Guyana Chronicle E-paper 09-15-2018

SATURDAY 15th September, 2018

‘You’ve nothing to fear’ No.105398

–Ramjattan assures Chinese business community 15 PAGE

President hails as ‘cordial but unbreakable’

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–– Guyana, Mexico's 45 years of friendship

President David Granger and Mexican Ambassador Ivan Roberto Sierra-Medel cut the ceremonial cake marking Mexico’s 208th Independence Anniversary Friday evening, as Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo; First Lady, Sandra Granger; and Second Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge savour the moment (Photo by Adrian Narine)

APNU kicks off Guyanese 04 ‘Con-man’ takes GuyOil LGE campaign 02 fatally shot in NY for $38,000 in gas 03 PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 15, 2018

APNU kicks off LGE campaign – hoping to win seats in 76 of 80 LAAs

By Svetlana Marshall THE A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) party will be contesting in 76 of the 80 Local Authority Areas (LAAs) here when Local Government Elections (LGEs) are held come November 12, 2018.

The four Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) in which they will not be contesting are one each in Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Four (Demerara-Mahaica), and two in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

The five-party coalition, which holds the majority of seats in the APNU+AFC government, made the announcement on Friday when it launched its LGE campaign at party headquarters, Congress Place in suburban Sophia.

As party chairman, President David Granger observed at the launch, with local government being an essential element of public administration, the APNU will do everything in its powers to safeguard local democracy in this country.

“APNU believes in giving people the power to determine how the services and resources that affect their everyday lives will be used,” President Granger said, while

noting that this could only be achieved if there are harmonious relationships between all tiers of governance, be it central, regional or local.

He said the APNU has been actively involved in communities across the country, and has been working to address many of their issues.

“The partnership is embedded in all of the local government areas, and with the people’s cooperation, it is

the president noted that all of the parties represented in the coalition will be actively involved in the campaign.

Those parties are the People’s National Congress/ Reform (PNCR), the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), the Justice for All Party (JAP), the Guyana Action Party (GAP) and the National Front Alliance (NFA).

He assured his audience that the candidates represent-

DEMOCRACY AT WORK “The members of the constituencies exercise their right by going and vote for whoever they would like to represent them at the Local Government Elections, so democracy is at work,” Ally told reporters.

Meanwhile, APNU officials have put to rest speculation that the Alliance For Change (AFC)’s bid to con-

ty coalition with regard to the Local Government Elections.

However, he made it clear that the decision will not jeopardise the APNU+AFC coalition, which was formed under the Cummingsburg Accord in the lead-up to the General and Regional Elections.

Civil Groups such as the Bartica Independence Green Alliance (BIGA) and Team Legacy have been absorbed

At the APNU campaign launch Friday at Congress Place are, from left: Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan; Party Chairman, President David Granger; Social Protection Minister and PNCR General-Secretary, Amna Ally; and Minister of State and APNU General- Secretary, Joseph Harmon (Photo by Adrian Narine) solving problems that affect their everyday lives,” he said, adding: “More local authority areas now have street lights, potable water supply and all-weather roads for the first time in human memory.”

Responding to a series of questions from reporters,

ing the APNU in the mixed system of Proportional Representation and First-Past-the Post will be selected by residents of the various LAAs; that “there is no pro-rata” or “allocation of seats.”

Weighing in on the issue, Social Protection Minister and PNCR General-Secretary Amna Ally, pointed out that in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice), primaries have already been held to elect the constituency candidates for the LGEs.

test the Local Government Elections independently will adversely affect their party’s chances.

“We will continue to campaign among the various constituencies and municipalities, but the very nature of Local Government Elections is that people themselves should decide,” she said.

While stating that the APNU respects the AFC’s decision to go it alone, its chairman explained that the positions put forward by the alliance collided with some of the principles of the five-par-

by the APNU and the Alliance For Change (AFC), and while the APNU chairman could not indicate how many of those groups have joined the APNU to contest the upcoming elections, he said there is a role for major parties in an election such as this.

“In conducting countrywide elections, you need an organisation, and that organisation strengthens democracy; it doesn’t weaken democracy,” he posited while explaining, “We encourage people who do not belong to

the APNU, but who share our ideals to come in and work with us and campaign.”

On the developmental front, the chairman said APNU is cognisant of the local needs of the various Local Authority Areas, noting that it was as a result of the issues raised by citizens that led the APNU+AFC government, through the Ministry of Communities to convene the National Conference of Local Democratic Organs (NCDLO) last July.

“So we have also moved the debate above the level of the councils, so there is now a national body which can inform the Ministry of Communities in terms of crafting the annual budget to ensure that the neighbourhoods get better funding,” he explained.

NDCs and municipalities, he said, are also being encouraged to raise funding from corporate citizens to foster further development within their communities.

While APNU officials addressed various aspects of their campaign, they did not disclose the sources of their finance to run off the campaign or the budgeted amount, though the question was put.

APNU General-Secretary and Minister of State, Joseph Harmon; Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan; Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence and Minister within the Ministry of Communities with responsibility for Housing, Valerie Adams Yearwood, were among the other officials present.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 15, 2018

President hails as ‘cordial but unbreakable’

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– the 45 years of friendship between Guyana, Mexico

By Gabriella Chapman

THE United Mexican States, more commonly known as Mexico, came in for high praise for its wealth of contributions to Guyana’s Agriculture and Education Sectors, in addition to the support offered in the area of disaster management, when it hosted its 208th Independence Anniversary Celebration on Friday.

In his address to members of the diplomatic corps, President David Granger alluded to the many areas of partnership the two countries share, describing relations between them as “not only cordial but unbreakable.”

“Mexico has provided a new market for Guyana’s paddy. Mexico provided Guyana valuable technical support to resuscitate the coconut industry. Mexico provided scholarships to build Guyana’s human resource capacity. Mexico has been of great assistance in the field of disaster manage-

ment. Mexico will work towards cooperation in the field of oil and gas,” His Excellency stated.

In the area of Oil and Gas, the Government of Guyana through the Natural Resources Ministry signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Mexican Institute of Petroleum (IMP), which has since paved the way for capacity building in Guyana’s budding Oil and Gas Industry.

Cooperation in the area of Agriculture, can safely be touted as one of the most significant achievements to date between the two countries.

In close to a year, Mexico has purchased approximately 200, 000 tonnes of paddy from Guyana, and is expected to start importing white rice soon.

Ambassador Sierra-Medel testified to success birthed out of a visit to Mexico by Guyana’s Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo in October, 2015. “I visited Guyana’s rice farmers in Berbice and Essequibo, and I must

‘Con-man’ takes GuyOil for $38,000 in gas AN unemployed man who could not pay for the gasoline he obtained at three different GuyOil service stations,appeared before Senior Magistrate Leron Daley at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Friday,charged with three counts of obtaining credit by fraud.

The charges allege that on September 5, 2018, at Georgetown, Sasenaune Etwardo incurred a debt of $13,000 from a GuyOil sales representative by pretending that he was in a position to pay for the commodity.

It was also alleged that on September 6, 2018, at Providence,East Bank Demerara, Etwardo incurred a further debt of $13,000 from another GuyOil sales representative by pretending that he was in a position to pay the said debt incurred.

It was further alleged that on September 7, 2018 at Kitty, Etwardo incurred a debt of $12,000 from a sales representative of the GuyOil station, by pretending that he was in a position to pay for the gas he took.

The 56-year-old, who used motor vehicle PSS 703 in the commission of the crime, pleaded guilty to the charges as they were read to him by Senior Magistrate Daly, and tearfully begged the court: “I am very sorry for what I did; I did it because I am jobless, and I am willing to pay for the gas.”

On the request of the police prosecutor that a probation report be done before sentence is passed, Magistrate Daly granted it and remanded the defendant to prison until September 28.

Guests at the reception last evening to mark Mexico’s Independence Anniversary (Photo by Adrian Narine) commend them for their productive input in making it possible for Mexico to become the largest buyer of Guyana’s paddy.

In just 12 months, Mexico purchased more than 200,000 tons of paddy from Guyana - high quality paddy, probably the best quality,” the Mexican Ambassador told those present.

He noted, too, that over the past two years, the Mexican Embassy here has worked closely with the Education Ministry, the University of Guyana and the Department of Culture to provide educational opportunities for Guyanese to study abroad.

Presently, 10 Guyanese students are pursuing Bachelor of Science

Degrees in Agriculture, Natural Resources Management and Engineering.

At the celebration, the Ambassador and His Excellency, lifted toasts to good health of leaders and continued prosperity of the people of the two nations.

Guyana and Mexico share bilateral relations which dates back 45 years

to March 1, 1973. Since the opening of the embassy in 2009, diplomatic relations have strengthened between both nations.

Among the Guyanese officials present were First Lady Sandra Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Second Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge.

Argument between villagers leaves East La Penitence man dead AN argument turned deadly when two villagers clashed on D’Urban and Chappel Streets, Lodge leaving a 23-year-old dead Friday morning.

Dead is Roger Allen of 60 Freeman Street, East La Penitence, Georgetown.

Reports indicate that Matthew Parks, 20, of 214 Freeman Street, East La Penitence was on duty at a Mini Mart located at D’Urban and Chappel streets, Lodge when the now de-

ceased Roger Allen, 23 went to the aforementioned Mart to make a purchase; during that process, the two had an exchange of words due to a misunderstanding and Allen subsequently left.

Police said that at about 17:00hrs, as Parks exited his workplace, he was confronted by Allen who was reportedly armed with a piece of wood and a knife.

A scuffle ensued and both men received injuries. They

were escorted to the GPHC, where Allen underwent emergency surgery for two suspected stab wounds but later succumbed.

Parks who was treated and discharged, is in police custody, assisting with the investigation.

Allen’s relative said he was not confrontational and that he was in the Intensive Care Unit of the Hospital and died in the wee hours of Friday morning.

Dead: Roger Allen

Caught on camera!

––stealing from his ‘good-friend’

A 32-year-old man was on Friday remanded to prison after he appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly on a simple larceny charge.

The charge alleges that on September 13, 2018 at Mandela Avenue, Calvin Francis stole $109,000, property of an acquaintance of his, one Khamusi Griffith.

Francis, who resides on Princes Street, Lodge denied

the charge, prompting prosecutor, Sanj Singh to object to bail due to the seriousness of the offence and the fact that the defendant was charged before with robbery with violence.

According to the facts presented in court, Francis was caught on CCTV camera removing the money from Griffith’s place of business, as a result of which a report was made and defendant arrested.

Bail was refused, and the defendant was remanded to prison until October 5.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday September 15, 2018

Guyanese fatally shot in possible road-rage attack in NY A CITY corrections officer, who was aspiring to join the New York Police Department (NYPD), was shot and killed in a possible road-rage incident in Queens early Friday morning, police and family members said.

Jonathan Narain, 27, was in his 2013 maroon Honda Accord on his way to work at Rikers Island when a motorcyclist blasted him once in the head on 120th Street and 103rd Avenue in Richmond Hill around 1:45 a.m., cops said.

The corrections officer, who had nearly two years on the job, had just stopped at a store to pick up food before his life was cut short, authorities said. Emergency responders rushed Narain – who lived less than a mile

Jonathan Narain

away – to Jamaica Hospital where he was pronounced

dead.

NYPD Chief of Citywide Investigations William Aubry, said surveillance footage from the scene revealed that the victim was making a U-turn when he had an initial encounter with the motorcyclist. Moments later, the motorcyclist pulled up alongside Narain’s car, which was stopped at a traffic light. “There was a short exchange of what we believe was a conversation — very, very short, only seconds, and then the shot was fired,” Aubry said.

The suspect, who police described as a dark-skinned man wearing dark clothing and a helmet, shot Narain one time in the left temple before fleeing. Police say that Narain was armed at the time, but his gun was not out. Authorities do not believe that the fatal attack was work-related.

Hours after the shooting, Narain’s devastated mother – a retired school cook for the Department of Education — showed up to the scene and gazed at the Honda in which her son died.

“His mom is really taking it hard. Everybody is taking it hard. We have a big family, and none of us expected this,” said Narain’s cousin, Kevin Ramdhani, 29.

Ramdhani called Narain “a good guy” and “a good cousin.” “We grew up together, doing things, playing laser tag…I’m just really sad right now. I still don’t believe it,” he said. “I saw him in the hospital and I still don’t believe it. I told him to wake up, open his eyes, talk to me— even though I knew he was gone.”

Narain, a Hindu with

Guyanese roots who was active with his madrasa in East New York, Brooklyn, had dreams of joining the NYPD and had recently passed an entrance exam, Ramdhani said, noting that Narain “loved” working for the Department of Corrections. “He loved it, that job.

He couldn’t stop talking about it,” Ramdhani recalled.

“I would be like, ‘Doesn’t it feel like you’re in jail?’ and he’d be like, ‘No. I love my job.’ He loved the idea of keeping order and upholding the law.”

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Police investigate the scene where an off-duty corrections officer was shot and killed in Queens(Seth Gottfried)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday September 15, 2018

Goedverwagting fatal accident victim died of multiple injuries – autopsy THE woman who was on Monday killed in an accident on the Goedverwagting Public Road, died as a result of multiple injuries, according to an autopsy done on Friday.

The woman, who was only identified on Wednesday as 63-year-old Cammany Sukhdeo of lot 43 Sandy Babb Street Kitty, Georgetown, was hit by a motorcar bearing registration number PRR 6071.

Police said the car was being driven by a resident of Thomas Street, Kitty,

Georgetown, and he was placed on bail pending further investigations.

Reports indicate that the vehicle was heading west along the southern carriageway of the road at around 22:20hrs when it collided with the pensioner who reportedly ran into its path.

The woman was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where she succumbed at about 05:30hrs on Tuesday.

The driver successfully passed a breathalyser test.

Guyanese fatally shot ...

Ramdhani described Narain as “a go-getter.”

“That’s always been his MO,” said Ramdhani. “He came a long way — bachelor’s degree in business. I looked up to him, and he was younger than me. A lot of people don’t have motivation like he had.” Department of Corrections Commissioner Cynthia Brann, said in a statement: “The entire Department

From page 4 ►

of Corrections is grieving this morning upon learning of the tragic shooting death of an off-duty corrections officer.

My deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences go out to the officer’s family, friends, and colleagues throughout the department. We are in close communication with the NYPD.” Narain’s killer remains at large. (New York Post)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday September 15, 2018

Literacy and ICT

ON Saturday, September 8, International Literacy Day was commemorated worldwide under the auspices of UNESCO. The theme for this year’s commemoration was “Literacy and Skills Development.” This theme pointed the way of literacy not merely being concerned with reading and writing, but also with numeracy and skills development.

From earliest historical times, literacy was always associated with power and influence and was confined to an elite, especially priests and those to whom the memory of the society was entrusted, such as the scribes of ancient Egypt. If an ordinary child wished to be literate, it was a costly thing to be adopted by a teacher. Thus, until the 19th century, literacy all over the world and in all languages was confined to a few.

With the advent of the Industrial Revolution in the West, the need for literacy became more and more urgent, with the need to produce and service industrial machines, whether they were used for manufacturing or for building ships and going on ocean journeys; and also to be able to market products, both locally and internationally. With the greater availability of printed books, also,

more people began to realise the joy of reading and made every effort to be literate. Education became a new industry, but was open only to those who could pay. It was only in the last quarter of the 19th century and in particular in the 20th century, that universal education became a policy and programme of governments.

In post-Emancipation Guyana, the Christian church provided literacy and primary education and were in time able to found schools over most parts of the country. By the beginning of the 20th century, the colonial state recognised that the church was assuming part of its responsibilities and as such, began to make generous subventions to the education institutions of the churches.

The state aimed at a totally literate population in keeping with the policy of the home government in Britain. Accordingly, school attendance officers were appointed to visit all communities and if it was found that a child had not been sent to school, the parents were prosecuted in the courts. These school attendance officers were particularly active from the 1920s to the 1950s. By 1950, Guyana had

become more than 90% literate and ranked with the most developed countries. Reading was widely encouraged and practised and the public library system became very functional. There were many more bookshops than at present and these catered for the large numbers of young and old readers.

Guyanese tend to pride themselves on the belief that they are more than 90% literate, but this assumption is an anachronism, since from the halcyon days of the 1950s to 1970s, there has been a decline and there are thousands who are illiterate or could barely sign their names. And tens of thousands have had no exposure to books as had been the case half-a- century ago. The theme of International Literacy Day, “Literacy and Skills Development,” is therefore relevant to today’s Guyana.

Literacy was used by Guyanese in the 19th century and in the first half of the 20th century as a means of reducing poverty, increasing wealth and as a means of reducing social inequalities. The parents or grandparents of almost the entire professional and business classes were labourers or lower middleclass persons. The late Sir John

Carter, one of Guyana’s most distinguished and accomplished diplomats and legislators, had remarked in Parliament that the grandfathers of all of us were shovelmen. There is therefore no doubt that education has raised generations out of poverty and led to upward social mobility.

Education also helped the population to learn more about health and medicine and how to improve their nutrition. The lifespan of Guyanese has been increasing as well as the quality of life. Education would help to keep propelling this trend. Some years ago, when the emigration fever had seized Guyana and about half the population had emigrated abroad, their education made them natural internationalists and they were among the very few immigrant groups that related well with the host populations and without any conflicts. Because of the deficiency of the education system, Guyanese youth emigrating or visiting abroad today, are less cosmopolitan and international and are regarded as “provincial” and are less able to relate immediately with host populations as would have been the case a generation or two ago.

Most important,why it is obligatory to acquire literacy and attendant skills: such skills are basic to understanding the rapid technological innovations which are taking place in the world of today and in particular to grasp the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). In order to find a place in society, get a job and respond to social, economic and environmental challenges, one must be fully part of the modern technologies, since traditional literacy and numeracy skills are not enough. The “skills development” aspect of this year’s Literacy Day theme is of crucial importance to Guyanese.

It has now become a necessity for the population to involve themselves in skills development and in particular, ICT. In work situations today, the language used tend to be ICT, which is unintelligible to those with the old literacy and numeracy skills and even for those with higher traditional tertiary education.

International Literacy Day and its 2018 theme should therefore be adopted by the educational authorities and be used to inform their policies, so that the population could keep abreast with the modern world.

MNR responds to comments on approval of LIZA Phase 1 plan Dear Editor THE Ministry of Natural Resources would like to respond to recent comments on the development plan for Liza Phase 1, which appear to raise inadvertently or otherwise, the spectre of some sinister motive or corruption in the decision- making process.

The Ministry of Natural Resources was given the strict responsibility of ensuring ‘first-oil’ production by 2020 and that was the pre-eminent objective over the past three years, whilst working with

other ministries that had specific mandates to ensure that the timeline was kept. The officers at the ministry did their best within their capabilities, capacities and available resources.

At every step of the way, the Ministry of Natural Resources relied on guidance and advice from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), and the external contractors retained by that entity, to guide on each such step.

Additionally, the ministry sought and obtained Cabinet’s unanimous approval for each decision made.

The Ministry of Natural Resources is not legally imbued with regulatory powers. It relies on the semi-autonomous agencies within its remit to provide advice and recommendations, when decisions such as the one now being challenged are to be made. In the instance of the development plan, the GGMC indicated that it lacked the capacities to review the development plan for Liza Phase 1. As such, the GGMC recommended, and Cabinet approved, the retention of an international firm, which eventually advised the GGMC that

the development plan was well within the international standards for a project of this nature. Consequently, based on the recommendation of the GGMC, the development plan was approved.

The ministry and GGMC sought to ensure that in achieving the objective of ‘first- oil’ by 2020, overall and international best practices were observed. Though it may be difficult for some to see presently, the nation will, in the near future, realise, and come to know, that no funds were misappropriated; additionally, that no illegality or nefarious objective

guided our decision-making at the Ministry of Natural Resources.

We are pleased to have played a part in having Guyana and its citizens realise their long promised and awaited attainment of their destiny, and wish the Department of Energy God’s speed and guidance in the process, going forward.

Regards Ministry of Natural Resources

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday September 15, 2018

Dental care in Essequibo

Dear Editor

IT is with great concern and frustration that I am writing this letter to be published in your newspaper, which highlights a grievance that is affecting patients on the Essequibo Coast and hoping that some sort of solution can be found, so as to satisfy we the people of Region Two. As a resident of this region, myself and fellow Essequibians are entitled to

optimal health care services that are being provided at all health facilities in this region.

However, to my surprise, it is not so and has become devastating for patients seeking dental care.

Mr Editor, I took my child to the Anna Regina Health Centre which was recently and nicely renovated with full AC units, to have an extraction done. When I reached the health centre, it was only to learn that the dental depart-

ment was not working and I must take the child to either Suddie or Charity Hospital for the extraction, or I can go private. I asked why the dental department was not working and one of the staff members said that the department does not have a proper dental chair and it is just an empty room. Again, I asked another question, and that was, how come the department was empty and the centre was just renovated. Another staff

MoTP calls on Kaieteur News to retract misleading article Dear Editor THE Ministry of the Presidency wishes to correct a malicious and misleading article published in the Friday, September 14, 2018 edition of the Kaieteur News, which misrepresents remarks made by President David Granger at his press conference held on August 31, 2018, at the Ministry of the Presidency.

At that event, Kaieteur News reporter, Ms Abena Rockcliffe-Campbell asked President Granger to reveal what percentage of the Stabroek Block had already been explored.

Yet the content of the article headlined “President Granger’s failure to read ExxonMobil contract tells us our fate -- Jagdeo” distorts what the President actually said. At no point did President Granger say that he had not read Guyana’s contract signed with the oil company.

Ms Rockcliffe-Campbell asked President Granger: “Stabroek Block where ExxonMobil is working is considered one of the largest in the world.

The oil company has already made nine discoveries …Can you say what percentage of the Block (Stabroek Block) has already been explored? Is it 20 percent or is it more?”

In response, President Granger said: “I pointed out earlier that every aspect and I mean that every single aspect of the petroleum industry is being brought under review by the Department of Energy. I cannot say what percentage of the Stabroek Block has already been allocated, but every aspect of the exploration: legislative, administrative, operational, negotiations, every single aspect is being brought under review. We are recruiting international experts to give government advice, so I would not like to make any statement that is going to tie the hands of the Department of Energy at this point in time and I would ask for a very thorough briefing [press briefing] maybe by October, where we could sit down and examine all of these questions that have been raised over the last year or so with the head of the

Department of Energy and his team of international experts.”

The President’s remarks speak directly to Dr Mark Bynoe’s appointment as Head of the Department of Energy, who, along with a team of international experts hired to work in that department, will meet with the media to provide an update on the petroleum sector at a press conference in October.

Moreover, since the August 31, 2018 press conference, President Granger has repeatedly told the media that all matters relating to the petroleum sector will be addressed by Dr Bynoe at that press conference.

As such, the Ministry of the Presidency believes that the intent of the article is malicious in nature and is meant to mislead. The Ministry of the Presidency therefore calls for a retraction of this article.

Regards Ministry of the Presidency

member said that they forgot to make accommodation for the dental people and I replied saying that, “this is nonsense you telling me.” By this time my level of frustration had increased, because my child was in pain and I had to travel either north or south to get treatment.

However, I went to the Suddie Hospital, only to hear the nurse say that “y’all late and doctor only seeing 10 patients, because he ain’t feeling well.”

Mr Editor, imagine what was going through my mind at this point. I then asked if there is anyone to whom I could talk, because my child was in pain and no response

was given. Mr Editor, I eventually went home and gave my child a panadol for the pain and the following day we travelled to Georgetown to go to the Dental Centre, where treatment was given, but I was questioned by the operator as to why I had left all the clinics in Region Two to come to Georgetown. I was also told that a new dental surgeon who is from this region will be returning to work in the region and things should be better.

Mr Editor, the problem is not having a new dental surgeon who is an Essequibian which the region will be happy to have (which I supposed), but what this

new dental surgeon would be doing, should he or she go to Anna Regina to work if the clinic is empty? What about those persons who cannot afford to travel to Suddie, Charity and Georgetown, or visit a private dental clinic? Who is responsible for managing the health centre?

I am kindly asking the Minister of Public Health to look into this frustrating situation in Region Two, for I am not the only one who has been told to go here, there and everywhere, when there is a health facility right in our community.

Regards Concerned Parent

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 15, 2018

Nandlall withdraws contempt proceedings against AG

THE contempt proceedings which were instituted against Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams over the Judicial Review Act commencement order, were withdrawn on Friday by People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Executive and Attorney-at-Law, Anil Nandlall.

Nandlall withdrew the proceedings when he appeared in the High Court before Justice Navendra Singh on the grounds that the Judicial Review Act is now in effect in keeping with instructions of the Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire.

On May 28, 2018, the chief justice (ag) had ordered that the order to enforce the Judicial Review Act, be signed no later than July 31, 2018.

In the court on Friday, the attorney general was represented by the Solicitor-General Kim Kyte-Thomas, Barbadian Queen’s Counsel Ralph Thorne and State Counsel Uteika John.

At the conclusion of the in-chamber hearing before Justice Singh, Queen’s Counsel Thorne and the solicitor-general informed reporters that the case was withdrawn. This was confirmed

by Nandlall. “Well first of

People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Executive and Attorney-at-Law, Anil Nandlall all let me say that the filing of the Judicial Review matter was always inspired by a desire to bring the Act into force, so that the remedies provided by the Act become available to the citizenry to improve good administration, good and transparent government. That was the purpose of those proceedings.

That objective was fulfilled eventually of course, though the Attorney General took us through a very circuitous and torturous route, where he first of all avoided the implementation of the Act and then

avoided the implementation of the order which compelled him to bring the Act into force. But once I got him to bring the Act into force on the day that the chief justice ordered it to be brought into force, I would have achieved the objectives of filing the proceedings,” Nandlall explained.

He made it clear that the proceedings were never driven by any personal vendetta against the attorney general, noting that once the Judicial Review Act was brought into effect in keeping with the Chief Justice’s (ag) order, he was more than willing to withdraw the contempt proceedings which were initiated on August 20, 2018 by way of a Fixed Date Application in the High Court.

The attorney noted, however, that he could not have withdrawn the contempt proceedings without leave from the court. “It would be imprudent if not disrespectful for a lawyer or a litigant to withdraw a matter with which the court has already [been] seized, unilaterally, and without permission of the court,” Nandlall further explained.

Barbadian Queen’s Counsel Thorne expressed satisfaction with the manner

in which the case was dealt with by Nandlall. “As I indicated to the court, we met an opponent this morning who did not behave like an adversary,” he told reporters.

Though thankful that the case has ended, the solicitor-general told reporters that there was no fear that the attorney general would have been committed to contempt proceedings.

“There is no fear of the

AG being committed to proceedings, there was never any fear of that. In fact, we had filed a notice of application to dismiss the contempt proceedings, but there was no need for the court to go into hearing that notice of application for the dismissal because Mr. Nandlall withdrew the contempt [proceedings].

And in those circumstances, the court ordered $25,000 cost,” the solicitor-general

explained.

When the chief justice (ag) ordered that the Order to enforce the Judicial Review Act, be signed no later than July 31, 2018, the attorney general had filed a Notice of Appeal on June 13, 2018, to appeal her decision. That was followed by an interim Stay of Execution of the Judgment and See page 10

Solicitor- General Kim Kyte-Thomas, State Counsel Uteika John and Barbadian Queen’s Counsel Ralph Thorne, shortly after exiting the court room at the High Court on Friday (Photos by Adrian Narine)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 15, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 15, 2018

CCJ knocks down Marcus Bisram application for early hearing

THE Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has dismissed an application by U.S.based murder accused Marcus Bisram for special

leave to appeal the Guyana Court of Appeal’s decision not to grant his application for an urgent hearing.

Bisram, who is incarcer-

ated in the U.S., is wanted in Guyana for the murder of Berbice carpenter, Faiyaz Narinedatt, whose lifeless body was found on the Num-

ber 70 Public Road on November 1, 2016.

Bisram is expected to be extradited; however, there have been attempts to block

the move. Through a Fixed Date Application in November, 2017, two orders were sought against the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) – one, an order prohibiting the DPP from further proceeding with the decision to prosecute Bisram for the murder of Narinedatt, and two, an order compelling the DPP to wholly withdraw and discontinue the charge against the accused. However, Justice Navindra Singh on November 24, 2017 in the High Court, refused the orders sought and dismissed the application. An appeal was subsequently filed at the Appellate Court, in addition to an application for an urgent hearing, but the latter was rejected on July 31, 2018.

The U.S.-based murder accused in August then turned to the CCJ. But the application for special leave to appeal the decision of the Court of Appeal was dismissed on Friday by a panel of five judges, led by President of the CCJ, Justice Adrian Saunders.

In the court document seen by the Guyana Chronicle, the CCJ said the decision to dismiss the application for special leave was made after reviewing the submissions made by the applicant and the respondent – Guyana’s Director of Public Prosecutions.

“It is ordered that the application filed herein by the applicant on the 2nd day of August, 2018, for special leave to appeal and the application to be heard during the vacation period are hereby dismissed,” the CCJ stated.

President of the Caribbean Court of Justice, Justice Adrian Saunders The DPP was represented

by Solicitor-General Kim Kyte-Thomas and Senior State Counsel, Stacy Goodings.

Hours after the decision was handed down by the CCJ, the solicitor-general told the Guyana Chronicle that Bisram has been raising “red herrings” so as to stall the process of having him extradited.

“We have maintained at all times that we have a very good case against Bisram.

All these issues that they are raising are ‘red herrings’” she said.

While maintaining that the state has a strong case, Kyte-Thomas said if the court finds that there is no case against Bisram, the matter will be dismissed, See page 13

Nandlall withdraws ...

From page 8

Orders of the chief justice (ag), as well as a Stay of Execution of the Judgment and Orders at the Court of Appeal.

“The order to operationalise the Judicial Review Act

by July 31, 2018, was only brought to the attention of the Respondent by the law officers of the state just before the decision of the Honourable Justice Rafiq Kkan, S.C, which was rendered on the 9th day of August, 2018,” the attorney general had explained in his application to strike out the contempt proceedings.

He had explained that upon learning of the pending decision of Justice Khan, he immediately directed that an application for an urgent hearing of the appeal be filed.

That application was filed on August 8, 2018.

The Ministerial Order for the operationalisation of the Judicial Review Act was signed on August 15, 2018 and published in the Official Gazette (Extraordinary) on August 16, 2018, the Legal Affairs Minister pointed out, noting that he was at the time seeking to comply with the Order made by the chief justice (ag). “The existence of the Interim Stay was never brought to the attention of the respondent or the chief parliamentary counsel, which resulted in Ministerial Order No. 28 of 2018 dated the 15th day of August, 2018 and published in the Official Gazette (Extraordinary) on the 16th day of August, 2018, being brought into effect after July 31, 2018,” Minister Williams further explained. That Order, which sought to have the Judicial Review Act take effect from January, 2019, was revoked.

A new Ministerial Order signed by the attorney general was published in the Official Gazette (Extraordinary) on August 27, 2018, in an effort to “diligently” comply with Chief Justice (ag) George-Wiltshire’s order, this time, in keeping with the appointed date – July 31, 2018.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 15, 2018

Finance officials meet bankers' association as budget talks wrap up

MINISTER of Finance, Winston Jordan ended his series of 2019 National Budget consultations at the ministry’s boardroom on Friday, hailing he process as fruitful and mature.

The minister and his team met with the Guyana Association of Bankers (GAB). The GAB representatives included: Bank of Baroda’s Managing Director, Arun Kumar Gupta, GBTI’s Executive Director, Richard Isava, Citizens’ Bank Managing Director, Eton Chester, Demerara Bank’s CEO, Pravin Dave, Republic Bank Branch Operations’ Manager, Jadoonath Persaud and Managing Director, and Association President, Richard Sammy.

Sammy described the meeting as very fruitful.

“We are looking forward to working very closely with the minister of finance and the government. The GAB President said the discussion focused on incentives for renewable energy, the ‘Green Economy’ in business as well as the deepening of

the financial services sector for it to be able to offer greater investment, not just for corporations but for individuals.”

The modernisation of the financial services sector was also mooted, with a greater use of technology, Sammy added, “vis-à-vis the ‘National Payments’ legislation which can promote greater investment with the commercial banks. GAB is looking to the realisation of these initiatives, which were discussed in-depth with the finance minister. We expect to see them built into the national budget.”

The Finance Minister, in closing, said the presentations ranged from the traditional to the new. He explained that the consultations will be reviewed and further discussed, “to see what is feasible for 2019.”

Minister Jordan added that he was quite enthused with the tone of the proceedings, “Both parties were mature as it relates to our engagements and interactions with each other.”

Minister of Finance Winston Jordan (left) with Guyana Association of Bankers’ executives Budget 2019 consultations began on September 6 at the Finance Ministry’s boardroom. Submissions were made from a wide cross-section of various sector stakeholders.

Budget 2019 will be presented in November, on a Monday as is traditional, according to Minister Jordan. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday September 15, 2018

CoI rates Lindo Creek Massacre probe ‘shoddy’ – recommends the case be reopened

By Svetlana Marshall HE is not at all happy with the quality of work that was done by investigators into the maccabre June 2008 Lindo Creek Massacre and he wants the matter to be reopened.

“There was an investigation, but that investigation, in the estimation of the commission, was not adequate; was not competent, and could not

have brought about accurate results,” Chairman of the Commission of Inquiry into the Lindo Creek Massacre, Justice (Ret’d) Donald Trotman told the Guyana Chronicle on Thursday.

The investigation at reference was conducted by the Military Criminal Investigation Department (MCID), and when completed, it had cleared the Joint Services of having anything to do with

the massacre, even though fingers were pointed in their direction, seeing that at the time of the massacre they were hot on the heels of the notorious Rondell “FineMan” Rawlins gang, which was on the run and reputedly hiding out in the Lindo Creek area.

There was also the little matter of a two-week probe by the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) into

The eight miners who were murdered at Lindo Creek in June 2008

allegations of police involvement in the massacre, but so far there’s been no report in writing on its findings.

And with the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force having thus been exonerated of the killings, the blame was now shifted and placed squarely at the feet of the “Fineman” gang, which was wanted at the time for a string of robberies and murders not only in Georgetown, but elsewhere in the country, most notably at Lusignan on the East Coast and at Bartica.

In fact, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had advised following a police-led criminal investigation into the massacre that the case be closed.

As former Police Commissioner (ag) Seelall Persaud, who was then crime chief, told the Commission of Inquiry in March, “Given the fact that the perpetrators that the investigation identified had all been killed, except for one who had been cooperating with prosecutions on several other matters, we were comfortable with that [the call for closure].”

But Justice Trotman is sticking to his guns, and told the Guyana Chronicle during an interview on Thursday that he has made strong recommendations in the report he submitted to President David Granger for the criminal investigation into the massacre to be reopened, due to the sloppy work done by the previous investigators. After a six-month investigation of its own, the chairman handed over the CoI report to the President on August 2, 2018.

NO EVIDENCE Justice Trotman said that while there is evidence to suggest that investigations were done, the commission was dissatisfied with the scope of those investigations, particularly since only a few persons were interviewed by

the investigators and in some cases, there was no evidence to show for it.

While investigative teams had journeyed from Trinidad & Tobago, and Jamaica on separate occasions to assist with investigations here, after the badly burnt bodies of the eight miners were discovered at the Lindo Creek campsite, Justice Trotman said the “help” offered was not adequate.

“We feel that it might not have been adequate, because they were called in but were not given sufficient time to carry out their investigations,” he contended, while referring to the advanced state of decomposition of the bodies upon arrival of the regional teams.

The Lindo Creek campsite is located on the Upper Berbice River in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice), and the discovery of the bodies was made on June 21, 2008.

As Justice Trotman rightly observed, under such conditions, it may have been difficult for the regional criminal investigators and pathologists to have come up with valid scientific results.

“Because the bodies were so badly burnt, they were so clumsily removed from the scene of the murder or massacre that the team, however scientifically able and competent the members were, could not find themselves able to give valid scientific evidence that would have helped any investigation,” Justice Trotman said.

State Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh, during his testimony before the Commission of Inquiry, said the charred remains of the massacre victims should have been separated to allow for eight separate post-mortems to be conducted with support from a forensic anthropologist. He had recommended a Turn to page 13 ►

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday September 15, 2018

CCJ knocks down Marcus Bisram application ...

but for now the case should be allowed to continue.

“The criminal process must take its course, due process must be had, and the arm of the law should reach any and all of us, anybody and everybody,” she told this newspaper, and added, “We don’t know how it will turn out in the final analysis, but all we are saying is let due process be had, that’s all.”

Justice Arif Bulkan, in delivering the decision of the Court of Appeal last July, had pointed out that during the hearing of the application, Bisram’s attorney Siand Dhurjon, in justifying why his client should be entitled to ‘jump the queue’ of pending cases, said in addition to him being incarcerated, the prosecution’s case is weak.

Justice Bulkan reminded Dhurjon that under the current system of administration, appeals are generally heard in the order in which they are filed, and as such, if an application of such nature is approved, it would result in ongoing cases being delayed.

“Depending on the conditions at any given time, the disparity could be stark. While

Solicitor-General Kim Kyte-Thomas

a lucky few would be heard within weeks or months, those subject to the normal course would have to wait years. This court cannot automatically or reflexively accede to any application that seeks an expedited hearing, for that would indirectly privilege litigants with the resources to bring them. Rather, this court must be concerned with treating all appeals even-handedly,” Justice Bulkan had reasoned.

He said while there ought to be provision for deviating from standard procedures in order to accommodate excep-

From page 12 ►

CoI rates Lindo ... forensic anthropologist from the U.S., who was willing to travel to Guyana to lend his expertise, but the Guyana Police Force did not budge on the proposal.

The chairman noted that such expertise would have aided the investigation. “It was not a matter to be dealt with at the level of forensic pathology, but forensic anthropology, because of the time that had passed between the time of death and the time of examination,” he said, adding: NOT TAKEN UP “But that was not taken up; was not approved by the authorities. So even the possibility of more certainty of what happened could not have occurred.”

On the basis that a thorough investigation was not done into the mass murder at Lindo Creek, Justice Trotman reiterated that he recommended in the report to President Granger that the criminal investigation be reopened.

“You see, the CoI was not a criminal investigation; it was a fact-finding investigation. And one of the recommendations is that from the facts found by the commission, the state should continue the criminal investigation which had been started 10 years ago, but not completed,” he said.

Such a move, the chair-

man said, will point directly to those who committed the act. On the basis that the commission concluded that the “Fine-Man” gang did not commit the act, and that evidence suggests it may have been the Joint Services, Justice Trotman said there is a strong possibility that those who are responsible for the gruesome crime are still in the forces, be it the GDF or the GPF. If the police reopen the investigation, the chairman believes, too, that more persons may come forward with critical evidence and information.

“It could very well mean that persons could be more directly identified who were responsible for the actual killings and burnings, and there are persons who have not given evidence to the commission, who may come forward in a criminal investigation where they may feel more protected,” he posited.

The miners killed at Lindo Creek were Dax Arokium, Cedric Arokium, Compton Speirs, Horace Drakes, Nigel Torres, Bonny Harry, Clifton Wong and Lancelot Lee. Their charred bodies, which bore gunshot wounds, were discovered by campsite owner, Leonard Arokium, whose son, Dax, and brother, Cedric, were among the victims.

tional cases, there is nothing unique about Bisram’s case.

“Marcus Bisram is one of hundreds whose alleged involvements in murder are currently at some stage in the criminal justice system.

There are multiple stages in the process of prosecution for any criminal offence before a person actually serves his or her sentence of imprisonment: investigation, arrest, charge, preliminary inquiry, committal, trial, conviction, appeal, consideration of mercy, and commutation, if applicable,” the justice of appeal (ag) stated.

He noted that the situation has been complicated by the fact that multiple applications

have been brought on behalf of Marcus Bisram. There are at least three applications filed seeking to direct the DPP in the exercise of her discretion – which is a clear breach of the process.

“This repeated litigation is undeniably an abuse of the court’s process, and for that reason alone, ought to disentitle the applicant from the relief sought in this motion. But the repeated litigation possibly demonstrates the lack of merit of the substantive appeal. At each development in the matter, the applicant seems to file another application, so that the picture before the court has been unfolding in piecemeal fashion,”

U.S. based murder accused Marcus Bisram Justice Bulkan had explained.

In making her submission at the Court of Appeal, the solicitor-general had alluded to

13 From page 10 ►

the issue of abuse of procedure.

“In summary, the court is being asked to exercise its discretion from evidence in a preliminary inquiry which touches and concerns the co-accused persons involved in the commission of the murder committed on Faiyaz Narinedatt, while Marcus Bisram though charged has not appeared to answer same and as such, his preliminary inquiry has not commenced facing a charge for as well,” she had argued, noting that the court is being asked to usurp the functions of the magistrate.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 15, 2018

Man still awaiting justice following 2010 accident

Awaiting justice: John July IT has been eight years since the accident which has left 67-year-old John July physically challenged and he still awaits justice.

The retired cop told the Guyana Chronicle that on September 3, 2010, he was the pillion rider on a friend’s motorcycle and whilst proceeding along the Lusignan Railway Embankment, a government official struck them down with his Prado vehicle.

July related that as a result of the impact, he was thrown from the motorcycle and suffered an injury to his left knee. He was hospitalised for two months and still walks with a limp and has to use a walking stick.

He told this newspaper that walking is a difficult and painful task for him and climbing stairs is even worse. However, he is optimistic that he may get something out of his misfortune.

July reported that the former government official’s vehicle hit the motorcycle’s fender and both of the men fell into some bushes. The person is said to have driven away without rendering any assistance.

He said, “I have steel in my leg because of that accident and to date that former [official] never own up to what he did and he living the life while I am still suffering daily.”

July stated that he wants justice for what was done to him and has re-filed private action in the Georgetown High Court. He also related that an attorney has been contracted to aid him in his fight for justice but nothing has come out of the case as yet.

The North Sophia resident said that following the accident he filed a report as a police officer attached to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). However, the former official was not even questioned, the man said.

July related that the matter was reportedly swept under the rug and now, eight years on, he is still hoping that his matter gets some attention as he continues on in his quest for justice.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 15, 2018

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Ramjattan allays security fears of Chinese business community

From Left: Commissioner of Police Mr Leslie James, China’s Ambassador Mr Cui Jianchun and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan.

AGAINST the background of increased attacks on Chinese-owned businesses by bandits, Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan and the Commissioner of Police Leslie James, on Friday met with Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Cui Jianchun to discuss security issues related to the Chinese community.

In a release, the ministry acknowledged that a number of Chinese business places have been burgled, with property stolen, sometimes under circumstances of violence. This has led the Chinese business community to feel that it is a targeted group, the release stated. However, both Minister Ramjattan and James, sought to allay this misperception, indicating that the crime statistics, and the motives of those caught do not suggest any such profiling.

Those who are victims are generally as a result of opportunistic criminals who prey on those who may not have been alert and vulnerable.

They also indicated that every effort is being made to ensure additional police patrols are prominently positioned in the commercial areas of the city and other communities, which will deter criminal activities across the board. They informed Ambassador Jianchun, who agreed, that a meeting with the Chinese business community should be held as early as possible, so that a number of concerns and questions can be directly answered.

The matter of the Smart City project, which will be funded by a loan from China, was also discussed along with the China-Caribbean Countries Anti- Corruption Law En-

forcement Conference held in Grenada recently. Minister Ramjattan thanked the Ambassador and People’s Republic of China for the extensive support in assets and materials given to the Guyana Police Force, and the training of a number of ranks and officers.

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CAL supports First Lady’s 'Shoes that Grow' project

CARIBBEAN Airlines (CAL) is partnering with First Lady Mrs Sandra Granger to transport for free, shoes from New York to Guyana for her “Shoes that grow” project.

A team from CAL, the state-owned airline of Trinidad and Tobago, met with the First Lady today at her State House office. After the meeting, CAL’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Marvin Medera, informed the Ministry of the Presidency’s Public Information and Press Services Unit that an agreement was signed to pave the way for this new collaboration.

Mr Medera said there is no established time frame for the period in which the service will be provided. He disclosed too that CAL is also willing to give support to other projects undertaken by the First Lady. “Shoes that grow” are specifically designed to ensure that they fit children as they age; the shoes are expandable.

CAL’s Senior Marketing Manager, Ms Alicia Cabrera and Interim General Manager, Georgetown, Mr Carl Stuart, were also present at the meeting. (Ministry of the Presidency)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 15, 2018

First Lady Mrs Sandra Granger (left) stands with CAL’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Marvin Medera (second right); CAL’s Senior Marketing Manager, Ms Alicia Cabrera (second left) and Interim General Manager, Georgetown, Mr. Carl Stuart (right), after the meeting held at her office.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 15, 2018

Banks DIH outlines expansion plan as Jordan tours Thirst Park

MINISTER of Finance, Winston Jordan described his most recent visit to Banks DIH Limited’s Thirst Park headquarters as one that makes the case for the promotion of local products and local enterprises.

In an invited comment to the Department of Public Information (DPI), after the more than one-hour tour, the minister noted it was, “consistent with the government’s promotion of local businesses and continuing efforts to make sure these businesses are strengthened, and allowed to grow so that they will be part of the diversification of the economy.”

Noting that “quite a lot is happening at Banks,” Minister Jordan said the government is quite happy that sales have been growing, “to such an extent that they have a very extensive programme to align their products to international

Minister of Finance Winston Jordan (centre blue shirt) with Banks DIH Executives at an assembly line for Banks Beer at Thirst Park standards and their plants and machinery also.” He added that the company has been doing quite well in certain overseas markets with “critical products” and “we applaud them for this.”

He stated that wherever

Banks can be supported in its expansion, the government will be “quite happy to do so.” The finance minister reiterated that the government is keen on widening the “Grow local, buy local” campaign so it

will put local companies on the footing where they can compete with foreign competitors “fairly and effectively.”

The visit was welcomed

by Banks DIH’s Chairman Clifford Reis. He said that

during the tour, the company’s future plans were discussed, “We explained to him that we have a programme for the next five or seven years, which is going to take us into 2025.”

Reis explained that some

of these plans include expanding its ice-cream plant, product lines, delivery services and a 400-capacity elevated car park with a distribution outlet below.

The issue of certain taxation measures, was also raised with the finance minister, Reis added, “not only with Banks but with other companies and he has given us the undertaking that he will review these areas to see what the possibilities are.” The Banks DIH Chairman emphasised that he is “bullish” about the beverage giant’s future, given that its planned expansion is estimated to be around $2Billion which will also be funded inhouse.

The visit was another in a series conducted by the finance minister to local manufacturers to get a first-hand look at their operations and have frank discussions with their management teams.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 15, 2018

18 Region Six midwives in training A TWO-YEAR course will see 18 single-trained midwifery students equipped to

serve communities through the primary healthcare delivery system in the areas of

maternal and child health.

This was revealed by Health Education Officer

Seated from left to right Health Education Officer, Wilton Benn, Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, Director of Regional and Clinical Services, Dr. Kay Shako and Director of Health Services, Region Six, Jevaughn Stephens at the Ministry of Public Health, Wilton Benn, one of the facilitators of the training programme. Benn explained that the single-trained midwives are trained to work in the community and to support the primary healthcare system. “They are going to be able to provide valuable service, not just to support maternal and child health, but the umbrella of family health which encompasses health throughout the life cycle and so essentially their training will equip them to be able to improve the pri-

mary healthcare system.”

The midwifery students are currently in their second year of training. Benn said, “they are attached mainly to the hospital to observe and to be involved in the basic skills of midwifery. They also have to do some didactic time, so one day a week they come to classes and other days they are in clinical areas in maternal and child health where they practise their skill as midwives.”

Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence paid a visit to the trainees

while she was in the region and was elated to learn that a new complement was being trained. Just recently she learnt of the need for more midwives in the region’s primary healthcare facilities and hospitals.

She was advised that if there were more of these personnel in the region, the burden on the New Amsterdam Regional Hospital, as a result of a high number of maternity cases, would be significantly reduced. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 15, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 15, 2018

FROM BACK PAGE

CONCACAF U-20...

According to Forde, the Federation is certain that the current players on roster will be able to compete with some of the more established CONCACAF teams.

Forde noted that Guyana’s participation in the tournament is a testimony to the progress made by his Executive Committee, adding “the bulk of the players that will represent Guyana were part of the camp we had in Brazil recently. Also, most of the players are part of the Elite League which is a plus for us right now.”

The GFF president also said, “We have had expression of interest from players overseas, but the bulk of our players will be locally based.”

“The thing is, it has been a challenge to participate in all the competitions (in CONCACAF). Every time we do this (participate), we set ourselves back $8M - $9M; it’s a huge investment, but the only reason we exist is to give these youngsters a chance to showcase themselves on the international stage,” Forde explained.

Asked about preparation, the GFF boss told this publication, “We don’t have a lot of time, but we had expression for International Friendly but there’s a cost attached to that. However, we will try to get at least one Friendly in

before the tournament.”

Guyana will open the tournament against Guatemala on November 2, followed by an encounter with Cayman Islands on

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday September 15, 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) Shimron Hetmyer (GAW) (2) Anton Devcich (Tallawahs) Today’s Quiz: (1) Which two teams contested Qualifier 1 in Hero CPL 2018?

(2) What was the result of the game?

Answer in tomorrow's issue

Doncaster 08:50 hrs Dakota Gold 09:25 hrs Mustashry 10:00 hrs Too darn Hot 10:35 hrs Lah Ti Dar 11:10 hrs Indian Victory 11:45 hrs Ostilio 12:55 hrs Dubawi Prince

Chelmsford City 08:40 hrs Daphinia 09:15 hrs Breathless Times 09:50 hrs Daddys Poppit 10:25 hrs Fennaan 11:00 hrs Saint Diana 11:35 hrs Makaarim 12:10 hrs Swordbill South Africa Racing Tips Durbanville 08:20 hrs Strawberry Wine 09:00 hrs Caesura 09:35 hrs Foxy Princess 10:10 hrs Grand Silvano 10:45 hrs Star Angel 11:20 hrs Clouded Hill 11:55 hrs Hidden Influence

November 6 then a clash with Curacao on November 8. The Guyanese will close off their group stage against El Salvador on November 10.

English Racing Tips Chester 08:30 hrs Absolute Dream 09:05 hrs Night Of Gl;ory 09:40 hrs Blakeney Point 10:15 hrs Deputise 10:55 hrs Russian Realm 11:30 hrs Redgrave 12:05 hrs Al Destoor American Racing Tips Belmont Park Race 1 Sparty Boy Race 2 Pakhet Race 3 Mike’s Girl Race 4 Courageous Queen Race 5 On The Town Race 6 Gambler’s Fallacy Race 7 Curiousncuriouser Race 8 Arch Of Troy Race 9 Californiagoldrush

Irish Racing Tips Leopardstown 10:20 hrs Trethias 10:50 hrs Astronomert 11:25 hrs Madhmoon 11:55 hrs Rostropovich 12:25 hrs Alpha Centauri 13:00 hrs Psychedelic Funk 13:35 hrs Roparing Lion 14:10 hrs Silverkode Canadian Racing Tips Woodbine Race 1 Mo Gee Race 2 A Mi Dat Race 3 Wild N Ready Race 4 Say The Word Race 5 Glacier Race 6 Code Warrior Race 7 Mystic Nile Race 8 Lord Glitters Race 98 Inflexibility

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 15, 2018

Raikkonen leads Singapore practice (BBC) - FERRARI’S Kimi Raikkonen led Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes by just 0.011 seconds in the second practice at the Singapore Grand Prix.

Hamilton’s title rival Sebastian Vettel was ninth after hitting the wall and damaging his car’s right rear corner.

Vettel was one corner from the end of a lap that looked set to put him up with Raikkonen and Hamilton.

The German was able to get the car back to the pits but the extent of the damage ended his session.

Vettel slid sideways into the wall on the exit of Turn 21, at the end of what would have been his fastest lap of the season, catching it with

Kimi Raikkonen leads Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes by just 0.011 seconds in the second practice at the Singapore Grand Prix.

his right rear wheel.

It was a glancing blow and the wheel stayed attached to the car but he

immediately felt damage and pulled straight into the pit entry.

As he parked in the Fer-

rari pit, hydraulic fluid was pouring from the back of the car.

Vettel is 30 points be-

hind Hamilton with seven races to go.

“The bad thing was the touch to the wall, which

made the session come to an end. We lost some time, which is not ideal but nevertheless the feel I had for the car was all right and we should be fine for tomorrow.

“It was very close and I expect it to be very close tomorrow.”

Ferrari came into the weekend as favourites on a track where Mercedes have traditionally struggled.

Hamilton said on Thursday that he “hoped” Mercedes would be competitive but that “Ferrari should have the upper hand”.

Ferrari have ended the day quickest, but the Mercedes is much closer to it on pace than had been expected - both in qualifying trim and later in the session on race fuel loads.

FIFA task force proposes audacious reform for transfers (REUTERS) - A FIFA task force has proposed the use of an algorithm to calculate transfer fees as well as a

luxury tax and a limit on the number of players who can be loaned, in a report on possible reforms to the

soccer transfer system.

The report, which has been seen by Reuters, found multiple failings in the cur-

rent system, saying among its many criticisms that it led to “various abuses at the expense of young players

and the integrity of competitions”.

It said that an inflated transfer market was driving “unsavoury practices which may lead to the exploitation of players”.

In a section on the role of agents, the report added: “The transfer system appears to have turned into a speculative market. This is not fair to the football clubs or grassroots which are the foundation of the professional sport.”

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said after being elected in 2016 that transfer system reform was one of his priorities and he has since voiced his concern at spiralling transfer fees.

The report said “mechanisms to achieve transparency and objectivity” in the calculation of transfer fees should be considered.

It raised several ideas for putting the brakes on fees, including the use of an algorithm, or set of mathematical rules, to calculate the value of players.

The task force, set up by Infantino in November, said the Swiss-based CIES Football Observatory had already developed an algorithm to “estimate transfer values and probabilities in a scientific way.”

Another idea it put forward was to impose a luxury

tax on excessive transfer spending and use the money raised to create a solidarity fund.

The report also recommended limiting the number of player loans a club could make in a season to between six and eight in and the same number out, with a maximum of three to or from the same club. It also said the loan system needed to have a clearly-defined purpose.

The report said the current setup “sometimes prevents young players from fully developing their talent”, adding that one unnamed club had loaned out 146 players between 2011 and 2017.

A limit on squad sizes was also proposed, the report saying that “the stockpiling and subsequent loaning of players, particularly young players, can be detrimental to their development due to the unsettling nature of being ‘on loan’.”

Regarding agents, it proposed a cap on fees and an end to the practice where the same agent can act for both clubs and the player in a single transaction.

It proposed the creation of a clearing house to process transfers, pay agents and redistribute training compensation, saying this would help prevent “fraudulent conduct and money-laundering.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 15, 2018

Chanderpaul named ambassador Bravo’s Super50 eligibility makes World Cup return possible for Women’s World T20

(CMC) – FORMER West Indies captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul has been selected to be an ambassador by Cricket West Indies (CWI) for the upcoming ICC Women’s World T20.

Chanderpaul, 44, has joined the Windies Ambassador Programme and, along with other selected ambassadors, will make a variety of appearances between September and November.

The ICC Women’s World T20 will be held in the Caribbean from November 9 to 24 and will feature 10 of the world’s best teams.

The West Indies women are the defending champions.

Chanderpaul, who started playing for the

Windies at 19 and led them in 14 Tests and 16 ODIs, said he was delighted to have been selected.

“I want to thank Cricket West Indies for inviting me to participate in this fantastic tournament. It is another great opportunity to serve my country, the region and the sport that I love so much. Everyone knows I am a student of the game and what better way to be involved than to be an ambassador for this prestigious event.

“I am also a huge fan of women’s cricket and I jumped at the opportunity. I have played cricket all over the world and I enjoyed every moment, especially meeting fans and entertaining the crowds,” Chanderpaul said.

“This tournament is for the fans of the West Indies and I want to urge everyone to come out. It will be a great few weeks of brilliant performances by some of the best women players to ever play the game. I’m delighted I will be part of it.” Tournament director Jennifer Nero said Chanderpaul’s addition to the programme would be well received.

“This is an incredible opportunity for our present and former players to interact with each other and with fans at all levels. Our main aim is to support the women with filled stadiums across the region for the tournament and the reach of the Ambassadors, we hope, will help us achieve that,” Nero said The ICC Women’s T20 will be held at the Providence ground in Guyana, the Darren Sammy Stadium in St Lucia and the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua.

(CMC) – WITH Dwayne Bravo set to turn out for the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in the Regional Super50 competition next month, it has opened up the possibility of the Trinidadian making a return to the West Indies team for next year’s ICC Cricket World Cup. Following a threeyear hiatus from the Super50, Bravo was named as vice-captain of the Red Force for the tournament which will run from October 3 to 28.

The 34-year-old all-rounder last played a One Day International (ODI) match for the West Indies in 2014, during the highly publicised ill-fated tour of India which resulted in the series being abandoned, following a protracted payment structure dispute between the players, the-then West Indies

Dwayne Bravo will be turning out for the T&T Red Force in the Regional Super50 for the first time in three years.

Cricket Board – now Cricket West Indies - and the West Indies’ Players Association.

The 2019 Cricket World Cup is the 12th edition of the Cricket World Cup, scheduled to be hosted

by England and Wales from May 30 to July 14, 2019.

Since making his debut in 2004, Bravo has played 164 ODIs for the West Indies and has scored 2 968 runs at an average of 29.36. He has scored two centuries and five half-centuries.

He has also taken 199 wickets at an average of 29.51 and an economy rate of 5.41.

The Red Force team will be captained by Denesh Ramdin.

There will be two groups of teams, with Group A playing in Trinidad, and Group B in Barbados, with the semifinals and final being staged in Barbados.

T&T are in Group A and will play their first match on October 3 against the Windward Islands at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain.

The Red Force Super50 team will be coached by Kelvin Williams and managed by Roland Sampath.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 15, 2018

Camp achieves its objectives: Yadram THE National Sports Commission, Enterprise Busta Sports Club and Yadram C o a c h i n g P ro g r a m m e cricket camp concluded recently at Enterprise Community Centre, with chief facilitator and coach Latchman Yadram speaking of its success.

The coach added that the camp achieved its objectives.

Thirty aspiring male and female cricketers participated and they were exposed to an

elaborate programme aimed at developing every participant’s cricketing talent, along with fitness.

“The youths were exposed to basics of the game and were also given lecturers on the importance of discipline, leadership, injuries and treatment and nutrition, among other topics,” Yadram said.

Yadram reminded the youngsters to be disciplined at all times and to put into

practice what they would have learnt.

He expressed gratitude to the National Sports Commission, Enterprise Busta Sports Club, Enterprise Legends Softball Club, Sheik Mohamed of Star Sports, Seemangal Yadram, Mohamed Ali, Vivian Albert, Yogeeta Balkishun, Guyana and Windies Under-19 player Bhaskar Yadram for their input.

Newcomers Tranzac crowned SCA women’s champions

The new champions with some of the SCA executives

TORONTO, Canada-Tranzac Sports and Cultural Club were crowned the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) 2018 women’s champions when they edged Trinity Women’s Cricket-Canada by one run in a nail-biting final, played last Sunday at the Ashtonbee playing field, Scarborough here.

The win earned the newcomers the Caribbean Wave Restaurant trophy, which was sponsored by Guyanese businessman Krishna Sarju.

Set 117 for victory after limiting Tranzac to 116 for five in their allotted 20 overs, Trinity fell agonisingly short by one run, losing the same number of wickets in the enthralling encounter after they needed nine runs in the final over.

Seasoned campaigner and former Canadian player Durriya Shabbir, who was entrusted by her skipper to bowl the final over, showed great resolve as the move paid handsome dividends,

prompting wild celebrations from her teammates.

Trinity were left to rue their chances with skipper Nicole Samuel unbeaten on a fine 37 which included a massive six. Consistent opener Terisha (Bess) Lavia had earlier set the tone for Trinity with a top-score of 40 (4x4) but the loss of three key wickets in the middle-order saw them stumble. It took a fifth-wicket partnership of 39 between Lavia and skipper Samuel to bring them back into contention. However, once the two were separated, the floodgates opened for the eventual winners.

Like Trinity, Tranzac started their innings disastrously before Shabbir came to the fore with a gritty innings of 34 while the experienced Mahwish Khan supported with 27. Left-arm medium Lorraine Kenton claimed three for 14 runs.

At the presentation ceremony which followed, Shabbir and Kenton were adjudged the Most Valu-

able Players for their respective teams, with both being awarded trophies, compliments of SCA’s Women’s Division Coordinator, Deo Samaroo.

Samaroo congratulated both teams for their excellent showing in the final and also announced that more teams are expected to participate next year.

According to Samaroo, efforts will also be made to introduce a 35-Over tournament. Apart from the two participating teams, the other two involved in this year’s tournament were the Ontario Cricket Association (OCA) and Superstars Ladies Cricket Club.

Among the other executives present were Chief Financial Officer Vish Jadunauth, and assistant secretary/treasurer Matthew Francis. The proceedings were chaired by secretary Eon Gunraj, who apologised for the absence of president Shiv Persaud.

(Frederick Halley)

Participants, along with Latchman Yadram and Bhaskar Yadram, after the closing ceremony

Green confident of Warriors CPL triumph (CMC) – The Guyana Amazon Warriors’ Chris Green is hoping that the fourth time will be the charm when the team contest Sunday’s Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) final.

The Warriors qualified for their fourth CPL final when they defeated the Trinbago Knight Riders by two wickets in Tuesday’s first playoff match. They will now await the winner of Friday night’s match between the Knight Riders and the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.

However, they will be looking to go one step further this time around and win their first title, having lost to the Jamaica Tallawahs in the 2013 final and again in 2016, while they also suffered defeat at the hands of the Barbados Tridents in 2014.

Green, who originally joined the Warriors as cover for Cameron Delport but stayed on after Shoab Malik returned to Pakistan, said he is hoping they can end that drought.

“We’d like to think that this is the year, but it is just another game of cricket that we get to enjoy one another’s company. We’ve really had a tremendous journey as one big family and we’ve thoroughly enjoyed it, so the fact that we get one more game with each other and it is in a final, we’ve got a great

opportunity to bring that trophy home to the people of Guyana, who have been so supportive of us throughout the Caribbean.

“Naturally we’re going to gear up for the final by keep doing what we do best; one last, big effort from us and keep enjoying our cricket,” Green said.

Canje edge Fyrish in BABA/Karibee Rice basketball tournament THE Canje Knights beat Fyrish Black Sharks 85-79 as the Berbice Amateur Basketball Association (BABA- sanctioned Karibee Rice Basketball Tournament continued last weekend.

Canje were led by Stevie Roopnarine’s 28 points while Kevin Emanuel chalked up 18, Travis Sutton 16 and Damion Hunte 13.

Meanwhile for the Sharks, Garfield Benjamin had a game-high 33 points. Jamal Felix with 23 points, Tyrone Dey 12 and Carl Logan 7 were the other scorers.

Action in the tournament resumes tomorrow at the Rose Hall Town basketball court with the first semi-final, as Rose Hall Town Jammers take on Fyrish Black Sharks at 16:00hrs.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 15, 2018

McKinnons create history at inaugural DIG Inc. Steel Challenge

THE McKinnons created history last Saturday when husband and wife, Ryan and Vidushi, emerged 1st place winners in their respective divisions in the Inaugural Dental Imports Guyana (DIG) Inc.’s Tier 1 Steel Challenge match.

At the Timehri Ranges, Ryan picked up the Limited class win and Vidushi picked up the Production class.

Shooters competed against each other in 3 stages: Smoke & Hope, Showdown and Roundabout.

Competition was particularly high in the Limited Division with the CZ Shadow 2s showing their prowess.

After the smoke cleared, the local Steel Challenge champ McKinnon secured the win once again, finishing more than 6 seconds ahead of the blazing young John Phang, who worked himself up the rankings this match, to pass Pravesh Harry by just over 2 seconds.

In the end, Ryan racked up a winning time of 47.20 seconds, ahead of Phang (53.86) and Harry (55.09 seconds). In the

Guyana Sport Shooting Foundation’s Steel Challenge match and indicated DIG’s commitment to the GSSF and Safe Sport Shooting activities.

DIG Inc., recently established

by Dr Pravesh Harry and Dr Kevin Jodah, is a local, efficient, and reliable dental supplies company.

The main focus of the company at this point is to supply dentists in and around Guyana with a wide range of dental materials at competitive prices. The executive hopes that the company will become a popular name among dentists.

The GSSF would like to extend its sincerest gratitude to the Commissioner of Police, Guyana Police Force, Mr Guy Nurse, OC TSU and the ranks of the GPF Armoury and TSU. Additional thanks are extended Winners in centre, surrounded by other participants in the 2018 DIG Inc.’s SCSA match to Brigadier Patrick West and the GDF for the use of their range faProduction class, Vidushi (73.81 seconds) Dr Harry in the closing ceremony reiterwon ahead of Rajiv Latchana (85.51 seconds) ated his pleasure at being able to sponsor a cility at Timehri.

Players should Silica Sands golf tournament on today be motivated by Kai’s story – GFF head coach

Goalkeeper Kai McKenzie-Lyle

NATIONAL Senior Men’s goalkeeper, Kai McKenzie-Lyle, has been signed to Liverpool FC, a major move in the professional career for the 20-yearold former FC Barnett keeper.

McKenzie-Lyle who last represented Guyana in the CONCACAF Nations League match between Guyana and Barbados on September 6 in Guyana, signed to the premier club yesterday.

Head coach of the Senior Men’s National ream, Michael Johnson, in extending congrat-

ulations to McKenzie-Lyle said this should serve as motivation to other players to reach for greater heights: “It’s an amazing achievement for our goalkeeper to be signing to one of the biggest clubs in world football at 20 years old.

Players should be motivated and inspired by Kai’s story to achieve. This signing will help put Guyanese football in the hearts and minds of football-loving fans.”

In an Instagram post announcing his signing, McKenzie-Lyle expressed happiness: “Happy to start my new challenge with @liverpoolfc big thanks to @10tentalent for getting it done #YNWA.” This signing of the six-foot, seven-inch goalkeeper, follows a trial he had with Liverpool FC in the summer where he played as part of the U-23 squad in a Friendly against a Hungarian Club ETO Gyor. The match was drawn at 1-1.

McKenzie made his professional debut for Guyana at 19 years against Suriname in the Scotiabank Caribbean Men’s Cup Championship with a 3-2 margin in favour of Suriname, two years following his debut with Barnet at 17 years old.

SILICA Sands, a long-time supporter of the Lusignan Golf Club will host its second annual tournament today in celebration of the remarkable academic achievements of Kayshav Tiwari, son of Pandit Haresh Tiwari.

The tournament will tee off at 12:30hrs, and will feature Best Gross and Best Net in Categories A, B and C. The tournament usually attracts a

full field and today is expected to be no different as players will use it as a warm-up for the Suriname Open, set for October 5-7.

Eight-time defending Guyana Open Champion Avinash Persaud will demonstrate his skills along with top contenders, Guillermo Escarraga, Mahesh Shivraj, Clifford Reis, Patrick Prasad, Mike Mangal, William Walker, Pur Persaud, Richard Hanif, Max Persaud and Aleem Hussain.

Female champions Joann Deo and Shanella Webster are also expect to participate.

Silica Sands is a local company, created 15 years ago, and has become one of the largest exporters of sand to the Caribbean and other countries.

For more information on upcoming events at the Lusignan Golf Course, how to become a member or how to learn the game, visit our Facebook page or call 220-5660.

Primo helps Police win big in Limacol Football THERE was a big win for Police FC as the third annual Limacol Football tournament continued on Thursday evening at the Ministry of Education ground.

Playing the feature game of the night, the Police side were able to dismantle Pele FC 6-1 in a goal-scoring frenzy.

Manasseh Primo was the star of the night with strikes in the 4th, 13th, 25th, 35th and 63rd minutes with Stephan Ramsey scoring in the 57th.

Alex Hopkinson scored the consolation goal for Pele, who took the hardest loss in the 2018 edition of the competition.

In the earlier game, Santos FC were made to

Part of the action during the third annual Limacol Football tournament

work against Pouderoyen FC for their 2-1 win.

The eventual winners scored early through Keith Caines (8th) minute and exactly half an hour

later, Caines doubled the lead.

Although Pouderoyen had numerous chances, their lone goal came in the 80th minute through

Ashley Harding.

Matches continue tonight with Pouderoyen playing Grove HiTech and GFC facing Buxton Stars.

Green confident of Warriors CPL triumph See Page 30

Guyana Amazon Warriors celebrate the dismissal of Evin Lewis of St Kitts & Nevis Patriots during the Hero CPL Match 2 between Guyana Amazon Warriors and St Kitts & Nevis Patriots at Guyana National Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Providence, Guyana. (Photo by Randy Brooks - CPL T20/Getty Images)

Chanderpaul named CONCACAF U-20 will be a test to command ambassador for respect – Forde Women’s World T20

By Rawle Toney

See Page 29

Shivnarine Chanderpaul captained the West Indies in 14 Tests and 16 ODIs.

GUYANA was drawn in Group F of the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Under-20 Championship, scheduled to take place November 1-21, at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, USA. A record 34 CONCACAF Member Associations will participate in the tournament, and, unlike the previous format which included regional qualifiers in the Caribbean and Central America and one final championship, this year’s redesigned competition will ensure that all the participating teams have access to play more top-level football matches.

“If we want to command our respect as a serious football nation in CONCACAF, then we have to play against the best teams in the confederation,” president of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Wayne Forde told Chronicle Sport yesterday, highlighting the fact that Guyana were drawn in the group with El Salvador, Guatemala, Curacao and the Cayman Islands; some of CONCACAF’s toughest oppositions.

SEE PAGE 27

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GFF president Wayne Forde SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2018