and the resources available to do the best that we can,” Henry expressed.

However, the union maintains that the Government can afford more.

“We believe that they have the ability to pay more, to honour our teach-

ers, our loving teachers, our hard working teachers; we believe the administration has the capacity to pay teachers, to make a better offer,” Lyte contended.

“What the ministry is focussing on is what extra they have within the 2018 budget to spare, but we are looking at a multi-year agreement that spans five years, so you can’t look at one year bud-

get allocation to determine what you can give for five years. It has to be a projection coming from Cabinet, the Finance Minister being involved, to know what they can pay retroactively.

The ministry’s budget would only inform what they can pay this year based on their reserves, and that’s where they are speaking from.”

NEXT STEP Henry explained that the next step in the collective bargaining process is conciliation, which would take the matter out of her ministry’s hand and in the care of the Ministry of Labour.

“The procedures do not suggest that after negotiations is arbitration. We are all guided by procedure.

We are at negotiations, after

that we go to conciliation; what conciliation means is that it is no longer under the authority of this ministry,” Henry explained The union did not commit to moving to the conciliation stage, and according to Lyte, he saw no need for any more meetings between the GTU and the ministry.

“I told the minister that we will write her formally to indicate what our next move is; we were not prepared to make a commitment there as to the next step, which might not be in favour of us; the next step has to be something that is favourable to us. We will get some legal advice on the way forward, but we indicated to the minister that we were not prepared to come to another meeting, having the ministry

already decided on two occasions that they can’t move what they are offering,” Lyte related.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon, speaking at his weekly post-Cabinet press briefing on Thursday, said the aim of the MoE negotiation was to ensure there is “common ground” and to “ensure teachers are encouraged to stay in the classrooms and not on the streets”.

He noted the importance of teachers in molding the minds of the young people and that government’s interest is always to ensure that they are comfortable.

“We are doing our best to ensure our teachers get a better package than they do have,” he said.

Probe the accident with the Uitvlugt shredder Dear Editor, I MAKE reference to a news item in the SN edition of Aug. 15th, 2018, titled “Uitvlugt cane shredder runs out of control” describing an incident that occurred at Uitvlugt factory where “about 70 knives or hammers” were sent “flying”.

Editor, I trust that the new CEO of GuySuCo will ensure an unbiased and thorough investigation is conducted into this industrial fiasco. An occurrence of this nature cannot be categorised as a normal or freak accident. It is because it occurred on a scheduled and progammed start-up of the factory. Prior to start-up of this kind, this specific piece of equipment had to be inspected, tested, verified and approved for operation.

For it to send 70 rectangular pieces of solid carbon steel (knives) weighing approximately 20lbs each, spinning at 600+ revolutions per minute (rpm) into the air

is proof of systemic engineering failure caused by deteriorating engineering standards. It must be divine intervention that saved employees lives from high velocity, steel projectiles and shrapnel.

While this fiasco has huge financial impact (repair cost, opportunity time, sugar losses, etc.), the potential loss of life from this incident was enormous which necessitates an inquiry into areas such as established procedures for turbines going “out of” and “returning to” service, turbine tests, trip-speed tests, on-site verification of turbine and trip-speed tests by qualified engineers, training of employees conducting tasks for tests, preliminary checks to be done before start-up, approvals from technical and managerial staff for turbines and knives going into service after repairs and maintenance, etc.

Editor, Uitvlugt has many layers of engineering

and supervisory staff to ensure engineering standards are maintained.

Added to this, GuySuCo employed a platoon of engineers (approx. 5) since 2015 at its head office to provide technical guidance and oversight to factories on engineering standards. This staff increase occurred simultaneously while reducing the number of operating factories from 7 to 3. With an expanded technical management on top and less operating factories, there is no excuse on shortage of engineering skills to support and guide factories during critical times such as start-ups at beginning of crops and shutdowns at end of crops.

Do we have a situation of gross incompetence or dereliction of duties from head office to estate? Will GuySuCo place all blame on rank and file workers for this fiasco?

Regards Sookram Persaud

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 17, 2018

Soesdyke wedding-house murder...

More questions than answers

–– over investigation into Diamond teen’s demise

By Leroy Smith AS the family of murdered 15-year-old Diamond, East Bank Demerara resident Ricardo Singh patiently awaits their day in court, concerns raised earlier about the police’s handling of the matter have begun to intensify.

Those questions are not only coming from relatives and friends, but also strangers who reportedly witnessed aspects of what transpired on July 9, 2018 at the Soesdyke Public Road residence where the teen and other acquaintances were attending the wedding reception of an immigration officer.

Among those concerns are the taking of statements from two key players who were at the wedding house when the commotion took place. They are Ricardo Boodhoo and Joseph Shiwsaran, two of the dead teen’s friends with whom he went to the wedding house on the night in question.

The Guyana Chronicle spoke with the young men, who have both stated that the police rank who took their statements did not allow them to read them over, nor were the statements read to them by any police rank.

Added to that, one of the young men claimed that at the time his statement was taken, he was still experiencing severe headaches as he was hit in the head with a rum bottle during the wedding-house brawl by one of the guests, who is said to be a close relative of the groom.

He said he was also bleeding, and when he asked to be allowed or accompanied to seek medical attention, the rank who was taking the statement told him that he could not do so at that point, as the investigation was more important.

MEMORY LAPSE The youngster said when he was giving his statement, he indicated to the rank taking it that he could not focus, given the excruciating pain in his head, and that was having a hard time remembering everything that took place

earlier that night.

The other young man said he, too, had a statement taken from him and not read to him, but was nevertheless asked to append his signature to whatever the police rank wrote on the multiple papers he was asked to sign.

He also said that at the time his statement was being taken, he was still in hospital and under medication, with machines connected all over his body.

He also had a tube in his side draining a wound he’d sustained during the wedding-house brawl.

One of the two youngsters has also indicated that since the incident, they have not heard from the police in relation to the matter; not even to ask their help in identifying any the many suspects they’ve claimed to have picked up for questioning.

Both are of the view that if persons were picked up for questioning in the killing of the young man, then they who were there on the scene should have been contacted to help identify them.

The Guyana Chronicle also spoke with three individuals at Soesdyke on Tuesday morning, who, though they gave recorded interviews, asked that their names not be mentioned.

One indicated that he was at home when he heard a vehicle stop in front of his gap, and upon going outside to see what was happening,he saw that it was a red open-back vehicle with a Community Policing Group logo on its side.

The man said: “I asked them what happen and the guy who was out of the van turned to me and say, ‘This guy behaving bad at the wedding house, so we carrying he to the station to lock him up, but he jump off the van and gone running.’

“So I said, ‘Gone running? Where?’ And he pointed in the direction of the wedding house. But when I look, I did not see anybody running, so I said, ‘No, man; this thing don’t look right.’

“So I started to take baby steps, walking in the direction of the wedding house, which is not too far away from us, and then I

saw the young man lying face down in the drain. I told him to get up, and he was unresponsive, so I told the CPG guy, ‘Look! The man is here!’

“And from then, he did not even come to look at the boy; he just stood there.”

GUTS PROTRUDING The man said that it was he who pulled the youngster out of the drain, and when he turned him over, he saw that the

child’s intestines were protruding, and cautioned the CPG man not to lock him up but to take him to the hospital instead.

But by then, the man had already driven off leaving his colleague with the injured teen, who was still breathing, according to the informant.

So he took a rag and tried to staunch the bleed from another wound, and asked the CPG man to call back his colleague in the van. After a moment’s hes-

itation, the Soesdyke man said, the CPG man did as asked, saying to his colleague: “Yuh got to come back here now, boy! It got a man here bleeding; somebody stab up this man.”

As the informant pointed out, he distinctly recalled the CGP man deliberately not telling his colleague that it was the same teenager he claimed had jumped out of the vehicle and gone running up the road he was talking about.

It was also brought to the Guyana Chronicle’s attention that a woman who was in the front seat of the vehicle when the brawl occurred did not have any statement taken from her, as according to what residents are saying, they were told by the police that they saw no need to question her.

There was also the man who came out of his yard and sought the assistance of the police by calling the 911 Hotline, but to no avail.

He said that after not making any headway with the Hotline, he decided to jump into his car and drive to the police station.

Said the man: “When I reach Timehri, they had the

9

vehicle which the guy was in at the station, and the driver was standing outside of the vehicle.

“So I went into the station and told them there is a man dying in front of me, and the policeman on duty answered, ‘We coming.’ “There was one with a gun in his hands, and another one cock up on the counter in the enquires room, so I left and went home.

“They came a while after, and they just stood there for a long time; by the time they were ready to take him to the hospital, he was already dead.”

Another Soesdyke resident said that as far as he knew, the teen did jump out of the vehicle when it stopped, while others who were at the wedding house implicated the man who was sitting in the tray of the red open-back vehicle with the CPG logo as the one who inflicted the fatal wounds on the teen.

There was also a development where one of the persons who provided the Guyana Chronicle with some vital information did not get to share it with the police even though he expressed his willingness to do so.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 17, 2018

Green State Strategy consultations commence in Essequibo

WITH a 20-year economic and social plan envisioned in the transition to a green economy, Guyana’s Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) consultation commenced at Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast on Thursday.

The consultation attracted wide stakeholder representation who gave their input on the sustainable development

plan.

This surrounded discussions on the economy, society and the environment as factors that will guide Guyana during the transition to a green state.

GSDS Stakeholder Management Coordinator, Aretha Forde said the project aims to provide a strategy for Guyana’s economic, environmental and social devel-

opment by diversifying the economy, reducing reliance on resource-intensive sectors and opening up new and sustainable income opportunities for citizens.

She explained that the main objectives of these consultations are to raise awareness about the development of Guyana’s State Development Strategy and to ensure that the people can

contribute by identifying and prioritising the needs and expectations they have for their region.

“The inputs from these consultations will be used to influence what is submitted as the final strategy. During the sessions, participants will be encouraged to communicate their ideas and vision on how Guyana should be developed sustainably over a 15 to 20-year period,” Forde said.

The coordinator said the strategy will therefore focus on guiding Guyana down a path of development that delivers a clean and healthy environment that provides opportunities to earn a decent wage and enjoy standards of living that promote happy, healthy and wholesome individuals, families and communities.

A green and inclusive industrial transformation also requires two different but closely interlinked shifts, she said.

“The first is the transition to a more diversified economy that leans toward higher value added goods and services, greater resource

productivity, improved environmental services and resilience to minimise vulnerability to external shocks.

These can include environmental degradation and climate change, which present further challenges to stable and inclusive growth.

The second shift is structural in its approach to national development. Do-No-Harm approaches, participatory and inclusive processes and social cohesion principles will require both improvements to and a reduced reliance on traditional sectors, which act as the key drivers of this economic transformation whose ultimate goal is to address and redress all types of inequalities in Guyana and promote a peaceful and resilient society,” she said.

Consultations on GSDS will also be held in the hinterland regions from August 16 through to September 12, 2018.

Teams of experts from the Department of Environment and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), with assistance from the World Wildlife Fund Guianas (WWF), will

GSDS Stakeholder Management Coordinator Aretha Forde be carrying out meetings in Regions One, Two, Seven, Eight, Nine and 10.

The communities identified for sessions with residents are Charity, Anna Regina, Bartica, Linden, Kwakwani, Kimbia, Moruca, Matthew’s Ridge, Mabaruma, Port Kaituma, Lethem, Karasabai, Annai, Aishalton, Shulinab, Mahdia, Kamarang, Paramakatoi and Kato.

Residents in the identified communities are urged to attend the consultations for clarity on any issue they may have and to share their views and expectations.

Martyrs of Demerara Slave Revolt to be remembered

AS part of Emancipation observance, Government will stage a commemoration ceremony to remember the over 200 persons who were crushed on August 20, 1823 at Bachelors Adventure in their quest for freedom.

Coordinator of the commemoration, Aaron Blackman said on Monday from 17:00hrs at the site of the1823 Monument on the Georgetown Seawall, President David Granger will deliver the feature address.

“The public is invited to this event that will be graced by drummers and chanters of the theocracy reign Ivine Order of the Nyahbinghi and the National School of Dance.

The official presentation is expected to last one hour and will be followed by an evening of drumming and singing from the Rastafarian community, inclusive of the 12 Tribe of Israel and the House of Nyahbinghi,” Blackman said.

Reflecting on the Demerara Revolt, Blackman said the slaves armed with the information that the Imperial Crown had granted them their freedom and it was being withheld, they needed an audience with Governor Murray in Georgetown.

After careful planning, he said they laid down tools, restrained their masters and placed them in the pens with the animals and took off with their weapons. All this happened on August 18.

The following day, they began marching from Mahaica freeing plantations of the slave system, which was almost 200 years old at the time.

He explained that they then gathered at Bachelors Adventure covering almost six miles on their way to Georgetown on August 19 and after a meeting, they agreed to resume the march the following day, when they were confronted by Colonel Leahy and his joint armed forces of men from the infantry, calvary and marines of the Colonial army and police drawn from Berbice and Demerara.

“He read the riot act after verbal exchanges with the leaders of the revolt and ordered his forces to open fire on the over 2000 strong gathering, killing over 200 mainly men. This revolt drove the final nail into the coffin of the system of slavery. This action amplified the work of the abolitionist who were advocating in the British Parliament for an end to slavery.

Coordinator of the commemoration, Aaron Blackman A commission was sent out of London to investigate the causes of the revolt, resulting in the eventual abolition of slavery on the 1st of August 1834 that was followed by a period of apprenticeship which ended in 1838,” Blackman said.

According to Vere T Daly in his book, ‘The Making of Guyana,’ he stated that by the time the insurrection ended, over 500 Africans were slaughtered or hunted down by soldiers and Amerindians who knew the terrain.

Quamina, the leader of the rebellion was reportedly captured and killed by an Amerindian.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 17, 2018

American Airways gets the green-light

GOVERNMENT has green-lighted an application from US carrier American Airlines to operate a scheduled service between Miami and the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) from November 15, 2018.

This was announced by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon at a post-Cabinet press briefing on Thursday at the Ministry of the Presidency.

Minister Harmon stated that the airline proposed a four-day, weekly operation using Airbus A390, which has eight First Class and 120 Economy Class seating capacity.

Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson, has informed that the scope of the airline’s application was covered under the air transport agreement between Guyana and the US. The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA)

reviewed the airline’s business proposal in the areas of law, organisation, finance and market analysis and was satisfied with the results.

During an interview with this newspaper in May, GCAA Director General, Lieutenant Colonel (ret’d), Egbert Field said there has been an increase in passenger carriage for several months earlier this year compared to last year.

“Other airlines stated their intent but nothing concrete and we will not disclose any names until an application has been made,” the director general said.

The aviation sector contributes $20.7 billion annually to the economy which is 3.2 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The sector also caters for 12,000 jobs.

Last year, American Airlines had announced a new route between the CJIA and

Miami International Airport (MIA).

“We are pleased to continue growing our presence in South America,” said Jim Butler, American Airlines’ Senior Vice President, International and Cargo.

“This new service adds a new international destination to America’s global network, promoting tourism in the country and offering the people of Guyana multiple connecting options through our hub in Miami.”

Meanwhile, on Thursday Minister Harmon announced the names of the new Board of Directors of the CJIA. They are chairman Stephen Fraser, Nicola Layne, Gracelyn George, Trevor Benn, a representative from the Parliamentary Opposition, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and CJIA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ramesh Ghir.

When a man loves a woman

A 39-year-old jilted man appeared before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman on Thursday, charged with attempted murder after allegedly shooting his girlfriend’s lover to the stomach.

Hugh Junior was not required to plead to the charge which alleged that on July 12 at Breda Street, he discharged a loaded firearm at Charles Stoby with intent to commit murder. Junior told the court that he was a vendor and the father of three. Police Prosecutor Quinn Harris strongly objected to the man being released on bail citing the seriousness of the offence.

Hugh Junior According to the Police statement, Junior went to his girlfriend’s home and saw Stoby with her. An argument ensued between the men and Stoby left.

On July 12 at about

00:30hrs, Stoby was riding his bike along Breda Street when the accused, who was standing at the corner, pulled out a firearm and discharged two rounds at the victim.

One of the rounds hit Stoby in his stomach which caused him to be rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

Prosecutor Harris told the court that the victim was hospitalised for two weeks.

Magistrate Latchman ruled in the prosecution favor and remanded Junior to prison until August 22.

The matter was transferred to the Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan.

Murder PI continues Sept. 27 THE preliminary Inquiry into the murder of Purcell Moore Jr. who was gunned down at Craig Old Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD) last December, continued on Thursday before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Charged are Selwin Dawson, 21, called ‘Pop Skull’ of First Field, Kaneville, EBD and 21-year-old Kelvin Persaud of 14th Avenue, Diamond, EBD. The two

DEAD Purcell Moore Jr. men are accused of killing 40-year-old Moore during the course of a robbery on December 20, 2017.

Police Sergeant Keith Conway had taken to the witness stand causing the matter to be adjourned until September 27 when the final witness is expected to testify.

According to reports, the father of two was robbed of his gold chain and other jewellery on the day in question.

He sustained two gunshot wounds to the head during the attack which occurred one street away from his mother’s home in Craig.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 17, 2018

Gov't pleased with mid-year economic report – acknowledges some areas require attention

GUYANA’S mid-year economic report, though satisfying, also highlighted the need to focus on several areas, according to Minister of State, Joseph Harmon.

At his post-Cabinet press

briefing, the minister said that Cabinet perused the report which was presented by Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan on August 14, in keeping with Chapter 67 of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act of 2003.

The senior government official explained that some of the areas requiring attention refer to the completion rate of projects under the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP). This is much better for 2018,

thus far, he said, “government has actually introduced some measures that will check the progress in all of these ministries…If there is a slacking up in this regard, it can affect the overall target at the end of the year so we have to keep our foot on the gas there.”

Other challenges include climate change, which could affect commodity output and price volatility in oil and gas, rice and the mining sector. The underlying changes affecting the sugar industry could also impact negatively

or positively on future economic performance.

Minister Harmon stated, “those are issues we are keeping a very close eye on and we believe once we have those particular matters in check, (those over which we have control), we will certainly ensure that by the end of the year, we are in a much better position.”

The Mid-year economic report showed that the real growth of Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as 4.5 percent as compared to the adjusted 2.5 percent

of 2017. This was attributed to performances of the agriculture, mining, services and construction sectors.

Inflation was recorded at 1.3 percent, slightly lower than the same period in 2017 and attributed to lower food prices. Mid-year revenue collection totalled $109.2Billion, a $14.8Billion increase and over the same period last year. $6.3Billion of this was as a result of tax arrears.

The Mid-year economic report was laid before the National Assembly at the last sitting.

Gov't ramps up aid to Venezuelan migrants MINISTER of Citizenship, Winston Felix visited the Indigenous community of Khan’s Hill in the Barima-Waini Region to distribute additional supplies to the Venezuelan migrants on Friday last, the Department of Public Information has reported.

This is the minister’s second visit to the area to distribute food and sanitation supplies to migrants crossing the border from the neighbouring country. Two weeks ago, the Ministry of Citizenship in collaboration with the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and United Nations Children’s Fund UNICEF distributed much-needed supplies to the

migrants.

The three-day exercise saw migrant families in Khan’s Hill, Kamwatta, Powaikuru, Imbotero and Smith Creek receiving hampers which included packaged and canned goods. During the visit, the Minister of Citizenship identified a prospective piece of land on which government is planning to establish a humanitarian centre for migrants crossing the border into Region One. Minister Felix had noted the government will ensure they “[Venezuelan migrants] are treated humanely”. He disclosed that they would have been “seeking to identify areas in which government can control the inflow of Venezuelans and we can settle them in a given

area.” A multi-agency committee, which includes the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the Ministries of Citizenship, Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Public Health, Communities and Social Protection, was established to address the influx of Venezuelans in Guyana’s border regions.

The agency is currently assessing the situation in Regions Seven and Nine to ascertain the number of migrants in those areas.

The government’s efforts are in keeping with the United Nations High Commission’s recommended guidelines and principles on Human Rights at International Borders.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 17, 2018

Route 42 bus operators fret over relocation

THE move by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) to relocate some 50 vendors from deteriorating sections of the Stabroek Wharf to the East Bank Bus Park has unnerved minibus operators who previously occupied the spot.

Some of the route 42 minibus operators abiding by the councils instructions to temporarily relocate to Bugle Street are complaining that not all the operators are complying, thus limiting their customers.

“We welcome the changes, the City Council has to do work but you got to put stringent measures in place. You can’t have 25 buses here but 40 working [at the previous spot]…we are law abiding citizens here, fellows who want to do the right thing but we’re suffering,” one minibus operator who opted to remain anonymous stated.

On Wednesday, Town Clerk Royston King met with the minibus operators to discuss the matter in full relaying that the council will be addressing non-compliant operators even as it works to provide greater security for the new temporary park.

The need for security came about after several operators raised concerns about exposure to criminal activities in the isolated area. As such, King announced that security services will be provided through the Guyana Police

Town Clerk Royston King speaks with the media on Wednesday (Samuel Maughn photo) Force (GPF) and City Constabulary.

Meanwhile, he added that the relocation being organised for the 50 vendors is just the initial number as over 90 vendors occupy the hazardous wharf in total.

At the same time, any remaining vendors will not be permitted to occupy the wharf after two weeks based on the decision of the M&CC regarding their safety. “We decided that we will relocate those vendors who are in harm’s way to a portion of this reserve west of the Parliament building. We’re in the process of doing works, repairing the area to relocate those vendors,” he said, adding: “We’re [also] in the process of preparing this road for resurfacing.

We have an agreement with cars that usually do

short drops to come here in two lanes and there are some other conditions to which we have agreed and we will work with them and you will see this happening within another three to four weeks.”

King said the initial cost for such is approximated at $7M-$10M which will see the overlaying of the road and erection of washroom and sanitary facilities for better accommodation of the vendors. The town clerk stated that thus far the M&CC seems to be headed in the direction where they will not be collecting rent from the vendors at the new location.

“Because we’re not housing them and accommodating them in an ideal situation perhaps it might be the best thing to do, the most ethical thing to do, to not take any rent initially from those persons who will be operating there,” he said.

The M&CC is still ironing out the details with the Clerk of Markets and City Engineer about whether the vendors will be housed in stalls, tents or other means. King said: “Whatever we do will we will have a certain standard that will allow them to operate in a decent manner and not like having a shanty town because they’re only West of the Parliament Building.”

However, he noted that portions of the new spot where the vendors are to

A section of the park under construction for vendors occupying the Stabroek Wharf (Samuel Maughn photo)

occupy have historical value as it once served as a place for the washing of African slaves prior to

their auctioning.

As such, the floor of the location lined with cobble stones, will not be

disrupted but repaired to later serve as “a special monumental park” for further preservation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday August 17, 2018

OCC relaunches National Climate Change Committee THE Office of Climate Change, in collaboration with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (UNFAO) on Thursday relaunched the National Climate Change Committee (NCCC) with the hosting of its first engagement, a workshop aimed at capacity building.

The event was held at the Duke Lodge, Duke Street, Kingston. Head of the OCC, Ms. Janelle Christian, in her remarks, highlighted the importance of multi-sector collaboration within the NCCC. “Climate change cannot be adequately addressed [if it is] led by one unit or one department. Climate change is

not just an environmental… management issue. It’s an economic and development issue also and it requires actions across all sectors within government and also actors outside of government… It involves and needs the voice of women, so we can address issues of gender. It needs the representation of youth. It

needs the representation and voice of those who operate within the social sector,” she said.

Ms. Christian said that the NCCC will play a crucial role in optimising the efficiency of climate governance. “We are known as a country that has always positioned climate change at the highest level… This has to be complimented by a structure or a system that will support Government agencies as they set policies and establish national priorities.

[The NCCC] will… involve those who are responsible for negotiation at the international level… It involves those who are responsible for national planning and [the] national budget… It involves academia for re-

Country Representative of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (UNFAO), Mr. Reuben Robertson gave remarks at the NCCC Workshop

a national priority when we go to negotiate internationally, should not be the decision of one individual, but both

country priority frameworks, to focus… on sustainable management of natural resources, climate change, and

Stakeholders gathered at the Duke Lodge for a workshop aimed at building capacity on the role and responsibilities of the committee and its stakeholders.

search. It involves those who are responsible for key economic sectors… It is time that the Office of Climate Change [re-establishes] the mechanism that is critical to setting the priorities from the start and also advancing [the] implementation of actions across sectors,” she said.

Emphasising the OCC’s duty to prioritise the views of all Guyanese, Ms. Christian said all participating agencies will be called on for their unique input. “The National Climate Change Committee will not just be [established] to advance national action, but [the NCCC] will also shape how we engage at the international forum…

When we go to these international forums, we go to discuss what the country sees as priority and the NCCC is an important part of the process. What… we advance as

State and non-State actors representing both interests.

When we go to negotiate we should ensure that we have the best who will be speaking on behalf of the people and Government of Guyana.

So, we will be calling on you… Please, do not take that lightly… We believe that consultation and engagement from the start is important for ownership and buy in and to advance what would identify [as priorities],” she said.

FAO Country Representative, Mr. Reuben Robertson said that the organisation’s partnership with the OCC can only push Guyana toward climate resilience.

“FAO is cognisant of the impacts of climate change… we have prioritised globally, regionally, and nationally, through… strategic objectives, regional initiatives and

building resilience… We are working with the OCC… to better understand our obligation… and to chart together a way forward to achieve these objectives… This partnership can only get better. We will work together to make Guyana a more resilient country,” he said.

The NCCC was previously launched in 2007 within the Ministry of Agriculture. The now revived NCCC is comprised of representatives from the Ministries of Education, Public Health, the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, the University of Guyana, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Guyana Forestry Commission, Partners of the Americas, and other State and nonState agencies. (Ministry of the Presidency)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday August 17, 2018

PPP wants SOCU probe DHB feasibility contract award THE People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) intends on writing the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), requesting that an investigation be launched into alleged breach of the Procurement Act by Government when they awarded Dutch firm LievenseCSO a contract to do a feasibility study for the second Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB).

The Public Procurement Commission (PPC), in an investigation report on the award of the contract, said the Ministry of Public Infrastructure contract with the Dutch firm breached the country’s Procurement Act. “We are in the process of sending a letter to SOCU to ask for criminal charges to be laid against people in the Demerara Harbour Bridge corruption scandal,” said Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, during a press conference on Thursday.

The Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI) on Mon-

day denied breaching the Procurement Act when it awarded Dutch firm LievenseCSO the consultancy services for the feasibility study and design for the new Demerara Harbour Bridge. “MPI rejects and strongly condemns the misinformation campaign by the opposition leader and what amounts to unwarranted attacks by him on the integrity of dedicated public servants,” the ministry said in a statement Monday.

It added that around the same time of reaching agreement with the National Tender & Procurement Administration (NPTA) on the annulment of the process, an unsolicited proposal was received from LievenseCSO Infrastructure & Environment with Econovision and Ace Consultancy, one of the shortlisted firms.

Jagdeo contended that it was not a lengthy procurement procedure, but standard process which involves bids, negotiations and awarding contracts. He believes that

if the process failed, they should have re-tendered instead of going ahead with an

believes that SOCU should move fast with the request so that criminal charges could

Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo

unsolicited bid.

“Cabinet should have sent the request back immediately to the minister because nothing in our laws say that the minister can bypass NPTA to take a contract to the cabinet for approval,” said the opposition leader. Under those circumstances, the opposition

be laid.

The MPI in an attempt “to set the record straight” had said advertisements were placed in November 2015 for the feasibility study for the new Demerara Harbour Bridge. An Evaluation Committee was established by the National Procurement

and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) and that committee comprised Balraj Balram (coordinator) Permanent Secretary, MPI; Patrick Thompson, Chief Transport Planning Officer, Work Services Group, MPI; Rawlston Adams, General Manager Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation and Omar Bispat, senior engineer, Central Housing & Planning Authority, Ministry of Communities.

The report said too that Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, by a memorandum dated November 18, 2016, called on Cabinet to consider and approve the use of funds from the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC) (Asphalt Plant Accounts) “to study the feasibility and to commence a contractual engagement with LievenseCSO, as of the 1st January, 2017.” Cabinet considered the memorandum and on November 25, 2016, approved $161.5M to be used from the DHBC (Asphalt Plant Accounts) to cover

costs of the feasibility study for a new bridge across the Demerara River.

“MPI reiterates that lengthy procurement procedures were faithfully followed which did not yield suitable results. Having, thereafter, received a proposal which satisfied the government’s requirements for this project of national importance and given the relevant time constraints, it was felt that it was in Guyana’s interest to take advantage of the proposal. It is for this and other stated reasons that Cabinet’s approval was sought,” the statement noted.

“There is and has been an urgent need for a new bridge across the Demerara River and government is cognisant of this and has taken every decision, within the law, to ensure that the realisation of a new bridge is not unduly delayed. The people of Guyana deserve nothing less,” the statement added.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday August 17, 2018

Additional supplies distributed to Venezuelan migrants MINISTER of Citizenship Winston Felix visited the Indigenous community of Khan’s Hill in the Barima-Waini region to distribute additional supplies to the Venezuelan migrants on Friday last.

This is the minister’s second visit to the area to distribute food and sanitation supplies to migrants crossing the border from the neighbouring country.

Two weeks ago, the Ministry of Citizenship in collaboration with the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) distributed much-needed supplies to the migrants.

The three-day exer cise saw migrant families in Khan’s Hill, Kamwatta,

Powaikuru, Imbotero and Smith Creek receiving hampers which included packaged and canned goods.

During the visit, the Minister of Citizenship identified a prospective piece of land on which Government is planning to establish a humanitarian centre for migrants crossing the border into Region One. Minister Felix had noted the Government will ensure they (Venezuelan migrants) are treated humanely. He disclosed that they would have been “seeking to identify areas in which Government can control the inflow of Venezuelans and we can settle them in a given area”.

A multi-agency committee, which includes the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the Ministries

Minister of Citizenship Winston Felix interacting with the migrants (DPI photo)

Venezuelan migrants at Khan’s Hill (DPI photo)

of Citizenship, Indigenous People’s Affairs, Public Health, Communities and Social Protection, was established to address the influx of Venezuelans in Guyana’s border regions.

The agency is currently assessing the situation in Regions Seven and Nine to

ascertain the number of migrants in those areas.

The Government’s efforts are in keeping with the United Nations High Commission’s recommended guidelines and principles on Human Rights at International Borders. (DPI)

Minister of Citizenship Winston Felix and team assessing prospective land for the humanitarian centre (DPI photo)

Quintet to begin teaching career at Kato Secondary

From left: Teachers Rebbie Singh, Kieana Greene, Eion Adams, Onicia Fredericks and Astrid English (DPI photo)

FIVE teachers who will be graduating from the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) have decided that they want to be placed at the Kato Secondary School,

Region Eight to begin their teaching career.

The school will be commissioned and officially opened for the new school year.

The five friends, all English majors, call themselves OKERA, (using the first letters of their first name) are Onicia Fredericks, Kieana Greene, Eion Adams, Rebbie

Singh and Astrid English.

The teachers met with the Chief Education Officer (CEO), Marcel Hutson; Assistant Chief Education Officer (Secondary), JuneAnn Gonsalves; and CEO’s Technical Assistant, Francesca Vieira on Wednesday at the Ministry of Education’s 26 Brickdam office. The senior officers were impressed with the decision of the five teachers.

According to Vieira, the selfless idea by the teachers to begin their career in Kato was birthed at a CPCE enrichment week activity where students were exposed to an orientation exercise and informed about experiences that they may have during their teaching career and the opportunities that are available through the profession.

According to the five

teachers, the idea to travel to Kato was presented by Fredericks and they all agreed.

Vieira advised the teachers that since they are going into a new environment they should use the manuals that are available to seek guidance so as to address the various issues that may arise.

CEO Hutson applauded the students for their willingness to leave the comfort of their homes to travel to the interior location to educate the nation’s children.

He said they should be commended since within their own deliberations they recognised the need for trained teachers at the soon to be opened school.

He said their decision aligns with the mission of the Education Ministry to reduce the disparity in the education sector between the coastal

and hinterland communities.

According to Fredericks, her justification for the move is that she believes that the skills and knowledge of herself and peers can have a greater impact in the interior location since children on the coastland have access to more in terms of the quality of education that is delivered.

This selfless spirit of the five teachers was commended by ACEO Gonsalves who informed the teachers that they will be housed in the teachers living quarters that are built on the school grounds.

She assured the teachers that they will be supported in every way possible by the Ministry of Education during their transition period and thereafter.

(DPI)

US congressmen to visit Guyana SEVERAL United States congressmen are expected to visit Guyana in the coming weeks, Minister of State Joseph Harmon has confirmed.

On Thursday, Minister Harmon stated at a post-Cabinet press briefing at the Minis-

try of the Presidency that Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman has indicated to Cabinet that during their short familarisation visit, the seven to eight congressmen are expected to be accompanied by senior military officers.

He said arrangements are being made for the visit which signals the strong bond between Guyana and the US. A growing number of US companies are operating here in Guyana.

The seat of the United States government at Capitol Hill in Washington

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 17, 2018

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‘Nothing is wrong with who you are’ Miss Emancipation 2018 queen is all about self-love W HEN 21-year-old Gabrelle Cummings entered the Miss Emancipation 2018 pageant she did it to make a point – that dark-skinned girls, with kinky, natural hair can be queens too.

And that point was well established when she prevailed over six other young ladies and was crowned the Miss Emancipation queen last Saturday night at the National Cultural Centre.

After going through the rounds, the former St Stanislaus College student was crowned to take over the reign from 2017 queen Amaniah Cort.

students were being penalised for wearing their natural hair in styles that were acceptable for other hair types. That was the main [reason] I entered so that my students can see that nothing is wrong with who they are,” Gabrelle shared.

She wants to be a shining example for others who feel they don’t live up to expectations because she herself struggled with issues of self-acceptance when she was younger.

“I learned pretty early that if you are insecure about something and people know they will pick on it. No amount of movies prepared me for secondary school life and no matter how much I pretended that I wasn’t bothered by my weight Miss Emancipation Queen 2018 Gabrelle Cummings, left, and First Runner-Up, Dr. Colleen Bovell share an embrace as Cummings is announced as the queen (Samuel Maughn photo)

Gabrelle (second from left) is all smiles after being announced as the Miss Emancipation 2018 queen. She is flanked by, from left, Second Runner-Up, Feliciann Elliot; First Runner- Up, Dr. Colleen Bovell and Third Runner-Up, Shelisa Depradine (Samuel Maughn photo) An English teacher at the East Ruimveldt Secondary School, Gabrelle spoke of how her loving students were the ones who motivated her to do the pageant.

“I have students who would consistently “hype” me up.

But it always came with, ‘but Miss, you could model you just got to lighten up your skin.’ Or students who will constantly state that they wished they were lighter or if they had the “good hair”, but the thing that triggered me was when the

or my complexion, I was still struggling,” she said.

But thanks to a nice support system, she made the decision a long time ago that she was going to be happy with who she was and no one was going to influence that, and she’s never looked back since. Now she wants to pass on the encouragement to others.

“The strength came from my best friend after he sat me down and told me that absolutely nothing is wrong with me.

And he made me pick women who I thought were perfect and showed me similarities I had with them and told me that’s how I am seen. From that day, I started to look at myself through new lenses and have successfully used his technique with my students,” she related.

Growing up in a household as the only girl, with a lot of brothers, Gabrelle describes herself as a “girly girl”, with a childhood that was always fun.

Though having initial aspirations of being a lawyer, several factors instead propelled her towards the teaching profession and it turned out to be a match made in heaven; a love that started for her when she was just 19 years old.

While attending the Cyril Potter College of Education, she did her teaching practice at her alma mater, before being moved over to teaching at the East Ruimveldt Secondary School.

“My students are the ones who make my teaching experience amazing. I have brilliant kids with so many overwhelming personalities, I just can’t get bored in this profession,” she gushed. “Honestly I wanted to pursue Law. However, Guyana has an amazing [number] of jobless qualified lawyers and I didn’t want to be a professional student, so I joined CPCE because my father wouldn’t let me join the GDF and I can honestly say it has been uphill from there.”

The Miss Emancipation pageant was not the first time Gabrelle had tried her at pageants, and may not be the last. She tried out for the 2014 Miss Talented Teen pageant. Unfortunately, she had to drop out to focus more on her academic obligations at the time. That same year she also joined forces with her mom to enter the Mother and Daughter Pageant, where they finished third.

“I would join another pageant if it is like the Miss Emancipation Queen pageant. I’d join another pageant that isn’t about just money and beauty. If there is another pageant that allows me to learn new things I’ll surely join,” she established.

She’s especially motivated from all the fun she had training and preparing for the Miss Emancipation pageant.

“The experience was just amazing. The best part of it would be our routine rehearsals when we met Delisha Wright, Miss Emancipation 2016. She is fun and so light-hearted and made it easy for us to learn,” she said.

“There was also the day of our photo shoot which was amazing we had a drum and we were all dancing and making up jingles and it was pure genuine fun.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 17, 2018

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‘Fojo’s Angels’ invade music industry with enticing vocals

ANY would know the saying, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree”.

This saying rings true in the particular case of one Guyanese musician and his three young daughters who, though still quite young, have already decided to follow in their father’s footsteps.

People may remember not so long ago, when the music of Ian Corbin aka Fojo invaded the local music arena, blazing a trail that was very difficult for

Overseas-based Guyanese musician, Ian “Fojo’ Corbin his competition to follow. Now, taking that same path, are his three darling angels.

Fojo still continues to work with numerous artistes around the globe since he is also a songwriter, producer and performer,

but his main focus is on taking ‘Fojo’s Angels’- which comprises his daughters 15-year-old Bryana, 15-year-old Kadejah and 9-year-old Aniyah - to the very top of the musical ladder where they so rightfully deserve to be placed.

The trio is poised to release their first single dubbed, “What’s up with Dad” which tells the story of an overprotective father having to deal with the notions and fantasies of a teenaged girl (Kadejah) who happens to be the lead vocalist of this very promising song group.

Kadejah is also set to record and release a few singles of her own quite very soon.

The voices of these talented upcoming young artistes are rare and quite stimulating. The feisty little ladies are urging the public to whip out protective eyewear because the future is about to explode in a blinding kaleidoscope of shooting stars as they ready themselves to unleash a ‘musical thunderstorm’ like never before seen on our local shores.

The most amazing thing is that these young songbirds at such a tender age already possess the onstage charisma, captivating allure and showmanship that are mostly associated with internationally acclaimed songstresses. Some persons are already raving that their sound

ARETHA Franklin, the “queen of soul” known for hits like Respect and Think, has died in Detroit at the age of 76.

The legendary singer was diagnosed with cancer in 2010 and announced last year she was retiring from music.

Franklin won 18 Grammys, and had 17 Top Ten US chart hits over a music career spanning seven decades.

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The multitalented musical trio. From left to right are 15-year-oldBryana, 9-year-old Aniyah and 15-year-old Kadejah is similar to that of Guyanese singer Lisa Punch, and even Toni Braxton or Whitney Houston in their younger days of stardom.

The ladies have indeed inherited their vocal supremacy

Aretha Franklin, ‘Queen of Soul’, dies aged 76

The star gave her final performance last November at a gala in New York held in aid of the Elton John Aids Foundation.

In a statement, her family said: “In one of the darkest moments of our lives, we are not able to find the appropriate words to express the pain in our heart.

“We have lost the matriarch and rock of our family. The love she had for her children,

from their father since several years ago, Singer/songwriter Ian ‘Fojo’ Corbin led the way when the nominations for the inaugural Accolade – the Music Awards of Guyana were announced.

grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins knew no bounds.”

The family also confirmed her death was due to advanced pancreatic cancer of the neuroendocrine type.

Born in Memphis to a gospel singer/ pianist and a celebrated Baptist preacher, Franklin was tutored from an early age by such gospel stars as Mahalia Jackson and Clara Ward.

She struggled to find fame in the early years, with record label Columbia unsure how to frame her impressively powerful voice.

The late 1960’s saw some of Franklin’s most soulful and fiery performances After moving to Atlantic Records in 1966 she broke through, and released some of her most iconic songs like Respect soon after the switch.

By 1968 she was renowned throughout America and Europe as “Lady Soul” - a symbol of black pride who appeared on the cover of Time and was given an award by Martin Luther King.

WHO HAS PAID TRIBUTE? Reaction to the death of the soul legend

The genre-hopping Corbin received nine nominations, including major nods for Best New Artist, Songwriter of the Year and Producer of the Year, in a field dominated by soca and reggae acts.

has poured in throughout Thursday - as high-profile figures paid tribute to her musical legacy and commitment to US civil rights.

Sir Elton John said he “adored and worshipped” the star, and wrote: “the loss of Aretha Franklin is a blow for everybody who loves real music.”

Former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney wrote: “Let’s all take a moment to give thanks for the beautiful life of Aretha Franklin, the Queen of our souls, who inspired us all for many many years.”

Mariah Carey paid tribute to the Queen of Soul on Twitter, calling her an inspiration, mentor and friend.

A number of other stars including John Legend, Britney Spears and Tony Bennett shared their memories.

In the world of politics, President Trump and his daughter Ivanka tweeted tributes to the soul star.

Former President Barack Obama, whose inauguration she performed at, released an emotive statement with his wife Michelle saying Franklin’s music “helped define the American Experience”.

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Buzzing thisWeekend

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 17, 2018

There’s a lot to do this weekend but there are just two major happenings that need to be on your party radar: the CPL cricket matches and, of course, the Jamzone parties.

Here’s all that’s buzzing this weekend:

TODAY **START off the weekend doing what you’re going to be doing all weekend- watching cricket!

The CPL 2018 Viewing Party continues at Tower Suites from tonight and runs straight throughout the weekend!

The St Lucia Stars take on the Barbados Tridents tonight, but tomorrow night’s Jamaica Tallawahs vs the Guyana Amazon Warriors is the match you’re really looking forward to!

So do it while enjoying beer specials on GT and Extra beer. Free platter with every two bucket specials you order. **It’s Cocktails and Beer Happy Hour at 704 Sports Bar from 19:00hrs-20:00hrs, so head down and cash in on 50 percent off your next drink! **Hits and Jams Entertainment is bringing you the sexiest event of ‘Summa’ ’18, the Jamzone Beach Jouvert for the first time ever at the Kingston Seawall! Imagine playing jouvert in your beachwear, swimsuits and getting all ‘stink and dutty’ with water paint and powder in a fun-filled beach atmosphere.

There’s nothing quite like it and is the first ever as Jamzone celebrates the big 18.

Gates open from 20:00hrs.

TOMORROW **GUYANA, Experience creativity like you never did before! The M.A.C Foundation presents their annual Music Art & Culture Fest at Merriman’s Mall, Georgetown Guyana.

Get ready for a full day celebration of creativity, diversity, and bare vibes! Tribal body and face painters, drummers, artiste, acrobat, fashionistas, sculptors, live performers and so much more! Gates open from 12 Noon. Tickets : $500 (Children) and $1,000 (Adults) **It’s Ultra Saturdays Special Edition this Saturday at District Ultra Lounge with “RETOX: What’s your Addiction?” Featuring from Trinidad’s DJ Marcus Williams and official resident Deejay, DJ Country Boy.

SUNDAY **JAMZONE is turning the big 18 and they’re planning the biggest beach jam ever on the Kingston Sea-

Book your booths and arrive early because it’s gonna be lit. Buy four shots of tequila and get one free. Ladies free before 21:00hrs. **It’s Mexican Fiesta & Karaoke at The Vintage Wine Bar so come out and enjoy to the fullest! **Residents of Essequibo can now have a bellyful of laughter at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground as the 11th Edition of “Nothing to Laugh About”, the theatrical comedy production heads to the Pomeroon-Supenaam Region. According to Leza “Radika” Singh, the production is expected to be “hotter than ever”.

Under the 2018 themes, “All now we unruly” and “Somebody say Seditious?” this year the comedy focuses on satirical slapstick skits and stand-up comedy by some of the most seasoned actors in Guyana.

Ticket cost $1000 adults and children $500. wall! Let the fun begin. There will be more exciting and challenging beach games, with over $500,000 in cash to be won instantly. There will be energetic live performances and the best beach party with some of the biggest DJs!

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 17, 2018

Where the writer is on the planet does not determine the creativity The Guyana Prize again

I CAN remember watching my son and his friends doing rap music.

They had talent but had not lived in the moment of that genre to understand its deeper contentions, and they didn’t understand the trafficking in music that preyed on young talent, clueless but eager; eager enough not to listen. Talent and creativity whether in the sciences or the arts come from that special spark that enable the shape of the clay right; compose the commanding colours of the landscape and capture that expression of mood that becomes eternal.

I will not explore the character of the

There are few books written in the drama of the moment, Anne Frank’s Diary captured a moment, but that writer did not survive the moment. She died in a Nazi concentration camp after her concealed family was discovered. The fact is that many talented writers left Guyana because of the absence of any official understanding to take their work to the next level to enable them to make a proper living; this is not to say that they encountered the success of their imaginations in those proposed greener pastures.

Rather than have Minister Norton explore whether the Guyana Prize is worth the

over the Guyana Prize, that institution has served its purpose, despite the criticisms. Where though are the people who interview writers, evaluate literature on its movement and passions? Where are those special minds - possibly not writers, but engrossed in the territory of books?

It is easy to point to the plagiarist and to recognise expansions into unusual organs of the recognised ‘being’ where there is no evaluation of publishing. There is no year-end summary of what has been done in any area of the arts. We have not reasserted ourselves though now Independent nations. Our year-end summaries in

petition, especially for young writers, and that a State attitude should view our literature differently.

I must also implore understanding that the world of competitive literature from novel, non-fiction to graphic novel is less forgiving. It commands the literature to emerge from a world of its own, and whatever form the poetic license takes, whether the drama is enveloped on the periphery of that world.

It must step forward to grip its audience with a specific character, which is nourished by a soul who has lived sometimes varied lives; perhaps

Guyana Prize, but I will, through experience, say my piece on the notion on what advantages location has on writers, which in respect to creative talent is not even debatable. What the first world has developed is a system of marketing into stores and other media, worldwide distribution and agents who can explore other avenues of expression. But initially, the work has got to be good, to expand into the commercial world from the work of an author to the desk of a screen writer’s project. The location matters only when the writer’s subject involves his immediate environment, if not, then the writer's mind will travel to wherever the source of his inspiration is rooted.

finances dispensed, the objective should be to explore collaborative efforts to market local literature overseas, and that the Guyana Prize exists is why this discourse is exchanged.

The last novel produced was Mike Jordon’s ‘KAMARANG’. The last graphic story was ‘Mighty Itanami’ and the recent non-fiction ‘A Survey of Guyanese History’ by Dr Mc Gowan.

I mention these three because of the self-publishing effort involved. There are no indicators of involvement by any entity but themselves to promote, market, or to use local publishing to enhance reading, nor to include books in any national drive. This is the issue, not lamentations

the media are centred on the same power hunting substance-less politicians who have imposed self-serving fictions and mirage ideas on us throughout the year.

It’s as if we have no social or creative content to celebrate, and we do, then it is an incapacity to place value that is evident. A new perspective must come from writers. So much fretting over a competition alludes to a herd instinct- paddock mentality- and it is surprising that in the lengthy narratives no new perspective has been advocated and when hinted at, received a response with evidence of awakened realisation.

I should emphasise that the Guyana Prize should continue to exist as a com-

had walked into the darkness and had wrestled with its keeper to achieve self-redemption, or from an eager and attentive heir of that soul whose hundreds of questions in the quest for time travelling answers to be fulfilled were so done; empowering a landscape, its human geography and flawed customs understood, as the characters emerge to draw the reader into its today and yesterday, so they too can travel, enjoy and be irritated by its lack of pretensions or the writer’s neurosis in books such as ‘To Sir with Love’, ‘Other Leopards’ or ‘My Bones and my Flute’- to glance back at classic old school Guyanese writings.

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Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors Championships set to box off tonight

… Jamaican contingent arrives, Grenada doubtful A SEVEN-member contingent from Jamaica arrived in Guyana yesterday to contest the third edition of the Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors Boxing Championships, scheduled to commence this evening at the National Gymnasium at 18:00hrs.

But according to Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) president Steve Ninvalle, who was addressing members of the media yesterday at a pre-tournament press conference at Tower Suites, the Grenadian team is doubtful to make it to the championships because of financial issues with the airline that was booked to transport them here to Guyana.

Ninvalle, however, stated that the Trinidad and

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Tobago team will arrive in Guyana this morning and the St Lucian contingent this afternoon.

Trinidad and Tobago will be represented by eight male and four female boxers and they will be accompanied by six officials and four parents, while St Lucia will field four boxers and two officials.

Asked about the budget for the tournament, Ninvalle said that is $6M but to date the GBA has only realised $3M and he is encouraging corporate Guyana to come on board and lend support.

Asked what assistance the National Sports Commission is giving to the activity, Director of Sport Christopher Jones disclosed that apart from giving the GBA access to the National Gymnasium

free of cost, the NSC will be providing transportation and meals for the boxers during their stay here in Guyana.

To date, the other sponsors of the event are: Maggie’s Catering Service, Hand-in-Hand Insurance, Bounty Farm, Trophy Stall and Demerara Distillers Limited through its Pepsi brand.

Questioned about the Guyanese boxers’ preparedness for this weekend’s tournament, Ninvalle explained that the GBA held six preparatory tournaments over the past three months and he is of the firm belief that the locals are well prepared and raring to go.

Newton, Caesar score for Golden Jaguars in 2-2 draw against Brazilian club

THE first competitive fixture of the Golden Jaguars on their ‘Train and Play’ tour of Brazil ended in a 2-2 draw against the Mangaratiba Club on Tuesday afternoon at the Estadio Municipal Jose Maria De Brito Barros ground.

The host team drew first blood after a 0-0 first-half score line but the Golden Jaguars returned the favour through a well-directed corner from Vurlon Mills that was headed in by Jake Newton.

An alert and nippy Job Caesar pounced on the ball after some sloppy work by the Mangaratiba goalkeeper to tap the ball into an open goal but, soon after, the host team responded in like manner to ensure that the match ended in a draw.

Head coach of the team, Michael Johnson, commented on the team’s performance where all the players were used in the match, adding. “We learnt a lot about the players in the match, the team formation and the way we want to play moving forward. It was really good for us to get a look at the players in a competitive fixture of what our 23 is like.”

The match also gave the technical team lots of platforms on which to base their future training. Following the match, the coaching staff reviewed the game that was recorded by Asser Carel Donavon Lutu, the Performance Analyst & Head Scout, to determine the areas of excellence and those, which require more work.

Technical director Ian Greenwood was on hand to witness the match and offered his comments as the lead technical exponent of charting the way forward for Guyana’s football. He noted the game presented a good base for the coaching staff to assess the current ability of the players and the areas for improvement.

According to Greenwood, “We saw a few bits of good inter-play in the middle third; some of the younger boys did well. Job Caesar offered a lot of energy when he came on so it’s good to see this crop of players but ultimately, it was down to the coaches to see where we are; we’ve got a lot of work to do ahead of September especially in the final third. We need a lot more quality there.”

Overall, TD Greenwood noted that he is happy with how the camp is progressing and there would be a lot of work in the coming days, focusing on how they want to play in and out of possession.

The Guyanese players are on a historic camp, ahead of the kick-off of the CONCACAF Nations League on September 6 against Barbados, at the Leonora Track and Field Facility at 19:00hrs

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Gavaskar: For me, Wadekar was always ‘captain’ YESTERDAY, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar paid a tribute to his first Test captain Ajit Wadekar, following the 77year old’s death in Mumbai after a prolonged illness.

Gavaskar’s statement was released by Professional Management Group.

“Sunil, sorry, he is no more.” Those devastating words conveyed to me that ‘my captain’ Ajit Wadekar had passed away. Just a little while earlier, I was trying to help put him in the car to rush him to the hospital since the ambulance was going to take another 15 minutes to arrive and even then it looked like it was a hopeless battle.

Ajit Wadekar was my captain when I made my debut for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy and he was my

skipper when I got my India cap. So for me he was always ‘captain’.

That he was from Shivaji Park Gymkhana and I was from Dadar Union Sporting Club - the great rival clubs then - made no difference as I was a fan first. Those days there was hardly a single weekend where you didn’t read that Wadekar had got a century.

He was so prolific in local and Ranji Trophy cricket that it was a surprise to many that he made his India debut as late as 1966 against Garry Sobers’ West Indies team.

Five years later it was against Garry Sobers’ team that he led India for the first time and went on to win the series, beating West Indies for the first time. A couple of months after that he led

India to another historic win when India beat England in England for the first time.

He was unkindly called a lucky captain by those who couldn’t stomach the fact that he had replaced the charismatic Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi as the skipper.

The-then Chairman of Selectors, batting legend Vijay Merchant was also pilloried by some for it was his casting vote that made Wadekar the new Indian captain then. Even after these twin wins and another in India a year later neither Vijay Merchant nor Ajit Wadekar got the credit they deserved for bringing India that hattrick of wins.

Ajit retired from Test cricket suddenly when he was left out of the West Zone team for the Duleep

Ajit Wadekar and the Indian squad arrive in London for the tour of England.

(George Stroud/Daily Express/©Getty Images)

Trophy by a committee, led by another Indian great, Polly Umrigar, and thereafter concentrated on his banking career and also cricket administration with the Mumbai Cricket Association.

He also was a successful manager/coach of the

BCB/Mike’s Pharmacy U-15 tournament...

Centuries from Gopilall and De Veira highlights latest round MAHENDRA Gopilall and Jonathan De Veira both scored contrasting centuries when play in the Berbice Cricket Board-organised Mike’s Pharmacy Under-15, 50-over tournament continued in Berbice.

Rose Hall Town Farfan & Mendes, No. 73 Young Warriors, Tucber Park Cricket Club and the Blairmont Community Centre Cricket Club ‘A’ teams, have joined Albion Community Centre Cricket Club, Achievers Cricket Club and Kendall’s Union in the playoff segment of the tournament.

Scores in the matches played were: At the Area ‘H’ ground, Rose Hall Town Farfan & Mendes made a huge total of 466-7 versus Blairmont Community Centre Cricket Club ‘B’. Gopilall made 143 with five sixes and 17 fours, while De Veira struck an even 100 with 11 fours.

Jonathan Rampersaud made 83 and Kevin Ramnarain made 35.

Bowling for Blairmont Community Centre Cricket Club ‘B’, Rayad Gafoor took 2-87 and Rakeem Khan

Jonathan De Veira

Mahendra Gopilall

2-94. In response, the visitors were bowled out for 74 in 16 overs to hand the home team victory by 392 runs.

Matthew Pattaya took 3-15, Jonathan Rampersaud 2-2, Kevin Ramnarain 2-19, while Jeremy Sandia, Shamar Scott and Christopher Deroop took one apiece.

At the No. 73 ground in Upper Corentyne, No. 73 Young Warriors whipped

Port Mourant by 56 runs.

Batting first, the home team were bowled out for 125 in 43.3 overs with Seeraj Chatterpaul (23), Vettorie Latchman (15) and Salim Khan (13) being the principal scorers. Akeem Laundry took 2-26, Nuraj Shaindeo 3-29 and Ramesh Bharrat 4-18.

Port Mourant in reply were bowled out for 69 in 25.2 overs. Vettorie Latch-

man took 5-20 and Seeraj Chatterpaul 4-18.

Blairmont Community Centre Cricket Club ‘A’ defeated Paradise by 211 runs at the Paradise ground in West Berbice.

Blairmont, batting first, amassed 246-9, with S. Rupnarine top scoring with 53, Altav Balman (37), Ryan France (26) and V. Singh (24). Paradise in reply were bowled out for 35 with Romeo Deonarine claiming 7-9, while Rupnarine returned with the ball to take 3-1.

Meanwhile, Tucber Park Cricket Club defeated Rose Hall Community Centre by 86 runs at the Canje Welfare Centre.

Tucber Park scored 140 all out in 30.4 overs with Tomani Ceasar (39) and Zeymul Ramsammy (20) being the principal scorers.

Off-spinner Sanjay Algu took 4-26 and Bhaskar Dhani 3-24. Rose Hall Community Centre batsmen then failed to apply themselves and were bowled out for 54 with Kamsammy taking 2-4 and Justin Meagu 3-15, respectively.

Indian team in the early 1990s. When some of us sportspersons requested the Maharashtra Government for a plot of land to build an apartment block, it was Ajit who took the lead and there was Umrigar also in the society formed, showing that he

harboured no hard feelings towards his senior.

Being the promoter, he got the top floor of the building when it was built and since I was on the floor immediately below him he used to always joke, ‘I am the only one on top of Sunny’.

In recent times with my travel schedule, we hardly met but whenever we did, he would, as usual, come up with a joke in his easy drawl.

There’s hardly been a day when I haven’t mimicked his ‘arre kay re’ at least once and not just me but even Sachin Tendulkar told me that he too says the same at least once a day.

My captain is no more but he will always be with me when I say, ‘arre kay re’. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Four teams to vie for ram (sheep) in 10/10 competition in Essequibo AN action-filled day is anticipated on Sunday, August 18, at the Reliance ground on the Essequibo Coast.

Four teams, namely Reliance Hustlers, Invaders Masters, Cotton Field and Reliance Masters will vie for the main prize of one Ram (sheep).

The 10/10 competition is sponsored by the Reliance ground’s committee and will commence at 10:00hrs.

Proceeds from the one-day affair will go towards the enhancement of the Reliance Sports Ground which is currently undergoing infrastructural transformation.

Several exciting players will be representing their respective clubs, with former national T20 all-rounder Ramesh Narine and former national youth left-arm spinner Beesham Seepersaud spearheading Invaders Masters, while former national Under-17 batsman Rovindra Parasram and former Essequibo senior inter-county captain Dinesh Joseph will team up with Reliance Hustlers.

Cotton Field will have in their line-up the big-hitting Carlos Yapp and the talented Boomesh Ramdahin while Reliance Masters will rely heavily on the aggressive Basil Persaud and the consistency of Teddy Manchal.

Entrance to the ground is free as the organisors are encouraging patrons and fans to attend and witness an absorbing day of T10 cricket.

Meanwhile the South Essequibo T20 invitational tournament will resume, following the improvement in the weather. Young Achievers will battle Jaguars on Sunday at the Imam Bacchus ground in Affiance.

The winners will qualify for a quarter-final spot and will join Bacchus XI, Walton-Hall, New Opportunity Corps (NOC), Reliance Hustlers and Rising Star as the teams already through to the play-offs.

Cash incentives and trophies, totalling over $200 000, form part of the sponsorship in which 32 teams from various parts of the Essequibo Coast will enter the round-robin competition, which is being coordinated by Essequibo Cricket Board executive member Ramnarine Ragoobar. (Elroy Stephney).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday August 17, 2018

`Pace Like Fire’ fast bowling programme Sylus Tyndall, Isaiah Thorne impress in Berbice leg

By Colin Bynoe (Jnr) THE University of the West Indies (UWI), under the Faculty of Sport, with the initiative from the Sagicor UWI cricket High Performance Centre, held a fast-bowling speed test for future pacers, ages 16 to 22 at the Albion Sports Complex on August 15 last.

This agenda is geared to identify the young talents in the region.

It started on the August 8 in Trinidad and Tobago and has reached its second-target country Guyana. Nine fresh-looking aspiring fast bowlers out of the Ancient County had the opportunity to run in hard and push the speed gun to its limit.

The young men had six deliveries to generate their

highest speed, “pace like fire”, that they all did. Sylus

a regular 72-73 mph.

On hand to witness the

The nine fast bowlers with coach Smith (in green), two representatives from Flow Sport (far left and right), Akeem Dewar in black and gold.

Tyndall pushes himself to the limit.

Tyndall who represented Guyana at the Under-17 and U-19 levels rocked up the fastest speed (80.8 mph) while 13-year-old Guyana Under-15 fast bowler Isaiah Thorne also showed that he has a far way to go, clocking

speed test were Level 3-accredited and Guyana Under-15 coach Winston Smith and former West Indies Under-19 player who hails from Jamaica and Combined Campuses and Colleges cricketer-now-facilitator and Project

Officer, Akeem Dewar.

It was noted that the fastest 10 males and females coming out of this programme throughout the region will be enrolled at the Cave Hill Academy High Performance Centre (HPC) which will commence January 8, 2019. This centre is based at the 3Ws Oval at the Cave Hill Campus UWI in Barbados.

At the end of the speed test the youngsters were briefed by the 26-year-old Dewar. “The fastest speed in Guyana came from this group, the fastest speed was about 80, I will say you guys bowled at a disadvantage; you bowled on the grass and I believe everybody could have bowled two or three miles faster.

“Some of you could

T&T cop bronze as Suriname take first-ever CVC title PARAMARIBO, Suriname (CMC) – Two-time reigning champions Trinidad and Tobago had to settle for bronze, as Suriname snapped a long drought to win the men’s Caribbean Volleyball Championship (CVC) for the first time here Tuesday night.

Up against The Bahamas in the final at the Ismay Van Wilgen Sporthal, Suriname dropped one set en route to a 25-20, 13-25, 25-22, 25-23 victory, to win their first-ever title in the 27-year history of the tournament.

They were powered by Keven Sporkslede who counted 20 points, including 16 kills and four blocks

while Zefano Breinburg and Gino Naarden both supported with 16 points apiece.

For The Bahamas, Byron Knowles topped the scoring with 15 points and was supported by Byron Ferguson with 14 and Princ’tanique Wilson with 13 points.

“I have never seen the players more focused. My ten years of hard work here has paid off,” said Cuban coach Sergio Valdes.

T&T, meanwhile, got the better of archrivals Barbados, also in four sets, 26-24, 25-22, 28-30, 25-22.

They had the ideal chance to take the contest in three straight sets but wasted two match points

in the third, as Barbados came from behind to snatch the win and force a fourth stanza.

Barbados had earlier led in both the first and second sets only to throw away the advantage. In the second set, they were in sight of a win at 21-18 but let slip six consecutive points, and T&T wasted little time in grabbing the opportunity presented them.

“We came with a young team and learned a lot from the experience,” said Barbados captain Shaw Simpson.

T&T skipper Sean Morrison, meanwhile, said his side had remained focused.

“We were consistent tonight.

We came for a medal and got one.”

Daneil Williams of T&T led all scorers with 21 points including 19 kills while Marc Honore chipped in with 17 points, comprising 10 kills and six blocks.

For 10-time champions Barbados, Simpson spearheaded the attack with 15 points, Kyle Browne got 13 while Amuniki Wood supported with 11.

Sporkslede won the Most Valuable Player title along with Best Outside Hitter and Top Scorer.

Red-hot Tallawahs notch three straight wins KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – The Jamaica Tallawahs registered their third consecutive victory in the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) by outclassing the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots by 47 runs here on Wednesday night.

Led by an unbeaten half-century from Ross Taylor, the Tallawahs posted a competitive 178-4 in their 20 overs then used a stifling bowling performance to limit the Patriots to just 131-9 from their 20 overs.

The Tallawahs were given a scorching start by openers Kennar Lewis (49) and Glenn Phillips (41), who put on 64 in 6.2 overs.

Phillips was lucky not to have lost his wicket when he had just 11 after he miscued a pull off Carlos Brathwaite, but substitute fielder Hayden Walsh Jr who was on for an injured Chris Gayle spilled the

chance.

Just when it seemed as if the Tallawahs were running away with the contest, the Patriots struck twice in three deliveries through leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane.

First, he accounted for the wicket of Lewis then had Andre McCarthy lbw two balls later for a duck to leave the score 65-2.

That brought Taylor to the crease and together with Phillips, added 42 for the third wicket.

Taylor was fortunate not to have been dismissed on six, skying a catch to extra cover off the bowling of Anton Devcich. However, he was called back to the crease after it was realised Devcich had overstepped the crease.

It proved to be a costly error, as after a slow start Taylor scored 40 runs off his last 15 balls, with the

Tallawahs plundering 65 runs off their final five overs.

He was especially severe on fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell, whom he dispatched for three huge sixes in the 16th over, which went for 20 runs.

Rovman Powell hit a quick-fire 18 from just 14 balls and captain Andre Russell hit an unbeaten 10 to help the Tallawahs up their final score.

Taylor’s unbeaten 51 came off 35 balls and contained two boundaries and four sixes.

With an out-of-sorts Chris Gayle still opting to open the batting, the Patriots never posed a threat in their run chase.

In the first two overs bowled by Oshane Thomas and Krishmar Santokie respectively, Gayle scored just one run from the 12 balls he faced.

Things then got even worse when Thomas produced a brilliant delivery which Evan Lewis could edge only behind to the wicketkeeper to leave them 1-1 after 2.2 overs.

Tom Cooper’s wretched run in the CPL continued as he was dismissed for just 7, before Gayle’s miserable stay at the crease finally came to an end, his 24 runs coming from 25 balls, as the Patriots stumbled to 39-3 at the end of the sixth over.

The wickets of Devcich, Devon Thomas and Ben Cutting followed soon after, as they fell into further trouble at 61-6.

And while the lower order provided some resistance, it was never going to be enough to prevent the Patriots from registering their second loss of the competition.

bowl faster if you straighten your run-up, stay stronger at the crease, and don’t lean away too much. Some of you swing the ball which is an asset.”

Dewar and team also thanked the young men for showing the interest and coming out.

The next test for the ‘Pace like Fire’ initiative bowls off in St Lucia.

FACC to stage 40-mile Emancipation circuit race on Sunday THE Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC) will on Sunday stage a members’ only 40-mile circuit race in observance of Emancipation Day around the New Amsterdam circuit, beginning at 13:00hrs.

The event pedals off from outside the Rainbow Bar on Republic Road, New Amsterdam and from there the participants will proceed north, then turn left into Vryheid Road, left into Main Road and proceed through Stanleytown, then turn left into Tacama Turn and back into Republic Road. That process will continue for another nine laps before finishing at the place of origin.

Ten prime prizes will be on offer and the top five finishers will be rewarded, while the first three 12-14 age group finishers will also receive prizes.

Among the sponsors on board to date are: the Regional Democratic Council Region Six, Fix It Electronics, Ferdinand Contracting Services and businessman Alfred Petti of New Amsterdam.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday August 17, 2018

Three Peat Promotions/Guinness Cage competition Champs Ol Skool Ballers secure round of 16 spot … to commence tomorrow RECENTLY-crowned GT Beer/Keep Your Five Alive’ champions Sparta Boss left themselves in a shaky position after suffering their second loss in succession, as play in the Three Peat Promotions/Guinness Cage competition continued Wednesday evening at the Haslington Market tarmac.

Played before a large crowd that included top officials from major sponsor Queensway Security Services and Repsol representatives, the country’s most decorated team in the shorter version will have to win their next encounter by a large margin and hope to go through as one of four best third-placed teams.

It followed a disappointingly 3-1 defeat at the hands of a stubborn Alexander Village unit that never looked intimidated going up against the much-vaunted Sparta Boss who were missing their talisman Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson.

Their next engagement is against home team Haslington Hypers, who will also be aiming to win big to enter the round of 16 tomorrow, following consecutive losses as well.

Defending champions Ol Skool Ballers continued where they left off last Wednesday with another gutsy performance en route to a 4-3 sudden-death penalty win over Hypers in what was an enthralling battle. Regulation time had ended 2-2.

Some of the other teams who advanced were Kitty Hustlers, Vryheid’s Lust, Albouystown and Leopold Street.

The five-day tournament is being dubbed ‘East Coast Best versus The Rest’ with teams from the East Coast corridor tackling the finest selection from Georgetown in an effort to foster integration among the participating communities and to create a better understanding among its inhabitants.

Among the entities in support of the cause are: Banks DIH under its Guinness and Power Wine brands, Clarks footwear giant Chetsons, E-Networks Inc., KSM Investments, Yhip’s Bakery, Brass Aluminium & Cast Iron Foundry (BACIF), Ray’s Auto Sales, Y.K. Investments, Trophy Stall, Express Shipping, Woodpecker Products, National Sports

GCA First and Second Division Cricket to resume this weekend THE Georgetown Cricket Association’s (GCA) first and second divisions, along with the U-13 tournaments, are set to resume this weekend, weather permitting.

Starting at 09:30hrs tomorrow Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) will face Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) in the GISE, Star Party Rentals and Trophy Stall first division twoday tournament.

Tomorrow in the NBS second division 40-over, Everest will host Transport Sports Club (TSC) at 11:00hrs and in the V Net Communications Under-13 DCC will take on Bel Air RUBiS at Muslim Youth Organisation ground from 13:00hrs.

Police lead Zone A in the first division tournament with 64 points followed by Everest 45, DCC 42, MSC 31 and Georgetown Cricket Club 17.

Zone B is being led by GNIC SC on 62 while University of Guyana are second on 57, TSC 43, Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO) 36 and Guyana Defence Force 24.

Noble House Seafoods second division two-day; Zone A, Police 102, Malteenoes SC 77, UG 55, Ace Warriors 54, Sophia 44, GNIC 38 and GDF 5.

In Zone B, Everest lead with 99, TSC 97, DCC 92, GCC 47, GYO 70 and Diplomats 28.

NBS second division 40over; Zone A – Police 116, UG 118, TSC 83, MYO 56, Everest CC 57, Ace Warriors 52, Diplomats 22 and GDF 18.

Zone B, GCC118, DCC 79, 3rd Class 73, GYO 51, MSC 50, Sophia 41 and GNIC 41.

V Net Under-13, DCC 40, Bel Air RUBiS 23, TSC 14 and GCC 1.

Commission, ‘C’ Division of the Guyana Police Force, Jai Signs & Auto Designs, Gaming Authority, Julius Variety Store and C & C Prestigious Styles.

Win in normal time - 3 points Win on penalty kicks - 2 points Game 1 BV-B - 0 vs Vryheid’s Lust - 0 Vryheid’s Lust won 2 - 1 on penalty kicks Game 2 Melanie-B - 0 vs Plaisance - 0 Plaisance won 3-2 on penalty kicks Game 3 Avocado Ballers - 2 vs Paradise - 0 Niandas Lyte - 5th Sylvester Richardson 9th Game 4 Back Circle - 3 vs Belfield Warriors - 0 Jermaine Beckles – 4th, Akeemo Aaron – 10th, Selwyn Williams - 12th Game 5 Leopold Street - 1 vs Broad Street - 0 Mark Jhalu - 11th Game 6 Alexander Village - 3 vs Sparta Boss - 1 Alexander scorer, Shem Porter - 8th, 12th and 14th;

Part of the action between Sparta Boss and Alexander Village, at the Haslington Market tarmac

Sparta scorer Sheldon Shepherd - 4th Game 7 Tiger Bay - 2 vs North East La Penitence -1 Tiger Bay scorers, Deon Alfred – 4th, Godfrey Powers – 11th, North East scorer, Doliyh Green -13th Game 8 Blazers - 4 vs Victoria Eagles - 0 Desmond Cottam - 3rd, 6th and 10th Anthony Barrow - 12th Game 9 Albouystown - 2 vs Victoria Church Yard – 0: Lennox Cort - 2nd and 13th Game 10

Hustlers - 5 vs Melanie-A - 1 Hustlers scorers, John Waldron - 4th 6th and 9th, Sunny Sancho -11th and 13th Melanie scorer, Malachi Grannum - 10th Game 11 Ol Skool Ballers - 2 vs Haslington Hypers – 2. Ol Skool won 4-3 on sudden-death penalty kicks. Ol Skool scorer, Beres Parkinson - 4th and 8th, Haslington scorer Nicosie McLeod - 3rd and 12th Game 12 Uprising - 1 vs Buxton Diamond - 1 Uprising won 2-1 on penalty kicks Uprising scorer, Shamar Scott – 5th, Buxton scorer, Shamar Beckles - 4th

Eight young cricketers receive cricket bats from RHTYSC

The eight cricketers pose with Minister Dawn Hastings-Williams after receiving their bats.

EIGHT young aspiring cricketers, drawn from across Berbice, last Friday received their own cricket bats from the Patron’s Fund of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club (RHTYSC).

With sponsorship from Nand Persaud Co. Ltd and Annirud Construction Firm, the cricketers were drawn from the No.73, Port Mou-

rant, Albion, Rose Hall Canje and Young Warriors cricket clubs, after they were chosen by cricket coaches attached to the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) or were recommended by their own clubs.

Twenty bats were handed out at the cost of $500 000, as the club continues to ensure that every youth has the opportunity to fulfil his/her potential on the cricket field.

Secretary/CEO of RHTYSC, Hilbert Foster, who is also the president of the Berbice Cricket Board, urged the eight cricketers to develop a culture of personal discipline, positive attitude and a good work ethic.

The club, he disclosed, will continue to assist more youths in the future. Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation, since

its formation in 1990, has assisted over 400 young cricketers with their own personal gear. The club has also assisted a number of clubs, not only in Berbice, but clubs in Demerara and Essequibo under its ‘Say Yes to Sports Campaign’.

Minister within the Ministry of the Presidency with responsibility for Public Affairs, Dawn Hastings-Williams, handed over the bats on behalf of President David Granger and the RHTYSC. She urged the attentive cricketers to take care of the donation and most importantly to always strive for excellence.

The young cricketers expressed gratitude to the RHTYSC for its continued interest in Berbice cricket and for investing in their careers.

The Patron’s Fund is administered by the ten cricket teams of the RHTYSC.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday August 17, 2018

Gonsalves to captain Guyana at the Americas Rugby Challenge in Colombia

By Rawle Toney RYAN Gonsalves was named captain of Guyana’s 15s Rugby team, for the Americas Rugby Challenge, which will be held from August 24 to September 1 at the Estadio Cincuentenario in Medellín, Colombia.

Gonsalves, one of the best scrum-half in the Rugby Americas North (RAN) Region, will lead Jason Tyrell, Allain Crawford, Rondel McArthur, Kevon David, Grantley Williams, Richardson Staglon, Jamal Angust, Cloyd Prowell, Lancelot Adonis, Avery Corbin, Claudius Butts and Godfrey Broomes.

Also making the team,

which was announced yesterday by the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU), are David Garnett, Joseph Rahaman, Cyon Kitt, Ahmad Isaacs, Vallon Adams, Walter George, Sean Phillips, James Osborne, Daniel DeAbreu, Toby David, Selwin Henry and O’Neil Charles.

Guyana will open the tournament with a clash against hosts Colombia on August 26, and will also face Paraguay and Mexico, in the cross regional event that encompasses both North and South America.

The Americas Rugby Challenge is following in the footsteps of the successful Americas Rugby Championship, which will have its

fourth season of competition next February/March. The competition was created by Rugby Americas for development teams in the Rugby Americas North and Sudamérica Rugby regions.

The introduction of the second-tier Challenge tournament follows on the back of three editions of the Americas Rugby Championship featuring the top six nations across North and South America.

Paraguay and México will open the tournament on Sunday, August 26, while hosts Colombia will tackle Guyana to close the first round of the tournament.

Trans-regional matches will also be played in the

Regional Under-19 50-over Championship

Wins for Guyana, Windward Islands as T&T beat Leewards KINGSTOWN, St Vincent (CMC) – Trinidad and Tobago’s quest to do the double got off to the perfect start when they thoroughly thrashed the Leeward Islands by a mammoth 176 runs in the first round of the Regional Under-19 50over Championship here yesterday.

Fresh from capturing the three-day title, T&T produced a solid batting performance on their way to posting the day’s highest total of 249 for seven from their 50 overs.

Leonardo Julien topscored with 82 and Joshua James who stroked an unbeaten 53, were the mainstay of T&T’s innings.

Julien, who faced 114 balls and smashed four boundaries and four sixes, shared in two half-century partnerships to help guide T&T from a spot of bother early on.

He joined forces with Crystian Thurton (26) to add 62 runs for the third wicket after they had slipped to 34-2.

Following the dismissals of Thurton and Mbeki Joseph (9), he and James added 60 runs in 12 overs to help push the score to 189-5.

Once Julien lost his wicket trying to up the tempo,

Kevin Sinclair bagged four for 23

James found a worthy partner in Rivaldo Ramlogan who smashed a quick-fire 35 from just 20 balls to help them up to their eventual score.

James’ hit two fours and one six in his unbeaten 64-ball knock.

The Leewards never came close to mounting a serious challenge, with Teron Jadoo and Justyn Gangoo running through the middle- and lower-order to skittle them out for just 73.

With the score on 43-2, the Leewards incredibly lost

their last eight wickets for just 30 runs, with Elroy Francis, who scored 32 being the only double-digit contributor.

Jadoo finished with the spectacular figures of three wickets for one run, while Gangoo snagged 3-14.

Both Guyana and the Windward Islands recorded six-wicket victories over Canada and Jamaica respectively.

Thanks to a four-wicket haul by Kevin Sinclair, Guyana bundled out Canada for 146 runs, with Kavian Naresh being Canada’s main contributor of 57.

Propelled by Joshua Persaud’s 62-ball knock of 80, Guyana then made light work of the total, racing to 147 for four in just 24 overs.

It was a similarly comfortable win for the Windward Islands who dismissed Jamaica for a paltry 159. They then motored along at almost six runs at over on their way to scoring 164-4 in 27.5 overs.

Openers Kimani Melius, who top-scored with 86 and Jahseon Alexander 58, put on 146 for the first wicket to set the Windwards on the path to victory.

second round with Guyana meeting Paraguay and Colombia playing against México on Wednesday, August 29.

The final round, on Sunday, September 1, will see Mexico clash with Guyana, and Colombia versus Paraguay as the closing match.

The winners will be the team accruing the most tournament points.

This Americas Rugby Challenge will provide Guyana, Colombia, Mexico and Paraguay with international competition to aid their development, as well as promote the growth of rugby across the continent.

World Rugby Rankings points will be on offer and

Ryan Gonsalves will captain Guyana’s 15s team, for the Americas Rugby Challenge in Colombia.

the proximity of the four teams in the rankings ensures games will be both relevant and interesting.

Paraguay (ranked 38) and Colombia (43) joined Sudamérica Rugby’s elite

in the new 6 Naciones Sudamericano. Guyana (47) and Mexico (53), representing Rugby Americas North, will be able to advance in the rankings on the back of good performances.

Green Machine in ‘Pool B’ for RAN Sevens Championship … Women drawn in Pool A AS the one-month-to-go mark nears, Rugby Americas North has announced today the pools for the 2018 RTEK RAN Sevens billed to take place in Barbados on September 22 and 23, featuring 24 teams from 15 countries.

The 2018 RTEK RAN Sevens is a qualifier for the 2019 Pan American Games.

RAN teams will also be looking ahead to the 2020 Olympic Games. The 2019 RAN Sevens will serve as the regional qualifier with seeding based on 2018 results.

The format for this year’s tournament includes pool play for both the men’s and women’s divisions. With 14 teams, the men’s teams are seeded into four pools. The top two from each of the men’s pool will go through to an eight-team knockout

and the bottom six will go through to a tournament with two pools of three.

In the women’s division, the number of participating teams has jumped from seven in 2017 to ten this year. The teams will compete in two pools before being seeded in the Cup, Plate and Trophy playoff divisions.

The number of men’s teams competing has also increased, from ten in 2017 to 14 this year. Last year’s men’s final in Mexico City saw Guyana narrowly lose to Jamaica, which denied them a ticket to this year’s Rugby World Cup Sevens.

Guyana will surely have something to prove as will Mexico, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago – the second through fourth place finishers respectively, in the recent Central American and Carib-

bean Games in Barranquilla, Colombia.

The Green Machine, as they are more popularly known, the RAN Sevens most decorated team, have won the tournament more times than any other country.

Guyana, in the men’s division, will be placed in Pool B alongside hosts Barbados, as well as Curacao. The women, who have won the Caribbean title five times, are in Pool A in their championship, with Mexico, Dominican Republic, Barbados and St Lucia.

All matches of the 2018 RAN Sevens tournament will be streamed live on RAN’s YouTube channel.

Fans can also follow updates using the hashtag #RAN7s on Facebook and Twitter.

The event page for the tournament can be found at www.rugbyamericasnorth.com/ran7s.

Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors Championships set to box off tonight 27

Wiltshire cops Newport Steamer Gold title in the USA

PAGE

… Jamaican contingent arrives, Grenada doubtful

Shomari Wiltshire displays his plaque.

Seated from left are GBA technical director Terrence Poole, Jamaica’s manager/coach Gilbert Vaz, GBA president Steve Ninvalle, Director of Sport Christopher Jones and Dominica’s referee/judge Jazef Faddaul. (Photo by Delano Williams)

Newton, Caesar score for Golden Jaguars in 2-2 draw against Brazilian club 27 PAGE

Jake Newton heads in the equaliser for the Golden Jaguars.

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

OVER the past weekend Shomari Wiltshire entered the 2018 Newport Steamer Summer Gold tournament held in Providence, Rhode Island at two venues - the St George’s School and the Portsmouth Abbey School, where he promptly came out with top honours.

This was a Gold tournament; in the USA Gold tournaments are ranked second behind the Junior Championships (JCT).

Shomari had already won the Finger Lakes Gold tournament in September of last year and was the top seed in the Boys’ U-15 draw due to the accumulated points gained at the US Junior Squash Open last December.

Wiltshire got off to a flyer in the first round and defeated Omar Cochinwala in straight sets of 11-2, 11-4, and 11-5.

Meanwhile in the second round he defeated Isaac Mitchell 11-5, 11-1, and 11-4 to book his quarter-final spot.

In the quarter-final he faced Ashton Monteirro (runner-up in the Washington DC Gold held earlier in the summer); Shomari lost the first set 7-11 but rebounded nicely to win the next three sets 11-2, 11-6, and 11-7.

Over in the semi-finals he came up against Hollis Robertson (winner of two Under-15 Summer Gold tournaments) and proved to be Shomari’s toughest opponent in the tournament.

Shomari lost the first set 7-11 but rebounded to win the next two games 11-5, 11-6.

However, with scores matched evenly at 9 apiece in the fourth set, Shomari was two points away from reaching his second Gold U-15 final but he made an unforced error and lost the fourth set 9-11.

In the decisive fifth set Shomari trailed 1-5 but showed maturity and determination to make a comeback to eventually win the set at 11-8.

In the final Shomari faced the number 2 seed, Robert Avram. Here, Wiltshire played his best match, dominating the hapless Avram to win in straight sets of 11-6, 11-5, and 11-2 to win his second US Gold tournament.

Wiltshire is currently in the USA to attend a Summer Squash Camp which will be held from August 20 to 24, at the Chatham Club in New Jersey and organised by Sunil Seth, a current Guyana national player.

Shomari expressed gratitude to his sponsors Dunlop and Rainforest Waters as well as coaches Carl Ince, Nyron Joseph and Kezqweyah Yisrael, along with the Top End team.

He also expressed gratitude to Kathleen Paul, his massage therapist and noted that without their contributions his success would not have been possible.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2018