Guyana Chronicle E-paper 08-28-2018

TUESDAY 28th August, 2018

No.105380

‘Don’t blame me’

PAGE

02

…Police legal adviser says case against Westford, Cummings was handled by the DPP

Most teachers ignore strike

…only 12 heads out of 1000 schools hand in keys – See page 12

Teachers of Tutorial High School were busy on Monday registering students for the new school term which commences next week (Delano Williams photo)

Ex-soldier gets 15 years for killing best friend

See page 8

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday August 28, 2018

‘Don’t blame me’

…Police legal adviser says case against Westford, Cummings was handled by the DPP

By Svetlana Marshall LEGAL Adviser to the Guyana Police Force, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh said the larceny case brought against former Public Service Minister, Dr. Jennifer Westford and her Personnel Manager, Margaret Cummings was dealt with entirely by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DDP), and not her office.

Dr. Westford and Cummings were hauled before the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court in June, 2015 for allegedly stealing approximately $639.4M from the state between October 19, 2011 and April 28, 2015, while being employed at the then Public Service Ministry.

But after a three-year-old trial, Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman dismissed the case on the grounds that it was “bad in law.”

Junior Finance Minister, Jaipaul Sharma, over the weekend while expressing his disappointment, said it is baffling as to how a very simple and straight forward case put together by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) following advice from the Police Legal Adviser and the DPP could still have

resulted in the wrong charge being instituted. He said it was a waste of the state’s resources and could have been prevented.

According to him, Dr. Westford and Cummings, who worked under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government, should not have been charged with larceny by public officer but rather under the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act, Sections 48 and 49. But on Monday, the Police Legal Advisor distanced herself from the case. “I didn’t not advise on that matter and that matter was wholly and fully dealt with by the DDP chambers, and they had the DDP prosecutors there,” Justice (Ret’d) Singh said.

When the DPP’s Office was contacted, the Guyana Chronicle was informed that the DPP Shalimar Ali-Hack and Communications Officer Liz Rahaman are both on leave. A request to speak to the Assistant DPP Sonia Joseph was turned down, and this newspaper asked to make contact with Rahaman when she returns from leave next Monday. It is alleged that between 2011 and 2015, Westford signed 24 memoranda amounting to $639,420,000 and sent them

Junior Finance Minister Jaipaul Sharma

to the permanent secretary at the Office of the President to be signed and approved. The money, which was reportedly given to Cummings and subsequently handed over to the then minister, was said to have been requested for activities to be conducted in the 10 administrative regions.

The Magistrate, in handing down her decision, said there was no evidence to prove that the funds were not used for their intended purpose, noting 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,

Director of Public Prosecutions Shalimar Ali-Hack

there was no evidence that the money was unlawfully taken by the two women. It was also noted that while there was no evidence to prove that Cummings collected the money, since there was no affixed signature. A total of 48 witnesses were called during the trial.

Minister Sharma is calling for the right charge to be instituted against Dr. Westford and Cummings. He is of the strong belief that something is being done wrong at the investigative and prosecutorial end of things. “We have carried a number of cases before the court already and failed, Jennifer Westford’s case is only one

Legal Advisor to the Guyana Police Force, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh

that failed, we are not getting convictions,” he said.

The Minister reminded that in October, 2017 the conspiracy to procure money charge against former General Manager of the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (NGMC), Nizam Hassan and Felecia De Souza-Madramootoo was dismissed.

In November, 2016 former Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), Carvil Duncan was found not guilty of theft after it was ruled that a prima facie case had not been established against him.

Duncan and the company’s then CEO Aerswar

Deonarine, found themselves in trouble over the unapproved transfer of approximately $29M to their personal bank accounts from the PetroCaribe fund.

It was alleged that Duncan stole $984,900 from GPL on March 31, 2015 at Georgetown after conspiring with the company’s then CEO, Aerswar Deonarine to commit the act of simple larceny. The former DCEO was also alleged to have conspired with Deonarine to commit a felony – that is to say between May 7 and 8 at Georgetown he conspired to steal GYD$27,757,500, property of GPL.

GPL blames Essequibo electricity problem on mechanical, electrical issues THE Guyana Power and Light Inc. on Monday issued a statement saying that the blackouts plaguing the Essequibo Coast are “due to unforeseen mechanical and

electrical issues with three of our generation units.”

“We are challenged to provide the required peak demand of 4.2 Megawatts,” the notification informed.

“Currently, two units with an aggregate capacity of 1.5 MW are in operation at the Anna Regina power station.

These units cannot satisfy the demand of the entire Coast and as such load shedding is in effect until additional generation becomes available.”

Since April of this year residents of Region Two have been once again experiencing severe blackouts, and called on GPL to rectify the problem.

After experiencing even more consistent power outages over the past week, the residents took to the streets last Friday, and protested outside of the company’s Anna Regina power plant, and Anna Regina office.

Finally speaking on the issue, and pleading for even more patience from the frustrated residents, the power company admitted that it is finding it difficult to supply the current demand but hopes

to see some progress by weekend.

“Our company, with technical assistance from the equipment supplier, is working assiduously to mobilise additional generation by weekend to alleviate the prolonged service interruptions.

We remain cognisant of the inconvenience caused and seek the patience of our customers as we work to restore reliable power supply to the Coast,” GPL said.

However this comes after Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, last Friday in an interview with the Department of Public Information, noted that “two sets with a total capacity of 3.1 MW” were installed last week, and “normalcy” was expected to return to the area since Friday evening, after “another two units [were made] available resulting in a total capacity of 5.8 MW.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday August 28, 2018

Risking it all for a better life – the story of the few intrepid souls who made it across the border

By Alva Solomon AS DUSK falls amid foggy conditions at Khan Hill outside the town of Mabaruma on Sunday evening, several families sit around the trees, telling anyone who cares to listen about the harrowing conditions they endured, including being shot at, while fleeing neighbouring Venezuela.

The population here of approximately 103 Venezuelan refugees has been running low on food, usually given them by residents of the North West District town who have been working around the clock to assist their guests in whatever way they can.

Made up of predominantly of members of the the Indigenous Warrau Nation, the migrant population from across the western border has been steadily growing in recent months, and seeking refuge in a church as well as an unfinished building nearby which was gifted to the residents of Khan Hill for a specific project under the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Hinterland

A temporary shelter set up at Khan’s Hill outside Mabaruma to house migrants from across the border

Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) programme.

Village leader Carlos Santiago and his family have been going out of their way to help their guests, among them children of all ages, but the immigrants told the Guyana Chronicle via a translator that while they are grateful for whatever assistance they’ve gotten so far, they would appreciate a little more help in the form of clothing, food and tools such as cutlasses.

Many recounted the hardships they endured in neighbouring Venezuela, right down to being shot

Venezuelan migrants Rosalinda and Victor Mercano outside the thatch-roof shelter they built recently at White Water, close to the Venezuelan border

This Venezuelan lass tries her hand at a bit of handicraft to earn an income (Photos by Alva Solomon)

at on several occasions by

lawmen while fleeing so as

to deter them from crossing into Guyana.

They said that they travelled for several days by paddling down the waterways while crossing into Guyana, and according to them, they are hoping that the situation in Venezuela improves.

Many noted that they will not return to that country while it is still in the throes of the current economic crisis.

As mosquitoes zipped and zinged around the campsite, many drew next to a fireside to prevent the insects from venturing too close.

On Monday, this publication visited White Water

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village and other “landings” close to the Amacuro River, where we were told there were others with similar harrowing tales about the conditions under which they fled to Guyana.

The Guyana Government has been working assiduously to prepare a settlement close to the Aruka River on the outskirts of Mabaruma where reports are that the refugees will be given housing as opposed to their current location.

Local residents of the township expressed mixed views about the influx, with some noting that the situation can lead to a strain on the public services at Mabaruma, including health, while others noted that prostitution among other social ills have been introduced to the town.

Yet others spoke in humanitarian tones, saying that in the past, many Guyanese from the North West District were forced to move to the neighbouring country during the years when the Venezuelan economy was booming.

RCC hosts another successful youth ambassador camp

WHEREVER capable, children have a right to have a say and play a role in decision- making on issues that affect them, as enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Towards that end, the Rights of a Child Commission (RCC) in Guyana created its Youth Ambassador Programme (YAP), which celebrated its fourth year in existence this year.

The programme recently held its annual camp at Iwokrama which was attend-

ed by some 40 youth, where for five days the participants were engaged in a number of sessions and activities aimed at empowering them to be a voice on issues affecting them, and to return and be youth representatives in their varying communities.

Several of the young people were on hand Monday morning, at a press conference held at the RCC headquarters, to speak of their experiences and how it has prepared them to go out and be voices for their fellow

peers.

“It was an unforgettable experience. We felt love and humility among ourselves and that for me is the best part. We had a great discussion about resistance, and that session really empowered and equipped me mentally to overcome internal and external resistance,” shared Naomi Bacchus.

“It doesn’t matter where you’re from and the struggles you’ve been through. We understand what we should do to overcome that resis-

tance, be positive, discard the negative, in order to propel and move forward as youth ambassadors.”

Another session, one on self-motivation, particularly resonated with youth ambassador Ruth Wilson.

“On the first day we had to write a self-motivation mission statement. And writing that mission statement, saying that I will keep moving forward no matter what comes my way, no matter what people are saying, that was life changing, I don’t

think I can express how much that session impacted my life.”

Initiated by youth, the YAP first started in 2015, when a group of vibrant young people approached the RCC with the idea of creating a platform which would help to foster youth empowerment, youth growth and create capacity building among young people.

The programme, however, was officially launched in 2017. The goal of the programme is to afford the right

to meaningful participation in different settings in which they are active.

Also coming out of this year’s camp was a new avowal for the programme, the “Turtle Mountain Declaration for Youth Empowerment,” which, among other things, saw the participants committing to the “ideals and standards of youth participation and empowerment in pursuant of engendering a more democratic, and socially cohesive and educative society.” Turn to page 5

Bartica teachers strike passively

AS the countrywide strike amongst teachers commenced on Monday, Region Seven teachers, particularly in the town of Bartica chose to take the passive route.

Vice Chairman of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) Bartica branch, Jermaine Joseph, told this newspaper that the teachers of Region Seven are in full solidarity with the union’s decision in taking industrial action, however, they decided to do so by staying at home as opposed to actively demonstrating.

He said that teachers will not resume duty until their demands are met. He is unsure of

the number of head teachers who handed over their keys, but is confident that they have all the support they need.

“In Region Seven, most persons are in solidarity with our union’s position as it relates to the strike. I can speak positively for the secondary schools. We believe that teachers are the moulders of the nation so, we believe that teachers must be compensated for their efforts. Teachers are the ones who have to sit back and watch persons they taught reach to the pinnacle of whatsoever field they would have pursued, and, we teachers are always

feeling as though we are left behind and it’s only fitting that we are properly compensated,” he said.

He added that the strike commenced from Monday and the general council will meet today to decide on a way forward. But as for Joseph, he believes that the teachers should strike until their demands are met.

“I don’t know what decision the council will come to, but as for me, I think we should strike until we get what we deserve, because I think that if we pull off from the strike, we will not be taken seriously,” the vice chairman

said.

He added that there has been no registration or orientation and no school on Monday, until further notice.

Despite their decision to withhold their services, Joseph said that the teachers still have the students at heart, but at some point they have to stand up for themselves.

“It’s not that we are not sympathetic towards the students, but we have our rights too and we need to stand up for [them]. As soon as our demands are met, our services will be expedited.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 28, 2018

‘Use history as an intellectual tool’ – Hamilton Green HISTORY should be used as an intellectual tool which would help persons to make informed decisions in the future, said former Mayor of Georgetown, Hamilton Green.

He said history was used a political tool for decades but there needs to be a paradigm shift in order to educate people.

“We have argued about the relevance and significance of history but we have also seen how effective the Europeans and Caucasians use history,” said Green during his remarks at the annual Pan African Culture Day and forum on Georgetown at the Pan African Gardens on Sunday.

Saturday 25, August, 2018

04 12 18 19 24 28 22

J

Former Mayor of Georgetown, Hamilton Green speaking to the gathering (Samuel Maughn photo)

Amid calls for the resuscitation of the historical

timeline of African heritage, Green said history must be used as lessons, and tools to identify the mistakes and successes of the past.

The former mayor believes that giving glory to the ancestors is good but not sufficient. There is more to history, he said, adding that it could be used as intellectual energy to move into the future. “People without knowledge of where they came from are disconnected with the present and cannot move forward,” Green lamented.

Moving forward, he said the cultural bodies should look at inculcating history properly so that it would be more beneficial to every generation.

Drumming was the highlight of the activity on Sunday (Samuel Maughn photo)

02, 08, 18, 20, 24

2, 7, 7

2, 2, 3

05, 06, 09, 14, 25

2, 9, 8

5, 4, 1

01, 07, 08, 11, 20

7, 8, 1

8, 0, 9

11, 15, 16, 18, 20

1, 4, 5

9, 6, 2

03, 05, 10, 18, 19

5, 8, 6

9, 1, 2

01, 07, 10, 12, 15 02, 05, 07, 11, 14

24, August, 2018

03, 04, 09, 11, 12

01 02 03 09 15

01, 06, 13, 14, 17

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Mayor of Bartica endorses annual youth development camp

Vice Chairman of GTU, Bartica Branch, Jermaine Joseph

ON Sunday, over 60 Bartica youths graduated from the Inaugural Youth Development Camp hosted by the town’s queen, Dahlia Richmond.

This three-week camp built confidence, character, and educated participants in the areas of English, Spanish and Arts & Craft, and is slated to be an annual activity that the town will host for its young people.

Mayor Gifford Marshall strongly believes that this will make a tremendous difference in the lives of the youth in Bartica. He commended the queen for her excellent execution and hopes

the camp will strengthen year after year. “This is an activity that I as Mayor endorsed and I believe that it will only grow from strength to strength, and in the coming years that Bartica will continue to benefit from this programme and activity. The energy, wisdom, zeal and passion Dahlia brought to this activity are admirable and for this we are grateful,” Gifford said.

He added that the council recently started a campaign “be the change you want to see”, where they have been encouraging persons to be the change they want to see in their town, instead of sitting, criticising and condemning.

And, Dahlia demonstrated exactly what they were advocating for, he said.

“She is a true ambassador of being the change you want to see. She would have identified that there is need for activities for our young people, and she demonstrated that meaningfully despite the financial constraints.”

The queen expressed how happy she was to see the change she has contributed to the children’s lives, explaining that they all came from different backgrounds

Miss Bartica Regatta, Arian Dahlia Richmond speaking to the participants

Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall handing over a certificate to one of the youngest graduates of the camp

and circumstances, and being able to put a smile on their faces and making a positive intervention into not just their education, but also their happiness was quite heart-warming.

She believes that Bartica possesses a wealth of talent and potential but opportunities are limited, and it is

Another said that she was not as brave as she has become.

She was taught at the camp to believe in herself.

Parents present at the graduation were all proud of their children’s achievement. They believe that more opportunities like the camp should be created to keep their children occupied and involved in constructive activities.This

Parents and graduates of the Bartica’s Youth Development Camp

RCC hosts...

Following this camp, the youngsters will now be playing an integral role in activities that the RCC will be involved in.

“The RCC has a work programme. They will be participating in workshops and all the engagements that the RRC has, they will play an important role in stating children’s views. So that when we talk about children’s views, it’s not coming from adults it’s coming from children who have been educated and inspired to be part of the process,” expressed RCC Chief Executive Offi-

cer, Amer Panday.

Getting the ball rolling, two youths from the programme are expected to be present today, as the RCC is scheduled to start engaging the Guyana Police Force (GPF) beginning in “C” Division, to speak on the professional and psychosocial role of police officers and ranks when handling matters involving children, The RCC is also expected to meet with other police divisions from all across Guyana.

RCC chairperson Aleema Nasir noted that the

FROM PAGE 3

Commission has been making several strides in advancing the cause of Guyana’s minors, having recently submitted two annual reports, to parliament.

This would help in the influencing of laws that benefit children. She noted recent accomplishments, whereby children are no longer charged for “wandering”, and individuals from the New Opportunity Corps juvenile centre being afforded the opportunity to participate at the recently concluded Youth Parliament.

her dream to create as many opportunities as she can to make a positive contribution to the lives of young people.

The graduates were all saddened at the fact that the camp came to an end, but were happy to have been involved in the activities.

One child shared that she has learnt a great deal and will share the knowledge gained with her friends at school.

camp is earmarked to be an annual activity for the town, along with other beneficial activities for the young people.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday August 28, 2018

Demerara Martyrs Day THE month of August has always been known as "Freedom Month" to Guyanese because of the many "freedom events" which occurred in that month.

The most important of such events was of course the emancipation of the plantation slaves in the early days of August, 1834 and from that year onwards, Emancipation Day has been celebrated with joy and gusto. The next most important event to Emancipation Day was the Demerara Slave Rebellion of 1823. Because of the bitter-sweet nature of that rebellion and because of the terrible loss of life, it was not much commemorated.

This year, however, on its 195th Anniversary, President David Granger who is a historian in his own right, decided to commemorate it as he has done since coming into office.

The commemoration was done with dignity and with the use of a historic event, to creatively show how it could have positive ramifications for the present.

The event took place at the 1823 Monument at the Kitty seawall which is just over the road from the bronze bust of former President LFS Burnham. President Granger was the guest speaker and in attendance were Dr. Barton Scotland, Speaker of the National Assembly, the Diplomatic Corps, and a large and appreciative audience. There were appropriate cultural performances including renditions by the Guyana Police Force band.

The President, in placing the rebellion in its historic context remarked: "The Demerara Revolt was suppressed but it ignited the flame of freedom. News of the bloody suppression and the revolt created outrage in Britain. The Revolt rolled in the passage of the Emancipation Act 10 years after.

The Co-operative Republic of Guyana has designated the 20th August as Demerara Martyrs’ Day in homage to the victims of the Demerara Revolt."

In addition to the irrepressible desire for freedom

which the plantation slaves of Demerara shared with those of Berbice and Essequibo, there were other factors which fueled the revolt: The slave trade had been abolished in 1809 and this meant that no new slaves, no new labour, was brought to the plantations. This resulted in the present work force having to work longer hours which included Sundays and in the nights. This work regime became unbearable.

A large proportion of the slaves had become Christians and they subscribed to the Christian ideology that all men were equal in the sight of God and that slavery was an abomination against God's wishes. This ideology was subversive of slavery and slave society. Supportive of this teaching was the Congregational Church Missionary, Rev. John Smith, an Englishman, who despised slavery and became very close to his slave congregation of Bethel Chapel at Success plantation.

Quamina was a close friend of Rev. Smith and was the senior Deacon of the chapel.

In addition to their Christian teaching of freedom, the slaves deeply resented that they were forced to work on the one day of the week, which for generations, had always been allocated as a day of rest and when they could attend the chapel.

Lastly, the British Government had passed into law a number of measures to ameliorate the conditions of the slaves, but the planter class and the local Governor, who himself was a slave owner, had withheld putting these measures into force.

This dishonest action of the planters caused the rise of a widespread rumour among the slaves that the British Government had already granted Emancipation, but that the planters were illegally withholding it. The slaves planned an uprising to assert what they believed to be their rights and the intellectual leader of this revolt was Quamina, the senior Deacon of Bethel Chapel. His son, Jack Gladstone, was the leader in the field.

Eleven thousand to

The PPP MPs claims are outrageous Dear Editor, MIGRATION into Guyana is admittedly going to be more and more a problem we confront, and as a result we should be thankful that the President had the foresight to establish the Department of Citizenship.

In fact, it seems every day we hear about new Venezuelan refugees! The urgent work of this department is however totally undermined by the constant, unfounded attacks by the PPP/C. How absurd is it that the

opposition chief whip continues to harass the minister of citizenship about supposed Cuban and Haitian migrants that cannot be accounted for.

Some Cubans and Haitians seem to be entering Guyana legitimately and then leaving without stamping their passports, which likely means they are using the "backtrack."

This is not good, of course, but how the minister is supposed to stop that given our extensive, porous borders, is beyond any common sense.

Even more than this, PPP/C MPs are making the

outrageous claim that these people are being issued with ID cards so that they can vote for the coalition. If there were thousands of foreigners taking up residence locally, as the Minister of Foreign Affairs mentioned in parliament, it would immediately be obvious to Guyanese. Can you imagine Haitians, who probably don't even speak English, turning up at polling stations and not setting off all sorts of alarms with the observers?

Allegations like these, which are so preposterous they can't even be taken se-

riously, have no place in our public discourse. Next, we'll hear there are Brazilians coming in, and when they show up at polling stations looking for Portuguese voting cards, this won't raise any questions. If the opposition wanted to raise real concerns they should have picked an English-speaking country's migrants. As it stands this is a joke.

Yours, Malcolm Marshall

12,000 slaves were involved.

Except for the Haitian Revolution and the 1831 Jamaica Rebellion, the Demerara Slave Rebellion was the largest which ever occurred in the Americas. The revolutionaries were very humane and never hurt any of the white population, and even their oppressors on the plantations who were merely placed in stocks so as to avoid them strengthening the militia.

On 18th August, the slaves armed only with cutlasses and pikes, confronted 300 well-armed and well-trained soldiers under Col. Leahy supported by the local militia.

After a ceremonial warning

by Col. Leahy to disperse, his men shot into the crowd killing 200 persons.

The crowd dispersed and returned to their plantations but Col. Leahy's men hunted down others and killed more than 40 persons, including Quamina. Rev. John Smith whom the planters hated was tried before the courts, found guilty of planning the revolt and sentenced to death. He died in prison and was se-

cretly buried in an unmarked grave so that no one would know where his grave was.

Rev. Smith's death awakened the conscience of the people of Britain and helped in furthering the Emancipation Act. President Granger aptly described the Revolt as "one of the most significant in dismantling the slave mode of production in the Caribbean".

For far too long, national anniversaries and events such as Emancipation Day, Demerara Martyrs Day, Enmore Martyrs Day, Indian Arrival and other Arrival Days have been treated as partisan events of concern to an individual segment of the population. It is our view that these anniversaries of national importance should be recovered from the segments which have taken possession of them and returned to the nation. Such a process of national cohesion and nation-building must involve all the political parties, the Department of Culture, the various religious organisations and the media.

Even with `Cartoons’ let’s keep it grounded in reasonable truth Dear Editor, POLITKLES? Was never sure about the name of the `Cartoon’, sorry about that, however most are reasonable satire. Friday 24th, August caught me somewhat off. It’s naivety on the three political leaders required much more thought. Cartoons are not supposed to be sarcastic, or misleading by intent, whether through ignorance or misguidance, unless they are under political campaign and not public humour, here we go. A- Desmond Hoyte was called ‘Desmond Persaud’ because it was perceived that he had no policies to address his urban support group, his trickle down policies would have worked if he had Turn to page 8

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday August 28, 2018

PPP attacks pro-opposition Newsroom for 'advancing APNU+AFC agenda' Dear Editor, THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) notes the continued trend of the online news outlet, Newsroom, part of the E-Networks group of companies, whereby its publications advance an agenda that aligns with that of the APNU+AFC Coalition Government.

While the PPP accepts that it is the prerogative of news agencies to determine their own editorial policies, what is unacceptable is the distortion of comments made

by PPP officials – most recently, the distortion of comments made by PPP General Secretary and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, during his weekly news conference on Thursday, August 23, 2018.

The article published under the headline “Homestead for Venezuelans could be dangerous – Jagdeo” on Friday, August 24, 2018, completely misrepresents the comments made by the PPP General Secretary and Opposition Leader. The article uses select comments, out of context, to support a misleading headline. The party wishes to point out that a detailed position was outlined after questions on the subject of Venezuelans, including persons of Guyanese heritage living in Venezuela, crossing the border into Guyana, were raised by the Newsroom reporter present at the news conference.

In response, the PPP General Secretary and Opposition Leader explained that for four months now there have been

calls on the APNU+AFC Government to change the manner in which it is dealing with the situation – from handing the issue primarily over to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to a more humanitarian approach. This fact juxtaposed with the report from the Newsroom – which stated that “The coalition administration has adopted a humanitarian approach to the issue and instead of deporting the refugees, they have been providing assistance in the form of clothing, food, and shelter” – more so, the use of the word “deported” is a misrepresentation of the party’s position on the issue, when in fact the party has been at the forefront of calling for more to be done from a humanitarian perspective.

The Opposition Leader, at his news conference said: “Sometime back I spoke about this larger threat to Guyana and that the Government was reticent to give us information, and to share with the people of Guyana information on the exact nature of this threat. After I had been mentioning this for several months, almost two months, President Granger then announced that the army will give a briefing to some of our members of Parliament…that took place…I was briefed about the briefing….when I met President Granger, just recently, I raised the matter again and said that we are concerned about the approach to this matter. It is not purely a military matter….we believe that the government has been approaching this

from the perspective of a military threat; that is why they got the army to do a briefing, rather than have the [Ministry of] Foreign Affairs to do a briefing of the MPs. “We pointed out [to the APNU+AFC Government] that the PPP won Regions One and Nine, the two bordering regions through which most of the refugees are coming and that we would like to see a differentiated policy.

There are three types of refugees, well not refugees, but individuals who will come through the borders into Guyana.

“First of all, Guyanese who live in Venezuela. When I say Guyanese, if they have a tiny drop of Guyanese blood, they are our own people; so whether they have documents or not, once they can prove that their parents or grandparents or anyone else, a member of the family, are Guyanese, then they should be welcomed and allowed to be integrated and supporting documents should be given to them.

“Secondly, you have the Amerindians who tend to move across borders seamlessly without passports.

These are the Warraus and others. I saw them in the villages and in the rivers, travelling from Mabaruma to Port Kaituma. These persons must be helped from a humanitarian basis immediately. They tend to not have documents. From time immemorial, they have travelled across the border.

So that is the second category.

“The third category is the Venezuelans who are leaving

the country. We have an obligation to treat them fairly and in a humanitarian way, but in the long term they will be repatriated to Venezuela, given the nature of the threat on the border and a settlement on the border, with permanent residents from Venezuela – a settlement of that nature can pose a threat to our territorial integrity and arguments in the future.

“So these are the three categories of people, we believe, will come across the border and we want a different approach to each.

I spoke with the President about this…we have to pay greater attention to these things.”

Even after this detailed response the Newsroom reporter continued questioning about the government’s announcement that a homestead will be established in Region One, to respond to the influx of persons crossing the border from Venezuela. In response, the PPP general secretary and opposition leader, said: “I

don’t know what the thinking is [with the development of the homestead]. I hope that it is just a place that people can receive the generosity of Guyana and be treated in a dignified manner to be repatriated at some point in time.”

Considering the full context of his comments, the PPP rejects the distortion peddled by the Newsroom. This is the latest such act on part of this online news agency.

Only on Thursday (August 23, 2018), the Newsroom published another distortion under the headline “Jagdeo wanted to meet with US Congressmen” – an article that: 1) implied that the opposition leader was somehow “miffed” about not meeting with the foreign officials – when his focus, relative to this issue, was on the concerns about Minister Raphael Trotman being the “interlocutor” for the meeting between the officials from the United States of America (USA) and local government offi-

cials and about the secrecy with which the meeting was treated; and 2) incorrectly reported that “Jagdeo could not expand on possible ways the talks between government officials and the US Congressmen could produce negative results” – when in fact the opposition leader made it clear that he would not speculate on the issue. It was after his comments on the issue, and in response to a question from the Newsroom reporter about a willingness to engage the USA officials, that the Opposition Leader said: “If they had requested a meeting I would have met with the Congressmen.”

Regards, People’s Progressive Party

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday August 28, 2018

Ex-soldier sentenced to 15 years –– for killing best friend DISCHARGED soldier Allister Woolford, was on Monday afternoon sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for the 2014 manslaughter of his best friend, Devon Howell.

The sentence was handed down by trial judge Sandil Kissoon, who started at a base of 25 years but made some deductions for a favourable probation report and the tender age of the accused being a young father when the incident occurred.

After the judge made the deductions he then sentenced the 24-year-old Woolford to 15 years’ jail time.

Following the sentencing, as he was being led away to the penitentiary, a bewildered Woolford cried openly, as relatives of both the deceased and the accused were engaged outside the Demerara High Court in a heated verbal exchange.

As members of both sides exchanged harsh words at each other, they attracted the attention of passers-by and court staffers and the police had to ask the warring group to disperse.

PROBATION REPORT Probation and Social Services Counsellor Anand Kumar, who gave an early history and family background of the accused, told the court that Woolford is the only son for his single parent mother

who is a hairdresser/pastry maker, while on his father’s side he has two siblings.

He added that the father of the accused never played any meaningful role in his son’s life and was in prison since 2009. Woolford resided with his mother, step father and two sisters at Lot 100 D’Andrade Street, Kitty.

Kumar related that the accused was a member of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) attached to the G2 Branch and was trained in the use of a weapon. Following the incident he was discharged from the army.

He further stated that when the accused was employed he had contributed to his home and family and had benefited from a formal secondary education. However, he had to exit the school system when his mother went through a financial strain due to a divorce.

Woolford was then employed in the construction industry and at age 18, he enlisted in the army.

Kumar stated that the convict had admitted that on the day in question he was smoking marijuana and the deceased was like a brother to him.

The probation officer added that Woolford also admitted that he pointed the gun and squeezed the trigger.

He was however, described as a person who ‘talk-

ed up’ and a bit troublesome.

IMPACT STATEMENT Kumar told the court that the mother of the deceased, Allison Howell, a

by state prosecutor Abigail Gibbs. She said that the accused and her son were friends and that she was unable to forgive him because she last saw her son alive

The convict Allister Woolford

security officer attached to Federal Management, stated that the Devon Howell was her only son and she was unable to forgive the accused.

The probation officer also told the court that Woolford have since expressed regret, and related that there was no bad blood between himself and the deceased, and he had all intentions of uplifting himself as a soldier.

The convict is a father of one and his current girlfriend is two months pregnant.

Meanwhile, Howell, who was present in court, was called to take the stand

when the accused came to her house and asked her to wake up her son who was sleeping, stating that he had something to tell him and they left together.

Howell related that no relatives of the accused had ever apologised to her.

Justice Sandil Kissoon said that in the evidence the deceased was ‘like a brother to the accused’, he was sorry for what happened but that the act was irresponsible and reckless on the part of the accused.

Turn to page 9

Second suspect held –in cheese vendor’s murder

POLICE have apprehended a second suspect as investigations continue into the murder of well-known Bourda Market vendor, Troy Ramalho.

Ramalho, of 11 North Road, Lacytown, Georgetown, was shot around 23:00hrs on August 15, 2018, after he resisted the three men who were robbing him.

On Saturday, the first suspect, a 34-year-old taxi driver of Eccles, East Bank Demerara, was arrested and has admitted under interrogation, to shuttling the three men who were responsible for the murder of Ramalho.

The 45-year-old Troy Ramalho, who was well known for selling cheese and eggs in front of “Rambarrans” on Robb Street, in close proximity to Bourda Street, was doing what he had been doing for over two decades, when the three bandits, one armed with a gun, ambushed him.

Reports indicate that police, acting on intelligence, arrested the taxi driver in Buxton, East Coast Demerara, on Saturday.

He reportedly told the police he picked up the men at Demico, Stabroek, Georgetown and they had asked him to drive to Robb Street, Georgetown, where the men identified their victim.

The taxi driver allegedly told police that the men whom he met several months ago asked him to park on Alexander Street between Re-

Dead: Troy Ramalho

gent Street and North Road.

The bandits then exited and a short while after he heard loud explosions that sounded like gunshots and he saw the trio running towards the car.

In his getaway dash at the junction of Camp Street and North Road, a car slammed into his vehicle, causing it to spin and one of the men fell out. In the process, he saw the man run off and he then sped away, dropping off the other two at their Albouystown addresses.

The following day he collected $40,000 and decided to hide in Dairy, West Bank Demerara. The police have since seized the vehicle, which is in police custody as investigations continue.

Ramalho was wearing a large quantity of gold jewellery on the night he was killed.

Our response to disasters

Dear Editor,

THE earth tremor we felt

in Guyana, on the back of an earthquake in neighbouring Venezuela was

certainly one of the most shocking events lately. It draws attention back to our most recent local natural disaster, the floods at Kwakwani last month, and our preparedness for these types of events.

Of course, Guyana seems to be blessed with truly great luck, as we suffer from very few large scale natural disasters due to our geographic location. Not so with our South American peers, Chile

being a prime example and if anything, this is even more of a concern in the Caribbean, which is so prone to hurricanes.

We should nonetheless be cautious, however, and put in place the requisite structures to deal with such events.

These can be expanded if the scale of disasters we experience grows, but at least we have been able to see the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) in action in last

month's floods. These affected an estimated 300 people.

The Civil Defence Commission was quickly in place to assess the situation and continued to monitor flood water levels throughout.

When the floods began to recede, they then followed up with vital cleaning and disinfecting supplies, to limit the risk of any infectious diseases taking hold and wreaking havoc with local residents.

This shows foresight

Even with `Cartoons’ let’s ...

another term. I took him in Albouystown when Jermaine Wilkinson was murdered by an obviously high corporal Beresford in 1996. He did admit regrets for his lack of focus on the trials of his constituency, but too late. B- Kindly explain what policies did Mr. Jagdeo extend that would be

which likely stopped an outbreak by mosquitos which could certainly have turned deadly. It is therefore very encouraging to see such a response locally, and we should all get behind the Civil Defence Commission and related ministries, which together help ensure the Guyanese safety in times of need.

Regards, Shawn James

From page 6 construed as reaching out to the Afro expect?

Guyanese communities? And finally, Come on Paul, give the collection with C- President Granger, managing a above an explanatory note for poscoalition Government for the past three terity. years, with a percentage for hiccups compared to? Highlight the betrayals Regards, of his administration in comparison to what we have lived and now reasonably Barrington Braithwaite

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday August 28, 2018

GGMC to clamp down on quarrying

--over non-payment of royalties, other infractions

By Svetlana Marshall MORE than 50 per cent of the companies that quarry for sand and loam here are behind on their payment of royalties, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

According to Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes the quarrying sector is rife with infractions.

A case in point is that of the estimated $14, 723, 400 that should have accrued in royalty for 2017, only $6,424,900 was paid over to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).

In the case of sand-pit operators, approximately 1,733,035 tonnes of sand was extracted in 2017, equating to some $25,995,525 in royalty, but only $19,563, 528 of that sum was collected by the Commission.

Addressing operators at the first-ever Sand and Loam Quarry Workshop at the Herdmanston Lodge on Monday, Minister Broomes said the non-payment of royalty is one of the biggest problems in the sector, and that the GGMC will be taking stern action against defaulters.

“You cannot have a mining pit where you are conducting business; it’s for a profit, and you extract and the royalty that is owed is not paid,” Minister Broomes told the operators, and promised that the Mines Commission will be taking such infractions lightly.

Under the laws governing the sector, the GGMC has the power to issue ceasework orders and even reject requests for the renewal of

Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes addressing quarry operators at the Herdmanston Lodge on Monday

GGMC mines officers and quarry operators at the training session on Monday (Photos by Samuel Maughn

mining licences.

But there’s more in the mortar than just not paying royalty, as according to the minister, overall, the level of compliance with the regulations governing the mining sector is less than 50 per cent.

SLIGHT IMPROVEMENTS And even though there have been slight improvements and expressions of willingness by operators to put corrective measures in place where honouring their obligations are concerned, Minister Broomes said the general attitude is to flout the law.

Illegal and hazardous mining are but just two of the infractions being committed by some operators in the sector, while others have not engaged in reclaiming and landfilling as stipulated in the regulations governing the sector.

While the GGMC four

years ago established a quarry-monitoring unit, and there has been some level of success in the reduction of non-compliance, there are still a few other challenges.

Operators who breach the mining regulations are penalised through the issuance of cease-work orders, which are temporary means used to get operators to pay up or correct infractions which could include correcting safety hazards.

The Mining Act makes provision for those found culpable of breaches to be charged and taken before the courts. “A safer environment, the concerns of our workers, should be at the helm of our businesses,” Minister Broomes said. It was noted that effective mining would safeguard the environment, and is in line with the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Government’s push for a “green” economy.

Ex-soldier sentenced...

In the trial, the judge said the accused admitted to pointing a gun to the head of the deceased and squeezing the trigger and at the time he claimed he was just joking around.

Justice Kissoon told the court that the actions of the accused had cost the life of his best friend, and as a trained member of the armed forces who had a responsibility to conduct himself appropriately he has failed himself and society.

A few weeks ago, a 12-member jury after deliberating for hours returned with a guilty verdict for

the former soldier, Allister Woolford.

Relatives of both the deceased and the accused were present and after the verdict of 10-2 was announced by the foreman, some of them were moved to tears.

The court was told by state prosecutor Mandel Moore, that the accused, Allister Woolford, on November 21, 2014 while armed with a gun, shot and killed his friend, Devon Howell.

Howell had succumbed to his injury on December 8, 2014 while a patient at the GPHC. Government Pathologist

From page 8

Dr. Nehaul Singh had testified after being deemed an expert in the area of forensic pathology that he performed a post-mortem on the body of Devon Howell on December 10, 2014.

He related that the body had a circular wound on the right side neck and the bullet exited through the left side.

Dr. Singh gave the cause of death as respiratory failure as a result of fractures.

More than 10 witnesses testified in the trial before Justice Sandil Kissoon and a 12-member jury which lasted just over a week.

All must play their part.

MORE RESPONSIBLE This being the case, GGMC Commissioner (ag), Newell Dennison is calling on quarry operators to mine more strategically by utilising operations management tools.

“Your business is an active project, and should be treated as such, balancing inputs and outputs to ensure its upkeep, and compliance,”

he said. “You are responsible for that; it is a covenant under your licence, such as conserving where you can, and reclaiming where you can.”

Dennison also used the opportunity to encourage operators to fulfill their social responsibilities.

“Communities where you operate deserve a certain standard of welfare during and after mining activities.

There is much available in this business that can bring good wholesome development to yourself, to your community, to this land of Guyana,” the Commissioner said.

Of the seven stone quarries across the country, five are in Region Seven (Cuyuni-

Mazaruni), while there is one in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and another near the old OMAI mining site in Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

In terms of sand-pit operations, there are six active sites along the Soesdyke-Linden; two in Berbice; and one on the Essequibo River.

There is also a loam operation on the Essequibo River.

Also on the Essequibo Coast, there are three sandpit operations linked to Amerindian titles, while in Bartica, seat of administration for Region Seven, there is one sand-pit operation and one loam operation.

Blind pensioner gets 15 years – for killing colleague

By Jeune Bailey Van Keric

JUSTICE Jo-Ann Barlow imposed a 15-year sentence on Charles Goodluck, who ‘threw in the towel', by confessing to a lesser count of manslaughter which was accepted by the State.

The 68-year-old man, sporting sunglasses, had to be guided up the stairway of the Berbice High Court by officers of the Guyana Prison Service, before entering the Criminal Court where he denied the initial charge of murder.

Goodluck, a convicted felon, unlawfully killed Chandradatt Hussain on August 22, 2013 at Kwakwani, Upper Berbice River, and, after doing so, hung the deceased so that it would appear as if Hussain had committed suicide.

State Prosecutrix, Ms. Tuanna Hardy, in rehashing the evidence, told the court that in the early morning

Charles Goodluck at Berbice High Court on Monday

hours of the day in question, Hussain went to the camp complaining that he was hungry.

After he was served with food, he requested some more and was told to help himself. Later, he requested cigarettes to smoke, and after he was given those, he fell asleep in a hammock.

Thereafter, he went into the tray of a nearby tractor, where a disagreement ensued between him and Goodluck, resulting in a scuffle. At that time

Hussain was armed with a knife. However, Goodluck disarmed his attacker and, thereafter, tied a rope around his victim's neck, and threw the loose end over a wooden rafter, where Hussain was left suspended.

After the act was committed, Goodluck went outside and sat on the tractor and trailer until his boss Mr. Bovell and other workers returned to the camp.

Goodluck said he lied to his boss when he said Hussain had killed himself. He expressed regret over the incident.

The sexagenarian, who is a father of five, grandfather of 10, and great-grandfather of three, is no stranger to the courtroom. On previous occasions, he has convicted of wounding and attempted murder.

Attorney at law, Ms. Sasha Roberts acted as a friend of the court on Goodluck’s behalf.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday August 28, 2018

Bourda Market vendors arrange own security –– following murder of cheese vendor

FOLLOWING the brutal murder of well-known cheese vendor, Troy Ramalho, earlier this month, vendors at the Bourda Market have arranged for private security to complement that which is provided by the City Constabulary Department.

Georgetown Mayor, Patricia Chase-Green an-

nounced at Monday’s statutory meeting that a group of the vendors visited her office lately to inform her of their plans.

According to her, the delegation expressed that they have founded a 25-member policing group and that the plan is to conduct regular patrols around the market at regular intervals.

The vendors related that the shooting was a “very scary” experience for them, Chase-Green reported, and they have since approached the Constabulary in an effort to work along with those officers.

Councillor Bishram Kuppen informed councillors that he was aware that the vendors hired three armed

security guards because they said they have no confidence in the City Constabulary but Chase-Green responded by saying that the team which visited her said nothing about confidence and merely referred to the fact that there were inadequate officers on the ground.

The area the vendors Turn to page 11

Chief Constable Andrew Foo has dispatched plain clothes officers to the Bourda Market area in an effort to heighten security.

FITUG against hike in minibus fare – feels gov’t can strike better bargain THE Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) believes that the government should have utilised “fiscal measures” to appease the operational burden of minibus operatives as opposed to an across-theboard hike in fares.

Just last week, the Ministry of Business revealed that effective September 1, commuters would be required to pay a G$20 increase in minibus fares so that operators can surmount some of the financial challenges facing the sector.

The decision comes after several meetings between the Ministry and the United Minibus Union (UMU), where the two discussed fuel prices and the rising costs for vehicle parts, maintenance and other necessities.

It was also announced that a Code of Conduct is in the pipeline for minibus operators, which will see them having to adhere to guidelines to do with mode of dress, seating, and hospitality training.

Its implementation is being discussed, and couldn’t come sooner as just last week a popular minibus conductor was stabbed and has since died after an alleged confrontation with a Route 31 minibus driver over a passenger.

The UMU and the Business Ministry both believe that proper enforcement will be needed for

the Code of Conduct’s prolonged success.

However, FITUG in a media release on Monday said that although minibus operators are financially challenged, the increase in fares could see citizens spending several thousand dollars more per month on just transportation.

“While we accept that the operators have found themselves in a difficult position, taking into account the ban on used tyres, the increase in the cost of licences and fitness, in addition to other increases, it was disheartening for us that the government, it seemed, did not take cognizance of what impacts the increases would have on the pockets of the working-people,” FITUG said.

The Union went on to say that coupled with this is the “soon-to-be hiked water rates”, which together can work to overburden Guyanese.

“Naturally, we expected the Administration would have sought to see what assistance the State could have lent to easing the woes of the bus operators without placing additional burdens on our people,” FITUG said, adding: “Today, while we boast of high economic growth, we find many of our people cannot cope with the pressures of life.

This is not a healthy situation, and one we urge the Administration to pay careful attention to.”

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday August 28, 2018

Bourda Market ...

From page 10

plan to overlook is between Alexander and Bourda Streets.

Chief Constable Andrew Foo informed that following the shooting incident, plain clothes officers are now at the market.

Town Clerk Royston King offered that the issues resulting from private security working along with the constabulary will have to be worked out. He also added that the City Council may have to move more towards the use of security cameras because manpower is very limited.

Meanwhile, a 34-year-old taxi driver of Eccles, East Bank Demerara, has admitted under interrogation to shuttling the three men who were responsible for the murder of the market vendor.

Ramalho, of Lot 11 North Road, Lacytown, Georgetown, was shot around 23:00hrs on August 15, 2018, after he resisted the three men who were robbing him.

The 45-year-old man who was well known for selling cheese and eggs in front of ‘Rambarrans’ on Robb Street, in close proximity to Bourda Street, was doing what he had been doing for over two decades, when the three bandits, one armed with a gun, ambushed him.

Reports indicate that police, acting on intelligence, arrested the taxi driver in Buxton, East Coast Demerara, on Saturday.

He reportedly told the police he picked up the men at Demico, Stabroek Georgetown and they had asked him to drive to Robb Street, Georgetown where the men identified their victim.

The bandits, known by the aliases ‘Digout’, ‘Roy’, and ‘Bucky,’ are being sought by police.

MoE to tap CPCE students, retirees

– as part of contingency plan to deal with planned strike

Chief Education Officer (CEO) Marcel Hutson

Minister of Education Nicolette Henry addressing parents and teachers at the Berbice High School in New Amsterdam

By Vishani Ragobeer THE Ministry of Education (MoE) has a contingency plan in place to ensure that instructional time is not lost, should the strike planned by the Guyana Teacher's Union (GTU) progress into the start of the new school term.

A team from the MoE travelled Monday to Regions Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (East-Berbice-Corentyne) to address parents and teachers at the Berbice High School in New Amsterdam, and at the Lachmansingh Primary School at Bush Lot, West Berbice.

Chief Education Officer (CEO) Marcel Hutson told the Guyana Chronicle: “It is so important for our children to receive the best possible education, and at the MoE we are keen on ensuring that systems are in place so that our children can be taught, and taught properly.”

With this in mind, he said that the ministry has created a contingency plan to ensure that instructional time is not wasted should the GTU strike, which began on Monday, persist into

A section of the audience at the Berbice High School

the new school term.

As part of these backup plans, Hutson detailed that senior teachers who are still enrolled at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), or have just graduated will be enlisted to teach in the schools.

He also said that the MoE is engaging teachers who have retired to lend a hand.

And with educational officers on the ground, Hutson said that every effort is being made to ensure that the curriculum will be delivered as is

required.

“We are on a developmental path, and we want to maintain that path,” he said to parents and teachers at the Berbice school. “We at the MoE cannot afford to shut this system down.”

He sought to clarify, too, that the strike action does not mean that the school system will be shut down, and called upon the members of the audience to send the children to school come September 3.

But in spite of being as-

sured that contingency plans are in place, parents still wanted to know whether or not raised concerns that their children will be supervised should they attend school.

Hutson tried to allay those fears, saying that the ministry is cognisant of all the concerns they raised and is working on preventing them from happening. But should it come to the worse, he said that parents will be alerted in due course.

With just a few months to go before national and regional

examinations, Hutson stressed, “We cannot afford to have a single day lost.”

Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry, who led the team in engaging parents and teachers, shared, “It is my own belief that the interest of the people should come first.”

She contended that the teachers, like all other public servants, do deserve benefits, but those can only be given in accordance to what the government can sustainably afford.

From the way parents and teachers were grilling the minister and her team, it was clear that not everyone was well informed about the engagements held between the MoE and GTU. It was therefore left to the minister to clarify that the two bodies were able to agree on many of the Union's demands for teachers, but that the major problem lied in salary increases and debunching money.

She urged that they rest assured that school will continue as per normal when the new school term starts next Monday.

And based on waht she’s seen from her visits to the schools so far, Minister Henry said, “I've seen a lot of the preparatory work completed, and a lot of the parents did indicate that they were going to send their children.

“And a lot of teachers indicated that they were going to be at work, so that's a hopeful sign.”

She reminded her audience that it takes a village to raise a child, and all hands must be on deck to ensure that all children get the best education.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday August 28, 2018

Most teachers ignore strike …only 12 heads out of 1000 schools hand in keys

By Lisa Hamilton EVEN as hundreds of teachers countrywide embarked on an indefinite strike action picketing for salary increases and other benefits, many others were found present at schools preparing for the new school term.

On Monday morning bright and early, as planned, teachers took to the streets in protest even as Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) and the Government are yet to hammer out their differences at conciliation talks. The industrial action pre-planned for August 27 comes after the parties failed to arrive at a consensus primarily on the Government’s proposed $700M to facilitate salary increases and $200 million to address de-bunching for 2018.

The GTU instead proposes an across-the-board increase in salary of 40 per cent for 2016 and incremental increases of five per cent in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively, to be granted to all categories of teachers and teacher educators. Although the GTU and the government engaged in follow-up deliberations on the matter, the union has refused to budge from its proposal.

40 PER CENT OR NOTHING On Monday, flanked by a group of on strike Georgetown district teachers at the Education Ministry on Brickdam, GTU President Mark Lyte once again held up that the teachers’ demand of 40 per cent must be met or the strike will continue. “In the past we have tried to negotiate and people brought ballpark figures not percentages, so right now the teachers are demanding increase on their 2015 salaries, they will move for nothing less than 40 per cent since we have to go through this,” he said.

During a previous meeting with the GTU and other executives, Education Minister Nicolette Henry stated that the ballpark figure put forward by Government is the one which it can presently afford.

However, in turning down this offer the GTU maintains that the Government can afford more. The body was a no-show at the most recent arrangement of a conciliation meeting by the Ministry of Social Protection that was scheduled for Friday, August 24 at 14:00hrs at the ministry’s boardroom.

The Education Ministry

was present and was prepared to participate but, due to the absence of the union, the meeting was adjourned to Tuesday (today) at 14:00hrs.

When questioned about the union’s absence, Lyte said that the ministries were acting unprofessionally and without consideration of the union’s availability.

“The meeting that we were invited to, the invitation actually arrived [at] 9:20 on Friday last. They’re claiming that they gave us a notice the day before but that was way after work hours….we couldn’t show up and we had a planned agenda to be in Berbice on that day.

“Secondly, we have received another invitation for tomorrow when we have General Council planned and the next day we have our Executive Council meeting, so no one has taken into consideration what the schedule of the union [is] but we are being invited to meetings,” Lyte said.

He added that teachers from interior locations have already made travels for the meeting and, although the GTU is willing to abide by the laws for conciliation

Parents register their children for the new school term at the Tutorial High School on Woolford Avenue. (Delano Williams photo)

clash" and marched from the department to the Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary (ARMS) school; the Regional Democratic Council building and back. They were led by Headmistress of Suddie Primary, Cheril Peters Moore and General Council representative Shindi Paul.

Across in Linden, over 100 teachers from nursery, primary and secondary schools commenced their planned strike action with a picketing exercise on the Mackenzie shore. The picket

TEACHERS PROTEST At the arranged General Council meeting today, the GTU is also set to discuss the concerns of teachers who fear that they will not be paid for the duration of their participation in the strike.

In the meantime, nursery, primary and secondary school teachers all the way in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), on Monday morning peacefully protested in front of the Department of Education building at Cotton Field.

They chanted: "Teachers deserve better, pay us our cash we don't want a

that the school’s keys were not handed over as she believes that the government genuinely cannot afford the GTU-proposed sum. “I’m not striking because I honestly believe that the government has those extra resources to pay teachers and to pay us on a sustainable level. We’re not a rich country. I’ve looked at other past governments and we’ve never had any huge percentage.

“We’ve had five per cent for the past five years with the last government and with this government, for me, we still have not reached that stage where we have money.

Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) teachers join the Guyana Teachers’ Union in protest

Linden teachers commence strike with picketing exercise (Vanessa Braithwaite photo)

meetings, due to ill-planning Tuesday’s (today) invitation would have to be rescheduled.

trywide had submitted their school keys.

These were categorised as four from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); one from Region One (Barima Waini) and seven from the Berbice region.

When the Guyana Chronicle visited schools in Region Four, such as the Tutorial High School, the head teacher (ag) David Sam said that things were going as per normal even as several parents were seen participating in the registration/orientation period.

“Some parents have expressed concerns as they

want to know if the programme will be as per normal but so far the teachers are here, the teachers are working,” he said, adding: “I haven’t handed in any keys as yet…the Ministry has a programme and the commencement of the new terms starts this week for teachers and the next week for students so we’re going with the programme.”

Sam said that the school, however, would not be penalising any teacher that decides to strike in support

So, hopefully, with the oil coming in, we should be able to afford to give teachers a better salary increase,” she positioned.

Meanwhile, even as the protesting teachers from Georgetown wrapped up their demonstrations at the front of the Ministry of the Presidency, Lyte said that Monday’s public strike action signaled the launching of the industrial action.

He added that the public demonstrations are not set to continue but the GTU

commenced at the head of Republic Avenue and ended at the Department of Education, as teachers marched chanting “Jesus is the first teacher, show some respect,” and “Tired of the stress, no money, no work”.

DIVISION AMONG TEACHERS According to GTU Region 10 representative, Ferdinand Mcleod, some head teachers who picketed then lodged their school’s keys at the Department of Education. They are following the GTU’s proposal made weeks prior to the strike for head teachers to hand over keys to their schools to Education Departments.

However, not all head teachers, especially those in

Teachers from the Georgetown district picketing in front of the Ministry of the Presidency on Monday (Delano Williams photo)

objection to the strike action, have been adhering to these urges from the GTU. According to the Education Ministry Senior Public Relations Officer, Brushell Blackman, with close to 1000 schools in the country, prior to Monday only 12 head teachers coun-

of the union but thus far, there has been a very good turnout of teachers preparing themselves for the next week.

Meanwhile, head teacher at the Richard Ishmael Secondary School, Melanie Jones, told the newspaper

now awaits a change in the decision of the Education Ministry in favour of the union’s proposal on salary increases and other benefits. (Additional reporting

by Vanessa Braithwaite and Indrawattie Natram)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday August 28, 2018

We have a role to show love and support our children

…says education official at bursaries hand-out ELECTRONIC devices and gadgets may benefit children, but they can also be harmful. And the ill-effects of gadgets on children certainly outweigh the good and this in itself should be a wake-up call for parents, according to Assistant Chief Education Officer (ag), Samantha Williams.

“I want to remind you that the television and the many gadgets that we give our children cannot bring up our children in the way we want them to go. You have a role to play,” Williams told parents recently at the Guyana Police Force (GPF) bursaries presentation hosted at the Officers’ Mess Annexe, Eve Leary, Georgetown.

At the event, 114 students benefited from cash and vouchers that amounted to $3.5M. Receiving special awards were Shabanna Bacchus, Kia Griffith, Daniel Tumbler, Gedianna Hast-

ings, Reanna Julien, Tilottama Singh and Cassie Henry.

The educator who was the keynote speaker congratulated the parents for supporting their children in helping them

develop through their schooling. She said the Ministry of Education and the school system could not educate children alone as parents had a vital role to play.

Williams told the gathering that children should know their parents are genuinely interested in their activities along with their choices and life path.

“You have a role to show love and support to your children, ensure that every day you let them know just how much you care for them while being involved in the activities of the child’s life.

How many of you can say each and every day you are aware of the things your child or children might be doing. You have a responsibility to know what they are doing at all times,” the Education Officer explained In congratulating the awardees, she wished them success in their future endeavours, while relating that they were the only persons standing in their way to success in life.

“You can achieve and become anything you want in life, only if you believe. Do not doubt your abilities,” she told the awardees.

The assistant chief education officer told the youths that they should focus on their secondary school education and ensure that they set goals.

“Remember that we are

Gibbs and Mandell Moore appeared for the prosecution while Defence Attorneys, George Thomas and Sonia Parag represented the interest of Calistro.

According to the case facts presented by state counsel Gibbs, the labourer, who was just 15 years old at the time of his crime, went to a bar with his two brothers and while there, the deceased, Moore, “hustled” a female, which annoyed Calistro.

The court heard that the two had an exchange of words, after which, Calistro left with his siblings. Moore was with seven other males at the time.

She related that after the group left the bar and went to Soesdyke, the accused and the deceased met up and had a scuffle.

Moore was stabbed twice and succumbed while being transported to the hospital.

A post-mortem examination

revealed that he died from perforation to the heart and lungs due to stab wounds.

In his plea of mitigation, the defense attorney, George Thomas told the court that his client was defending himself as Calistro saw himself as a victim in the matter.

Thomas related that alcohol consumption was a factor in the incident while his client begged the court for mercy.

In response, Abigail

Gibbs said even though the killing may have been unfortunate due to the ages involved; persons must face the consequences of their actions.

She contended that a period of incarceration could give the offender an opportunity to reflect on what he had done so that he would not repeat his crime.

After a brief adjournment, Justice Sandil Kissoon handed down the sentence,

From left, Force Training Officer Senior Superintendent Fazil Karimbaksh; Assistant Chief Education Officer (ag) Samantha Williams; Assistant Commissioner Maxine Graham and Commandant of the Felix Austin Police College, Superintendent Shivpersaud Bacchus, with the students who received special award. (Delano Williams photo)

the victims of the choices we make. If we make bad choices we will reap bitter rewards, but if we make good choices, we will reap good rewards. Do not allow your peers or friends to make you lose sight of your goals and do not be pressured by persons who do not share the same values or the same vision as you do,” the educator noted.

She advised the awardees to be passionate about what they did and ensure that they study and complete all assignments and tasks in their pursuit of education.

“I urge you to not become involved in any form of truancy or gang-related activities.” she said.

Meanwhile, Assistant Commissioner, Administration, Ms. Maxine Graham said of the 160 persons applying for the bursaries only 144 qualified.

She explained that the bursaries were given to students who gained 400 marks, in addition to some special awards.

‘Hustling’ of female led to stabbing, death

ETON Calistro, 18, was on Monday sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment by Demerara High Court Judge, Sandil Kissoon for fatally stabbing a CD vendor on July 18, 2015 at Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara.

Calistro pleaded not guilty to the murder of 21-year-old Leroy Moore called ‘Jim Carrey,’ but guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter.

State prosecutors, Abigail

13

observing the impact that alcohol had on the events that led to the outcome.

He however, started at a base of 25 years for manslaughter and deducted one-third of the sentence for acceptance of guilt; three years for time spent on remand and three years, six months for his age and other mitigating factors.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday August 28, 2018

Dedication, discipline and commitment needed for success at UG – registrar says at orientation STUDENTS enrolling into the University of Guyana can find their passion and pursue it with dedication, discipline and commitment since it will be a time for transition, adjustment and change, according to the Registrar of the University of Guyana (UG) Nigel Gravesande.

Gravesande was at the time speaking at the orientation ceremonial opening at the University’s George Walcott Lecture Theatre.

The registrar said students must take responsibility for their future since university life is a time for

learning and self-discovery.

“This university, we hope, will assist you in a transformative experience and by the very nature, you will not only experience personal transformation and enlightenment, but I hope at the end of the process you will have an open mind that is reflective of the need for research. Come to conclusions only on a basis of preponderance of evidence and do not jump to conclusions on the basis of hearsay, gossip and innuendo,” the registrar said.

He urged students to be acquainted with the universi-

Vice Chancellor and Principal of UG, Professor Ivelaw Griffith, having a brief chat and sharing advice with students during the orientation.

ty regulations and laws while understanding their rights and corresponding responsi-

bilities.

Meanwhile, President of the University of Guyana

Student Society (UGSS), Norwell Hinds, in his address said many students

have made tremendous sacrifice in order to reach the university and it is expected that they engage each other, their lecturers and professors while molding their own personality.

Hinds said the university is there to challenge all students to become greater while fighting for better and what is dear to them.

Noting that the university is a national institution that serves the nation, the UGSS president said the university can enhance all aspects of a student’s life and assist in building friendships, bonds and careers.

M&CC wants to hire another garbage contractor

- For schools clearance only THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC) wants to hire another garbage contractor to specifically look at clearing schools in Georgetown, Town Clerk Royston King announced on Monday.

The M&CC has been

receiving numerous complaints regarding the timeliness of garbage collection at schools. It is a problem existing at nursery, primary and secondary schools, King told councillors at the fortnightly statutory meeting at City Hall.

However, while the M&CC is struggling to keep up with current payments to its two main contractors – Puran Brothers Disposal Services and Cevons Waste Management Inc. – it has still not managed to pay its outstanding debts to smaller contractors that were hired during the strike action by the bigger companies last

Town Clerk Royston King at Monday’s statutory meeting.

year.

“We are working on clearing those debts not only to the smaller contractors.

We are in a very serious financial position…but we still have to provide certain vital municipal services,” King told reporters following the statutory meeting.

He said the complaints have been coming from head teachers and other stakeholders that the schools are not being cleared on time by the main contractors. As such, King said after speaking with Puran and Cevons, it was suggested that a specific contractor be identified to clear the schools alone.

While a contractor has not yet been identified and the M&CC has not yet decided how much will be spent on this initiative, King said he hopes to roll out this initiative before the end of September.

Regarding payments to the two main contractors, King reported that the M&CC has been doing reasonably well when it comes to keeping up with current amounts.

The contractors had suspended their services last year August because the City Council was not keeping its side of the bargain to keep up with the current amounts.

The companies had agreed to wait for what was owing to them for 2015 and 2016.

Following the pull-out by the main contractors, the Council hired three smalltime contractors to work along with trucks belonging to the M&CC. These contractors are still to be paid for their services.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday August 28, 2018

Concerns of nurses will continue to be addressed

–– Min. Lawrence says; challenges GNA to do better by members NURSES were awarded for their hard work and contribution to the health sector but they still face challenges and concerns which the Public Health Ministry intends to address, subject Minister Volda Lawrence said.

The ministry continues to recognise healthcare workers, but the minister said they cannot continue to perform with efficiency if they are dissatisfied and not given the opportunity to progress as professionals.

“We must show that we care. I want to thank the GNA (Guyana Nurses Association) for working in the interest of nurses…let us continue to listen to their issues but also endeavour to address them,” said Minister Lawrence, during her

remarks at the GNA’s award ceremony at the Pegasus Hotel on Saturday.

She believes that nurses deserve the opportunity to advance their career so that they would be able to create a safe environment for future nurses.

The GNA, which celebrated its 90th anniversary this year, has been the cornerstone for nurses, ensuring that the standard of the profession is maintained through capacity building.

“I challenge the GNA to keep on advancing the status of nursing through capacity building and improved public image,” said Minister Lawrence, adding that the ministry will continue to work closely with the association to build a “synergy of purpose.”

Bartica Tax office relocating for more convenience, better service THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is in the process of relocating the office in Bartica to a more full-fledged location in the municipality, as it seeks to improve the delivery of taxpayer services in the town and by extension, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

According to a press statement from GRA, Commissioner-General of the GRA Godfrey Statia led a delegation of tax officials on a site visit to the proposed new tax office location at Fifth Avenue Bartica, where the Authority plans to operate officially from November this year.

The proposed new location will include among other things, living quarters for some senior staff, thereby allowing for a decrease in rental and other associated expenses.

The move is in keeping with the agenda of strengthening tax compliance and enforcement activities countrywide, beginning with improvements of the existing Integrated Regional Tax Offices (IRTOs), together with the soon to be functional Mabaruma office. The existing IRTOs are located at Anna Regina, Parika, New Amsterdam, Corriverton, Bartica, Lethem and Linden.

An initial assessment was done at the aforementioned locations where it was determined that despite earlier efforts to provide a one-stop-

shop at these sites, improvements were needed in terms of a more enabling environment for staff, and building capacity for the benefit of taxpayers who would otherwise have to travel to Georgetown for some services.

It was also determined that in order to be effective, regional offices must not only be equipped to offer complete taxpayer services, but also be able to conduct audits and investigations of economic activities by individual and corporate taxpayers in the said localities.

The GRA sees this initiative as timely in light of the attainment of township status of Bartica in 2016, and the continued anticipated growth in economic activities, and revenue flows.

The Bartica IRTO is located at First Avenue where operations had commenced in 2007 before it was declared an IRTO under the Integrated Regional Offices initiative in 2008.

The GRA team also held meetings with the Regional Executive Officer (REO), Mr. Roderick Edinboro and outlined its plans and strategies for the Region.

Within the next few months GRA will be commissioning a new office in Mabaruma, Region One (Barima-Waini). This office will offer similar services to the region and will be the first of its kind in Region One.

Once a collective approach is taken, the minister believes that more standards would be established and there would be more advocacy for best practices in nursing.

Over the years, nurses have also been working to ensure that the image of the profession is not distorted. In honour of their efforts, nurses from across the country were awarded for their contributions.

Awards were also distributed to members of the GNA and nurses who have retired from the profession.

“I would like to applaud the outstanding contributions but whether you are an awardee or not, you still render a great humanitarian service,” said Minister Lawrence.

The minister acknowledged the work of nurses, adding that they are a unique corps of professionals whose work is valued highly.

“Without your input the health system would be defunct, healthcare would be nonfunctional and the mandate of the ministry would be null and void,” Minister LawMinister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence rence said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 28, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 28, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 28, 2018

FROM BACK PAGE

Team Mohamed’s...

By Stephan Sookram IT may seem like a quarter-mile beast but the full potential of the Nissan GTR known to the public as Goliath remains to be seen.

The strip record and the unlimited class are some of the things that the undisputed King of the Strip have already chomped up but there is so much more potential, says tuner/mechanic Terrance Cox. Cox, under whose tenure the GTR set the strip record, explained to Chronicle Sport that they haven’t been able to lay down their power.

“We’re only like 1400hp and we have to wait until

third gear till we can put that down. This [goliath] is a 171800hp car. So as soon as we get more traction, or more distance to where we can hit fifth gear, we are going from 35 lbs of boost to 50 lbs of boost and it’s going to go and it’s going to pick up big.”

He added, ““Once we can get her [Goliath] into fifth gear, we can lay all the boost in it. We are way down on power right now.”

Cox, who ran the car in exhibition races yesterday due to lack of competition in the unlimited class, believes that once the launch pad and drag strip is completed and maintained, there is bound to be faster cars.

“Once we get a longer track here, we are going to see a lot quicker cars and a lot faster cars,” Cox said.

“We’ve figured out some new stuff. We are getting a little quicker in the car and I think next time I come down here we are going to do some more testing and we are going to have a lot quicker car for sure.”

“I think in the 1000ft, we can keep it down in the low 7’s like the traction compound that we have figured out this weekend, but once we get the quarter and launch strip done, I think we will still be in the 7’s in the full quarter instead of the 1000ft now.”

Guyana will bounce ...

“Paraguay will play a similar game (to Colombia) and last night (Sunday) we sat down and we had a discussion around the team and everyone acknowledged their faults in the game (against Colombia) and we will be looking to sharpen up on the ends that we failed against Colombia and try to bring our ‘A’ game against Paraguay,” said Gonsalves, one of the better scrum-half in the Caribbean and the Rugby Americas North (RAN) region.

“We have two more

FROM BACK PAGE

Ryan Gonsalves

games to go, we will take it from there. Wednesday is another game, we have no injuries in the camp. Everyone is positive about the other games and will wrap things up on Saturday. We have to

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come out with a win in this tournament,” the ‘Green Machine’ captain posited.

Meanwhile, Gonsalves explained that US-based Ahmad Isaacs went down two minutes into the Colombia encounter with a concussion, but pointed out that he has since been medically cleared.

It is worthy to note that at the Caribbean and Central American (CAC) Games, Guyana was the only team to defeat Colombia (14-12), before the home side went on to win gold.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 28, 2018

19

World number one Halep stunned

by Kanepi in U.S. Open first round

Simona Halep of Romania hits to Kaia Kanepi (not pictured) of Estonia on day one of the 2018 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports

By Rory Carroll NEW YORK (Reuters) The U.S. Open started with a bang as world number one Simona Halep christened the newly renovated Louis Armstrong Stadium with a shock 6-2 6-4 loss to unseeded Estonian Kaia Kanepi on Monday, becoming the first top seed to lose an opening match at Flushing Meadows.

It was the second consecutive year the Romanian French Open champion exited in the U.S. Open first round. On a hot and humid day, Halep failed to sustain any kind of service rhythm and her usually stout defence proved no match for the powerful Kanepi’s bruising groundstrokes and deft drop shots.

“I have always loved being in New York,” said the 33-year-old Kanepi, twice a quarter-finalist at the tournament who has been ranked as high as world number 15.

“I like the atmosphere.

I like being here. I love the courts and the climate, and I think that the courts suit my game really well.”

Kanepi, world number 44, earned the first break when she launched a backhand lob over Halep’s head to jump out to a 2-1 lead and went on to win five of the first six games while winning 80 percent of her first serve points in the set.

Frustration for Halep

boiled over in the second game of the second set when she smashed her racket on the court, earning a racket abuse warning from the chair umpire.

Halep recovered and it appeared a comeback was on when she broke Kanepi to love to level the second set at 4-4.

But Kanepi completed the upset when Halep sent a service return long on match point.

Today I just lost,” Halep told reporters.

“I didn’t play great, but she played really well. I knew that she can play well here. She played quarter-finals last year,” she said.

“I didn’t find the balance today. I couldn’t play better, so that’s it.”

It was the sixth time in the Open era that the number one seed has lost in the first round of a Grand Slam tournament and the first at the U.S. Open.

Halep had looked primed for a long run in New York after she won the Rogers Cup this month and narrowly missed out on back-to-back titles after losing to Kiki Bertens in the Cincinnati final.

She pulled out of last week’s Connecticut Open with an Achilles injury.

The Romanian can take small consolation from the fact she has amassed enough ranking points to remain world number one after the two-week tournament ends.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Wins for GFC and Panthers on opening night of GFA Stag Beer Revival Cup THE Georgetown Football Association (GFA), under the Trevor Williams-led Interim Management Committee (IMC), kicked off its STAG Beer Revival Cup on Sunday evening at the Georgetown Football Club (GC) ground with a triple-header.

The home side, GFC, and ‘GT’ Panthers secured opening-day wins,

while Camptown FC and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) played to a 1 – 1 draw.

Following the first match between Northern Rangers and GT Panthers, a march past was conducted and remarks made by Chairman of the GFA-IMC, Trevor Williams, and Ian Alves-GFF’s Competitions Director.

Williams did the official kickoff at the start of the second match and Toledo Wilson, GFF’s Coaching Education Director, kicked off the final match, respectively.

GT Panthers, thanks to a Jamol Scott goal in the 20 th minute, secured three points for the winners over Northern Rangers.

In game two, Lavaughn

Innis and Jermaine Padmore (50th minute) were the goalscorers for GFC in their 2 – 0 win over Pele football club.

I n t h e d a y ’s f i nal game, Oziel Small scored in the 46th minute to salvage a draw for Camptown FC, after Kester Dundas had given Police FC the lead with his 17 th minute Part of the action between GFC and Pele FC on the opening day of goal. the GFA STAG Beer Revival Cup.

Man United troubles intensify as Spurs win 3-0 at Old Trafford (REUTERS) - - Lucas Moura scored twice as Tottenham Hotspur romped to a 3-0 Premier League win over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Monday as Jose Mourinho’s team’s defensive woes were exposed once again.

Mourinho made six changes from the side beaten 3-2 at Brighton and Hove Albion last week and dropped both central defenders, Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof.

United showed promise in an even first half and should have taken the lead through Romelu Lukaku, but Spurs

struck twice to condemn a stunned United to their second loss in three games and maintain the London side’s 100 percent record.

Harry Kane leapt above Phil Jones to head home a Kieran Trippier corner in the 50th minute and two minutes later Brazilian Lucas Moura slipped the ball home after a fine break and low cross from Christian Eriksen.

Moura wrapped up the victory, waltzing past Chris Smalling before confidently drilling the ball past David De Gea.

Mangal, Prashad, Solomon top golfers in Trophy Stall Tourney MIKE Mangal, Patrick Prashad and Maurice Solomon emerged champions in their respective flights at the conclusion of the annual Trophy Stall Tournament at the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) last Saturday.

In the ‘A’ or Championship Flight (handicap 0 – 9), the winner was Mike Mangal 72/80. Placing The tournament’s top performers (From left): Kevin Dinansecond was the youthful auth, Mahesh Shivraj, Mike Mangal, Rabi Sukul, Bridgelall Kevin Dinanauth-- son of Harry, Patrick Prashad, Richard Haniff, LGC president Althe former Guyana Open eem Hussain, Robert Hanoman, Dr Joaan Deo and Maurice champion, Mohanlall Di- Solomon. nanauth—with 78/81. ReFlight. was Maurice Solomon ceiving honorable mention in O t h e r g o l f e r s w h o 79/100, with Robert Hanothis category were Nazeem played well but did not reach man 80/128 placing second.

‘Papo’ Haniff (81/88) and the winners’ row were (club Mark Lashley 91/115 also Richard Haniff (82/91). president) Aleem Hussain performed creditably in the In the ‘B’ Flight (hand- 73/83; Parmanand ‘Max’ ‘C’ Flight. icap 10 – 18), the winner Persaud 75/89; Joaan Deo Two additional prizes was Patrick Prashad 69/79, 75/91; Kalyan Tiwari 76/89 were awarded to Patrick while Lekhnarine ‘Mahesh’ (winner of the Flight in the Prashad – one for the Best Shivraj placed second with Crown Mining Tournament Gross of 79 and the other 71/88. This category, which of Wednesday, August 22); for the overall Best Net of has the most golfers of the Aasrodeen Shaw 77/91; and 69. Nearest to The Pin was three categories, usually Gavin Todd 79/96. won by David Harry while has as keen a competiIn the ‘C’ Flight (hand- the Longest Drive was won tion as the Championship icap 19 – 28), the winner by Richard Haniff.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Osmond Cummings Memorial Under-20 final

Last minute replacement Milerock register 1-0 win over Botafago

By Joe Chapman

WHEN the dust settled, Milerock football club emerged winners (1-0) in the controversial inaugural Osmond Cummings Under-20 football final against Botofago on Sunday night at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground.

Playing the final after first being scheduled by the organisers to contest for third place, Milerock were able to come away winners after being catapulted into the championship game after some last-minute calls which seemingly came from higher authorities, instructing the organiser to install them to play after all. It does appear also that there was a conflict of interest, since reports suggest that actual instructions had come from a Guyana Football Federation official, but not heeded, a few days before Sunday which had advised the UDFA to allow Mileorck and not the Amelia’s Ward Panthers, to play in the final against Botofago.

What must have been coincidental also was the fact that the lone deciding goal in the game was scored by the Botofago player in question, who donned their uniform in the preliminary

Nigel Mice’ Cummings (L) handing over the Most Valuable Player trophy to Amar Jones

round of the championship.

Amar Jones, who was at the centre of the controversy, banged home the winner for Milerock against his former club which he played for in this very tournament, in the 23rd minute of the game.

But it was primarily this ruling, among other infractions, which brought into question if a player can play for two clubs in one competition and under what circumstances and conditions that is acceptable, and which must be addressed.

On that score, the UDFA and GFF constitutions are opposed and to some extent the interpretations.

The eventual result meant that the tournament culminated after some strange occurrences in this champion-

ship which was played in honour of a former Botofago player and official--the late Osmond Cummings--and which was sponsored mainly by his brother and former National striker Nigel ‘Mice’ Cummings.

The former top forward for Botofago FC was saddened by the manner in which the tournament ended as he felt it was not what he anticipated for the memory of his eldest brother, after years of the tournament being okayed between two clubs these past few years.

‘Mice’ told this newspaper “It was drawn to my attention that the ruling came down from the Guyana Football Federation and was made known to us until the last

Milerock celebrating with their spoils.

minute, but that person (is) still trying to get to the bottom of this.”

It was his feeling that a tournament would have been more appropriate to remember his brother Osmond who had played and done so much for the game in the Upper Demerara area as a whole.

While it’s too early to deal with this tournament which began on the wrong footing, where the basic rules were apparently not sent out to the clubs despite an official from the GFF saying he actually sent some rules to the UDFA, it was the litany of complaints, violations by the clubs and by extension officials on the Upper Demerara Football Association which warrants a full fledged

Huge win for Demerara Cricket Club

Raymond Perez

THE Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) on Sunday last whipped the Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) by an innings and 126 runs when play in the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA), GISE, Star Party Rental and Trophy Stall-sponsored first division two-day tournament continued in the Capital

Totoram Bishun

City.

The win took DCC to 69 points in Zone ‘A’ and a place in the semifinals of the tournament. Resuming the final day on 281-2, DCC were eventually bowled out for 352, a first innings lead of 238 runs. Tevin Imlach took his overnight 32 to 63.

Off-spinner Nkosi Barker claimed 5-67 as

Trevon Griffith

DCC were dismissed an hour before lunch. Barker received support from Wayne Bollers (3-70) and Delon Dalrymple (2-81).

However, Raymond Perez on Saturday stroked an elegant 140, while Trevon Griffith hit 105. Perez’ innings was decorated with 13 fours and seven sixes, while the left-handed Grif-

fith hit 10 fours and six sixes, as the pair added 185 for the first wicket after the hosts bowled out MSC for 114 on day one.

Fast bowler Carlton Jacques (3-10) and leg-spinner Steven Sankar (3-22), orchestrated the MSC batting collapse.

Batting a second time, MSC were bundled out for 112. Alex Rodrigues (39), Carl Human (20), and Stephon Brown (19), were the top scorers. Spinner Totoram Bishun claimed 4-53.He received support from Steven Sankar (2-19) and Antonio Flett (2-7).

Meanwhile, GNIC leads in Zone ‘B’ with 62 points, while UG (57) and TSC (43) will battle each other in the final round for a place in the semifinals.

investigation.

Thus, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Mr. Wayne Forde should come up quickly with a decision at this juncture as to what would ensure there are no such recurrences.

But this should not have reached the GFF and one may ask why not the UDFA? But the fact that the UDFA President Terrence Mitchell was seemingly reluctant to draw the line with his lieutenant, tells another story to the clubs.

However, the manner in which official(s) of the Guyana Football Federation reacted to the verbal complaints made by the affected clubs also brings into question how such decisions were arrived at

initially, and the question of why the promoters first, after the reluctance by the UDFA to right the wrongs, could have advertised that Amelia’s Ward Panthers and Botofago would contest the final in the first place.

Then at the very last moment on the night of the final when it was clear that three clubs were warming up to play the final, Amelia’s Ward Panthers, who were invited to contest the final, were pulled out, making way for Milerock FC to now contest the championship game.

It is now up to the authorities to bring closure to what now are fresh wounds inflicted on young players who went away disappointed because of the bungling by some officials.

Afghanistan beat Ireland by 29 runs in first ODI AFGHANISTAN beat Ireland by 29 runs at Stormont in the first match of the one-day series.

Gulbadin Naib made 64 and Hashmatullah Shahidi 54 but the tourists slipped from 155-3 to post 227-9 as Tim Murtagh took 4-31.

Ireland were bowled out for 198 despite Andrew Balbirnie’s 55 and 38 from Gary Wilson.

The second match of the three-game series takes place in Belfast on Wednesday.The two sides have enjoyed several hardfought ODI series in recent years, with Ireland earning a 2-1 win in Sharjah last December.

Asked to bat on Monday, Afghanistan appeared set for a more challenging total before Boyd Rankin trapped Gulbadin lbw and the recalled Murtagh claimed three wickets

Gulbadin Naib

in two overs - all caught by Balbirnie.

Niall O’Brien was brilliantly run out in the 18th over by a superb piece of fielding from Hashmatullah Shahidi at short mid-wicket.

Kevin O’Brien was also run out attempting a third before Ireland lost their last four wickets for 19 runs.(BBC Sport)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 28, 2018

GHB completes development camp for U-19 boys THE Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) completed its developmental camp for U-19 boys during the August school holidays.

Thirty six boys attended the two-week long camp, which focussed on individual techniques required to execute skills such as elimination, defending, passing and receiving, 2 versus 1, goalkeeping and penalty corners.

This camp is the first step in identifying some of the players who will make up the national junior squad scheduled to commence training shortly

for the 2020 Junior Pan American Championships.

The camp participants also took part in a mini tournament on the final day and were treated to lunch, compliments of Antonio’s Grille.

The camp was run by National head coach, Robert Fernandes, with the assistance of senior national player, Jamarj Assanah.

At the conclusion of the camp, Coach Fernandes revealed; “I think the camp was a great success. Although some of the players may not have the skills needed at the moment,

those things can be learned.

What I did see was an abundance of astonishing athleticism and internally motivated individuals who have exhibited a hunger to become exceptional, those are things you can’t teach people. This makes me very excited to work with this group over the next two years.”

The National Junior boys training squad will be selected shortly, while the junior women’s programme is also scheduled to commence in the near future.

Participants pose with national coach Robert Fernandes upon conclusion of the Under 19 camp.

Attractive pricing announced as ICC Women’s WBSC and GBL hold successful Baseball5 T20 World Cup tickets go on sale

CRICKET fans around the world can now book seats to the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 2018 as ticket sales kicked off yesterday with just over 10 weeks to go for the much-awaited event in the Caribbean.

Fans will be able to watch the world’s best players during the November 9-24 tournament, which will build on the momentum around women’s cricket after the huge success of last year’s ICC Women’s World Cup that saw more people following the women’s game than ever before.

All 23 matches will be broadcast live as reigning world champions the West Indies look to defend their title on home soil. A return to the much-loved traditional cricket atmosphere of the West Indies is at the heart of the event, combining world-class cricket with music, entertainment and culture.

Windies Chief Executive Officer Johnny Grave

Tickets are priced from just US$3 with the focus on ensuring more people across the Caribbean can enjoy the event and support their world champions.

The group stage matches in Guyana and St Lucia start at just US$3 (or GY $500) and US$4 (or EC$10) respectively. The semi-finals and finals will be played in Antigua with tickets for the semi-finals starting at just US$7 (or EC$20) and the

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday August 28, 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) Nicholas Pooran (Tridents) (2) Obed McKoy (Stars) Today’s Quiz: (1) How many times Martin Guptill has played as captain in CPL games?

(2) Who is the first Tallawahs player to have won the Man of the Match Award in Hero CPL 2018?

Answer in tomorrow's issue

final at US$11 (or EC$30).

A combination ticket package for the semis and final is priced at only US$15 (EC$40).

Tickets will be available online at ICC-cricket.com/ worldtwenty20 from Noon Eastern Caribbean Time today with the box offices opening in all three host countries on Monday, October 29.

“Tickets going on sale online is an exciting time for everyone involved in organising and hosting this prestigious global event. We have set the prices so that everyone can come out and see the best women’s cricketers in the world play,” said Johnny Grave, Chief Executive Officer of Cricket West Indies.

“This is an invitation to the entire Caribbean to buy tickets and support their world champion team. We look forward to welcoming many travelling fans from all over the world to be part of this tournament and enjoy the Caribbean and West Indian hospitality,” Grave said.

“All the matches will offer not just exciting worldclass cricket but entertainment with music and cultural components during the breaks between matches. We have designed the ticketing programme to make sure everyone can be involved as we know cricket is a sociable sport that can be enjoyed by everyone in society, and we want to make sure that everyone across all the Caribbean can be involved in this event.”

“This is the first ever stand-alone ICC Women’s World T20 event and there is no better place to host it than in the West Indies with the home team as defending champions,” said ICC Chief Executive David Richardson.

“This event belongs to the Caribbean and its cricket fans. We are working closely with Cricket West Indies, the event team, governments and communities to ensure that it is the most welcoming, open and inclusive global event ever to be staged there, encapsulating everything that is so special about cricket in the region – that unique combination of fantastic cricket, music and entertainment.

I’d love to see West Indian cricket fans come out in force to support the world’s best cricketers and watch the world champions defend their title on home soil,” Richardson added.

The first standalone ICC Women’s World T20 event will also see the Decision Review System (DRS) being used for the first time in any ICC World Twenty20 event, ensuring consistency in the use of technology in top world-level events.

The Windies are placed in Group A along with England, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, while Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan and Ireland are in Group B. This is the sixth edition of the tournament. Australia have won the title three times while England and the West Indies have won once each. (WICB).

Coaching course

Part of the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) and Guyana Baseball League Baseball5 Coaching course

THE Guyana Baseball League (GBL) in conjunction with the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) held a successful Baseball5 Coaching education programme at the Georgetown Cricket Club on Thursday last.

Baseball5 is a relatively new game, a formalisation of rules for a street baseball game, designed to drive the spread of baseball and softball internationally.

The WBSC provided the services of international experts Professor Pablo Terry Alvarez and Mr. Orlando Amador Molina from Cuba. Participants were taught the rudiments of the game and were quickly able to demonstrate proficiency at the game to the approval of the experts.

Professor Alvarez said

“We have been travelling the world teaching this form of the game, where no bats or safety equipment is needed and Guyana is where we found the quickest adaption to this fast-paced version of baseball. We have recommended a series of measures to President Robin Singh for preparation for participation in the inaugural Baseball5 World Cup” Secretary General of the GBL, Devon Douglas, said “We are delighted with this format of the great game of baseball.

This is exactly what our country needs, a sport that is affordable for all, that can be played in any available space and also one that challenges players physically and mentally at maximum speed” The GBL will be unveiling national plans for Baseball5 shortly.

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Mixed fortunes for Guyana at CRTTF Pre-Cadet c/ships despite Ninvalle’s good showing GUYANA’s Caribbean Regional Table Tennis Federation (CRTTF) Mini and Pre-Cadet Championships got off to a shaky start on Sunday in The Dominican Republic as the U-13 boys team failed to qualify for the semi-final despite a good showing from Kaysan Ninvalle and Jonathan Van Lange.

Guyana faced the host country’s ‘B’ team in their first match and won 3-2, compliments of fighting performances from Ninvalle and Van Lange.

Ninvalle was the first to compete, clashing with Bo-Teng Ching whom he dispatched in straight sets of 11-2, 11-8 and 11-7 while Van Lange took on the DR’s Yoel Mendoza. Van Lange took the first set 15-13 but Mendoza won the next two at 11-9 and 11-7 before Van Lange came back to even things at 11-5. However,

Mendoza took the game 2-3 by winning the final deciding set 17-15.

Guyana’s Krystian Sahadeo then dispatched Anderson Acevedo in straight sets of 11-6, 11-8 and 11-8.

Ninvalle then returned to face Mendoza in another 5-set thriller which he surrendered 2-3 in sets of 8-11, 11-8, 11-6, 9-11 and 14-16.

With spoils even at 2-2, Van Lange was the savior for Guyana as he defeated DR’s Bo-Ting Ching in sets of 14-12, 11-4, 10-12 and 11-9 to secure victory. The U-13 boys then faced Trinidad and Tobago. They faltered 1-3; Ninvalle once again was first up and soundly thrashed his opponent, Jamaali Mauge 11-6, 11-9 and 11-7.

However, Van Lange, Sahadeo and Ninvalle himself could not stop the Trinidadians who won the next three games consecutively to wrap up things at 3-1.

Guyana’s Kaysan Ninvalle (right) performed admirably in the U-13 team competition in Santo Domingo, The Dominican Republic.

In their third and final Group 2 game, the Guyanese U-13 team faced Puerto Rico and lost that encounter 3-1. Van Lange lost the first game to Giovanni Centeno in sets of 11-9, 1113, 11-7, 5-11 and 11-4.

Ninvalle then hauled one back for Guyana in a thrill-

ing 5-setter as he beat John Marrero 9-11, 11-7, 11-6 and 12-10.

Sahadeo surrendered to Jose Nieves 11-5, 11-6 and 11-3 before the latter’s teammate Centeno sealed the deal for Puerto Rico, dispatching Ninvalle in the entertaining decider 11-9, 7-11, 15-13,

Melius hits century as Windwards beat Canada ..wins also for T&T and Jamaica

KINGSTOWN, St Vincent, (CMC) – West Indies Under-19s batting star, Kimani Melius, struck a scintillating century to headline the sixth round of the Regional Under-19 One-Day Championship, as Windward Islands easily disposed of Canada by 79 runs here Monday.

Playing at Park Hill, Windwards piled up 310 for seven off their 50 overs, with opener Melius stroking 102 off 58 balls and crunching 13 fours and half-dozen sixes.

Micah Joseph struck 90 while Lincoln Durand got 33 not out and Johnel Eugene, 23.

Opting for first knock, Windwards flourished courtesy of a 58-run opening stand between Melius and Jahseon Alexander (18) before Melius and Eugene added a further 66 for the third wicket. When three wickets – including that of Melius’s – fell for 22 runs to leave the Windwards on 172 for five in the 27th over, Joseph took responsibility for the innings in a knock requiring 80 balls and including four fours and seven sixes.

He put on 41 for the sixth

West Indies Under-19s opener Kimani Melius stroked 102 off 58 balls.

wicket with Jeron Noel (11) and then put Windwards in a near impregnable position by adding 92 for the seventh wicket with Durand.

In reply, Canada were 93 for six in the 20th over before Kavian Naresh top-scored with 71 and Rishiv Joshi chipped in with 36 to keep the innings afloat.

Naresh counted six fours and two sixes off 74 deliveries, putting on 76 for the seventh wicket with Nicholas Manohar (22) but the target proved out of reach.

At the Arnos Vale Stadium, Trinidad and Tobago made light

work of Guyana, defeating them by four wickets.

Seamer Rivaldo Ramlogan snatched three for 27 as Guyana, choosing to bat first, were dismissed for 116 in the 38th over.

Kevelon Anderson topscored with 42 but Guyana collapsed from 82 for four in the 20th over to lose their last six wickets for just 34 runs. In reply, T&T’s run chase was less than convincing but Leonardo Julien (24) and Joshua James (23 not out) ensured there was no Guyana comeback.

At Sion Hill, Barbados slipped to a shock three-wicket defeat to Jamaica, after being dismissed cheaply for 77 in the 34th over with leftarm spinner Raewin Senior grabbing four for 28.

Barbados were tottering on 54 for nine in the 28th before Joshua Bishop (16) and Shemar Persaud (five not out) added 23 for the last wicket.

Jamaica then cruised to 40 for one before leg-spinner Camarie Boyce (4-25) unsettled the innings but opener Kirk McKenzie (28) and Senior (19 not out) made the difference.

9-11 and 11-9.

Guyana’s U-13 team will face Jamaica in the fifth place playoff.

The U-11 Boys team beat Trinidad and Tobago 3-1 in their first round robin encounter with Colin Wong opening proceedings with a straight set victory

(11-8, 11-6 and 11-7) over Bruce Dillon (T&T).

Guyana’s Dhanesh Persaud then dispatched of Gabriel John in a four setter; 10-12, 11-7, 11-4 and 11-9 before his teammate Malachi Moore lost an entertaining five-setter to Trinidad’s Sekel Mc Intosh.

However, Wong bounced back to secure Guyana’s 3-1 victory as he beat Gabriel John in straight sets of 118, 11-7 and 11-7. However, Guyana lost to Jamaica in their second encounter, conceding defeat at 1-3.

Meanwhile, the U-13 Girls failed to register a single win in their group stage matches, losing to Trinidad and Tobago 1-3, Jamaica 1-3 and Puerto Rico 0-3.

The U-11 Girls suffered the same fate, losing to The Dominican Republic’s ‘B’ Team 1-3, Puerto Rico 1-3 and Trinidad and Tobago 2-3.

GAPLF Raw Nationals set for September 9

GAPLF’s Raw Nationals Championships is set for September 9.

THE Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) will have their Raw National Championships on Sunday (September 9) at the auditorium of the St. Stanislaus College on Brickdam, Georgetown.

At this competition, the athletes will be lifting with little to no additional equipment during their lifts.

Participating athletes for Flight A are required

to be at the venue mentioned for 8:00hrs for the weighing in which will go no later than 9:30hrs, so athletes are urged to be there on time. The competition will begin at 10:00hrs.

The entrance fee is $1,000.

Persons who are interested in competing at the Raw Nationals are required to submit their application and pay their fees. The forms and mon-

ies can be submitted to executive member, Martin Webster. A screenshot of the filled out registration along with the deposit slip to the GAPLF Bank Account #6552194 will be accepted as well.

There was a change to the date for the competition which was initially scheduled for August 26th, 2018 but due to some unforeseen circumstances the datehad to be pushed back.

Terrance Cox (third from left) stands with Team Mohamed’s Enterprise owner Azrudeen Mohamed (R) and other members of the team.

King of the Strip 3

Team Mohamed’s Cox says more to come from Goliath ‘Longer track will bring faster cars’

Part of the action between Guyana and Colombia on Sunday in the Americas Rugby Challenge.

Guyana will bounce back – Gonsalves

By Rawle Toney HAVING suffered the second largest margin of defeat in the sport, Guyana’s senior men’s ruggers will look to bounce back from their humiliating 71 – 7 drubbing by Colombia, when they come up against Paraguay tomorrow in the Americas Rugby Challenge.

“We never really got flowing until late in the second half, so basically, from the first kickoff we were playing catch-up all the time,” team captain Ryan Gonsalves told Chronicle Sport in an exclusive interview from Medellín, Colombia, as he reflected on his side’s defeat and look ahead

in the four-team tournament.

According to Gonsalves, Guyana’s “structure in the defence was failing us because guys weren’t working to the next breakdown fast enough, so at all times, especially in the first half, they had multiple overlaps that they scored.”

Nonetheless, with the Colombia game behind them and as the team try to wipe any memory of their first taste of South American rugby at the 15’s level, Gonsalves said the team is now determined to make things right against Paraguay, who opened their tournament with a 45 – 36 win over Mexico.

SEE PAGE 19

See Page 19

Mike’s Pharmacy renews alliance with BCB’s U-15 tournament

Chief Executive Officer of Mike’s Pharmacy, Lakhram Singh (right) hands over some of the prizes to President of the Berbice Cricket Board, Hilbert Foster, for last Saturday’s final. Singh has renewed the sponsorship for 2019.

FOLLOWING the successful staging of the Berbice Cricket Board inter-club-sponsored Mike’s Pharmacy Under-15 limited overs tournament, the company has renewed its sponsorship for a second time.

The alliance with the BCB signals a commitment by the business entity to the development of the sport at the junior level.

Chief Executive Officer of Mike’s Pharmacy, Lakhram Singh, pointed out that his company was pleased with the success of the 2018 tournament, and for that, he decided for the second time in as many years to sponsor same.

President of the Berbice Cricket Board, Hilbert Foster, thanked the sponsors on behalf of the BCB for renewing the sponsorship for 2019.

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Foster claimed that the alliance with the pharmaceutical agency is a clear indication that the operations of the BCB are a good example of the administration of the game in Guyana.

He is hoping that the relationship between the two organisations would be long and successful.

Meanwhile, clubs are asked to start preparation for the 2019 tournament. The date of birth cut off point for players will be no earlier than September 1, 2004, according to the BCB. The Albion Cricket Club Under-15 team are the defending champions after they managed to defend a target of 168 on Saturday last against Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2018