Guyana chronicle e paper 09 15 2017

400 affected in GTT cable ‘sabotage’

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… $500,000 reward on offer for info

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017

Price: $80

US$100,000 for Irma relief No. 105036

(VAT Inclusive)

…Min. Felix to lead Guyana delegation to storm-hit islands

‘Look to other industries’ Caricom … President tells Rose Hall residents

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organising donor confab

Paul Williams now acting crime chief Page 3

A group of boys performing at the opening ceremony of Rose Hall's 175th Anniversary celebrations on Thursday (Nafeeza Yahya photo)

Roraima pilot did 19 shuttles on day of death

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Assistant Commissioner of Police, Paul Williams

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 15, 2017

Aviation chief slams Gouveia –– touts credentials, says will not be lectured to

By Ariana Gordon GUYANA Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Director-General, Lieutenant Colonel (ret’d) Egbert Field has chided aviation operators who believe that the GCAA’s decision to temporarily ban shuttle operations was a knee jerk reaction to recent aircraft accidents.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday at his High Street Kingston office, Field made it clear that he will not be lectured to by anyone within the local aviation fraternity.

He made it clear that he is open to discussions, ideas and suggestions, some of which have been forthcoming and bear weight, but will not accept a lecture.

The former aviator told reporters that he has over 40 years of experience in aviation and has traversed military, commercial, and

regulatory aviation, while noting that he has completed several accident investigation courses and “every conceivable course an inspector can do”, in addition to having on record over 19,000 flying hours on almost every local aircraft.

Field said too that he has flown several international aircraft and other aircraft that comprise single, two, three or four engines.

“This authority of welltrained individuals and this director-general will not be lectured to by any one in aviation in Guyana. We will listen to any constructive comments, we welcome suggestions and comments.

There are a few comments made lately by members of the commercial aviation section which does hold some soundness and we will take that and embrace it,” declared Field.

Field was at the time re-

page in August, said that move is nothing more than an emotional reaction to the accidents which occurred.

“This is a knee jerk reaction. We have not done any real analysis to come to this conclusion,” he stated while noting that “shuttles do not cause accidents. The pilots still have to obey and observe the same rules of flying, same technical operations of the plane, same respect for safety altitudes.”

Captain Gerry Gouveia sponding to a statement made

by Managing Director of the Roraima Airways, Captain Gerry Gouveia, who opined that the move to suspend shuttle operations here was a knee jerk one.

Gouveia, on his Facebook

MONITORING AND OVERSIGHT Gouveia believes that attention needs to be paid to increasing operational control and oversight, monitoring of pilots duty times, accelerating the implementation of the ADSB SYSTEM all across Guyana, establishing a proper search and rescue system equipped with a heavy lift helicopter, improving the

national weather reporting system, the conditions of the hinterland runways, establishing security systems for the runways, organising more national aviation management safety seminars dealing specifically with the rudimentary of flying in Guyana’s jungle, establishing procedures for stabilising flights, and completing the GPS approaches that was started years ago for every runway here.

According to him, shuttle operations were birthed as a result of Guyana’s vast land space and the fact that the major commercial centre is located in Georgetown.

“In the past to transport supplies to the hinterland communities, the planes were loaded at Ogle and flown one hour into the hinterland, then returns empty to Ogle and start again. The cost of transporting supplies like that was expensive and slow,

Director-General Lt. Col. (ret’d) Egbert Field very slow.”

In light of Gouveia’s concerns which were publicised by the local media, Field said he believes Turn to page 8 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 15, 2017

Williams is now acting crime chief

ASSISTANT Police Commissioner Paul Williams who was Commander of “B” Division (Berbice) will serve as the country’s acting crime chief, while Superintendent Michael Kingston will serve as his deputy.

Williams will hold this position until the substantive Crime Chief, Detective Senior Superintendent, Wendell Blanhum, returns from leave.

He is currently on his annual leave. Assistant Commissioner, Lindon Alves, will act as Commander of ‘B’ Division.

Acting Commissioner of Police, David Ramnarine, in a press statement Thursday noted that the Blanhum has served the Guyana Police Force well and has proceeded on annualised vacation leave accumulated for a number of years.

Ramnarine explained that last year Blanhum should have proceeded on over 100 days annualised vacation leave but due to exigencies of the Force, exacerbated by the overriding public security concerns, he was only able to enjoy a very brief period of relaxation (annual vacation leave).

“A few days ago, the Crime Chief (Mr Blanhum) requested to proceed

on another short period of annual vacation leave which was approved, taken into account that it was again deserved and that he, as well as other senior officers, will have to resume duty in time

this was not a sudden and calculated sick report, as Das while on vacation leave overseas had to seek medical attention on more than one occasion and was going to be away from duty for a week.

District),” the police commissioner said.

In the circumstances, Ramnarine said the initial decision was made to have Senior Superintendent Ravindradat Budhram ‘fill the breach’ at CID temporar-

ters, Eve Leary is equally too important to be ‘left in the open’ without the requisite command leadership,” Ramnarine explained.

He continued: “It should be noted by all with interests in law en-

Commander of ‘F’ Division, Ravindradat Budhram

Assistant Commissioner of Police, Paul Williams

Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum

Acting Commissioner of Police, David Ramnarine

for the commencement of the Police’s Christmas period. A period where the intensification of operational and preventive law enforcement strategies are paramount,” Ramnarine noted.

Additionally, he had previously requested officially, a movement out of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) due its strenuous engagements.

“At the same time Detective Superintendent Joel David, who is stationed at the CID Headquarters, Eve Leary was and still is on a special assignment with a team of officers, investigating the episode of the illegal air craft in Mandacaro, Region Nine (Lethem

ily until such time, that is a matter of days when a more informed decision would have been made.

“There was no intention to have Senior Superintendent Ravindradat Budhram permanently based at the CID on the fundamental basis that ‘F’ Division, which he commands is increasingly becoming a geographical area of much interest, and in which he has developed comprehensive understanding of. The CID Headquar-

forcement activities, and administration that notwithstanding the loss of nine senior officers this year due to retirement, the current corps of senior and junior officers and indeed all ranks and auxiliaries will continue to give of the utmost in the interest of this beautiful country, according to the Oath of Office, training, knowledge and experience.”

ILL Unfortunately and regrettably so, the top cop said Blanhum’s deputy, Detective Senior Superintendent Rishi Das fell ill.

Ramnarine explained

Gov’t working to reverse UK ban on Greenheart

By Svetlana Marshall THE ban on greenheart exports to the United Kingdom (UK) remains a major concern, Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge said on Wednesday.

Minister Greenidge, speaking at his South Road Ministry, said the ban on greenheart exports to the UK continues to engage the attention of the government. In addition to the ongoing talks with the UK, the government through the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) is trying to ensure that the required standards applicable to the harvesting of greenheart and other species are established and enforced.

Such moves, he posited, may aid in bringing an end to the ban.

“It has been a little bit of a sore point for us and I know that within the private sector [it] is a concern,” he positing while assuring that the UK high commissioner has been meeting British authorities on Guyana’s behalf.

Greenheart exports to the UK went from US$3.2 million in 2014 to US$1million in 2015.

The Guyana Manufacturers and Services Association (GMSA) has long blamed the incorrect labelling of Guyana’s forest management practices for the ban.

The ban, which went into effect in May 2015 following its imposition by the UK Environment Agency, came as a surprise to the local industry, on the basis that the private sector and government were in communication with Central

Point for Expertise on Timber (CPET) that advised UK government agencies on timber procurement policies.

The GMSA had noted that because of the need to prove legality and sustainability and meet certification standards, the industry had entered into negotiations under the European Union programme for Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT), which aims to reduce illegal logging by strengthening sustainable and legal forest management, improving governance and promoting trade in legally produced timber.

The stakeholders noted that the consultants to CPET did state that EU FLEGT licensing “would” constitute adequate evidence of Category B compliance, and hence allows

exports.

The International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO) had identified Guyana as one of only six tropical forest-producing countries in the world practising sustainable forestry management at the forest-concession level.

Further, it noted that Global Forest Watch’s deforestation ranking put Guyana’s periodic deforestation rate at 0.568 per cent, making Guyana the lowest-ranked tropical or largely forested country in the world.

In addition, the stakeholders noted that Yale University Environmental Performance Index in 2016 ranked Guyana fourth worldwide (out of 116 countries) in tree cover loss, behind only Georgia, Vanuatu and Bhutan.

SERIOUS DEFICIENCIES President David Granger recently indicated that the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the

alleged assassination plot against him has exposed serious deficiencies and weaknesses in the Force, and these will be corrected.

He had noted that the CoI was not meant to be a witch-hunt but work has to be done to ensure that the law enforcement agency is more professional and efficient in the execution of its duties and responsibilities. “[The Commission] made some very strong recommendations. Even persons who have been following the dayto-day reports would have realised that there has been a significant lapse in professionalism at the high levels of the Guyana Police Force, so these are matters of concern.

It has brought to light some serious deficiencies and I am very confident that the work that Mr. Russell Combe is doing will point to ways in which we can correct the deficiencies. The important thing is to ensure that we get information so that we can correct faults. It is not a witch-hunt.

We are trying to make the law enforcement agencies more efficient,” he said.

Combe is a British security expert, who is an advisor to President Granger as part of the United Kingdom’s US$4.7B Security Sector Reform (SSR) Programme, which had been scrapped by the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Administration in 2009.

He is expected to produce an initial interim report shortly.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 15, 2017

400 affected in GTT cable ‘sabotage’ …$500,000 reward on offer for info

Less than two months after publicly highlighting repeated sabotage of its infrastructure, the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) said the disturbing trend has resurfaced with two acts of back to back sabotage of cables during this week.

On September 12 and 13, three hundred ( 300) metres of cable in the vicinity of New Hope and Friendship on the East Bank of Demerara were cut and removed, affecting voice and data services to over 400 customers.

In a statement the company said during a July 26, 2017, joint press conference with the Ministry of Public Telecommunications and GTT, Minister, Cathy Hughes stressed that, “at the end of the day it is important to recognize that the new Telecommunications Agency will have the responsibility to issue new licences,” and was unequivocal in pointing out that should information be revealed identifying any singular entity, then they

would be censured when it comes to being granted licences.

Commenting on the continued and recent sabotage, GTT’s, CEO Justin Nedd, said “these malicious acts are being conducted by persons who understand the telecoms system and are bent on impeding the company’s progress for their own selfish gains.”

GTT said it intends to meet with the Minsters of Public Security, Business and Public Telecommunications to holistically address the issue. According to the company engineers and other resources allocated for scheduled works have since been diverted to restore service to the affected customers.

Back in July United States Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway had cautioned that continued attacks on the company could have serious implications for investments in the future. Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle in an exclusive interview the US diplomat said it is not just an attack on the US-

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owned company but an act of crime committed against the people of Guyana. He said the four most recent acts of sabotage would not deter any investor from coming to Guyana, but over time if such acts continue, they could have a negative impact on the country.

my investment. I am not saying, that right now it is a deter on investment but if things like this continue it could certainly have an impact on it,” Ambassador Holloway explained.

The US diplomat had met with Nedd recently to get a greater understand-

GTT’s, CEO Justin Nedd

“Other potential investors, whether it will be from the US or anywhere else, will say wait a minute, I don’t want to go and built my network or build my factory or build something, if all of a sudden someone is going to be destroying

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ing of the situation. Based on their discussions, Ambassador Holloway said it is clear that the acts of sabotage are committed by well-informed people. “It is clearly not the work of a disgruntled customer who was unhappy with the speed

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of their Internet or their landline not being fixed, which I am sure there are plenty such customers out there, but… they picked the places that would cause the most damage. You had to have a certain amount of technical ability to be able to do it,” he explained.

It was pointed out that the perpetrators had returned to a location where GTT had already executed repairs following an attack.

At that location on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway, the telecommunication provider had installed a steel pipe to safeguard the fibre-optic cable but that was also damaged. “They went back and did that again. That would have required special tools, special equipment and special knowledge, so it is an issue that should be of concern to everyone,” the Ambassador emphasised.

He noted too that it is clearly not a case of someone trying to steal the fibre-optic cable because once broken, it is of no use.

GTT, he said, is currently looking at a number of ways to make their cable safer.

The US Ambassador said the acts of sabotage come at a time when the country is making critical steps to improve its telecommunication market and

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foster growth within its ICT sector. He pointed out too that when the fibre-optic cable was damaged, connectivity was lost to Linden and other communities within Region 10.

The damages done had also affected a mining company which is heavily dependent on the services provided by GTT. “I think everyone would agree that no matter which side of the political spectrum you speak, better Internet, better telecommunications for Guyana is a thing that would promote growth, promote jobs, promote inclusivity, promote democracy, so this is actually an attack literally on basic democracy,” the US Ambassador stated.

The telecommunication company said on Thursday that previous success in capturing and prosecuting some of saboteurs was made possible through the vigilance of community members who acted on our appeal to “say something if they see something”. GTT reminds the public to maintain the level of alertness and to report any act or suspicious act of cable sabotage to the company’s confidential hotline 226-2764. A reward of $500,000 is being offered.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 15, 2017

‘Look to other industries’ … President tells Rose Hall residents

By Nafeeza Yahya PRESIDENT David Granger on Thursday called on residents of Rose Hall to celebrate the rich legacy of their foreparents who transformed bushes into villages and villages into towns and he urged them to begin to look towards other industries for economic advancement as rice and sugar contract.

The President was at the time delivering the feature address at the opening ceremony of the 175th Anniversary celebrations of Rose Hall held at the Rose Hall Sports Club Ground. The President who also unveiled a Monument in the Desmond Hoyte playground to officially declare the anniversary celebrations open and to pay homage to the 57 freed residents who were part of the village movement and are responsible for the current state of the town, reflected on the history of the township and the basis on which they managed to transform the bushes into what is now deemed as the economic hub of Region Six. He noted that they built the town on the four pillars of: home, education, church and farm. He said if one of these pillars is knocked down it will lead to a broken home, lawlessness, ignorance and starvation. “The first thing they wanted to do was to bring their family together, so they acquired lands to build homes, secondly they saw the need for education so they built schools, and they wanted to worship God so they built churches and fourthly they wanted to feed themselves, in those days there were no supermarkets, you ate what you grew and you grew what you wanted to eat. So when we celebrate 175th Anniversary of Rose Hall we are celebrating the vision of people who never went to school, who never went to university, people who never knew to read or write but they established these villages like house built on four pillars, the pillar of the home, the pillar of the school, pillar of the church

and the pillar of the farm. I tell you this, if you want your town or village to collapse, knock down one of these pillar and see what happens.”

The Guyanese leader applauded the efforts of the township which he said has recognised that economic progress is based on education. He called on residents to protect and preserve the education legacy of Rose Hall by ensuring that they play their part in lending a helping hand to children who are having difficulties getting to school to acquire an education. He alluded to the 5 Bs initiative, which he said is making it easier for all to get access to education.

The President also called on residents to consider making Rose Hall the economic hub for Region Six, since it has the potential to establish new industries in the face of contraction in the sugar and rice industries. “I am urging you that now that we have transformation and consolidation in the sugar industry let us look to see ways and means of creating new industries; Black Bush Polder was opened because sugar estates were closing down, everybody knows if you read the history of sugar you will see over the last 100 years the sugar industry has been

contracting, the rice industry has been contracting, seventy years ago you couldn’t count the amount of rice mills, but now they are contracting, but what I am trying to say is just as the seed is destroyed for the plant to grow what you are seeing is the conditions being created for new industries to emerge.”

GROW ECONOMY The President continued that the door for micro financing and agro-processing is open and neighbouring countries are rushing to the Corentyne because the conditions are there for economic growth and told residents that if foreigners can come in and make money, “let us not bemoan, let us grow our economy.”

President Granger highlighted that in light of these opportunities the celebration should be about the future and not the past. “Celebration today should not be about the past, it is about the potential of making Rose Hall an even greater Town…Rose Hall is

about the future of what Guyana can do, not what we did 100 year ago, but what these children can do a decade or a few decades from now.”

Meanwhile, Mayor of Rose Hall Town, Vijay Ramoo, used the opportunity to condemn what he called the oppression faced at the Rose Hall Town Council by the Town Clerk and publicly called for the President to aid in her removal. “The residents are suffering because of administrative deficiencies Mr. President and the same way your administration removed the REO from Region Six, the same way you can act in removing the town clerk of Rose Hall Town.”

The mayor cited that many developmental projects are being stymied. The Chief Executive Officer and Secretary of the RHTYC, Hilbert Foster, also aired his disgust at the current situation at the Town Council and stated that after 30 years he is seriously considering stepping down from the post.

President Granger during his address promised to get the matter resolved. Foster in his presentation highlighted the activities planned for the

celebration and noted that the founders must be watching down with pride since the Town has a lot to be proud of despite the challenges faced.

Also addressing resident was Regional Chairman, David Armogan, who too reflected on the history of the Town and referred to Rose Hall as “a small town with a big heart and as the commercial capital of Berbice.”

He called on the residents to upkeep their responsibility to ensure the hard work of their foreparents does not go in vain but help to build on their legacy that they left.

“I am pleased to be here to celebrate since freed slaves bought the village of Rose Hall 175 years ago it is a momentous occasion and one worthy to celebrate. The freed slaves had very little money but what they did with it is was very important; they did not choose to imbibe or sport, what they chose was to pool their resources and buy a little

village which they knew they had to develop and make a living out of it.”

The 175th Anniversary celebration is being spearheaded by the RHTYSC, in collaboration with the Mayor and Town Council of Rose Hall Town. It kicked off with a parade and March past from the Rose Hall Arch to the Area H Community Centre Ground. Several persons were awarded for their contributions towards the development of the Town, including four women for their hard work and dedication. There were also the launch of the sponsorship for the under-13 cricket team by Poona’s Pharmacy and the Renewal of Sponsorship by Metro office Supplies for the Female Cricket Club. Additionally, the President also assisted in handing over 40 wheelchairs to residents and unveiled the scoreboard.

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Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 15, 2017

Assent to the Broadcast Bill NEWS surfaced on Sunday that President David Granger has signed into law the Broadcasting Amendment Bill and that a number of broadcasters are in agreement with the 60 minutes time allocation for Public Service .

The latter revelation-coming on the heels of protests mainly from groups not associated with the broadcasters would allow for the smooth implementation of the act and bringing much needed regulation to the industry.

There was also mention of broadcasters who had owed the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) millions in licensing fees, but are now coming forward to clear their arrears.

These developments aside, the industry is still fraught with other problems, which the administration has shown a willingness to address. The wild-west distribution of frequencies to specific individuals mostly aligned to the previous administration is among the thorniest of issues. Minister of State, Joseph Harmon during the debate on the amended act had disclosed how one entity - E-Networks was awarded 13 channels - the most for any single entity and the PPP’s Freedom radio has the widest reach. The owner of E-Networks is the brother of PPP, MP, Dr Vindhya Persaud and son of the late PPP stalwart, Reepu Daman Persaud.

Harmon revealed that in Regions Three and Four, E-Networks secured 10 channels; in Five and Six and another four.

In addition, the opposition’s party radio station was granted the widest broadcast reach in the country.

Resolutions to issues of this nature should not be seen only through the lens of politics, given that it lends itself to the making of decisions outside of the policies, rules and

standard practice instructions. Policies specifically would define how the sector will be treated and emerging from these, there are rules as to how licences are given and standard-practice to say how it is issued by those responsible for the distribution. It is clear from the Broadcasting Amendment Bill, which was piloted by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo that government intends to do just that.

The broadcasting spectrum is finite and does not belong to any individual; it belongs to the state. There needs to be clear policies as to how the spectrum will be treated, when and how it will be distributed, and for what purpose. In the specific case of the distribution of broadcasting licences by the Bharrat Jagdeo administration to persons perceived as friends and family of his, in the absence of conforming to policies and procedures, the issue needs to be returned to the status quo, hence the new requirement under amended act, where broadcasters must apply every year for a licence is most welcomed.

It has been revealed that they are persons who have requested licences that were never called, interviewed or given an opportunity to satisfy the requirement for the acquisition of same. Conversely, nearly every one identified as recipients of the licences are proven friends and family of Mr. Jagdeo and supporters of the PPP/C. This issue must not be seen through partisan political lens, or a political party or government against a group or race. This issue must be seen for what it is: the broadcasting spectrum belong to the state and not a political party. Consequently, no political party or government has the right to dispense with it outside of the confines of the policies and laws. To allow this is to create another precedent for us, as in-

dividual and group, to be discriminated against in sharing of the national patrimony in which all of us have equal stake.

While the Broadcasting Authority was not in place at the time these licences were issued, the law does not vest the authority in any person or organisation outside of this body to grant licence. The issue at hand exemplifies a longstanding concern among the citizenry that the politically powerful and connected are wedded to the wrong view that the state’s resources/assets are their personal properties to dispense with at will, without regard for established norms, rules, laws and practices.

The predisposition to treat the state’s assets and resources as personal properties is a culture that has to be seriously addressed and measures taken to bring it to an end. The establishment of the State Asset Recovery Agency (SARA) is therefore key to bringing this culture to an end.

The practice also leads to doubts and suspicion in the individual and government. It denies scarce/limited and finite resources being justly delivered to an individual and group that really deserve same.

In a society as small as ours, within which there exists continuous race conflict that influences prejudices against the other and which is also exploited for political expediency, the practice of treating state resources as personal property to dispense with at will is a hindrance in forging harmonious race relations. In this furor what is required to bring resolution is dealing with the matter in a principled manner, consistent with the policies and laws and recognition that the spectrum is finite.

RK’S Security Services remains a reputable company Dear Editor,

OUR company read with concern a letter published in a National Newspaper on14th September, 2017 which read “Unsatisfactory services by RK’s Security and ineffective policing by Albertown police.”

With reference to its content which stinks of misinformation; a venomous tone and libelous statements, allow us here to state the facts of this matter: RK’s Guyana Security Services for 38 years has been striving to provide the best security service at the best rates, which has been verified by the number of

businesses, ministries, diplomatic missions, banks and private individuals who would have chosen our reputable company. Please note the following regarding the individual who published a letter based on feelings rather than facts: 1) Mr. Marlon Joseph was employed with our company on 14th July, 2017.

2) In paragraph 7 of the deceitful letter, he claimed that no one from our company was there when the incident happened and so we wouldn’t know if the motorcycle was locked. However, Mr. Joseph has conveniently forgotten that he is on record as having affirmed to

a number of senior officers at our headquarters that his motorcycle was not locked.

The motorcycle belonging to another VI, Kelvin Griffith was also parked at the said time, but it was confirmed locked and secured.

Throughout our many years of operation in Guyana, our company would have never experienced theft of a motor vehicle belonging to a VI at our headquarters. Important to note: our company would have offered to provide free training and later, a tricycle (three wheeled motorcycle) for him to do his security visits at our locations. However, he vigorously rejected this offer

and opted to use his personal motorcycle.

3) The distance where he was parked, as provided by him in his letter, which is of 5-10 inches is profusely exaggerated, since his motorcycle was parked nowhere in the vicinity of our headquarters and moreover, out of the sight of our security cameras and our sentry. Again, Mr. Joseph is on record as saying that he was parked in front of a neighboring building.

4) Our compound is highly secured. He seems to think we should place a person to watch his motorcycle without him even observing personal security awareness. He admitted in his own letter that

he rested his head (slept) from 22:00 hrs – 23:00 hrs.

What is worse is that before doing so, he failed to inform the sentry that his motorcycle was in front of a neighboring building.

5) It is ironic that he now views RK’s Guyana Security Services as a company with sloppy service at a time when he has recently lost valuables.

We wonder whether the company was offering sloppy service when we provided employment and opportunity to him. According to Mr. Joseph, he was in dire need of “extra income.” In retrospect, he appears to be a bitter guy who cannot accept responsibility.

6) At this time when crime is alarmingly high, it is obvious that he was being targeted. The criminals monitored and acted at the right moment, knowing he did not lock his bike. Surprisingly, he even blamed another nearby business since their CCTV cameras could not pick up the larceny.

7) It is unfortunate and strange that the editor of the Guyana Chronicle Newspaper did not analyse Marlon’s letter before publishing same, especially when a lot of its content hinges on serious libel action. We cannot understand how a state newspaper would be so irresponsible and Turn to Page 7

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 15, 2017

No labeling of protesting sugar workers Dear Editor, THIS letter is not intended to question the right of sugar workers to engage in street protests whenever they feel the situation demands that line of action.

In fact, if truth be known, I, over the period of my lengthy political activism, have recognised, applauded and defended their right to protest actions and will

continue to do so.

My intention here however, is to draw the public’s attention to the fact that since the APNU+AFC government came to office the nation has witnessed a number of street protest actions by supporters of the PPPC, the most recent being GAWU’s ongoing protests against government’s decision to privatise the non-profitable Skeldon Sugar Estate in Berbice. To

date, there has been no public outcry from any section of society against these protests.

The absence of any expression of concern on the conduct of the protests is instructive. When one compares the sound of silence from those who were offended when the APNU supporters took to the streets to protest against actions of the then government, when one recalls that the newspapers,

City Hall seeks info on alleged harassment of Cuban shoppers Dear Editor PLEASE refer to article captioned “City Constables harassing Cuban Shoppers” published in the Thursday, September 14, 2017 edition of your newspaper.

The City Constabulary Department is the first law enforcement agency established in Guyana.

This institution came into existence in July of 1837, by Ordinance No. 9 of 1837, according to Municipal and District Councils Act Chapter 28:01. By this, the city constables have all powers, entitlements, priv-

ileges and immunities conferred on a police constable.

Moreover, the city constabulary is a constituted body of persons empowered to serve and protect the citizens of Georgetown and those who are transient. In addition to protecting the Council’s assets the constabulary officers are responsible for enforcing compliance to the municipal laws in places vested in, or under the control of, the Council or any public place in council area.

The council takes serious note of the issue that has reached the public domain, since it is imbued with propensity to damage the

RK’S Security Services... publish a letter that is obviously designed to defame the character and reputation of our company. Further, it was published without any reporter seeking our views on the matter. We do not wish to file a lawsuit against this newspaper, which we support with ads and our daily purchase.

As such, an editor’s apology should be forthcoming.

8) Our company regrets the loss of this young man’s valuables as we are always willing to assist anyone who is a victim of criminality.

We understand his emotion but to blame the employer is illogical and ridiculous.

It displays unprofessionalism and immaturity. He was advised to put any suggestion he had in writing so it could be seriously analysed.

In our experience, we have seen new comers who expect change ‘overnight’, failing to understand the complexities of dealing with mass personnel and established protocols.

9) Conveniently, he also failed to mention in his letter that he retrieved all of his documents (we are unsure how he was able to) from the Bourda Post Office in Georgetown. Our company is happy about this development.

10) As for attacking the Albertown Police, it must be stated that the police is not responsible for his loss. As is the norm, in order to get a report, the police will look to do their job in a structured and professional manner. Our company being a people oriented establishment was even

already fragile image of the Georgetown Municipality both locally and internationally. It can also compromise and hinder the City’s tourist potential capacity.

The council is therefore calling on persons with information relating to the harassment of Cuban nationals to call telephone numbers 225- 2218 or 2267717, so that an investigation can be launched into this matter. All information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

Regards Debra Lewis Public Relations Officer

From Page 6

looking to provide some substantial support to Marlon.

However, after reading his libelous letter, (with intent to embarrass our business which employs hundreds) we would have to reconsider.

RK’s Guyana Security Services remains committed to providing services based on respect, honour and professionalism. We take this opportunity to thank all of our clients, friends and well-wishers for their support and advice as we continue to execute our security operations nationwide.

Regards Security Management Team RK’s Guyana Security Services

the electronic media, private sector organisations and certain well-known individuals in the society, were hysterical in their condemnation of the actions of these persons and pointed to what they referred to as the destabilisation of the economy and country while raising the specter of violence in the society, one is amazed but not unduly surprised at the level of their acceptance of what is taking place.

Today, those prophets of doom, who condemned the APNU supporters even as they peacefully protested, have not seen it fit to raise a single note of concern as the PPP goes along its merry way of organising the protests, which are now taking place. In reflecting on this issue I feel emboldened to say that there seems to have evolved in Guyana two standards of what can be referred to as acceptable behavior – one for APNU African supporters and another for the PPPC Indian supporters.

As an activist in the African community, I have had cause on numerous occasions to pen letters in support of the rights of African Guyanese to engage in street protests when the occasion demands it. I have done so in the face of hostile criticisms by high and low officials in the PPPC party and government, their propaganda letter writers and the numerous Indian rights activists, who have combined to criminalise Africans street protests, while supporting acts of political aggression directed at the African Community, with the specific intention of ensuring the PPPC’s political domination of the country.

African street protests were therefore seen by the rulers and there cronies as providing resistance to their policy of domination.

I had made the point very often in those days when the debate on street protests raged, that very often the character of street protest is determined by the actions of the rulers and the police.

My detractors rather than

being objective, resorted to propagandising to score cheap political points and to reinforce the historical political conditioning of the Indian community that Africans in general, and the PNCR in particular, are violent.

Today, with a change of government, we see a change in policy. The new rulers have not been criminalising Indian street protests for political gains or for any reason as was done by the former regime when African protest actions were taking place.

There is no politically directed police aggression against the sugar workers or any section of the support-base of the PPPC that choose to take to the streets. This is how it must be in our democracy.

On this and other issues of governance, the APNU+AFC government are light years from the PPPC regime.

Regards, Tacuma Ogunseye

8

Greater regulation needed

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 15, 2017

–– Roraima Airways pilot did 19 shuttle operations on day of death

By Ariana Gordon

CAPTAIN Collin Martin, the Roraima Airways pilot who was killed after the Britten-Norman island aircraft he was operating crashed on landing at Eteringbang, in Region Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni), had reportedly conducted 19 shuttle operations before his death.

Director-General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Lt. Col. (ret’d) Egbert Field, told reporters on Thursday that Martin’s aircraft was found nose down at the crash site and noted that between Eteringbang and Ekereku, the captain conducted a total of 19 shuttles.

“We did see that the pilot flew from Ogle International Airport the morning (July 24) and he executed a number of shuttles…a total of 19 shuttles,” said Field, who cautioned that the information provided ought not to be treated as findings but as facts.

There have been three accidents in the past two months, two of which were fatal.

The director-general said while there is no determined number of shuttle flights to be done in a day, he believes pilots should receive a break after three or four hours of operations.

He emphasised that breaks are important given the nature of the operations.

Captain Martin’s aircraft was the first of the trio to crash and according to the GCAA; interviews have since

been conducted by officials.

“We have retrieved the engines and the propellers, they were extracted from the aircraft and they were brought to the Eugene F Correia International Airport for safe keeping.

“It is now awaiting exportation to the National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB),” said Field, who noted that it is the responsibility of the operator to ship the engines.

He said as the parts await exportation to Washington, they are kept safe by the authority.

NEED TO BE REGULATED As a result of the number of shuttle operations conducted by Martins, Field said it is obvious that the system needs to be regulated.

“We are investigating and paying close attention to the flight and duty times and limitations in this accident,” he stated.

As it relates to the second accident involving Wings Aviation Services Aircraft, which crashed in August just after takeoff from the Eteringbang airstrip, the GCAA head said that investigation is also ongoing.

The pilot, Dominic Waddel, was injured in this accident and efforts are ongoing to ascertain the cause of the accident.

The propellers and engine were also retrieved and have since been lodged in safe keeping at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, Ogle, before being sent to

NTSB. “We have interviewed the eyewitness, and this case we have noted from the interviews that the aircraft flew to Eteringbang and was loaded with drums of fuel. Some of the drums were not secured… we are looking at areas surrounding not only the engine but also the shifted load and other factors,” said Field.

Meanwhile, in the latest plane crash involving an Air Services Limited Aircraft, and which resulted in the death of Captain Imran Khan, Field noted that the terrain in which the crash occurred was very difficult.

He said the Special Forces of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ought to be applauded as it was a challenging task to get to the crash site and also to remove the pilot’s body.

“They have done a tremendous job but inspectors are unable to make it to that crash site… the plane was destroyed and it is very highly unlikely I could get any team to go back there. I had instructed that the Special Forces take as many pictures as possible of the scene and those pictures are being reviewed and analysed,” the director-general revealed, as he explained that as the findings of the accidents become available they will be made public.

“The three accidents are accidents we could have done without… Accidents investigations are not done to cast blame on anyone — they are done to find the cause of the accident so that if there are matters to be rectified, they can be done to save lives.”

It was after the third

aircraft had crashed in the hinterland that the GCAA decided to suspend all shuttle operations. The authority requested operators to submit a manual which guides the operation of shuttle flights, which transport cargo and fuel.

Thus far, Trans Guyana Airways has been given permission to restart their shuttle operations, however, other operators who submitted their manual as a group were told to submit same individually.

NOT TAKEN LIGHTLY It should be noted that there were six accidents from December 2016 to present, and according to the GCAA head, the accidents are not to be taken lightly.

He stressed that the last three accidents have one common thread, and that was that they were shuttle operations.

“The shuttle operation is not necessarily the cause of the accidents but it is a common thread running through.

Whether the aircraft was full of cargo or fuel or whether it was empty… as far as we are concerned it is still on a shuttle operation.

“There is no greater danger than empty drums on a flight… the fumes are ignitable. Whether it is before the landing or after takeoff or full of fuel or empty at the time… it is still a shuttle operation,” Field told reporters at his High Street, Kingston, office.

Meanwhile, the GCAA currently has no navigational means of tracking the aircraft outside, the entity is looking

to have aircraft equipped with GPS. The installation of sophisticated GPS comes with a cost to the operators, Field stated.

“We are looking at GPS as being an item which can enhance the navigational capability for the operator out there,” he said. However, he did note that with the four Automatic Dependence Surveillance Broadcast (ADSB) Stations (Kaieteur, Kamarang, Annai and Port Kaituma) becoming operational, aircraft would be monitored in the interior. The ADSB has

been in operation since 2015 but was intended for “high level flights”.

At the moment, it is possible for domestic aircraft to move from location to location without the GCAA being aware or even the operators the pilots work for.

It is illegal for pilots to do so without the expressed approval of the GCAA and they can be sanctioned condignly. By month-end the ADSB is scheduled to become fully operational thereby ensuring that aircraft are better monitored.

President’s press officer under probe PRESIDENT David Granger has confirmed that the Ministry of the Presidency (MOTP) is investigating the comments made by Press Officer, Lloyda Garrett, during a private social media conversation which was leaked on Facebook.

The alleged racial comments created a stir on social media. Granger told members of the media on Thursday that they have examined the information which was presented and it was discussed with the staff of the press section of the MOTP. “Like Mr Mark Archer said, it is not the policy of the Ministry of the Presidency, and it is not my policy to engage in that type of language…he has promised to investigate the matter more thoroughly and when it is completed the findings will be made public,” he said.

The President, however, said he believes that what Ms Garrett said is not something that represented her personal philosophy or that of the government.

Aviation chief slams ...

From page 2

strongly in working with operators. “… I am not here to bring a big stick over anyone’s head but to run an aviation industry the way an aviation industry should be run. It will be run according to the dictate of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and not by the whims and fancies of anyone,” he declared.

The GCAA head also stressed that his instructions come from government and he has the support of the Chairman and Board of Directors of the Authority. He said he is not going to be side-tracked by any “fanciful back and forth squabbling

with anyone”. “[I am] not keeping a tunnel vision, it is going to be a funnel vision,” he stated while noting that shuttle operations are necessary.

Field told reporters that Guyana cannot develop without shuttle operations taking into consideration the fact that hinterland residents depend on the goods from the coastland.

NO WILD WEST “But the shuttle operations will not be allowed to run like the Wild West as it was being run previously. I am here to set a structured movement, proper proce-

dures and to have the shuttle operations done in the right format,” he remarked.

The GCAA boss made it clear that in the past, manuals for shuttle operations were never submitted to the authority before, and it is now a requirement in order to formalise the operations.

“We have to build this shuttle operation on a safe and risk management policy. To date, Trans Guyana is approved for shuttle operations; it is now going on approximately six weeks since these manuals were requested. At the time of suspension, no manual had been submitted. Two days

after, some manuals were submitted… the only acceptable manual was Trans Guyana.”

That entity was required to make some corrections, but have since been allowed to continue shuttle flights while the other entities, Air Services Limited and Roraima Airways are yet to re-submit theirs. The duo had submitted one manual but was asked to provide manuals specific to each individual company.

“We are not going to take this situation lightly, aviation is not a joke, aviation is a serious business, it is done with precision and that is why it

is one of the most regulated industries in the world, apart from the nuclear industry,” stressed Field who noted that the GCAA will continue to enhance air safety though it is stretched thin for human resources.

At the moment, the authority is in search for qualified persons to fill the posts of inspectors along with other ancillary positions. Field has also requested finance from the government to pay additional experts to carry out inspections.

That aside, he told reporters that officers of the authority are part of continuous training as capacity building

is critical.

The director-general said too that he finds it strange that those critiquing the aviation system now failed to do so in the past.

“I wonder why all these critiques are being done now, when individuals who have been in this industry for years… and had close relationships with even the highest in the land, could not have made advances during that time to effect the necessary changes. Why the big critique… fine, some of them hold some truth but why wasn’t this done over the past number of years,” he questioned.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 15, 2017

US$100,000 for Irma relief … Min. Felix to lead Guyana delegation to storm-hit islands GUYANA has doubled its contribution towards relief for the Caribbean territories affected by Hurricane Irma from US$50,000 to US$100,000, the Government announced Thursday.

In a statement issued by the Director of Public Information (DPI), Imran Khan, it was also disclosed that Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix, will head a team of officials to the islands of St Maarten and the British Virgin Island (BVI), tentatively on Saturday.

“The Government of Guyana is intensifying efforts to coordinate relief for Guyanese nationals affected by Hurricane Irma in a number of Caribbean islands, particularly St Maarten and British Virgin Islands which both suffered serious devastation following the passing of the Category five hurricane,” the statement said.

Felix will be joined by representatives of his Ministry, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC).

The team will conduct a needs assessment and will return after conducting assessments in Tortola and St Maarten.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Ministerial Task Force on the Caribbean Disaster, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, along with Felix who is also a member of the Task Force, held consultations with the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Major General (ret’d) Joe Singh (who is acting on behalf of Minister of State

Joseph Harmon who is currently out of the jurisdiction) and other officials, on Thursday.

Director General of the CDC, Colonel (r’td) Chabilall Ramsarup, briefed the Task Force on the initial plans for Guyana’s response, following a briefing from officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, relative to the situation faced

by Guyanese nationals in the affected islands.

It was after the three-hourlong meeting that it was decided that Minister Felix will head Guyana’s Needs Assessment Team to Tortola in the BVI and St Maarten via Antigua, to conduct an initial assessment of the needs of Guyanese nationals on the islands and report to the Ministerial Task Force appointed by President David Granger.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo expressed deep concern for the welfare of Guyanese, particularly in Tortola and surrounding islands, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke, and uttered words of relief at reports that Guyanese who were evacuated from Barbuda to Antigua are being accommodated by relatives and friends on the main island there.

The Ministerial Task Force also includes Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge; Minister Harmon; Minister of Finance Winston Jordan; Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson; Minister of Public Affairs, Dawn Hastings-Williams; and Minister of Public Service Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine.

Mazaruni Prison escapee recaptured CONVICTED prisoner Vijay Sanchara, 31, of Moriah’s Pleasure, East Bank Essequibo, who escaped from the Mazaruni Prison farm Wednesday after the arrival of the prison ferry was recaptured on Thursday.

Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels, said the prisoner who was sentenced to seven years for wounding with intent was recaptured at Goat Creek, Mazaruni at about 17:15hrs.

The prisoner was missing when a roll call was conducted after a visit to the Mazaruni Farm.

Sanchara was housed at Camp Street Prison but after the fire on June 9 he was transferred to Lusignan Prison and later taken to Mazaruni Prison to serve his sentence.

Meanwhile, law enforcement officials are still trying

to recapture three wanted fugitives who escaped from Camp Street and Lusignan

Captured: Vijay Sanchara Prisons.

Still on the run are Bartica massacre convict, Mark Royden Williams called “Smallie”; Cobena Stephens, called “OJ”; and Paul Goriah.

9

Jagdeo prattling about new Harbour Bridge

–says Patterson MINISTER of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, believes Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo may have “ulterior motives” regarding the new Demerera Harbour Bridge.

Earlier this week, Jagdeo said that more information is needed from the government regarding the structure which is expected to be built in 2018 and which will link Houston on East Bank Demerara with Versailles on the West Bank of the river.

Patterson noted at a press conference on Thursday that the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI) provided the Opposition with all the relevant documents regarding the bridge several months ago.

He said the Opposition may be fearful of seeing the project being undertaken in a fair manner unlike projects which were undertaken by

the previous government such as the problematic Skeldon sugar factory.

Patterson noted that Jagdeo may want the government to reconsider the placement of the bridge, to shift the structure south of the planned area. He said that shift would see the bridge landing in the yard of one of Jagdeo’s friends.

He explained that in the 2018 budget, allocations are expected to be made for the construction of the bridge, noting that the monies which will be requested through the Ministry of Finance would include funding for 11 kilometers, as well as funds for any acquisition of property.

As regards implications for properties on both sides of the river, Patterson told reporters that the MPI has met with the neighbourhoods, as well as with business owners

in the area.

He said that there are two or three houses which “are in the way” and he explained that the owners of those homes may have to reconsider living close to the high-speed bridge.

He added that the ministry has not started any negotiations with the owners of the properties in the area.

Patterson said the Houston Nursery School located on the eastern end of the roadway may have to be relocated further north of its current position, considering the traffic and noise that may affect the school.

“The only person who is worried is the Leader of the Opposition,” Patterson said, noting that Jagdeo is “afraid” to see the project being undertaken in a transparent manner.

A three-lane design has been proposed for the new bridge. The design will see the structure being of a low-level with a moveable

Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson part.

According to a feasibility study undertaken by Dutch firm, LievenseCSO, the structure provides the most socio-economic benefits for Guyana and led to the lowest urban environmental impact.

Man allegedly torches home of Tain family A FAMILY of five of Block 4 Tain, East Berbice, Corentyne, lost all of their belongings when their house went up in flames on Wednesday.

According to information, the fire which is being treated as an act of arson began around 13:30hrs on Wednesday, after a man who lives in the same street was seen leaving the home and immediately after smoke began emanating. At the time of the inferno none of the family members was home.

According to Ravi Ragubir, he was at the University of Guyana where he is employed as a handyman when he received a calling saying his house is on fire.

“I run go home and see the whole house a bun , so me neighbour say he see the man coming down the step lil bit before he see smoke, me and the man was friends but we fall out after he use to get disrespectful and cuss up so I tell he don’t come back,” Ragubir said.

Ragubir went on to say a few days ago the said individual attempted to break into his home which forced him to change the locks on the

Nalini Bissesar stands with her three children in front of the rubble door. This move to lock the home angered the suspected arsonist, who he believed set fire to his property. According to information, the man would have regular access to the home when they were friends and when the family is not at home he would enter and steal money to buy cigarettes.

Some three years ago the family had suffered losses after a heavy windstorm destroyed the house they previously lived in. Now with nowhere to go the family has resorted to a shack next door.

They are seeking the public’s assistance in getting them back on their feet as their

three children have no school clothing and supplies and the wife Nalini Bissessar is currently five months pregnant.

Persons desirous of assisting the family can contact 669-9377. Meanwhile, the Police are currently looking for the suspected arsonist.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 15, 2017

Caricom organising donor confab ... to help mobilise resources for Irma-hit islands

CARICOM Chairman, Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell of Grenada and Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque on Wednesday completed a tour of hurricane devastated island and have indicated that arrangements are being made to convene an international donors conference to mobilise the ‘significant resources’ required for the recovery effort.

The touring CARICOM Delegation included Mr. Ronald Jackson, Executive Director of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), which is the CARICOM Institution coordinating the regional hurricane disaster response; and Captain Errington Shurland, Executive Director of the Regional Security System (RSS).

tion for the tour of Barbuda, where Government’s assessment shows more than 90 percent of the buildings on the island were destroyed.

Prime Minister Browne confirmed that all Barbuda residents have been relocated to sister island Antigua, with just a contingent of military personnel remaining to provide security.

“I’m very grateful for the visit by the CARICOM Chairman, Secretary-General and other members of the delegation. It shows we have other Caribbean brothers and sisters who are standing in solidarity with us,” Prime Minister Browne said after taking the delegation on a walk-through Barbuda’s devastated capital, Codrington.

“Clearly, this is a very difficult time for Antigua and Barbuda and we are very ap-

The scale of damage to the island was massive In the British Virgin Island, where the delegation toured affected communities and met with Premier Dr Orlando

The aftermath of Hurricane Irma in Barbuda Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Mr. Gaston Browne joined the Delega-

preciative of the support and, certainly, all of the pledges that will be made,” he added.

Smith and Government and Disaster Management officials, the focus is on meeting critical immediate needs such

as water and food supplies and restoring access to electricity and telecommunications, while simultaneously working on arrangements for getting students back into schools and getting critical sectors of the economy such as tourism and financial services back up to speed.

Premier Smith noted that the Government headquarters building is among those destroyed and his office has had to be re-located to the main hospital building.

Anguilla’s Chief Minister Mr. Victor Banks, who joined the CARICOM Delegation on the tour of his island where the main hospital, schools and 90 percent of the homes were damaged, said that he is also working to address the pressing need for food, water, building supplies and electricity and confronting any challenges to the critical tourism sector.

Prime Minister Mitchell, acknowledged ‘the extremely high level of devastation’ in these and the other affected islands, and said substantial international support is

required to build on the ongoing financial and other contributions by Caribbean governments, individuals and organisations.

“The plan is to organise a regional and international aid conference that can help to get significant pledges towards the reconstruction effort of these countries. This will be similar to what we did in Grenada (after hurricane Ivan devastated the Island in 2004) and we got significant support,” Prime Minister Mitchell said. He said the requested support must include psychological counselling to help affected persons overcome the trauma of the hurricane Irma experience. “We will use our regional and international contacts to leverage the required support,” he added. Secretary-General LaRocque said, given the scale of the destruction, countries and institutions in the international community must be willing to build on the current relief efforts by the Caribbean Community and he said invitations are already being sent to development partners

for the soon to be convened Donors Conference.

“The governments can’t do it alone. We need to mobilise international help from partner countries in the international community. We hope to have this donor meeting as soon as possible and the mobilisation has started,” the Secretary-General said, adding that a representative of the UN Offices in Barbados who was included on the tour has already been in contact with his head office.

In the meantime, CDEMA has been facilitating much of the regional collaboration through a hub in Antigua for the affected Eastern Caribbean islands, and one in Jamaica for the Western Caribbean, including the Turks and Caicos Islands, Haiti and The Bahamas.

CDEMA, working in conjunction with National Disaster Management offices has been coordinating the provision of required personnel, relief supplies and other support in the run-up to, during, and after the passage of Irma. (Caricom Secretariat)

AFC wants Local Government Commission operationalised THE Alliance For Change (AFC) wants to see the operationalisation of the Local Government Commission, Party Chairman, Khemraj Ramjattan said.

Speaking to reporters at a press briefing on Thursday, Ramjattan said the process in naming the persons to sit on the commission

“has gone a far way”.

He noted that the AFC’s Marlon Williams was one of the names put forward by the party to sit on the commission and according to him, Cabinet had put forward the names of persons which it favoured to sit on the body.

He said the Opposition

had already put forward their nominees and all the nominees are being considered so that the body could be established.

Ramjattan reiterated that the AFC supports the establishment of the commission, noting that he also raised the issue at the last Cabinet meeting.

Meanwhile, the AFC maintained its position regarding the controversial parking meter contract.

Ramjattan said that the party regards the matter “as the bone of a bad arrangement”, even in its current form.

He said the AFC councillors at City Hall will

continue to hold the party’s position.

“We think it is very unpopular,” he said, noting that the AFC has evidence of this and will stand its position at any level, including in Parliament.

Last week, the City Council voted in favour of the setting up of a commit-

tee to start a fresh process of negotiations with Smart City Solutions, the foreign company that was granted concession to install parking meters in Georgetown.

The unpopular project has received criticisms from various stakeholders in the past, including the AFC.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 15, 2017

Cultivate discipline during school years –– President tells President’s College students at anniversary celebration

PRESIDENT David Granger on Thursday charged the students of President’s College to cultivate a strong sense of discipline during their school years.

At the school, which he called the “youngest Princess among the Queens” because it is the youngest leading premiere school in Guyana, he told the students that if they do not attain discipline during their time at the institution they can potentially ruin the ensuing phases of their lives.

“If within the six or seven-year period you do not develop this discipline and you do not adopt a certain code of conduct, you can damage the rest of your life, so this is an important part of your life,” the President said.

He made these remarks at the school’s 32nd anniversary celebration.

The President also alluded to the many ways that the students can gain discipline, noting that it does not necessarily come by way of punishment from teachers, but it can be developed through their friendships.

“Discipline does not have to be enforced by the teachers… discipline can come from peers, your equals.

Sometimes if you take a

look at the other students in the class, you can come to realise that your behaviour or conduct is out of order. So discipline does not have to be imposed by harsh punishment from your teachers but it can come from yourself and your peers and of course your home,” the Head of State explained.

He told the students that though his government is very committed to assisting in maintaining the high standards of the school, students too must hold themselves accountable.

And on that note, he encouraged them to develop a sense of responsibility and respect for the institution which they are attending and the facilities and equipment that are at their disposal, such as the dormitories, the library, the sporting equipment and the laboratories.

The President reminded the students that there is a significant cost attached to keeping one student at President’s College, compared to other secondary schools in the region.

Speaking of his desire for students to become more technologically-inclined, the President said that through initiatives such as Science,

Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and the National Endowment for Science and Technology (NEST) programmes, the Government will continue to ensure that students at the college are provided with the necessary opportunities, which will generate greater interest in the sciences. In June, the school received $1M under the NEST programme, which was spent on upgrading its science laboratory.

Principal of the school, Carlyn Canterbury, in her remarks, recalled that President’s College opened with a mission to provide a place for education, learning and research of the standard required of a secondary school and she assured that they will strive to continue to do so.

She noted too, that the school’s mission and vision is so defined that it captures what was relevant at the time of its establishment, as well as, what is relevant at present and what will be relevant in the future in terms of education.

Canterbury also said that the school will work towards adding to its mission by striving to promote the advancement of business through business education.

FIVE females of the New Opportunity Corp (NOC) have received a presidential pardon, effective today, the Ministry of Social Protection announced on Thursday.

The females, aged 13 to 16, were encouraged by subject Minister Amna Ally, to strive for success as they have been released from the institution.

In a statement to the media, the Ministry of Social Protection said the females expressed gratitude to President David Granger for releasing them from the institution.

During a visit to the institution on Wednesday, the need for tighter security was discussed following the escape of four juveniles.

Three of the quartet has returned to the institute. Officials have since committed to having the existing breaches rectified soonest, so as to prevent recurrence.

Structural improvement to the facility was also discussed with the minister who participated in a walk through

with Ryan Baichu, Principal Assistant Secretary (ag) and engineering consultants.

The enhancement work which includes construction and renovation is scheduled to commence before the end of the year.

Staff of the NOC have also called for the hiring of additional staff to reduce the challenges experienced at the institution; the matter is currently being examined with the aim of rectifying the problem soon.

Minister Ally during her deliberations with the staff of the NOC, addressed programmes being implemented at the institution to reintegrate the juveniles into society.

She was provided with an overview of the programmes and future plans to keep the youngsters gainfully occupied, as they develop vocational training and skills.

Some of the programmes include information technology, agriculture, welding and fabrication, catering, sewing, electrical, joinery, and steel pan.

A staff of the NOC makes a point on Wednesday during a meeting with Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally and other officials (Ministry of Social Protection photo) Additionally, the NOC Director of Childcare and acy programmes. A building within the Ministry of Edurecently partnered with the Protection Agency (CHPA), has since been identified , to cation has been reassigned State Asset Recovery Agency Ann Greene, suggested that hold the classes. to Minister Ally by President (SARA) to train some of the the juveniles housed at the Meanwhile, the NOC is David Granger. juveniles from the institution NOC be introduced to foun- on its way to fully becoming Also present at the NOC in information technology. dations in literacy and nu- a self-sufficient institution as on Wednesday were DiMeanwhile, some of the ju- meracy. it maintains an array of live- rector of Social Services, veniles have been granted the As such, Regional Exec- stock, as well as farm lands Wentworth Tanner, Rhonopportunity to showcase their utive Officer (REO), Rupert with many crops. da Nelson of the SLED work at a booth during the Hopkinson, has been tasked The NOC which once Initiative and Alicia Reece, ‘On show Guyana festivities’ with sourcing two teachers to fell under the Department Advisor to Minister Amna to be held on September 29. teach the literacy and numer- of Culture, Youth and Sport Ally.

President David Granger having a discussion with teachers of the Science Department during a tour of the science laboratory (Ministry of the Presidency photo) Following the addresses and a short cultural programme, the President participated in a ceremonial cake-cutting to officially mark the school’s 32nd anniversary.

He subsequently took a tour of the school’s science laboratory where he spoke to teachers of the department and inspected some recently-purchased new equipment Vashti Rambarran, a Fifth Form student, said that during her years at the institu-

tion, she has seen tremendous dedication from both the teaching and non-teaching staff.

She said that each year, the school has been improving and the results gained at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination is evidence.

For, Enuck Allicock, a scholarship student from Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region Nine), President’s College is one of the best learning institutions that he

has attended so far. He too spoke of the professionalism and dedication of the staff at the school.

President’s College, which is located in South Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara, was established on September 11, 1985. The school which was founded by the late Executive President, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, first opened its doors to a population of 72 students. (Ministry of the Presidency)

President pardons five female NOC inmates

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 15, 2017

Large turnout at Rose Hall Town career fair

HUNDREDS of students from various schools on the Corentyne Coast converged at the Rose Hall Town Arch Road this week where over 40 booths were set up for the 2nd Annual Rose Hall Town Career Fair and Exhibition in observance of the town’s 175th Anniversary.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sport Club (RHTY&SC), Hilbert Foster, told Guyana Chronicle that the career fair aims to give students the opportunity to see the numerous business and social sectors in Guyana, so they can be inspired to choose a career path and also be encouraged to stay in school.

Speaking with this newspaper also, Youth Ambassador for the RHTY&SC, Denicia Henry, noted that the event was organised by the

Club in collaboration with the Mayor and Town Council (M&CC) of Rose Hall.

She explained that the fair is aimed at giving students and young adults information they may need upon completing secondary school and when they have to follow certain procedures upon gaining employment, such as getting registered at such entities as the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

The Career Fair and Exhibition had booths from a wide variety of sectors, including the Disciplined Services, Commercial Banks, Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC), Guyana Chronicle, Bank of Guyana, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Public Health, Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Swift

Shipping, Small Business Bureau, Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board, NAMILCO, Upper Corentyne Technical Institute, Pan American Health Organisation, J.C. Chandisingh Secondary, Port Mourant Secondary, and Rose Hall Primary and Nursery.

A student from the J.C. Chandisingh Secondary told this publication that he was grateful for the opportunity to visit the career fair since he was undecided about his career path.

“I am in Form 5 and still haven’t decided what I want to do after school, but after coming here I was amazed to find out how many options are open in Guyana. I had brief talks with many persons from the booths but what interested me more is GRA, so I will seriously consider that.”

PRICES for petroleum products at the pumps increased on Thursday due to significant increase in acquisition cost at source, the Guyana Oil Company Limited (Guyoil) said.

“While speculations have been pointing to upward movements on the world market for petroleum products in 2017, the recent hurricane activities in the southern

hemisphere have exacerbated the situation, forcing a spike in market prices. Guyoil had maintained stable fuel prices since January 1, 2017 despite fluctuations, but unfortunately the present adjustment have become necessary,” the company explained in a release.

Gasoline prices have moved upwards by $14.00, Kerosene by $10.00, ULSD

Gasoil by $15.00 and Gasoil (LSD) by $6.00.

“Guyoil is proud to be the leading petroleum company in Guyana and is committed to continue to provide the Guyanese public with full supply of quality petroleum products at reasonable prices.

“We remain committed to our motto of ‘Excellence in Service’,” the release concluded.

Guyana Chronicle Marketing Coordinator, Akash Persaud, speaks with attentive students of the Rose Hall Primary School

Prices for petroleum products increase

Health workers assist a patron at the career fair with her medical checkup

British woman died due to hanging, autopsy finds A POST-MORTEM performed on the body of British national, Dajee Sarah Rosemary revealed that she died as a result of asphyxia and self-suspension, indicating that she died due to hanging.

The autopsy was conducted by Government pathologist, Vivekanand Brijmohan, at the New Amsterdam Hospital. The 50-year-old woman who was holidaying in Guyana was found hanging in a friend’s house at 19 Pope Street, New Amsterdam on Sunday night at about 19:00hrs.

Rosemary who was expected to return to the United Kingdom shortly was in Guyana with a colleague. However, she was reportedly behaving strangely prior to her death. The body was allegedly found in a standing position, slightly suspended off the wooden flooring, with an extended phone charger cable wrapped around her neck.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday Deputy High Commissioner of the UK, Ron Rimmer traveled to New Amsterdam to identify the woman’s body at the New Amsterdam mortuary.

The woman was employed as an Entry Clearance Assistant at the Home Office, Apollo House, Wellesley Road, Croiden, London. The post-mortem examination had been scheduled for Wednesday but Dr Brijmohan requested another date to perform the autopsy.

Police had held three persons and also questioned several others. Last Sunday evening, hours after Rosemary had returned from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, where she had intended to board a return flight to the UK, she was found suspended in her friend’s home at Pope Street, New Amsterdam.

Rosemary had accompanied her workmate,

Guyanese-born Jessica Grumble to her homeland. They arrived on August 23 and were expected to depart on September 17.

The discovery of the body was made by Grumble in the living room area.

Grumble had seconds earlier awakened from her sleep to take a call from her mother Sue. Thereafter, Grumble’s stepfather Jason Hanniff said it was about 18:45hrs when he heard Grumble calling him to go over to the house to see something and after switching on the light he saw Rosemary standing just under the interior arch. Initially, he did not think anything was amiss, but after he contacted a friend, he was advised to inform the police and he did at 18:53hrs.

After the cops arrived, they took possession of the deceased’s belonging including USD$900, 900 Pound Sterling, G$5,500 and BDS [Barbadian] currencies, her British passport, a quantity of pharmaceutical medications, clothing and other personal items.

Meanwhile, on September 9, at about 22:40hrs, the now dead woman in the company of Hanniff had gone to the Central Police Station where she reported that she was feeling insecure and was leaving Guyana on September 10.

In addition, she claimed to have been verbally abused by the music she was hearing.

Furthermore, Hanniff had told Guyana Chronicle that he had gone to the Central Police Station on September 8, where he reported that Rosemary was behaving strangely, while claiming to be threatened.

In addition, she had sent text messages to her contacts in London, indicating that the police should be contacted, if she did not make it to the airport.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 15, 2017

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Battered farmer cries for justice

A YOUNG farmer from Rose Hall Town who was burnt when a liquid suspected to be acid was thrown at him, and was also chopped and threatened, is calling on the Guyana Police Force to act swiftly to apprehend the perpetrator as he is fearful for his life.

Sachin Shivgobin, 22, of Lot 3D Rose Hall Town, Corentyne said that on Wednesday last he was approached by the suspect who accused him of stealing a horse bit, to which he denied.

The suspect allegedly broke several of his windows and verbally abused him after the matter was reported to the police.

“He claim he left he horse bit in the cow pen which is not far from me but I didn’t go there. His nephew was there to collect a padding - he was the only one there but he say nah he nephew too. The police come the night and tell he if I steal his bit let he go to the station and make a report and after the police gone he bruk up the windows and cuss up me.”

Shivgobin went on to explain that the following day he went into the Rose Hall backdam to bring his cattle out and the suspect approached him with a cutlass in one hand

and a bottle in the other. “He fire a broadside meh gon can’t walk back road …meh tell the on me and then throw a liquid on meh, all I police all this when I go back to the station. feel was hot, hot and meh skin melting so Them tell me when me see am call them. meh jump in the water to try wash it off but Me nah ah see he, how me go call them...the it burn more, so meh come out and run go to police gotta guh look for he.” the police to report it.”

Meanwhile, when contacted by this The young farmer was subsequently taken newspaper, Divisional Commander Paul to the hospital where he was treated and sent Williams said he was unaware of the inciaway. He is thankful that the liquid missed dent but promised to look into the matter his face as it could have caused him to lose to get the full details. He noted also that he his sight. He however fears the worst if the was open towards having an audience with suspect is not apprehended. the victim.

Shivgobin related also that on numerous occasions he was threatened by the suspect whose name was given as “Anno.”

“He sey he will kill meh whole family, that is one charge he will face and that he gon come and bun down Shivgobin shows his hand that was chopped when he was meh house and attacked by the assailant, whom he can identify.

Consultation continues on diaspora engagement strategy A MEETING supported and funded in part by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) will be held next week in New York as consultation continues on Guyana’s Diaspora Engagement Strategy and Action Plan.

“This is a cycle that began prior to 2015, it has been continuing and we have been able to arrange for additional consultation,” Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge told reporters.

He noted that a consultant, who was working with four Caribbean territories, has prepared a White paper.

“The element pertaining to Guyana was that the subject of a very preliminary examination

by Cabinet,” he posited, adding that Cabinet has mandated a number of ministers, including the Ministers of Citizenship, Business and Public Security to review the proposals with

the intention of providing recommendations.

However, he noted that the additional consultations are being facilitated to allow for contributions from those who missed the initial opportunity to do so.

“Sometimes the area which had the most to say, had the most to say after they were invited to participate so they didn’t participate in significant numbers, in some places,” Minister Greenidge pointed out.

This round of consultations is part of a series of meetings in New York, USA and Toronto, Canada. “This will enable us to carry that process forward so we’ll be, if you like, involved in speaking and debating on a number of fronts as part of this single exercise,” Minister Greenidge noted.

From the Diaspora Engagement Strategy and Action Plan Guyana will develop a Diaspora Policy.

Peruvian remanded for overstaying A 62-YEAR-OLD Peruvian national was on Thursday remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for overstaying.

Manuel Fernandez denied the charge which alleged that between June 4, 2017 and September 10, 2017 2017 at Georgetown, while being permitted to stay in Guyana from March 4, 2017 to June 3, 2017, he overstayed.

The unrepresented man with the aid of an interpreter told the court that he is a geologist and was living in Brazil. According to reports the accused came to Guyana via the Lethem trail and was granted three months stay by an immigration officer.

However, on September 10 he was nabbed at the Crabwood Creek stelling.

The Magistrate remanded the foreign national on the ground that he has no ties to Guyana and poses as a flight risk.

The 62-year-old man was remanded to prison until September 15, where his matter will be called at the Lethem Magistrate’s Court.

Shivgobin shows the extent of the burns he sustained.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 15, 2017

Reaching out to Guyanese a challenge –– one week after Hurricane Irma visited Caribbean

By Svetlana Marshall THE massive destruction done to communication and other physical infrastructures in the hurricane ravaged islands has made it difficult for the Foreign Affairs Ministry to ascertain how many Guyanese have been made homeless.

Barbuda, St. Barts, Anguilla, BVI, Turks and Caicos and Saint Maarten are among the islands wrecked when Hurricane Irma made its initial landfall in the Caribbean on September 6.

Speaking on the matter, which is gaining global attention, Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, on Wednesday said Guyana is working closely with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), however, the country’s ability to effectively communicate with persons on the ground

remains an obstacle.

“I can’t for example tell you how many Guyanese have been made homeless in St. Barts. I am unable to speak to the Honorary Consul in St. Maarten because his residence, and apparently all of his belongings have been destroyed, and so we have to seek to get information from these places by round about routes,” he explained.

Minister Greenidge noted that while some islands are plotting their next move, other islands have sought refuge in other territories.

“In some places, Anguilla for example, the authorities and the external assistance they have sought to resettle, remove persons and take them to other locations, that compounds the problem,” he said while alluding to attempts by Guyana to ascertain the number of Guyanese affected and the severity of the impact of the hurricane on them.

“While it has been said that some Guyanese would like to be repatriated, we have not received any significant number of request for such movement. That is in part because communication is poor, but it is also because in some instances Guyanese who are in these locations would prefer at least in the first instance… remain and try to rebuild rather than to get up and leave at this point in time,” he added.

Nonetheless, he said CARICOM has recently sent a team on the ground to assist with the communication of much needed information.

NATIONAL RESPONSE The government and the private sector on Monday agreed to a national response to assist the affected islands contributing $10M (US$50,000) to the CDEMA Fund to assist with relief efforts.

To date, 26 persons have been confirmed dead.

“The number of persons dead and missing is expected to rise as communications and access are gradually restored across the Caribbean,” CDC Deputy Director-General, Major Kester Craig explained at a separate forum.

“Several organisations are deploying prepositioned teams and supplies to begin recovery efforts and assessments as quickly as possible,” he added.

He however noted that the majority of the Caribbean islands battered by Irma were spared by Hurricane Jose.

Alluding to the impact on CDEMA participating states, Major Craig pointed out that the hurricane’s impact on Anguilla was high, with four fatalities recorded.

Additionally, 90 per cent of the electricity infrastructure has been damaged on the island, along with 90 per cent of government build-

ings and businesses. Ninety per cent of the roads have also been deemed impassable.

Antigua and the Bahamas recorded low levels of impact, but Barbuda was not spared. According to Major Craig, one person was killed during the storm, while 1413 persons have been evacuated from the island to Antigua.

Like Anguilla, 90 per cent of Barbuda’s electricity infrastructure has been damaged, along with significant damages to critical facilities such as roads, water and communication systems.

Approximately 99 per cent of its building stock has been damaged; a total of 1084 structures.

In the British Virgin Islands, four deaths have been confirmed, while in Haiti, one person was killed, and one is reported missing. In the BVI, the impact was high, but in Dominica, Haiti, Montserrat and St. Kitts and Nevis, it was not so severe.

Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge In Sint Maarten, nine fatalities were confirmed, while four deaths were confirmed in the United States Virgin Islands (USVI), and three in Puerto Rico.

All these islands were significantly affected, but the impacts were not so severe in The Dominican Republic and neighbouring Cuba.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 15, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 15, 2017

Rosignol should be given township status –– Region Five Chamber of Commerce

THE Region Five Chamber of Industry and Commerce is lobbying for Rosignol Village, West Bank Berbice to be given township status.

The move is in keeping with an announcement by President David Granger that every administrative region in Guyana should have their own towns In a media release, the chamber said Rosignol already has the major infrastructure and requirements

of a town in place, including access to financial services such as banks/lending agencies, a market and health centres and three points of entry/exit to/from Region Five (ie Berbice Bridge and two stellings).

The chamber also cited the presence of nursery/primary and secondary schools, easy river transport access, access to a law enforcement facility and land available for housing expansion as addi-

tional attributes in favour of its request for consideration of township status for the region.

“The recent announcement of the construction of a Port/Harbour Terminal at Crab Island is also expected to cater for significant economic impacts on the neighbouring community and Rosignol will definitely stand to benefit from this as well,” the chamber said.

It said it is of the view

The Main Road at Rosignol, West Bank Berbice that Rosignol satisfies the requirements and is ready for upgrade and rebranding and therefore supported the village for township status.

“Both the citizens and the GoG will stand to benefit from this initiative and we are hopeful that the pronouncement will be made soon on this wonderful un-

dertaking by the government.

“We therefore wish to endorse such initiative by the GoG to establish townships in each region. This will drive economic progression and direct leadership of towns will better be able to manage and provide higher quality of services to the citizens,” the release

said.

The chamber also suggested that government should consider extending the western boundary of Rosignol to Cotton Tree Village and assured that it is ready to assist in setting up the framework necessary to achieve this in the near future.

CDC, Foreign Ministry open hotline for relatives of persons affected by Irma

THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) in collaboration with the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has established a hotline for Guyanese who are seeking information about their loved ones in the hurricane-affected islands.

The CDC is also working with the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and other stakeholders to dispatch much needed relief to the countries, which have undergone severe devastation.

Persons who have not yet heard from their relatives in any of the affected countries

are invited to make enquiries via the hotline numbers:226 1027, 226 1114, 226 1117, 600 7500 or 623 1700.

On Monday, the Government of Guyana had pledged an initial sum of US$50,000 to aid urgent relief efforts through the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) regional mechanism, the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), in partnership with the Association of Caribbean States (ACS). Further assistance will be determined subsequent to the completion of a Needs Assessment.

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, who has been appointed Head of the Ministerial Task Force that will be responsible for oversight of the efforts of the Civil Defence Commission’s (CDC) National Risk Reduction Platform, which has since been activated, has pledged that strenuous efforts will be made to keep an open line of communication to ensure that relatives of those residing in hurricane-hit zones are provided with the necessary information regarding their loved ones.

15 receive GBTI bursary awards

Senior Education Officer (Mathematics) Ameer Ali and other senior managers of GBTI with this year’s bursary awardees (GBTI photo) THE Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited (GBTI) on Wednesday presented bursary awards to 15 members of its Early Savers Club who were successful at the recent National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA).

Senior Education Officer (Mathematics), Ameer Ali, congratulated the students and urged them to continue being ambassadors for the bank.

Ali said the students have only now begun their journeys to success and called on them to remain

focused on their education while having a bit of fun.

The bank was commended for the initiative and Ali noted that the Ministry of Education was pleased to participate in the award ceremony.

Meanwhile, GBTI Senior Manager Sean Noel said the bank has always had a long and fruitful relationship with the Ministry of Education and noted that GBTI places great emphasis on education.

He disclosed that the bank has launched its Annual Calendar Art Compe-

tition and encouraged all children to enter to be a part of the GBTI 2018 Calendar.

This year’s awardees included Gabriella Roberts who secured the second position at the NGSA. Other awardees included Shelby Gomes, Leonard Grant, Leonardo Juan, Marlon Benn, Ryea Algu, Shilendra Haripersaud, Saif Khan, Bholanand Seenarine, Carey Sutherland, Oma Seeraj, Shaquan Adams, Naita Rafick, Deonarine Dukharan and Shania Andrews

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 15, 2017

Ramjattan explains reshuffle in Police Force PUBLIC Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan, has defended this week’s re-adjustment of senior members of the Guyana Police Force.

The minister expressed confidence in Commander of “E” Division of the Guyana Police Force, Ravindradath Budhram, as well as Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum.

Blanhum proceeded on annual leave this week and the move resulted in a shifting of personnel within the hierarchy of the Force. Assistant Commissioner, Paul Williams, has since been

appointed to act as crime chief.

“Blanhum is a serious spiller in this Police Force,” Ramjattan said Thursday at an Alliance For Change (AFC) press briefing, noting that the senior officer has done a “fantastic job” in his and the government’s opinion.

He said the senior officer will be back in time for December when he noted there is always a spike in crime.

The minister noted that initially there was an argument for Commander Budhram to act in Blanham’s

Teacher who torched home in hiding POLICE are still seeking the whereabouts of a Sophia Primary School teacher who allegedly set her house ablaze with her husband and teenage son inside on Tuesday last, at their lot 1419 Section “E”

burns and was treated at the Georgetown Public Hospital and discharged.

Richard Walters related that when he sprung out of his bed he saw flames and did not know it was the work of his wife.

The remains of the house that was set ablaze (Samuel Maughn Photo) Field Cummings Park, Sophia home.

Police said the woman has since not turned up to her workplace neither at her mother’s house as investigations continue into the arson.

The teacher identified as 46-year-old Brucene Walters, initially tried to burn the building down on Monday when she set fire to some building materials which was stored under their home but was unsuccessful.

It is alleged that the materials were bought by her older son with her assistance as he intended to construct a small shack in which he and his girlfriend planned to live.

However, in the wee hours of Tuesday morning, she set fire to the bed in which her husband Richard Walters, 49, was sleeping.

Walters suffered minor

However, it was when he rushed to assist her and his 15-year-old son out of the house that he realised that it was his wife who had committed the act when she threw a lit kerosene stove at him before fleeing the scene.

The traumatised husband said he could not believe what happened since their youngest child was in the house when it was set ablaze.

When questioned what could have been a motive for her action, the man said he and his wife had an argument earlier in the night and she had accused him of infidelity. Walters has denied the infidelity accusation but acknowledged that it was the reason being the arson.

He lamented that all his possessions and important documents have been destroyed.

absence, but said that there are three sub-divisions under the “F” division which is being managed by the police commander.

Further, he said a move for Budhram to crime chief was never granted, pointing out that as minister, he indicated that “certain set of things has to be done”. He said the vacuum the police commander would have left in “F” Division was among the arguments considered.

Budhram is doing “a fine piece of work” in that

division, Ramjattan said, noting that the senior cop has been preparing the documentation for the creation of the three sub-divisions.

He said the alleged collusion in relation to aircraft which were found in the Rupununi has nothing to do with Commander Budhram as he asked reporters to “Please don’t go tarnishing a senior cop’s name.”

He added that Williams’ move was done on the grounds that he has academic background to hold

the fort in the absence of Blanhum.

The minister pointed out that when senior officers go on leave, there is always a reconfiguration to have continuity in the administration of the Force.

He said that proposals have to be made by the chief administrator of the Force, that being the acting Police Commissioner, David Ramnarine, but he noted that certain collective decisions had to be made.

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 15, 2017

Cynthia Dookie does Guyana proud --takes coveted Global International 2017 title THE Miss Global International Guyana organisation had promised that they would bring home the international crown this year, and they were able to deliver on the goods when Cynthia Dookie won Miss Global International last Saturday night at the Rui Hotel in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

She was crowned by the pageant’s International Director Lachu Ramchandani, after the reigning queen, Brazil’s Gleiciane Monteiro was unable to attend.

Taking first runner-up was San Andreas’ Annie Newball, while Trinidad’s finished as second runner up.

Magdalena Neza from Nicaraugua, and Nastashia Mitchell from Jamaica rounded out the top five.

The win marked Guyana’s return to prominence

on the international stage, having not won an international crown since Alana Seebarran copped Miss India Worldwide back in 2012.

Dookie is still in Jamaica, just taking it all in as she comes to terms with what it feels like to be an internationally awarded queen.

“It has been phenomenal, a combination of mixed emotions: Excitement, nerves, happiness. I am still feeling a lot at the moment. There is no way to describe it adequately,” Dookie told The Buzz via email.

She became Guyana’s latest international beauty queen, after scoring top points in the preliminary interview segment of the pageant, which saw her taking the “Miss Most Aware” prize. She then went on to ace the final question after making it through to the Top

received from the people.

“The hotel, the streets, Jamaicans are so loving, warm, and welcoming, and I am so privileged to be here, experiencing all of this.

“I cannot say thank you enough to the Miss Global International Organisation for having me here, and experiencing this majestic paradise that is Jamaica. Thank you so much,” Dookie proclaimed to an encouraging round of applause.

Five.

Nonetheless, despite the confidence she exuded, it was the preliminary interview that the fitness trainer found to be the most difficult of them all.

“The pre-judging, I would say, was tough, because it was a one-on-one sit down with the panel of judges. It was quite nerve wracking at some points, and took a lot of preparation,” she said, adding: “The judges would ask questions based on current global issues, as well as questions tailored to bring out our individual personalities. Most of all, this segment counts for the most points, and also gives you a chance to make a lasting impression on the judges; you are either forgettable or memorable.”

19 OTHER BEAUTIES

BEST GOWN

Guyana’s Cynthia Dookie after taking the Miss Global International title

National costume by Nachle Designs

The 2017 Miss India Guyana also won “Best Gown” for the Randy Madray rhinestone encrusted, turtle-neck masterpiece she donned.

“My favourite segment of this pageant was the evening gown segment. I often refer to my evening gown as my ‘Cinderella dress’, because the moment I step into it, I feel like royalty,” Dookie remarked.

After nailing the preliminary interview, Dookie went on to be the epitome of poise and elegance on Pageant Night, as she went through the introduction, national costume and evening gown segments. And then that decisive final-question

segment!

For the final question, all of the five delegates were each given an individual question.

The question posed to Dookie read: “Many tourists come to Jamaica for its sunny weather and its rich culture. Based on your experience, what would you say is the number one reason to make you stay in Jamaica.”

To which Dookie effortlessly replied that it would be the Jamaican hospitality that would keep her coming back for more.

“I have been here for just a couple of days, but the one thing that would make me stay here in Jamaica is the hospitality that I have

Dookie prevailed over 19 other beauties, who took part in this year’s pageant.

Originally, 30 delegates were scheduled to participate; however, 10 could not make it due to hurricane-related impediments.

Nonetheless, National Director, Melicia PartabKhan has noted that this year was still a particularly tough year at the pageant, given that several of the other delegates also came equipped with prior pageant experience.

“Most of the delegates had past pageant training, which equipped them with the knowledge and experience to compete in all segmentsm” Partab-Ali said.

“This meant that the Guyana team really had to ensure that we brought everything we had to excel at each and every segment possible. Being consistent in all segments, rather than just focusing on one, gave us the collaborative edge overall,” she added.

Dookie, herself, credited her win to the people behind the scenes; her own little “dream team”.

“It was my support system; my team, which was there to support me every step of the way, even if it meant bringing me a towel when I needed it, or a sip of water.

“I truly could not have done it all without my Dream Team,” Dookie said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 15, 2017

Tread lightly with the legalising of marijuana --measure the human casualties first MIND-altering substances have always been a part of human culture, but never before have we been in a position to weigh the consequences as we are today.

I was in school when I confronted the first physical manifestation of addiction; the music at the time was Santana’s ‘Black Magic Woman’.

The followers of the local ‘hippie’ movement, ‘Popalong’ gathered on D’Uurban Park, shredded their bell bottoms and painted slogans like ‘SATAN’S EVIL WAYS’ on their shirts.

I traversed from the Coast, where I lived with my godparents and went to school, to my father’s relatives in West Ruimveldt.

Nicky ‘A’ was the first addict I knew; he seemed far out and always hyped happy, with his trendy bell bottoms and slogan- covered treads.

My godfather subscribed to, or bought, ‘LIFE’ magazine which was full of Vietnam pics and stories. My godfather told me that the US Marines were given ‘pot’ to enable them to survive in combat, and that they would never be normal again. The latter registered with me.

‘Pot’, of course, covered everything on the mind-altering menu.

Nicky ‘A’ remained a tortured appendix to his mom, and died much older and still addicted.

Last week I lost an admired friend. Ray Hunt was one of the best street fighters of south Georgetown; a onetime force of physical fitness.

I and others learnt a lot from this elder brother while he was in his prime.

Ray Hunt, like numerous others, became a Rasta and changed the course of his life. He admitted to me in a conversation a few years ago of experiencing paranoia and hallucinations overseas as a result of marijuana use. I told his older brother, Leroy, and I think we both considered it something of the past.

The symptoms of his introverted mood, and developed isolative custom; strange but undefined to un-

trained minds, but significant as in keeping with common medical knowledge on the marijuana habit, quote as follows: “THC overactivates certain brain cell receptors, resulting in effects such as: Altered senses; changes in mood; impaired body movement; difficulty with thinking and problem solving; impaired memory and learning.”

THC IN MARIJUANA The amount of THC in marijuana is now greater, since its commercial potential has bordered on greed levels. This brother passed from the effects of a stroke.

How much of it has to do with the retreat into excessive marijuana usage cannot be dismissed, because we have witnessed this before.

No area of this country is without its records of substance abuse destruction; south Georgetown has constant episodes. I personally know dozens of young brothers and sisters whose lives were destroyed by marijuana and cocaine addiction, and the false spirituality and

pusher hype that was used.

I don’t speak from hearsay; I lived in West Ruimveldt, in a home where marijuana was pressed for export. I know the people and the casualty list. Certain music is not played in my moments of solitude because of the memories archived, and the fact that many of the faces that appear on the memory stage are untimely dead, while others live broken lives.

Now, a new dimension has emerged. A few days ago, a friend witnessed a known Guyanese journalist who has lived a long time overseas but is now restlessly exiled in Guyana, telling schoolchildren on Smyth Street to use marijuana because it can help them pass exams.

To escape Guyana, he appears to have decided to be the local Pied Piper for Ganja addiction. My friend also referred to another operation at Leonora, where a supposed aerated drink seller is filtering marijuana to schoolchildren, using the same lies.

Our children need to

know that the formula for learning begins with the atmosphere created at home by parents; the availability of the tools for research and references and the student’s own efforts, coupled with solid nutrition.

There’s no drug that can empower the mind to enable effortless passing of exams.

THC in marijuana is destructive to the development process of young people. “It can change the way the developing brain grows,” says Dr. Raphael Mechoulam in the June 2015 edition of National Geographic.

“In some people, cannabis can provoke serious and debilitating anxiety attacks,” he said, adding that studies also suggest that “cannabis may trigger the onset of schizophrenia among those who have a genetic predisposition to the disease.”

I told this brother that this can happen, because, since the proliferation of marijuana and cocaine in this country, the State has not seen it necessary to implement as yet an effective education programme directed at our young people, to inform them of the down side of this drug. For, it is a drug; as is tobacco. We did

little to inform our humanity about the dangers of tobacco either, but borrow from the North American anti-smoking campaign.

FOR WANT OF FUNDING I have before protested the laws on marijuana, when there is nothing philosophical from the state to justify it. I founded RESCU, a substance abuse group that used to visit schools, which has halted because of funding and no response from the entire international and local entities that should have been concerned.

I still maintain the RESCU Facebook page.

Marijuana undoubtedly has potential for the treatment of ailments, as long as the positive/negative components can be separated: THC from CBD. But not in its ‘Pot usage’. Ailments that include Glaucoma, Crohn’s Disease, Inflammation, Loss of appetite, Tourette’s syndrome and Asthma. We make our national dish [credit to our Amerindian brothers and sisters], the pepperpot, from casareep, which is made from bitter cassava. But the lethal poison in the bitter cassava has to be first skimmed

off in the process of making the casareep, before the product is useful. This is the balance of nature with all things.

There’s another player on the stage that our authorities have to take into deep focus: The presence of ‘Synthetic Marijuana’, said to have been developed in China.

This is lethal stuff, and carries the following severe disposition: Agitation, vomiting, hallucinations, paranoia, tremor, seizure, chest pains, cardiac problems, stroke, kidney damage, acute psychosis, brain damage, and death.

This product is also competing on our local market, and from what experienced brethren have concluded, it is becoming difficult to differentiate this robot plant from the almost normal.

Even the so-called normal itself is subject to fast growth chemical methods.

Because of its medical potential, I support a seriously local management of the cultivation of cannabis.

We have witnessed the ‘Free-fuh-all ganja hustle’ and its damage toll. It has not slipped observation that in crime reports, the impact of drug addict crimes and direct drug hits are not highlighted and are dumped into ‘Crime’ while references are made to robbery under arms, etc.

It must be realised that 80% of this population who have struggled, and are still struggling, with addiction in their homes and with family members, whom in many cases they have released to the streets because of helplessness, are paying attention to what can easily become worse case scenarios of ‘Russian Roulette’ with their lives, especially since their underaged children are targeted.

The members of society who make these issues their causes, have not lived their nightmares; nor have they witnessed or do they care about most of what I have written in this letter. When dangerous issues become socio-political opportunities, the sincere in the midst may not even realise what is transpiring; that there is little concern for those who will inevitably get hurt.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 15, 2017

Shut up!

--Danielle D.I. tells Ishawna

THIS weekend is one sprinkled with a little Latin, Jamaica and Bajan flavour, with a hint of some sports entertainment!

The Jamaican afterwork is returning to Tower Suites, while the Latin Nights are back at the District Ultra Lounge up at Giftland.

And they both go down tonight! There’s also a gospel concert over in Kitty, but that one’s free!

On Saturday, things are going to be lit at Palm Court when Entertainer Stiffy touches down for Bajan Invasion.

There’s also another big boxing match going down this weekend, and it will be showing at 704 as well as at the Strip!

There’s also another Amerindian Heritage Month Savannah Drive that’s promising culture, adventure and excitement.

You can use Sunday to catch up on your rest, and get ready for work on Monday!

TODAY

The Jamaican After-work Lime is back by popular demand! So you can head on down to Tower Suites poolside for the best Jamaican experience around!

Lime starts at 17:00hrs, so get there early to reserve your seats.

Enjoy bucket specials on Red Stripe and Dragon beer!

DANCEHALL artiste Danielle D.I. has released a new track allegedly aimed at controversial dancehall artiste, Ishawna.

The song, Talk Up, was released on Wednesday, and has been making the rounds on the Internet, causing some amount of buzz as fans of both entertainers are waiting to see if Ishawna will respond lyrically.

According to Danielle D.I., known for her hit single, Rebel, she decided to record the songs because she has been made aware that the Equal Rights deejay has been taking jabs at her in recent times. She said that she wants to put an end to it by settling all scores lyrically.

“Reliable sources have confirmed that she is being

Danielle D

Pulse Entertainment is doing it again! Latin Night is back at the District Ultra Lounge!

Enjoy the wildest Latin party in town with Latin, Soca and Pop mixes by DJ Ryan, DJ Anesah and DJ Country Boy! Party starts 20:00hrs. Everyone free before 21:00hrs! Admission: $2000.

The African praise team, Peks Band, in collaboration with The Revealed Word Christian Centre, Guyana presents “Hosana 2017” at The Revealed Word Christian Center on William Street Kitty! Come out and celebrate; a blessing awaits you! Featuring the Dominion Dancers, RWCC, and RCCG drama teams and more! Admission: FREE. TOMORROW

This Saturday, unified middleweight world title holder Gennady Golovkin will defend his belts against former champion, Canelo Alvarez. And you catch all the action live on the big-screens at the 704 Sports Bar!

The Strip Hookah Lounge is also getting in on the sports vibe this weekend! Enjoy the fight for supremacy live, as Canelo takes on Golovkin, while DJ King Keev and DJ Reality shell down the vibes!

Ishawna

A new spot is opening up! Mixed Moods Jazz Sports Bar and Restaurant will be having a grand opening at their Public Road Riverview place in Ruimveldt.

The Amerindian Heritage Month Savanah Drive is going to Moraikobai from Saturday to Sunday!

Join the Super 7 Team and others for two days of heritage-filled experience in Moraikobai!

This will be a two-day event filled with activities like fishing, boating, camping and much more!

Registration takes place at Yarrowkabra Village, on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway! Drive begins at 10:00hrs!

AB’s Entertainment presents Bajan Invasion at The Original Palm Court! Performing live, straight out of Barbados, will be Entertainer Stiffy, alongside Jagwa DeChamp plus the sexiest Bajan host, Dazzy Skye!

Tickets: $2000; Gate: $3000.

Nachgana Academy of Dance presents, ‘The Royal Rebels’ dance production at the National Cultural Centre!

Get ready for a production with class and elegance as they break down the barriers of Indian dancing!

Show begins at 19:00hrs! Tickets: $2000, stage front; $1000 general.

seriously malicious. I will have to come for you, and I am going to do so lyrically, because these babies can’t handle it if things should go any other way,” Danielle said.

Despite not necessarily known for her ‘war songs’, the deejay questioned Ishawna’s lyrical capability and skills on the microphone, saying she doubts Ishawna would be brave enough to respond to her song.

“She can’t talk up to me on record, because she is not articulate enough; she is not lyrical enough; and she don’t have crap to say either. She will just have to hold her mouth in silence,” she said.

THE WEEKEND STAR team contacted Ishawna’s team to see if there was any truth to D.I.’s claim, but was told that the issue doesn’t warrant a response, and, therefore, no comment.

However, following the

release of D.I.’s song, many alluded to a post made by Ishawna via her Instagram page.

Following news of the diss track, Ishawna posted a photo of herself with the caption: “Pressure dem like cow foot”.

Although the post made no direct reference to D.I. or her song, many gossip websites pointed to the timing of the post, and raised questions about whether it was directed at D.I.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 15, 2017

Selena comes clean

--about kidney transplant SELENA Gomez has revealed she’s had a secret kidney transplant due to her battle with Lupus, and that her best friend was the donor.

The singer, 25, broke the news by sharing a picture of herself recovering in hospital alongside pal and fellow actress, Francia Raisa.

In a lengthy post, she explained why she had been absent for most of the summer as she shared a series of pictures of her scars.

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease with symptoms including body aches, fevers and extreme fatigue; it can also lead to kidney and heart damage.

She wrote: “I’m very aware some of my fans had noticed I was laying low for part of the summer and questioning why I wasn’t promoting my new music, which I was extremely proud of.

“So I found out I needed to get a kidney transplant, due to my Lupus, and was recovering.

“It was what I needed to do for my overall health. I honestly look forward to sharing with you soon, my journey through these past several months, as I have always wanted to do with you.

Selena Gomez, right, recovers in hospital with best friend Francia Raisa after her kidney transplant

“Until then, I want to publicly thank my family and incredible team of doctors for everything they have done for me prior to, and post-surgery.”

Selena, who is dating The Weeknd, went on thank The Secret Life of the American Teenager star, Francia, who had donated her kidney, revealing she felt “incredibly blessed”.

Selena continued: “And finally, there aren’t words to describe how I can possibly thank my beautiful friend, Francia Raisa.

“She gave me the ultimate gift and sacrifice by donating her kidney to me. I am incredibly blessed. I love you so much, sis.”

And, helping to raise some awareness about Lupus, she added: “Lupus continues to be very misunderstood, but progress is being made. For more information regarding Lupus, please go to the Lupus Research Alliance website: www. lupusresearch.org” Francia and Selena have been best friends since 2008, and even call each other sister.

Selena was pictured back at work for the first time since the operation, and looked happy and healthy on set in New York.

Last year, Francia paid tribute to Selena on her birthday, revealing she had been there for her through thick and thin. (The Sun)

Vegas defends reggae song Fergie and Josh Celeb split...

--Says he will not give up secular music A NEW track released by reggae artiste, Mr Vegas, where he talks about his experiences with the catastrophic Hurricane Irma has sent tongues wagging.

Many listeners, after hearing the track, are now questioning the artiste’s faith, pointing out that the lyrics of the song are not in line with the type of song that a Christian should be putting out.

While some listeners likened the humour in the song to that of Lovindeer’s song about Hurricane Gilbert, the majority of listeners have been lashing out at Mr Vegas, labelling him as confused for dabbling in gospel music one minute, and then switching to reggae and dancehall the next.

“Vegas try off a Christianity fi see if him woulda buss big in it like Lady Saw, but it nuh work out, so him a try screechy back inna di devil world,” one user commented on Instagram.

“Isn’t this the same Vegas that turn Christian wah day,” another said.

In an interview with THE STAR, Mr Vegas said the backlash he is currently getting took him by surprise, as the song about Irma was done to bring a little humour and fun to a stressful situation.

The artiste says he believes the backlash coming from the Christian community is the highest level of hypocrisy, and labels the outcry as a form of envy.

“I think it’s some form of envy from a certain part of the Christian community, because it almost feels like you’re a celebrity joining an organisation; and in

call it a day

FERGIE and husband Josh Duhamel have announced their split after eight years of marriage.

The couple, who have a four-year-old son Axl together, released a joint statement revealing that they actually split up “months ago”.

The pair started dating in

order for them to accept you, they have to tear you down,” he said.

Mr Vegas went on to explain that he believes it is possible for a Christian to do clean reggae and dancehall music, and stressed that he will continue to do music (reggae, gospel or dancehall) as long as it keeps providing for him and his family.

The entertainer lamented that

the support he has gotten over the years, and continues to get from the dancehall fraternity, is not the same when it comes to the gospel industry.

“I put out a whole gospel album, and I did a few gospel concerts, and I don’t get the support that I get from the dancehall or the reggae community,” he said.

September, 2004 and married in Malibu in January, 2009.

In a statement released to People magazine, they said: “With absolute love and respect we decided to separate as a couple earlier this year.

“To give our family the best opportunity to adjust, we wanted to keep this a private matter before sharing it with the public.

“We are and will always be united in our support of each other and our family.”

It has been months since the couple have been pictured together but they celebrated their eighth wedding anniversary back in January.

Duhamel, 44, publicly marked the milestone by sharing a family picture on Instagram and writing: “8 years!! Love you babe.”

Fergie, 42, was most recently seen in Brazil on Wednesday as she promotes her new album Double Dutchess. The former Black Eyed Peas star also quashed rumours that the couple were expecting their second child.

She told he told 103.5 KTU last week: “I’ve heard so many rumours about all of that. I have no idea what’s in the future.”

Their shock split is one of many surprising celebrity separations over the past year.

In Septmeber 2016 Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt announced their divorce while Anna Faris and Chris Prat broke hearts this summer with their separation. (The Sun)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 15, 2017

Emrit was on cricket field in Kabul

T&T cricketer and Guyana Amazon Warriors captain Rayad Emrit was on the cricket field in Kabul, when the suicide bomber blew himself up outside the ground in Afghanistan on Wednesday.

Emrit is the only West Indian cricketer taking part in the Afghanistan T20 league called the Shpageeza. He is playing for the Boost Defenders and was on the field when the action occurred.

Speaking to Guardian Media Sports, the former T&T captain said: “We were in the field bowling when the situation occurred.

It was the second over of the innings and we heard a loud explosion go off on the outside. I felt the stadium shake; such was the force of this explosion.

When I looked outside I saw a tall building shaking and broken glass all over.

The entire area of the building was in smoke. We were told by officials that it was a gas cylinder that went off.”

Emrit, a resident of El Dorado continued: “We were still very shaken and we just went through the motions. We ended up winning the game but still it was not the same. It is only when the match ended we heard the true story of what occurred.

It was not a nice situation.”

The Alescon Comets player said he decided to stay in the stadium and finish the game because it was safer inside there.

Emrit added that he wanted to come home (T&T), but was unable to, as the next

available flight is today.

A statement on Islamic State’s Amaq news agency claimed responsibility for the incident, the latest in a string of suicide attacks in Kabul mounted by the group.

The Shpageeza tournament, now in its fifth season, is one of a small number of Western-style sports competitions along with Afghan Premier League football that have grown up since a U.S.-led campaign toppled the Taliban in 2001.

A small number of foreign players from countries including South Africa, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka as well as the West Indies, are taking part. The Afghan Cricket Board reported that all players were safe. (Extracted from Trinidad Guardian)

Brijpal aiming for 14-second glory at Caribbean Invasion By Stephan Sookram WITH just over two weeks to go before the Caribbean Invasion Drag race meet at the South Dakota Circuit, competitors are already throwing out challenges.

One such competitor is Rayon Brijpal and his Toyota Runx both of which are aiming for dominance in the 14-second class of the event.

“This meet is the big one, the one we have been waiting for all year and I think we are ready for it. My car is almost always read to run,” he told Chronicle Sport.

He continued, “My car is street-modified and all I do on drag racing day is change my wheels and take my seats out to go a bit lighter. I also do a full service with my mechanic Les Thomas before and after the meet to keep the car in shape.”

For him, drag-racing represents something that shows not only how

well prepared a person’s car is but how well he can drive it.

“At the end of the day, it’s about who can bring the full potential of their car out on the drag-strip.”

He threw out a strong challenge to those attempting to take the 14-second class trophy, come race day.

“I am willing to race any 1500cc machine in my class whether a manual or automatic transmission because I have confidence in my car and myself.”

The October first Caribbean Invasion will feature a host of local competitors according to the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) who will host the event.

Additionally, competition from Suriname is also expected while there are plans to include other Caribbean Islands.

Admission for children is $500 and for adults $1000.

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Infantino accused of interference by ousted expert LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) - A governance expert fired by FIFA yesterday accused the leadership of world football’s governing body of interfering with his work, ignoring rules, and removing him in order to stay in power.

to reform and said only “external pressure” would force the organisation to change.

Appointed as chairman of FIFA’s Governance committee in May 2016, the Portuguese academic was replaced, without warning, 11

on FIFA’s council because it was a clear breach of the rules against governmental interference in football.

Maduro told the MPs when he raised objections to Mutko’s candidacy, Infantino made his opposition “very

FIFA president Gianni Infantino (left) and Russian Deputy Prime Minister and Local Organising Committee chairman Vitaly Mutko walk on the pitch after the ceremony for the opening of the FIFA World Cup Trophy tour at Luzhniki stadium in Moscow on September 9, 2017. (Photo: AFP)

Speaking to Members of Parliament (MPs) on Britain’s Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, Miguel Maduro gave a devastating indictment of FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s commitment

months later after falling out with Infantino over several “sensitive” decisions.

Foremost among those was Maduro’s refusal to allow Russian Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Mutko to stand for a seat

clear”.

According to Maduro, Infantino said blocking Mutko would have a negative impact on the 2018 World Cup in Russia and he believed there was “no evidence” the former Rus-

sian sports minister had been involved in the state-sponsored doping programme revealed by a World Anti-Doping Agency investigation last year.

Maduro was blocking Mutko for the reason that having a Deputy Prime Minister on the council undermined FIFA’s actions against some associations for political interference.

Maduro described Infantino as a man who he believes started with the intention of tackling an “embedded culture” that is “extremely resistant to independent scrutiny” but who has chosen “to survive politically”.

Infantino replaced the disgraced Sepp Blatter as FIFA boss in 2016, vowing to lead the scandal-tainted body into a new era.

Former Portuguese minister for regional development Maduro said the “systemic culture” comes “from the ground up” and there are associations and confederations that do not understand what good governance looks like or why it is even desirable.

“FIFA is a system of rules without the rule of law,” he explained.

Maduro said he was more than happy to take advantage of parliamentary privilege, which provides protection from legal action in British courts, to speak freely about FIFA, as there was an obvious “public interest” defence.

Essex beat Bears to edge closer to county title ESSEX homed in on their first County Championship title for 25 years as they finished off relegation-bound Warwickshire, to win by an innings and 56 runs inside three days at Edgbaston.

Chris Silverwood’s side must wait on the result from Taunton, where Lancashire must now beat Somerset, before the silverware is confirmed.

Trailing by 161 overnight, on 7-0, the Bears slid to 47-5 before a rain break.

Simon Harmer and Jamie Porter did the job to bowl out the hosts for 112.

Spinner Harmer took the final wicket to end with eight in the match, while Porter and Sam Cook both claimed three apiece.

That leaves Division One’s bottom club Warwickshire also on the brink at the other end of the table. The Bears’ eighth defeat in 12 games this season was their fifth by an innings, two of

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 15, 2017

Six GCA games billed for this weekend

FIRST and second division cricket clubs, who are competing in tournaments, played under the auspices of the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA), will continue this weekend as that entity continues to take advantage of the perfect weather conditions prevailing at present.

Three matches will be contested in the GISE/Star Party Rentals/Trophy Stall first division cricket competition while a similar number of matches will be played in the Noble House Seafoods second division competition.

In the first division fixture, Police Sport Club will play GCC at Eve Leary, with Hortense Isaacs and Abena Parker calling play; Transport Sports Club opposes GNIC at Malteenoes Sports Club, with Andre Hurry and Ravishwar Latif being the men in charge, while at Camp Ayanganna UG and GDF will do battle, with Cyril Garnath and Flemroy Lambert officiating. Matches start 09:30hrs daily.

In the second division competition, GCC will host TSC, with Trevor Ritney and Joseph Jeffrey the umpires in charge; Sophia will tackle UG at GNIC, with Matthew Kissoon and Shermilla Austin calling play, while Malteenoes oppose Ace Warriors at GYO. Linden Matthews and Stephon Josiah are the umpires for that fixture.

Play starts at 10:30hrs on each day.

Super Six tapeball fixed for September 16 and 23 IN order to build friendship among the younger age groups in and around the Georgetown, the Royal Tapeball Cricket Academy Committee has planned an Inter-Ward Schoolboys Super Six knockout competition for September 16 and 23 at the National Cultural Centre tarmac.

The two-day tournament is aimed at attracting schoolboys’ teams from South Ruimveldt, East Ruimveldt, Tucville, Lodge, East La Penitence, Charlestown, Cummingsburg, Kingston, Woolford Avenue, Thomas Lands, Werk-en-Rust, Campbellville, Cummings Lodge and Plaisance.

At stake are trophies, medals and cash prizes donated by P.K.F Barcellos, Narine and Company, Goodwood Racing Service and P&P Insurance Brokers.

Teams interested can make contact with Johnny ‘Overseas’ Barnwell on 628-1656 or 666-5857.

The tournament is a six overs-a-side affair.

English Racing tips Doncaster 08:20 hrs Zoffalee 08:50 hrs Unforgetable Filly 09:25 hrs Heartache 10:00 hrs Lord George 10:25 hrsSheikhzayedroad 11:05 hrs Tiffin Top 11:35 hrs Muntadab 12:10 hrs Lawless Secret

Essex beat Warwickshire to edge closer to County Championship title

which have come against Essex.

The relegation which has looked on the cards since they began this season with four innings defeats in their first six matches could be confirmed before this week’s round of matches are completed.

Essex, who went up as Division Two champions in 2016, would become the second newly-promoted side to win the county title since two divisions were introduced to English cricket in 2000. Nottinghamshire are the only other team to achieve the feat, in

2005.Essex have been told that, should they complete their seventh triumph, the Championship trophy will not be presented until their home game against Yorkshire at Chelmsford, starting on September 25. (BBC Sport)

Sandown 08:30 hrs Swing Out Sister 09:00 hrs Melonade 09:35 hrs Crossed Baton 10:10 hrs Sharja Bridge 10:45 hrs Mulhimatty 11:15 hrs Call Me Grumpy 11:45 hrs Casement Chester 09:15 hrs Spud 09:50 hrs Falmouth Light 10:55 hrs Right Touch 11:30 hrs Gakku 12:05 hrs Key Bid 12:40 hrs Miss Goldsmith

South Africa Racing Tips Fairview 08:35 hrs Flamingo Vlei 09:05 hrs Olympic Power 09:40 hrs Morethanthat 10:15 hrs Varsity Cup 10:45 hrs Vous Et Var 11:20 hrs Meritocracy Irish Racing Tips Listowel 09:05 hrs Highway To Heaven 09:40 hrs Stenographer 10:15 hrs Nightly Wailing 10:50 hrs Ringside Support 11:20 hrs Val De Ferbet 11:50 hrs I Will Follow 12:20 hrs Aherlow 12:50 hrs Koroleva American Racing Tips Belmont Race 1 Dark Ops Race 2 Miss Aja Brown Race 3 Makealittlelove Race 4 Set Me Up Race 5 Abbreviate Race 6 Zippity Zoom Race 7 Miss Katie Mae Race 8 Island Reward Race 9You’re To Blame

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 15, 2017

Germany return to top of FIFA rankings ZURICH, Switzerland (Reuters) - World champions Germany pushed Brazil back into second place to return to the top of the FIFA rankings, published yesterday.

Germany’s 2-1 win away to the Czech Republic and their 6-0 drubbing of Norway in the World Cup qualifiers lifted them over the already-qualified Brazil, who dropped points in a draw away to Colombia.

European champions Portugal climbed three places to third - even though they are second in their World Cup qualifying group behind Switzerland.

In another surprise, Argentina are fourth in the rankings despite struggling to qualify for the World Cup after drawing their last two games away to Uruguay and at home to Venezuela.

War-torn Syria, who

World champions Germany push Brazil back into second place.

have reached the Asian playoff stage in the World Cup qualifiers despite playing their ‘home’ World Cup qualifiers in Malaysia because of the security situation in the country, rose to their highest-ever ranking of 75.

Three other teams reached their best-ever place - Peru (12th),

Northern Ireland (20th) and Luxemburg (101st) after they held France to a 0-0 draw away.

The rankings made disappointing reading for Asia with only three sides in the top 50 - Iran, Japan and Australia.

The next FIFA rankings will be announced on October 16 and used to determine the seedings

in the draw for the four European playoff ties for next year’s World Cup finals in Russia.

To p 1 0 r a n k i n g s : (previous positions in brackets) 1. Germany (2) 2. Brazil (1) 3. Portugal (6) 4. Argentina (3) 5. Belgium (9) 6. Poland (5) 7. Switzerland (4) 8.

France (10) 9. Chile (7) 10. Colombia (8).

WADA clears 95 Russian athletes of doping charges WA S H I N G T O N , U n i t ed States (AFP) — The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is set to clear 95 Russian athletes, investigated over involvement in the country’s alleged mammoth doping programme, the New York Times reported yesterday.

A leaked internal WADA report published by the newspaper Tuesday said the agency found it could not gather enough evidence against 95 out of 96 Russian athletes whom it has been probing.

“The available evidence was insufficient to support the assertion of an anti-doping rule violation against these 95 athletes,” WADA Director General Olivier Niggli wrote in the document. The report did not name any of the athletes under investigation.

A string of WADA reports had previously uncovered reams of evidence that the Russian authorities ran a large-scale programme to help competitors cheat international doping tests.

Russia’s Anti-Doping

Agency (RUSADA) was declared “non-compliant” with international sport’s anti-doping code in November 2015 and its track and field Olympics squad and entire Paralympics team were barred from Rio 2016.

nied that it ran a State-sponsored scheme to cheat at international sporting events and insists it is doing its best to crack down on dopers.

Russian officials said WADA’s decision only served to shed doubt on the revelations

WADA Director General Olivier Niggli

An independent investigation for the agency by Professor Richard McLaren in 2016 implicated some 1000 athletes in the doping system.

Moscow has furiously de-

in McLaren’s report.

“In general, the information of the McLaren report appears to be incomplete and, moreover in many cases unreliable,” R-Sport Agency

quoted Stanislav Pozdnyakov, the deputy chief of Russia’s Olympic Committee, as saying.

“For the moment, none of Russia’s 1000 athletes mentioned in the McLaren report has been found guilty or banned on the basis of his information. Meanwhile, a year has already passed (since the report was issued).”

While this latest twist may help bolster the Kremlin’s claims, Niggli suggested to the New York Times that an absence of evidence did not necessarily prove Russia’s innocence.

“The system was very well organised,” Niggli said.

“On top of it, years after the fact, the remaining evidence is often very limited.”

Niggli said that investigations into other athletes implicated in the doping scheme are ongoing.

RUSADA is currently battling to get itself reinstated, but faces a list of remaining WADA criteria that it must first meet.

GCC, TSC victorious in U-15 cricket tournament GEORGETOWN Cricket Club (GCC) and Transport Sports Club (TSC) are the latest winners when play in the Mike’s Pharmacy/Trophy Stall/Tropical Springs/Nauth Motor Spares Under-13 cricket tournament continued recently.

GCC beat Everest by 88 runs. GCC batted first and posted 181-5. Sanjay Persaud struck 65 while Rivaldo Phillips made 26 and Yohance Angoy 13. Extras contributed 70 to the total.

Yogesh Persaud picked up 2-37, Jagdesh Dowlataram 1-31; Varun Mangal 1-43.

In the run chase, Everest were 93-5 when the overs expired. Aryan Persaud, Melenik Halley and Darius Andrews had one wicket each.

TSC then turned the table around, when they defeated GCC by seven wickets. GCC took first strike and posted 97-9.

Yohance Angoy got 19 and Darius Andrews 12.

Extras chipped in with 40. Fidel Collins took 3-18, Rudernauth Kissoon 2-16, Dave Mohabir 1-7 and Shafiek Khan 1-12.

In reply, Transport SC scored 98-3 in 19.1 overs including 40 extras. Shemar Yearwood struck 28 not out. Melenik Halley had 2-10 and Angoy 1-18.

BVA Inter-Secondary School serves off today WITH the aim to promote volleyball at the school level, the Berbice Volleyball Association (BVA) has organised a one-week Inter-Secondary School tournament for schools in the East Berbice area.

The tournament will c o m m e n c e t o d a y, w i t h schools in the Upper Corentyne zone taking centre stage at the Skeldon Community Centre.

The schools have been divided into four zones, in order to have a very competitive tournament.

On Monday, the action moves to Central Corentyne when schools will match skills at the Bush Lot Secondary School court while on Tuesday, schools in the Lower Corentyne area will be vying for su-

premacy at Port Mourant.

The final set of preliminary matches will be contested on Wednesday when the schools in the New Amsterdam/Canje areas compete at the Berbice High School ground.

The top two teams in each zone will play in the quarterfinals which will be followed by the semifinals and final on Friday, September 22, at Port Mourant.

The top teams in the competition along with outstanding individual performers will be rewarded with trophies and other incentives, compliments of the BVA, Director of Sport Christopher Jones and the National Sports Commission.

Matches will begin at 09:30hrs daily.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday, September 15, 2017) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Chadwick Walton (Warriors) (2) James Anderson Today’s Quiz: (1) Who scored most runs in Hero CPL 2017?

(2) Who scored most runs in the recent WI/ENG Test series?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 15, 2017

T&T tumble following World Cup qualifying failure ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Trinidad and Tobago have taken a tumble in the latest FIFA rankings following their poor form in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, and are on the brink of slipping out of the top 100 in the world.

In the rankings released yesterday, the Caribbean powerhouses slipped 16 places to 99th, fourth in the Caribbean Football Union rankings led by French nation Haiti.

T&T have endured a recent tough run of results in their World Cup qualifying campaign. Earlier this month, they lost 2-1 to Honduras in Port of Spain before also going down 3-0 to Panama in Panama City, to suffer elimination from the competition.

They lie bottom of the six-team standings on three points with seven defeats and a single win, with two matches remaining in the tournament.

Meanwhile, Haiti jumped

seven places to be 48th in the FIFA rankings, and continue at the top in CFU. They widened their gap on Jamaica who remained second in CFU but slipped four places in the world rankings to 61st.

Curacao were unmoved, remaining third in CFU and 86th in the FIFA rankings.

St Kitts enjoyed a healthy bounce, leaping 11 places to 114th in the world rankings to be sixth in CFU. Suriname, fifth in CFU, slipped four places overall to 111th in the world rankings.

Guyana also experienced positive movement, rising seven places to 156th to be eighth in CFU while Dominica also rose six spots to be 171st and 13th in the regional rankings.

Latest Caribbean Football Union rankings *FIFA rankings are in brackets.

1. Haiti (48) 2. Jamaica (61)

3. Curacao (86) 4. Trinidad and Tobago (99) 5. Suriname (111) 6. St Kitts and Nevis (114) 7. Antigua and Barbuda (117) 8. Guyana (156) 9. Grenada (159) 10. Dominican Republic (160) 11. Puerto Rico (163) 12. Barbados (170) 13. Dominica (171) 14. St Vincent and the Grenadines (173) 15. St Lucia (178) 16. Aruba (179) 17. Cuba (180) 18. Bermuda (182) 19. US Virgin Islands (199) 20. Montserrat (200) 21.=Cayman Islands (202) 21=Turks and Caicos Islands (202) 23. British Virgin Islands (205) 24.=Anguilla (206) 24.=Bahamas (206)

Gayle, Samuels inclusions will help Holder - Richards

… Guyana rise to eighth in CFU rankings

Trinidad and Tobago have slipped to 99th spot in the world rankings.

Sharapova hits back at critics and denies drug-cheating TENNIS star Maria Sharapova, who served a 15-month suspension for doping, has hit back at her critics, saying they “don’t have the facts”.

The former world number one was suspended last year after she admitted taking the banned substance meldonium.

ments not based on facts, and therefore I don’t take them into consideration.”

The Russian player, who has just released her memoir ‘Unstoppable, My Life So Far’, also took aim at Andy Murray. The British player had previously said he finds

career, and I faced it head on, and I admitted my mistake, and I went about it and I served my suspension and now I’m back.”

She admitted making “a big mistake” by taking the drug, which she says she has been taking since 2006 for health issues. It became a

Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels

FORMER West Indies batting legend Sir Viv Richards believes the inclusion of the experienced Jamaican duo of Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels could provide needed support for team captain Jason Holder ahead of the England tour.

Samuels and Gayle have been returned to the squad following an amnesty of sorts for the region’s senior players, which once again makes them eligible for selection having previously been made ineligible due to stringent regulations.

Richards, while hinting that the availability of key players could have been of great use to the team and Holder in recent struggles, hailed the move as a step in the right direction.

Despite showing signs of promise, Holder, the 25-yearold Barbadian, has at times come in for heavy criticism - a fact Richards believes could be attributed to a lack of experience around him.

“It’s pretty tough for you to get things right at all times and that is where, sometimes, I think you need some of the more professional folks in the room; folks who would have gotten the experience at the higher level to give the sort of information, and that’s the time where I think he would have had a letdown because of the lack of information,” Richards told the Antigua Observer.

“One has got to remember as well that he is very inexperienced and his performances as captain haven’t quite warranted him, in a

sense, to be that dominant, to say the things and to do the things aggressively when you are performing as a captain,” he added.

“Chris has been pretty phenomenal. Anyone who can score 10 000 runs at the T20 level is someone very special.

He is one of the West Indian greats in that sense, Marlon Samuels being also experienced.

“There have been some problems but I just believe that there are times when you hear people speak about better late than never, but I don’t think it works in this particular situation but it’s nice that they are back.

“I think it’s just a sort of dressing and it could be the kind of send-off that I think Chris Gayle deserves.”

Maria Sharapova says there is “no proof” of meldonium’s performance-enhancing effects.

She has been widely criticised. Fellow player Eugenie Bouchard said she should not have been allowed to return.

But in a BBC interview, Sharapova denied cheating and said she had put the scandal behind her.

In April, Bouchard had said: “She’s a cheater and I don’t think a cheater in any sport should be allowed to play again.”

But Sharapova told the BBC: “I think those are com-

it strange that there is a prescription drug - meldonium - used to treat a heart condition commonly shared by many athletes at the top of their sport.

Sharapova said: “I don’t think it’s for them to really have an opinion, because they don’t have the facts. So, you know, I think that those are the types of words that make headlines and they will be used as headlines.

“But ultimately, this is my

banned substance on January 1 2016.

However, she questioned whether it should be banned, saying there is “no proof” of its performance-enhancing effects.

“The problem I have with that is there’s no proof of what it does, and no one can give you that proof. What is the ban based on?” she said.

It’s thought the drug could have a positive effect on an athlete’s stamina and endurance. (BBC Sport)

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 15, 2017

Harold ‘Mr 111’ Adams happy after erasing Auric Tappin’s 33-year-old record

By Rawle Toney IN 1984, playing for the YMCA Kings, Auric Tappin scored 58 points against the Mackenzie Knicks at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) Hard Court.

Tappin’s 58 points was the most scored by a Guyanese player in a senior competition, but that was until September 11, 2017, when Harold Adams scored a jaw-dropping 111 points in the Victory Valley Royals’ 206-46 points win over Bankers Trust Falcons.

“I feel good becoming the first person to score that many points in a game, but I was just having fun,” Adams told Chronicle Sport yesterday.

For many, Auric Tappin is considered one of the purest scorers Guyana has ever produced, with the ‘back court’ player proving his worth for both club and country. Tappin’s record stood for 33 years - accomplished four years before Adams was born.

Many tried and could not erase the 58 points set

by Tappin. Ravens point guard dropped 54 points against Eagles basketball club this year (2017), but that was as close as anyone got to pass Tappin’s mark.

51 points. Chris Williams, Adams’ teammate, had a 76-point performance, but that was during an Under-23 tournament in a game against the Kings.

piled up by his team, where the 206 scored was the most by any team in Guyana at any level.

“The team playing good basketball and that’s all

Harold Adams

Auric Tappin

In 1995, ‘Fat Wayne’ Andrews dropped 53 points on the Colts, while Steve Neils (Sr) in 1976 scored

While Adams was “having fun on the court” he could have cared less about mammoth points

that matters to me right now. I honestly didn’t care about the points, but the guys told me to keep playing because I wanted to come off since the third quarter,” Adams said.

Prior to his historic 111-point performance, Adams had scored 46 points in his previous game and had a series of outstanding performances; but the small forward made it

Playing in qualifying tournament not an embarrassment for Windies - Holder

BELFAST, Ireland (CMC) – Captain Jason Holder does not believe West Indies having to play in a qualifying tournament to reach the 2019 World Cup in England, is an embarrassment for the Caribbean side.

Hosts England and the remaining top seven teams in the ICC rankings at the September 30 cut-off date will earn direct qualification to the showpiece.

But with the Windies languishing ninth, they face the increasing likelihood of having to contest a 10-nation qualifier – comprising ICC associate nations like the Netherlands and Scotland – in order to secure one of the last two World Cup spots.

“I don’t think it is embarrassing,” Holder said following Wednesday’s rained out One-Day International against Ireland.

“The World Cup is of such that teams like Ireland have come into world events and done really well and beat big teams before, as well as other smaller teams, so I don’t think it’s embarrassing.

“We are where we are and if we do have to play in them (qualifiers), we will take it one step at a time.”

clear, “This is not about me, but right now, we’re trying to rebuild the team, so this was really a team thing.”

“The guys kept giving

The abandoned ODI at Stormont saw the Windies hopes of direct qualification suffer yet another blow. They needed to beat the Irish as well as also defeat England at least 4-1 in the upcoming five-match series starting next week.

However, the Windies can now ill-afford to lose any of the contests against England, leaving

them with little margin of error.

Holder, who also led the Windies at the last World Cup in 2015 in Australia and New Zealand, said their ultimate goal was to qualify for the tournament regardless of the route.

“We’re at the stage where we are looking to turn a corner and qualify for the World Cup,

West Indies captain Jason Holder looks in the direction of World Cup qualification.

whether we have to go through the qualifiers or qualify automatically,” he pointed out.

“We’re excited for the (England) series and hopefully we can play some good cricket.”

West Indies received a major boost for the series with the return of leading players Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels, after Cricket West Indies relaxed its stringent eligibility rules, allowing the duo to be in line for selection.

Several other players like brothers Darren and Dwayne Bravo, along with Sunil Narine, could also still make a return next year and Holder hopes the added experience coupled with the side’s young talent, can lead to positive results.

“We are still a work in progress and hopefully more players are coming back,” Holder said.

“Meantime, we have a young group of players challenging for places and hopefully they can come in and make their presence felt and feel more comfortable in the international arena.”

The first ODI against England bowls off at Old Trafford next Tuesday.

me the ball and encouraged me to keep playing,” said Adams, who added “right now, we have a good bunch of players, a nice young team and we’re good.”

Adams listed Orlon Glasgow, Marlon Pollydore, and Williams as the senior players on the Royals team, telling Chronicle Sport that “right now, we have a good group of youths

and along with couple senior players, we’re taking things one game at the team.”

The team formed by former National coach and basketball enthusiast, Linden ‘Sancho’ Alphonso, made a name for themselves being a tough no-nonsense unit from Victory Valley and have always been one of Linden’s hardest teams to overcome.

The Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) ‘Road to Mecca’ National Club Championships - a tournament where the Royals, despite never winning, but found considerable amount of success - will be held in November and Adams believes that his team will make it all the way to the final.

According to Adams, the team is looking forward to the tournament, since “we have a good team, a good young team that I believe can compete and even go all the way. Right now we’re focused on playing good basketball and the Road to Mecca. We will be ready.”

GT Beer Super Sunday football

Upper Dem. to face Georgetown, West Dem to clash with Essequibo/Pomeroon

WITH the battle lines drawn for Sunday, it’s anybody’s guess who will make it to the inaugural final of the GT Beer Inter-Association Super Sunday night cup football championship, being staged by the Upper Demerara Football Association at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground.

The die is cast for two interesting matches especially as Upper Demerara and Georgetown will collide in the second game of a double-header. The first brings together Essequibo Pomeroon and the emerging powerhouse West Demerara.

With an unbeaten run from their three group stage matches, Upper Demerara will face a Georgetown side which suffered a 1-0 loss to West Demerara but still managed to qualify as the second team from Group B. Upper Demerara gained nine points after three wins and netted 10 goals while giving up three in the process.

Georgetown on the other hand with two wins, that lone loss to West Demerara, ended with six points while scoring nine goals as against conceding four with six points.

Essequibo Pomeroon came through after securing one win, one defeat and one draw for four points, bettering East Bank who had one win also, but lost twice after scoring five goals and allowing seven.

East Coast the other team in their group failed to win after getting a draw and two defeats for one point.

(Joe Chapman)

32

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 15, 2017

Harold ‘Mr 111’ Adams happy after erasing Auric Tappin’s See 33-year-old record Page 31

‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson included in GFF’s provisional squad for Grenada friendly … Team set for two-day camp in Trinidad and Tobago

By Rawle Toney GREGORY ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson, considered by many as one of the best forwards of his generation, was included in coach Wayne Dover’s 28-man provisional squad for a friendly international against Grenada on October 7 in St George’s, at the Kirani James National Stadium.

Not since Guyana’s 1-0 win over Puerto Rico in March of 2016, has Richardson featured for Guyana, although the ‘Golden Jaguars’ played six times after their game at the Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium in San Juan.

The squad consists of four goalkeepers, seven defenders, 13 midfielders and three forwards, consisting of players from, among others, Silver Shattas Football Club (FC), Den Amstel FC, Guyana Defence Force (GDF) FC, Milerock FC, Santos FC and Western Tigers FC. Speaking on the shortlisted squad, Dover pointed out that “there is a large group of young

players in the squad who earned their call-up from performances in the Corona Beer Cup and Mayor’s Cup. The other players who make up the squad are players who are part of the senior national pool. Training will be done three days per week and will focus on aerobics, aerobic endurance, anaerobic and strength.”

According to Dover, a shortlist of the local squad will be done prior to departure and they will be joined by the selected international players.

“At the end of these sessions, the technical staff will select the best players as well as the best overseas-based players to shortlist a final 18-man squad for the upcoming game.”

The squad is scheduled to depart for Trinidad and Tobago for a two-day encampment before leaving for Grenada on October 5.

Other members of the technical staff include Rawle Adams –team manager; Charles Pollard – assistant coach; Linden France – physical trainer; Eon De Veira – goalkeeper coach and Denzil Hernandez – phys-

Emrit was on cricket field in Kabul See page 27

Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson

iotherapist.

Bryan Joseph, head coach of the National U-15 male team, will assist with training in the absence of Pollard who will join the squad in Trinidad.

The last time Guyana played Grenada, it was a bitter-sweet moment for both the Golden Jaguars supporters and players.

Pernel Schultz had led Guyana to a 2-0 victory over Grenada on March 29, 2015 at the Guyana National Stadium, scoring both goals in the first half, but FIFA declared it a loss by forfeit for Guyana (3-0), citing articles of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

The GFF was fined 4 000 Swiss francs (G$859 000) for playing Matthew Briggs, after FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee had conducted an investigation in the England-based player’s participation in an International ‘A’ friendly match.

According to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, “The GFF is liable for the violation of Article 5 of the Regulations governing the Application of the Statutes as well as Article

55.2 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code for having fielded the player Matthew Briggs without holding Guyanese nationality.”

Briggs, 26, the youngest player to feature in the English Premier League (EPL) with Fulham FC, who qualified to represent Guyana through his grandmother, had represented England at the U-16 through U-21 levels but never broke into the country’s senior national side.

The squad: (goalkeepers) Richie Richards, Alex Murray, Johnathan Copeland, Kellon Major. (defenders) Jeremey Garrett, Jamaine Cummberbatch, Delroy Ferdinand, Travis Henry, Cecil Jackman, Shomol Smith, Solomon Austin. (midfielders) Curtez Kelman, William Europe, Ryan Dowding, Denzil Fordyce, Delwyn Fraser, Eusi Phillips, Anthony Benfield, Eon Alleyne, Ryan Hackett, Delon Wrights, Jamal Pedro, Darren Benjamin, Dwyane McLennon, Jamal Haynes. (forwards) Gregory Richardson, Shane Haynes and Randolph Wagner.

Brijpal aiming for 14-second glory at Caribbean Invasion See page 27

T&T cricketer and Amazon Warriors captain Rayad Emrit

Rayon Brijpal’s 14-second Toyota Runx

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017