Guyana chronicle e paper 09 17 2017

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‘Seelall must go’ No. 105038

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2017

Price: $140 (VAT Inclusive)

– CoI recommends that top cop be made to resign or be removed

…says he should have been probed for perjury

Page 3

Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud

"T

he Commission recommends that Commissioner Seelall Persaud should be made to resign his position as Commissioner of Police for the Guyana Police Force, under such terms and conditions that His Excellency considers appropriate. Failing which, proceedings should be initiated in accordance with Article 225 on the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana to have him removed from office for misbehaviour,” the report submitted by Slowe and seen by this newspaper stated.

The report stated that Persaud had improperly inserted himself into the investigation into the alleged plot, although he was on leave. At the time, Assistant Commissioner of Police David Ramnarine was acting in the capacity of Police Commissioner. He is the second most senior rank in the Force.

Assistant Commissioner, David Ramnarine

Sanction Ramnarine Page 2

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE September 17, 2017

‘Sanction Ramnarine’ …CoI says Asst. Comm failed to ensure proper probe while acting as top cop

By Ariana Gordon RECOMMENDATIONS have been made for Assistant Police Commissioner, David Ramnarine to be sanctioned for what are considered to be lapses made during the investigation into the alleged plot to assassinate President David Granger.

Ramnarine was at the time of the investigation, acting as Police Commissioner as substantive head of the Force. Seelall Persaud was on annual leave.

The Commission of Inquiry (CoI) established by President Granger to investigate the matter found that Ramnarine who is the second most senior rank in the Guyana Police Force (GPF) failed to ensure a proper investigation was conducted.

Ramnarine did not act as

Top Cop throughout the period of investigation, and the Report submitted to President Granger states that during the period he had control should have done more to ensure the investigation was properly conducted. In his testimonies, the Assistant Police Commissioner opined repeatedly that the investigation conducted by ranks of the Major Crimes Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) was not thorough and proper.

“Even when he acted as Commissioner of Police and had the requisite authority, he did not direct nor ensure that a proper investigation was done. He should be sanctioned for this lapse also,” the report stated. Additionally, Ramnarine though he was provided with a recording of the allegation made by Andrif Gillard, and recorded

by Television journalist Tra-

Assistant Police Commissioner, David Ramnarine during his testimony before the Paul Slowe-led Commission

vis Chase, he did not review same. The recording which was provided in an electronic format was first sent to Assistant Police Commissioner Sydney James, who then for-

warded same to Ramnarine.

Ramnarine without reviewing it, sent same to Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum. He told the Paul Sloweled Commission that he did not review the recording because his office was not equipped with the technology to so do. “The Commission finds that the excuse given by Ramnarine for not viewing the recording to be a very poor one. His failure to view the recording before forwarding it to Blanhum, and on any subsequent occasion is a serious neglect on his part for which he should be sanctioned,” the report stated.

Gillard, a Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD) resident told police that he was offered $7M to kill President Granger sometime in June 2015. The man disclosed that he had asked his friend, Nizam Khan to borrow $6M but instead the man offered him $7 and told him he does not have to repay once he kills the head-of-state. Gillard,

along with Khan, was taken to CID to assist the police with investigations. While there, Khan’s brother Imran, who happens to be a close friend of the substantive police commissioner, arrived and behaved disorderly.

As a result of his conduct, he was arrested. Shortly after his firearm and mobile phone were taken from him, Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud called and spoke with him. After their conversation, the Top Cop then called Inspector Prem Narine and instructed that his friend be released on his own recognizance along with his brother Nizam and Gillard. The Top Cop at no point spoke with Ramnarine who was acting in his capacity at the time.

Ramnarine told the Commission that he first learned that it was at Commissioner Persaud’s behest that Nizam Khan was sent on bail after hearing remarks at the National Security Council meeting on May 16. He said

he was informed prior that it was Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum who ordered the release of the man and though he did not agree with it, did not seek to sanction Blanhum.

In fact, during his testimony when pressed on the matter, the Assistant Police Commissioner said, that at about 20:00h on March 29, he was informed that President Granger requested a brief on the matter the following day. He then contacted Blanhum and the head of Special Branch for updates on the investigation which he had asked Blanhum to handled directly. He said he was told that the investigation did not unearth much.

At about 5:30hrs on March 30, the Crime Chief reported to him the crime situation in the country. It was during that reporting period Ramnarine asked Blanhum the position of Khan who was arrested the day before. “He said the person would have to return today. I said return? How come? Wasn’t he in custody yesterday afternoon? And he said he was released. I was surprised at that. I asked him on whose instructions and he said his instructions because he does not believe the story by Andriff Gillard,” Ramnarine had told the Commission.

Ramnarine admitted that he found it strange that for such a serious allegation, Khan was released in less than 24 hours. He also told the Commission that he felt misled by Blanhum but noted that he trusted the Crime Chief’s judgment. “I felt very bad about it,” he told the Commission during his testimony.

The acting Top Cop admitted that he had the power to order the re-arrest of Gillard, and the Khan brothers. Based on this, the Commission felt that Ramnarine should have “initiated disciplinary action against Blanhum, and ordered a review of the investigation.” “His failure to do so is a neglect for which he should be sanctioned,” the report stated.

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‘Seelall must go’ SUNDAY CHRONICLE September 17, 2017

By Ariana Gordon

The Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the alleged plot to assassinate President David Granger has recommended that Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud be made to resign or proceedings should be initiated in accordance with Article 225 of the Constitution to have him removed from office for misbehaviour.

The CoI was conducted by retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Slowe and the report was handed over to President David Granger two weeks ago.

Should the President act on the recommendation, Seelall would be the first police chief here who would have left office in this manner.

He is due to formally retire from the force sometime next year and is currently on accumulated vacation leave.

“The Commission recommends that Commissioner Seelall Persaud should be made to resign his position as Commissioner of Police for the Guyana Police Force, under such terms and conditions that His Excellency considers appropriate. Failing which, proceedings should be initiated in accordance with Article 225 on the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana to have him removed from office for misbehaviour,” the report submitted by Slowe and seen by this newspaper stated.

The report stated that Persaud had improperly inserted himself into the investigation into the alleged plot, although he was on leave.

At the time, Assistant Commissioner of Police David Ramnarine was acting in the capacity of Police Com-

– CoI recommends that top cop be made to resign or be removed – says he should have been probed for perjury

missioner. He is the second most senior rank in the Force.

The Commission submitted that the Commissioner’s insertion of himself into the matter “adversely influenced the conduct of the investigations. It noted too that the Commissioner acted improperly when he contacted Imran Khan, who was arrested at CID headquarters for disorderly behaviour on his mobile phone and engaged him in a fairly lengthy conversation.

“This no doubt had a demoralising effect on the ranks on duty at CID Headquarters at that time. This is evidence because up to the time of the CoI, Khan had not been charged for the offence of disorderly behaviour,” the report submitted to the President stated.

The Paul Slowe-led Commission also found that Commissioner Persaud acted improperly when he placed he instructed Inspector Narine to send Nizam Khan on bail, and when he placed himself as surety for Imran Khan to be released.

Additionally, the report speaks to clear “conflict of interest” and noted that the top cop should have recused himself from the matter.

The Commission also found that Persaud’s decision to bypass the chain of command and instruct that Nizam Khan be sent on bail is unacceptable.

He had told the CoI that if he had contacted Assistant Commissioner Ramnarine, who was in charge at the time, it would have been a

Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Slowe

waste of time. “…this speaks to his general unprofessional approach in this matter,” the report stated.

President Granger had told the media recently that “very strong recommendations” have been included in the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) report and said that there have been major lapses within the operations of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), thereby affecting its efficiency.

“Even persons who have been following the day-today reports would realise that there has been a significant lapse in professionalism at a very high level of the Guyana Police Force,” the President told reporters. Stating that the matter is of concern, the Head of State added that the report “has brought to light some serious deficiencies”.

THE PLOT Back in March, Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD) businessman, Andriff Gillard told detectives that he was

Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud

offered $7M to assassinate President Granger by his former friend, Nizam Khan, in June 2015.

No charges were laid on either the accused or the accuser as evidence presented to the Police Legal Advisor (PLA), Justice Claudette Singh proved tenuous.

Gillard said he had approached Khan to loan him $6M, but Khan instead offered him $7M, noting that he (Gillard) would not have to repay the money if he killed the President. During his testimony before the Commission, the businessman said the police discredited the information he provided them because the Police Commissioner is a close friend of the accused’s brother, Imran Khan.

Nizam Khan was taken

into police custody following a search of his Diamond, EBD home, and during the search, his brother Imran contacted Commissioner Persaud, who was on leave, to query the police operation.

Both Gillard and Khan were taken to the CID where investigators took statements from the duo. Imran Khan arrived at the CID subsequent to the duo.

Detective Keon Benjamin told the CoI that on March 29, 2017, while at the CID Headquarters, he was instructed

by Detective Sergeant Komal Petamber to take a statement.

The corporal said it was while he was taking the statement that Imran Khan, the brother of the primary suspect Nizam Khan, started using profanities while in the confines of the CID; he was arrested for disorderly behaviour.

At the time of his arrest he was carrying a .45 pistol to which he was licensed to carry. Corporal Benjamin took possession of the gun along with Khan’s cellular phone as part of his arresting procedures. During this time, Khan had reportedly boasted that he would have the police officers involved in the investigation fired as he did with three others in a different matter.

As Corporal Benjamin was in the process of lodging

Khan’s phone it rang. “The cell phone ring and I showed Sergeant Petamber that Mr. Seelall’s name showed up,” Corporal Benjamin told the Paul Slowe-led Commission.

It was based on the advice of Assistant Superintendent of Police Peter Alonzo that the phone was handed to Khan.

Imran Khan reportedly went a short distance away from the detectives in the room, and spoke with the Commissioner of Police. It was not long after Inspector Prem Narine took charge of the case, that the top cop called him, enquired about the incident and instructed him to release Imran Khan on his own recognisance and Gillard and Nizam Khan on station bail.

PERJURY Meanwhile, Commissioner Persaud had testified that he believes the investigation was conducted properly and as such didn’t see the need to examine the statements made or other documents available in the matter. The Commission viewed Persaud’s action as “a serious neglect” of duty and said that the assertion that the investigation was properly conducted was a presumptuous one.

Persaud had also testified that he first learned of the

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE September 17, 2017

‘Are you a paedophile?’

–– Philippines’ Duterte asks head of human rights agency

PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday asked the head of the country’s Commission on Human Rights (CHR) if he was a pedophile for focusing on the killing of teenagers in the government’s bloody war on drugs.

Duterte also suggested to lawmakers using CHR’s proposed 678 million pesos budget to buy the police body cameras if they don’t want to

restore funding for the agency, which he has clashed with repeatedly over his anti-drugs campaign.

The CHR requested a budget of 1.72 billion pesos for 2018, but the government proposed 678 million instead.

Duterte’s allies in the lower house of Congress then voted to allocate it just 1,000 pesos ($20), in what critics of the drugs war said was retaliation for its efforts to

investigate thousands of killings in the past 15 months, including those of two teenagers in August.

“Why is this guy so pre... suffocated with the issue of young people, especially boys? Are you a pedophile?”

Duterte asked, referring to CHR head Chito Gascon.

“Why are you smitten with teenagers? Are you? I‘m having my doubts. Are you gay or a pedophile?,” he said.

Gascon did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

Duterte also accused Gascon of being a spokesman for the opposition and criticised his scrutiny of police anti-drug activities.

“Why can’t you move on to other issues that are besetting this country?” Duterte said, citing the suffering of the people in the besieged southern city of Marawi.

TWENTY people have been arrested on Tanzania’s semi-autonomous archipelago of Zanzibar for alleged homosexuality, police say.

The 12 women and eight men were picked up in a hotel where they were receiving training about HIV/Aids education programmes.

Earlier this year, authorities banned many private health clinics from providing HIV/Aids services, saying they encour-

aged gay sex.

Homosexuality is a crime in Tanzania.

Regional police commander Hassan Ali Nasri said on state television: “They are implicated in homosexuality. We arrested them and are busy interrogating them. The police cannot turn a blind eye to this practice.”

On Friday, Deputy Health Minister Hamisi Kingwangalla vowed in front of parliament to “fight with all our strength

against groups supporting homosexuality in our country,” AFP news agency reports.

In July 2016, the government banned the import and sales of sexual lubricants, with Health Minister Ummy Mwalimu saying it encouraged homosexuality which led to the spread of HIV/Aids, AFP adds.

Gay male sex is punishable by up to 30 years in jail in the country.

Despite the ban on homosexuality, Tanzania was

until recently somewhat more tolerant towards gay people than many other African countries, but a rise in anti-gay rhetoric by the government has led to a spike in discrimination, correspondents say.

In July, human rights group Amnesty International said the authorities were “arresting and prosecuting people on homosexuality-related charges, and subjecting them to forced anal examinations”. (BBC)

Zanzibar arrests 20 over homosexuality

Critics say police are executing suspects, and say the government has what is effectively a kill policy.

Duterte has rejected that, and police say they kill only in self-defense.

The CHR has long said it lacks the manpower and resources to fully investigate the killings, the majority of which activists say are of users and small-time peddlers, with few high-profile arrests.

Vice President Leni Robredo, who was not Duterte’s running mate and has locked horns with him numerous times, said the lawmakers’ move regarding CHR’s budget effectively abolishes the constitutional body.

Filipinos are largely supportive of the crackdown as a solution to tackling rampant

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte crime, which Duterte says stems from drug addiction.

Duterte reiterated there will be no let up in the campaign, which he said was targeted at organised criminals trafficking drugs and not at “teenagers without a sin.”

The firebrand leader, who is also fighting communist rebels following a breakdown in peace talks with the government, said he remained open to resuming negotiations to end nearly five decades of that conflict. (Reuters)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE September 17, 2017

Venezuela’s Maduro upbeat on talks, opposition fear ‘show’ PRESIDENT Nicolas Maduro has predicted a new foreign-led effort to mediate Venezuela’s political crisis would produce a deal soon, but the opposition said on Saturday it would not accept another time-wasting “show”.

Following months of anti-Maduro protests earlier this year that led to at least 125 deaths, both sides sent delegations to meet the Dominican Republic’s president this week for a possible start to a negotiated solution.

“After weeks of conversations, we are close to an agreement, of political

co-existence, of peace and sovereignty,” Maduro said in a speech late on Friday.

“We’re very near.”

But the opposition, which accuses Maduro of creating a dictatorship and ruining a once-prosperous oil economy, insisted the talks in Santo Domingo were only “exploratory” and would not proceed without firm guarantees of democratic change.

They want a date for the next presidential election, due by the end of 2018, with guarantees it will be free and fair, plus freedom for hundreds of jailed activists, a foreign

humanitarian aid corridor, and respect for the opposition-led congress.

‘IRON-CLAD GUARANTEES’ “They can’t mess us around like last year, when they promised heaven and earth, but nothing happened,” said Julio Borges, the leader of congress which has been overridden by a pro-Maduro legislative superbody called a Constituent Assembly.

“If we don’t have ironclad guarantees ... that everything is leading to democratic change ... we won’t take a

step more,” he told reporters on Saturday, recalling failed 2016 Vatican-led talks. “We want to avoid a repeat of last year’s show.”

Maduro says the Constituent Assembly has brought peace to the South American nation of 30 million. But many major foreign powers do not recognise the body given its origins in a controversial election that the opposition boycotted.

After more than four months of often violent protests, which also led to thousands of injuries and arrests, Maduro says a U.S.-fanned coup attempt has been de-

Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro feated. But the strife has seen international opinion harden

against him.

Dominican leader Danilo Medina said Mexico, Chile, Bolivia and Nicaragua would join a new round of talks on Sept. 27, with two other countries to be defined. The Democratic Unity coalition said on Saturday one of those was Paraguay.

While the government is eager to show the world it is entering a dialogue, opposition leaders face skepticism from their supporters, many of whom view a potential negotiation as a betrayal of dead protesters and legitimisation of an autocrat. (Reuters)

Panel appointed to investigate possible crimes against humanity in Venezuela

ORGANISATION of American States (OAS) Secretary General Luis Almagro has appointed three international experts to assess whether the situation in Venezuela should be referred to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for consideration.

The General Secretariat will gather information impartially through a process supervised by former prosecutor of the ICC, Luis Moreno Ocampo. The process will include public hearings to be conducted at OAS headquarters and information submitted by more than 50 organisations that have been conducting research and/or investigating circumstances of the crisis in Venezuela.

The information obtained will contribute to a final report, to be reviewed by the independent panel for recommendation to the secretary general.

The jurists are Costa Rican Manuel Ventura Robles, former judge of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights; Dr Santiago Cantón of Argentina, secretary of human rights of the Province of Buenos Aires, and previously executive secretary of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights; and Professor Irwin Cotler of Canada, president of the Center for Human Rights Raul Wallenberg, and previously minister of justice and attorney general of Canada.

The governments of Argentina, Canada and Costa Rica welcomed the appointment of their recognized citizens as experts on the panel.

On July 25, the secretary general appointed Luis

Moreno Ocampo to facilitate a process that respects the rights of all parties in order to evaluate the alleged commission of crimes against humanity committed in Venezuelan territory and whether the information collected should be sent to the ICC. Venezuela ratified the Rome Statute in June 2000, and is

therefore under the jurisdiction of the ICC. The first public meetings to gather information as part of this process were held at OAS headquarters on 14 and 15 September 2017.

Additional sessions will held in October 2017. The General Secretariat will compile the information obtained to

produce the Report that will be evaluated by the three experts assigned.

In welcoming the panel to investigate possible crimes against humanity in Venezuela, Canada said it is deeply concerned by the grave violations of human rights in Venezuela and is actively working with international partners to

restore democracy and protect human rights.

“I am so pleased to support the appointment of my friend and former colleague Professor Cotler to this investigative panel and welcome his global experience with regard to human rights and the rule of law, which will be invaluable to the

credibility and quality of this investigative process.

This initiative represents a critical contribution by the OAS to uphold justice and human rights for the people of Venezuela,” said Chrystia Freeland, minister of foreign affairs. (Caribbean news Now)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE September 17, 2017

Oil and gas contestations GUYANESE have been calling on the APNU+AFC Government to make public the contract signed with ExxonMobil on our oil and gas resources.

Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo is among those who are calling for such a revelation, though the contract for exploration with this company was signed in June 1999 when he was President. The fact that his government never sought to make the contract public amidst similar calls for its publicity would create speculation as to his motive and objective.

It is also reasonable to ponder outside of what some could refer to as a rip van winkle moment, whether Mr. Jagdeo finds such a call politically expedient and would position him as someone interested in transparency, when his was a presidency clouded in secrecy, scandals and allegations of deal-makings. That having been said, growing calls for making the contract public also see allegations being made by the opposition leader that the Government is up to something sinister.

Vice-President and Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan, had cause to address what frankly can lead to such po-

tential in speaking to the media about Mr. Jagdeo’s allegation that corruption is afoot in the petroleum industry. According to Mr. Jadgeo, such would entail members of the Government and their families acquiring available petroleum mining-blocs with the intent to resell these highly valuable blocs on the international market. Minister of Public Infrastructure said all the blocs are gone and were given out by the PPP/C Government .

Speaking with the media last week, Vice-President Ramjattan refuted the allegations and called on the opposition leader to provide the evidence to substantiate the claim. A factor in the propagating of this kind of information, as Vice-President Ramjattan correctly noted, is that of the media and what role we play in the process.

The vice- president is not without merit in chiding the media to ask the opposition leader to provide evidence to his claim, because the media too have a role as the mediator of information to help facilitate such information.

If Mr. Jagdeo too wants the statements he is making to be seen as credible, it would be reasonable to expect of him to facilitate

information to the press corps or selected few. The leader of the opposition is a seasoned politician and has to be aware what he is doing where un-substantiated, can create conflicts among the people and make the political environment untenable.

The need for accountability cannot be ignored, given the stories circulating about the sector, critical analyses and reviews by those taking an interest, and not to be excluded are those who want to know specific details relating to the contract and those who see opportunities to create political fodder. The complexities of this issue cannot be lost sight of and the role of the media, government, opposition, other stakeholders and individuals, domestic and foreign.

Information in navigating understanding of this issue cannot be underestimated, because where ignorance pervades, it does no benefit to the collective but the self-serving.

There are too many global stories, nay it be said far too many unpleasant cases where this sector has divided and torn asunder societies, resulting in instances of civil upheavals and failures to properly address the socio-economic welfare of the people.

As Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin

RK’s–just as expected Dear Editor, WITH reference to a response printed by RK’s Management Team on the 15th September, 2017, I must state that I am not surprised that they would go the extra mile to twist the situation, while labeling my article as, “misinformation, libelous and deceitful.” To this, let their conscience be their Guide.

However, I would like for them to state who checked my motorcycle to verify that it wasn’t locked? More so why would they check to see if it was locked? Can the evidence

be provided? Further, those senior officers that apparently I affirmed to, that I did not lock my motorcycle apparently are living in an imaginary bubble.

Dear Editor, I must state categorically for the record that my motorcycle was locked and I’m still in possession of the key.

Secondly, their fragmented letter stated that I opted to use my motorcycle instead of their trike (three wheeled motorcycle) and this is insurmountably false. I am asking that the person who typed this ridiculous article to give the accurate information to

the public. This trike was only extended to me after I enquired about how I will be able to complete my work as Inspector, due to the fact that my motorcycle was stolen.

This was offered to do only the company’s work. It would be rather foolish for me to forget about my motorcycle while everyone continued their routine work while I remain without the benefits of my own personal transportation.

Competent Editor, their third point stated that my motorcycle was parked, “nowhere in the vicinity of their headquarters,” and out of the

sight of their security cameras and sentry is a statement that is not logical. Apparently the person who typed this letter has no clue of the matter.

Firstly they need to understand the meaning of the word VICINITY. After this, they need to decide on a course of action whether I parked next door or perhaps another street.

Why not explain to the public that this well-established security service security cameras were not working? As told to myself, the detective and my surveillance technician.

Apparently I am on record saying and doing things but these records so convenient-

admitted, the sector will not be the panacea for all our economic hopes. However, where the impression is being given, deliberate or otherwise, that the sector has the potential to and some are seeking not to make it possible rumours will not help.

Understandably, where there is a blackout of information, speculation will run rife and rumours could abound. President David Granger has always stressed the importance of transparency in this sector.

In March, when a visiting delegation from the company’s executive was here, he made knownGovernment’s commitment to the development of Guyana’s oil and gas sector in an atmosphere of transparency and trust, so that the parliamentary Opposition and the people of Guyana are fully involved in the process and views the development of a petroleum industry as one of natural interest and involvement.

Where companies may fail in meeting transparency expectation, the Government of Guyana may find it more to its and the society’s advantage not to let this become an opportunity to foster rumours, social upheavals, and political divisions.

ly capture what it wants to capture.

The fifth paragraph has me baffled as they are quoting me as being in “dire need of extra income” and as a bitter guy who cannot accept responsibility. Why not let the General Manager explain that she was the one who encouraged me to bring in an application because she knows of my abilities? Then further recommended me to the CEO. On the other hand for your humble clarification, I did not retrieve my documents from Bourda Post Office.

Finally, it is rather degenerating having to indirectly threaten the Editor of the Guyana Chronicle Newspaper for publishing my article while holding them as hostage indicating that purchases are made daily while they are

being supported through ads.

Correct me if I’m wrong but letters to the Editor do not in any way represent the Editor nor their team. If so, your article would not have been published. Moreover, let the truth be told!

Be it resolved dear Editor, apparently my article was misunderstood and it seems as though Management at RK’s are also working as Public Relations Officers for the Guyana Police Force.

I am not asking for the Police at Alberttown Station to wake the dead or to perform miraculous wonders but rather to do the Job they are being paid to do in an effective and timely manner.

For your information MARLON JOSEPH

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE September 17, 2017

op-ed

A Conversation On Race

By Ruel Johnson

As with Ms. Nicholas’s remark, it was screen-captured I TURNED 37 yesterday. and published in the media.

That puts me firmly out of The response from the Head reach now of the most gen- of the Presidential Secreerous definitions of youth, tariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, so I’m not a man who is big was that he would have to be on birthday celebrations satisfied with evidence that or receiving gifts just for it was in fact Rohee-Paul growing a year older. On that made those comments, Friday however, I received comments she has never one of the best presents I’ve denied making. Nothing, ever got, second of course only to my mother’s annual present of undersized underwear.

A friend, Ferlin, with whom I’ve had many strident online debates on issues of race, religion and local dropped by my office to present me with a book called Cultural Pluralism and predictably, came out of it.

Nationalist Politics in British The Nicholas incident, being Guiana, written by Leo A a leak of a private converDespres. sation notwithstanding, fell Not only was it a critical short of one’s expectations addition (if not the critical of a senior employee of the addition) to a growing library Office of the President in that informs my work, but an administration that needs it was a timely gift in itself to substantially distinguish considering the events of itself from its predecessor. the past week, the issue inThe second dimension volving the President’s Press was that I have had a long Officer Lloyda Nicholas in friendship with Nicholas, particular. roughly 25 years. We are The incident with Nich- both graduates of President’s olas and a specific com- College (PC), a school that I ment she made in relation have always stressed repreto who can be reasonably sented for me a microcosm construed to be Indo-Guy- of what social cohesion could anese co-workers was dis- look like in Guyana. The turbing to me on two fronts. sort of language she used in The first was political. In the conversation would not much of my criticism of be tolerated in private in a the former administration, I conversation among PC peotook care to stress that even ple. In the formative years within Guyana’s fractious of our lives, we lived, ate, ethnic politics, the Office of fought, loved and learned the President should have together as a community of zero tolerance for, or asso- young people from often radciation with racism or racist ically different backgrounds. rhetoric. Donald Ramotar’s When I finally got through refusal to even acknowledge and spoke to her privately, in 2012 the then Bar Associa- of all the things in the incition’s call to distance himself dent she was most contrite from the second of two racist about, it was that derogatory editorials that appeared in slippage. She informed me this very paper, the Guyana of the steps she immediately Chronicle, continues to be, took after the leak, and while for me, the most damning I found her controversial stain of a lacklustre, unin- comment unrepresentative of spired and often bumbling PC people in general, and the presidency. The Chronicle, Lloyda Nicholas I’ve known, as the state paper, was at her actions in the aftermath the time under his purview were redemptive. I can conas Minister of Information. trast the efforts made by PC Not long after that, in the people to reason with another lead-up to the 2015 elections, alumnus, none other than Rima Rohee-Paul, Office of Nigel Dharamlall, to rein in the President employee, and his divisive comments, as daughter of then PPP Gener- addressed in multiple articles al-Secretary Clement Rohee, on the Nicholas incident. made, publicly, on Facebook, There has been no apology, a disgusting racial remark. no contrition, not even a

contexualisation of his racist rhetoric, simply a forging ahead with the full sanction of the political machinery he represents.

There is no excuse for what Nicholas said, whether it was private or public. There is nonetheless a context that is reflective of our collective inaction on dealing with the issue of race directly, particu-

“Yes, the essential thing is to leave room, however limited it may be, for the exchange of views that is still possible…” Albert Camus larly that of othering via ethnic labels. On the one hand, we have normalised ethnic labels in a way that has transformed once exclusively pejorative words, for example “coolie”, into terms of familiarity or even pride. Romeo Nirmal, known as Mystic, for example, has a hit song, ‘Coolie Boy’ which is a celebration of his Indian cultural heritage and a popular song in local nightclubs. His ‘Buffiana,’ which is about women of mixed Afro-Guyanese and Amerindian heritage is also extremely popular. On the other hand, we have also normalised the casual racism contained in those terms so that pet names like Black Boy and Buck Girl and Chinee Man also come loaded with intrinsic derogatory meanings. With Ms. Nicholas, I believe that her use of the term fell somewhere in the middle of those concentric circles, both the familiar and the derogatory.

Race and labelling and racism constitute a dynamic that we are yet to confront as courageously, creatively and collectively as we can. Our creative artists have certainly tried. Bernadette Persaud in her artwork has explored the issue of ethnicity and national identity. It is a central theme in my poetry, fiction and (now) screenwriting, which would be a surprise to many people who are familiar only with either my journalism or social media commentary. I see it in the work of emerging writers as well, like Mosa Telford, Subraj Singh, Akola Thompson and Gabrielle Mohamed. (Telford’s column in yesterday’s Stabroek actually addresses the central theme

of this op-ed). The problem is that our creative arts infrastructure is not yet geared to translate these concerns into more popular media, such as animation and film.

This is a failing of our lack of active policy on both creative arts expression and social cohesion, both which come under my area of operation as a government officer, cultural policy. My policy work, as I’ve written on before, preceded government employment. When I was designing the ‘Conversations’ component of the Janus Cultural Policy Initiative, the Prince Claus Fund-supported predecessor project to my work with government, I spoke to a friend of mine, Sharda Ganga from Suriname. I told her that it was my belief that the issue of race should be tackled head-on, but she cautioned caution. She suggested instead that perhaps the issue of citizenship might be a better approach and the more I considered it, the more it made sense. The result was, in August of 2014, three days of ‘conversations’ held at the Umana Yana, spread over three main themes: Paths to Citizenship, which dealt with the legal frameworks of citizenship, from the Constitution to the Citizenship Act; “To love my fellow citizen”, which dealt with issues of tolerance and inclusion; and Truth and Reconciliation, which tackled the question

of race/ethnicity.

Among the participants on that final day were representatives from the Chinese Association, the African Cultural and Development Association, the Indian Action Committee, the Amerindian Peoples Association, as well as several other groups and individuals.

Almost everyone who spoke in that gathering had

their own story of overt racial discrimination meted out against them. An Afro-Guyanese lecturer at the University of Guyana spoke of open disrespect

by Indian students, one of whom said loud enough to be overheard that she go back to Africa. An Indian man, also an educator, spoke about the threat of

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE September 17, 2017

Give thanks to the WPA EVERY society must grapple with its complexities at one level or the other. After all, societies are made up of and defined by the activities of humans who are ultimately complex beings.

Whatever the shortcomings of Guyana’s media, it is characterised by vigorous political advocacy, debate and commentaries.

The letter sections of our newspapers, for example, are about the most vibrant you will find anywhere in the world. We have some of the most erudite and enlightened columnists and commentators who often manage to put their fingers on the pulse of our politics. Yet, these very commentators find ways to undermine their own enlightenment when faced with our political realities.

In the end, Guyanese politics have remained imprisoned by our collective insecurities, fears and narrowmindedness. The sometimes-enlightened public discourse has not been translated into an enlightened politics. I think a large part of it has to do with our readiness to fit our thinking about the national condition into fixed models. It is as if we, as a nation, are mortally afraid to explore and expand our horizons. It is amazing, how even

when we are armed with the breadth of and distance afforded by history, we find ways to get ourselves stuck in old ways of understanding social and political realities.

After reading my friend Freddie Kissoon’s latest commentaries about the WPA and after ploughing through the last week’s rebuttal of my recent columns by various commentators at the Guyana Times, a young man wrote to ask me to explain why, if the WPA is no longer a vibrant party, do commentators spend so much time discussing and analyzing it. He wanted to know if there is something hidden about the WPA that the general public does not know. Another young person enquired whether I would respond to the incessant charges that I now support the PNC, a party that I once fought. These two queries reflect how our public discourse could misinform and confuse our younger generation.

I have said before that the problem analysts have with analyzing and situating the WPA, is that that party upsets the framework which we have used to explain Guyanese politics. In other words, in the context of Guyanese politics, it’s an atypical political formation. The frame-

work we have used explains our politics as a persistent struggle for power between the PPP and the PNC which is occasionally disturbed by a third party that bursts on to the scene, wins a few seats at an election and then fades away. This scenario is grounded in our almost-permanent and unchanging ethnic condition in which our major ethnic groups behave as racial enemies.

So, the United Force came on the scene, representing mostly Amerindian interests, won seats at both the 1964 and 1968 elections, went into government as part of a coalition with the PNC and was eventually consumed by PNC hegemony. The AFC followed the same pattern—it burst on to the scene in 2006, attracted largely PNC dissident voters and won some seats. This scenario was repeated in 2011--this time with dissident PPP voters. In 2015, it went into a coalition with the PNC-dominated APNU and many commentators have anticipated a similar fate to that of the UF five decades ago. While the UF and the AFC have electorally disturbed the two-party ethnic electoral system, they failed to inflict permanent damage and ended up helping the PNC to assume power in

place of the PPP. The above scenario represents a relatively straightforward framework in which to explain our otherwise complex politics. The problem for the analyst is to figure out how to fit the WPA into that framework. Like the UF and the AFC, it’s a third party, but unlike them it never did well at elections. Yet its influence on the overall Guyanese post-colonial political praxis outstrips those of the UF and the AFC and is as indelible as the two titans—PPP and PNC. I submit that this has to do with the nature of the WPA’s intervention and its threat to the status quo. Unlike the UF and the AFC, the WPA’s intervention threatened and at one point rattled the status quo in a deep, radical manner that pushed the country into the sphere of revolution. And those of us who have studied revolutions, know that that phenomenon haunts the society in permanent ways. Societies eventually forget elections, but never forgets revolutionary moments and those who facilitate those moments.

That’s why the WPA never goes away, even when Freddie kills it, reads the obituary and seals the tomb.

It’s why the PPP rails at Clive Thomas over Guysuco

and SARA or at Ogunseye or Hinds or even former WPA members over any and everything they say and do. It’s why the leadership of the present government tries at every twist and turn to contain the WPA, both as a party and as individuals.

It’s why the PPP uses Walter Rodney to beat the PNC and the PNC seeks to assassinate him every day. It’s why no other party in our modern history is reminded so much about its roots.

Time moves on. The world changes and so do Guyana and its politics.

Looking back, the WPA has made its fair share of political errors—Freddie has pointed out many of these.

There is a lot that the WPA has in common with the larger political culture, but there is a lot about that culture that it stands on the other side of.

As one of the more visible and vocal WPA members, I understandably have had to bear a lot of the burdens of the party’s place in our politics. Today, the PPP sees me as the “mouthpiece” of the government, while many top government leaders treat me as an anti-government nuisance. Some see me as a Black “race man” and racist, while other see me as too radical and out of order. I often tell friends

that maybe they don’t know what to do with me. At the end of the day, I think I am independent—something that I learned from my four decades in the ranks of the WPA. That is why I have remained there. I don’t think any other party in Guyana would tolerate my in-yourface, Buxton-like independence.

Sometimes we are too quick to get in front of history. Sometimes we want it both ways—we want to declare an organisation irrelevant or dead and at the same time want to blame that same irrelevant organisation for the ills of the country. If the PPP and the PNC represent the hegemonic instincts of our two major ethnic groups and the UF and AFC represent moments of electoral revolt against that hegemony, then the WPA represents a radical resistance praxis that always threatens to “manners” he entrenched political culture. Give thanks to the WPA. More of Dr. Hinds ‘writings and commentaries can be found on his YouTube Channel Hinds’ Sight: Dr. David Hinds’ Guyana-Caribbean Politics and on his website www.guyanacaribbeanpolitics.com. Send comments to dhinds6106@ aol.com

Ramjattan warns reporters about Jagdeo ‘Seelall must go’ ALLIANCE for Change (AFC) Executive, David Patterson, has accused Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo of telling “big fat lies” in a number of his recent public pronouncements.

On Thursday, the party said it is committed to ensuring transparency in public spending and will not be deterred by statements attributed to Jagdeo.

Speaking at a press briefing at the AFC headquarters in Kitty, Georgetown, the public infrastructure minister spoke extensively on the new Demerara Harbour

Bridge project in a bid to counter statements made by the Opposition Leader.

Patterson said the original location of the bridge was supposed to have been “at a certain property owned by a certain best friend” of the former president.

“When you look at the map, it was landing there,” he said, and when it was changed, the Opposition Leader was peeved.

Party Chairman, Khemraj Ramjattan, also responded to claims made by Jagdeo that AFC officials are benefitting from contracts in the petroleum sector.

“I want to ask the question and not generally the way I do, who it is in the AFC that applied,” he asked before saying that he (Jagdeo) has “no credibility”.

“He walked around the ‘maro’ seven times and he didn’t marry the girl,” Ramjattan said, making reference to Jagdeo’s ‘marriage’ to Varshani Singh. The former President reportedly did not sign the marriage paper and separated from Singh a few years after with Singh claiming to be a victim of “high tech” violence.

He also said that Jagdeo had indicated in the past

that he wanted to serve two terms as President and then become a farmer but after he served out his term, he got someone to challenge the law so that he can get a third term.

AFC Executive, Cathy Hughes, recalled that the PPP while in government had stated that the AFC was a “wishy washy” party that would not have lasted six months. However, she noted that the AFC since its formation a decade ago has won several seats in Parliament and is now part of the governing coalition.

From page 3

allegation sometime after 16:00h on March 29 when he received a telephone call from Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum but Assistant Commissioner Clifton Hicken in his testimony said he told the Police Commissioner of the allegation at about 10:00h the said day. “ C o m m i s s i o n e r P e rsaud should have been investigated for perjury in relation to his statement that he was not told of the allegation until about 16:00h on March 29, 2017,” Slowe said in his report.

Persaud on March 10, 2015 took the oath of office confirming him as the country’s 31st Commissioner of Police. He succeeded Leroy Brumell who had served as the top cop. Born on the Essequibo Coast, Persaud spent most of his year in the Police Force at the Criminal Investigation Department.

He headed the Police Anti-Narcotics Unit (Drug Squad) for 10 years and served as the country’s Crime Chief for another seven years.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE September 17, 2017

US$45M Movie Towne to create jobs, boost Guyana’s economy – investor AFTER migrating to Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana-born Derek Chin managed to turn himself into a brand, an internationally recognised businessman with multimillion dollar ideas.

Having spent years involving himself in the corporate sector of the twin- island republic, Chin is finally ready to do something to develop his country of birth. The business tycoon is bringing his most popular franchise to Guyana. The massive Movie Towne Complex is currently being erected along the Turkeyen Public Road, East Coast Demerara.

The state-of-the-art facility, which was initially pegged at US$30M, is now approaching US$45M. But according to Chin, his home country is definitely worth the investment as part of an expanded regional development.

“It is always important for people to remember where they came from. And so I want to do something here in Guyana, for the people of Guyana to enjoy,” Chin said.

The “ultra-modern complex” is located on 10 acres of land with a 200,000plus square foot building, and will be offering an array of attractions and leisure amenities for families and entertainment seekers to enjoy.

The Cineplex is set to be outfitted with “eight state-ofthe-art screens with some of the latest 2D and 3D Digital Cinema Technology, Dolby Surround audio technology, luxurious seating with a capacity of 2,000 and a diverse food concession to cater to many appetites.

Among the attrac-

Guyana-born Movie Towne Director, Derek Chin

tions also, would be a 60,000-square foot Massy Stores Super Centre, one of the largest in the Caribbean, as well as a vibrant and stateof-the-art shopping mall with exciting retail businesses from Guyana and other parts of the Region.

A number of wellknown local, regional and international restaurant franchises have already signed on to “set up shop” within the complex. These include Rizzoni’s, offering an Italian menu, plus an offshoot of the popular Ruby Tuesday restaurants called Barney’s. There are also plans for a live entertainment area and a few amusement rides to add to the magic of this complex. Of course KFC, Royal Castle and Popeye’s have already signed in along with Johnny Rockets.

Additionally, the complex is expected to open up hundreds of job opportunities.

EARLY DAYS Even though he left the Land of Many Waters at the tender age of eight, Chin told this publication that he was still very much in tune with his roots and the Guyanese

The MovieTowne complex at Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara, is expected to be completed by December. (Rabindra Rooplall Photo)

culture constituted an integral part of his being.

Derek recalled spending his early years at 305 Church Street, Georgetown. His family operated a dry goods store and Chin was a jovial child always in search of new adventures. But things changed during the violence of the 1960s, and the Chin family was forced to close up shop and move.

“It was for everybody’s safety, I would say,” the entrepreneur said.

But being the cheerful and energetic soul that he was, Chin broke barriers faster than he’d ever expected.

Tennis was his main schoolboy hobby / sport, and he followed proudly in the footsteps of his uncle, Guyanese and Brandon Trophy Champion, Derek Phang.

Eventually, Chin went on to play regional and university tennis, captaining Trinidad and Tobago teams, gaining the love of Trinidadians in and out of his school.

While sports was an important component of his life, Chin’s studies came first. A tertiary education took him to Canada, earning himself a Business Administration degree from the reputable University of Western On-

tario, Canada. After a few years there, Chin returned to Trinidad to pursue a career as an accountant.

“It was what my father wanted, to learn business and you know, back then, you did everything to please your parents, without saying a word,” Chin recalled at a disapora Conference held recently in Guyana.

GETTING INTO BUSINESS Even as an accountant, Derek knew he wanted to pursue other ventures, and wasted no time in doing so.

His first big idea was to set up an amusement game arcade of Pac Man and Space Invaders fame. Some may call it beginner’s luck, but it was actually careful planning that made the business a notable success and was the stepping stone to his future successes.

“At one point, we even had to close the doors to keep the overwhelming crowd out, so popular were the video arcades of the 80s, so that I think was a very good sign, and it gave me a lot of confidence to move on to bigger and better,” Chin said.

As the gaming arcade

began operating at maximum capacity, Chin recognised the need for security and similar services.

“Dozens of children were in there and you have to ensure that when they are in your place, they are safe, so that forced me into starting up a security company”. That was the start of Telecom Security Services, one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most reputable security companies since 1980.

As those businesses continued in the path of success, Chin began pursuing his great love of horse-racing.

He eventually became Chairman and President of the Horse Racing fraternity up to 2011. Derek now races full time at Woodbine, Toronto, Canada with a goal to make his colours well known and become the most successful Caribbean owner in Canada. He is well on his way.

Derek in 2002, investigated and felt even against great odds that the time was ripe in Trinidad for a new entertainment destination With his other business partners, he pulled off a spectacular 2002 opening of the first Movie Towne complex, which was erected

in Port of Spain and continues to be one of the best local businesses during the last 15 years in Trinidad and Tobago.

The massive success of this first location led Chin and his team to fulfil a demand in Chaguanas, South Trinidad, with construction of three other Movietownes.

Just as Derek sees himself as a Caribbean man, he also wants Movie Towne to be a reflection of the Region. And because he holds Guyana very close to his heart, he chose Georgetown to expand his success.

Now that he has been able to make a name for himself, Chin has taken up the mantle to being closer to the people and trying to meet their needs.

Chin makes it clear, that his Guyana location is not intended to put any of the existing cinemas or businesses out of business. It is to give the Guyanese people more choices and variety.

“We want to ensure that years from now, Movie Towne would not only be part of exciting stories people tell their children, but also an important venue for people to create new memories.

Guyana Needs Assessment team meets with hurricane victims IN an effort to co-ordinate relief for Guyanese nationals affected by Hurricane Irma, a Guyana Needs Assessment Team today met with the Guyanese community in St Maarten. The group will travel to Tortola in the British Virgin Islands tomorrow to execute a similar mission.

The team was warmly received by the Guyanese community despite the difficult circumstances.

The team includes Preparedness and Response Manager of the Civil Defence Commission, Major Sean Welcome ; Ministry of Foreign Affairs official, Charlene Phoenix; Guyana’s

Honorary Consul to Antigua and Barbuda, Robert Reis; Guyana’s Honorary Consul to St Maarten, Cleavland Beresford; Principal Foreign Service Officer, Michael Brotherson and Michelle Davis of the Immigration Department.

Since their arrival, the officials have met with members of the Guyana Association established in St Maarten.

An estimated 7000 Guyanese reside on the island which was ravaged by the Category Five hurricane.

The hurricane caused severe damage to most of the island and the rebuilding process has commenced. Schools are expected to be reopened on October 2, while commer-

cial flights are set to become operational on October 1. Military support is being offered by both the Dutch and French Governments.

Communication with relatives in Guyana has proven challenging for Guyanese nationals on the island with no internet connectivity and limited telephone service.

Also, only one of the 16 radio stations there is functioning.

Additionally, despite the roofs of houses having been blown off, persons have managed to secure accommodation in their homes with the use of tarpaulins. Schools are also being used as shelters. The Guyana Association officials shared with the Needs Assess-

ment Team that they needed help with basic food items, water and tarpaulins, these being their more immediate needs.

Sixty-five percent of the vehicles on the island are said to be damaged, according to the Honorary Consul, Cleavland Beresford. Fuel is being sold from today and the normal use of vehicles is being restored, despite the major cleaning-up that is taking place.

The team learnt that the main focus of the islanders is to rebuild rather than evacuate and this is currently in progress.

In the meantime, arrangements were Saturday put in

place by Caribbean Airlines to evacuate those who wish to return home. According to information received, Caribbean Airlines offered free evacuation flights -- for yesterday day only -- from Princess Julianna International Airport, which is situated on the Dutch side of the island, to Piarco International airport in Trinidad. However, those wishing to go farther will have to face their own expense. A number of Guyanese have so far opted to join the flight. Chartered flights are still operational, while commercial flights have been temporarily halted.

Despite all that has taken place, the islanders are reportedly in good spirits and are

looking forward to rebuilding. Persons told the Needs Assessment Team that they are optimistic of the future, despite the extensive damage caused by Irma.

PRAISES Guyanese there have expressed their satisfaction and gratitude to the Government for sending in the Needs Assessment Team.

Nationals were elated to have officials on the ground for them to convey their thoughts and experiences in person. Minister of Citizenship Winston Felix is expected to join the team today for the next round of analysis in Tortola.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE September 17, 2017

Another warm welcome for yacht visitors PERSONS who travelled to Guyana for the fifth International Nereid’s Yacht Rally were on Thursday treated to another warm welcome by the Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin and other Bartica officials at a launch and welcome reception at the Hurakabra River Resort, in Essequibo.

The rally was hosted by the Ministry of Business in collaboration with the Department of Tourism and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA).

Co-owners of the resort, Kit and Gem Nascimento, were also in attendance, as were China’s Ambassador to Guyana H.E. Cui Jianchun and his wife and Commander

of the Coast Guard, Colonel Orin Porter.

During his remarks at the simple ceremony, Gaskin showered praise on the organisers for continuing the event, given the possibilities it opens up for Guyana as a tourist destination.

“I want to express my gratitude to the people who have kept it going for the past five years. It’s still in its infancy, but it’s very important to maintain the continuity,” Gaskin said.

He also spoke of the plans to see a marina built for yachts as the event continues.

This year the event saw seven yachts coming to Guyana. An eighth yacht that was hoping to make the journey

The yachts anchored in the Essequibo River

Yacht Rally organiser, David Matelicani

The yachters and other representatives

broke down while in Trinidad.

The number of yachts was only half of those that came when the event was held yesterday.

Nascimento revealed that the number of yachts that came represented a significant decrease of the number that were originally scheduled, the reason being that several persons were deterred from coming after a mishap with the captain’s fee.

“We discovered that the captain’s fee for yachts coming to Guyana suddenly went from US$25 to US$100 overnight. When I discovered it I called the minister responsible for sport, the Minister responsible for Finance and I called the GRA. In the space of three or four days the fee went back

down. The average of that fee throughout the Caribbean is US$20. But what it did was that it got abroad first and some yachts got discouraged.

We might have had maybe three or four more yachts if that had not happened,” Nascimento explained.

Nascimento emphasised that the yacht rally was great PR for Guyana’s tourism industry, as the yachters were “tremendous communicators” who always go on to share their experiences.

In addition to taking in the Hurakabra resort, the yachters will be also be visiting the Iwokrama Rainforest, and the Kaieteur Falls. They also visited the Marshal Falls, and had a warm reception in Bartica as well.

The Nereid’s Rally was born as an idea of Italian sailor David Matelicani, who had retired from business in Australia. In sailing up the Essequibo River in 2011, he met with the Nascimentos, who, over many years, have been actively involved in working with the government to promote Guyana as a hurricane-free international yachting destination.

Matelicani, who had already started a marina in Saint Laurent, French Guiana, immediately saw the potential for developing a marina in the Essequibo River.

Guyana was first featured in the Doyle Cruising Guide, the bible for cruising yachts in the Caribbean, in 2006, as an attractive yachting destination.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE September 17, 2017

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE September 17, 2017

Teixeira’s hypocrisy on executive lawlessness

STABROEK News carried a letter on 27th August, entitled “The Local Government Commission is another casualty of executive lawlessness,” signed

by Gail Teixeira, which addressed this government’s failure to establish the commission. Teixeira and none of those who held office in the PPP are qualified to speak about executive lawlessness without serious review of their performance. It was Desmond Hoyte, as Leader of the Opposition, who made popular the phrase, given the PPP/C Government’s brazen and unabashed contempt for the rule of law.

PPP/C executive lawlessness transcended from compromised elections, misappropriation and mismanagement of government finances, death squads, narco militarisation, economic genocide in the African community, kickbacks and so many wicked things under the sun. Their executive lawlessness knew no bounds, but this does not make any excuse for this government’s. Such conduct must inform why we

must hold all governments accountable, for when in opposition they climb on the moral perch and in government if not held in check will run riot on us. This must serve as an eye opener and we must come together and hold these governments accountable.

The good news Teixeira’s letter serves is to

grassroots democracy by usurping the authority, role and responsibilities of this institution where he or she can make decisions that can create problems among political operatives, persons employed in the local government authorities, and the management of these councils The failure of the PPP to

“PPP/C executive lawlessness transcended from compromised elections, misappropriation and mismanagement of government finances, death squads, narco militarisation, economic genocide in the African community, kickbacks and so many wicked things under the sun. Their executive lawlessness knew no bounds…” sharpen our awareness that the PPP was fully aware of their violations as a government. At the same time, the APNU+AFC Government needs to take serious review of her claims, the veracity of which can be easily proven. Local government is an important element in our governance system. In the absence of the commission, the minister undermines

appoint this commission and to do many things that are just and fair questions the party’s sincerity as an Opposition. They are proving that governance for them is about being in government, pulling the levers of power, and abusing the privilege the people granted them.

ACCOUNTABLE As the Opposition, the

PPP,MP, Gail Teixeira

PPP has a right to hold the government to account and must continue to do so, but persons will continue to question whether there is any level of sincerity in what they are doing. While in government, many issues pertaining to good governance were brought to their attention and rather than seeking to correct them they had attacked the messengers, talked down to the society, and denied citizens access to state resources in various forms, yet today Teixeira and others become voices of reason, guiding a moral

Convicted drug lord Shaheed Roger Khan prospered under the PPP

compass.

The behaviour these leaders are demonstrating indicates that they were aware what they were doing was wrong and repulsive to good governance, proving that they being placed in the opposition was justly earned.

It is hypocritical for Teixeira and others to tell us today what the APNU+AFC government is doing is wrong without first and foremost being held to account for the devastation they had committed on the moral fabric of this nation. As a trade unionist, I remain ever mindful of the marginalisation of workers and instigated division in the movement to further their political control on the masses and keep them impoverished.

These calls being made

by Gail and others in the PPP leadership are acts of sanitising themselves for the atrocities they have committed on the people. The sad part is that the APNU+AFC government is aiding and abetting such posturing since the errors they continue to make should have never been made in the first instance. This group was elected to do better and having witnessed the repulsive record of the PPP and the pains it inflicted on the society, should not have embraced any of its shenanigans.

MICROSCOPE Every politician, elected to public office, shall be put under the microscope because they are expected to operate consistent with

the Guyana Constitution and desires of the people. There shall be no sacred cow in my book and what was wrong under the PPP cannot be right now. Over the 23 years the PPP was in office the people got licks left, right and centre. Those who were afraid to talk cowered, ran or joined the band of giggy multitude in that party’s leadership. This period remains painful and has left a bitter taste in our mouths, because too many sought silence as the atrocities mounted and lawlessness overwhelmed the society.

Guyanese will remember when Jagdeo came to office as president the euphoria in the society was ‘here comes a young man, move aside, and give him a chance.’ As this relatively young man’s activities were put under the microscope, yours truly and others critical of his performance were systemically marginalised, even by mainstream media. At the end of his stewardship there exists a record where independent Guyana has seen the largest group of citizens extra judicially murdered, state institutions undermined or not allowed to perform. In fact, we saw executive lawlessness at its highest. We must learn from this bitter experience and don’t wait for another 23 years to tell those in government when they are on the wrong path.

This society must reach the level of consciousness and maturity to nip any problem of governance in the bud, only in this manner would growth and development take place, the ordinary man and woman can have a fair share of the nation’s pie and be treated with deserving respect and dignity.

Let me say to those who are saying they care about this government and want it to remain in office, getting vex with those who are holding them to account and failing to hold them in check when they deviate from ethical practices and respect for the rule of law, you are aiding and abetting their removal. You cannot care about somebody, a group or society and watch them destroy themselves, you are fooling them and yourselves.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE September 17, 2017

Parikwaranau land issues to be investigated … residents seek long-term solution RESIDENTS of the Village of Parikwaranau are calling on the administration to intervene and address their land issue, which has hindered their community’s development for the past two years.

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, recently led a team of officials, including Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, to the community to listen to the residents’ concerns.

During a meeting, Toshao Cyril Anthony explained that a rancher had fenced and is occupying a large portion

of the community’s land. It is alleged that the previous Toshao granted him permission to occupy the land.

Toshao Anthony further noted that when the Village Council made enquiries, the rancher dispatched a letter to the council informing them that he intends to take legal action against the community. According to Anthony, the rancher has also instituted rules preventing persons from going beyond the space he occupies.

“We are asking for the matter to be treated with urgency, because there is where the people get their

livelihood from, through fishing and farming. That is our land, we have documents for it and we have plans for it,” the Toshao related. He said that the community has plans for that particular area and is asking for the matter to be addressed “once and for all.”

Minister Allicock explained that the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) on land issues was established to resolve such issues, and Parikwaranau was one of the communities earmarked to be investigated. He said that while the Amerindian Land Titling (ALT) project

is ongoing, it cannot resolve issues of such nature, hence the establishment of the CoI. The minister queried whether the community also plans to take legal action against the rancher, noting that once legal proceedings have begun, the ministry cannot intervene, because “the law has to take its course, it is a process and it takes time.”

He called on the village council to engage the people, examine the issue and make a collective decision on the way forward, “This problem exists across the country, the people need to work together because we need sober thinkers in order to move

the development forward,” Minister Allicock noted.

It was promised that once the village agrees, an investigation will be immediately launched, which will entail a process that includes the Guyana Land and Surveys Commission, the Ministry of Communities and the regional administration.

John Daniels, a resident of the village, spoke of the need for more consultations with the Village Council and the people. There was a need for improved good governance and management of village resources, he said.

The residents agreed to work with the ministry to have the issue resolved in the

shortest possible time.

Meanwhile, Minister George Norton said that Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) must start at the level of the community.

“No one must come in your community and build a fence and taking up large portions of your land. There must be some sort of order.”

Minister Norton also cautioned residents to be mindful of persons entering their villages and feeding them with negative ideas.

“Get the facts, read and understand, engage your leaders and do not be misguided by those who do not have your interest at heart,” he advised.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE September 17, 2017

British-funded strategic planning course certifies 16 officers

Seated from left are the two British facilitators, Mr Paul Mathias and Mr Andy Odell; Deputy British High Commissioner, Ron Rimmer; Minister Khemraj Ramjattan; Commissioner of Police (ag) David Ramnarine; Senior Security Sector Reform Advisor to the Ministry of the Presidency, Russell Combe, along with the certified police ranks of the training course. (Rabindra Rooplall Photo)

A TWO-WEEK capacity-building training course

in the area of strategic planning was completed by police officers Friday at a closing ceremony held at the Officers’ Training Centre, Camp Road and Young Street, Georgetown.

The 16 officers who were certified commenced the programme on September 4.

The training is a direct recommendation emanating from the Security Sector Reform Programme (SSRP) interim report submitted by Presidential Adviser on Security, Russell Combe.

The officers focused on modernisation, succession planning, modern-day policing strategies and techniques, conducting research, preparing action plans and monitoring and evaluation.

Deputy British High Commissioner Ron Rimmer, said the programme would support the government’s efforts to provide a safe and secure environment for its citizens. He said the course was designed to improve the capacity, capability and operational efficiency of the strategic planning unit and to help provide the unit with the skills and expertise needed to implement recommendations to reform the force Members of Suriname’s Police Corps as part of a deepening and widening collaboration with the GPF, also

participated in the training.

The partnership with the Surinamese is a significant and important one as the Dutch have helped the government of Guyana in a number of areas, including the capture of dangerous criminals.

John Krishnadath, one of the two inspectors from the Suriname Police Force, who participated in the training, stated: “We learnt that Suriname has similar problems like Guyana, so the techniques were very helpful to us.”

Sergeant Delon Fraser of the GPF noted that the training provided a great deal of information as it related to strategic planning and strategic management. He believes that the training will be able to take the strategic planning unit of the Guyana Police Force to another level.

According to Fraser, “the techniques, the information, the modules were all new and I am sure that it will be a great asset to us while working there at the SVU (Special Victims Unit).”

In attendance were Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan; Acting Commissioner of Police, David Ramnarine; Presidential Adviser on Security Sector Reform, Russell Combe and the facilitators.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE September 17, 2017

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE September 17, 2017

Young mom makes ‘double uterus’ history at GPH

By Shirley Thomas

AMIDST allegations of negligence by its medical, nursing and administrative staff, the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) on July 25 last made history when gynaecologists at the institution successfully took a 20-year-old mother through one of the most complicated deliveries ever – Didelphys or double uterus pregnancy.

And what’s more, the young mother with the uterine abnormality was found to have two wombs and two cervixes and gave birth to two healthy, full-term babies at 37 weeks gestation in a caesarean section procedure that lasted just 35 minutes.

The consultant in charge of the case was Dr. Lucio Pedro, while Dr.Rafi Rozan performed the deliveries assisted

by Dr. Latchmi Nandalal.

At the GPHC’s media briefing recently. At left, Consultant in Charge of the case, Dr. Lucio Pedro makes a point. At right is Dr. Rafi Rozan, who delivered the young mother.

The case, Dr. Rozan told journalists at a media briefing last Thursday, was that the mother had abnormal embryological development of the mullerian ducts. It was the first such case recorded locally, with global statistics

being one in a million.

A didelphic uterus is a type of congenital uterine malformation which manifests itself in the formation of two uteri, two cervixes and sometimes even two vaginas, which was not so in this case.

The abnormalities alluded to, Dr. Rozan said, can result in failure of development, fusion, canalisation or reabsorption, which normally occur between six to 22 weeks. But thankfully, the babies born at the GPH were

full-term and of 37weeks gestation.

Elated over this recent success for the GPH, Dr. Lucio Pedro told journalists: “The patient was a nulliparous (not having given birth previously). She had fullterm, twin pregnancy of a baby boy in the right cavity and a baby girl in the left cavity. Both were delivered healthy with no maternal or neo-natal complications.

Dr. Pedro concluded: “The incidence of having a didelphys uterus with twin gestation (one in each independent cavity of different sex) and successfully delivering at term is like winning a one-in-a-million Mega lottery.

And for Dr. Rozan, at no time was he fearful. It was a moment of great excitement, he recalled, and full of confidence he kept his composure, applying all the skills neces-

sary to ensure both mother and babies were brought safely through. Asked what signs did the mother experience which would have told her that something was amiss, the doctors explained that most women with a didelphys uterus were asymptomatic (do not experience any symptoms).

And how does a woman end up with two wombs?

Scientificamerican.com explains that in the embryonic stage of human development, a female has more than one “uterine horn” or tubes that ultimately fuse into one uterus.

In people with this condition, somewhere in the developmental process, the tubes didn’t come together, most likely because there was an error in the signals cells received instructing them to migrate to certain places.

Community group responds to minister’s tree-planting call

COMMUNITY LEADERS in the West Demerara area have heeded a call by Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan to develop and execute a tree-planting programme, as part of the goal to improve the aesthetics of their constituencies and create a more pleasing atmosphere.

Led by Malgre-Tout/ Meer-Zorgen and Best/Klien Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDC) representatives, Peter Livingstone, Ryan Thomas and Trenton Fields, residents of Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD) on Friday engaged in their first tree-planting exercise.

Livingstone said Friday’s exercise is the first in a series of tree-planting activities that would see the community streets lined with fruit-bearing trees.

He said he was inspired to organise the event after attending a tree-planting initiative with Minister Bulkan,- and noted that as a child he was nurtured by fruit trees that were planted by his elders and he thought it was a “good thing for us to do”.

An overseas-based Guyanese, who said he was considering returning home, disclosed that he was heartened and encouraged by the simple yet poignant way in which the event fostered a spirit of networking among residents regardless of ethnicity.

“I’m feeling even more determined to return home now”, he said, adding that, “it is reassuring to see everyone

working together. The fact that they have chosen to plant fruit trees and not flowers because this would ensure that children in this community would not go hungry and that in itself makes me happy inside.”

Special Projects Officer of the Ministry of Communities, Karen Roopchand told the gathering that the minis-

eration Guyana (#3G) and the ten thousand trees project (3TP) Roopchand said the project is also geared towards promoting local economic development, empowering local democratic organs and improving community relations and aesthetics, and advised that each constituency should develop a “tree plan”

Pandit Suraj Narine being assisted by a resident in planting a tree at Parfaite Harmonie. (DPI/ GINA photo) try’s tree-planting thrust is in keeping with government’s priority of transforming Guyana into a green state.

She explained that this will be achieved by promoting the economic and social well-being in a way that preserves the environment for future generations.

As such, the Ministry of Communities has developed initiatives in tandem with the green agenda including its green energy, green spaces, green boulevards, green gen-

which can generate economic activities from the establishment of plant nurseries among others.

The Special Projects Officer said too that tree-planting will not only beautify the community, but it can provide food, promote greater community participation, remove carbon deposits and reduce the harmful effects of global warming.

“I commend and applaud the council for organising this event and for bringing the

tree-planting initiative to the community. You have taken a bold step and must continue on the journey,” Roopchand stated.

She implored the residents to aim towards 100 percent survival of the plants, avoiding the many hazards of pests, parasite and animals.

Similarly, Youth and Community Empowerment Officer within the Ministry of the Presidency, Pandit Suraj Narine said that he was heartened that the community was embracing the initiative of tree-planting, stating that government is delighted to support any such venture towards the achievement of a green state.

Pandit Narine, who also serves as a Councillor on the Best/Klien Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) drawing on his religious teaching stated that man must ever be conscious of efforts at self- preservation.

This, he said, can start with the simple yet sustainable and powerful activity of tree-planting.

“It can be said that half of our lungs are found outside the body since we breathe the oxygen produced by the trees. Hence we can trace the connection of any living beings. We must respect the achievement of our ancestors and stop cutting down fruit trees to accommodate huge houses and other buildings,” the Pandit added.

He stressed that Guyana can reduce its food import bill by as much as 80 percent if young people would reclaim and replant the land

Constituency representative, Pastor Ryan Thomas and NDC Councillor, Peter Livingstone planting one of the trees along First Avenue, Parfaite Harmonie.

(DPI/GINA phot) for food adding that most conservation of the environfarmers are now well over the ment and biodiversity as part age of 70. of a strategic vision to create “The technology is avail- and maintain a green state. able to make farming much He reminded that future easier today than it was back generations can only inherit then. We have a civil re- and inhabit a healthy planet, sponsibility to take care of if the current trustees act reourselves, our families, our sponsibly and improve their communities and our country surroundings. and we can begin doing this “Trees do not only beauwith just this simple gesture,” tify…but they provide food Pandit Narine said. for human and other aniHe urged the community mals, they provide homes to eat healthy, organic foods for the many species of and reduce their reliance birds, and perhaps most imon the genetically-modified portantly, they manufacture and chemically-enhanced the air that we breathe. The substances. importance of trees, thereMinister Bulkan, in a fore, cannot be over-emrecent letter, urged constit- phasised,” the Communities uency councillors, as part Minister stressed. of a proud and lasting legGovernment has deacy, to consider planting as clared the first Saturday in many trees as possible and October as National Tree said that his administration Day. The ministry is curis committed to sustainable rently engaged in planning livelihoods, preservation and for this event. (DPI/GINA)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE September 17, 2017

BranderZ Guyana opens at new location

CUSTOMERS are now able to continue to order mixed, modern and old designed products for their promotional needs at the BranderZ Guyana (2.0) as the organisation officially opened its new branch at

even the lengthy shipping period hence the establishment of BranderZ Guyana”, Brock explained.

He said that this business not only helped in the creation of new jobs but specialised ones as well, as the

other competitors.

The BranderZ Guyana CEO explained that this would not only empower their clients but would ensure the company was accountable, should there be any incidents or issues.

Anastacia representing Region Five at Heritage Pageant

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BranderZ Guyana (2.0) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Martin Brock

Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin, cutting the ribbon Gordon Street, Kitty.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BranderZ Guyana, Martin Brock, said that the establishment is basically a spin-off from the ordering of corporative and executive gifts to receiving orders for customised products.

BranderZ Guyana (2.0) offers sewing of uniforms, alterations, embroideries, screen printing, foil printing among other services. Customers can purchase online or visit the store to choose their preferred design for items.

“What we (BranderZ Guyana) found was that majority of clients wanted their items yesterday, and we also found that at times the items would arrive in not a good condition or branded incorrectly in terms of sizes and location and we were powerless to fix those issues especially the sizing of items appearing in magazines and

was a slowdown in the country’s economic growth over the last three years, but it is important to note that our economy is still growing and our projection is for continued growth over the next few years because it is very important, especially since our neighbours (Venezuela, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados among others) all

Region Five Miss Indigenous Heritage Month contestant, the beautiful Anastacia Harripersaud

By Clifford Stanley

Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin, viewing some of the items offered at BranderZ Guyana company had invested in new technology equipment and methods. To this end, clients will be able to choose how they wished to have their promotional products branded, even suggest options that were not provided before by

Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin, while congratulating the proprietors on the opening of the establishment, noted that their personalities would assist in the success of the business.

“Now I know that there

projected less than 3 percent, whilst our country estimated to project over 3 percent growth.”

He noted that the investment would help to contribute to the development of the country’s economy.

SEVENTEEN-YEAR-OLD Anastacia Harripersaud of Moraikobai Village, Upper Mahaicony River, will be representing Region Five at the Indigenous Heritage Pageant set for September 30.

Harripersaud is a teacher at the St Francis Mission School in her village.

Her platform at the pageant will be “Combating climate change using traditional and non-traditional methods in Region Five.”

The young lady is excited about being chosen to represent the region and said last week that she will try her best to bring the crown home.

Regional Executive Officer (REO) Ovid Morrison, said the administration is assisting the hopeful with a monetary contribution to defray the cost of her participation in the Indigenous Heritage Month activity, in which 10 contestants, one from each administrative region, will vie for the crown.

“She also has the moral support of the administration in her endeavour to win the crown,” he said.

Region Five awards contracts for NDC projects

By Clifford Stanley

THE Region Five Administration on Wednesday awarded contracts to several contractors to undertake developmental works requested by the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) under central government’s 2017

subventions.

Regional Executive Officer Ovid Morrison, said that the awarding of contracts for NDC subvention works had been delayed in some instances, because there had been no substantial bidders and those had to be re-tendered.

“Some contractors for

these NDC subvention works bid over the estimates as well,” he said.

He added that all of the contracts for NDC subvention projects had been awarded and developmental works within nine of the NDCs should be completed within one month.

Works being done in-

clude upgrading of internal roads and environmental sanitation facilities, maintenance including landscaping of playgrounds and other civil works such as construction of footbridges with rails, market fences, koker doors and installation of speed humps.

The NDC yet to receive

its 2017 subvention is the Woodlands/ Farm NDC, but this issue is being addressed at the level of the Ministry of Communities.

The subvention projects are in addition to emergency works carried out by the regional administration over the past three months during which NDCs throughout the

region benefited from improved environmental sanitation and reduced instances of flooding, as a result of the cleaning of hundreds of rods of canals and internal drains.

All subvention projects for NDCs in Region Five for 2016 were successfully completed before the end of last year.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE September 17, 2017

Golden Grove gets ICT Hub … neighbouring residents to benefit

THE Golden Grove community is the first on the East Bank of Demerara to be connected, following the commissioning of an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Hub at the Grove Craft Centre. Apart from that community,

Diamond and Craig will also benefit from the ICT Hub. Director of the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), Phillip Walcott, noted that in establishing an ICT Hub, the eGovernment Agency was paying attention to a number of factors,

including the availability of devices in households and training of individuals to utilise the computers.

Walcott told the residents that soon government services will be available to them online.

He noted that providing free internet access and The Grove Craft Centre where the ICT Hub is housed devices to a community “is a means to an end and the end is bringing government services closer to the people of the country.”

Parents were extremely relieved, since the hub would assist them financially in terms of their children’s homework and assignments.

Bibi Khan from Grove told the Department of Public Information (DPI), “I have a daughter who is in secondary school and I am very happy, because she comes home with lots of homework and assignments, some of which I don’t have answers to.

But I know that she will be able to come here and get the information.”

Dawn Pellew, a mother and another resident from Grove, echoed similar sentiments, noting that “this hub will take some of the pressure off us as parents in finding money to give our children to use the internet café.”

Dian Oselmo, who also resides in the same community, said that she was currently unemployed and is searching for a job. “This hub will help to search to see if there are any vacancies so that I can get a job.”

Two of the students of the Grove Craft Production Centre who are currently involved in a programme at the centre shared their impressions.

Norette Griffith: “I am happy to have free internet access, it will help me in a good way to complete my assign-

ments and homework,” while Shundell Isaacs opined that the internet will help her research craft ideas and designs for her production.

Chairperson of the management team for the hub, Sonia Boston said she was delighted to manage the team for the Hub, and feels it will add to the positive image of the community.

The hub currently has 14 computers with 10 volunteers and will be open Mondays to Saturdays from 16:30hrs to 20:30hrs, and on Sundays from 17:00hrs to 20:30hrs.

Regional Chairman of Region Four, Genevieve Allen, encouraged those gathered to take full advantage of the hub, pointing out that they should “be more proactive and zealous for information, especially the schoolchildren.” She also encouraged adults to utilise the hub, explaining that parents can visit the hub and access information in order to help their children with homework or assignments.

Services offered at the Golden Grove ICT Hub include business advertising, typing services, computer classes and typing classes among others.

To date, 58 ICT Hubs have been connected across the country. The hubs are partnerships with the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), the Ministry of Public Telecommunications and the eGovernemnt Programme.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE September 17, 2017

NOC on verge of transformation …Minister Ally says institution not a prison THE NEW Opportunity Corps (NOC) located at Onderneeming, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) is on the verge of a complete transformation, Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally has disclosed.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle on Friday, two days after visiting the institution which was previously under the Ministry of Education’s Department of Youth, Sport and Culture, Minister Ally said there is a great need for the juveniles housed in the facility to feel comfortable.

She believes that it is as a result of their discomfort that many have escaped from the rehabilitative institution.

The Minister noted that the transformation process has begun and takes the form of the re-examination of programmes offered to the juveniles, the general operation of the NOC, the staff, and the physical infrastructure or the entity.

“We have to relook at some of the programmes and generally its operations. Yes, it is a juvenile centre, yes, we have to deal with young people, both boys and girls and the main objective is to rehabilitate them, to reintegrate them with society and for them to have a good life,” she told Guyana Chronicle.

The minister admitted that some of the juveniles in the facility were placed there for “petty offences” which are catered for by the law.

“Our security system has to be looked at. I had a meeting with the staff because you’d recognise in recent times we have had a lot of breakouts, and I needed to know what exactly they believe is the problem at NOC which might have led to the breakouts. Whether the conditions are poor, whether they are not comfortable, whatever the situation,” she stated.

The minister made it clear that the NOC was not a prison and should not operate as if it is one, and noted that with adequate staff and a

Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally

different approach, changes will make a difference.

Minister Ally gleaned a number of things during her visit to the institution on Wednesday, such as the need to revisit the security system, re-examination of the programmes the juveniles participate in, improving literacy and numeracy, changing the mindset of the staff, and increasing the staff complement.

With respect to improving literacy and numeracy, the minister said efforts were in train to have full- time teachers attached to the facility to improve the skills of the juveniles. It was observed that there was a great need for such programmes.

“We have begun the process of recruiting those people to teach them fulltime. The programmes at NOC… we have to put some more energy into them,” she stressed, while noting that even in the vocational areas, there is need for diversification of the programmes.

“There are students there doing things in agriculture, fabrication, joinery, catering and so on. I believe we have to strengthen that too, so that they can do better,” Ally noted. That aside, infrastructural works are currently in train at the institution, and the ministry has collaborated with the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) to spruce up the nearby environs which were used as hiding ground for the juveniles when they escape from the NOC. The Social Protection Minister is also of the view that there needs to be an im-

provement in the relationship between the juveniles and the staff of the NOC. She said from all indications, it appears that the juveniles are treated as prisoners and by virtue of that they resist the efforts made by the staff to rehabilitate them.

“I am going to revamp that because we want them (juveniles) to be reintegrated into society and we want them to be good citizens as a result of the kind of training that they have there… we have to change the mindset of those in control of the NOC,” she noted, while adding that if programmes offered were not relevant or are not of interest to the juveniles, then challenges will ensue.

“Is it that they are not doing a proper assessment to illustrate what are the interests of the children, then they would want to do it but if it is a case that they are forced to do it they may have a problem. That may lead to resistance, escaping and so on,” she posited.

The minister’s position is in keeping with that of President David Granger’s.

The President has said that education and skills training were important aspects of the juveniles’ rehabilitation, and had committed to working with the ministry to explore improvements in the delivery of education and training, extra-curricular activities and psychosocial support.

Meanwhile, the minister said the institution has to be properly staffed and pointed to the need for a Programme Manager, someone to be in charge of education, reintegration, intake, vocational placement, social workers, a medical team, and dorm supervisors.

“There is where we hope to strengthen our staff there, look at our programmes, improve on our security, so it is an overall thing and the NOC would become relevant. It is not a prison,” she emphasised.

A 2016 report of an assessment conducted by the United States Agency for International Development

(USAID) had flagged the professionalisation of the NOC which is a key area for development. The report which was intended to identify key areas for the reform of the institution, so that it could fulfil its mandate to reintegrate the young people housed there, also pointed to the need for capacity-building.

On Thursday, President Granger pardoned five fe-

male juveniles of the NOC, aged 13 to 16 years, a move Minister Ally said she is extremely pleased about. She told the Guyana Chronicle that with the presidential pardon, other juveniles remaining at the institution can now have the hope of being reunited with their families.

Some 70 juveniles are currently housed at the facility.

The NOC is a detention facility for delinquents. It

is governed by the Training Schools Act, which provides for the establishment of schools for the education, rehabilitation and vocational training for young offenders under the age of 18 years. Its mission is to provide youths with technical, vocational, entrepreneurial and life skills training for personal and national development in a disciplined environment.

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A Conversation ...

From page 7

violence he once faced by Afro-Guyanese because of his political activity.

A young Amerindian woman spoke of discrimination she faced by an Afro-Guyanese street vendor during one Mashramani. A Chinese woman spoke about the routine discrimination she and other Chinese Guyanese face from all sections of the society.

But the conversation did not end there. A darkskinned Indian man spoke of discrimination within the Indian community based on his skin colour, an interesting parallel to the experience communicated to me a few years before by a prominent light-skinned Guyanese entertainer, who

spoke of the discrimination she suffered among her primarily dark-skinned Afro-Guyanese family. And there were not only stories of victimhood, but also recognition of where their own prejudices kicked in.

The Afro-Guyanese lecturer who was told to go back to Africa spoke about participating in an activity in which she was required to keep an orphan child for a day and balking when the organisers brought across an Indo-Guyanese child.

The Amerindian woman who was racially abused by the street vendor remembers responding with racial abuse of her own.

This was simply a mediated microcosm of the larger society, but it was enough

to illustrate that a necessary national conversation on race is going to be difficult, deeply reflective, at times divisive, but I am certain, from that experience, also ultimately redemptive.

Our racial divisions continue to smoulder, like glowing coals just underneath a layer of deceptively cool ash, precisely because we have not had the sort of conversation that is necessary for us to demystify our major divisions and move on. Hatred and suspicion fester and grow in silence and in darkness. We have to stop speaking about having to speak about race and actually start speaking about race in a structured and sustainable manner.

One of the mechanisms I’d

SUNDAY CHRONICLE September 17, 2017 like to see going forward is a series of televised, livestreamed conversations, mediated by credible, competent people. I already have a shortlist in mind.

The first is Nadia Sagar, a friend whom I’ve had strong disagreements with, but who I am confident can lead such a discussion. Not only has she confronted the complex issues of race both on her blog and in the print media, but she moderated and participated in the Janus Conversations on Citizenship in a manner that inspired confidence that she would be able to moderate the larger national dialogue.

Lawrence Latchmansingh certainly, a veteran of social

cohesion work in Guyana and around the world. Roxanne Meyers, who has been a strong proponent for properly structured social cohesion interventions. Kwesi Sansculotte-Greenidge, a good friend of mine with a wealth of experience on conflict transformation, gained primarily in some of the most fractious places in Africa. Trinidadian Rhoda Bharath, an academic who has been a model of active Caribbean citizenship, and who has rivalled even me in the use of expletives in speaking truth to power. And of course, there is Sharda Ganga herself, who has been a force in Suriname with her PROJEKTA

NGO, journalism and plays.

Nothing prevents putting together such a forum other than the political will to do so. Nothing. Against the backdrop of the Nicholas incident, and what has been a less-than- subtle campaign of pushing ethnic division, this administration has a unique opportunity to do something transformative when it comes to setting the table for an honest and open conversation on race.

This is not the time to shut down debate and move on, pretending that under all this ash certain things are not smouldering, awaiting fuel and the subsequent next great conflagration.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, SEPTEMBER 17, 2017

Yamaha Caribs forfeit game against Police Falcons

THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) Falcons picked up their first win in the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) Bounty Farm 15s Rugby Championship, after their opponents, the Yamaha Caribs, was a ‘no show’ for their showdown yesterday afternoon at the National Park.

Having suffered a humiliating 67 – 7 defeat at the hands of the Panthers in their opening game of the tournament, the GPF Falcons were hoping to bounce back against the Caribs, but the Theodore Henry-led Caribs team failed

to show-up for their first taste of the round-robin formatted championship.

Meanwhile, today, the Panthers, who recently turned into one of Guyana’s most hated rugby teams, will match skills with the Pepsi Hornets.

After winning consecutive Sevens titles, Panthers, a flashy, young and very talented group of players, turned their attention to the game’s longer format, and they used the Guyana Police Force team as a perfect example to demonstrate their will to claim the GRFU’s Final 15’s tournament for the

year, hammering the lawmen 67 – 7.

The Laurie Adonis-coached Panthers team will certainly have their hands full against a seasoned and welloiled Pepsi Hornets, led by national captain Ryan Gonsalves, who will want to preserve their rich history in the game locally.

The Bounty Farm 15s tournament which will conclude on November 12, will see five teams playing two rounds of matches.

(Rawle Toney)

Narine shackles England as Windies claim sole T20 WEST Indies produced a watertight bowling performance to strangle England and claim victory by 21 runs in the one-off Twenty20 international at Durham on Saturday.

Chasing 177 for victory, the hosts looked well on course after Alex Hales blasted 43 from just 17 balls to light up the powerplay overs on a bitterly cold night at Chester-le-Street.

But Sunil Narine’s 2-15 turned the screw as only Jos Buttler - who passed 1,000 T20I runs in making 30 - and Jonny Bairstow (27) offered any hope before the home side fell well short, all out for 155.

In truth, England ought to have been chasing in excess of 200 after a destructive opening stand from Evin Lewis (51) and Chris Gayle - whose first six in his 40 from 21 was his 100th maximum in T20Is. Liam Plunkett (3-27) and Adil Rashid (3-25) dragged the hosts back

into contention, but Eoin Morgan’s side were left to rue failures with the bat as Narine turned the screw and ensured the Windies’ white-ball stars did what their Test colleagues could not, after a 2-1 defeat in the five-day arena.

Gayle’s milestone moment arrived from his seventh delivery, dispatching David Willey over midwicket, and he followed that up by crashing the next ball over the bowler’s head, narrowly missing a media box window.

The best of his four maximums went like a tracer bullet over cover off Chris Jordan, before Lewis got in on the act by taking 16 from Tom Curran’s first three balls of the sixth over.

Gayle’s fun came to an end after the powerplay, though, as he ambled lazily for a single and was run out smartly by a combination of Jason Roy and Plunkett.

Plunkett continued to check the Windies’ progress by removing Lewis,

Marlon Samuels and Kieron Pollard in his final two overs, while his Yorkshire team-mate Rashid followed suit in claiming three scalps as the tourists somewhat limped through to 176-9 from the remainder of their allocation.

England’s reply got off to the worst possible start as Roy fell to the first ball, and Rovman Powell’s drop of Hales four deliveries later proved costly, the opener thumping eight fours and a six to get the hosts ahead of the rate.

But he, Joe Root and Morgan fell in successive overs to leave England 68-4 - a wobble steadied by Buttler and Bairstow, their 50 stand brought up in glorious fashion as the latter drove Pollard over wide long-off for six.

Buttler holed out immediately afterwards, though, and when Bairstow perished it left England’s tail too much to do as the Windies were able to warm themselves with a wellearned victory.(Omnisport).

Essex clinch first County Championship title in 25 years

ESSEX have won their first County Championship title since 1992.

Ryan ten Doeschate’s team put themselves on the brink of glory when they trounced Warwickshire by an innings inside three days at Edgbaston.

But after their eighth victory of a remarkable season, Essex had to wait for second-placed Lancashire’s failure to win away to Somerset to be confirmed before they could start celebrating the silverware.

Lancashire duly lost by seven wickets at Taunton on Friday morning, and Essex have therefore completed their task with two matches to spare - in their first season back in the top flight following promotion from Specsavers Division Two last summer.

It is their seventh title, all their previous successes coming between 1979 and their last one in 1992 when they retained the championship during the

all-conquering years of England stars such as Graham Gooch, Nasser Hussain and Derek Pringle.

The glory days have returned under Ten Doeschate and coach Chris Silverwood, the former England bowler who was promoted to his position for the start of the 2016 season and has immediately delivered back-to-back championship seasons in Division Two and then Division One. Confirmation of Lancashire’s defeat came just after noon, while Essex were on their team coach back to Chelmsford - having celebrated their win over Warwickshire if not yet the title in Birmingham the previous evening.

After word came through on the M40, though, Essex and their players were quick to mark the occasion via their social media accounts.

Leading wicket-taker Jamie Porter simply tweeted his club’s nickname, with a few extra letters

for emphasis: “You eeeaaaggllreeeesssssssssssssssssssssssssss”.

There were also instant good wishes from outside the club, England and Nottinghamshire seamer Stuart Broad posting: “Congrats to everyone at EssexCricket. County Champions and greatly deserved!”

Essex chief executive Derek Bowden, waiting for the players and coaching staff to arrive in Chelmsford, spoke of his admiration for what they have achieved.

“It’s fantastic - a great result for the team, a great result for the club,” he told Sky Sports News.

“It’s absolutely wonderful. It’s been a great team effort, great leadership from Chris Silverwood and his team and great captaincy this year.

“The team spirit has been fantastic, home-grown talent and the whole club working together as one team.”(The Independent)

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08:50 hrs Lloyd’s Legacy 09:25 hrs Constantine

29

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, SEPTEMBER 17, 2017

Foundation table tennis programme held in Region 2

National Coach, Linden Johnson, imparting his knowledge to the attentive students and teachers.

By Elroy Stephney

THE National Sports Commission (NSC) in collaboration with the sports department in Region 2 facilitated 16 sessions, teaching the foundation of table tennis to students of various primary schools.

Approximately 61 students between the ages of 6 to 11 participated in the exercise. On Monday and Tuesday last, the first segment of the four-day exercise was held at the Queenstown Community Centre ground while on Wednesday and Thursday, the pro-

gramme was staged at the Hampton Court Primary School compound.

In an invited comment, Region 2 Sports Organiser, Ms. Debra Daniels explained that the exercise was to teach the foundation of table tennis in a fun way.

She further stated that

the sessions were well attended and that the children were able to grasp the fundamentals very quickly. She also added that a number of teachers and parents also participated in the training which will further enhance the continuation of the programme in the Region.

The training was facilitated by National Table Tennis Coach, Linden Johnson.

Daniels is hopeful that very shortly competitions involving the various schools within the region will be staged.

Recently, the Essequibo Table Tennis Association held a successful competition at the Anna Regina Secondary School’s auditorium where several promising players emerged. They have since been encouraged to further develop their skills through continued practice, dedication, and being involved in more competitive competitions.

Rampant Manchester City go top, Palace slump continues

By Neil Robinson LONDON (Reuters) - Manchester City thumped Watford 6-0 to move top of the Premier League on Saturday as Crystal Palace suffered their fifth succes-

175 goals for City and is closing in on the club’s alltime record of 177, set by Eric Brook between 1928 and 1940.

“I was lucky to manage Barcelona with many outstanding performances but

side in English football’s topflight history.

Steven Davis scored the only goal of the game after six minutes and Southampton, for whom Virgil van Dijk came on as a substitute to play his first game in eight

Manchester City thumped Watford 6-0. (Source: Reuters)

sive loss in a 1-0 defeat by Southampton.

With joint leaders Manchester United playing today, along with Chelsea, City took their opportunity to lay down a title marker with another attacking masterclass and go three points clear of their neighbours at the summit.

Sergio Aguero scored his 10th City hat-trick, with strike partner Gabriel Jesus, Nicolas Otamendi and Raheem Sterling also netting against previously unbeaten Watford as City, who beat Liverpool 5-0 and Feyenoord 4-0 this week, romped home.

Aguero has now scored

this week has been a lot of goals,” said manager Pep Guardiola.

“We have found our game, we can make short passes and we have a lot of energy from our fullbacks,” added the Spaniard whose side had 28 shots on goal and inflicted Watford’s heaviest top-flight league defeat.

Former England manager Roy Hodgson would have loved to call on some of that firepower at Selhurst Park as he began his latest job at Crystal Palace, who look serious candidates for relegation after suffering the worst start to a season by any

months, survived the odd second-half scare to take all three points.

“We didn’t deserve a fairytale ending,” Hodgson said. “We didn’t play well enough. After the goal you could see the nerves and the anxiety.”

It was hardly much better for Liverpool who completed a disappointing week by drawing 1-1 with Burnley at Anfield. The visitors remained unbeaten away from home in the Premier League this season after a win at Chelsea and a draw at Tottenham Hotspur.

Even Philippe Coutinho’s

first start could not secure the points for Liverpool, who trailed to a Scott Arfield goal before Mohamed Salah equalised with his fifth of the season.

Newcastle United posted their third successive win, 2-1 over Stoke City, to cheer Rafa Benitez on his return to the dugout after ill health. For the second week running, Jamaal Lascelles scored the winner to justify the expected award of a new five-year contract at the club.

Newcastle are fourth, two places and one point above fellow promoted side Huddersfield Town, who drew 1-1 with Leicester City.

Jamie Vardy’s second-half penalty earned the visitors a point after Laurent Depoitre had given Huddersfield the lead.

West Ham United drew 0-0 with West Bromwich Albion in a game memorable only for Gareth Barry’s record-equalling 632nd Premier League appearance for the home side at The Hawthorns.

In Saturday’s late kickoff, suggestions that Tottenham Hotspur had cracked their home curse after their midweek Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund proved shortlived.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side were held 0-0 by Swansea City, the third successive time Wembley’s new tenants have failed to win at home in the league this season.

South Africa’s JP Duminy calls time on Test career

JP Duminy represented South Africa in 46 Test matches

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa all-rounder JP Duminy has decided to quit test cricket but will continue to feature in the shorter formats of the game, the 33-year-old said on Saturday.

Duminy was dropped from the Proteas squad after the first Test at Lord’s in a four-match series against England in July and has since not featured in the longest format.

In 46 Tests, Duminy scored 2,103 runs at an average of 32.85. He also picked up 42 wickets with his off-spin.

“After long and careful deliberation, I have decided to retire from first-class and Test match cricket with immediate effect,” Duminy, who opted out of the opening round of domestic first-class fixtures in South Africa, said in a statement.

“It is an experience that cannot be replaced and one I will always cherish. Test cricket has always been the pinnacle and I’ve been fortunate enough to experience some memorable highlights with the Proteas and also in first-class matches with the WSB Cape Cobras.”

Duminy made his Test debut with an unbeaten half-century at Perth against Australia in 2008 to help South Africa hunt down a target of 414, the second-highest successful runchase in Test cricket.

“In the years ahead, my focus will be placed on attaining limited-overs cricket success for South Africa and the WSB Cape Cobras...” he added.

South Africa’s next test assignment is a twomatch home series against Bangladesh from Sept. 28.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday September 17, 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)

Sohail Tanvir-17 wickets

(2)

James Anderson-19 wickets

Today’s Quiz: (1) Which wicketkeeper effected most dismissals in Hero CPL 2017?

(2) Which wicketkeeper effected most dismissals in the recent WI/ENG Test series?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

30

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, SEPTEMBER 17, 2017

Introducing 16-year-old basketball prodigy, Kevon Wiggins

By Colin Bynoe.

AT 6` 1”, Kevon Wiggins has to be the best poundfor-pound youth basketball player for Guyana in the past year.

Wiggins rose to prominence last year in the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) U-16 Championships which was played in Guyana.

In that tournament, Wiggins averaged 15.2 points, 11.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. His exploits took Team Guyana into the finals where they lost to Bahamas 57-84, Young Wiggins ended with 25 points and an impressive 14 rebounds in his 37 minutes of play in the finals. Numbers don’t lie.

Born to parents, Emon Wiggins and Ronda Lewis, on October 19, 2000 in the Town of Rose Hall, Kevon grew up watching his father playing basketball in the area. His dad played basketball for the Rose Hall Town Jammers for many years.

“My father inspired me to play basketball, I started at age 13”, the young Wiggins related.

He attended the Rose Hall Town Primary School where he successfully com-

pleted his NGSA (National Grade Six Assessment) exams and gained a place at the New Amsterdam Multilateral

Campus where he has been playing for his new school for the past five months.

The six-foot shooting guard is making a name

Kevon Wiggins tries to evade his Bahamas counterpart in the 2017 Centrobasket U17 championships.

. But despite migrating to the United States of America with his family, 16-year-old, Kevon Wiggins, continues to fly the Guyana flag high. He now attends Evander Childs

for himself as a starter on the Evander High School basketball team based in the Bronx, New York. He’s currently in his sophomore years at his school, and will

Former Guyana coach Albert SmithClements is new president of the GCCC FORMER Guyana Senior Cricket Team Coach, Albert Smith-Clements, has been elected to serve as the new President of Guymine Community Cricket Club (GCCC) at its annual general meeting (AGM) held recently at the Overwinning Primary School.

A total of 32 persons were present at the AGM to discuss the required aims and objectives of the club.

Also on the agenda were measures to put in place to regain activities within the community. A motion was made to elect an executive body and committee.

Nominations were made for the position of President, Vice- President, Secretary, Treasurer, Patron, and Public Relations Officer (PRO).

These nominations were voted upon by the show of

Former Guyana cricket coach, Albert Smith-Clements

hands and the persons were accepted.

Also elected to serve on the executive with SmithClements at the helm are: Malcolm Peters- First Vice President, Ronald Mars-Second Vice President, Angela Haniff- Secretary, Moses Jaipaul – Treasurer, Luke Latiff - Public Relations Officer,

and Lennox Cush- Patron.

Ulric Cummings served as the Returning Officer In addition to Executive body, seven (7) Committee Members were elected, namely, Bridgesh Jaipaul, Charles Shepherd, Desmond Weeks, Ashley Jones, Takerdeen, Nigel Vyfhius and Seon Profit.

Meanwhile, the Kildonan Cricket Club (KCC) also recently held its first AGM at the Kildonan Community Centre. The elected members to serve are Qualis WinterPresident, Carlos Leitch Vice-President, Colin Bynoe –Secretary and Quaicy Henry –Treasurer.

Of note is that, the elected President and Secretary of the KCC and GCCC will be the respective clubs’ representatives to the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB).

be moving on to 11th Grade.

He mentioned, “When I first started at the school, the basketball coach asked if I played ball because he watched the CBC tournaments and he remembered me,” stated Kevon. When asked to compare playing basketball for his school `Evander’ to that of playing in Guyana, Wiggins remarked, “ Well playing basketball for my school oversees is much more difficult than in Guyana, and also it makes the games a lot easier when playing stiffer competitions”.

The 16-year-old views himself as a fun person, “I want my teammates to remember me as a fun person”.

When asked what aspect of your game comes easiest to you? He responded, “Shooting and finishing to the rim comes easy”. The former Rose Hall Town lad who is still in his prime, posited confidently, “to be successful you have to work the hardest” Asked,” If you didn’t play basketball, what sport would you play? Kevon replied “I would have played cricket most definitely”.

Quite recently in the 2017 Centrobasket U17

Kevon Wiggins essays a perfect pull-up jumper

Championship which was held in Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, from 26th -30th July, despite Team Guyana not registering a win in the championship, they played well to the level of competition which they faced.

Kevon Wiggins was selected to represent Guyana and continuing with his outstanding display of scoring, his returns saw him making a mess of his other compet-

itors by being the highest scorer in the championship with a total of 126 points from 5 games he played. He averaged a tournament high 25.2 points per game.

This youngster is talented; He handles the ball with both hands effortlessly. He can hit a shot from anywhere on the court.

He has a smooth jumper. He can dunk. And he was raised in the beautiful Town of Rose Hall.

Pakistan have made significant strides, insists coach Arthur MICKEY Arthur believes Pakistan have made “significant strides” in one-day international cricket since his appointment as head coach, but admits there is work to do in the Test arena.

The experienced South African took charge in May 2016 with his new employers languishing down in ninth place in the ICC ODI rankings.

While there were growing pains at the start of his reign - Pakistan were beaten 4-1 by both England and Australia - they rose to the challenge at the ICC Champions Trophy in June, stunning rivals India in a one-sided final on English soil.

While Arthur sees a bright future in the shorter formats, he accepts his younger players need to step up in Test cricket as they begin life without batsmen Younis Khan and Misbah-ulHaq, who both retired after the 2-1 series victory over West Indies in May. “We’ve almost come full circle. When I took over a year-and-a-bit ago, the emphasis was on one-day cricket, because that’s where we were lagging,” he told ESPNcricinfo.

Experienced coach Mickey Arthur confessed to being “embarrassed” by the standards of some Pakistan players during the tour of Australia.

“We’ve made significant strides in that area with our brand of cricket. Players certainly are playing with a lot more sense of freedom, with us looking to strike with the ball, particularly in those middle overs, and our fielding.

“The Test team was very settled [when I took over]. It was just a continuation, and we had that fantastic series against England [in 2016].

“Now, though, the wheel has turned. Our one-day team seems pretty settled and is going in the right direction in terms of our brand, but we sit with a Test team that we need to develop, primarily in the batting.

“But I’m very excited to see how the likes of Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam and Azhar Ali become our premier players. How they adjust to that responsibility is going to be fantastic.”

Arthur pinpointed a specific moment during the tour of Australia that made him realise how desperately Pakistan needed to improve in limited-overs cricket.

“The tipping point for us was when we needed some fresh legs for the one-day series in Australia,” he explained.

“I’ll never forget taking the one-day players who just arrived out onto the outfield to do some work at lunchtime in front of a packed house at the MCG. The standards that those players arrived in was embarrassing. I was embarrassed to see those players run on the outfield.

“Ultimately, that was a reflection of the culture, a reflection on our dressing room. The reflection I wanted on our dressing room was one that was thoroughly professional, one where we push the standards all the time and look to improve ourselves .”(Omnisport)

31

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, SEPTEMBER 17, 2017

Bolt worried Solomon, Barnwell and Suknanan about future lead Georgetown fightback - Lower Corentyne beat Upper Corentyne by ten wickets; of Jamaican West Demerara also win by 30 runs over West Berbice. sprinting Jaguars Franchise League 3-day tournament….

By Rajiv Bisnauth

SECOND innings half-centuries from Dexter Solomon and skipper Christopher Barnwell along with a four-wicket haul from off-spinner Gajanan Suknanan, led Georgetown to a stunning fightback at the close of the second day of their Jaguars Franchise League three-day game over East Coast yesterday at the Lusignan cricket ground.

The City side closed the day on 244-9, an overall lead of 299 runs.

Solomon stroke an enterprising 84 while Barnwell made 62 in what was deemed a better batting performance from the city side.

Earlier, resuming at 102-4, the hosts crumbled to the City team spinners, as they could only managed to add 35 runs to their first innings total, as the remaining six batsmen showed little responsibility at the crease.

It was a period where they played some poor cricket shots that led to their own downfall.

Overnight batsman Joshua Persaud (8), was the first to go, leg before wicket to off-spinner Suknanan who snared three of the six wickets during that crucial period of play.

Fellow spinner Devon Lord then removed the other overnight batsman Kumar Bishundyal (1) before the guile and variations of the two spinners quickly wrapped up the

innings, sharing the last four

Sherfane Rutherford

wickets equally.

Suknanan finished with figures of 4-40 while Sankar claimed 3-8, Lord finished with 2-10, while medium-pacer Kellon Carmichael had the other wicket to fall.

With a first innings lead of 55, Georgetown reached the lunch interval on 39-1, losing the wicket of Robin Bacchus, caught at the wicket off Cordel Mars for ten, at 16-1.Raymond Perez was on 20 while Sunil Singh on seven at the interval.

Upon resumption, the City team lost both Perez (27) and Singh (10), along with Ramaal Lewis (13) during that session, but Barnwell and Solomon stood firm at the wicket.

The duo added 70 for the fifth-wicket, a partnership

which was well crafted before they lost Barnwell.

Thereafter it was the Solomon show. The right-handed batsman mixed aggression with solid defence before being the last batsmen to be dismissed at the closing stages of the day’s play. He faced 159 balls, with six fours and two sixes.

Sankar and Suknanan will resume today. Bhaskar Yadram (3-68), Rajendra Chandrika (2-18), Mars (2-49), and a wicket apiece for Rajendra Singh and Bishundyal, were the successful bowlers.

Meanwhile, scores in the other matches on day two are: At Albion: Lower Coren-

Raun Johnson

tyne whipped Upper Corentyne by ten wickets. Resumed at 166-3 replying to Upper Corentyne first innings 130 all out, Lower Corentyne were

bowled out for 257. Open-

Dextor Solomon

er Wahid Edwards made 89 while Seon Hetmyer contributed 49.

Batting a second time, Upper Corentyne were bowled out for 157. Fast bowler Raun Johnson (4-49), and left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul (3-42), did the damage. Set 25 to win, Lower Corentyne were 27-0 when the victory target was achieved.

At Everest: East Bank replying to Essequibo’s first innings of 280, were 303-9.

Sherfane Rutherford made an adventurous 106 while Sachin Singh fell short of his century by one run.

At Tuschen: West Demerara won by 30 runs. Scores in the game: West Demerara 110 and 126; West Berbice 106

Convincing players to tour Pakistan will be challenging says Cameron

LAHORE, Pakistan, (CMC) — Cricket West Indies (CWI) president Dave Cameron said West Indies players will get to decide whether they tour Pakistan for a series of three Twenty20 Internationals in November.

Cameron was speaking at the conclusion of the Independence Series between the Pakistanis and a World XI over the last week in Lahore.

The series has raised expectations in the country that Pakistan can resume the staging of international matches following an international suspension, due to an armed attack by militants on the Sri Lankan team bus eight years in this city.

The Pakistanis hosted Zimbabwe for a historic lim-

ited-overs series two years ago, but other internationals have been reluctant to play bilateral series in the country, forcing Pakistan to play their home games in the United Arab Emirates in the past few years.

“We want to ensure that when the players come over, everyone actually wants to come and enjoy the experience, and we don’t want to be seen to be forcing anyone,” said Cameron.

“We’ve had Darren Sammy and Samuel Badree here, and they’ve loved it. Sammy’s on his second trip and I think that will also convince the players that it is safe to come.”

Cameron however, made it clear that the tour will depend on the security reports

after the conclusion of Independence Cup, mentioning that CWI has no intention of forcing any player who doesn’t wish to undertake the tour.

“We’ve had the security team here for the final of the Pakistan Super League and they’ve seen these matches as well,” he said “Here, Pakistan’s board makes decisions [regarding where to tour]. My board’s a little bit different, with the West Indies Players’ Association also having a big say — and we have to respect their decision.”

Cameron said he had enjoyed his two-day stay in Pakistan and was convinced that things have improved with the International Cricket Council, the sport’s World

governing body, overseeing security arrangements and willing to bear the cost of security advisors for every series the PCB hosts from now.

“We’ve been talking about this for some time and have our own challenges back in the West Indies, but from what I have seen, I am very convinced,” said Cameron.

“Hospitality has been great and security has been first-class. My challenge is to convince the players that it’s safe enough. It’s our duty to help as well. I felt that if I came over here to show that it’s safe enough that would go some way in convincing the players. Inshallah [God-willing] in November, we’ll be here.”

Retired sprint star Usain Bolt

RECENTLY retired sprint star Usain Bolt has expressed concern regarding the future of Jamaican athletics after expressing doubt about the hunger of the upcoming generation of sprinters.

Bolt, who retired from the sport last month, was at the head of an unprecedented era of success for the tiny Caribbean island, which claimed 39 gold medals at major games in just under 10 years.

The Berlin World Championships (2009) and Beijing World Championships (2015) represented the country’s best performances after claiming a record tally of seven gold medals at each.

Bolt’s retirement from the sport did not go quite as planned last month as he managed a single bronze medal at the London World Championships, but it was also a disappointing showing for Jamaica, who didn’t seem quite ready to pick up the slack after managing a solitary gold medal.

Many have expressed concerns for the sport of track and field following

Bolt’s departure, but there is also clearly a concern for Jamaica’s continued success without him and not least from the retired sprinter himself.

“The biggest thing with Jamaica now is if the youngsters want it,” Bolt told the Associated Press.

“Over the years, one thing I’ve learned is you have to want to be great. If you don’t want to be great, it won’t happen.”

Of course, wanting to be great and doing what it takes to make it happen are two different things, too.

“I’ve noticed a lot of the young athletes, as soon as they get their first contract and start making money, they really just don’t care as much anymore,” Bolt said.

“A lot of them are satisfied with getting their first contract, going out and making their first team. If they are satisfied with that, then we’re in trouble.

“Hopefully, a few of these young guys are going to be hungry and want to be great and if we get those guys we will be OK but so far, it is not looking good.”

Solomon, Barnwell and Suknanan lead Georgetown fightback

Page 31

Age vs Experience battle tonight in Corona Beer football final

By Stephan Sookram THE proverbial age versus experience battle will see another chapter unfold this evening with the Georgetown Football Club Ground (GFC) taking on Police in the finals of the Corona Beer invitational football tournament.

The pundits have carded GFC as the obvious favourites with several positives already in their favour heading into tonight’s encounter.

The first of which is, that the GFC side already have a victory over the Police in the preliminary stages of the competition and this is a psychological advantage.

Captain Shaquille Bowen told a media conference earlier in the week that this is taking effect in some of the player’s minds but they would have tried to eradicate this mindset.

GFC ( blue stripes) will be obvious favourites in tonight’s Corona Beer Invitational final On a personal front, he contended that he plans to shepherd his men as if facing a new force rather than one

they had faced earlier in the competition.

Added to that is the GFC unit can field a full side team

with no suspensions to their regular starting XI which means that several of their men in form are going to

start.

On the other hand, the Police are underdogs. While they have been in many finals

over the last two years, the Mayor’s cup and others, they are without two of their star players, Quincy Holder and Lerone Charles.

And while some see this as a factor that puts them at a disadvantage, Captain Dwain Jacobs sees it as an opportunity for players to step up, fill the gap and catch the opposition off guard come tonight.

Nonetheless at the end of the match, expected to begin at 21:00hrs at the GFC ground, there will be one team lifting the Corona Trophy.

But before that, there is a third-place playoff between Northern Rangers and Western Tigers, both of whom had persons predicting that they would play in the finals.

Still cash is on the table for grabs when they go at it at 19:00hrs.

Narine shackles England as Windies claim sole T20

Yamaha Caribs forfeit game against Police Falcons

Spinner Sunil Narine was named Player of the Match for his impressive figures of 4-0-15-2.

Chronicle Sport photographer, Adrian Narine, captures the action between Panthers and the GPF Falcons at the National Park last weekend.

…Panthers faceoff against Pepsi Hornets today

Page 28

Page 28

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER, 17, 2017