Guyana Chronicle E-paper 08-25-2018

SATURDAY 25th August, 2018

No.105377

09 He’s Westford, back! aide freed – and looking hale and hearty PAGE

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Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

GTU A NO-SHOW –at conciliation talks –––

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The frenzy has begun, but by the look of things yesterday, the annual back-to-school fever is not going to be as hot this year as in years gone by. Downtown Regent Street was busy alright, with the usual vehicular and pedestrian traffic, but somehow the ‘oomph’ was just not there. Here’s hoping, however, that things will pick up in due course, and the young’uns will be raring to go come Monday, September 3 when the new school year begins (Photo by Samuel Maughn)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 25, 2018

GTU a no-show

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 25, 2018

– at conciliation talks

THE Guyana Teachers’ Union, on Friday, failed to show up at a conciliation meeting organised by the Ministry of Social Protection and a new date has been set for the talks.

In a terse statement, the ministry said the GTU did not attend the conciliation meeting which was scheduled for 14:00hrs on Friday at the ministry’s board room; Lot 82, Brickdam Georgetown, Guyana. However, the absence of the union did not prevent the meeting from convening.

According to the ministry, the other concerned party - the Ministry of Education, was present, ready and prepared to par-

ticipate and did participate in the process, but due to the absence of the union, the meeting was adjourned to 14:00hrs next Wednesday. A letter has since been dispatched by the conciliator to the president of the GTU, informing the union of the new date.

The union has been adamant that it will go on strike from Monday, ever since talks broke down between it and the ministry last week. In fact, the GTU has been travelling the country lobbying teachers to join the strike action.

The GTU has proposed an across-the-board increase in salary of 40 per cent for 2016; 45 per cent in 2017; and 50 per cent in 2018, 2019 and 2020

By Svetlana Marshall

in sectors such as housing, education and health.

“I think the number one priority has to be-and this would obviously benefit the broader population directlyis the infrastructure, is the schools, is the hospitals,” he said.

“And then people would see that benefit just as quickly, I think, and more sustainably than they would do if they were given money,” he told reporters.

The British envoy said that rather than doing cash transfers, the proposed US$5000 incentive could be given to entrepreneurs and potential entrepreneurs to develop and or expand their businesses.

“They can then use that money to support and build their own sort of self-sufficiency,” he said, while positing that with cash transfers, the money may not be used in a meaningful manner.

be granted to all categories of teachers and teacher educators for the years 2016-2020. The Ministry of Education has allocated $700M to facilitate salary increases for teachers, in addition to $200 million to address de-bunching for the year 2018.

Speaking to the media last week, Education Minister, Nicolette Henry maintained that what is being offered is all government can afford. “I want to say to my teachers that the Government of Guyana continues to care for you, and we will ensure that, as far as possible, you get what we could afford, what is best for you, what is best for the country, and what is best

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

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

“We believe that they have the ability to pay more, to honour our teachers, our loving teachers, our hard working teachers; we believe the administration has the capacity to pay teachers, to make a better offer,” Lyte contended.

“What the ministry is focusing on is what extra they have within the 2018 budget to spare, but we are looking at a multi-year agreement that spans five years, so you can’t look at one year's budget allocation to determine what you can give for five years.

It has to be a projection coming from Cabinet, the finance minister being involved, to know what they can pay retroactively. The ministry’s budget would only inform what they can pay this year based on their reserves, and that’s where they are speaking from.”

Henry did explain then that the next step in the collective bargaining process was conciliation, which would take the matter out of her ministry’s hands and in the care of the Department of Labour.

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

We are at negotiations, after that we go to conciliation; what conciliation means is that it is no longer under the authority of this ministry,” Henry explained

The union did not commit to moving to the conciliation stage, and according to Mark Lyte, its President, he saw no need for any more meetings between the GTU and the ministry. “I told the minister that we will write her formally to indicate what our next move is; we were not prepared to make a commitment there as to the next step, which might not be in favour of us; the next step has to be something that is favourable to us.

We will get some legal advice on the way forward, but we indicated to the minister that we were not prepared to come to another meeting, having the ministry already decided on two occasions that they can’t move what they are offering,” Lyte related.

quality healthcare; a secure environment in which to live and work. And I think if you do all of those things with the revenue that petroleum generates, everyone will make plenty of money and be very prosperous,” he told reporters during the recent launch of the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) Guyana chapter.

In response to the suggestion put forward by Dr Thomas, President David Granger said there is “no evidential basis” that such an idea is doable, while making it clear that he has not received a formal proposal. “I have not considered that proposal,” he said. “It is outside of the recommendations of the Sovereign Wealth Fund; the Natural Resources Fund and I don’t know that there is a precedent for it.”

But the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) party, which forms part of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government, said there is need for an informed, rational

and serious discussion on what is to be done with the expected oil revenues, and endorsed the proposal by its executive member, Dr. Thomas.

our communities each day,” ACDA said, adding: “We encourage the government also to give effect to the idea of removing the income tax from personal incomes, and lowering the corporate tax rates to competitive levels within five years of the commencement of the receipt of oil revenues as a means of encouraging work and industry.”

Natural Resources Minister and Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Raphael Trotman, has said that the public discourse on the subject is timely, as Guyana has within its reserves more than 4 billion barrels of oil-equivalent.

“The AFC supports any initiative that spreads the wealth transparently and equally, not just for some but to ensure that every citizen in all 10 regions get an equal say in how this money is spent, and they get a share of it,” Minister Trotman said, noting that he intends making such a representation to Cabinet.

British envoy roots for infrastructural development –– as oil revenue debate picks up steam

REVENUES from Guyana’s developing oil-andgas sector should be used to develop the country’s infrastructure, British High Commissioner Greg Quinn said, as he weighed in on the public debate on whether households in Guyana should be given liquid cash from the expected revenues.

It was Economist Dr Clive Thomas who, during a public forum, said the government should consider annual cash transfers of $1M (US$5000) to poor households, a proposal that has been met with mixed reactions even within the government.

During a press conference at his Bel Air Gardens residence on Friday when the subject came up, the high commissioner said while he has paid keen attention to the arguments, both for and against, in his opinion the expected oil-and-gas revenues should be used to develop the country’s infrastructure

SIMILAR SENTIMENTS U.S. Ambassador Perry Holloway had earlier this

British High Commissioner to Guyana Greg Quinn sharing his views on Friday with the media month expressed similar sentiments, noting that discussions should be focused on steps that can be taken to enhance social and security services within the country.

“I think the more important conversation should be about not giving every citizen a cheque, but giving every citizen a quality education,” Ambassador Holloway said. “Giving every citizen

ALL-INCLUSIVE “Such a discussion, “ the WPA said, “should involve Guyanese in their communities and at their workplaces, and should be grounded in a desire to lift the standard of living of all, but most importantly the poor and the powerless.”

On Thursday, the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) threw its support behind the proposal for annual cash transfers to citizens from oil revenues, contending that its constituency, the Afro-Guyanese, represents a large portion of the poor and powerless in Guyana.

“This will certainly be one way that President Granger and his government can demonstrate that an effort is being made to reverse some of the economic disadvantages that plague

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 25, 2018

Security Guard remanded over girlfriend’s death THIRTY-three -year-old Guyoil security guard, Jermaine Bristol on Friday wept bitterly when he appeared before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman, for the murder of his longtime girlfriend, 24-year-old, Shenece Lawrence.

Bristol was unrepresented and was not required to plead to the capital offence of murder which alleged that on August 22 at Freeman Street, East La Penitence he killed Lawrence. He was remanded to prison until August 27.

According to reports, on the day in question, a heated argument ensued between the couple after the woman threatened to leave the relationship. It is alleged that Bristol became annoyed, picked up a knife and stabbed Lawrence several times to the neck.

Bristol then turned him-

self into police shortly after and led them back to the murder scene, where, according to reports, the knife was still sticking out of the victim’s neck.

The couple was previously living together at the home of the victim’s mother in Broad Street but moved to their current location as of last June.

Lawrence, reportedly, had left the apartment and started staying with her mother last Thursday, but returned on Sunday to go to church with the suspect. She was not seen in the area again until Wednesday morning.

Family members of the couple confirmed that the relationship was a tumultuous one; nonetheless, the couple apparently had plans to marry in December. According to the victim’s mother, Lawrence had plans to leave the relationship and this might

Jermaine Bristol

The murder accused in court hiding from the media on Friday

have provoked Bristol.

“I guess it was because she was threatening to leave, from what she was telling me is that she was planning to come back home and even

further to give up the relationship.”

“A few days ago she keep saying that she wants to come back home because of the situation. Sometimes she would

stay over here. She slept here up to [Tuesday] night and then left [yesterday] morning,” her mother said.

In 2017, former special constable, Jermain Bristol

was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment on a charge of conspiracy to traffic cocaine that was intercepted in rum bottles at the John F Kennedy airport in New York.

Bristol, who was employed at the Special Constabulary, was found guilty of conspiring with persons unknown on November 17, 2014, at the CJIA, to traffic narcotics thought the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri (CJIA).

The sentencing for the trafficking charge was handed down by Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman.

Bristol’s attorney then appealed the Magistrate’s decision at the High Court and Bristol was released on bail.

Minibus driver remanded for attempted murder A 33-year-old minibus driver, who allegedly stabbed a conductor with a cutlass after a confrontation, was on Friday remanded to prison for at-

tempted murder.

Godfrey Doulf appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, and was not required to plead to the capital office, which alleged that on

August 22 at the Route 31 minibus park, Stabroek Market he caused grievous bodily harm to Paul Noel with intent to commit murder.

Police Prosecutor, Inspector Neville Jeffers, told the court that on the day in question, there was a heated argument between the two men. It was reported that the fight was over a passenger.

The conductor Noel, whose nickname was given as ‘Andrew Blacks,’ was allegedly taking a passenger to a bus which he operators when Doulf tried to pull

the passenger away. Doulf became angry and armed himself with a cutlass and stabbed the victim several times until he collapsed.

The victim was immediately taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital and was admitted.

The prosecution objected to the accused being granted his pretrial liberty since the victim is currently in the intensive care unit at the hospital and his condition is listed as critical.

The Chief Magistrate remanded Doulf to prison until September 7.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 25, 2018

‘Come back and build your nation’ -British High Commissioner urges local Chevening scholars

THE United Kingdom’s (UK) Chevening Scholarship has over the years become one of the most attractive international scholarships for Guyanese. As the number of applicants continues to increase however, the British High Commissioner, Greg Quinn, is reminding the beneficiaries that it is important to return and build their country.

“Return and work here…

The UK Government is not spending money for them to vanish off elsewhere,” said

that this year the total cost of the scholarships was $128 million.

The quality of applications, he believes, is testimony to how highly the scholarship is regarded locally.

Quinn was confident that as the response to the scholarship continues to grow, the UK will be able to better fulfil its mandate through the programme by ensuring that persons are given the skills and knowledge to develop Guyana.

He observed that the majority of Guyanese who get

policy, mineral resources management, economics and oil-and-gas management, among others.

The 18 scholars for the 2018/2019 period are Michel Amsterdam, Kenton Bailey, Zelena Darshan, Zelanda Glen, McKinne Hackiff, Gregory Harris, Nicole Hayne, Sonia Lord, Maria Paul, Avinash Persaud, Yolander Persaud, Nicholas Peters, Sachin Ramsarran, Dave Saran, Deron Saul, Stacey Weever, Monique Williams and Adonia Benjamin.

The scholars share a moment with officials of the British High Commission (Delano Williams photo)

Quinn during his remarks at a farewell reception for 18 persons who were selected to be Chevening scholars this year.

The Chevening Scholarship is an international scholarship scheme which enables students with leadership qualities from 144 countries and territories to undertake post-graduate study or courses in universities in the United Kingdom.

There were 298 applicants from across the country, representing an increase in the number of persons seeking the scholarship. Although everyone could not get a scholarship, Quinn said the number of beneficiaries has moved from two in 2015 to 18 this year. One of the scholars is from Suriname, while the others are Guyanese.

“Not only the number has increased, but the competitiveness in terms of quality of applications has also improved… The process is much more difficult now because of the quality,” said the high commissioner, adding

scholarships usually return home and contribute to the development of the nation.

Although the UK has to trust that Guyanese would use their own initiative and return, he believes that while interviewing applicants they could tell who would return and who might not be so inclined.

“I have no hesitation in saying that the money is spent well for the benefit of this country,” said Quinn, adding that the UK remains committed to promoting education in Guyana.

Deputy Chief Education Officer Ingrid Trotman, acknowledged the UK’s commitment and noted their contribution to the empowerment of Guyana’s academia by offering Guyanese the experience to enhance themselves theoretically and practically.

One of the past Chevening scholars, Jermaine Grant, said among the field of study that the scholars will pursue are environmental

British High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn, addressing the beneficiaries at the reception (Delano Williams photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 25, 2018

Regulating public transportation

RECENT media reports of a call for reform in the public transportation system may have just reopened the debate on this very important issue.

Governments here have resisted controlling the public transportation system, although from time to time it has had to step in to deal with issues of hiking of fares.

It is not unfair to say that the public transportation system in Guyana is in disarray and the safety and comfort of members of the travelling public are at risk. Very early in his presidency, President David Granger had proposed a three-point approach of Enforcement, Education and Engineering to reduce road deaths in Guyana– an epidemic which has caused the deaths of more than 2,000 Guyanese since the start of the millennium. Through such a programme, President Granger said, road accidents and by extension road fatalities can be reduced significantly in Guyana in keeping with national, regional and international

commitments made.

He had said that the country must first strengthen its enforcement, stating clearly that “traffic laws must be vigorously enforced.”

“The Guyana Police Force has indicated repeatedly that speeding is one of the principal causes of fatal road accidents in this country. There is need for the police to ensure that speeding is reduced by having a more visible presence on our roadways,” he added.

According to President Granger, there is need for more CCTV security cameras to monitor the flow of traffic, not only in Georgetown, but in other “built-up areas” across the country, in addition to the need for more speed guns and breathalysers. Driving under the influence of alcohol is another risk factor, the President pointed out, noting that such an act not only endangers drivers, but other persons utilising the road. As such, he proposed that the sale of alcohol be prohibited at minibus and car parks. “We must

move towards prohibiting the sale of intoxicating beverages in or near public transportation terminals, that is, at minibus parks…that is going to help.”

Regulation of the sector is long overdue. Persons have lost their lives, been injured, or suffered mental trauma due to speeding mini-buses, intoxicated, or otherwise ill-suited operators. Should government consider the enactment of such regulation, consideration may be given to making such laws comprehensive and wide-ranging.

Thought may be given to including fare structures, safety matters, comfort issues, and other concerns in any contemplated regulatory structure.

Additionally, government may wish to consider means by which necessary discipline may be brought to the sector. Use of standardised clothing or badges may be contemplated, parks should be clearly bounded and solicitation of passengers should be absolutely terminat-

ed. Operators of public transportation vehicles have numerous lives in their hands; perhaps, specialised training in safety, customer service, deportment, and applicable regulations should be mandated prior to anyone being allowed, by specific licence, to operate a means of public transport. Of course, no amount of legislation or other regulation would be effective without continuous and strict enforcement; episodic “campaigns” by the Guyana Police Force are not only inadequate, but entirely ineffectual. As such, unremitting enforcement of laws, unrelenting prosecution of offenders, and meaningfully deterrent punishments should also be central to any such undertaking by government.

Passengers will attest to the fact that the use of public transportation is a nightmare which they endure regularly, because they have no choice. Users of mini-buses are subjected to unsafe levels of noise or music, the latter which is often of a lewd or offensive nature. Passen-

gers are frequently abused by operators if they object to the onslaught of noise, overloading, use of vulgar language by operators, speeding, and other uncomfortable or unsafe practices or behaviours.

Users of hire cars say that they are often victims of the same conditions. Passengers who travel by water taxis are regularly subjected to verbal abuse, arbitrarily increased fares, unsafe practices by operators and other forms of discomfort. Those concerns have been expressed in letters to the editor in various newspapers.

Commuters have complained that they must often travel in vehicles being operated by visibly intoxicated or otherwise impaired operators, particularly at night, again, because there is no alternative. The recent call by delegates, therefore, clearly has merit, and is deserving of serious and urgent consideration by government.

Under the PPP, the nation experienced the horrors of that party and its government’s failed policies

Dear Editor,

I DECIDED to publish this letter after the public emotions surrounding this incident had subsided, in order to have an objective discussion on the matter.

The killing of five men in July, 2018 by the police, allegedly in the process of committing a robbery at a house in Pattensen, Turkeyen, and the police’s explanation that the men engaged them in a shootout, raises many unanswered questions; so much so, that Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo wasted no time to score political points, saying that if the same had occurred under the PPP government, there would have been cries of extra-judicial killings, and both the police and the government would have been accused of plotting to kill black people.

For political and other reasons,

the Granger-led APNU+AFC government cannot allow itself, knowingly or unknowingly, to support police excesses or criminality in any form whatsoever. The approach to not encourage police misconduct in crime-fighting will prove in the long-run to be in the best interest of the nation and the coalition. Present public outcries on the crime situation, while understandable, cannot ever justify police wrongdoings. We must view this public response with caution, since the public very often ignores the complexities of social problems. The opposition, however, is not as innocent as the masses, and their demand that the government take a hardline on fighting crime should be viewed with great suspicion. The government must stand firmly and insist that the police conduct themselves in keeping with the law and best professional practice.

Under the PPP, the nation experienced the horrors of that party

and its government’s failed policy, the “so-called” war on crime, which resulted in hundreds of citizens being killed and the highest number of police officers killed at any time in the history of the Guyana Police Force. This was the worst crime crisis in the modern history of the country that demonstrated the PPP’s incompetence and partisan approach to governance of the country. It is often said that Guyanese have short memories when it comes to some matters. Hopefully, on this issue of fighting crime, the APNU+AFC government will hold steadfastly to the policy stated by Mr Granger, after he became President, that he wants people arrested, not killed, since a dead man is of no intelligence value.

Now, let us check the information that came from the police authorities in the recent killings: (1) In an early report, the officers on the scene revealed that the operation

was intelligence-driven – inferring that the police had knowledge of the pending robbery and executed a well-thought-out plan. (2) The crime chief, when interviewed by reporters, claimed that the police received a 911 call that the robbery was in progress, and dispatched two separate teams. The Major Crimes Unit was one of the two teams. A reliable source in the force, with knowledge of the operations of this unit, expressed the view that it is unlikely at that time (3 am) that the officers in that unit would respond to a 911 call, unless mobilised and on standby. If this were the case, it confirms the claim made by the officers on the scene that the operation was intelligence-driven. (3) The weapons--one rifle and two shotguns-- displayed at the police press conference looked rusted and raised the issue of whether they were in working condition. Putting aside this observation, a more troubling

issue is that the police claimed to have recovered a number of 9mm bullet shells. However, these shells are not compatible with the types of weapons that were displayed. (4) A senior journalist with vast experience at viewing gunshot victims expressed the opinion that some of the men appeared to have wounds consistent with being shot at close range. (5) The police claimed that after the first exchange of gunfire that left three dead in the yard, a white car drove up and opened fire on the police, who took cover and returned fire, killing the two men in the car. This version of events runs contrary to commonsense and needs to be properly investigated to ascertain if the wounds on the men in the car were consistent with an exchange of gunfire from a distance.

By now the authorities must know that there are conflicting theories as to how and Turn to page 7 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 25, 2018

GTU must account for the $42M in dues it receives annually Dear Editor

BECAUSE education plays a critical role in any nation’s development, I have been paying keen attention to the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) and the Ministry of Education’s negotiations for the teachers multi-year package, 2016-2020.

Editor, please permit me some space in your pages to share my opinion on the above subject. It was reported that the GTU proposed the following across-theboard increases in salaries, for all categories of teachers and teacher educators for the years 2016-2020: 40% for 2016; 45% in 2017; and 50% in 2018, 2019 and 2020.

I wish to point out my view on this and I am certain others share some, if not all of these sentiments that will be put forward as I analyse the ongoing negotiations between the two parties. Foremost, let me say from the start that the MoE is not solely responsible for this impasse. The GTU must share some of the blame. Editor, I believe the GTU has a right and a responsibility to champion the rights of its members.

However, this should be looked at in the context of the situation in its entirety and not from a partisan angle.

The first mistake the GTU made was when it asked for those hefty increases at a time when the government was doling out $32B to prop up the ailing Guyana Sugar Corporation. And we have not even considered the many other financial obligations with regard to loan payments and the funding of infrastructural works across the country, which is critical to national development. In short, the union should have proposed a more realistic sum; with limited fiscal space it was always unlikely that the government would have

agreed to those increases.

I am sure the MoE recognises the importance of resolving this issue, but I am not at all surprised when the Minister of Education noted that there was no fiscal space to facilitate such increases at this time – note, “at this time.”

If GTU President Mr Mark Lyte is serious about finding a swift solution to this issue, I believe he should rethink his approach.

I say that, knowing almost for certain if and when this issue attracts the services of an arbiter, the GTU proposed increases will be significantly lowered. Why not accept the $700M for the 2018 increases across the board for teachers, while both parties look to ink an agreement for the remaining years.

It was noticed also that the GTU and the MoE agreed to other non-financial benefits for teachers.

Headteachers will now be freed up from dorm duties at those schools that have that facility. The MoE has agreed to employ additional dorm staff to aid in this regard. There is the duty-free concession for 100 teachers for 2018, who rightly have to meet certain criteria. Notwithstanding this number, the Minister of Education has agreed to look at widening this pool to capture additional teachers. Teachers who work in the interior will now be entitled to return flights to the area where they originally reside.

I am not saying the union should be passive, but I believe that as a serious union it should consider the situation of the Ministry of Education and the Government of Guyana. I feel the concern of President Granger when he said that his government does not want a confrontation with teachers.

Editor, it is at this juncture I want to ask Mr Mark Lyte some questions. He has embarked on a countrywide

sensitisation of his union’s proposed strike action and he said some pretty interesting things. And I wish to point out these, so that union members can solicit some clarity from him.

Mr Lyte, paraphrasing, has said that the GTU will be unable to provide strike relief for teachers since the union is low on cash. From the information available the GTU has around 7000 unionised teachers who pay $500 monthly union dues, that’s $42M per year for the union’s coffers. The president said that they have to pay staff and maintain buildings. Even so, there should be a tangible amount set aside in a bank account somewhere, in light of the fact that this sum was being collected for a number of years. If the GTU by its own admission does not have money, it should submit its financial affairs to an independent audit. And what about a needs assessment in terms of determining which teacher gets any assistance? Mr Lyte said that the most vulnerable in the GTU membership. Well, Mr Lyte, all the teachers will be most vulnerable, since they all will see their salaries cut; the GTU should be able to provide some assistance to its members.

Mr Lyte, I implore you to look seriously at the offer the government is proposing as a temporary measure and rescind your strike call to your members. This nation is poised to experience a golden patch and the more education to which this nation is exposed, the greater are our chances of truly maximising the rich potential of this nation. GTU and MoE, let us cooperate and build this nation.

Regards Elizabeth Williams

Under the PPP, the nation ...

From page 6 ►

why the men were killed. More often than not, the police account seeks to protect the force‘s image and in so doing, at times, support the criminal conduct of officers gone rogue, thereby undermining public confidence in the integrity of the force as an institution.

With an apparent increase in some types of violent crimes in the society and the media playing up these sensational incidents, we have a citizenry wary of crime and anxious for solutions. In this situation, the masses are gullible and are likely to tolerate extra-judicial killings by the police without factoring in the negative consequences to society when the police act as judge and executioner. In this atmosphere, it is easy for politicians in and out of government to abandon principle, the law, and good governance, and seek to make

political mileage as well as take advantage of the public fear of crime. Jagdeo’s pointed response in the killing of the five men by the police is an example of this opportunistic and dangerous politics.

The political intention of the opposition leader is to get the coalition government to walk the road of the PPP regime by encouraging the police to engage in extra-judicial executions as was the case when he was President. The intent of this tactic is to provide a rationale for his and the PPP’s criminal conduct when they were in government.

Regards Tacuma Ogunseye

Job well done!

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 25, 2018

–– Greg Quinn gives SOCU thumbs up in spite of naysayers

By Svetlana Marshall

THE Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) has come in for some high praise from none other than British High Commissioner Greg Quinn, who said the agency is doing an extraordinary job.

This he did on Friday in spite of widespread criticism about SOCU’s perceived inability to make any prosecutions despite the findings of the forensic audits.

Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma, while debating the National Payments System in the National Assembly mid last month was so incensed over the situation he at one point asked what was the use of having SOCU, when it was not fulfilling its mandate.

On Friday during a press conference at his Bel Air Gardens residence, High Commissioner Quinn effectively put the matter to rest saying that contrary to popular opinion, SOCU is not a prosecutorial

unit but rather an investigative arm of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

With strong support from Irish Financial Investigations adviser, Dr. Sam Sittlington, SOCU has been conducting a range of investigations, High Commissioner Quinn said, adding that once investigations are completed, the reports are handed over to the relevant authorities such as the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

“It is not for SOCU to decide when a prosecution should go forward,” he told reporters in response to a question from the Guyana Chronicle.

He said that in keeping with UK standards, SOCU, under the guidance of Dr. Sittlington, has conducted a range of investigations.

“I think they are putting together cases based on how we would do them in the UK, and or using standards of evidence which we would use in the UK,” he said, adding: British High Commissioner Greg Quinn (right) engaging with SOCU adviser, Dr Sam Sittlington (left) as two British anti-corruption and fraud experts look on (File photo) “So that investigative side, I think, is working well.”

He did say, however, that he has no idea what is preventing the cases from reaching the country, and that that question might better be answered by the DDP. Forensic audits were conducted on several government agencies and entities including the National Communications Network, One Laptop Per Family Project, Guyana Office for Investment, Environmental Protection Agency, E-Governance Unit, Scrap Metal Unit, New Guyana Marketing Corporation, National Insurance Scheme, Passport Office, Guyana Gold Board, Cheddi Jagan International Airport, and Guyana Oil Company among others.

While the auditors who conducted the audit did not have the authority to go into any account or make arrests, Minister Sharma had expressed the view that the information gathered was sufficient, and persons should have been prosecuted.

It was reported that at least two joint charges have been filed against several former managers and former directors of the Guyana Rice Development Board for failing to enter information in a ledger.

Also, months after SOCU had completed its ‘Pradoville 2’ investigation, the Unit was able to institute charges against former Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, and former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited

(NICIL), Winston Brassington.

The two were jointly slapped with three charges of misconduct in public office in relation to three plots of State land.

As things now stand, SOCU provides reinforcement to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act, in that it aids efforts to ensure that money acquired through illicit means is not being placed in officialdom.

In April, an anti-corruption training course facilitated by SOCU, the over 30 participants drawn from within its ranks, the Customs Anti-Narcotics Agency (CANU), the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA), the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) were told that they need to take their responsibilities seriously.

Dr Sittlington, during that training session, said it is important for investigators to be able to conduct thorough investigations into fraud, bribery and corruption cases.

The programme, he said, is not only intense, but oftentimes investigators are bogged down with looking at PowerPoint presentations or other documentation, but that nevertheless they’re given the opportunity to think outside of the box and look at ways in which they can solve fraud, bribery and corruption cases, and ensuring that those found guilty are placed before the courts.

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He’s back!

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 25, 2018

President swears in Registrar – for Public Service Appellate Tribunal

– and looking hale and hearty

PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo returned to Guyana on Friday looking hale and hearty after his trip on personal business to the United States of America and Canada.

The Prime Minister told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that while overseas, doctors certified that he is in excellent health after undergoing triple-bypass heart surgery six months ago.

He was accompanied on his trip by his wife, Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo.

During his absence, the functions of his office were carried out initially by Vice-President and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, and later by Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

PRESIDENT David Granger on Friday swore in Ms Petronilla Browne-Stewart as Registrar for the Public Service Appellate Tribunal with the charge that she must discharge her duties with competence, efficiency and fairness.

During the simple ceremony held at State House, President Granger reminded Browne-Stewart of the provisions of Article 215 A (1) of the Constitution of Guyana, which states that, “Parliament may, by law, provide for the establishment of a Public Service Tribunal…” The Tribunal was established by the Public Service Tribunal Act, 1984. The Act empowers the Tribunal to hear appeals from any decision of the Public Service Commission in respect of appointment by promotion of any person to a public office and exercise of disciplinary control over any person holding or acting in any public office.

The Act also provides for the appointment of a registrar, who shall be the chief executive officer of the tribunal. A vacancy had arisen for the position of registrar and that vacancy has been filled. “The Public Service Appellate Tribunal safeguards fairness and promotes meritocracy and professionalism within the public service by providing an inexpensive and quick means of justice for public servants aggrieved over promotions and disciplinary action by the Public Service Commission. The Public Service Appellate Tribunal was reconstituted on May 17, 2017, after an absence of more than two decades.

The tribunal provides recourse to public servants who feel aggrieved by decisions of the Public Service Commission.

Aggrieved public servants, prior to the reconstitution of the tribunal, were forced to seek redress through the courts,” the head of state said.

The head of state also noted that the work of the Public Service Appellate Tribunal must be enhanced by a competent and efficient registrar. (Ministry of the Presidency)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 25, 2018

New GAC head cries foul over business name

CHIEF Executive Officer/Chairman of Guyana Airways Corporation Inc. Colin Abrams, on Friday told a press conference that their company’s operations, which was expected to start in Guyana, had come to a halt because their business name was “unregistered.”

The move, he explained, was costing him a lot of money since the company was involved in a legal tussle in the court to have its business name registered and to get approval from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCCA) to start operations in Guyana.

Abrams said they had

been registered since 2016 and every entity had an opportunity to object to the name; ‘Guyana Airways Corporation Inc.’ within a six-month period after which they would have received their registration.

He told reporters at the head office at Barrack Street, Kingston, that they had their attorneys prepare the paperwork and the name was available since the law states that names must not be identical.

Abrams added that in most places in the world, identical means the same.

Their interpretation is that it is too similar because the last registered name was Guyana

Air 2000.

He said, “There is obviously something political attached to it because nothing occurs in a vacuum and a young lady who studied in London, returned to Guyana and denied our registration just like that.”

Abrams told the press conference that the registration of the name is a legal matter and there is something punitive attached to it because it was costing him and the company money while noting that attorneys’ fees in Guyana were not cheap.

He added, “It is a setback for me simply because GCCA got involved in it and

we were totally ignoring the fact that one individual sent us a letter out of the blue two years later.”

Abrams said within that six-month period nobody objected to their name and in Guyana most people think they are more powerful than the law. He said, “We received a letter from GCCA a week and a half ago telling us that they received notification from the Registration Board that Guyana Airways was no longer registered and I found it quite odd because we got notification the same time they did. And that’s not the law, we were served by a court marshal telling us we were not registered and it is totally illegal what they did.”

Abrams told reporters that there were forces out there that cannot be controlled and they do whatever they want and say what they want.

The former Delta Airline pilot said based on the court outcome the next step is to send out staffers to Miami to be trained to start operations. Everything else was on stream to operate. Abrams added that they were about to start operations when they received the letter. However as soon as they get the ‘hiccup’ out of the way they will be ready for business.

In answering to a question Abrams said, “I cannot say if anything was filed in the court, we have a team of lawyers working for us, but it is a monumental task and financial loss for us right now and we have utilised the right channels to establish our business.”

Abrams stated that they choose to use the name Guyana Airways Corporation Inc. because the name was available and separate from Guyana Air 2000 and for 18 years there was no airline to this country and he wanted to bring one to Guyana. He explained that Guyana Air 2000 logo was never copyrighted and they went about things the right way.

He told reporters that he had spent millions of US dollars to set up the airline. The business has seven directors - both local and overseas - and he was the Chairman/CEO of the board since they did not have any shareholders.

Abrams disclosed that the business was being fi-

The CEO/Chairman of Guyana Airways Incorporated Inc. Colin Abrams

The interior of the spacious office of Guyana Airways Incorporated Inc

The office of Guyana Airways Incorporated Inc. located at Barrack Street, Kingston

nanced by him and as a former Delta airline pilot who retired two months ago after 19 years, also sold his practice overseas as a physician to come to Guyana to start the airline.

According to him, no one has been trained as yet but they have hired 80 flight at-

tendants, 15 pilots and about 110-115 local staffers who are in the hiring pool until they are on the payroll.

Abrams related that before their operations begin, every staff has to be qualified and they will open the airline with two 737 aircraft.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 25, 2018

Labour Dep’t invites GTU to conciliation meeting next Tuesday

THE Guyana Teachers’ Union has been officially invited by the Department of Labour, to a meeting next Tuesday at 14:00hrs (2pm) to begin the conciliation stage in the collective bargaining process, after negotiations between the union and the Ministry of Education (MoE) ended in deadlock.

The conciliation meeting was expected to first commence on Friday, after initial invitations were sent out late Thursday. However, the GTU responded to the Department of Labour yesterday, that it could not attend the meeting due to the short notice.

The GTU was already meeting with teachers in Berbice as part of its drive to whip up teachers’ support for the strike.

“There was a meeting, but what came out of that meeting is that with the absence of the GTU, we would have to adjourn. So come Tuesday we will meet again,” Scott explained.

Scott noted that the fact that he was present during the negotiations stage does not negate the need for this conciliation stage, as during negotiations, he was not there in the capacity of a conciliator.

“It would be wrong to

Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry

say that that constituted conciliation just because we were there. I was there as a minister, with my advisers, it doesn’t mean I was there in a specific position,” Scott said.

“No one asked in what capacity I was there… had they asked I would’ve said I was there as a minister. I was basically there to observe. That was the two sides talking, putting things on the table, but not at the level of the Department of Labour.

The MoE has only now written to us to become active participants in the talks, so we have only now been formally, as the Department of Labour, asked to participate.

So the process has now been done the right way.”

MoE and GTU had two negotiation meetings earlier this month, on August 9 and August 16, when talks fell through, after both times the two sides could not agree on a way forward as it pertains to talks over salary increases, debunching monies and other financial and non-financial issues.

Following the August 9 meeting, on the insistence of its members, the GTU called for teachers to go on strike beginning on August 27 and continuing into the school term, which is officially scheduled to begin

GTU President, Mark Lyte

September 3.

The two sides became deadlocked after the MoE said it was offering a onetime pay out of $700 million for salary increases, and $200 million towards debunching; GTU said it was not enough, given the number of teachers to be paid.

The GTU has proposed an across-the-board increase in salary of 40% for 2016; 45% in 2017; and 50% in 2018, 2019 and 2020, be granted to all categories of teachers and teacher educators for the years 2016-2020.

However, the GTU has indicated that they are willing to lower their ‘ask’, as long as

Minister with responsibility for Labour, Keith Scott

whatever is offered addresses the issue retroactively.

Notwithstanding the impasse, Minister Scott remains optimistic that a resolution is forthcoming.

“All strikes in this country, everyone is always firm and inflexible, but then down the line it’s solved. There are several factors that lead up to a strike and they’re also several factors that are brought to bear on a strike that makes it disappear altogether, so there’s no such thing as inflexibility when you’re dealing with human nature, so that’s the situation,” Scott related.

In this conciliation stage,

the Department of Labour will play the role of mediator.

“Conciliators are not the ones that must come up with plans, it must be the independent parties that must be able to say, to put on the table what is the position that each body is bringing to the table.

We as the man in the middle have to examine both sides’ arguments and try to guide them in the way forward,” Scott described.

Should the conciliation process fall through, the next stage is arbitration, whereby an independent person or body will be appointed to settle the dispute.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 25, 2018

PAHO urges rapid increase in vaccination coverage … to stop spread of measles in the Americas

WHILE 34 member states of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) remain measles-free, endemic transmission of the virus has now been re-established in Venezuela.

To stop further spread of measles throughout the Region, the Director of PAHO, Carissa F. Etienne, has urged all countries to rapidly increase vaccination coverage, PAHO said in a release. “It is vital that we continue vaccinating in order to reach more than 95% of our children everywhere,” said Etienne. “We must also strengthen national epidemiological surveillance and establish rapid response teams to expeditiously manage suspected cases, prevent new cases and halt outbreaks. These measures to sustain elimination were agreed by Ministers of Health in 2017. These commitments must be renewed.”

Measles circulation in other regions of

the world has always represented an ongoing threat to the Americas, as imported cases can reintroduce the virus among unvaccinated individuals. In 2017, there were 149,142 cases of measles reported globally, with the Americas accounting for just 0.6% of all cases. In July 2017, Venezuela reported the first cases of this current measles outbreak and confirmed that this outbreak was due to a virus strain that was originally reported in Asia and later in Europe. In 2018 as of August 20, Venezuela has reported 3545 confirmed cases of measles, including 62 deaths. A further 10 countries in the region have reported a total of 1459 confirmed cases and six deaths.

In the Americas, coverage rates for the first dose of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine are currently less than 95%.

In addition, lower immunisation coverage has been observed in some municipalities and in

specific settlements. Vaccination coverage rates for children aged five years and under must be 95% or greater among all populations in order to maintain elimination. PAHO and its partner agencies have been working with Venezuela to increase vaccination coverage, strengthen epidemiological surveillance and interrupt transmission. The organisation has also mobilised financial resources to support the purchase of vaccines, other supplies and technical cooperation activities to help Venezuela and other affected countries halt the spread of measles.

Measles elimination in the Americas In 2016, the Region of the Americas became the first in the world to obtain the mea-

sles-elimination certification, following years of concerted efforts to vaccinate children. A majority of countries in the Americas Region reported their last endemic cases more than 18 years ago. However, the fact that a disease has been eliminated does not mean that it no longer exists, it simply means that it does not circulate in a specific area. A country is no longer considered to be measles-free when the same type of virus has been circulating for more than 12 continuous months.

The recurrence of endemic circulation of the measles virus, as well as current outbreaks, is evidence of existing gaps in vaccination coverage, which must be urgently addressed.

GYSBI on track to be one-stop shop for offshore operations EVERYTHING is in place at the Guyana Shore Base Incorporated (GYSBI) to meet the expectations of ExxonMobil and its partners, in time for first-oil in 2020, Director of Muneshwer’s Limited, Robin Muneshwer, has said.

In an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), Muneshwer explained that in September, the facility will be providing drilling fluids for ExxonMobil’s offshore operations.

“Schlumberger, who has acquired the Gafoor’s facility, will be providing the drilling fluids for them,” Muneshwer noted. The facility, located in the Muneshwer’s Houston Port Complex, East Bank Demerara, had won the bid to develop the facility for ExxonMobil in June 2017.

There has since been rapid development of the

facility, which aims to be a one-stop shop by 2019 for all the materials needed for the Liza Development, Muneshwer explained. Currently, the facility provides all the food, water and other materials for the offshore operations. Muneshwer said development is being done in phases and there are plans in the pipeline to provide fuel-bunkering, a dedicated, heavy lifting area and the third berth for vessels.

“Right now, we have two berths-- one is already active, the second one will be active very soon,” Muneshwer explained.

The facility also services Exxon’s contractors.

Currently, the shore base employs more than 130 persons. Muneshwer said this number will be ramped up dramatically, as developments continue.

Directors of Muneshwer’s Limited, Robin Muneshwer

Materials that will be used in the offshore developments are housed at the shore base

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 25, 2018

Westford, Cummings fraud charges thrown out

THE over $600M fraud charges was on Friday dismissed against former Public Service Minister Dr. Jennifer Westford, and her Personnel Manager Margaret Cummings by Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman who noted that the charges were “bad in law.”

The women were charged with stealing $639,420,000 belonging to the Government of Guyana, which they allegedly received by virtue of employment between the period of October 19, 2011 and April 28, 2015, while being employed with the former Public Service Ministry.

It is also alleged that between 2011 and 2015, Westford signed 24 memoranda amounting to $639,420,000 and sent them to the permanent secretary at the Office of the President to be signed and approved. The money was said to have been requested for activities to be conducted in the 10 administrative regions.

According to court facts, Westford was employed as Minister of Public Service from 2001-2015, while her co-accused was the principal personnel officer of the Ministry. Cummings was also in charge of the Ministry’s accounts department.

The Magistrate on Friday ruled in favor of a no-case submission made by defence attorney Dexter Todd, since the prosecutor, Natasha Backer had failed to establish

Former Public Service Minister Dr. Jennifer Westford her case against his client. A total of 48 witnesses were called during the trial.

However, the magistrate in her ruling noted that there was evidence that Cummings collected the money and took it to Westford since her name was on the cheques but not her signature.

Additionally there was no evidence to prove that the funds were not used for their intended purpose. She also noted that although there was evidence in the form of 24 memoranda, which were signed by Dr. Westford which proved that she requested the sum during the period of 2011-2015, there was no evidence that the money was unlawfully taken by the two women, hence the matter being discharged against them.

Speaking with the media after her freedom, Dr. Westford noted that she did not believe that she had done anything wrong while serv-

Margaret Cummings ing as a Government Minister and was innocent of the charges.

The two women are currently before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore in relation to charges of alleged attempted larceny and forgery of documents relating to the purchase of eight state vehicles In August 2015, the former minister was placed on a total of $800,000 bail after she pleaded not guilty to the charges, which state that between July 17, 2014 and June 23, 2015, she attempted to transfer eight state-owned vehicles to four persons.

Westford’s former aid, Margaret Cummings was also slapped with four counts of forgery.

Cummings also pleaded not guilty to four charges which alleged that she forged documents for the purchase of the eight motor vehicles. She was also released on a total of $1.2M bail.

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OAS pledges continued support for Guyana

ASSISTANT Secretary-General to the Organisation of American States (OAS), Ambassador Nestor

Mendez, has pledged continued support in providing training, grants and scholarships to Guyana.

Mendez on Thursday night made a presentation outlining the role of the organisation in global develop-

The Assistant Secretary-General to the Organisation of American States (OAS), Ambassador Nestor Mendez, as he passionately spoke about the role of the OAS in global development ment at the Education Lecture Theatre at the University of Guyana.

He told the gathering that he was there to talk about the part that doesn’t make the news, since the OAS is required to fulfil its mandate to its member states, noting that the organisation was much more since it was one of the oldest multilateral institutions in the world.

Mendez in his spritely presentation said that the OAS operates under four pil-

lars and he spent some time detailing each on Thursday night.

He stated that the four pillars under which the OAS operated were the promotion of democracy, the promotion of human rights, multi-dimensional security and integral development.

Mendez told the group that the OAS had 34 member states and they often come together to discuss problems facing each member state.

He noted that the OAS responded to the needs of its member states in an effort to fulfil its mandate and they are also pushing ahead with cross-cutting issues in youth empowerment, since the OAS believes in preparing young people to think a certain way.

Mendez pointed out that they were also championing the cause of vulnerable groups such as indigenous peoples and people of African descent.

The assistant secretary-general of OAS also spoke of the institution’s pace to connect with its member states and to understand the challenges faced and to address same, since they were putting mechanisms in place for water-resource management.

Mendez urged those present to look at what the OAS was doing and to look at

opportunities to go overseas to study and to network with other young people across the hemisphere.

He said that the OAS will continue to provide training, grants and scholarships to the people of Guyana and lend support where necessary to foster the development of this country.

Meanwhile, in remarks, Professor Leyland Lucas, Dean of the School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation at the University of Guyana, said that the OAS was one of the oldest regional bodies and it was an organisation that has withstood the test of time and it was growing.

He related that he was however thankful for the continued support given by the OAS to Guyana in our border challenge with Venezuela and also its efforts in our sustainable tourism goals.

Lucas added that OAS has been at the forefront in regional development and is dealing with issues of human rights in this hemisphere.

He told the gathering that what comes out of the OAS is a unified message through dialogue.

He added that even though we are separated by language and location, the organisation would continue to grow and play a dominant role.

Russian delegation meets with President Granger PRESIDENT David Granger on Thursday met with a delegation from the World Expo 2025 Ekaterinburg (Russia) Organisation and Bid Committees at the Ministry of the Presidency.

Russia is one of three countries bidding to host the World Expo 2025. Japan (in

Chairman of the Council of the Federation Committee on the Federal Structure, Regional Policies, Local Self-Governance and Affairs of the North and member of the EXPO 2025 Ekaterinburg Organisation Committee and included Mr. Alexander Vysokins-

President David Granger, Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge and Minister of State, Joseph Harmon in discussion with the Russian delegation Osaka) and Azerbaijan (in Baku) are the other candidates. The 170 Member States of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), will elect the host country at the 164th General Assembly in November 2018.

In this regard, the team’s efforts were aimed at expanding on the opportunities that would be available, particularly to small countries, should the Russian Federation win the bid.

The delegation was headed by Mr. Arkadii Chernetskii, First Deputy

kiy, Deputy Governor of the Sverdlovsk Region, Mr. Aleksei Tiunik, Director for Bid Promotion Abroad, Ekaterinburg World EXPO 2025 Bid Committee, Mr. Pavel Sukov, Head of Section, Government Relations, Ekaterinburg World EXPO 2025 Bid Committee, Ms. Anna Mishina, Chief Specialist, Foreign Economic Cooperation Sector, Ministry of International and Foreign Economic Relations of the Sverdlovsk Region and Ms. Alexander Ryabkov, Charge d’affaires of the Embassy in Guyana.

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No bail for trigger-happy cadet officer

MONTHS after a firearm-related charge was dismissed against interdicted Cadet Officer of the Guyana Police Force, Franz Paul, on Friday he found himself back in court again, this time charged for possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition.

Paul, 32, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and pleaded not guilty to the two charges which allege that on August 20 at Lot 114 Second Street, Alexander Village, he had a .32 pistol along with 13 matching rounds in his possession when he was not a licensed firearm holder.

Paul was also charged for threatening behaviour towards his reputed wife, Rushell Carew. The cadet pleaded not guilty to the charge.

His attorney Damien DaSliva, during an application for bail, told the court that the firearm in question was found on the road by a ‘wanderer’ and was attributed to his client. DaSliva stressed to the court that no firearm was found on his

client; he [his client] did not have knowledge of it.

Police Prosecutor Inspector Neville Jeffers, told the court that on the day in question there was an argument between Paul and his reputed wife, Carew, at their Alexander Village home and the accused brandished a firearm at the woman, threatening to kill her. Carew managed to disarm Paul, ran over to a neighbour’s house and handed over the firearm to him.

Paul left the home and went to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was treated for a fractured arm.

The police went to the couple’s residence where the gun was handed over to the police and Paul was arrested.

Inspector Jeffers strongly opposed bail for Paul, citing the seriousness of the charge and possible witness-tampering.

Magistrate Ann McLennan noted that there is a need for public safety and remanded Paul to prison.

The matter was adjourned until September 3.

In May this year, Paul was discharged for allegedly

Bess, had already closed its case while seeking an adjournment of the last court hearing.

Interdicted Cadet Officer Franz Paul shooting a 16-year-old in his mouth during a game of Russian roulette in 2014.

Paul, who resided at Freeman Street, East La Penitence, was on trial before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for a four-year period.

He was on trial for discharging a loaded firearm at Alex Griffith on April 30, 2014, in Georgetown, with intent to maim, disable, disfigure or cause him grievous bodily harm.

The state, for which evidence was being led by Police Prosecutor Dominic

Venezuelan aircraft detained at Ogle

THE authorities at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport at Ogle, have been advised not to permit a Venezuelan registered aircraft to depart Guyana.

Reports are that the aircraft, a Beech Baron bearing registration YV 2377, arrived on Sunday at Ogle at around 17:00hrs.

The aircraft arrived from Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela and reports from Ogle are that investigators from the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) are looking into the purpose of the aircraft’s operation here.

In July this year, another aircraft which arrived from Venezuela was detained by the authorities at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

It was revealed that the pilots and passengers were invited to Guyana by Mr. Michael Brassington who was at the airport to receive them and the ‘Handling Permission Form’ listed Roraima Airways Inc. as the handling agent for the aircraft which bore registration YV 2493.

The aircraft and crew were later released by the authorities.

Better Hope fraudster jailed MICHAEL Bhoodoo, a known fraudster of Better Hope, East Coast Demerara, was sentenced to two years imprisonment by Senior Magistrate Alex Moore after he was found guilty on two counts of forgery at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court.

Police said on December 14, 2016, Bhoodoo, a convicted felon, visited the home of Berbice businessman Toolie Gupta at Number Two Village, East Canje, with the intention to defraud , endeavoured to obtain a quantity of cosmetics valued at $1,090,000.

However, the virtual complainant became suspicious, as he had never engaged in any business dealings with the suspect. After a Demerara Bank cheque purportedly signed

by Chandraballie Sayroo was handed over, a cash payment was demanded, resulting in the men visiting a popular New Amsterdam Hotel

where the fraudster was lodging.

At the hotel, Bhoodoo was seen giving a victory sign to another known local fraudster, confirming Gupta’s fears. As a result, Gupta demanded that Bhoodoo go get the money, and while waiting outside, he hurriedly searched the convict’s car where he unearthed several documents which were seemingly forged. Consequently, Gupta visited the nearby Central Police Station, where ranks accompanied him to the hotel. Bhoodoo was arrested and subsequently charged.

However, following his initial appearance at the New Amsterdam Court, where he was granted pre-trial liberty , the convict skipped the jurisdiction, but was recently nabbed following a similar conviction at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

However, the Guyana Chronicle was made to understand that Paul compensated Griffith to the

tune of $2M for his injuries. Griffith accepted the compensation and dropped the matter against Paul.

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Golden Jaguars strike in protest of unpaid stipend in Brazil … Position ‘unfortunate’ and ‘disappointing’ - GFF president

By Rawle Toney GUYANA’S National football team, popularly known as the ‘Golden Jaguars’, refused to play their last friendly game in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Thursday, in protest over unpaid stipends, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) confirmed.

They are currently preparing for the CONCACAF Nation’s League qualifier and will play their first game at home at the National Track and Field Centre against Barbados on September 6.

The 23-man team departed Guyana on August 12 for Brazil and according to president of the GFF, Wayne Forde, the players were paid 50% of their stipend for the twoweek encampment.

Forde explained that under his executive committee, the players saw an increase in their stipend, moving from approximately US$40 per day, to now US$50. This therefore means that the GFF would have paid each player US$350 prior to departure for Rio de Janeiro.

“The players received 50% of the stipend and the plan was to wire the balance but then we realised that was more easily said than done. The attempts to do it through Western Union also proved difficult because we could have sent only $3 000 at a time, so by the time the players became agitated over this, we realise the only option was to have their parents, wives and girlfriends collect their funds at the Federation,” Forde bluntly remarked upon being grilled by reporters yesterday.

Forde called the position taken by the players disappointing, adding that “it’s very unfortunate because this whole camp was our way, the executive committee’s (way), of giving the local players an opportunity for what has been a cry within the football fraternity for many years, that is, that we putting together a national team that doesn’t reflect the local talent that we have been developing.”

The GFF boss, while respecting the players’ right to protest, said that he was disenchanted that “the leadership on the ground was unable to communicate this really about you (the players), this is the federation investing a huge amount of resources to give you a chance to prove to the new coaching body that you have what it takes to vie for those posi-

tions to represent your country in four very important games.”

Forde opined that the protest action by the players does not, and should not reflect badly on the GFF, since, the players being in Brazil and the financing of the high-level expert technical staff, will tell a story of an executive committee that’s willing and prepared to make the necessary investment to bring success to the country’s flagship programme; the senior men’s national team.

However, the GFF president said that he awaits the report from an ordered full investigation into the protest action, since he believes that the GFF owes it to all stakeholders to give an account of the incident: what led to the unfolding and corrective measures that will be in place to stop a recurrence.

GMR&SC King of the Strip

Team Mohamed’s aiming for title defence

WHILE many competitors are focused on others, Team Mohamed’s Enterprise are keeping their cards close to their chest as they plot the defence of their title.

Team Mohamed’s Enterprise, who own and operate two Nissan GTRs, including the record-holding Goliath, have been quiet regarding their plans for drag-racing dominance.

Owner of Team Mo-

hamed’s, Azzrudin Mohamed, contended that the talk from various camps does not faze his team, cars or drivers.

After making light work of their closest rival in Shawn Persaud in the Unlimited class during the first KOTS drag meet in February, Team Mohamed’s had a sterner test against Trinidadian Sheldon Bissessar’s rail car which was competing for the first time in Guyana during the KOTS 2 on April 22.

However, Mohamed’s driver Terrence Cox held his nerve and pushed the vehicle to a comfortable strip record of 7.52 seconds to outpace the T&T rival who finished in 7.62 seconds.

During the KOTS 2, in

the other classes, Shawn Persaud with his Toyota Caldina outclassed the competition for the 8-second class trophy with a dominating showing against the men from the Twin Island Republic of T&T. The 9-second class was picked up by the Toyota Alteeza of Raj Panday while the 10-second class was won

by Damian Persaud who also drives a Toyota Caldina and is also the son of Shawn Persaud.

Michael Namchand of Suriname, with his Toyota Mark II, took the 11-second class with Raymond John and his Toyota Chaser joining his countryman on the podium for the 12-second class.

The Toyota Starlet of Ricardo Moore was the winner of the 13-second class with Bishram Rajaram winning the 14-second class.

The 15-second class was won by Troy Kowlesar with the Trinidadian bike duo of Shawn Briggs and Ian Atherly also picking up trophies.

The KOTS 3 will commence tomorrow from at 09:00hrs and admission to the venue will cost adults $1 000 and children $500.

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

DCC summer camp achieves...

“It is important that you know first and foremost that you have participated in what I would call, a rite of passage associated with 106 years of proud tradition that can be traced back to the year 1912; the year the club was formed,” Minister Harmon said.

He pledged $250 000 to the club.

Top students of the camp received trophies while all of the attendees received certificates of participation.

The feedbacks by participants and parents were great, with parents calling for more such camps to be organised on a regular basis.

Under-13 category Roy Fredericks trophy for the most improved batsman –

Loram Sewcharran The Lance Gibbs trophy for the most improved bowler – Michael Sharma The Roger Harper trophy for the most improved fielder – Lebrun Burns The Derwin Christian trophy for the most improved wicketkeeper – Quon Torrington The Fred Wills trophy for the best classroom participant – Ephraim Mingo The M.P Fernandes trophy for the most disciplined participant - Deane Hughes The Clive Lloyd trophy for the most valuable participant – Ryan Sadick

13-18 category Roy Frederick’s trophy for

From page 28 ► the most improved batsman – Joshua Reddy The Lance Gibbs trophy for the most improved bowler – Arif Bacchus The Roger Harper trophy for the most improved fielder – Mark Sharma The Derwin Christian trophy for the most improved wicketkeeper – Nicholas Samaroo The Fred Wills trophy for the best classroom participant – Idris Allen The M.P Fernandes trophy for the most disciplined participant - Mitran Dhanraj The Clive Lloyd trophy for the most valuable participant – Jaydon Alves

RACING TIPS American Racing Tips Saratoga Race 3 Tommy T Race 4 Digital Footprint Race 5 Red Knight Race 6 Promises Fulfilled Race 7 Abel Tasman Race 8 Finley’sluckycharm Race 9 City Of Light Race10 Spring Quality Race11 Good Magic Canadian Racing Tips Woodbine Race 1 Gossip Isle Race 2 Red At Last Race 3 Silent Poet Race 4 Josie’s Riddle Race 5 Kewanne Race 6 My Gal Betty Race 7 Reimagined Race 8 Holding Gold Race 9 Thunder Ride South Africa Racing Tips Kenilworth 08:20 hrs Dynamite Jack 09:00 hrs Contessa’s Glance 09:35 hrs After Glow 10:15 hrs Green Archer 10:50 hrs Power Grid 11:25 hrs Captain’s Treasure Irish Racing Tips Curragh 08:45 hrs Gee Rex 09:20 hrs Giottino 09:55 hrs Coral Beach 10:25 hrs Flag Of Honour 11:00 hrs Gossamer Wings 11:35 hrs Gospies Daughter 12:10 hrs St Brelades Bay English Racing Tips York 08:50 hrs Lord Glitters 09:25 hrs Heart Of Grace 10:00 hrs Expert Eye 10:40 hrs Nakeeta 11:15 hrs Sabre 11:50 hrs Alfarris 12:20 hrs Roundhay Park Newmarket 08:40 hrs Royal Marine 09:50 hrs Bullingdon 10:30 hrs Atty Persse 11:05 hrs Gifted Master 11:35 hrs Giselle’s Angel 12:10 hrs Queen Of Desire Goodwood 08:30 hrs Emerald Approach 09:05 hrs Beat The Bank 09:40 hrs Magnetic Charm 10:15 hrs Chessman 11:25 hrs Elusive Heights 12:00 hrs Just In Time

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 25, 2018

Raikkonen pips Hamilton in Belgium second practice FERRARI’S Kimi Raikkonen pipped Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes in second practice at the Belgian Grand Prix.

Raikkonen set a lap of 1 min 43.355 seconds, beating Hamilton by 0.168 secs on their qualifying simulation runs.

The second Mercedes of Valtteri Bottas was third, 0.448 secs away, while Hamilton’s title rival Sebastian Vettel had a scrappy session and was fifth.

Vettel made errors on his fastest laps and was beaten

by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.

However, Mercedes and Ferrari appear to be very closely matched - not just

from the qualifying pace but also from the drivers’ performance when they ran on race fuel loads later in the session.

Then, Hamilton, Bottas and Vettel were all lapping within 0.1 sec of each other on average on the super-soft tyres on which they are expected to start the race, suggesting the race is very tough to call and that the fight for pole position will be intense today.

Hamilton might have more time in him - his lap did not look the cleanest.

But it is hard to make any judgements after yesterday’s running, not least because both Mercedes and Ferrari have upgraded engines for

French Open bans Williams’ cat suit

Serena Williams has not worn the black cat suit since this year’s French Open.

(BBC) - SERENA Williams will be banned from wearing her black cat suit at the French Open in the future, with the tournament set to introduce a stricter dress code.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion said the outfit made her feel like a “superhero” at Roland Garros this year.

She claimed it helped her cope with the issue of blood clots, which she said almost cost her her life giving birth.

“It will no longer be accepted,” French Tennis Federation president Bernard Giudicelli told Tennis magazine.

“I believe we have sometimes gone too far. You have to respect the game and the place.”

Giudicelli did not reveal the new rules but said they will not be as restrictive as at Wimbledon, where players must wear all-white outfits.

He added that although most player uniforms for 2019 have already been planned, the

FFT is asking manufacturers to share the designs.

Williams, 36, made her return to Grand Slam tennis at the French Open in May following the birth of her daughter last September.

The three-time winner wore the cat suit in each of the first three rounds but had to pull out of her fourth-round tie against Maria Sharapova because of injury.

She dedicated the outfit to new mothers and said it made her feel like a “queen from Wakanda” in reference to the Black Panther movie.

Williams is bidding for a seventh US Open title when the tournament starts on Monday and the 17th seed faces Poland’s world number 60 Magda Linette in the first round.

this weekend and will not be

The McLaren’s high drag

tance of straight-line speed

There was a huge gap

running them anywhere near

levels are being exposed on

and engine power is among

between the top three teams

their best.

this track where the impor-

the highest of the season.

and the rest.

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 25, 2018

Bramble lone Guyanese in West Indies B for Canada festival … Royston Crandon to lead Toronto Bears

By Frederick Halley TORONTO, Canada - Several regional players who missed out on selection in the current Caribbean Premier League (CPL) tournament, will have an opportunity to show off their wares in Cricket Canada’s four-team festival, set to start on Monday at the Maple Leaf Cricket Club (MLCC) ground, Toronto.

The tournament follows closely on the heels of the recently-concluded Global T20 Canada and according to Cricket Canada, “there’s no better way to conclude the summer season of 2018”.

The festival, which concludes on September 7, will feature losing Global T20 finalists West Indies B, Canada national team, Canada A and Toronto Bears and will be both One-day and T20 matches.

Cricket Canada will also be using the tournament as preparation for next month’s International Cricket Council

(ICC) T20 Americas Group A qualifiers, set for North Carolina, USA. The Labour Day holiday weekend will witness all the T20 matches and will also be streamed live.

Meanwhile, Anthony Bramble, who skippered the West Indies B in the Global T20 tournament, is the lone Guyanese included the West Indies B 14-man squad and speculation is rife whether he will be retained as captain.

Also returning are Barbadian all-rounder Justin Greaves and Jamaican fast bowler Derval Green.

The squad also includes Test players Sunil Ambris and Jomel Warrican. Reports also indicate that Guyana’s senior team coach Esaun Crandon has been appointed coach of the team.

Another former Guyana and West Indies One-day player Royston Crandon will lead a strong Toronto Bears lineup which also feature former Guyana Under-19 players Eugene LaFleur and

Raj Nannan as well as former Berbice Under-19 all-rounder Krishnadat Ramoo, all of whom are plying their trade in Toronto. The other Guyanese are Surjpaul Kandasammy, Adrian Sukwah and David Latcha.

The West Indies B 14man squad reads: Sunil Ambris, Alick Athanaze, Sheno Berridge, Anthony Bramble, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves, Derval Greene, Jahmar Hamilton, Shermon Lewis, Kyle Mayers, Kimani Melius, Jeavor Royal and Jomel Warrican.

Toronto Bears squad: Royston Crandon (captain), Raj Nannan, Rodrigo Thomas, Kamil Pooran, Rodney Lawrence, Eugene LaFleur, Teshwon Castro, Richard Harris, Ryan Nurse, Jeron Manniram, Jade Padmore, Atiba Alert, Rachad Forde, Krishnadat Ramoo, Surujpaul Kandasammy, David Latcha and Adrian Sukwah.

The Canadian national and A teams were not avail-

Ramdhani through to CAREBACO Ladies Singles and Doubles gold medal match

Priyanna Ramdhani in action

THE BWF CAREBACO International Senior Championships 2018 continued on Thursday at the Ring Sports Center in Paramaribo, Suriname, with the Guyanese athletes performing admirably.

The standout was Priyanna Ramdhani who is now in contention for two gold medals in the Ladies Singles and Doubles cate-

gories.

The night started with the Ladies Singles semi-finals, as Ramdhani defeated Jamaica’s Katherine Wynter in a three-setter 24-22, 10-21 and 21-14 to get into the final.

Priyanna then played the Ladies Doubles semi-finals with Chequeda De Boulet of Trinidad and Tobago; together they defeated the Surinamese pair of Imani

Mangroe and Mary-Ann Zhong in another three-setter of 17-21, 21-16 and 21-7 to book a spot in the final.

Priyanna then played the Mixed Doubles semi-final with sibling, Narayan Ramdhani. However, they lost in yet another three-setter to the experienced No.1 seeded players Dakeil Thorpe and Tamisha Williams of Barbados, in sets of 21-17, 17-21 and 22-20.

However, the Ramdhanis settled for bronze.

In the Men’s Doubles semi-final, Narayan Ramdhani and Jonathan Mangra lost to Dylan Darmohoetomo and Gilmar Jones of Suriname in sets of 21-15 and 21-8 to settle for bronze.

Anthony Bramble

Royston Crandon

able up to press time.

Admission to the ground is likely to be free and spectators are requested to bring along their umbrellas and their favourite foods to enjoy the best of this summer’s cricket carnival.

Following are the fixtures: Monday, August 27 – Canada A vs Toronto Bears (One-day); Tuesday, August 28 – Canada A vs Toronto

Bears (One-day); Wednesday, August 29 – rest day.

Thursday, August 30 – T20 warm-up matches: Canada A vs Toronto Bears; Canada vs West Indies B; Canada A vs Canada; Toronto Bears vs West Indies B. Friday, August 31 – rest day.

Saturday, September 1 – T20: Canada vs Toronto Bears; Canada A vs West Indies B. Sunday, September 2 – T20: Canada vs Canada

A; West Indies B vs Canada.

Monday, September 3 – T20: Canada A vs Toronto Bears; Toronto Bears vs West Indies B. Tuesday, September 4 – rest day.

Wednesday, September 5 – One-day: Canada vs West Indies B. Thursday, September 6 – rest day.

Friday, September 7 – One day: Canada vs West Indies B.

From back page ►

DCC summer camp ...

Melissa Dow-Richardson, stressed the importance of academics and sports to be married as it brings about balance in an individual.

“I congratulate you … those young persons, those young people who took the decision to participate in this most useful developmental activity at such an important time in your life,” Dow-Richardson pointed out.

She added, “It’s up to you to take what you have learnt and make the best of it. Fundamentally, the game theoretical and practical elements are solid tools for life on and off the pitch.

Sports is not on the green or on the pitch.”

“Sports functions in many other ways from those areas as well … in administration, in coaching, in training, in legal elements,

sports medicine. There is a wide variety of options for you as sportspersons so don’t think that this experience that you had on the field is just for that area,” the assistant director of

sports said.

Patron of DCC and Minister of State, Hon. Joseph Harmon, also spoke to the participants.

Turn to page 26►

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday August 25, 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) 43 times (2) Shane Shillingford Today’s Quiz: (1) Who is the first TKR player to win the Man of the Match Award in Hero CPKL 2018?

(2) so?

Who is the first Warriors player to do Answers in tomorrow’s issue

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 25, 2018

BV/Triumph 8th of May Movement Emancipation Cohesion Senior Cup Football League

Unbeaten BV, Eastveldt storm to final, spiralling anticipated entertaining battle THE BV/Triumph 8th of May Movement Emancipation Cohesion Senior Cup Football League, which is largely sponsored by Bakewell/Lloyd W P Britton/G O Benjamin/GLDA/ NAREI/ROCK and Roy’s Pharmacy, continued in exciting fashion with the semi-final rounds on Sunday August 19, 2018 at the BV Playground.

In the first semi-final, Eastveldt, who won all their preliminary Group A matches, came up against Group B runners-up Tucville, in a match which was shortened to 60 minutes. The two teams, who have undoubtedly fielded some of the better players in the league, comparatively matched each other in highly strategic and tactical ploys, going into

halftime with the score 0-0.

However, it was Tucville’s defence error that provided the alert O’Neil Glasgow of Eastveldt with an opportunity to place the ball over the goal line, which he accepted and thereby registered Eastveldt’s goal.

In fact, Glasgow’s goal turned out to be the only goal of the match, as Tucville, in search of an equaliser, failed to penetrate Eastveldt’s defence by the end of the match.

Eastveldt’s 1-0 victory over the experienced Tucville appeared to be a morale-boost for them, as the-already delighted players, at the end of the match, exhibited readiness for today’s final.

In the second semi-final of the evening, unbeaten

Group B leaders BV opposed the courageous Group B runners-up, Mahaica.

BV, having previously won two of their three preliminary matches, and drawing one against Mahaicony, were keen to put on their best showing against Mahaica. This was critical, since Mahaica have been dubbed in the league as Mahaicony’s sister club. With Mahaicony’s excellent showing against BV, Mahaica appeared somewhat confident, and were viewed as capable of upsetting BV, having of course watched and digested the match ploys of BV against Mahaicony in the final preliminary match.

In fact, it was Mahaica’s Eion Abel, who recorded the first goal in the second semi-final, when in the 11th

O’Neil Glasgow

minute of the match he right-booted a goal well to the left of BV goalkeeper.

Mahaica’s goal appeared to stun and silence the spectators, who seemed to be highly comprised of BV

supporters. However, BV’s Delroy Deen in the 14th minute, motivated by BV’s apparent downfall, courageously worked his way through the midfield to an opening in Mahaica’s defence, to score a powerful right-booted equaliser.

BV’s Malcolm Wilson, who continues to demonstrate ever-improving qualities, wasted no time in giving the home team the lead. In the 19th minute he accepted a pass from the left wing, to volley the ball past Mahaica’s goalkeeper, penetrating the goal net and handing BV the advantage, 2-1.

At this stage, Mahaica became desperate, and while they may have been obvious efforts to remain composed, their body language and field formation had clearly changed.

This change in Mahaica’s tactical approach can also be attributed to BV’s third goal, when three of Mahaica’s defence players decided to pass the ball to one another, instead of clearing it from their box.

This thoughtlessness allowed the vigilant Junior Alleyne of BV to advance and challenge Mahaica’s defence players, winning possession of the ball and finishing with a brilliant placement in the net, to give BV a 3-1 lead in the 40th minute.

The remainder of the match seemed all about formality as Mahaica never were provided with advantageous situations to score.

BV won 3-1.

Today from 17:00hrs, Tucville will tackle Mahaica for the Gladstone O Benjamin Bronze Award of $150 000, along with a trophy, while the undefeated teams, Eastveldt and home team BV, will kick it out for the Bakewell Gold Crown of $350 000 and a trophy, with the losing team settling for the Lloyd WP Britton Silver Honour prize of $250 000, as well as a trophy. Both matches will be played at the BV Playground.

Trophy Stall golf tournament set for today GKF receives substantial gear from NSC

Managing Director of Trophy Stall, Devi Sunich, hands over some of the trophies to president of LGC, Aleem Hussain.

MANAGING Director and proprietor of Trophy Stall, Ramesh Sunich, is pleased to continue sponsorship of golf tournaments with the latest one set for today at the Lusignan Golf Course (LGC).

Sunich has been involved in sponsorship of sports in all disciplines in Guyana for many years, and today’s event is a memorable one for the LGC, since it marks an incredible milestone of 50 tournaments in a single year.

The tournament will feature the top Guyanese golfers in three categories competing

for first and second place along with Best Gross and Best Net overall as well as special prizes for Longest Drive and Nearest to the Pin. Trophy Stall, located at Bourda Market, is the provider of the highest quality trophies and printing services and has been a strong supporter of all types of sporting events in Guyana for many years.

The company has partnered with the LGC in many ways and has always delivered top quality products and world-class service.

During the handing-over

ceremony at the company’s headquarters at Bourda Market, Ramesh stated that the company wanted to show its commitment to the LGC and assist with promoting the game to the younger generation of golfers.

President of LGC, Aleem Hussain, thanked the business entity for their continued support towards the development of the sport locally.

The LGC has a packed calendar of events with more than four activities per month scheduled for the rest of the year.

Keith Beaton (far left), GKF president (second from left) receiving equipment from Director of Sport Christopher Jones (second from right), vice-president of GKF, Roger Peroune (far right)

THE National Sports Commission (NSC) yesterday through Director of Sport Christopher Jones handed over a quantity of gear to the Guyana Karate Federation (GKF) at the National Sports Commission boardroom.

The gear was requested by the federation in 2017.

President of the GKF, Amir Khouri, stated that the main use of the equipment would be for the students to

have a feel of competition and how to perform at competition level.

He said the donation will also assist young competitors with proper gear.

Vice-president of the GKF, Roger Peroune, who participated in the recent International Karate Daigaku (IKD) in Barbados, gave a brief overall performance of the competitors from his club, the YMCA/IKD Shutokan Ka-

rate club.

“We recently returned from Barbados from the IKD World Cup. Overall we had a 22-member team from my club, who garnered 12 bronze, 8 silver and 6 gold medals. Keith Beaton received 2 gold medals one in Over-40 fighting and Over40 team fighting.”

The team is currently preparing for the National Senior Championships on September 30.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 25, 2018

Uprising facing enormous pressure to halt G/town dominance HAVING defied the odds en route to claiming the East Coast Zone of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ competition earlier this year, the youthful Uprising unit from Golden Grove have become the most popular team on the East Coast of Demerara.

Their fan base has increased significantly and they have not disappointed to date, but could they withstand the enormous pressure being placed on them to win the Three Peat Promotions/ Guinness Cage competition?

The answer to the above will be known tonight when they face Plaisance in the feature clash of the Round of 16 segment at the Haslington Market tarmac.

But even more important is: Could the East Coast teams repel the challenge of the visiting Georgetown teams and underline their arrival on the big stage.

The tournament, dubbed ‘East Coast Best versus The

Rest’, pitted 13 teams from the East Coast communities versus 11 from Georgetown and to date all 11 of the visiting teams are still in the competition, while only five from the hosts are still alive.

Simply put, fans and supporters of the respective East Coast teams will have to come out and provide vociferous support to their teams in an effort to ensure that bragging rights and home turf defence are noticeably present tonight.

The support for the tournament, which is being held to improve relations among all communities and to foster social cohesion among its citizenry, has been tremendous to date and this trend is anticipated to continue right to the final scheduled to be played next Friday, at the same venue.

Meanwhile, defending champions Ol Skool Ballers have already exhibited impressive form and could make life difficult for BV

‘B’ and this is where home support could prove a vital ally in this engagement.

This encounter should provide riveting action and tremendous excitement for the fans.

Another game that could bring the house down is the clash between old rivals Sparta Boss and Back Circle.

Undeniably, Guyana’s most successful team in the shorter format, Sparta, have not displayed the kind of killer instincts that their supporters and opponents know they possess, but writing off their chances could be a dangerous undertaking.

Many feel that they are a bit exhausted after making the final stages of almost every tournament this year and barely scraped through as one of the best third-placed teams.

However, big occasion is what they thrive on and Back Circle could provide the flicker they need to remind everyone of their mas-

Exxon, ‘D’ Grill Kings sponsor team tucker

Raveiro Tucker collects sponsorship from ExxonMobil Communications Adviser, Public and Government Affairs, Nicholas Yearwood.

EXXONMOBIL and ‘D’ Grill Kings are two of the latest entities to join the Team Tuckers rider Raverio Tucker, ahead of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC) round three, next weekend.

Set for the Bushy Park Raceway in Barbados, Tucker, will join Team Mohamed’s Matt Truelove, Matthew Vieira and John Bennett as the Guyanese super stock contingent. Yesterday he collected sponsorship from the two entities.

ExxonMobil Communications Adviser, Public and Government Affairs, Nicholas Yearwood, contended, “We decided that we would

Part of the action at the Haslington Market tarmac in this year’s Guinness Cage football competition

tery on the streets.

Back Circle are no pushovers either and will want to prove such by making the showdown an explosive one for a quarter-final spot.

Tiger Bay and Avocado Ballers matchup is another dream game with a winner proving too difficult to predict.

Alexander Village have been the surprise package in the tournament to date, but so too are Broad Street.

These two teams have been around for ages, but

somehow seem rejuvenated and full of energy and this could be an explosive encounter.

The Leopold Street versus Albouystown clash has all the hallmarks of being a blockbuster and once again the choice of picking a winner is no easy task.

Among the entities in support of the cause are: Banks DIH under its Guinness and Power Wine brands, Clarks footwear giant Chetsons, E-Networks Inc., KSM In-

vestments, Yhip’s Bakery, Brass Aluminium & Cast Iron Foundry (BACIF), Ray’s Auto Sales, Y.K. Investments, Trophy Stall, Express Shipping, Woodpecker Products, National Sports Commission, ‘C’ Division of the Guyana Police Force, Jai Signs & Auto Designs, Gaming Authority, Julius Variety Store, Insurance Brokers Guyana Limited and C & C Prestigious Styles.

New GPC on board for third Limacol Football tournament

Tucker collects sponsorship from Leslie ‘Two Feet’ Howell.

go ahead not only on his riding success but we also see that he is a good empowerment idol at least from our end.”

Meanwhile, the leading barbecue outlet, ‘D’ Grill Kings joined up with the rider, handing over the sponsorship at its restaurant at the head of D’Urban Street on Mandela Avenue.

One of the company’s chief executive officers CEO), Leslie ‘Two Feet’ Howell, said the barbecue giant was happy to be a part of Team Tucker, who have taken the superbike circuit by storm.

Howell said Team Tucker have proved themselves

worthy of being one of the top outfits in the game and it is no surprise that D Grill Kings was so quick to jump at the opportunity to be a part of something so special.

The CEO explained that Tucker is a young man with extreme potential and expressed confidence in his ability to represent Guyana proudly in the upcoming championship.

Meanwhile, Tucker said it is always good to have these guys on board, going into detail to note that these guys are the best in the barbecue business - one of the spots on Mandela Avenue where he recharges at nights. (Stephan Sookram)

GFF president Wayne Forde watches as Petra executive Mark Alleyne collects the Limacol sponsorship cheque from New GPC company secretary Zulfikar Ali. At extreme right is Petra co-director Troy Mendonca.

NEW Guyana Pharmaceutical Company (GPC) under its Limacol brand has thrown its support behind the Petra organisation for the third edition of the Limacol Football tournament set for month end.

The company, through its secretary Zulfikar Ali, expressed its excitement at being on board for another edition of the highly anticipated tournament.

He contended that they are always interested in

sports and its development and have seen the progress from the first two instalments, hence their return for a third time.

Petra, through co-director Troy Mendonca outlined that the tournament provides an avenue for community teams who do not get as much football-related activity.

While the teams for the 2018 edition of the tournament have not been revealed as yet, Mendonca contended that quality competition is

expected.

GFF president Wayne Forde, who was also on hand, expressed his pleasure at seeing the company onboard for a third year, citing their extended input in football.

The tournament will start on August 30 and play until October with teams from Georgetown, Linden and the West Bank set to participate for over a million dollars in cash and prizes.

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 25, 2018

GFF, Guyana Beverages Inc. take Fruta Kool Kidz Grassroots football countrywide

… Two-year MOU signed for sponsorship HAVING first hosted the Kool Kidz Grassroots football programme earlier this year, catering only to children in Georgetown’s various communities, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and Guyana Beverages Incorporated yesterday announced that the youth football development initiative will now be rolled out in all affiliated football associations countrywide.

The Guyana Beverages Inc., a subsidiary of SM Jaleel and Company Limited which is based in Trinidad and Tobago, shares a rich history with grassroots football in Guyana through tts various brands.

The company is an almost life-long sponsor and supporter of one of the country’s most popular clubs when it comes churning out talented youths; Fruta Conquerors FC. “This is commendable, because it gives us an opportunity not only to develop young people, but also, from a marketing perspective, we’re happy for the opportunity for our products to be available in other parts of Guyana,” said Samuel Arjune, Guyana Beverages Commercial Manager, while speaking to reporters at yesterday’s launch, held in the Boardroom of the GFF headquarters.

“If we look across Guy-

Samuel Arjune, Guyana Beverages Commercial Manager (left) and GFF president Wayne Forde following the signing of their MOU that will roll out the countrywide Fruta Kool Kidz Grassroots football programme. (Rawle Toney photo)

ana and the Caribbean, any sports enthusiast will tell you that Guyana is full with talent for sports, but then, we really

ask ourselves this question; why are we still behind our counterparts in the Caribbean? The talent is there, no

AAG coaches clinic on today

THE Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) will be hosting its Annual Coaches Conference today, at the Guyana Olympics Association (GOA) Headquarters, Liliendaal, commencing at 10:00hrs.

This year’s conference will be held under the

theme: “Improving nationwide performance in traditional events; reintroduction of nontraditional events”.

With Guyana scheduled to host the South American Under-23 in 2020 and CARIFTA Games in 2021, this conference seeks to

cover the following topics: New training approach in sprint & hurdles, middle & long distance, jumps and throws.

The development of athletes in pole vault, hammer and steeplechase.

Discussion on the National Colleges Athletics

Championship (NCAC) and the National High School Athletics Championship (NHSAC) All Track & Field coaches are invited to attend. Registration closes Friday, August 24, 2018 at 16:00hrs.

doubt, in almost every aspect of sports,” Arjune stated.

A sport enthusiast himself, Arjune believes that Guyana is oftentimes left behind, “because of inadequate sports facilities and poor institutional support

for our young kids. We are happy that the Guyana Beverages Inc., through the Kool Kidz Brand, provides that opportunity to help the Guyana football clubs, Wayne Forde and the GFF mandate in the development of grassroots football throughout Guyana.”

Wayne Forde, president of the GFF, showered Guyana Beverages Inc. with praises, adding that the company would have demonstrated its desire to help - in every regard - sports to grow and develop in Guyana, especially in the sport of football.

Forde pointed out that the GFF is more than pleased to have the company on board, and stressed that the nine regional football associations will see their coaches being trained in an effort to effectively manage the programme in their respective communities.

Golden Jaguars strike in protest of unpaid stipend in Brazil

See page 26 ►

… Position ‘unfortunate’ and ‘disappointing’ - GFF president

The Golden Jaguars in Brazil where they have been preparing for the CONCACAF Nations League.

DCC summer camp achieves its objectives, says Nedd … hailed a huge success

By Rajiv Bisnauth

Participants and coach Garvin Nedd along with technical director Mark Harper

THE Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) yesterday concluded its 2018 Cricket Summer Camp which focused on the future generation of the club and the country’s cricketers with specific reference to the essentials of being an ambassador on and off the field.

The camp, which began on August 13 at the club’s Queenstown location, saw close to 117 aspiring cricketers participate.

Coach Garvin Nedd told Chronicle Sport, that the camp achieved its objectives, since there was an elaborate cricket curriculum, which was aimed at developing every participant’s cricketing talent along with fitness.

“Yea, definitely the camp had offered a range of coaching programmes, which had provided an excellent opportunity for the participants to develop into a future-ready cricketer and sportsperson.

They received extensive coaching and training sessions to develop every aspect of the game, starting from the first-timers, who were provided the basic introduction to the game of cricket,” Nedd said.

Meanwhile, in delivering the feature address at the closing ceremony yesterday, Assistant Director of Sport,

Turn to page 28 ►

GMR&SC King of the Strip

Team Mohamed’s aiming for title defence See page 28 ►

Team Mohamed’s Enterprise GTRs

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, 2018