Guyana Chronicle E-paper 08-18-2018

SATURDAY 18th August, 2018

No.105370

President recommits to coalition politics, inclusionary democracy

–– As PNCR 20th Biennial Delegates Congress opens 03 PAGE

President David Granger and Mrs Sandra Granger being escorted by the top leadership of the PNCR to the Hall of Heroes at Congress Place for the opening of that party’s 20th Biennial Congress on Friday (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

No room for

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Guyana 13 Cop charged PAGE

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dissention scores well with murder … Williams warns PNCR against outside interference

in Maths, English at CSEC of Brazilian miner

No room for dissension 2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 18, 2018

… Williams warns PNCR against outside interference

… says President needs winning team to ‘deliver the goods’ to Guyanese

By Ariana Gordon CHAIRMAN of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Basil Williams, has warned his comrades against breaking ranks and interference from outside, even as he urged that President David Granger be given a ‘winning team’ that will help him deliver the good life to Guyanese.

A party stalwart and the country’s Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Williams made the comments Friday evening while delivering remarks at the opening of the party’s 20th Biennial Congress being held at Congress Place, Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

LAY OUT PLANS A Senior Counsel, Williams told the congress that the party is at a juncture where it must reflect on what it has achieved over the last two years, “where we are presently and where we are taking Guyana in the

future.”

According to him, it is only when they would have taken account of their achievements as well as failures, that “we would be able to position ourselves to do better.”

“Therefore, as we engage with each other over the next two days by formulating ways to execute our vision for our great nation, please be reminded that our purpose here is to lay out the party’s plans as we prepare ourselves for the next two years and beyond.”

TRIUMPH AND TRIALS Williams said the PNCR has seen its fair share of both triumphs and trials, but has always remained resolute in its ideals.

“We are a formidable party that has grown from strength to strength and today we are in the best position to take Guyana to higher heights. However, we will only get there if we work together. This party was birthed out of the need

to put country first at a time when our country was replete with racial hostility and strife. It was during that time that our founding leader and Guyana’s first Executive President, Comrade LFS Burnham and our founding Chairman Comrade Joseph Latchmansingh crafted the vision for the party, that is, to better the lives of all Guyanese irrespective of our diversity and differences.”

Williams said those founding leaders believed in a democratic process where all can participate and benefit from the resources of this great nation.

He said it was through strong leadership that the PNC/R led by these men and others was able to win Guyana’s independence from the British and subsequently crystallizing the country’s republican status.

HARD WORK, LOSS OF LIVES Harking back to the 23 years in opposition, Williams said the party has gotten this far because of strong leadership and this type of leadership must be passed on to future generations.

“Comrades, the journey of the PNC/R was not an easy one.

In and out of government this party has always championed the rights of

the Guyanese people and advocated for good policies.

While we were in opposition it was fierce leadership led by President Hoyte, Hon. Robert Corbin and His Excellency President Granger that got us through the 23 years. It took years of hard work and lives lost along the way to bring us to this point where we are now in government, along with the other members of the APNU+AFC,” Williams who is also Guyana’s attorney general, said.

REORGANISE GRASSROOTS He said as the party forges ahead it must not lose the common touch but must reach out to everyone.

“I believe we must go back to basics and therefore we must give our energy to reorganising at the grass- roots, especially as we prepare for our local government elections in November, as well as general elections in 2020. It is because of your ‘grass root’ activism that we were victorious in 2015. As chairman, my long-term plan is to put in place a council that would work closely with party chairs throughout the regions to create a “constituent model” to assist in resolving issues that

PNCR Chairman Basil Williams delivering remarks at the congress are affecting our grassroots communities,” Williams said.

Making a pitch to his supporters who welcomed him with thunderous applause, Williams said he believes in the People’s National Congress/ Reform. “I believe in you, and the work you have done for this party. I believe that the

vision and shared values of Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham resonate in us. It is because of those shared values of country first, that we are here.”

He continued: ”As someone who has grown up in the party I can testify to our commitment to See page 9

A section of the large audience including ministers of government at the opening of congress (Delano Williams photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 18, 2018

President recommits to coalition politics, inclusionary democracy –– as PNCR 20th Biennial Delegates Congress opens

By Ariana Gordon

LEADER of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) President David Granger on Friday assured supporters that his party remains committed to coalition politics and will continue to work together with its partners to afford the good life to all Guyanese.

President Granger was at the time addressing delegates, special invitees, and members of his government at the PNCR’s 20th Biennial Delegates Congress at Congress Place, Sophia. In his 50-minute-long address, the party leader reminded his audience that it was the PNCR that was instrumental in the establishment of an inclusionary five-party Partnership for National Unity (APNU) in June 2011.

The APNU, in turn, entered into the Cummingsburg Accord in February 2015 with the Alliance For Change (AFC), which when combined (APNU+AFC) now forms the government.

“The PNCR, together with its political Leader of the PNCR President David and civil partners, remains committed to the Granger (Delano Williams photo) multi-party coalition, bound together by the Cummingsburg Accord to constructive dia- and has also reignited hope and galvanised logue with the political parliamentary oppo- goodwill to confront the challenges inherited sition, and with civil society to strengthen the when the coalition took office in 2015.

“The coalition governs for the common practice of ‘inclusionary democracy’; to the good.

The situation which it found on assumideals of coalition politics and to the broader aspiration of national unity; to perfecting ing office was worse than could have been our incipient system of shared governance in imagined. It was a hellish inheritance,” said the belief that the coalition parties are better the PNCR leader.

Referencing the aftermath of what he calls together than apart,” said the President, as ‘the troubles’ of the first decade of the new Leader and Chairman of the AFC Raphael millennium, President Granger said the period Trotman and Khemraj Ramjattan paid keen was rife with “uncounted execution murders, attention.

“Our commitment to the practice of ‘an uninvestigated massacres, unreported abuses, inclusionary democracy’ has been vindicated, unimpeded narcotics-trafficking and seemingconfirming the efficacy and necessity of the ly unstoppable criminal violence.”

The head-of-state said his government is unique coalition that we created and which the still trying to “unravel the murky motives” electorate accepted,” President Granger noted. behind the killings by way of Commissions It is through the very inclusionary democof Inquiry. racy, the President said, that Guyanese have “The inquiry into the Lindo Creek Masstarted to receive “unquestionable benefits” sacre, for example,” he said, “was alarming, in every area. He noted that such inclusionnot only for the loss of life, but also for the ary politics has allowed for the deployment of broad-based expertise in nation-building loss of trust in a few officials and officers.

It is disquieting that not a single minister or

Some members of the diplomatic community attend the opening of the 20th Biennial Delegates Congress Friday at Congress Place, Sophia (Delano Williams photo)

senior official of the previous administration has ever come forward to provide evidence to assist in solving this atrocious crime. Their silence was eloquent testimony of the licence which criminal elements enjoyed during their troubled tenure during the ‘Troubles.”

As such, Granger said the biennial congress has a duty, and the country a right to know what happened, and to learn the lessons of the “criminal atrocity.”

“We must ensure that our defence and security forces protect society and are never again infiltrated or manipulated by criminal cartels or corrupt officials,” Granger stated.

WORKING TIRELESSLY On the economic front, President Granger said his coalition government, notwithstanding the magnitude of challenges it has encountered since entering government in May 2015, has been working tirelessly to repair the damage “wrought by the mismanagement of the previous regime and to transform the economy with a stronger role for an efficient public sector.”

He stressed that the coalition government has been diligent in its stewardship, and has set about to solve the country’s most pressing problems and to lay the foundation for stabilising the economy. He pointed to attempts to reverse the economic decline, noting that real growth in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has since been sustained and inflation moderated.

“The economy is being rebalanced,” he stated, as he noted the restructuring of the traditional sectors.

Meanwhile, he said, the PNCR continues to demonstrate “its fitness to lead” this country.

The head-of-state, who spoke to the packed-to-capacity Hall of Heroes area of attendees, delegates and members of his coalition government and members of the diplomatic corps and cultural icon and musician Eddie Grant, reminded that his party, founded by the late Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, “is a sturdy party.”

The PNCR, he said, was erected on a solid

structure and wedded to strong principles. He said, too, that the biennial delegates’ congress represents a “powerful and pivotal political event”, as he outlined his government’s achievements over the past three years.

“This congress is a vindication of the PNCR’s fitness to lead in this era of change.

It keeps the party aware of the changes occurring in the communities and in the country as a whole. Change is continuous and the party needs to be ready to adjust continuously, while being guided by its core principles in order to remain relevant to the country’s conditions and the people’s aspirations,” he said.

The party leader, who will remain at the helm unchallenged, said the party’s congress which is held every two years brings the party’s leaders together to communicate, collaborate and to recommit to fulfilling our long-term ideological goals of serving the people and preserving our beautiful country.

Delegates from all 10 administrative regions and the diaspora, and from all three administrative levels -- local, regional and central – around a collective vision of the destiny of the country and the future of our children come together at this time to discuss important matters and make critical decisions.

“Congress has much to accomplish in a few brief days,” Granger said, noting that it seeks to review the party’s performance in government, and direct its ministers, members of the National Assembly and councillors in regions and neighbourhoods to the way forward over the next two years.

It will also serve to renew the networks among party members, aimed at collectively improving their communities; recognising differences and difficulties when they arise and to propose new policies to be pursued; and re-set the agenda for governance – as this, arguably, will be the last congress before local government elections (LGEs) in 2018 and before the general and regional elections in 2020 – and energise the party for success at these polls.

SHARE EXPERIENCES He assured delegates, who were eager to See page 8

A section of the attendees at the opening of the 20th Biennial Delegates Congress on Friday at Congress Place, Sophia (Delano Williams photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 18, 2018

India monsoon floods ‘kill more than 300’ in Kerala

(BBC) At least 324 people have been killed in flooding in the southern Indian state of Kerala in what local officials say is the worst flooding in 100 years.

India’s monsoon season started in June, but the death toll in Kerala has soared in the last 24 hours.

Rescuers are battling torrential rains to save residents, with more than 200,000 people left homeless in camps.

The state government said many of those who died were crushed under debris caused by landslides.

With more rains predicted and a red alert in place, Kerala’s main airport is expected to remain shut until 26 August.

Hundreds of troops have been deployed to rescue those caught up in the flooding.

Helicopters have been airlifting people marooned by the flooding to safety, with photographs and footage emerging from the area showing elderly people and children being rescued.

More than 300 boats are

also involved in rescue attempts, AFP news agency reports.

The government has urged people not to ignore evacuation orders, and is distributing food to tens of thousands who have fled to higher ground.

The Indian home ministry says more than 930 people have now died across India since the country’s monsoon season began.

How bad is the Kerala flooding?

The region’s chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan has described the flooding as the worst the state has seen in a century.

“We’re witnessing something that has never happened before in the history of Kerala,” he told reporters.

Mr Vijayan said more than 223,000 people were now living in the more than 1,500 emergency relief camps set up in the area.

Parts of Kerala’s commercial capital, Cochin, are underwater, snaring up roads and leaving railways across

The Kerala chief minister has said the state has “never seen anything like this before”

the state impassable.

The state’s airport is a hub for domestic and overseas tourists, so its closure is likely to cause major disruption.

Some local plantations are reported to have been inundated by water, endangering the local rubber, tea, coffee and spice industries.

Schools in all 14 districts of Kerala have been closed and some districts have banned tourists, citing safety concerns.

What is the government

doing?

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi was set to visit the region on Friday night.

The country’s home minister has also offered his support.

Anil Vasudevan, the head of the Kerala health disaster response wing, has said they are prepared to help victims and are setting arrangements in place to deal with the potential risks of water-borne diseases when the flooding recedes.

Why is the situation so bad?

It is normal for Kerala to get some of the country’s highest rainfall during monsoon season, but the India Meteorological Department said it had been hit with 37% more than usual because of a spell of low pressure over the region.

Further downpours are forecast for the weekend, leading many to fear the situation may get worse.

Environmental scientists are also blaming deforestation, especially the failure to protect ecologically fragile mountain ranges in the area, local media report.

Mr Vijayan, the region’s chief minister, has said the situation in Kerala has been made worse by neighbouring governments.

Earlier this week, he and his counterpart in Tamil Nadu entered a public spat over the release of water from a dam.

Kerala has 41 rivers flowing into the Arabian Sea, and 80 of its dams are now said

to be open after being overwhelmed.

“Almost all dams are now opened. Most of our water treatment plants are submerged. Motors are damaged,” Mr Vjayan said.

‘Neck-deep water’ BBC Tamil’s Pramila Krishnan spoke to several people who had escaped the flooding in Cochin.

Krishna Jayan, 58, said she was at home sleeping when her friend woke her up.

“I opened the door and water gushed in,” she said.

“When we stepped into the street, we were neck-deep in water.”

She said locals had tied ropes along the streets to help people walk through the water, allowing her and her friend to reach a bus to escape.

Another resident, 33-year-old Shabbir Saheel, said he had to carry his two-year-old daughter on his shoulders through the flooded streets to safety.

Imran Khan confirmed as Pakistan prime minister

(BBC) Former cricket star Imran Khan has been elected prime minister of Pakistan in a vote at the country’s National Assembly.

His PTI party won the most seats in July’s elections - setting up Mr Khan to become PM with the help of small parties, more than two decades after he first entered politics.

He will be sworn in on Saturday.

Mr Khan, 65, will inherit a country with a mounting economic crisis and he has vowed to create a “new Pakistan”.

The charismatic sports star, who captained Pakistan to a World Cup victory in 1992, has

long shed his celebrity playboy image and now styles himself as a pious, populist, anti-poverty reformer.

He ran on an anti-corruption platform that pledged to improve the lives of the country’s poor with an “Islamic welfare state”.

In Friday’s vote, Mr Khan was backed by 176 members.

His opponent, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Shahbaz Sharif, received 96 votes.

Speaking after the results, the prime minister-elect vowed to bring about the “change that this nation was longing for”, according to local media.

He promised “strict accountability” for those who had “looted this country”.

“I did not climb on any dictator’s shoulders; I reached this place after struggling for 22 years.”

Opposition parties have claimed elements of last month’s

elections were rigged. Despite this, they agreed to take their seats in the assembly.

In the lead-up to the election, Mr Khan was widely seen as the favoured candidate of the powerful military, which was accused of meddling against his rivals.

Applause and angry chants Analysis by Secunder Kermani, BBC News, Islamabad The announcement that parliament had chosen Imran Khan as the next prime minister was greeted by applause from his party, and angry chants from his rivals, the outgoing PML-N. When it first became clear that the PTI had won the elections last month, Mr Khan addressed the nation in a conciliatory tone. Today he was more fiery.

He repeatedly rejected opposition claims that the vote was rigged and offered to investigate the allegations.

He challenged the opposition to hold a sit-in against him, telling them he would even provide them food and shipping containers to block roads.

Mr Khan faces real challenges, including a mounting economic crisis, but his supporters have high expectations of what he can deliver in terms of creating jobs, and improving healthcare and education. He promised to create a “new Pakistan”, now he will have to show the country what that looks like.

Before the election Mr Khan told the BBC that if he were to be elected, his initial focus would be on the economy. Pakistan’s currency, the rupee, has declined significantly in the last year. Inflation is on the rise and the trade deficit is widening.

Exports such as textiles have taken a hit from cheaper products by regional competitors, including China. Analysts say the new government may

need to turn to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the country’s second bailout since 2013, which could complicate efforts to boost welfare.

After the 25 July election, Mr Khan also vowed to hold talks with India to seek a resolution to the dispute over the Kashmir region, a key flashpoint between the nuclear-armed countries.

He also called for “mutually beneficial” ties with the United States, despite being an outspoken critic of that country’s anti-terrorism measures in the region, such as drone strikes.

President Donald Trump recently cut aid to Pakistan, accusing it of providing a “safe haven” to terrorists active in neighbouring Afghanistan.

Pakistan, a country with a population of nearly 200 million, has been ruled on and off by the military during its 71-year history.

Whether as a result of coups or corruption allegations, no prime minister in its history has ever successfully completed a term in office.

Three-time PM Nawaz Sharif was ousted from office in 2017 over corruption allegations.

He was jailed in the leadup to the vote, and his brother, Shahbaz Sharif, led the PML-N party into the election.

After the election, three major opposition parties banded together to nominate Shahbaz Sharif as a joint candidate in a bid to thwart Mr Khan.

However, one of the parties - the PPP party of assassinated ex-Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto - is reported to have withdrawn its support for Mr Sharif in the run-up to the vote and abstained on Friday.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 18, 2018

Sari protesters demand apology from PM “Be a man, respect women!”

(Trinidad Guardian) That placard-borne message and others conveyed the feelings of protesters outside of the Prime Minister’s office yesterday, demanding an apology from Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and National Security Minister Stuart Young for the PNM’s controversial “sari” skit.

The skit at last weekend’s PNM’s Family Day, depicting a woman’s yellow sari being undone by men dressed as gorillas, caused a firestorm of negative sentiment, though Government rejected the criticism. Young said it was a “lil bit of fun.”

Rowley claimed people were “hell-bent” on creating racial and religions tensions.

Yesterday protesters reinforced their concerns, calling for an apology, outside of Rowley’s St Clair office. However, he was at the Diplomatic Centre for the weekly Cabinet meeting.

At the height of the protest, members yelled, “Go, Rowley go!”

The group, mainly from UNC constituencies, was dominated by women in yellow saris and other traditional East Indian wear. Also present was Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar, UNC MPs, senators, executive members and Muslims in hijabs.

Protesters’ placards voiced their views: “100 per cent Pissed!” “Say no to Rape!” “Don’t be an Imps” “Rape isn’t funny,” “Chase dem like Hinds!” “Imps— Rowley, Faris, Stuart,” “I’m Fed Up—Rowley doesn’t care.”

Persad-Bissessar, speaking outside of the OPM office she once occupied, said, “This (skit) isn’t a racist issue. It’s action promoting violence against women, abuse of black males—stereotyping them as apes—and it has to do with Indians. Why a sari?

Why yellow?”

Pundit Satyanand Maharaj, leading protesters said, “I don’t think they understand how sacred the sari is—it’s symbolic. Denuding a woman is akin to sexual abuse and heinous crime— it’s not a ‘lil bit of fun’. We wouldn’t stoop to degrade another community like this.”

“We’re not willing to let this pass. Should we allow ourselves to be treated like second class citizens. Should the sacred wear of our mothers, daughters, sisters be debased and degraded like this? How can you have a ‘lil fun’ at an entire community’s expense? By having ‘fun’ at our expense, you’re telling us we have no value. We have to value ourselves and let

them know we do.”

“When leaders refuse to acknowledge the plight of their people, then people must come to their leaders— we must let them know this won’t work.”

The group delivered a letter to the PM’s office seeking

CHILDHOOD OBESITY STILL GREAT THREAT

assault against women. But they can unwrap the sari and it’ll never end—women will stand up.”

Asking if Young’s statements meant it was alright to terrorise women or undress and assault them, Persad-Bissessar added, “I was preSir Trevor Hassell, President of the Healthy Caribbean Coalition (HCC), engaging in conversation with Dame Billie Miller, Patron of the Breastfeeding and Child Nutrition Foundation (BCNF).

BY: CARA L. FOSTER

Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar, centre, flanked by UNC senator Khadijah Ameen, right, and deputy political leader of the UNC Jearlean John among protesters who gathered outside the Office of the Prime Minister calling on Rowley to apologise for the controversial sari skit. PICTURE ABRAHAM DIAZ

an apology. It noted the skit offended many as it was seen as simulation of violence against women, mockery of Hinduism and depiction of political violence—plus, Young’s dismissal compounded Government’s insensitivity on the matter.

The letter warned, “Government’s hostile, belligerent and intractable position in this issue only contributes to stoking fires of division.

It does no good to the PNM to attempt to victimise the victim further by labelling legitimate concerns as ‘foolish’ or ‘racial.’”

Hindu group representative Radica Balkaran added, somewhat emotionally that the sari represents a woman’s material, physical and spiritual profile, “If you disrobe her of this garment, it’s not just about a piece of cloth, you’re stripping the person of all of these aspects of her life and her dignity. This isn’t something to play with—no excuse can apologise for that.

Dr Rowley has to apologise to the womenfolk.”

Kamla slams Stuart’s insensitive remark Persad-Bissessar spoke against the skit’s aspects which stereotyped black males.

“For hundreds of years black males were stereotyped as apes, simians, monkeys, gorillas —aggressors. The PNM’s skit continued this portrayal of years of colonial stereotyping.”

Also offensive to the Indian community, particularly Hindu women, she said, “It’s a blatant portrayal of violent

pared to give the new Police Commissioner and National Security Minister a ‘bligh,’ but after the Minister’s first statement (on this), I don’t think he can take care of people’s safety and security.”

“It’s frightening when your new Security Minister’s first major statement is to condemn and accept abuse of women as ‘fun’. I wonder if what happened to (PNM’s Fitzgerald) Hinds in Beetham will be seen as ‘fun’ also?” she asked.

While Persad-Bissessar condemned the assault on any MP, she said the PNM was “reaping what it sowed.”

She added Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha general secretary Satnarayn Maharaj was entitled to his position on the issue which she disagreed with, “ The skit is about portrayal of assault and abuse of women- not just about a sari.” Maharaj had said he did not think the skit was offensive.

Persad-Bissessar said Government —which didn’t hold the usual weekly media briefing yesterday— “ran” from the media.

Yesterday’s protest was monitored by a drone overhead operated by police on the ground.

Uniformed and plainclothes police were also present.

One male protester, challenged Rowley to come outside and face protesters, “You’s a coward!” he yelled at OPM windows where some staffers peered at protesters from upper floors.

(Barbados Advocate) Obesity in children represents the greatest threat to the health of future generations, and it is against this backdrop that a number of national and regional health organisations have developed some strategic plans to counteract such.

Word of this came from Sir Trevor Hassell, President of the Healthy Caribbean Coalition (HCC), as he delivered a few remarks during the Breastfeeding and Child Nutrition Foundation’s (BCNF) Stakeholder Meeting programme, which took place at The Savannah Hotel yesterday morning.

“CARICOM Heads of Government last year noted with concern that obesity in children represented the greatest threat to the health of future generations, with the level of overweight and obesity being more than 30 per cent in both primary and secondary school populations in many Member States,” he said.

“Against this background, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), PAHO (Pan American Health Organisation), the Barbados Ministry of Health and the HCC, have all produced Strategic Plans which, together with national NCD strategic plans and policies involving multi-sectoral and ‘whole of society’ approach, are aimed at addressing the

childhood obesity epidemic.”

Hassell noted that a review of these plans show that there are a number of actions that can and should be taken in Barbados through policies and enactment of legislation to slow the increase of obesity.

These actions include increased levels of physical activity among school-aged children by the reintroduction of periods of compulsory physical activity; prohibiting advertising and promoting of junk food in schools by fast food companies; and an increase in the tax on sugar-sweetened beverages to a level which will result in these beverages being more expensive than healthier options.

Hassell revealed that in a show of support for the concern of childhood obesity, the HCC launched its “Civil Society Childhood Obesity Action Plan for Preventing Childhood Obesity in the Caribbean 2017-2021”.

“This provides a blueprint for regional Civil Society Organisations in efforts to counteract childhood obesity,” he said.

“The major priority areas of the Plan are trade and fiscal policies, nutrition literacy, early childhood nutrition, marketing of healthy and unhealthy foods and beverages to children, school and community-based interventions, resource mobilisation and strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation.”

Adult toys banned

by Customs (Trinidad Newsday) COURIER company, WebSource, is warning its customers against trying to import banned items or risk having their items seized by the Customs and Exicse Division.

Adult toys are at the top of that list.

In an email broadcast, the company said, “Please note that Customs will be inspecting all packages to ensure compliance with laws. As such, they can and will seize the items listed below and other prohibited items.”

In addition to a complete ban on all adult toys, citizens

are also banned from importing camouflage patterned clothing, shoes, game controllers, headphones or any item with a camouflage pattern.

Honey, cigarettes, tobacco, tobacco products, plants, soil and toy guns are also prohibited.

Those wanting to import seeds and holsters must have required permits to do so.

The company said this list is not an exhaustive one.

Many social media users expressed their dissatisfaction with adult toys being placed on the list, questioning why such a ban is necessary.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 18, 2018

Towards the ban on mercury IN October 2013 under the previous administration, Guyana signed the Minamata Convention, an international treaty intended to protect our health and the environment from the harmful effects of mercury. That treaty committed the country to gradually reduce the use of mercury.

After the change of government, in October 2017, President David Granger went further: His Excellency said that the administration’s goal is the total elimination of the use of mercury by 2027.

The universal agreement that mercury is harmful and should be eliminated is well founded. Mercury is one of the most poisonous substances on earth, and its effects on human health are horrific.

Mercury is a liquid metal used primarily in gold-mining. Mercury is mixed with ore containing gold to form an amalgam, unwanted material is washed away, the amalgam is heated to burn off the mercury, and the gold is left behind. The process is simple and cheap. Given that gold-mining is a major cash-earner in Guyana, there

is widespread use of large quantities of mercury. The problem is that the mercury vapour released when the amalgam is heated is highly poisonous and can cause serious health problems if it is inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

Mercury can also enter the body when it goes into streams or creeks, and the water is used for drinking or cooking, or contaminated fish from polluted streams are eaten.

The effects of mercury poisoning depend on how much is absorbed by the body, and how long a person is exposed. Moderate mercury poisoning can cause weakness, numbness about the body, skin rashes or peeling, itching, body pain, sweating, sleeplessness and other symptoms.

Larger doses of the poison can cause memory problems, psychiatric disorders, difficulty hearing, speaking, and seeing, mental retardation, and damage to the kidneys, liver, and brain. Such damage may be permanent, even when the person is removed from exposure to the poison. Children are at particular risk because their fragile bodies are still developing. Worse still, the effects of

mercury are cumulative, in other words, the poison builds up in the body and the effects get worse as time passes.

Eventually, if the victim is not removed from the source of the poison, death occurs when the body absorbs about one gram of mercury.

Last June, the staff of the Guyana Gold Board were relocated after concerns were raised that their workplace, at which amalgam was burned, was contaminated by mercury. In July, the Guyana Water Inc announced that unsafe levels of mercury were found in the Kaituma River in Region One, and alternative sources of potable water had to be sourced at great cost, for use by villagers.

Evidently, although miners prefer to use mercury because the process is cheap and easy, the cost to the country’s taxpayers who must foot the bills to treat those affected by the poison, far outweighs any benefits. Further, potential loss of health, threat to life, and contamination of the environment may be unquantifiable.

The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) must

be commended for conceding the point that mercury is a threat. However, the representative body, so far, opposes a total ban on mercury, claiming that there is no alternative. This claim, though, is false: there are several processes that do not involve mercury, which can be used for gold-extraction.

Alternatives to mercury-based extraction include concentration methods, chemical leaching, sluicing, magnetic separation, flotation separation, shaking tables, centrifuges, spiral concentrators, vortex concentrators, and direct smelting, among others. Although those methods and devices are more complex and may be somewhat more expensive, the long-term benefits more than compensate for any short-term inconvenience to miners.

Government is therefore to be commended for taking a strong position on this issue by declaring – through action – that the well-being of its citizens, wildlife, and environment are of paramount importance.

And all Guyanese, including miners, are urged to support the objective of mercury elimination.

Producing industrial hemp could help Guyana Dear Editor FOR some months now I have been thinking of ways to address the challenges our beautiful country faces, and one idea I propose is based on what our friendly country Canada has managed to do by legalising and regulating an industrial hemp industry.

As I prepare to attend the PNCR Congress and to ask numerous questions why President Granger is not lifting the ban for our farmers and youth to cultivate and process this valuable and profitable crop, I decided to pen the following. Industrial hemp is always confused with marijuana, both members of the cannabis family of plants, but distant cousins. Industrial hemp is one of the most useful plants, the seeds of which are used to produce healthy

foods, body-care products and cosmetics.

Also, the stalk is processed into high-performance fibre products, such as paper, textiles, bio-composites and building materials.

Canada has been growing industrial hemp since 1998 and a vibrant, regulated industry has developed satisfying domestic and international markets, the USA being the single largest importer of hemp from Canada.

Guyana’s climate and soil have proven to be ideal for the cultivation of hemp and should be a comparative advantage in comparison to Canada’s climate.

Hemp is fast-growing, a year-round crop that leads to the production of environmentally friendly products. Guyana has a better climate than Canada, more months of sunshine, thousands of acres of available and arable land and cheap labour among other inputs.

This new industry is positive for Guyana’s economy in a number of ways.

The industry creates jobs in farms and in distribution and marketing chains; companies founded to process and export this crop and products internationally would also generate jobs. President Granger has been failing about green jobs in renewable industries, a Green economy and a Green state. An industrial hemp industry in Guyana will create Green Jobs for Guyanese and Green industries.

Licensing fees and income Tax on companies and employees will generate real tax revenues for the government. Guyana has a serious problem collecting taxes and this industry will help to improve tax collection from businesses and individuals.

Guyana suffers from a trade deficit, importing more than it exports. The trade

imbalance is not desirable and a vibrant industrial hemp industry will provide a new export crop that generates foreign exchange and reduces our deficit. I’m asking President Granger and his APNU+AFC administration to undertake a serious study of the potential for a hemp industry in Guyana; maybe based on Canada’s system. I congratulate the officials of the Guyana hemp industry and other hemp groups and advocates for continuing the lobbying process which will eventually bear fruit, and I recommend to the Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder, to give permission to the Guyana Hemp Industries to undertake a 100-acre trials.

Come on my dear President, act now.

Regards Marlon Collins

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 18, 2018

A city is gauged by the broadness of its vision and the height of its dreams Dear Editor THERE is quite a hubbub coming from City Hall of late, regarding the celebration of the 175th anniversary of Georgetown becoming a city, and quite a significant milestone it is.

Clearly however, the planners are lacking in depth of intellect, emotion, and/or knowledge. I would like to express my considerable disappointment that rather than our city planners finding ways to honour the past, to celebrate the present and dream about the future, while drawing in community members of every age, creed and background, they have instead opted to make it into a big bacchanal with beach parties and cooler fetes, big-ticket dinners and cocktail receptions.

Had City Hall been interested in maximum appeal, they would have included a wide spectrum of citizens on their Anniversary Planning Committee and host a city-wide brainstorming session prior. But no, they instead decided to throw together a few of their own who clearly lack vision and savoir vivre.

Why are they not having a parade featuring Georgetown’s oldest and newest inhabitants as Grand Masters? And why did they not encourage the school bands, youth groups the Girl Guides Scouting troops and local celebrities to participate. This anniversary should be used to celebrate our past accom-

plishments, the resilience of our people and set the course for our future; instead, the focus seems to be plain revelry or a valedictory celebration for the mayor and her sidekicks.

I believe this anniversary is a tremendous teachable moment...an opportunity to introduce citizens to and remind them of the uniqueness of this city. It is a chance to partner with the people and to encompass all aspects of what it means to live and work in Georgetown.

Will they be opening their municipal archives located on Water Street, for schoolchildren to visit? With an entire Public Relations Department in place, will they produce a proper 175th commemorative magazine?

They talk of using the anniversary to boost tourism in Georgetown, how? Will they be hosting exciting and educational city tours?

Have they encouraged the diaspora who once lived in Georgetown, but who now live overseas to visit for the anniversary?

There is need for a city-wide historical symposium, there is need for a city-wide art festival to mark the anniversary, and there is need for a city exhibition. Come on Madam Mayor, a city is not gauged by its length and width, but by the broadness of its vision and the height of its dreams.

Regards Amber Valentine

To call for a halt in oil production is a grand demonstration of insanity Dear Editor MORE and more I am seeing calls being made by seemingly intelligent people, that Guyana should leave the oil in the ground, since too much potential trouble lies in wait and the minute the oil is pumped from beneath the Atlantic, the country will collapse.

This call, coming most recently from a Guyanese UK-based attorney-at-law and another Guyanese Houston-based oil consultant, who months ago worked for the government, demonstrates a total lack of understanding and appreciation of the dire conditions under which Guyanese exist. Blackout is a daily occurrence.

Waiting several hours for medical attention at shabby public health facilities is routine. Schools are falling apart and poor wages limit access to highly skilled teachers. Roads and bridges are crumbling.

Limited access is available to interior locations, making the cost of travel, goods and services exorbitant. Options for the

young, educated University of Guyana graduates are almost non-existent. Migration is high.

Oil production is not just about the revenue, which if used wisely, can address the declining infrastructure and enhance social services. It is about the multiple spin-off industries that will be created in services, tourism, manufacturing (from cheap power), agriculture and so much more, creating thousands of new jobs and multiple opportunities for advancement.

Those who already enjoy a high standard of living should refrain from the absurd call to leave the oil in the ground.

Demand transparency and accountability from government, ensure that in all discussions and negotiations with oil companies, Guyana gets a fair deal, but to say we should stop production is a grand demonstration of insanity.

Regards Selwyn Paul

25 amputees receive prostheses A TRAINING programme to build the capacity of technical staff of the National Orthotic & Prosthetic Appliance Workshop (NOPAW) was recently concluded at the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre.

The programme which commenced on 30th July and ended on 11th August, was the culmination of more than a year’s worth of meticulous planning and collaboration between the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) Guyana, the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre, the Disability

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The training was led by Mr. Jon Batzdorff, Certified Orthotist/Prosthetist (CPO) and founder of ProsthetiKa, along with fellow colleagues Mr. Eddy Fuentes, CPO, and Ms. Laura Burgess, physiotherapist. ProsthetiKa utilises a global network of highly trained professionals to provide support for persons with disabilities in developing countries.

On completing the programme, the team of specialists made several recommendations for devising a strategy/roadmap for long-term support for prosthetic, as well as orthotic service delivery in Guyana

From left front seated: Ms. Ariane Mangar, Director of Rehabilitation Services, Ms. Laura Burgess, Physiotherapist – ProsthetiKa; Dr. William Adu-Krow, Country Rep, PAHO/WHO; Hon. Volda Lawrence, Minister of Public Health; Ms. Cynthia Massay, Rehabilitation Officer, PRRC; Mr. Jon Batzdorff, CPO and Founder of ProsthetiKa; Mr. Eddy Fuentes, CPO – ProsthetiKa; and Mr. Collin Charles, Senior Prosthetic Technician, PRRC. Technical and rehabilitation personnel pictured at back after receiving their training certificates. & Rehabilitation Services programme of the Ministry of Public Health, and within the recent months, US-based non-profit, ProsthetiKa. In a release, the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre said over the course of two weeks, two orthotic & prosthetic technicians, three orthotic & prosthetic trainees, in addition to13 physiotherapists and occupational therapists and 12 rehabilitation assistants were actively engaged in training designed to enhance the programmes they provide in their respective fields in order to collectively improve the service delivery for persons with disabilities.

According to the centre, whilst it is the ultimate goal to achieve this on a national level through the transference and application of skills, the programme was of immediate benefit to 25 persons with amputations who were successfully assessed, fitted with prostheses and provided with the necessary physical therapy and training to learn how to effectively utilise their new prosthetic limbs.

through future training interventions.

Established in May 1994, the NOPAW is the sole facility in Guyana capable of manufacturing prosthetic limbs for persons with amputations, and orthotic devices including braces and splints for persons with orthopaedic conditions. However, the workshop has since faced significant challenges in the utilisation of current equipment and technology in O&P production. The challenges were mainly due to the limited opportunities for the training and professional advancement of new and existing orthotic and prosthetic technicians in Guyana. Hence the introduction of new techniques and skills as well as upgrading the facility’s equipment was recognised as critical in effectively meeting the needs of patients.

Remarks on the necessity and continued support for such programmes were delivered by the Hon. Volda Lawrence, Minister of Public Health, and Dr. William Adu-Krow, Country Representative of PAHO/WHO during the programme’s formal closing exercise on 10th August, 2018.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 18, 2018

Princess Pageant sets ‘green’ foundation for little girls - Ministry of Communities supports WITH the support of the Ministry of Communities, the recently concluded Guyana Princess Pageant aided in boosting the confidence and improving environmental knowledge in the lives of eight participants between the ages of eight and 12.

The winner of the Creative Wear Segment, Dyana Joaquin, got the opportunity to meet Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan at the Ministry’s Fort Street, Kingston office on Friday.

Joaquin, a student of the St Gabriel Primary School, entered the pageant on the insistence of her mother, Sheniece.

The introverted eightyear-old copped the winner’s trophy and a $25,000 gift certificate from the Ministry’s Green Generation Guyana (#3G) Project. The pageant highlighted the 3G’s recycling themes.

Joaquin, who enjoys dancing and reading, said she learnt so much about the environment during the

creation of her costume. Her gown, made from plastic, newspapers, discarded DVDs and leaves outshone the other creative wear on the night of the pageant.

The little princess, who represented Pocahontas, promised to be an ambassador of the reuse, reduce and recycle crusade on her return to school.

She related that the pageant has definitely served to improve her personality and increase her levels of confidence.

Little Dyana Joaquin during a courtesy call on Minister Ronald Bulkan on Friday. She sports her creative wear

President recommits to coalition ...

greet and listen to him, that the congress will listen to their views, learn about their challenges, share experiences, take decisions, and adopt measures to promote the “good life for all.”

President Granger stressed that given the PNCR’s history, it has “done more and gone far further” than any other party in our history to create an inclusionary democracy; an objective that is prescribed by the Constitution of Guyana.

Meanwhile, President Granger has asserted that his party has performed well. “It is the natural, national leader. It is the party of and for the future,” he stated, while noting that the party is giving effect to the constitutional principle of inclusionary democracy and helping to transform the political culture and the national economy by emphasising the need to reduce inequality; dismantling the authoritarian apparatus of managing municipalities and empowering local communities; managing economic transformation prudently by

Guyanese musician Eddy Grant (second left) stands with former Mayor Hamilton Green (left); Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes (third left); Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally (right) and other attendees just after the opening ceremony of the 20th Biennial Delegates Congress on Friday at Congress Place, Sophia eradicating poverty, eliminating inequality and promoting economic independence; establishing the mechanism to ensure that the incipient

petroleum sector is managed in accordance with the international best principles; and ensuring that the most transformative development

President David Granger and First Lady Sandra Granger arrive to a warm welcome at Congress Place ahead of the opening of the PNCR 20th Biennial Delegates Congress

in our country’s economic history becomes an opportunity to ensure that its revenues provide a sustainable and prosperous future for all.

“Everyone wins with the PNCR – a party which represents all segments and strata of society. The PNCR will continue to guide the government to pursue policies and plans which will ensure that everyone will benefit from economic and social development,” said President Granger.

The PNCR leader noted, too, that within government his party has been a force of good in improving the lives of citizens and the congress re-affirms that the PNCR is a party of the people, for all the people. As such, he foresees the party will emerge strong in the 2018 LGEs to be in a better position to protect local democracy, to empower citizens and to revitalise local communities.

Additionally, President Granger said that his party in partnership with the other stakeholders will compete in the upcoming General and Regional Elections, so that the goal of the ‘good life’ for all can be realised collectively.

“Guyana’s children de-

From page 3 ►

serve to grow up in a country in which the ‘good life’ is assured. Guyanese deserve a party that ensures the protection of the law, safety from criminal Violence, a healthy environment and a good standard of living.

Guyana is a country of a thousand opportunities for prosperity and happiness.

This is the party! This is the country. This is the time!” the President declared.

Before the start of the programme, President Granger, who was accompanied by First Lady Sandra Granger, was entertained by students of the National School of Dance, saxophonist Roy Stewart and the Victoria Regia Quartet.

Themed “Better together for a brighter tomorrow,” the congress will conclude on Sunday with the election of office bearers.

Thereafter, the party will host its first rally ahead of the November 12, 2018 LGEs at the Stabroek Market Square.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon having a brief word with the President at the opening of the PNCR biennial congress late Friday (Photos by Delano Williams)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 18, 2018

600 score zero passes at CSEC

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–– ministry commits to finding out why, addressing it

SOME 600 Guyanese who wrote the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams were unable to score a pass, something that the ministry of education intends addressing in the future, said Chief Education Officer (CEO) Marcel Hutson.

An analysis of the 2018 results has revealed that for

the general and technical proficiencies, the overall pass rate was 69.1 per cent.

The pass rate reflected an increase of about six per cent when compared to that of 2017 which was 63.68 per cent.

Although the increase was welcomed by the ministry, Hutson said they intend addressing the number

of zero passes.

“We did not make the comparison last year, but we have to look at it now; it is something we will be addressing going forward, because it is important to us,” he said, adding that they intend disaggregating the 600 students and isolating the schools in order to recognise where the issue

No room ...

From page 2

the Guyanese people and for this reason I am proud to be associated with this party. I have worked under the leadership of all the Presidents that served in government and I was mentored by them.

Even now, I continue to serve and be mentored under the leadership of our sitting President. My experience as a young person in the party thought me the value of hard work and I attribute my success in life to the time spent serving in the party.

I am passionate about young people and their role in activism.

It is important that you become the change you want to see and play an active role in the development of your country. “ DREAMS AND VISIONS Williams asserted that as the party continues to grow and become stronger, the old must collaborate with the new.

“The word of God says in the book of Joel 2:28 that God will pour out his

spirit on all flesh and old men will dream dreams and young men will see visions.

I posit to you today that both dreams and visions are needed to develop Guyana. As chairman, I have always engaged with the young members of our party and taken on board their suggestions for reform. At the last national elections, you contributed significantly to getting youths to the poll.

You took to social media and developed innovative ways to campaign. For that we thank you. I implore you to remember that the future belongs to you and you must not shrink back, but continue to be proactive without looking for a reward,” Williams said.

He stressed that serving the people effectively requires “us to work on finding a way to integrate all our communities.”

He said it is his hope that integration is not only viewed as an intellectual concept, but will be used to bring us all together through all the regional groups.

“We must be viewed as coordinated, and as a bloc in which we parlay into meaningful projects for our individual

PNCR Chairman and Attorney General Basil Williams sits beside his wife, Mrs Joann Williams at the opening of the party congress (Delano Williams photo)

is.

Observing the zero passes is something the ministry has done for the first time, but they have committed to continuing to monitor it in order to ensure that the number decreases.

The sitting of the 2018 CSEC and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations began on May

7. The Guyana Chronicle had reported that according to information received from the Superintendent of Examinations within the Ministry of Education, Ms. Sauda Kadir, 12,266 candidates registered to sit the examinations this year as compared to 12,684 candidates in 2017.

She had also said that

communities. Comrades, we have arrived at the most critical juncture in the history of the party, and indeed of the Guyanese nation.”

Touching on the emerging oil sector, Williams said in a matter of months the country has to determine this fundamental epoch-making question -- who will the Guyanese people entrust with the custody, care and control of the proceeds of our abundant oil-and-gas resources?

ELECT TESTED AND TRIED He said “surely not those who in 23 years failed to distribute what wealth we had, to all of the Guyanese people, but hoarded it for themselves, families and cronies.

Yes, they starved us; they impoverished us; and discriminated against and

923 candidates would be writing the CAPE examinations this year, as opposed to the 851 who wrote it in 2017.

The Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) had reported that 11,000 pupils across the Region who wrote CSEC last May/June did not get passes.

marginalised us. It falls to us therefore, in these hallowed halls of Congress Place, to save and protect our nation by ensuring we elect our most “tested, tried and proven comrades,” including with a history of sharing and distributing, to enable us to gain the confidence of the electorate, to win the slated National and Regional Elections.”

Williams then warned that this was not the time to experiment or take chances with another 23 years. “We cannot sit around like timorous souls, we must strike out like bold spirits! “Is it not written-- If the blind leads the blind, they both shall fall into the bottomless pit.”

It is therefore vital that President David Arthur Granger has a winning team to help him to continue in government, so he can give the Guyanese people the good life he promised them.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 18, 2018

‘Anything’s possible with God, hard work’ – CSEC high-flyers urge those hoping to write next year

By Lisa Hamilton GUYANA has turned out a number of top students at this year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, with several of the future leaders leaving strong words of advice.

Coming after the country’s top student Christian Pile of Queen’s College who gained 19 Grade Ones is Shakira Bholo from Anna Regina Secondary who acquired 18 Grade Ones and 2 Grade Twos.

Inching close behind with 18 Grade Ones is 16-year old Salma Majeed from the Isa Islamic School (ISA), who told the Guyana Chronicle of her experience.

“Making a commitment of such a large amount of subjects is undoubtedly challenging, and it calls for a lot of hard work and persistence.

And, of course, consistently praying, since nothing is possible without the will of God.” Speaking further on the

subjects she tackled, Salma added: “The easiest were Information Technology, Languages and Math, while the most challenging were Add Math and Physics.”

She is aspiring to become a lawyer and humanitarian with her next move being to sit the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) examinations.

“To all the younger students, I want to advise them to work hard and pray. God will answer your prayers.

Hard work and late nights truly pay off in the end, and it will be worth it. I wish them all the best,” the youngster said.

Meanwhile, walking away with 17 Grade Ones; 1 Grade Two and 1 Grade Three is Haema Dasrath, who recounted her experience. “It wasn’t easy; I can tell you that, but I think anybody can do it, once you push yourself and put the effort into it.”

Haema said that she preferred to study at nights rather than during early mornings, and had to give up some

of her leisure time to focus on what was priority.

Now, she wants other students to know that it doesn’t matter which school they attend, they can excel with the right drive and mentality.

‘YES YOU CAN!’ “My advice would be that I think anybody could do it from any school, whereever you are. It’s just that some people might be on a different level than you are, but that means that you’re going to have to do the work to put extra effort into it for you to do it. If someone is from another school and you think you can’t do it, I would say, ‘You can,’” Haema said.

The 17-year-old wants to peruse a career within the law system, perhaps as a Prosecution Attorney in the near future and is currently taking SAT classes to work her way into one of the top ivy-league schools.

At the same sitting, Aarti Hooblall of

Haema Dasrath: 17 Grade Ones; one Grade Two and one Grade Three

Yashoda Samaroo: 15 Grade Ones and two Grade Twos

Reseda Hack:15 Grade Ones; three Grade Twos and one Grade Three

Sushmita Mangru: 14 Grade Ones and one Grade Two

Turn to page 11►

Kirsten Caesar: 13 Grade Ones and four Grade Twos

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 18, 2018 From page 10►

‘Anything’s possible with ...

Jaishree Persaud: 12 Grade Ones, four Grades Twos and one Grade Three

Krystal Cummings: 14 Grade Ones and four Grade Twos

for now will return to Form Six. In leaving a few words to her up-and-coming colleagues, she said: “Life is no joke, and CSEC is a part of life. Don’t take it for granted!

Even though you may come from a top school or a low school, it is still hard. If you don’t put in practice, and if you be over-confident, well, the marks might surprise you.”

Sixteen-year-old Sushmita Mangru, who copped

Navindra Persaud: 13 Grades Ones and two Grade Twos

Queen’s College obtained 17 Grade Ones and 3 Grade Twos.

“It’s more than what I expected; I feel very happy.

I’m relieved and I thank all the people that helped me: My teachers and my parents,” she said.

For the future, she plans pursuing CAPE examinations right at Queen’s College, after which she plans to advance towards a career in law.

“My advice, as clichéd as it is, is have confidence in yourself; what you believe in, and just strive for your best.

Do your greatest, and be the greatest you,” Aarti said.

Seventeen-year old Reseda Hack, also of Queen’s College attained 15 Grade Ones, 3 Grade Twos, and 1 Grade Three and also took time out to give a response on these achievements.

“That was one of the strangest periods in my life,” she began humorously. “It

Salma Majeed:18 Grade Ones

was really hard, to be honest.

There were a lot of sleepless nights, a lot of studying day and night, a lot of clashing exams, so I had to find the strength to push through.”

But, through it all, she said, she had the support of her family, friends and teachers, all of whom helped make the period easier to endure.

She is preparing to go back to Sixth Form to complete an Associate Degree in Natural Sciences, after which she will map out her next course of action in relation to college.

Meanwhile, Yashoda Samaroo from Queen’s College was awarded with 15 Grade Ones and 2 Grade Twos was pleased to tell of her journey.

‘STAY FOCUSSED!’ “After achieving these results, I’m very happy and I must give thanks to those who helped me on the journey. My future plans include going to

UG and furthering my studies in Law. If I have to give any advice to the younger ones out there, I would say: Remain focussed; fix a plan and stick to it,” she urged.

Securing 14 Grade Ones and 4 Grade Twos is Krystal Cummings of Queen’s College, who said the preparation period was like a roller coaster, but would like to urge other students to put in the work, and they can achieve the same results as she.

“It was confusing, it was hard, it was easy, it was different for each subject area,” Krystal said, adding: “For some I had to go through a lot of reviews with teachers and students to get me back on track. The most challenging subject was Add Math; I had a battlefield with that subject; it was really hard, but the easiest subject was General Math.”

The 16-year old wants to become a paediatrician, but

14 Grade Ones and 1 Grade Two while attending Queen’s College spoke, too, and told the newspaper about her experience.

“I’m feeling very overwhelmed but happy,” she began. “I’m going to go on to write CAPE in the Natural Sciences field, and I hope to become a Paediatrician.”

Her advice to other students is: “Work hard and follow your dreams.”

Seventeen-year-old Kirsten Caesar from Queen’s College was able to achieve 13 Grade Ones and 4 Grade Twos, and was also able to speak on the entire journey.

ON TO UNIVERSITY “My next move is to go to the University of Guyana and do an Associate Degree in Geology and Expiration Mining. When I discovered my results, I wasn’t satisfied at the moment, but I’m thankful that I was able to be on the list of top performers,” Kirsten said, adding: “My advice to future candidates is to dedicate yourselves and don’t procrastinate and just work hard and you will succeed.”

As Queen’s College continues to steal the show, Navindra Persaud, who went away with 13 Grade Ones and 2 Grade Twos and told the newspaper how he juggled academic work and cricket still making it to the top.

“Right now I’m feeling very proud of myself because I was able to achieve my dream of play for the Guyana

Under 17 team representing my country while also balancing it with academics. From now I’ll be going to CAPE examinations and in the future I hope to represent Guyana at the highest level and possibly the West Indies while still exceling in my academics. For students out there, don’t be afraid to follow your dreams because anything you put your mind to you can achieve it,” he said.

Another Queen’s College top performer is Jaishree Persaud who received 12 Grade Ones, 4 Grade Twos and 1 Grade Three speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, said: “Currently I’ve very, very overwhelmed because honestly, I didn’t think that I would have done this well and I when just checked my results I wasn’t that content but it was okay because compared to all the years, all the preparations, it was worth it.”

Jaishree will be pursuing CAPE studies reaching for an Associate Degree in Natural Sciences while she hopes to become a Neurosurgeon or a Cardiologist.

“For students who will be writing next year I really hope that you take all your lessons seriously, you go and you pay attention in class, it’s very important. Don’t underestimate anything and do your best,” she left as encouragement.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 18, 2018

Headteachers welcome volunteers

SEVERAL Headteachers across Guyana are appreciative of the help 33 newly deployed Peace Corps volunteers will provide in addressing pressing education, health and environmental needs in their communities.

On Wednesday, at their swearing-in ceremony hosted at the U.S. Ambassador’s residence, the Guyana Chronicle spoke to these teachers and some of the volunteers who were about to begin their two years of service.

Headteacher of Aishalton Primary in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) Jean Ng-A-Fook told the newspaper that the school which houses 206 students as well as the community will benefit greatly from the support.

“The Environmental Science volunteer we’ll be having will be teach-

Headteacher of Aishalton Primary in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) Jean Ng-A-Fook (Samuel Maughn photo) ing in the school for four days, Mondays to Thursdays from Grades three to six. On Fridays he will

be working with village environmental club and he will be there to revive it,” she said.

She went on to explain that although most villagers care for their environment, the negative effects of mining are still a growing concern in the community.

“The people of Aishalton are mostly concerned about their environment but when it comes to mining they need to preserve their environment. The concern is that the waterways are being polluted. It is not that damaging right now but the people are looking towards the future, they want to take a more environmentaly friendly approach to it,” Ng-A-Fook stated.

Meanwhile, Headteacher of Mackenzie High in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) Haslyn Small said that the Peace Corps volunteer stationed at the school would

be co-facilitating the Health and Family Life Education (HFLE) programme.

This, he added, would be paramount in teaching students how to cope with social issues, many of which currently affect young people in the region.

“We will benefit from the expertise of the volunteers not just in teaching and achieving our aims in the scheme of work and so forth but also in helping to alleviate some of the social ills in the school and in the region. [These include] mental health, teenage pregnancy, surges in HIV/ AIDS, non-communicable diseases and all of those,” Small said.

The volunteer taking on this task is 23-year old Hana Gutierruz from Las Vegas, Nevada who told the newspaper why she decided to become a Peace Corps Volunteer.

Headteacher of Mashabo Primary in Region two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) Modi Beepat and Peace Corps Volunteer Grayson Manzi (Samuel Maughn photo) “I’ve always had an interest in service since I was in high school and so I decided to join the Peace Corps because I had a major interest in community health work. I’ve done a lot of community health work at home in Las Vegas… and I saw the Peace Corps opportunity here in Guyana to do a simple form of outreach abroad and I jumped at the opportunity,” she said.

Prior to their interest in working in the country, several of the new Peace Corps Volunteers knew little about Guyana but are now excited about their opportunity to immerse themselves in a completely new culture.

“I had heard the name before in an article about Guyanese immigrants coming to the United States but I didn’t know where Guyana was,” Hana said, adding, “I think that it’s a beautiful country.”

She spoke further on her stay thus far with her host family stating: “They really took me in as one of their own and I feel like that’s kind of a hallmark of Guyana just being so friendly and kind.”

Meanwhile, coming all the way from Mashabo Primary in Region two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) was the school’s Headteacher, Modi Beepat who said that 11 volunteers will be stationed in the region with one heading his way.

He told the newspaper that after a 30 years hiatus the school, for the first time, was able to attain a ‘List A’ Secondary School in the region following the success of two students at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examination.

Beepat hopes that with

the help of the new Peace Corps Volunteer, 24-year old Grayson Manzi from New York City, the school can continue on this track and to even higher heights.

“With the boost of Mr. Grayson from the Peace Corps we’re hoping to continue the success at Mashabo Primary especially in the area of science because he’ll be working in science and after his first year of working there he’ll be starting a Wildlife Club,” Beepat said, adding: “We really need to develop in environmental science. With persons cutting down trees causing deforestation and so on, Mr. Grayson will help a great deal not only at the school but at the community level to educate these persons in the area about the dangers of cutting down trees and about preserving our animals. These guys, [some community members] when they find a jaguar they would tend to kill it whereas we’re supposed to be preserving our flora and fauna so, I’m happy that we have him as a volunteer in our area to help with that.”

Grayson in turn, told the Guyana Chronicle that following his years of study on Environmental Studies, he thought that his next best option and where he could best apply his skills would be to volunteer.

In his aspiration statement in which he envisioned what his period of service would be like, he stated: “I will adapt to and respect their customs, holding onto the idea that I will be there to serve my host country, that it’s about them, and the more I become a part of them the more I’ll be able to contribute.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 18, 2018

Improved performances at CSEC in Maths,English –– grades in 16 other subject areas also improve

THE Ministry of Education believes that the education sector is on a developmental trajectory and the performance in Mathematics and English at this year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, is evidence of the improvements in the

sector.

“We are on a developmental trajectory and the movement is not exactly where we want it to be, but we are moving and that is what is significant in the education sector,” said Chief Education Officer (CEO), Marcel Hutson during his re-

Customs sting nets $7M in parking lot FOLLOWING a sting operation by the Custom Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) at the Vlissengen Road parking lot of the Popeyes Restaurant, four Corentyne, Berbice residents were on Friday charged for trafficking over $7M worth in cocaine.

Ricardo DenHart, 47; Patrick Ram, 24; Denzil Park, 49 and his 14-year-old son all appeared before the Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan charged for trafficking 10.078 kilograms of cocaine on August 14, 2018 at the restaurant.

Attorney-at-law, Nigel Hughes represented the men and made an application for bail on the grounds that there were special reasons for his clients to be granted Richard DenHart their pre-trial liberty.

According to the facts, the defendants were arrested following a sting operation at the parking lot of the restaurant.

The officers said that they observed two vehicles motor car PWW 8451 and minibus PKK 6944 which were parked next to

Patrick Ram

each other in the parking lot.

The officers noted that DenHart came out from the motor car with a shopping bag in his hands and headed over to the minibus to Ram. Parks and his 14-yearold son were occupants of the bus.

As the exchange was done, the CANU Denzil Park officer swooped down on both vehicles and nabbed the four accused. Both vehicles were searched and behind the driver’s seat of the bus, the ranks found square-shaped brick- like packages, suspected to be cocaine. CCTV footage from the restaurant was retrieved for evidence.

The Chief Magistrate released the teen on $200,000 bail and adjourned the matter until August 24. Meanwhile, the three other defendants were remanded to prison until August 31.

marks at the announcement of the results for CSEC and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) on Friday.

According to statistics from the ministry, English A recorded a pass rate of 67.14 per cent in 2018 as compared to 57.99 per cent in 2017. The English B pass rate in 2018 was 78.6 per cent as compared to 44.45 per cent in 2017.

Mathematics also improved with a pass rate of 43.39 per cent in 2018, as compared to 39.23 per cent in 2017. Additionally, Mathematics remained constant with a pass rate 68.45 per cent in 2018 to 68.61 per cent in 2017.

Hutson believes that the introduction of School Based Assessments (SBAs) to Mathematics and English could have resulted in the improvements.

“In terms of the details, we are yet to get the disaggregation in terms of scores from the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC), but there were also a number of things outside of the SBAs which could have caused the movement which we would have seen, particularly in Mathematics,” said the CEO, noting that among the projects was the Guyana Secondary Improvement Project, which was designed to improve the performance of students by training teachers.

In addition to those subjects, improved performances were evident in 16 subjects; constant in seven subjects and declined in 12 subjects.

Outstanding performances were also noted in seven subjects, where 90 per cent and over gained acceptable grades 1-3.

Some subjects with outstanding performances were agricultural science (double award) with 96.14 per cent; Information Technology with

97.5 per cent; religious education with 96.69 per cent; physical education and sports with 99.92 per cent; and industrial technology- mechanical with 98.57 per cent.

A total of 12,269 candidates were registered for 2018 CSEC, compared to 12,684 registered for 2017.

Subject entries for 2018 were 69,194.

IMPROVED OVERALL An analysis of the 2018 results revealed that the overall pass rate at the general and technical proficiencies for Grade one to three was 69.1 per cent.

The overall pass rate has improved from 2017, when a pass rate of 63.68 per cent was attained.

“I would want to attribute this to behaviour patterns in the education sector…we are beginning to recognise how we ought to function and this is taking traction… all our children are gifted

CEO Marcel Hutson and therefore we have a responsibility to tap into that giftedness and ensure that our children perform with respect to applying the right kind of methodology,” said Hutson.

His view is that persons are becoming more passionate about the examinations and there is more collaboration among parents, teachers and students.

This is evident, because there are improved results despite the challenges which the sector faced and continues to face, he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 18, 2018

Over 300 persons fed from $700,000 – Cathy Hughes … at National Assembly sittings

MINISTER of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes, on Friday, sought to clear the air on the issue of the $700,000 being spent on food for every National Assembly sitting, noting that the money is in fact

spent on food for more than 300 persons.

Minister Hughes pointed out that the picture is being painted to look as though the $700,000 is being spent solely on food for the Members of Parliament (MP), when

in actuality; food is also being provided for the parliamentary staff, media corps, drivers, and other personnel.

“Everybody assumes that the $700,000 is being spent on the 65 MPs, but I want to explain that in fact 309 people are fed from that $700,000 cost at each sitting,” Hughes clarified.

“And this is for one full meal and sometimes one or two snacks depending on how long the session is. So if you do a quick calculation we’re

talking roughly about 2265 per person, so that changes the whole scenario. So the suggestion that it’s caviar that we’re eating is totally unfounded.”

Breaking down the 309, the MPs are not even the largest group receiving food.

“There’s the 65 MPs, and then you have the parliamentary staff which numbers 115. Then you have the media, sometimes we go on until 1am – 3am in the morning and of course they need to be fed, and there’s 40 of them, and also the drivers, including the two drivers associated with Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo, and they come up to 60. And it’s not just drivers for the MPs and government ministers, but other drivers that are there to take the parliamentary staff home. We also have security, we have government officials and medical, all of these people are there at every sitting, and it numbers 309 persons that are fed,” Hughes explained.

Hughes pondered if perhaps Jagdeo is suggesting that these extra personnel should not be fed.

“I go to the washroom at 10pm; the cleaning lady is still there. So I don’t know if Mr. Jagdeo is suggesting that the cleaning staff, the media, and drivers are not entitled to a meal when they are working between 2pm

Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes and 10pm,” Hughes questioned.

The minister also sought to join the Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, and other parliamentarians who are refuting the claims that taxpayers’ money is also being spent to provide lavish and expensive alcoholic beverages to parliamentarians.

Jagdeo, last Thursday, during his weekly press conference, indicated that taxpayers’ money is being spent to provide alcoholic beverages to parliamentarians during the sitting of the National Assembly.

“I’m not talking about food, it is the alcohol part

that I have a problem with.

We should buy our alcohol in parliament, not to have taxpayers pay for our drinking bill,” he said.

But Hughes says it is not so.

“The perception that every single sitting has a table with alcohol flowing is totally inaccurate, it’s a blatant lie.

We have alcohol if we’re having like a Christmas party or every now and again if it’s a birthday somebody might walk with something to drink. But to suggest that we’re wasting taxpayers money [on alcohol] is nothing short of deceitful,” she said.

Victim says he was robbed by childhood friend

A 22-year -old man of Charlestown was on Friday remanded for allegedly robbing a childhood friend at gunpoint.

The man, James Murphy, who had no lawyer, denied the charge which read that on August 15, 2018 at Georgetown, while being in the company of others and armed with a gun, robbed Mark Braithwaite of one gold band valued $185,000 and $165,000 cash.

The Police prosecutor objected to bail due to the seriousness of the offence and the penalty the charge attracts.

According to the facts given by the police, on the night in question, the virtual

complainant and some friends were drinking on Broad Street when a silver grey car pulled up and the accused and four others exited. One of the men was armed with a gun. According to the victim, he knew the accused since he was a child growing up in the same area, so he shouted at the accused: “How can you rob me?” But the man ignored him and escaped along with the others. The police went to the home of the accused and arrested him which he denied the allegation.

Bail was refused by Senior Magistrate Leron Daly and Murphy was remanded to prison until August 24, 2018.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 18, 2018

‘It wasn’t easy but it paid off’

By Vanessa Braithwaite

IMAGINE having to wake up three hours earlier than your peers to prepare for school and then having to endure a close to two- hour bus ride from one town to another, just to get an education at a top-ranking high school in the country.

Bleary-eyed, tired and exhausted were just some of the adjectives used by the hundreds of students who journeyed every day from Linden to attend school in Georgetown to describe their daily routine.

After realising the growing number of children who were making this journey daily from the mining town to the city, minibus owners decided to offer their services at a cost of $20,000 a head per month.

But while bussing the children to school in town has turned out to be a lucrative venture for minibus owners, it is the novelty of it all and the adventure that their young charges would relish most.

Many did this for the entire five-year stint at high school, and would have recently sat the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.

Wainwright Marshall, who attended St Joseph’s High and wrote 13 subjects, said that for most of the five years, travelling more than 65 miles twice a day was very hard, especially when he entered fifth form and the workload became heavier.

The hardest part for him, as it was for the rest of the students, was getting up early, and for this he has his mother, Debra Marshall, to thank because many mornings he would have missed the bus were it not for her.

READY AND WAITING He had to be ready and waiting for the bus by 06:30h, and many times had to do a ‘Usain Bolt’ to be at the pickup location on time.

After school, the bus would make the return journey around 18:00h. By then his poor body would be so drained it was an effort to carry on, but because he was determined to succeed, he mustered the strength to complete his assignments and put in some revision before catching some sleep.

When it was time for him to attend lessons and practise labs, it got worse, since many a times he would miss the bus back home and have to travel up to Linden late at nights,

– says Linden teens of those daily commutes to, from school in GT

Wainwright Marshall sometimes reaching home around 22:00 hrs.

“Mom would hope that I reach home that time, because she couldn’t get to sleep.

And even that late, I still had to push in the extra work,” Wainwright related.

“I had to use those alarms from those small phones, turn up the volume and then plug it into the speaker, so when it went off, the whole house used to be hearing it,” he jocularly recalled.

“And if that didn’t wake me up, the screams of mommy to turn it off would, because the whole house used to make noise.”

The fifth-former is elated that he excelled at his 13 subjects despite having to face the many hurdles he did. He is also appreciative of the many sacrifices his parents made, because it was hard on them financially as well. “I would like to give thanks to God and to my parents, and for all those like my uncle who supported me,” Wainwright said in closing.

Serena Roberts of Queen’s College who wrote 12 subjects, also travelled every day from Linden for school. Like Wainwright, her biggest challenge was waking up early, and even after doing it for five years, she never really got accustomed doing it.

She made up for the loss of sleep, however, by sleeping throughout the journey to Georgetown, as most of the other students did.

THE ONE ADVANTAGE But when the need arose, however, she would use the time on the way to school to study and complete assignments. “That was one advantage for me,” Serena said, adding: “In the mornings, I would do subjects that had more notes because everyone was sleeping and it was quiet, but in the afternoons, I would revise lighter subjects, since it was noisier.”

Another challenge was having to leave earlier some

Serena Roberts

days to attend morning lessons in Georgetown, so instead of waking up at 05:30h, she would now wake up at 04:00h to catch an earlier bus. The one thing travelling daily has taught her, Serena said, is not to procrastinate and to have a schedule so as to strategise how best she can use the free time remaining

from travelling long hours to do some work.

She is extremely grateful to her parents, whom she said has to face the financial challenges associated with sending her to school in town.

“It’s not like I could have come home for snacks or so; I had get to get money for snacks every day, and it was

long hours,” Serena said. “So, even though it didn’t take much of a toll on me, I knew it took a toll on them and I’m grateful.”

She is also grateful to her contract driver and her friends who travelled the bus with her over the five years. “It was never boring on the bus,” she said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 18, 2018

Rolling back the years with Mohanlani Chatterdeo – Guyana’s first CSEC regional top performer

By Vishani Ragobeer

school’s auditorium, which had only been decorated with giant boards bearing the names of scholars of the A-Level examinations.

“Winning the coveted award in 1997 signalled the beginning of a new era for our students, and gave them new wings on which to soar,” Mohanlani said.

“Given the numerous students who have since emulated that feat, in retrospect, I think that watershed moment inspired future generations to rise from the ashes like the mighty Phoenix,” she said, adding: “It was a rebirth of the new Queen’s College to welcome the new millennium.”

Don’t be mistaken though, Guyanese students had been among the Caribbean’s ‘Crème de la Crème’ during the prior years, but the country could not quite clinch the CXC’s ‘Most Outstanding Overall Performance’ at the CSEC examinations.

It began with Chatterdeo’s 10 subjects in 1998, and continued, albeit intermittently, with QC boy Michael Bhopaul’s 25 subjects in 2017.

IT was back in 1998, just about 20 years ago, when one student from Guyana managed to push past all other candidates from the Caribbean to earn the title of Most Outstanding Overall Performer.

That feat is touted the watershed event that set the pace for Guyana’s continued domination to date; this was the magnitude of the performance of one promising Queen’s College (QC) student, Mohanlani Chatterdeo.

“I can recall that it was in the middle of January 1998,” Chatterdeo reflected as though it was only last year.

She further recalled: “We were in South Ruimveldt in our temporary location for classes, while the edifice at Camp Street was being rebuilt following the disastrous fire the previous year.”

She vividly remembers the acting Principal, Mrs. Wendell Roberts telling her that her performance at the CSEC examinations had been adjudged by the CXC the most outstanding in all the region.

“She handed me my copy of the letter of notification and I read it in disbelief,” Mohanlani recounted, and shared that while she was elated, she was immersed in a huge wave of vindication.

Months before, in September 1997, young Mohanlani had been awarded the Office of the Prime Minister’s Award as the top national performer at CSEC, but her award was met with much controversy over the criteria used to ascertain this.

But with the CXC naming her their top performer, it was revealed that the same criteria had been employed by both CXC and Guyana’s education ministry. This was her vindication.

According to Mohanlani, the victory was not hers alone; that rather it was something that the entire school needed.

Over the years, QC has been accepted as the region’s top secondary institution for garnering excellent matriculation rates, consistently topping the country and the Caribbean.

DISASTER STRIKES But in 1997, disaster struck when the school was set ablaze and hundreds of students forced to relocate. Morale was at an all time low.

“Given that we were physically displaced at the time, the news was a welcome boost to our low morale,” Mohanlani posited. She also contended that this news was just what the QC students needed to restore school spirit which had been burnt low, literally and figuratively.

And more than boosting the school spirit, the award was added to the foyer of the

FLASHBACK: Mohanlani Chatterdeo as the top performer

EXAM TIME Just as she has been able to recall what it felt like being a top performer, Mohanlani also distinctly remembers what preparation for these examinations felt like.

Her journey at Queen’s College, beginning from Form One (Grade Seven), started off with her copping seventh position in her class to first place in Form Three.

For the CSEC examinations, Mohanlani said, “I knew that I was prepared to put forth my best effort in each exam; I knew I would have done well amongst my peers at Queen’s and possibly across the country, but I had never given any thought to beyond these shores.”

During her examination period, Mohanlani said that she was a nervous wreck. She was in the science stream and chose to write 10 subjects, a feat unheard of at the time.

This necessitated extra lessons from as early as 06:00h and again late in the evening at about 19:00h.

And these lessons were taken in addition to the supplementary classes that were held to facilitate science students who wanted to sit both French and Spanish when the timetable for those subjects had been geared towards students in the Arts Stream. She recalled graciously that these were only made possible through supportive teachers who went above and beyond the call of duty.

“We started with French and Spanish oral examinations in April, and I breezed through those, so I was heading into the main examinations on a high note,” Turn to page 17 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 18, 2018

Essequibo lad one step closer – to becoming the chemist he’s always wanted to be

By Indrawattie Natram AT just 18, Shaveshwar Deonarine of Sparta, on the Essequibo Coast, is one step closer to becoming the chemist he’s always dreamt of being.

A former student of the Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary School (ARMS), Deonarine graduated with 13 ‘Ones’ and four ‘Twos’ at the 2017 round of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.

Apart from that, he was the top performer for Sparta Primary School when he wrote the National Grade Six Assessment in 2012.

Deonarine who has a passion for the sciences believes that one day his knowledge can have a positive impact on Guyana and the world.

He is currently doing an internship at the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST) preparatory to pursuing a Degree in Chemistry at the University of Guyana.

He has every intention of studying

until he attains a PhD in Chemistry. And apart from being a chemist, he would also like to study forensics and ballistics, as these subjects have always captured his attention. And if given the opportunity, he can prove to be a useful human resource to the nation.

He feels that young people need to be more responsible, and to value the little things in life. He’s urging his fellow teenagers to be humble in all their future endeavours and to never forget that it’s the simple things that matter in life.

He is also urging those preparing for examinations, whether it’s CSEC, NGSA or finals to focus on their studies and to always remember that revision is important. He also said that it is important for young people to honour their parents, and used the opportunity to thank his parents for the support they’ve given him throughout the years.

Deonarine, who is already at UG, said that thus far, he is enjoying it there and trying to cope in a different environment.

Shaveshwar Deonarine in ‘lab’ gear

Rolling back the ...

Mohanlani recalled. But she also shared that she slept an average of three to four hours each night during the entire examination period.

“By the end of the exams, I had no fingernail on my right index finger, as at that time, I had been addicted to nail biting!” she joked.

But as the days drew closer to the release of the results, her older brother, himself a QC alumnus, would tease her whenever the phone rang, saying that it was the Chronicle calling!

He was always convinced that she was a top performer.

Subsequent to the results and finding out that she had indeed topped, Mohanlani went on to sit ‘A’ Levels at Queen’s College, while also doing private group studies with friends and simultaneously preparing to write the Standard Aptitude Tests (SATs) in December 1998.

PLANS CHANGE “In January 1999, mere months before A-Level examinations, I was pulled aside by my Biology teacher and warned that I was displaying warning signs of burnout,” Mohanlani said, adding: “She advised that I take some time off to let my brain recuperate, but in youthful naive-

ty, I shrugged off her concerns.”

Months later when the results were released, she had managed only three ‘Cs’ and a ‘D’, and that was a severe wake-up call since she had been hoping to pursue the Doctor of Dental Surgery programme at UWI, St. Augustine in Trinidad.

At this juncture, she instead commenced the Bachelor of Science programme in Biology at the University of Guyana, where she earned straight ‘As’ and a 4.0 GPA in the first year, which allowed her to transfer to the Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery programme (MBBS) at the University of Guyana.

Upon completing the first year of the MBBS earning 5As, 3Bs and a C, she witnessed the miscarriage of a baby in her family which caused her to rethink her career choice.

Mohanlani shared: “I watched as baby’s dad, a doctor himself, was helpless to save his own kin and knew I could not tread that path.”

She later read for the LLB at the University of Guyana, graduating with Credit and thereafter graduating on the Principal’s Honour Roll at the Hugh Wooding Law School.

“I can vividly recall wanting to complete

From page 16►

the Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry then pursue a Masters Degree and possibly PhD but 20 years ago, there was tremendous pressure from family to either become a doctor or a lawyer,” she noted.

She went on to become President of the Law Society at UG in her final year.

Presently, Mohanlani is a trained lawyer, and October 2018 will mark 10 years since she was called to the Bar. She shared: “My first five years were spent as a Legal Officer/Corporate Secretary with State entities, and subsequent to that, I lectured Commercial Law and Law for Bankers part-time at the University of Guyana for two years before taking time off to address certain health issues.

Last year, after years of medical issues, a high-risk pregnancy and prolonged bed rest, Mohanlani became a first-time mother at 36 years of age, and has remained at home to date.

“I would like to someday further my studies by pursuing my LLM, but for now my attention is on raising my son and expanding my family, if God so permits,” she said, adding: “I am one of those persons who would keep studying until old age, finances permit-

ting.”

IN RETROSPECT “My stellar performance reinforced in me that hard work, dedication and prayers can move mountains,” the top performer noted, adding: “I am proud to boast that Guyana has now won the coveted award more times than any other country!”

Looking back, she also believes that all of the effort she put into it was worth it and she would do it all over again in a heartbeat!

“If I could do anything differently, I wouldn’t have stressed myself out so much over the small things. I cried many nights because I was a perfectionist; I probably wouldn’t have cried over that Grade 2 I got in Biology!” the young mother noted.

But with this in mind, she shared that her advice to youths hoping to follow in her footsteps would be to just put your best effort forth!

She stressed: “Each examination we take is just a stepping stone to something greater in life. In the real world, there isn’t a standard matrix for success; success is something that is specific to every human being. We cannot judge ourselves and our success by someone else’s yardstick.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 18, 2018

Charity begins at home

By Nafeeza Yahya

BACK in 2014, then 16-year-old Tressyia Ketwaroo emerged fourth in the country at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams.

She’d secured 16 Grade Ones and one Grade Two passes. Her goal then was to get into the medical field.

Today, four years later, the former Skeldon Line Path Secondary student is preparing to begin the third of a five-year programme of study at the University of Guyana’s

Turkeyen campus where she is reading for a BSc in Dental Surgery.

She told the Guyana Chronicle that she was inspired to become a dentist after recognising the need for persons to take their oral health seriously.

“I feel it’s important people start realising the significance of oral health; that they try and start to treat it as important as general health because it’s equally important,” Tressyia said, adding: “It’s not just about getting a tooth extracted it’s so much

more. Many are not aware of the preventative measures that they can take and how it’s an integral part of general health.”

She explained that completing the five-year programme is only the first of many steps in achieving her ultimate goal, which may very well take another four years of studying.

That ultimate goal for Tressyia would be closer to being realised when she begins studying to become a specialist in an area of medicine called Oral Maxillofacial

– for aspiring dental surgeon who wants to return, service community

Surgery (OMFS), which, according to Wikipedia, is the treating of many diseases, injuries and defects associated with the head, neck, face, jaws and the hard and soft tissues of the mouth.

Since this programme is not offered in Guyana, she plans to continue her studies at a university abroad, and upon completion return

Tressyia Ketwaroo

to her homeland to open her own dental clinic in her hometown of Berbice.

“I find, especially in Berbice, it’s being neglected compared to other places in Guyana,” Tressyia said.

“So I took all of that into consideration and wanted to help and do more for where I live, so at the end of it all, I come back here and help to promote good oral practices; in educating and bringing awareness.”

QUITE DEMANDING Despite making it look simple, Tressyia said the transition from secondary to tertiary education is quite demanding, and that without proper focus and determination one can easily lose track.

Recalling the journey after receiving her CSEC results in 2014, Tressyia said she commenced studies at the New Amsterdam Multilateral where she sat seven subjects at the Caribbean Advanced Proviciency Examination (CAPE) level.

There, she had her first taste of what she had to prepare for, as she wasn’t too pleased with her CAPE results. But being the fighter she is, she was determined to do better. So, in 2015, she enrolled at the University of Guyana Tain Campus, where she began reading for an Associate Degree in Biology so she could follow her dreams of what she really wanted.

Which was to ensure she had a high enough GPA in the first year of the programme to ensure she was accepted into the dentistry programme at the University of Guyana Turkeyen Campus.

When this publication visited her in 2014, Tressyia had mentioned taking up a

career in the medical field in the area of Neurosurgery.

“I wasn’t thinking dentistry then; I was more interested in Neurosurgery, as at that time it interested me a lot and still does,” Tressyia said, “but my passion lies in Dentistry; I find it more interesting.

“My mom was a huge encouragement while I was deciding, so I did a lot research and became intrigued.”

A true country girl, Tressyia still misses the daily home-cooked meals the most, and travels home every weekend to reunite with her family and savour her mom’s cooking, and would take extras back with her to last her throughout the week.

As she continues to follow her dream, Tressyia would like to urge CSEC graduands to start thinking about their future early, and to be prepared to work hard.

“I would like to tell them to start thinking about what they want to do in the future and start thinking how to get there; start planning,” she said, adding: “And while some may have already figured out what to do, they should plan on how to get there and work towards it and find a balance between studying, and be prepared to work hard to achieve their goals.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 18, 2018

Cop charged with murder of Brazilian miner

POLICE Constable Robert Daniels found himself on the wrong side of the law on Friday when he appeared before the Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, charged for the murder of a Brazilian miner

Police Constable, Robert Daniels as he hid his face from the media in the Puruni District, Cuyuni/Mazaruni.

Daniels of Victoria Road, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara was shackled at his hands and feet and kept pulling his jersey over his face to shield his identity from the reporters who were awaiting his arrival at the court.

Daniels, who was attached to the Kurupung Police Station, quickly made his way through the court chute and into the courtroom. He was not required

to plead to the capital offence which alleged that on August 11 at Puruni he murdered 37-year-old Evastevo Marques Costa.

The constable was represented by attorney Patrice Henry who made an application for the particulars of the charge to be reviewed by the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP).

The attorney contended that his client acted in self-defence since Costa shot at him with his firearm and Daniels returned fire with his service weapon.

Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield told the court that the police file was still incomplete and requested a short adjournment.

Daniels was remanded to prison until August 30 when the matter will be recalled at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court.

According to the police, investigations revealed that the Subordinate Officer and Constable of the Kurupung Police Station left the said station on August 10, leaving on an ATV for patrol duties while being armed with a.30 carbine rifle.

They subsequently joined a boat and proceeded to a landing along the Puruni River.

Police said on arrival at the landing sometime around midday on Saturday,

August 11, the Subordinate Officer claimed that he remained in the boat while the Constable, who was armed with the rifle, exited and proceeded to a shop and shortly after two loud explosions were heard which

DEAD: Evastevo Marques Costa caused him (the Subordinate Officer) to proceed to make inquiries.

According to the police, the Subordinate Officer mentioned that the Constable told him that a male discharged a round at him and he returned fire.

The body of a male Brazilian was seen lying on the ground a short distance away; he was picked up, placed in a boat and taken to the main Landing.

Police said during this time another Subordinate Officer and a Detective Constable of the Bartica

Police Station who were in the said area on duty investigating a report of alleged

threats, arrived at the scene and took possession of the firearm which was in pos-

session of the Constable.

The Divisional Commander was alerted.

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Canadian Karting Championships 2018

Rayden Persaud campaigns in the West at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (Mosport). (Stephan Sookram photo)

... Poor visibility, changing conditions hamper Persaud

By Stephan Sookram

T

ORRENTIAL downpour at the Canadian Tire Motorsports Park (Mosport) caused limited visibility, and eventually hampered young Guyanese Rayden Persaud in his event.

Competing in the Junior Rok Class of the Canadian Karting Championship, Persaud managed to qualify eight on the grid of 18 drivers in the earlier session.

Qualifying was split into three groups, considering the large number of competitors, and Persaud led the first group on track in wet conditions.

He returned a 1.11.7 seconds time which was the average of the first session, but as the second and third group came out, the track dried out allowing for faster times to be attained.

Added to that was a speedier approach to qualifying, which only featured two hot laps, as against in Guyana where drivers are given five

American Racing Tips Saratoga Race 1 Azzedine Race 2 Southern Bridge Race 3 Forge Race 4 He’s The Souperwon Race 5 Tee Up Race 6 Most Mischief Race 7 Lovely La La Race 8 Rushing Fall Race 9 Midnight Bisou Race10 Neoclassic Canadian Racing Tips Woodbine Race 1 Adelle’s Princess Race 2 You’re Batman Race 3 Fafa Fooley Race 4 Stormy Summer Race 5 First Shot Race 6 Rince Tapaigh Race 7 Glacier Race 8 Adios Mia Race 9 Strike The Flag Race10 Aheadbyacentury English Racing Tips Doncaster 08:15 hrs Space War 08:45 hrs Alba Del Sole 09:15 hrs Mehdaayih 09:50 hrs Princely 10:25 hrs Normandy Barriere 11:00 hrs Classic Pursuit 11:35 hrs Windsor Cross 12:05 hrs Andok Ripon 08:30 hrs Off Piste 09:05 hrs Gin In The Inn

laps.

In today’s heat, however; a sudden downpour meant that the dry weather slicks had to be swapped for the wet weather tyres literally minutes before the race began.

However, some expert mechanical work by Stefan Jeffrey allowed for them to just make pre-grid seconds before they were let out onto the track.

While the formation lap started with a light drizzle, by the time they got to the starter, a full storm was on. A false start did not help Persaud either, as he fell to the back and could not get back to his spot in time when the race was restarted.

That, coupled with poor visibility saw him end 15th, but still optimistic of a better performance.

“Yeah, it was bad today (yesterday). I couldn’t see.

But I’ll still start eighth tomorrow (today) so there is some hope to make the best of that. It was my first race here in the wet, so I am learning,” he said.

09:40 hrs Kuwait Station 10:15 hrs Teruntum Star 10:50 hrs Double Reflection 11:25 hrs Mikmak 12:00 hrs Qawamees Newbury 08:30 hrs Antonia De Vega 09:25 hrs Raymond Tusk 10:00 hrs Mystic Flight 10:35 hrs Gustav Klimt 11:10 hrs Sextant 11:40 hrs Hidden Depths 12:15 hrs Outofthequestion Newmarket 09:10 hrs Khaadem 09:45 hrs Staxton 10:20 hrs Goodnight Girl 10:55 hrs Star Terms 11:30 hrs Sleeping Lion 12:05 hrs Dubawi Prince 12:35 hrs Prevent Irish Racing Tips Tramore 11:20 hrs Tooreen Katie 11:50 hrs Moktamel 12:20 HRS Baliyad 12:50 hrs Creative Talent 13:20 hrs Bronagh’s Belle 13:50 hrs Tornado Watch 14:20 hrs Hey Little Boy South Africa Racing Tips Kenilworth 08:20 hrs Run To Denmark 09:00 hrs Made In Hollywood 09:35 hrs Hamie’s Fan 10:10 hrs Rochester 10:45 hrs Troop The Colour 11:20 hrs Magic Mary

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 18, 2018

Darren Bravo, McCullum turn tables on Stars in breathtaking chase (CMC) – Darren Bravo and Brendon McCullum produced one of the greatest displays of power-hitting in the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) to lead the Trinbago Knight Riders to a shocking win over the St Lucia Stars here Thursday night.

Bravo belted an unbeaten 94 from just 36 balls. laced with six boundaries and 10 sixes and McCullum smashed 68 from 42 balls during a fourth-wicket stand of 137 to help the Knight Riders snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, overhauling the Stars’ challenging total of 212 for two, to reach 218 for five in 19.5 overs.

The result left fans at the Darren Sammy Stadium in disbelief, as their team’s losing streak increased to 15, dating back to 2017.

After Rahkeem Cornwall had struck twice in successive overs to leave the Knight Riders on 20-2, a Stars victory seemed on the cards.

And even when Bravo joined the hard-hitting McCullum at 71-3, few believed there was any hope for the Knight Riders, including St Lucia’s Prime Minister Allan Chastanet, who was in the stands.

Heading into the final five overs they required 85 runs for a seemingly impossible victory.

But in the ensuing over, Bravo took his fellow countryman Pollard to the cleaners, smashing him for five huge sixes in an over which yielded 32 – the most expensive ever in the history of the CPL. McCullum then joined in on the act, clouting Obed McCoy for two sixes and a four in the next over which went for 21, as the Stars’ bowlers suddenly began to lose their

composure.

By the time Mitchell McClenaghan returned to account for the wickets of McCullum and Javon Searles within three balls of each other in the 19th over to leave the score on 209-5,

That immediately paid dividends as he pummelled Fawad Ahmed over midwicket for six and soon after hit fast bowler Shannon Gabriel out of the ground twice.

He quickly raced to the third-fastest 50 in this year’s

competition, off just 25 balls, before losing his wicket soon after.

That brought Pollard to the crease and together with Warner, belted 80 runs from the last five overs.

Pollard’s 50 came from

just 18 balls, the joint-fastest ever in the CPL’s history, as he finished unbeaten on 64 off 23 balls inclusive of one boundary and seven sixes.

Warner was much more patient, his unbeaten 72 requiring 55 balls and contain-

ing four boundaries and three sixes.

In the end though, it wasn’t enough, as the Knight Riders claimed their second win of the competition while handing the Stars their fourth loss.

SCORECARD

ST LUCIA STARS innings A. Fletcher c Searles b Gabriel 17 D. Warner not out 72 R. Cornwall c wkp. Ramdin b Searles 53 K. Pollard not out 65 Extras: (lb-1, w-3, nb-1) 5 Total: (2 wkts, 20 overs) 212 Fall of wickets: 1-49, 2-128.

Bowling: Searles 4-0-36-1, Ali Khan 4-0-49-0, Narine 3-0-26-0, Gabriel 2-0-28-1, Fawad Ahmed 3-0-22-0, DJ Bravo 4-0-50-0.

Darren Bravo and Brendon McCullum share a match-winning stand.

(Credit: CPL via Getty Image)

the damage had already been done.

Denesh Ramdin hammered the final nail with a six, the 34th of the match, off the penultimate ball that not only sealed the win but also equalled the record for most sixes in a Twenty20 match.

Earlier, half-centuries by David Warner, Rahkeem Cornwall and Pollard had pushed the Stars to their highest-ever total and given them a real chance of picking up their first win in the competition in over a year.

It was the first time in CPL history that three batsmen had scored half-centuries.

Following the dismissal of Andre Fletcher for 17, and the score on 49 in the sixth over, Pollard made the bold decision to promote Cornwall.

TKR innings S. Narine c Pollard b Cornwall 9 C. Lynn lbw Cornwall 4 C. Munro c Hemraj b Pollard 25 B. McCullum c wkp. Fletcher b McClenaghan 68 DM Bravo not out 94 J. Searles c wkp. Fletcher b McClenaghan 0 D. Ramdin not out 8 Extras: (b-1, w-8, nb-1) 10 Total: (5 wkts, 19.5 overs) 218 Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-20, 3-71, 4-208, 5-209.

Bowling: Hodge 4-0-31-0, Cornwall 4-0-52-2, Pollard 4-0-52-1, Hemraj 2-0-21-0, McClenaghan 3-0-21-2, McCoy 2.5-0-40-0.

RESULT: TKR WON BY FIVE WICKETS. MAN-OF-THE-MATCH: DARREN BRAVO.

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 18, 2018

Brazil call up Andreas Pereira, Arthur but omit Man City stars

B

ARCELONA’S new signing Arthur and Manchester United rising star Andreas Pereira are in line to make their international debuts for Brazil.

The midfield duo have been named in Tite’s squad for September friendlies against United States and El Salvador.

Manchester City had four players in Brazil’s World Cup squad but there is no place for any of them in Tite’s latest 24-man selection, with Real Madrid left-back Marcelo also notably missing.

Danilo is injured but Fernandinho and Eder-

son are surprise omissions, while Gabriel Jesus drops out after failing to score at Russia 2018.

Ederson won his first senior cap for Brazil earlier this year but has been left out of the squad for personal reasons.

Pedro, the 21-year-old Fluminense forward who is the top scorer in the Brazilian league with 10 goals, is another potential debutant included the squad.

With the international matches clashing with the first leg of the Copa do Brasil semi-finals, Flamengo look set to be without Lucas Paqueta after the uncapped midfielder was included along with the

club’s teenage goalkeeper Hugo.

Full-backs Fagner, who plays for Corinthians, and Cruzeiro’s Dede are also set to miss the opening games of the semis.

Liverpool’s new signing Fabinho is listed among the full-backs and is included alongside club team-mates Alisson and Roberto Firmino.

Paris Saint-Germain trio Neymar, Marquinhos and Thiago Silva all make the cut, although Dani Alves is injured.

BRAZIL SQUAD IN FULL: Alisson (Liverpool), Hugo (Flamengo), Neto

(Valencia); Dede (Cruzeiro), Fabinho (Liverpool), Fagner (Corinthians), Felipe (Porto), Filipe Luis (Atletico Madrid), Marquinhos (PSG), Alex Sandro (Juventus), Thiago Silva (PSG); Arthur (Barcelona), Renato Augusto (Beijing Guoan), Casemiro (Real Madrid), Philippe Coutinho (Barcelona), Fred (Manchester United), Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo), Andreas Pereira (Manchester United); Douglas Costa (Juventus), Everton (Gremio), Roberto Firmino (Liverpool), Neymar (PSG), Pedro (Fluminense), Willian (Chelsea).

(Sportsmax)

No Messi in Argentina squad as Simeone wins first call-up

G

I O VA N N I Simeone has been named in the Argentina squad for the first time for next month’s friendly matches, with Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero among those left out.

Barcelona star Messi was expected to be rested for the games against Guatemala and Colombia, according to reports in his homeland, and may not resume international duties until 2019.

Aguero, Angel Di Maria, Gonzalo Higuain, Nicolas Otamendi, Marcos Rojo, Lucas Biglia and Enzo Perez have also been overlooked, all having played at the World Cup this year.

Fiorentina forward Simeone, the son of Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone, has been included alongside Inter youngster Lautaro Martinez and club captain Mauro Icardi.

Untested youngsters Exequiel Palacios, Alan Franco, Matias Vargas

and Santiago Ascacibar are also in the 29-man squad, which sees the return for Juventus star Paulo Dybala and Zenit’s Leandro Paredes.

two caps for Italy before switching international allegiance to Argentina, is also included.

Argentina face Guatemala in Los Angeles

Lionel Messi

Uncapped Leonel Di Placido, Gonzalo Martinez, Franco Cervi and Walter Kannemann are also in the squad. Franco Vazquez, who won

on September 6 before taking on Colombia in New Jersey six days later, in what will be their first matches under interim boss Lionel Scaloni.

ARGENTINA SQUAD Franco Armani (Rive r ) , G e ro n i m o R u l l i (Real Sociedad), Sergio Romero (Manchester United); Fabricio Bustos (Independiente), Gabriel Mercado (Sevilla), German Pezzella (Fiorentina), Ramiro Funes Mori (Villarreal), Alan Franco (Independiente), Nicolas Tagliafico (Ajax), Walter Kannemann (Gremio), Leonel Di Placido (Lanus), Eduardo Salvio (Benfica), Marcos Acuna (Sporting CP); Leandro Paredes (Zenit), Santiago Ascacibar (Stuttgart), Rodrigo Battaglia (Sporting Lisboa), Gonzalo Martinez (River), Giovani Lo Celso (PSG), Franco Cervi (Benfica), Maxi Meza (Independiente), Matias Vargas (Velez), Franco Vazquez (Sevilla), Exequiel Palacios (River); Angel Correa (Atletico Madrid), Lautaro Martinez (Inter), Mauro Icardi (Inter), Giovanni Simeone (Fiorentina), Cristian Pavon (Boca), Paulo Dybala (Juventus). (Sports Max)

Ex-Pakistan opener banned for 10 years over spot-fixing

Nasir Jamshed made 68 appearances for Pakistan across all formats of the game.

F

ORMER Pakistan opener Nasir Jamshed has been banned for 10 years for his part in the spot-fixing scandal that marred the 2017 Pakistan Super

League.

The 28-year-old, who played in 48 one-day internationals and two Test matches, had already been given a one-year ban for his failure to cooperate with an investigation into the issue.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said Jamshed was the “lynchpin” in the scandal.

Six Pakistani players have been given bans of varying lengths.

The five other players are Sharjeel Khan, Khalid Latif, Mohammad Irfan, Mohammad Nawaz and Shahzaib Hasan.

PCB’s legal adviser Taffazul Rizvi said: “The tribunal has reached the verdict that the PCB’s multiple charges against Nasir Jamshed have been proved and he was banned for 10 years.”

Jamshed’s last international appearance came in March 2015 in an ODI against United Arab Emirates at that year’s World Cup, while he has not appeared in domestic cricket since December 2016. (BBC Sport)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday August 18, 2018) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: 1: Chadwick Walton (Warriors) 2: Colin Munro (TKR) Today’s Quiz: 1: Who are the persons that have served as Warriors

head coach in all CPL cricket to date?

2: Who has the distinction of scoring the first ever CPL century?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 18, 2018

Ben Stokes to return for third Imran Khan confirmed as Test, Sam Curran misses out Pakistan prime minister

B

EN Stokes will make his England return in the third Test against India at Trent Bridge today - four days after being found not guilty of affray.

The 27-year-old Durham all-rounder missed the second Test because of a trial that concluded on Tuesday.

He takes the place of Sam Curran, who was named man-of-the-match in England’s win in the first Test.

“It’s probably the toughest call I’ve had to make as Test captain,” skipper Joe Root told BBC Sport.

“Ben is a proven performer for us for a long period of time and he also played exceptionally well at Edgbaston. He’s in a really good place to go out and play for England.”

England have a 2-0 lead and will seal the five-match series with victory in Nottingham.

India captain Virat Kohli is fit to play despite struggling with a back problem in their huge defeat at Lord’s.

Stokes was not initially named in the England party for the game in Nottingham, but was made available for selection after being found not guilty by a jury in Bristol.

Though he has been cleared of any criminal charges, he is still to face the England and Wales Cricket Board’s disciplinary commission over the events outside a nightclub last September.

For now, he is free to play for England and returns at the earliest opportunity after proving his fitness over two days of practice at Trent Bridge.

that he’s ready to perform at his best,” added Root.

“From that perspective, I have no worries or doubts that he will go and deliver just like he has so many times.”

Curran has impressed since coming into the England team for the second Test against Pakistan in June.

The 20-year-old averages 36.75 with the bat, 23.50

Ben Stokes took six wickets in the first Test before missing the second at Lord’s.

When asked about Stokes’ readiness to play, Root said he had “no doubts” over the Durham man’s state of mind.

“I sat him down last night, just me and him, and I asked him brutally and honestly if he was in the right place to play for England and he assured me

with the ball and his maiden half-century rescued England from a seemingly hopeless position in the first Test against India.

His absence means England lose the variety of his left-armers from their attack, and Root rejected the notion

Curran’s age meant the decision to leave him out was made easier.

“Sam has bought something very different to the attack,” said Root. “He’s done an exceptional job throughout the series.

“I’ve seen it touted around that it’s the easy option to leave him out, but I don’t see it that way. He’s been fantastic when he’s played and I still feel he has a big part to play throughout this series to come.”

India came close to winning the first Test, but were hammered by an innings at Lord’s.

They have now lost nine of their past 11 Tests in England and must win in Nottingham to have a chance of earning their first series success in this country since 2007.

“The only option is to win this game and nothing else,” said Kohli.

“It’s actually a good situation to be in because you literally have no room for thinking about anything else apart from what the team requires at that particular moment.

“Is it up to individuals to stand up and say: ‘I’m going to go out there and make a difference”. (BBC Sport)

Serena Williams half-sister’s killer freed

S

ERENA Williams says she discovered just minutes before her match against Johanna Konta last month that the man convicted of killing her half-sister had been released on parole.

Briton Konta inflicted the worst defeat of Williams’ career by winning 6-1, 6-0 in the first round of the Silicon Valley Classic in San Jose.

Williams’ elder half-sister Yetunde Price, aged 31, was shot dead in 2003.

“I couldn’t shake it out of my mind,” said the 23-time Grand Slam champion.

Robert Maxfield was jailed for 15 years in April 2006 and Williams, 36, attended the sentencing.

She told Time magazine: “No matter what, my sister is not coming back for good behaviour.”

Price was shot dead in Compton, Los Angeles. Her children were 11, nine and five at the time.

“It’s unfair that she’ll never have an opportunity to hug me,” Williams said.

“It was hard because all I

think about is her kids - what they meant to me and how much I love them.

“I would like to practise what I preach, and teach (daughter) Olympia that as well. I want to forgive.

I have to get there. I’ll be there.”

arrived in France for clay court training, adding it was “hard to take from a guy”.

“He’s not a woman, he doesn’t understand that connection, that the best time of the day for me was when I tried to feed her,” she said.

Mouratoglou said the

Johanna Konta took just 53 minutes to beat former world number one Williams on July 30.

Williams returned to the women’s tour earlier this year after giving birth to Olympia last September and breastfed for the first eight months.

But she was told by her coach Patrick Mouratoglou to stop breastfeeding as she

former world number one began to make decisions “through the angle of the family”, adding “tennis has to be the priority”.

Williams said she eventually listened to Mouratoglou to “get her body back”.

She has also revealed she

“fell victim” to social media pressure, using a waist trainer to make her stomach appear smaller for a picture she posted of her post-pregnancy body on Instagram.

“I hated that I fell victim to that,” she added. “It puts a lot of pressure on women, young and old.”

The US Open gets underway in less than two weeks, with Williams vying for a seventh singles title at Flushing Meadows.

Williams, who was runner-up at Wimbledon in July, admitted she is at the “start of a long comeback” after losing in the second round of the Cincinnati Open to Czech Petra Kvitova on Tuesday.

She returns to New York having lost in the US Open semi-finals in both 2015 and 2016.

“I’m trying to get a new vibe there,” said the world number 27.

“But I’m not going in there thinking I’m going to lose. That’s not being Serena. That’s being someone else.” (BBC Sport)

Imran Khan

FORMER cricket star Imran Khan has been elected prime minister of Pakistan in a vote at the country’s National Assembly.

His PTI party won the most seats in July’s elections - setting up Mr Khan to become PM with the help of small parties, more than two decades after he first entered politics.

He will be sworn in today.

Mr Khan, 65, will inherit a country with a mounting economic crisis and he has vowed to create a “new Pakistan”.

The charismatic sports star, who captained Pakistan to a World Cup victory in 1992, has long shed his celebrity playboy image and now styles himself as a pious, populist, anti-poverty

reformer.

He ran on an anti-corruption platform that pledged to improve the lives of the country’s poor with an “Islamic welfare state”.

In yesterday’s vote, Mr Khan was backed by 176 National Assembly members.

His opponent, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Shehbaz Sharif, received 96 votes.

Speaking after the results were revealed, the prime minister-elect vowed to bring about the “change that this nation was longing for”, according to local media.

He promised “strict accountability” for those who had “looted this country”.

“I did not climb on any dictator’s shoulders; I reached this place after struggling for 22 years.”

General Manager of the St Lucia Stars resigns

T

HE General Manager of the St Lucia Stars, Mohammad Khan, resigned yesterday morning. The man who was largely responsible for drafting the current St Lucia Stars team made the announcement after the Stars registered their 15th consecutive defeat.

Mohammad Khan

Khan visited the set of 758 Sports Talk a few weeks ago. In the exclusive interview on DBS TV, Khan was enthusiastic about this

year’s team and believed that the Stars would have a successful 2018 campaign.

So far, the opposite has happened. Stars have had three consecutive games where they were in a position to win but still remain the only team without a point in the competition.

Perhaps the most devastating defeat occurred at home where the Stars registered an impressive 212 first-innings total and still came out on the losing end.

Speculation is rife that the now former general manager may have been at odds with the franchise owner on a number of key issues.

Last year, the franchise decided to move away from Darren Sammy as captain, indicating that when a team is not winning something has to change. This therefore may be the first of many moves to come, as the Stars continue to seek some form of success.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 18, 2018

80 youths completes NSC’s ‘Teach Them Young’ swimming course

Imran Khan seeking redemption at KOTS 3

-Closing ceremony ended on a sour note

A

FTER eight weeks of learning the fundamentals of swimming and participating in various exercises designed to improve swimming, over 80 children aged six to 10 years and 11-16 completed the Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport/National Sports C o m m i s s i o n ’s ( N S C ) ‘Teach Them Young’ swimming course.

The closing ceremony was held at the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, yesterday, where Director of Sport Christopher Jones urged the participants to continue being active in the discipline as well as to balance their books and sport life.

The camp, which began on July 9, featured the younger children (6-10), being taught the basics of swimming, as well as advanced techniques at the National Aquatic Centre, while the older participants

(11-16) took their sessions at Colgrain House Pool on Camp Street.

Chronicle Sport spoke to a few of the participants who all noted that they were pleased with the end result of the course, as they had all successfully learnt how to swim.

However, the programme ended on a sour note, as the closing ceremony started almost an hour late; having been scheduled to begin at 10:00hrs, parents/guardians and loved ones were forced to wait in the blistering sun with little to or no seating arrangements available at the venue.

Several disgruntled persons eventually left the venue after no officials came out to advise the crowd on what was happening.

This lack of organising has been an ongoing trend and one can only hope that in the future, the NSC and general personnel in charge of proceedings improve on their punctuality and organising skills.

Imran Khan in action. (GTRidez photo)

By Stephan Sookram

A Director of Sport, Christopher Jones.

Resaul departs today for ITF tournament in T&T

R

ISING Guyanese junior tennis player, Heimraj Resaul, will depart Guyana today to participate at the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Tobago Under-18 tournament, which is scheduled to run from August 18 to 25.

the ITF Jamaica Under-18, where he came up against intense competition from players across the Caribbean and North America.

He will be facing similar competition at the ITF Tobago tournament, so each win will be its own accomplishment.

Shelly Daly-Ramdyhan

Heimraj Resaul

Resaul recently performed at the Jamaica Blue Mountain Invitational, where he ended as first runner-up in the Boys’ Under-16 category and made it as far as the semifinals of the Boys’ Under-18 category.

He also participated in

Resaul told Chronicle Sport recently that he has done a lot of high intensity training ahead of the tournament, since he anticipates a tough challenge from his competitors.

“Training has been coming along really nice, we’ve been doing a lot of high intensity training due to the level that I’m going to play, it’s been really difficult trying to keep

up but I think I’ve been doing fine,” Resaul related.

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

Resaul has been using his experience from his performance in Jamaica, to train for the tournament in Tobago, with the hopes to improve.

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

With just a few weeks between competitions, Resaul could not work on everything

he had hoped to. However, he still managed to work on a few improvements.

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

Resaul’s coach, Shelly Daly-Ramdyhan also has good hopes for the 16-year-old.

“I know he has the ability, he’s ready, he’s hungry, so come next Monday he will give 100% of himself, so any good results won’t be a surprise to me, I expect him to do very well. The exposure continues to be good for him,” Daly-Ramdyhan stated.

Notwithstanding the limitations Daly-Ramdyhan says with Resaul’s enthusiasm and dedication to the sport, he’s on the right path.

“He’s hungry he’s very hungry for tennis and he has very big plans, so I know that his eagerness is there because he knows all the benefits that comes from playing at these tournaments and performing very well.

“So every tournament, every match, every practice he has that mindset that it must be 100% in terms of approach,” she said.

S the clock ticks down to the third King of the Strip 3 drag race meet, one competitor is looking for redemption and a class trophy.

That competitor is former 13-second champion Imran Khan.

Khan, who drives a Toyota At150 is confident that this time around, he has what it takes to stand atop the podium in the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club’s (GMR&SC) event.

Khan, who spoke exclusively to Chronicle Sport, contended that his machine is race-ready and he has been out doing some testing ahead of next Sunday’s meet.

“The car is working fine. I feel ready for the meet and I know I am going to do well,” Khan told Chronicle Sport.

Khan continued, “Preparation-wise, we did some upgrades to the clutch system, just basically serviced her up and ensured that all the lines are good and all the brakes and the clutch, everything is ready to just drive.”

He noted that while there are specific competitors he will be keeping his eyes on, he does not intend to take any battle lightly, adding that the competition in the class will be stiff this time around.

Khan was tight-lipped about specifics on how he plans to dominate the competition, come next Sunday, but called on fans to come out and support his car number 20. He also heaped praise on his sponsors, A1 Auto Value, S/R Auto Spares, Shawn Auto Repairs and Summer Time Travel.

Approximately nine classes of races are carded for the day, based on the time bracket system.

Meanwhile, competitors are expected from Trinidad, Barbados and Suriname to take on Guyana. Tickets are $500 for children and $1 000 for adults.

The sponsors are: Tropical Shipping, ExxonMobil, Ansa McAl, BM Soat. Mohamed’s Enterprise, Trans Pacific Motor Spares, Del Ice Co. and Electronics City.

VIVA Water Slammer Rammer table tennis billed for September 8-9

T

HE Titans Table Tennis Club has collaborated with Guyana Beverages Inc. to stage the two-day tournament September 8-9.

Dubbed the VIVA Water Slammer Rammer Junior Table Tennis tournament, the event takes place at Marian Academy with several categories to be contested.

At the official launch on Thursday morning, president of the Titans Table Tennis Club and former national player Dwain Dick highlighted that 11 categories will be contested, inclusive of 10 juniors and B Class.

The juniors will compete in the Boys and Girls Under-9, Under-11, Under-13, Under-15 and Under-18 divisions.

VIVA Water Brand Manager, Raymond Govinda, said Guyana Beverages Inc. is committed to supporting the growth and development of the country’s youths through their participation in sport.

“Over the years we would have invested in other sports such as cricket, football, boxing (and) athletics, just to name a few. This year we’re elated to partner with the Titans Table Tennis Club to host the first-ever VIVA Water Slammer Rammer Junior Table Tennis tournament,” Govinda said.

Apart from Guyana Beverages Inc., the club has been able to solicit support from Netsurf Telecom, Beacon Snackette, Metro, Power Producers and Distributors Inc., General Industrial Supplies and Enterprise, the Outar Family and Paul David of the USA. Registration will take place between 08:00hrs and 09:00hrs on September 8 after which competitive action will serve off.

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 18, 2018

Red-hot Warriors face giant-killers Tallawahs tonight

By Rajiv Bisnauth

D

ESPITE leading by two points and a better net run rate, there is definitely no overwhelming favourites in today’s clash of match eleven of the Hero Caribbean Premier League T20 game between the Guyana Amazon Warriors and Jamaica Tallawahs at Lauderhill, Florida.

The Tallawahs maintain their perfect start to CPL 2018, after they recorded their third straight win on Thursday evening and currently sit at the top of the points table with six points and a NRR of 0.969.

The Warriors have four points from three games and a NRR of 0.042, but they are arguably one of the best-rounded team this season.

However, what makes the clash even more interesting will be the real test of firepower. Definitely the battle will be fought out between some of the most accomplished T20 players in the world.

The Warriors have a devastating batting lineup in Chadwick Walton and Luke Ronchi at the top. They also have in their ranks the enigmatic Shimron Hetmyer and Sherfane Rutherford

along with the reliable Shoaib Malik and Jason Mohammed, who can decimate any attack, but their opponents have a batting card which can be equally dominating.

has left a huge hole to fill, but Black Caps veteran Ross Taylor had filled that spot with ease. Taylor brings a wealth of experience which will definitely benefit Jamai-

It’s a new-look Jamaica Tallawahs side for the 2018 season. They are without former captain Kumar Sangakkara and star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan who’ve both opted out of this year’s CPL. They’ve lost all three of Lendl Simmons, Kesrick Williams and Mohammad Sami to the St Lucia Stars as well.

The loss of Sangakkara

ca as the tournament progresses.

Glenn Phillips, Kennar Lewis, Johnson Charles and Rovman Powell, complete a formidable batting lineup for the two-time champions.

Then there’s the captain – Andre Russell, who has been prolific so far this season.

Russell, who missed last year’s CPL due to a doping-related ban, is a huge

Guyana off to winning start in Suriname

Tyrese Jeffrey (in black) in action at the CAREBACO Tournament in Paramaribo, Suriname.

G

with the Warriors having some handy bowlers up their sleeves in the form of Sohail Tanvir, Keemo Paul, Rayad Emrit and spinners Chris Green and danger man Imran

Imran Tahir could be the biggest threat for the Jamaica Tallawahs batsmen this evening.

CAREBACO International U-19 Junior Championships

UYANA got off to a winning start at the Caribbean International and Regional Junior/Senior Badminton Championships, currently taking place in Paramaribo, Suriname.

The tournament is being played in three parts - the Under-19 International, the Open International and the Age Group Regional Championships.

The Under-19 International Championships commenced

signing for Jamaica this season, he has played the role of a strike bowler and middle-lower order finisher with the bat, which he has already proved.

on Thursday at the Ring Sports Center in Ringweg Noord, Paramaribo.

In the Boys’ singles first round; Guyanese Tyrese Jeffrey defeated James Gooding of Barbados: 25-23, 21-18 and in the second round he defeated Kevin Karg: 22-20, 22-20 to reach the quarter-finals.

The other Guyanese player Akili Haynes lost in the first round to Jun Lim Cheung of Suriname: 21-16, 21-10.

The Guyanese team members are: Narayan

Ramdhani (Open International), Jonathan Mangra (Open International), Darrell Carpenay (Open International), Tyrese Jeffrey (Under-19 & Open International), Akili Haynes (Under-19 & Open International), Priyanna Ramdhani (Under-19, Open International & Under-17 Regional), Vikash Mootoo (Under-15 Regional), Matthew Beharry (Under-15 Regional) and Mishka Beharry (Under-11 Regional).

Chris Green will play his final game for the season, having replaced Cameron Delport for the first four matches of the tournament.

Both teams boast of an enviable bowling lineup

Tahir, while the Tallawahs comprise Oshane Thom-

as, Adam Zampa, Samuel Badree, Imad Wasim and Kemar Roach, along with CPL’s all-time leading wicket-taker, Krishmar Santokie.

From a spectator’s point of view, both teams just got many X-factors jammed into one line-up, making them a complete package going into today’s encounter. This will definitely be a fascinating match-up between two teams who should be competing for the crown at the end of the tournament.

Guyana Amazon Warriors: Shoaib Malik (captain), Sohail Tanvir, Chadwick Walton, Chris Green, Rayad Emrit, Imran Tahir, Jason Mohammed, Luke Ronchi, Veerasammy Permaul, Roshan Primus, Shimron Hetmyer, Devendra Bishoo, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Keemo Paul, Saurabh Netravalkar and Akshaya Persaud.

Jamaica Tallawahs: Andre Russell (captain), Imad Wasim, David Miller, Ross Taylor, Rovman Powell, Samuel Badree, Kemar Roach, Glenn Phillips, Andre McCarthy, Krishmar Santokie, Johnson Charles, Steven Taylor, Kennar Lewis, Steven Jacobs, Oshane Thomas, Kirstan Kallicharan, Elmore Hutchinson, Jermaine Blackwood and Adam Zampa.

GFF contributes to national players’ journey to Portugal

T

HE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has purchased the airfare of two national footballers – Trayon Bobb and Colin Nelson – who will head to Portugal for a one-year contract with Dezembro, a third-division club owned

by Canadian Hall of Famer, Alex Bunbury.

Acting General Secretary Rennella Bourne presented the tickets recently in the GFF boardroom to the two players, who departed yesterday for Portugal, for an opportunity to advance their respective football careers.

Bobb said he was happy for the contribution, which augmented various fundraising activities done on his behalf: “I feel very great, it’s a wonderful feeling and I just would like to thank the Guyana Football Federation for this contribution. I would also like to thank the persons who contributed to the fundraising activities held on my behalf.

I really appreciate it and I will go to Portugal and do my

best,” he said.

“Coming on board for an opportunity like this is great for the football federation.

From my perspective, this will boost our players and it will certainly help me to elevate myself and, in the near future, elevate other players who are

forward to; hopefully, I will learn a lot from this journey, so that I can, in the near future, return and help Guyana national team and youth athletes in Guyana. It will be a great boost for my career as well, given the fact that players rarely leave Guyana and head out

From left: Colin Nelson, Junior Forrester, Rennella Bourne and Trayon Bobb

willing to explore their football ambitions beyond the shores of Guyana,” Nelson said.

The national defender said he is looking forward to the experience of playing in Europe.

“It is a great opportunity to go to Europe and play in Portugal, one that I am looking

to Portugal to play. I plan to make the most of it to elevate my country and future,” he concluded.

GFF president Wayne Forde congratulated the players and said the GFF Executive Committee is pleased to facilitate the opportunity.

Red-hot Warriors face giant-killers Tallawahs tonight See Page 31

Guyana Amazon Warriors

Jamaica Tallawahs

Shimron Hetmyer

Andre Russell

A fascinating match-up is expected today in match eleven of the Hero CPL T20 game between Guyana Amazon Warriors and Jamaica Tallawahs at Lauderhill, Florida.

80 youths completes NSC’s ‘Teach Them Young’ swimming course

See Pag

e 30

-Closing ceremony ended on a sour note

A section of the participants who completed the NSC’s ‘Teach Them Young’ Swimming course.

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 18, 2018