Guyana Chronicle E-paper 09-19-2018

WEDNESDAY 19th September, 2018

No.105402

Two miners die in pit cave-in 16 PAGE

Alcoholism fuelling social breakdown 23 in Baramita PAGE

AG wants PPP LGE court 14 action struck out PAGE

No political agenda ‌ LGC says as Justice Kennard sworn in to probe City Hall

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Chairman of the Local Government Commission, Mortimer Mingo ( left) and Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan observe as former Chancellor of the Judiciary, Cecil Kennard takes the oath of office to conduct the inquiry into the operations of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (Samuel Maughn photo)

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South Rupununi wells to be drilled later this month - Regional Chairman SOME five dozen members of the Brazilian Army Engineering and Construction Battalion (BEC) are expected to arrive in Aishalton, Region Nine later this month to begin drilling of water wells in the South Rupununi.

Regional Chairman of Region Nine, Brian Allicock, made the announcement at Heritage Day in Shulinab on Saturday.

President David Granger said the project is important to stimulating economic development in the South Rupununi. “Once you have the wells and once you have water for your animals and your crops we can move closer towards food security,” the President said. BEC is expected to drill some eight wells in eight indigenous villages from South Rupununi which will provide water security to villages during the dry season in the Region.

The project is part of a Complementary Agreement to the Basic Agreement on Technical Cooperation signed between the Presidents of Guyana and Brazil last year, to develop infrastructure projects.

President Granger made an official state visit to Brazil last December.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Two cops under internal investigation

TWO serving members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) found themselves on the wrong side of the law on Tuesday when they appeared before Chief Magistrates Ann McLennan on two criminal charges.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mahendra Singh, 32, of Pike Street Kitty was charged for wrongfully restraining Perry Barker from leaving the Coin Restaurant and Bar on August 15 at Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara. He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Corporal Christopher Dharamraj, on the other hand, was charged for assaulting Barker on the same day in question.

–– for running ‘red-light’ bar, assault

Corporal Christopher Dharamraj The 30-year-old Diamond Housing Scheme resident also denied the charge. Both he and Singh were represented

by Attorney-at-Law, Bernard DaSliva.

According to the facts presented in court, on the day in question, Singh was in charge of the bar, which he runs in partnership with Dharamraj,

when Barker, a taxi driver, turned up there.

The three later became embroiled in an argument, and Barker, who feared the worse, was locked in a toilet by the two lawmen.

Barker somehow managed to escape and reported the matter to the police. Both cops were arrested but subsequently released on $20,000 bail each, and the matter was adjourned until September 24.

But even before the matter could have gotten that far, reporters in court were asked by one Sergeant Tracy-Ann Gittens, not to take photos of the cops. When asked why, the policewoman brusquely replied, “Because I said so!”

The Police Office of Professional Responsi-

ASP Mahendra Singh bility has since gotten involved in the matter, in light of reports that it is the two cops who own the establishment and the kind of activities which reportedly take place there, as well as the alleged assault of the taxi driver.

Both Singh and Dharamraj have since been removed from ‘A’ Division.

Enmore man battles for life after execution attempt A 50-year-old man is currently undergoing surgery after being stabbed by a man who attacked him at his Newtown, Enmore, East Coast Demerara home on Tuesday morning.

Chadiraj Lall called ‘Dharmendra’ was asleep in the wee hours of Tuesday when a masked man broke into his home after gaining access from a window. According to reports, Lall was awakened by his attacker who stabbed him and beat him about the body.

The injured man managed to fight off his attacker and unmasked him and

realised it was someone he knew by the name of ‘Dennis’. Lall then asked his attacker why he was attacking him and the man told him that he was paid to kill him.

The victim’s elderly mother got up after hearing the commotion and also saw ‘Dennis’ in the house.

The man then ran out of the house and made good his escape. Lall was rushed to the hospital after sustaining five stab wounds about his body. He was stabbed to the neck, back and chest and also suffered a punctured lung and is currently at the Georgetown Public Hospital

Chadiraj Lall called ‘Dharmendra’ undergoing surgery.

The matter was reported to the police and they are on the hunt for Lall’s attacker.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 19, 2018

SPU hopeful of first investor for closed estates by February

AS diversification and privatisation of the sugar industry continue, the Special Purpose Unit (SPU) of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited is hoping to nail down its first investor by February next year.

Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday, SPU Head Colwin Health-Lon-

Head of the SPU, Colvin Heath-London (Adrian Narine photo) don, said most proposals and enquiries have been into sugar -related activities, citing ethanol, bulk sugar and electricity.

The SPU took control of the Skeldon, Rose Hall,

Enmore and Wales estates when government decided to close operations early this year. Since January 2018, the unit was tasked with having the estates valuated and ready for sale. “The prospective investors are the best to do studies… over the past year we had different investors sending teams which analysed books for estates, the infrastructure and the factories…they [investors] think and the SPU thinks doing sugar in different forms can be profitable,” said Heath-London, adding that the final decision is up to the investors.

Over the past month, the SPU received proposals from 16 prospective purchasers and they expect to have at least 35 firm and fixed proposals by the end of October, when the prospect period will end.

“Initially, in the first round there were approximately 70 investors…the second round will be open until the end of this month, so let’s see what happens and what the numbers will be at the end of the month,” Heath-London had said.

In addition to the investors from China and Saudi Arabia, there were expressions of interest from investors in India, South Africa, Australia and Latin America.

“We hope that by February of next year we should have our first investor/ developer running one of the

A section of the newly refurbished Estate Lounge at LBI (Adrian Narine photo) estates and all the other estates hopefully in the next near, distant future will be operational in some form,” he said. Heath-London added: “After the prospect period, the SPU and Price Water House will review the proposals with a view of giving cabinet recommendations for prospective purchasers or investors.”

Although the investors will decide what to do with the estates, some of the lands will be diversified.

Heath-London explained

‘Mule’, alleged recruiter remanded

–– for attempting to traffic ‘coke’ to J’ca A 35-year-old woman, who was recently busted with over $1.1 M worth of cocaine in her suitcase at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), was on Tuesday charged before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. So, too, was her alleged recruiter.

Shellon Barrow, of Victoria Street Albouystown, was nabbed with cocaine in false walls in her suitcase by Custom Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) officers while she was about to board a fight to Jamaica.

Barrow, who was unrepresented, denied that on September 15 at the CJIA, Timehri, she attempted to traffic 1.638 kilograms of cocaine, and was remanded to prison until October 8.

Her alleged recruiter, Kristy Griffith of Norton Street, was charged for aid-

Shellon Barrow ing Barrow in trafficking the cocaine between September 14 and September 15, 2018 at the Sun Set Hotel in Kitty.

Griffith was represented

by Attorney Tiffany Jeffers, who, during an application for bail, told the court that her client is a hairdresser and a mother of three small children. But in spite of her lawyer’s pleas on her behalf,

Kristy Griffith Griffith was also remanded to prison until October 8.

Both women were denied bail on the advice of CANU Prosecutor, Kunyo Sandiford.

According to the facts, following Barrow’s arrest at the airport, she confessed to CANU officers and gave detailed information about her recruiter.

that the Wales Estate for instance would be diversified to accommodate the cultivation of coconuts, orchards, bananas and plantains. Until the estates are officially sold, the SPU’s mandate would be to keep the facilities as a “going concern.”

As part of that mandate,

the unit has been doing maintenance and rehabilitative work at the estates. One of the most recent projects was the rehabilitation of the Estate Lounge at the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo)’s LBI office.

Manager of the facility, Calvin Boxhill, said the fa-

cility will be open to senior and junior staff of GuySuCo and the SPU, as well as for staff of various ministries and private sector organisations.

The newly refurbished recreational facility has a bar, tennis court, a pool and other attractions.

Freed murder accused re-arrested on same charge ALVIN Reid, also known as ‘Satan,’ who was freed of a charge of allegedly murdering a 14-year-old Ann’s Grove girl, Malika Hamilton, back in August 2016 was on Tuesday re-arrested and committed to stand trial in the High Court for the murder of the teenager.

Reid was committed to stand trial by Magistrate Peter Hugh after the police appealed the case which was thrown out in March of this year by the said magistrate.

The magistrate had in March ruled that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against the accused.

The police in the new round of prosecution against the accused, provided additional information, evidence and statements in the matter which were deemed sufficient by the magistrate, for Reid to be committed for the offence of murder. Reid was arrested and sent to prison where he will remain until his case is

Murder accused Alvin Reid called by the High Court.

Back in 2016, the teen who had previously won the Miss African Calabash 2014 Beauty Pageant had left to go for a swim with Reid, who is known to her and her family.

She never returned home but persons recalled seeing Reid with the teenager. The teen’s body was found floating in the Hope Canal the following day. A post-mortem performed on the remains of the

Malika Hamilton deceased teenager back in 2016 found that she died as a result of asphyxiation due to drowning. It was also noted that the teenager was alive when she was tossed into the canal and she had also suffered lacerations to her head.

At the time of her death, she was a second form student of the Hope Secondary School which is located a short distance from her home village.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Uncertainty swirls around key hearing on Kavanaugh

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woman who has accused President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault decades ago has not yet agreed to testify at a U.S. Senate hearing set for next Monday, raising questions about whether the high-stakes public showdown will take place.

Christine Blasey Ford, a university professor in California whose allegations have put Kavanaugh’s once-safe nomination in jeopardy, has not responded to attempts by the Republican-led Senate Judiciary Committee to contact her about appearing at the hearing, committee Chairman Chuck Grassley said on Tuesday.

Trump stepped up his defense of Kavanaugh and expressed sympathy toward his nominee, who met with officials at the White House for a second straight day though not with the president.

“I feel so badly for him that he’s going through this, to be honest with you,” Trump told a news conference. “... This is not a man that deserves this.”

“Hopefully the woman will come forward, state her case.

He will state his case before representatives of the United

States Senate. And then they will vote,” Trump added.

The hearing represents a potential make-or-break moment for the conservative federal appeals court judge’s confirmation chances for the lifetime post on the top U.S. court, as Trump pursues his goal of moving the federal judiciary to the right.

nomination and deal a major setback to Trump.

Senator John Cornyn, a member of the Senate Republican leadership, appeared to cast doubt on Ford’s allegations.

“We just don’t know what happened 36 years ago and there are gaps in her memory.

She doesn’t know how she got there, when it was, and so that would logically be something where she would get questions,” Cornyn told reporters.

Cornyn’s fellow Republicans have generally avoided criticising Ford, instead castigating Democrats for not revealing her allegations earlier.

The confirmation fight comes just weeks before the Nov. 6 congressional elections in which Democrats are seeking to take control of Congress from Trump’s fellow Republicans, which could be a major blow to his agenda.

Grassley, whose committee oversees the confirmation process, initially said the planned hearing would be public but other Republicans indicated it could be held privately if Ford requests that.

Chuck Schumer, the top Senate Democrat, urged Republicans not to “rush the hearings.”

Brett Kavanaugh

Ford has accused Kavanaugh of trying to attack her and remove her clothing while he was drunk in 1982 in a Maryland suburb outside Washington when they were students at different high schools. Kavanaugh has called the allegation “completely false.”

Republicans control the Senate by only a narrow margin, meaning any defections within the party could sink the

Democrats, already fiercely opposed to the nominee, wrote a letter to Grassley objecting to the planned format of the hearing, which was announced on Monday, including having just Kavanaugh and Ford as witnesses.

‘DESERVES TO BE HEARD’ “We have reached out to her in the last 36 hours, three or four times by email, and we’ve not heard from them. So it kind of raises the question ... do they want to come to (the) public hearing or not?” Grassley said in an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt.

“I want to hear from Dr. Ford,” Grassley said. “And she deserves to be heard because these are serious accusations.

And I would surely hope she’d come Monday.”

Ford detailed her allegation in a letter sent in July to Senator Dianne Feinstein, the committee’s top Democrat.

The letter’s contents leaked last week and Ford identified herself in an interview with the Washington Post published on Sunday that included details about the alleged assault.

Debra Katz, a lawyer representing Ford, said in tele-

vision interviews on Monday that the professor would be willing to testify and called the alleged incident “attempted rape.” Katz did not respond to Reuters requests for comment.

Democrats have so far also refused to cooperate with the committee’s Republican leadership. They have asked that the FBI conduct an investigation, a request that Republicans have rebuffed. Trump and other Republicans said they do not think the FBI needs to be involved.

Feinstein said there should be more than just two witnesses, possibly to include people who Ford previously confided in. The committee’s Democrats said witnesses should include Kavanaugh’s friend Mark Judge, who Ford has said witnessed the alleged incident.

A lawyer representing Judge sent a letter to Grassley saying Judge does not want to speak publicly about the matter.

“In fact, I have no memory of this alleged incident.

Brett Kavanaugh and I were friends in high school but I do not recall the party described in Dr. Ford’s letter. More to the point, I never saw Brett act in the manner Dr. Ford describes,” the letter quoted Judge as saying.

Judge is the author of a 1997 memoir titled “Wasted: Tales of a Gen X Drunk,” which recounts his experiences as a teenage alcoholic.

One Democratic senator, Richard Blumenthal, said

Kavanaugh should withdraw his nomination.

“I believe Dr. Ford. I believe the survivor here,” Blumenthal said. “... She has come forward courageously and bravely, knowing she would face a nightmare of possible and vicious scrutiny.”

Republican staffers quizzed Kavanaugh about the allegations on a call on Monday evening in which the Democrats refused to participate. Committee spokesman Taylor Foy said other witnesses would be questioned ahead of the hearing.

The showdown has echoes of current Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas’ contentious confirmation hearings in 1991 involving sexual harassment allegations lodged against him by a law professor named Anita Hill. Thomas, the court’s second black justice, was ultimately confirmed, but only after a nasty televised hearing in which Hill faced pointed questions from Republican senators and the nominee said he was the victim of “a high-tech lynching for uppity blacks.”

Grassley offered his assurance that Ford would be treated respectfully and not badgered during the hearing.

All 11 Republicans on the committee are men. Four of the Democrats are women.

Trump picked Kavanaugh in July to replace retired conservative Justice Anthony Kennedy. (Reuters)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Fury at Venezuelia leader’s Salt Bae feast Video of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro eating in an upscale steak restaurant in Turkey has caused outrage in crisis-hit Venezuela.

The images show Turkish celebrity chef Nusret Gokce, also known as “Salt Bae” carving meat in front of the president and his wife, Cilia Flores, at Gokce’s Nusr-Et restaurant in Istanbul.

Almost two-thirds of Venezuelans have reported losing weight as shortages of food worsened in recent years.

Red meat is especially scarce.

Chef Nusret Gokce posted three videos of Mr Maduro’s visit on Instagram, but has since deleted them.

The chef, who has been dubbed Salt Bae for his stylised way of sprinkling salt on his meat, is seen

carving meat in front of the couple with dramatic flair.

President Maduro can be heard saying: “This is a once in a lifetime moment.”

holding up a T-shirt with the chef’s image.

Gokce owns several luxurious restaurants in the US, the Middle East and Turkey,

Chef Gokce posted pictures of himself with President Maduro in his Istanbul restaurant

Other videos show President Maduro smoking a cigar taken from a box with his name engraved on a plaque, and Cilia Flores

and videos of him carving meat have been watched by millions of people.

His restaurants sell some cuts of meat for sev-

eral hundred dollars.

The presidential couple were in Istanbul on a stopover from China, where the president was trying to drum up investment.

The videos were shared widely by critics of Mr Maduro.

Opposition leader Julio Borges, who is living outside Venezuela for fear of arrest, tweeted: “While Venezuelans suffer and die of hunger, Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores have a good time in one of the most expensive restaurants in the world, all with money stolen from the Venezuelan people.”

US Republican senator Marco Rubio, a vocal opponent of President Maduro, laid into the Turkish chef on Twitter.

But criticism was heaviest in Venezuela, where 64 per cent of people have reported losing significant

amounts of weight, 11kg (24lbs) on average, amid worsening food shortages.

Child malnutrition is at record levels and 2.3 million people have left the country since 2014.

Cartoonists have pounced on the incident to highlight the disparity between the president’s meal and the fact that many Venezuelans are having to search the rubbish for food.

President Maduro spoke about the now-controversial lunch during a televised news conference, confirming that he had eaten there during his stopover from China.

“Nusret attended to us personally. We were chatting, having a good time with him,” Mr Maduro said.

He also said that Gokce had told him that “he loves Venezuela”. The chef has not commented.

(BBC News)

Mexico anger at trailer full of corpses

A refrigerated trailer containing at least 100 corpses in Mexico’s western state of Jalisco has angered residents who have complained about the smell.

Laws in Mexico prevent the cremation of bodies linked to violent crime.

Local authorities said they were looking for a longer-term solution to store the

Authorities were earlier forced to relocate the container full of corpses following complaints

Authorities said on Monday they were trying to relocate the container, which was rented after mortuaries in the city of Guadalajara became full.

“We have a lot of children in this neighbourhood... it could make us all sick,” resident José Luis Tovar said.

bodies following a recent wave of violence.

“We ran out of cemetery plots where we could bury them,” the head of the Jalisco forensic investigators unit, Luis Octavio Cotero, said.

He added that a site was being established that was expected to facilitate some

800 corpses, AFP news agency reports.

The refrigerated trailer had previously been parked at a warehouse in the neighbourhood of Duraznera, on the outskirts of Guadalajara, but after two weeks the residents began to complain of a foul stench and said the container was attracting flies.

It was then moved to an empty lot in the suburb of

Tlajomulco de Zúñiga, but residents there began to protest at the weekend.

“We don’t want it here.

They need to put it somewhere else, it stinks,” Mr Tovar said.

Mexico has suffered a wave of violent killings in recent years. More than 200,000 people have been killed or have disappeared since December 2006, when

Mexico’s government declared war on organised crime.

Mexico experienced its most violent year in 2017 with more than 25,000 murders, official figures suggest. It is the highest annual tally since modern records began. Organised crime accounted for nearly three-quarters of those murders. (BBC News)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 19, 2018

LGEs are about empowerment of communities, changing lives

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T has always been contended that the test for the democratic credentials of the PPP/C would be the return of Local Government Elections (LGEs),especially a process of governance which gives ordinary citizens at the community level the right to choose their own representatives.This is in addition to having the right to make their own decisions without political interference.

This is the type of enlightened governance envisaged by the coalition government.It heralds an entirely new understanding of the meaning of local government– a gradual departure from the traditional dependence on central government, while reposing the power of change in the hands of citizens. Included among the many new highlights of this new vision is, allowing critical decision-making at the level of the region, municipality, and the Neighbourhood Democratic Council, regarding the dispensation of critical public services at the community level, such as sanitation services, financial services, raising of finances for socio-economic works and the all-important garnering of taxes for much-needed works.

Then there is the centrepiece of capital towns, the envisaged engine for driving socio-economic development of the regions,inherent in their communities. Implicit in these

changes is the unmistakable trend of village empowerment, the purpose of which is to realise the socio-economic potential of each community, lifting many of them from a state of social and economic stagnancy, to one where the creative development energies will yield fruitful results and more, in similar fashion to their early developmental history of self-sufficiency.

Surely, these are indeed revolutionary changes that have already commenced from the ground, the grassroots; and that have begun to strike fear into the hearts of those who had been disregarding the wishes of citizens and their communities for over two decades, as they imposed the Interim Management Committees (IMCs) for political control.This, rather than realising that the municipalities were rebelling because of unenlightened policies that sought to stymie creativity, and new ways towards solving problems at their community level.

Local government is meant to be the centre of a state’s system of democracy. It is its main engine and the manner of administration that will determine the pace of central government. If managed well, it spells fewer challenges for the latter; but if not, the centre becomes besieged. In fact, it is one of the biggest fallacies of any central government, to believe that it can ignore the necessity of the system of local

government, by either ignoring it altogether, or seeking to impose control for purely political ends.

It becomes a travesty of natural justice and a gross violation of the rights of the mass of citizens at the local level-- be it region, town, or village.This happens when their medium for participation by citizens at the grassroot level is not allowed, or made to become ineffective for largely political and selfish reasons.

This is what has been the balance sheet of local governance in Guyana for far too long – a period of 23 years: denying citizens the right of being responsible for their community affairs, and open discrimination against any communities, because of what had been perceived to be their political affiliation. Since March, 2016, the nation has begun to cut its moorings from the putrid stagnancy of what was local government.

This means, the overturning of a system which had been shaped by the hollowness of lip service, and which did not serve the interests of the citizens of Guyana.

Therefore, Guyanese must not become distracted by the efforts of those who are bent on stymieing the progress of local democracy that has begun to usher in positive socio-economic changes to communities, thus bettering the lives of their citizens.

There is need in Guyana for a small claims court Dear Editor,

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AM writing this letter and trusting that it will be published in your newspaper, for I am utterly disgusted with articles written on stories coming out of the agency and this week-end was the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back.

Much of the information in the newspapers is not a true portrayal of what really was said and in the context in which it was said. There are statements made and put in quotes, but are not the words used by the speaker. An example, “the child is to be screened by a psychologist becomes a child to be screened by a “physiologist.” This is taken from an article in the Guyana Times newspaper on Sunday. This should never have passed the sub-editor and proof readers.

There was another article in the Chronicle recently on one of our programmes where “years” was used instead of months and the claim was I said years, but it clearly did not fit in the context and any skilled editor should have asked

for the writer to do a re-check with the speaker. Since this was published I have been trying to have it corrected but to no avail. Getting editors to make corrections in their newspaper is like pulling teeth. So the inaccuracies are allowed to remain and become history. No longer can students and researchers rely on newspapers for accurate information.

Further, many of the stories taken from clients of the agency are misleading and written to serve the purpose of the writer and the client. There is hardly any effort to strive for accuracy and the truth to be written, it is more for sensational news and to cast doubt on persons’ integrity and character. I have often been bitten. There is need in Guyana for a small claims court, so persons can seek quick redress which will result in writers and their editors taking more care in presenting news.

In my world of work I had exposure to working with an editor and I always say that if I did not do social work and chose the profession of a probation officer, I would have become a journalist. I have been writing court reports for years and know a thing or two about

writing. Interviews can be done conversationally, but the writer is expected to write standard English and to ensure that they have the facts and not cast aspersions.

Regards Ann Greene Director of Childcare & Protection Agency Editor’s Note: The Guyana Chronicle stands by its report. We recalled engaging Ms Greene on the matter she has raised in her letter and provided her the audio recording of the interview, in which she clearly stated years instead of months. Ms Greene then demanded that this newspaper retract its report to reflect months, with which we could not agree as we did not make the mistake. She did not ask for a correction. The Guyana Chronicle has always cooperated in facilitating corrections or apologies for inaccuracies we might have reported.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 19, 2018

No improvements in minibus service despite hefty fare hikes Dear Editor,

WITH cunning strategies, the minibus union and the ministry responsible devised a method to fool commuters with empty promises and with brutal bullyism. They have imposed unconscionable fare increases that create additional burden on us without any sort of compromise or fulfilling not even a fraction of their promises. With all that’s happening, the unconscionable increases have been imposed on commuters; whilst they surrender themselves to the increase, they are still forced to travel under the same disgraceful conditions, despite the glorious promises of reform for the minibuses by the union and ministry.

Some minibuses were quick to impose the increases even before the stipulated time and many rushed to paste up the new fare structures on their vehi-

cles to inform unsuspecting commuters of the increase.

Mind you, the last increase of $80 was never approved by the previous administration; instead, the relevant ministry at that time advised commuters to walk with exact fares. Now the fare should have been increased by $80 but ironically, it’s $100.

Editor, almost all the schools on the West Coast of Demerara, East Bank of Demerara and the East Bank of Essequibo have traffic ranks on the public road in the vicinity of the schools to assist schoolchildren crossing the road in the mornings and afternoons.

Surprisingly, many minibuses with overloads pass these officers. Some even stop at the officer’s signal to allow children to cross and continue their journey, even though the officer could see the lawlessness.

On Tuesday afternoon, one black “pitbull” was leaving the Vreed-en-Hoop Stelling and two officers in front of

the Vreed-en-Hoop police station stopped the bus, saw the disrespect and after some haggling with the conductor and driver, the bus was allowed to continue.

At the South Ruimveldt Park (Route 41) touts/conductors/drivers could be seen daily fighting with passengers or to get them into buses. A wide variety of profanities could be heard throughout the day being used by the operators and touts to exercise their minds, sometimes to the amusement or disgust of commuters.

I must add that almost all the parks, this atrocious behaviour is prevalent. Deliberate parking by ‘hotplate’ minibuses at the park sometimes makes the traffic get congested and the officers present would conveniently focus their attention elsewhere. Many bus seats are uncomfortable to sit on and in some, the presence of sharp edges to inflict damage on you or your garments are still

present. In my opinion, all the glorious promises of a better service that were attached to the fare increases were just a flyby-night concoction de-

vised by the union and the ministry just to impose the increases on citizens. Conveniently, we are seeing images of bigger buses and hearing of better service

after the increases have taken place. The hypocrisy is indeed real!

Regards Sahadeo Bates

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 19, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 19, 2018

30 students graduate from First Lady’s Youth Development Initiative

SOME 30 students attending the Company Path and Friendship Primary Schools, East Coast Demerara, on Tuesday graduated from First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger’s Youth Development Initiative (YDI).

During the simple but significant graduation ceremony held at the Friendship Primary School, the First Lady spoke of the success of the programme over the years. The said programme is also offered at the Lusignan Primary School. Mrs. Granger said through the programme parents have been given an opportunity to save money they would have otherwise spent to send their children to private lessons.

Despite this opportunity, the First Lady said some parents still opt to remove their children from the free remedial classes and enrol them into paid lessons where they receive less individualised attention.

“I am hoping that we will have some enlightened parents from Grade Five now, who will see the benefits of leaving the children in the programme … the children get special attention when they have specific problems particularly as it relates to

First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger( 4th left) poses with the successful students, their teachers and other officials (Ministry of the Presidency photo) literacy and numeracy, so I really want you to think of saving some money parents and leave them here so you can see what the programme would have done throughout your child’s school life,” Mrs. Granger said.

Regional Vice-Chairman of the Demerara-Mahaica Region (Region 4), Mr. Earl Lambert commended the First Lady for the initiative. Mr. Lambert said the Regional Administration

has been playing its role in ensuring that all students are literate and numerate. “The First Lady has been doing excellent and exceedingly well. We at the region would have been spending also on education. Since we would have come into office we would have built schools and right here in Buxton we would have just completed the construction of a Lab at the Secondary school,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Tyra Rogers who secured the top place at the Grade Four level of the programme told the Ministry of the Presidency’s Public Information and Press Services Unit that though some of the classes proved challenging for her, she persevered. “It was a little

challenging…but I enjoyed English [class],” the student stated. Her mother, Ms. Pietra Rogers thanked the First Lady for providing an opportunity for her daughter to attend free remedial classes. She noted that it has also allowed her to save money which would have been

used to send her daughter to private classes, to purchase books.

“This programme is a very beneficial thing to my daughter because it pushes her and I see that the teachers are taking time with her, which is something she really needs; so I thank the First Lady for this Program… and it would help me to save because I would have to get textbooks and so on, so that lesson saves me and gives me the extra money to buy text books and so,” Ms. Rogers stated.

Similarly, Ms. Terri Bobb, mother of Makela Bobb said her daughter started the remedial classes two years ago and she is very satisfied with her performance. She said the initiative also allows her save money as private lessons are very expensive. “My daughter she was attending the lessons since in Grade Two and she is one of the high flyers and I am very satisfied.

She is always in the top 10 in her class!” she remarked as she beamed with pride.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Task force works out severance pact for RUSAL workers …company to scale down operations from October …Natural Resources Ministry to submit status report to Cabinet

By Svetlana Marshall

THE Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI) – a subsidiary of Russian Aluminum Inc. (RUSAL), in the light of U.S.- imposed sanctions, is reportedly planning to scale down its operations here from October 1, as the Natural Resources Ministry prepares to submit a status report to Cabinet.

U.S. customers are mandated to wind down business with RUSAL by October 23, 2018, as a result of sanctions imposed in April, 2018 in response to Moscow’s alleged interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. On Tuesday, RUSAL BCGI reportedly informed its managers at its Aroaima, Region 10 worksite that the company will be scaling down its operations from October 1, 2018. “For the month of October, 2018, there will be no mining of bauxite, nor

will there be any shipping of bauxite,” a source close to the local management of the Russian-owned company told the Guyana Chronicle. Though the Guyana Chronicle has attempted on numerous occasions to solicit an official comment from RUSAL BCGI, the company has remained tight-lipped on the situation.

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman on Tuesday, though not disclosing much, said a report would be submitted to Cabinet soon. Days after the sanctions were imposed by the U.S. Government in April, the Guyana Government, in response, activated a task force to deal with the future of workers attached to RUSAL BCGI and

Oldendorff Carriers – the company contracted to ship bauxite from Aroaima in the Upper Berbice River, Region 10, to the mouth of the Berbice River.

That task force, which was headed by Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, reportedly submitted its terms of reference and an interim report to Minister Trotman approximately five weeks ago, and according to General Secretary of the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GBGWU), Lincoln Lewis, there has since been no word from government. Lewis was a member of the task force.

“There is a high sense of uncertainty on the site, and nobody from the government is saying anything to workers, neither is the company,” the GBGWU general-secretary told this newspaper. He emphasised that government must do all in its power to safeguard the livelihoods of workers. “It is not unlike this company (BCGI) to fold up, to close the plant, get rid of the workers, and think about selling it or reopen at some other time,” Lewis posited.

An employee of the Russian-owned bauxite company, who spoke to the Chronicle

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman

General-Secretary of the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GBGWU), Lincoln Lewis

However, in that interim report, which was seen by the Guyana Chronicle, the task force recommended that the more than 700 affected workers be given a similar payment package that was applied by LINMINE, BERMINE and OMAI in the past. “Based on the decision of the companies to terminate their operations in Guyana, and since they have benefited from concessions given to the mining sector, they pay a similar package that was applied in the case of LINMINE in 1993 and onward, BERMINE in 2002 and onward, and OMAI Gold Mines in 2004, which means that the minimum pay for each year of service shall be equivalent to six weeks for each year of service to the maximum of two years’ pay in benefits,” the task force recommended in its interim report.

According to the report, workers’ representation by the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GB&GWU) and People’s United and General Workers Union (PU&GWU) at BCGI and Oldendorff Carriers, respectively, has been fraught with challenges. As such, a recommendation has been made for Compulsory Arbitration in keeping with the Labour Act. Lewis, on Monday, said as the government remains silent on the situation, the bauxite workers at Aroaima are increasingly becoming concerned about their future at the bauxite company.

under anonymity on Tuesday, said since the visit by Minister Trotman and Minister Broomes to BCGI’s worksite in Aroaima in April, workers have not heard back from the Natural Resources Ministry. “In my opinion that visit was more politics than anything else,” the bauxite worker told this newspaper.

now. “Work is going on as per normal, outside of shipping, mining is taking place,” the bauxite worker told this newspaper.

At the time, news of the company’s decision to significantly reduce its operations had not officially filtered down to the staff. The bauxite worker, however, indicated that based on information received earlier this month, Oldendorff Carriers reportedly indicated to RUSAL BCGI that it will no longer be offering its services from September 30.

However, Oldendorff Carriers’ Spokesman Alex Graham dispelled the claim, indicating that he shipping company will not cease its shipping operations at the end of September.

He noted that the company’s position as stated in June, 2018, remains the same.

Back then, Oldendorff Carriers, in a statement, had explained that as a result of the U.S. Government’s sanctions, which require that all companies doing business with those that have been sanctioned wind down operations by October 23, or they themselves will be sanctioned, it was compelled to put preparatory systems in place.

“While there are international negotiations taking place in an attempt to get the US Government to withdraw the current sanctions, OLDENDORFF is compelled to make preparations for winding down should such efforts fail.

As a result, the company has begun to sensitise workers to the possibility that it will not be able to continue operations

BCGI Managing-Director Valerii Vinokurov

He, however, noted that approximately two months after the meeting with the government officials, BCGI’s Managing-Director Valerii Vinokurov held a meeting with staff to update them on the situation. During that meeting, Vinokurov reportedly told the workers that the company was trying to keep its head “above rough waters.”

Though many of the workers remain uncertain about the future of the company in Guyana, it is business as usual at the mine site-- at least for

in Guyana,” the German-based trans-shipment company explained.

Pointing out that it has been operating successfully in Guyana for 12 years, Oldendorff said it had every intention of continuing operations until being forced to face closure of the operations here because of the U.S. Government’s sanctions.

In that statement, it had indicated that employment information requested by the Department of Labour had been handed over.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 19, 2018

THE Crawford story: Why it is dangerous to glorify those who blatantly disregard authority

ON September 13, at 6: 44 PM, a video was posted on the Facebook page of Jason Welch, which contained an exchange between a man profanely professing to be Attorney-at-law Ryan Crawford and a traffic policeman.

Irreverence, obscenities and malediction engulfed this encounter. By all appearances, this incident stemmed from a traffic stop by a member of the Guyana Police Force. The driver seemed incensed by what he considered to be a baseless intervention that bordered on abuse of authority.

Within hours, thousands of Guyanese Facebook users reacted to this video with shares, ‘likes’, comments and more; this post became viral and made its way into the national conversation. Some condemned the driver’s reaction, others expressed the view that it was justified,

some referred to the usual arbitrary interventions by traffic policemen and others plainly celebrated Mr Crawford as the glorified anti-hero.

Firstly, respect for authority is the bedrock on which a law-and-order society stands. Chaos reigns in the cavalier abandonment of laws and rules; they distinguish us from the jungle.

Once we begin to glorify wanton resentment of those who enforce the rules, it is the beginning of the end of peace and order. When our kids complain about suffering unfairness at the hands of teachers, we cannot send them back to school to “cuss out” the teacher and argue that it is justified because he/ she was not fair. If a referee makes an unjust call in a game, there is no justification for the player at the receiving end of that decision to lace the referee with expletives

and feel vindicated with the argument that the match official targeted him.

This begs the question, when is rebellion justified?

John Locke said that rebellion is one of the natural rights of man and that is dignified for people to revolt against oppression-- and not just armed uprising, but also rebelling against ideals.

What transpired between Mr Crawford and the traffic cop does not rise to the level of the requirement for justified rebellion, so the arguments therein are inapplicable.

Secondly, Mr Crawford grandiloquently proclaimed that he is part of a profession where knowledge of the law and legal systems are occupational requirements.

His learning placed expected onus on him to respond to what he considered an aggravated situation in a much more measured fashion. He must know that the

review of unjust authority is possible. There are systems in place to curtail spurious, gratuitous and unmeritorious mishandling of authority.

Checks and balances exist and we must access those when faced with the misuse of power. Denigrating those who protect the rules and laws will foster a culture that gives credence to anarchists and criminals.

Thirdly, it is incumbent upon the upholders of standards who are vested

with the responsibility to enforce the law, to execute same with equitableness and consistency. A failure to do so results in unnecessary public excitement that can feed into frenzy that is

inimical to the aims and objectives of an ordered society.

It remains fundamentally dangerous to flippantly dismiss established authority.

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Treating with mental health

WE are cautious about what we eat, physical exercise, and having a healthy body; we are also observant of excessive fat intake.

I once tried the vegetarian path. I thought it was a way of being pure. I have friends who make the gym their number one priority, so that they have a toned and fit body, but what’s the point if our minds do not match the health meter with that of our bodies? Why do we feel the need to go to the physician for a ‘check-up,’ but not to a local counsellor/psychiatrist?

I believe it is of utmost importance, I

repeat, utmost importance, that we take care of our mental health by seeking professional help. Not only in Guyana, but many other nations, amongst society, mental health is brushed off like dust on the shoulders. The World Health Organisation defined mental health as, ‘a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.’ The deterioration of one’s mental health can be caused by mental

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 19, 2018

illnesses or disorders. WHO also tells us that, ‘mental illnesses are generally characterised by some combination of abnormal thoughts, emotions, behaviour and relationships with others.’ (Examples include: depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and anorexia) In Guyana, there is stigma attached to our mental institutions as well as the patients. As a Berbician I can tell you that there is an excruciating stigmatisation of the Psychiatric Hospital. Persons blatantly refuse treatment of their mental illness for reasons of being called names, laughed at and mocked. Am I the only one who is guilty of referring to someone who has abnormal thoughts and/or behaviours as ‘mad’ or ‘psycho’? I think not. The same way most of us find the word ‘handicap’ offensive to describe the differently-abled, we should consider that and completely discard those words from our vocabularies when it comes to describing the mentally ill.

I suffer from anxiety. Perhaps you knew, given the hints in my previous writings. I will continue to write on mental health, because I feel we should place more emphasis on it. An approximate number of 650 million persons across the world suffer from mental illnesses. In our very own country, Guyana, every one in four persons come face-to-face with a mental illness. Why sit back and allow those numbers to increase? Mental health should be in all of society’s interests.

While professionals are trained to treat the mental illness and notice red flags, we

should also read and educate ourselves, just in case a friend of ours is feeling under the weather, or you noticed a drastic change in someone’s behaviour, you can help them. Whether if you’re a teacher to someone, a parent, a neighbour or even a stranger, we can all help. Mental illness is not contagious, you cannot catch it by being kind or showing compassion. The way in which we move forward depends on our minds/ thoughts about this issue.

Your mental health, my mental health and Guyana’s mental health is not insignificant. We are not just numbers added to a statistic, we are human beings.

According to WHO, ‘Region Six (also services Region Five); Region Four (also services Region Five); Region Three (also services Region Two); and Region 10. The National Psychiatric Hospital (Region Six) is the only mental hospital in Guyana and provides in-patient acute, subacute and chronic mental health care services at a national level.’ There are a total of two patient outputs available to all citizens of Guyana; the National Psychiatric Hospital and the Georgetown Public Hospital’s (GPHC) Psychiatric Department. I’ll leave you all with this quote to ponder, ‘Good mental health is not a destination, it’s a process.

It’s how you drive, not where you’re going.’ Begin your drive by seeking professional help.

If by chance you want to contact the National Psychiatric Hospital, the number is +592-333-2141/2142 or GPHC on +592-227-8241.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Kennard sworn in to probe City Hall

By Tamica Garnett

RETIRED Chancellor of the Judiciary Cecil Kennard was on Tuesday sworn in as chairman and sole commissioner to probe the alleged irregularities at City Hall, following a recent order by the Local Government Commission (LGC).

The inquiry is scheduled to begin on Monday, (September 24) and concludes on October 31. The gathering of evidence began last Monday and persons desirous of submitting statements to the commission have until this Friday, (September 21) to do so.

“We have a legal clerk secretary at the Critchlow Labour College (CLC), he assumed duties there yesterday, and will be there all week from 08.30hrs – 16:30 hrs. He will be there taking statements and doing the necessary supporting activities in preparation for the commencement of the inquiry on the 24 September 2018,” LGC Deputy Chairman, Andrew Garnett said.

Since the evidence taking has commenced, the commission has already been in receipt of 11 official complaints, though more are expected in the coming week.

According to Justice Kennard, there is no official boundary on what evidence would be taken into consideration during the execution of the inquiry.

“Whatever is regarded for the purpose of the inquiry, I cannot put a definition on it but if it is relevant to the inquiry I will permit it,” he said.

Last April, the LGC “took a decision to carry out an investigation based on multiple complaints and adverse reports received with reference to the municipality”.

This was after a no-confidence motion was tabled by Alliance For Change (AFC) Councillor Sherod Duncan against the Town Clerk Royston King. The motion accused King of acting outside of the interests of the citizens of Georgetown, dereliction of duty and showing “total disregard” for the laws governing the municipality However, the motion was subsequently thrown out by the Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen. It was noted that under the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01, a Town Clerk cannot be disciplined by the City Council, only by the LGC. To facilitate the inves-

tigation, King, will be proceeding on administrative leave from this Friday, September 21, “pending the examination and determination of all the issues under inquiry”.

Deputy Town Clerk, Sharon Harry-Munroe will assume duties of Town Clerk in the interim. King nor Chase-Green had any comment on the investigation.

The handling of the no-confidence motion against King will be one of the primary issues that will be examined at the CoI. Other issues include, the Council’s awarding of contracts and failure to pay employees’ NIS and credit union deductions over to the necessary institutions.

COME FORWARD The Commission pointed out that employees of City Hall need not to fear retribution in making statements against the Council as they will be protected.

“The LGC is responsible for regulations and staffing of all local government organs, which is inclusive of the MCC of the City of Georgetown. Workers have complained, their unions have said they are under the protection of their union and under the protection of the LGC. There can be no reprisals, no act of victimisation to workers who exercise their right to complain,” Garnett emphasised.

Garnett also stressed that the investigation is not politically-motivated.

“There is no political bias in terms of our work; we [will] sit as a Commission and we [will] take studied action based on what is presented to us. I want to make it abundantly clear that there is no political interference, no political influence, no political agenda, we are carrying out our mandate as constituted in the LGC Act and we do so fearlessly and without bias,” Garnett underscored.

On the question of investigations into other local government organs, Garnett said that has not been ruled out but the Commission would only conduct them as the need arises.

“We will treat with every situation on the merit. We felt that in Georgetown the nature and the multiplicity of complaints were sufficient grounds to warrant an early approach and to initiate this investigation, as other cases unfold, we will treat based on its merit,” Garnett said.

The LGC was set up

last year August and is mandated to, among other things, monitor and review the performance and implementation of policies of all local government organisations; monitor, evaluate and make recommendations on policies, procedures and practices of all local government organs; and to investigate any matter under its purview and propose remedial action to the minister, wherever and whenever necessary.

Deputy Mayor Akeem Peter declined to comment on the investigation.

“I wouldn’t want to offer any comment at this time. I don’t know the full story surrounding the issue as yet, and I don’t normally comment on things that I don’t have the full picture about,” Peters said.

Retired Chancellor of the Judiciary Cecil Kennard takes the oath of office before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan Councillor for Constituency Five and Six, Andriea Marks, who earlier this year had several issues with King,

said she will watch and await the outcome of the inquiry.

“All I could say is that the Commission has to do

what they have to do, and whatever comes out of it we will work with that,” Marks said.

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AG wants PPP LGE court action struck out

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 19, 2018

… says court lacks jurisdiction, allegations must be addressed through elections petition

GOVERNMENT intends to apply to the High Court to make submissions in limine to strike out an application by the People’s Progressive Party which, if successful, can block the holding of Local Government Elections in several districts.

Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle from overseas Attorney General Basil Williams said that the application to strike out the action filed by Bibi Shadick will be made on the grounds that her contentions amount to allegations of irregularities and illegalities challenging the validity of the LGEs, which have been gazetted to be held on November 12, 2018.

Williams contends that the court has no jurisdiction to

entertain the application by Shadick, saying that once allegations of irregularities and illegalities are raised after the elections process has begun (Order made on July 18, 2018), the law requires that any such challenge must come after the elections are held and by way of an elections petition. He added that this is so because of the peculiar, special jurisdiction created by the statute namely: Local Authorities (Elections) Act Cap. 28: 03, as well as the Municipal and District Councils Act cap. 28: 01 and Local Government Act Cap. 28:02.

The PPP is alleging that Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, failed to issue an order for the holding of Local Govern-

ment Elections under the Local Democratic Organs Act Cap. 28.09, as well as against the chief elections officer for inter alia demarcating and redemarcating constituencies’ boundaries without consultations with electors, stakeholders and political parties.

Williams told the Guyana Chronicle that the application in the name of Shadick, who is also a commissioner of the Guyana Elections Commission, is frivolous and is designed to delay LGEs “that was discontinued under the PPP.” Local Government Elections were not held in Guyana for almost the entire life of the PPP/C government in office. President David Granger last week told a gathering in

Berbice that there would be no postponement of Local Government Elections.

The hearing of the matter began last Friday before Justice Gino Persaud in the High Court. The matter has been put down for hearing on October 8. When the matter was called before Justice Persaud, counsel for the Attorney General’s Chambers representing Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, one of the respondents in the case requested 14 days in which to file affidavits in answer to Shadick’s application.

Chief Elections Officer of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Keith Lowenfield is the second-named respondent who is being represented by attorney Roysdale

Forde.

At the same time, counsel for Shadick, Anil Nandlall and Marcia Nadir-Sharma, called for the hearing to proceed expeditiously. Nadir-Sharma, indicated to the court that they can make submissions in the matter within a seven-day period after the filing of affidavits by counsel for the respondents. In her application, Shadick alleged that the subject minister has failed to identify by name, boundaries, and number of members, each of the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils. She contended that the said decision is “unlawful, illegal, [and] in violation of the Local Democratic Organs Act, Cap. 28:09”.

Shadick also called for the quashing of a decision by the chief elections officer to fix the exterior boundaries in respect of several municipalities and NDCs on the grounds that the said decision “is ultra vires, unlawful, in violation of the Local Democratic Organs Act, Cap. 28:09, in excess of jurisdiction, failed to satisfy or observe procedures required by law, abuse of power, illegal and constitutes a usurpation of the statutory functions of the first-named Respondent under the Local Democratic Organs Act.” The application also called for consultations to be held with the electors and stakeholders, inclusive of the major political parties likely to vote and contest the election of councillors in the named local authority areas, in relation to the establishment of constituency boundaries within the said areas. It called for such actions to be held “with every convenient speed to enable the election of councillors to Local Democratic Organs to take place on the 12th November, 2018, or any other date during the period statutorily provided for the holding of such elections.”

Attorney General, Basil Williams Among the areas named are the municipality of Rose Hall, the municipality of Mahdia, Moruka/Phoenix Park, Kitty/Providence, Nile/ Cozier, Lamaha/Yarrowkabra, Hauraruni/Yarrowkabra, Plegt Anker/Kortberaad and Wyburg/Caracas.

The PPP alleged that in creating new NDCs and modifying and/or re-demarcating the existing internal boundaries of existing constituencies, the named respondents “not only acted unlawfully, but they did so unfairly, capriciously, whimsically and in a manner to prejudice and skew the elections in favour of one major political party and against the other.”

Minister Bulkan had told reporters last week that to the best of his knowledge and based on statements emanating from the PPP, it has acknowledged that he has the authority under the law to determine the sizes of councils. He said the opposition is positing that he acted undemocratically and that it invoked Article 13 of the constitution which speaks to inclusionary democracy.

“No. I don’t see why I should be fazed,” he said, regarding the move by the PPP. He said he acted “lawfully and legally” and he noted that there has been no claim to the contrary that he acted unlawfully.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Demerara Bakery on board with robotic camps

FIRST LADY Mrs. Sandra Granger on Tuesday met with managers of Demerara Bakery to discuss possible collaboration in the area of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

During the meeting held at the First Lady’s office, Mrs. Granger

of Canaan, East Bank Demerara. “I suggested that they do something within their community, so that the community will see that they are giving back.

I think it is always good when we have corporate sponsors and the people among whom they work, know what they are doing,” said Mrs. Granger.

Demerara will represent the beginning of collaboration between her office and Demerara Bakery.

It is expected that within the next few months, camps will be held along the East Bank of Demerara.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company, Mrs. Maris-

First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger (left) greets Director of Demerara Bakery, Mrs. Sharmella Chan-Abai. Also in photo are: CEO of the Bakery Mrs. Marissa DaCosta - Thakurdin (second left), and Human Resource and Marketing Manager, Mr. Davindra Lalltoo (second right). thanked the officials of the bakery for showing interest in STEM, and suggested that robotics camps be held in the community where the bakery exists. Demerara Bakery is located at Land

She noted that the camps are aimed at teaching the children robotics, at the end of which, they can start their own clubs.

Mrs. Granger said too that the establishment of camps on the East Bank

sa DaCosta–Thakurdin, said her company admires the work done by Mrs. Granger, particularly in the area of technology.

“We are pretty impressed with the work the First Lady is doing with her

initiatives, such as the STEM robotics … we want to be able to partner with her on some of these initiatives and whatever she has in the pipeline for the coming year, we want to give her our full support,” Mrs. Thakurdin stated. She was accompanied by Demerara Bakery’s Managing-Director, Mr. Peter Abai; Human Resource and Marketing Manager, Mr. Davindra

Lalltoo and Director, Ms. Sharmella Chan - Abai.

Since taking office in 2015, Mrs. Sandra Granger has initiated several programmes in the areas of Early Childhood Development, Technology (STEM), Entrepreneurship, Teenage Pregnancy, Youth Development, Fist-Aid and Geriatric Care. Ever since, she has received widespread support locally, in the Carib-

bean, and farther afield.

“These are Guyanese and Caribbean companies, they see my projects and decide they would like to make a donation … and I spend that money where they would want it to go, and I report to them how their money has been spent,” said the First Lady. (Ministry of the Presidency)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Two ‘raiders’ die in pit cave-in

TWO miners met an untimely death on Monday night after a mining pit which they were “raiding” at Mowasi Backdam, Potaro, in Region Eight, caved in on them.

Dead is Deon Sproston called “Jersey Joe”, 36, of Mabaruma, North West District and of Lot 133 Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara (ECD) and a man, whose name was only given as “Shawn” of Aishalton, Rupununi.

The incident occurred

at Mowasi Backdam, Konawaruk, Potaro.

According to the police, the pit is situated on a parcel of land about five miles or one hour walking distance from Mowasi Landing.

The concession’s owner died several years ago and miners would raid the land for raw gold using metal detector, mattock, battel, spades and small engines.

The police said that the two men, along with others, were working at the 20-feet pit when it began to rain

heavily. Suddenly, a large portion of the pit’s wall broke and fell on the two men, covering them with large stones, gravel and mud.

Several persons went to their assistance, but it was about two hours after that they managed to remove the lifeless bodies of the men.

The bodies were escorted then to the Mahdia District Hospital where they were pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor.

The Ministry of Natural Resources stated in a release,

that it continues to look into issues of illegal mining and land raiding and deters such

acts.

Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman

has since called for an immediate investigation into the matter.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 19, 2018

All set for GuyTIE …local export base to be enhanced, organisers say

Preparations are underway for the upcoming GuyTIE expo (Adrian Narine photo)

GuyTIE Organiser George Singh, speaking to the Guyana Chronicle (Adrian Narine photo)

ENHANCING the local export base is the main aim of the upcoming Guyana Trade and Investment Exhibition (GuyTIE) which will officially commence on Thursday at the Marriott Hotel.

The organisers believe that the event is a good channel for networking between local businesses and international buyers, who will make their way to Guyana for the event. GuyTIE basically aims to promote local investment opportunities; to prepare export-ready firms for export markets and to highlight Guyana as a profitable business destination.

“We tagged it as the largest B2B (Business to Business) event ever held in Guyana,” said one of the organisers, George Singh, of Southex Event Management, during an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday.

Over the years, local businesses, particularly manufactures, have been seeking to create links with the rest of world.

Guyana has been known for importing more than exporting, so the establishment of business links would possibly bring balance to that aspect of the local economy.

‘It is an exciting time and GuyTIE is an exciting project… there is a lot of growth potential, so it is something exciting,” said Singh, adding that Southex has been working along with the Ministry of Business and stakeholders in the private sector to ensure that everything is in place for the exhibition.

More than 100 buyers from across the world are expected to visit and network with the over 56 exhibitors. Of the exhibitors, one is a Korean investment company and the others are local companies which are export-ready. Those businesses will occupy the over 80 booths that filled the conference floor of the Marriott Hotel.

The sectors to be represented include agro-processing; chemicals and pharmaceuticals; construction; food and beverage; food-processing; forestry and wood products; information and communications; printing and publishing; printing and packaging; tourism, arts and craft and other services.

Singh said everything is on track for the official launch and even for the buyers’ reception which will be held tonight.

Although the event is expected to be the largest B2B event, the public will also have a chance to visit the expo on Saturday at a cost of $1000. Tickets are available at any Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) outlet.

Speaking at the event’s launching in May, Business Minister Dominic Gaskin had stated: “We’ve been thinking for some time on how we can improve the GuyExpo model and it’s not that we had anything against GuyExpo, but I don’t think that GuyExpo was achieving the kind of outcomes that we, as the government, are looking for.”

Those partnering for the success of the initiative include: the Caribbean Export Development Agency; The Guyana Office for Investment; Guyana Tourism Authority; The Private Sector Commission of Guyana Ltd; Small Business Bureau; The Guyana Manufacturing & Services Association and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

At the same time, several sponsors have already come on board and include Demerara Distillers Limited; ENetworks; GTT and BK Holdings Limited; Banks DIH; Caribbean Airlines Limited; Massy Group of Companies; GAICO; Digicel; Comfort Sleep; Sterling Products Limited and Brass Aluminum and Cast Iron Foundry.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Belt and Road Initiative critical for Zimbabwe

THE Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) will contribute to genuine, all-encompassing globalisation and help Zimbabwe in particular to achieve its goal for middle-income status by 2030, President of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa has said in the Chinese capital, Beijing, where he is attending the 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Co-operation (FOCAC).

The BRI is an ambitious effort to improve regional co-operation and connectivity on a trans-continental scale. It aims to strengthen infrastructure, trade, and investment links between China and some 65 other countries that account collectively for over 30 percent of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP), 62 percent of world population and 75 percent of known global energy reserves. President Mnangagwa said the BRI is a significant enhancement of the old Silk Road - an ancient trade route that linked China with a network of countries in Europe, Asia and Africa. “ In the past there was the Silk Road, and that to a greater extent did not embrace the entire continent.

Zimbabwe was only lucky to the extent that 800 to 1 000 years ago there was trade between the Munhumutapa Kingdom and China when we imported porcelain and silk from here and in turn you got our ivory. But today the Road and Belt Initiative has taken everybody on board so that our economies can talk to each other, so that our economies can help each other modernise and mechanise. We are getting connected and benefiting from each other, ” President Mnangagwa said. “ If you look at the current FOCAC meeting, there are 10 issues that we are going to deal with and these issues

are really primary issues that show developing countries like Zimbabwe. The issue of transportation, the issue of infrastructure development in our countries...we believe that with this relationship under FOCAC where the rest of Africa is making conversations with China, and China

President of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa helping Zimbabwe and Africa to go up. And when that happens it creates the integration of marketing in China and Africa so we are happy that we are part of this global vision,” he added.

Official data from China’s Ministry of Commerce shows that FOCAC has achieved fruitful results and has become a significant mark of China-Africa co-operation.

China-Africa trade volume amounted to $170 billion last

year, up from just over $10 billion in 2000. The Government has set itself a target of middle-income status by 2030 and targets Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of over $65 billion by 2030. Typically, countries with per capita gross national incomes between $996 and $12 195 fall under this category.

Added the President:“We are happy that this is a country that has never colonised anybody, who today is giving us a helping hand to grow. As a matter of fact, China is helping us to become a middle-income country.

As a result of that helping hand we leapfrog and go into a modern economy. Left alone it will take us more years to develop with our domestic investment, but given the technology, given the assistance, the financial know-how we leapfrog and become an important cog in the global economy.”

2018 marks the fifth anniversary of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, with more African countries expressing interest in joining the grand project, and to date about 10 African countries have signed BRI co-operation agreements with the Asian giant, and a few more are in negotiations. Co-operation under the BRI, which certainly goes beyond infrastructure, is expected to be a major topic of the ongoing FOCAC summit.

China has indicated that it is willing to work with Africa to dovetail its Belt and Road Initiative with the Agenda 2063 of the African Union, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of the United Nations, as well as the development strategies of individual African countries to explore new opportunities and inject new impetus for Africa’s development. (The Herald)

Belt and Road Initiative offers benefits, investment for LatAm, says UN agency

CHINA’S Belt and Road Initiative offers “many benefits” and “more investment” for Latin America, according to the head of the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).

Regional countries are beginning to assess the possibility of participating in this “great project,” in which China “has a lot to offer” in the areas of trade and infrastructure, said ECLAC Executive Secretary Alicia Barcena.

“I am a big believer in the Belt and Road Initiative,” Barcena told Xinhua during a visit to Mexico City, adding “it would draw more investment in connectivity, mobility to the Industry 4.0 digital agenda, and all of that.”

In Chile, where ECLAC is headquartered, Chinese investment is having

a positive impact on digital communications, as well as scientific and technological cooperation, she added.

While regional trade with China has grown nearly 200-fold in less than a decade, “the interesting thing” about the initiative is that it “redirects a large part of the relationship with China towards infrastructure,” said Barcena.

In the five years since China unveiled the innovative global development scheme, the initiative has gradually evolved from a concept into concrete actions, and won worldwide recognition, including in Latin America, a region traditionally lacking in both infrastructure and the financial resources to build it.

At this year’s Second Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbe-

an States) Forum, held in Chile’s capital Santiago, countries approved a special declaration endorsing the initiative.

China has also invited ECLAC to be part of the initiative’s board of directors, said Barcena, in recognition of the agency’s role as a bridge between the two regions.

China has floated “very interesting” proposals to develop key industries, such as energy, construction and scientific innovation, through trade, investment and financial cooperation, said Barcena.

According to China’s customs authority, trade between China and Latin America and the Caribbean reached some 260 billion U.S. dollars in 2017, an increase of 18.8 percent year-onyear.

China’s Ministry of Commerce

reports indicate that Chinese investment in Latin America has surpassed 200 billion dollars, turning the region into the second leading destination for Chinese overseas investment.

(Xinhua)Ine tracte num, confere murendi, con Itam int aliciaedemum patus cus Ad auscernim et graeliu ritravoltus rei inclego nostrudam iptilium rem, ca diem sus. Sere atra crionsulique quidem mo consum eticis, nit, nostra cibulla beffrevit, qua ma, confectus molicitra seniquit, voltortem te nosulin sim opubliem quem sentrio C. Ritermanum publis maxime probses iam publica derfit, sum ad igna, ella re cripiocciem con diem acerio, consum is. Vemus iamdium imandam pro Cupionfex stam hosupimmo menem optilin redius At interum, sedium, confecut vit vent.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Caribbean and China Join Forces to Fight Corruption

A COLLABORATED effort between the People’s Republic of China and a number of Caribbean states to aggressively pursue corruption on all fronts was the centre of discussion during a two-day conference, which ended recently at the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort in St. Georges.

The China-Caribbean Conference on Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Cooperation as it was called, sought to provide greater leverage to law enforcement authorities in the participating countries to aggressively pursue persons suspected of corrupt practices at all levels locally while at the same creating a barrier, whereby suspected corrupt individuals would not be welcomed in another country.

Addressing the conference on the opening day was Grenada’s Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell who dubbed the initiative a welcome one to the region, one that signaled a combined resolve to fight corruption and jointly tackle the issue of cross-border practices that seek to undermine good governance, good business and general financial services in the respective countries.

The Grenadian Prime Minister expressed the hope that the region would take a unified approach with an unwavering determination to work collaboratively to safeguard mutual law enforcement and anti-corruption interest in moving forward.

Mitchell reiterated the fact that corruption impairs

social fairness and justice, undermines the image and creditability of countries and their governments and hinder economic and sustainable development. Additionally, he said, corruption undermines the rule of law and marginalizes people, a greater reason

House of Representative that addresses the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Treaty, signed between the Government of Grenada and the Peoples Republic of China would give greater support to this new initiative.

Also addressing the con-

the realization of sustainable development goals.

The vice-chairman referred to corruption as a tumour to mankind and therefore to combat its existence he said should be a common task for all countries in the world.

more opportunities to yield practical results in the future.

With the evolution of information technology globally, the vice chairman said there is a greater frequency in transnational flow of corrupt persons and proceeds, with a move towards more

Caribbean leaders and Chinese officials at the conference he said for countries to have ongoing cooperation in anti-corruption efforts.

The Grenadian leader went on to say that cooperation in the anti-corruption present yet another opportunity for Grenada and China to deepen their relationship.

He added that the recent introduction of a bill in the

ference on opening day was H.E. XU Lingyi, Vice Chairman of National Commission of Supervision of the People’s Republic of China who, like Prime Minister Mitchell viewed corruption as a scourge that damages government image and public trust and impacts the economic development and

He added that there is a need for comprehensive cooperation and the joining of hands to fight corruption thus allowing no chance for corrupt officials and proceeds to flee at large. The vice chairman said, base on sound cooperation the anti-corruption between China and the Caribbean States there will be

diversified means to avoid legal punishments. Due to the complexity of the situation, mainly differences in political and legal systems, the vice-chairman said there would be challenges. However, he added, China is willing to provide greater support to further consolidate and strengthen of cooperation

with a view to dealing with the situation.

Additionally, the vice chairman said, given the importance of the task at hand China has placed on the table a number of suggestions that could be considered with a view to achieving the main goal of dealing with corrupt practices.

Among those suggestions he said, participating countries must seek common grounds, put aside their differences, be it history, culture, national condition or otherwise to enhance consensus. Participating countries he said must respect such differences, take care of each other’s concerns, and find the most common interest, so as to achieve a win-win result.

Also placed on the table was the issue of improvement in countries’ political and legal systems and capacity building through bilateral and multilateral cooperation network, and follow the principles of reciprocity to promote the effectiveness of cooperation.

Participating countries he said need to set up cooperation mechanisms of information sharing, joint investigation and capacity building. Most importantly he said countries need to facilitate the cooperation in locating, prosecuting and repatriating corrupt suspects, as well as tracing, freezing, confiscating, and returning corruption proceeds, so as to achieve effective cooperation on fugitive repatriation and asset recovery. (The Grenada informer)

China-Africa Cooperation Forum Hailed as Model for Multilateral engagement

THE Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which had its latest summit in Beijing last week, was hailed by an African diplomat as an effective model for multilateral engagement with Africa.

Gebrehiwot, minister counselor at the Permanent Mission of Ethiopia to the United Nations, in New York.

Once labeled as “hopeless continent,” Africa is now on a path to transformation and change, thanks to the major role played

African leaders and African Union officials have expressed the view that the Beijing Declaration and the FOCAC Beijing Action Plan fully reflect the priorities set by Africans in Agenda 2063, a strategic framework that envisions creating an inte-

during the FOCAC Beijing summit target socioeconomic and development issues, he said.

FOCAC can serve as an important tool for preventing conflicts, a priority championed by the United Nations Sec-

Leaders at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation “The fact that China pursues the winwin cooperation and the ‘five-no’ approach in its engagement with Africa renders FOCAC a strategic importance not only eas a model for South-South cooperation but also with the potential to transform it into an exemplary platform for international cooperation as well,” said Semungu H.

by China, Gebrehiwot said. For nearly the past decade, China has been Africa’s largest business and trading partner. The recent announcement of 60 billion U.S. dollars of financing package during the summit is another huge opportunity that has far-reaching positive impact on Africa’s continued development and stability, he said.

grated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, the Ethiopian diplomat said. China is putting a bulk of its fund on areas that matter most to African countries, hastening their development, which would also meaningfully contribute to addressing the root causes of conflicts in Africa, when seven out of eight of the major initiatives China launched

retary-General Antonio Guterres since taking the UN’s highest office in January 2017, Gebrehiwot said. He added that through FOCAC, China is complementing AU’s Agenda 2063, UN’s SDG 2030 and vision of the UN reform proposal that was recently endorsed by the General Assembly. (Xinhua)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 19, 2018

All systems in place for Region Five RACE

A team of Region Five officials, including Regional Executive Officer Ovid Morrison and Member of Parliament Jennifer Wade at the exhibition site

OFFICIALS of Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) have given the assurance that all systems are in place for an educational, entertaining and memorable Regional Agricultural and Commercial Exhibition (RACE) to be held at the playground at Paradise Village, West Coast Berbice and scheduled for September 28 and 29.

During a meeting, coordinator of the event Ms Carol Smith Joseph, disclosed that 28 agricultural and commercial agencies within the region have indicated their interest in participating in the RACE, which is being held under the theme: “Sustaining a green economy through food security.”

These include agro-processors, crops and livestock farmers, agricultural machine outlets, fast food outlets, agencies such as Food For The Poor, the National Insurance Scheme, agricultural agencies such as the MMA/ADA, GUYSUCO, the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) and commercial entities such as the Region Five branch of the Republic Bank, among others.

Cultural entertainment during the event will include presentations by popular entertainer such as Bunty, Kenroy and Onikha Jospeh, steelband music to be provided by the Guyana Police Force steelband and by the Mahaicony Secondary School; African and tassa drumming and presentations from the Moraikobai Youth Group.

Regional Executive Officer Ovid Morrison disclosed that Miss Earth Guyana 2018, first runner-up Miss Luann Pellew and second runner-up Akisha Payne, will be special invitees at the opening ceremony on the evening of September 28 next. He said too that he had been assured by the divisional commander of the police division that police support would be provided to ensure security of all who participate as exhibitors and visitors. Booths will be provided by the regional administration. These booths will be constructed by the Mahaicony Technical and Vocational Training Centre (MTVTC) free of cost, as their contribution to the success of the two-day event.

Linden murder suspect handed over to police TRAVIS Hazel, called ‘Fifty,’ who allegedly bludgeoned Leroy Barron to death on Sunday was handed over to police at the Mackenzie Police Station by his mother, Debra Gilkes, on Monday evening.

The 31-year-old businessman of Lot 24 Silvercity Wismar was arrested but is not assisting with investigations as he said he was advised by his lawyer not to answer any questions.

An autopsy performed on the body of Barron determined that he died due to brain haemorrhaging and blunt trauma to the head.

On Sunday, Hazel allegedly dealt Barron several lashes to his body with a piece of wood, which resulted in his death. The

Travis Hazel called ‘Fifty’

incident occurred around the Co-op Crescent Mackenzie Market area. The two men had a verbal altercation which became physical.

Deceased: Leroy Barron

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 19, 2018

‘Birthday Boy’ remanded until October WHAT should have been a joyful occasion was quite the opposite for a lad who turned 16 on Tuesday, as it is the very day he found himself before the Cove and John Magistrates Court on a murder charge.

The youngster in question is one of two teens who’ve been charged with the murder of 72-year-old Krishnachand Dabee, whose battered body was found at his Annandale South, East Coast Demerara home late last month.

The teen appeared before Magistrate Peter Hugh and was not required to plead to the charge, which alleges that on August 27, 2018 he murdered Dabee at his Lot 149 Annandale home during the course of a robbery.

The matter was held in camera, given that the

youngster is underage, and he was remanded to prison until October 8.

According to the police, the teen was nabbed over the weekend by Police in ‘C’ Division after allegedly confessing to murdering the pensioner.

Dabee was found lying at the bottom of the rear stairs of his wooden two-storey house, with injuries to the head and near the right eye. There were also bloodstains on the ground next to the water barrel where the body was found, and right next to it a bloodstained stone.

Word is that the man’s daughter, who is a lecturer at the University of Guyana, was trying to make contact with him on his landline phone, and after not hearing from him, she immediately went to the Vigilance Police

Station and made a report.

It was the police who reportedly made the gruesome discovery, and upon checking further, saw that the house had been burgled.

A neighbour told the police that the Dabees had been tied up and robbed about a month ago, and this caused his wife, who was hospitalised following the ordeal, to move into a senior citizens home.

Another neighbour added, “The wife see who the bandits were, and never wanted to return home. She sick since then; she always expect that the bandits would return. And is come they come back and kill the man now.”

An autopsy revealed that the pensioner died from blunt trauma to the head, and a fractured neck and spine.

--for Annandale pensioner’s murder

The teen accused (head covered) on his way to court on Tuesday (Photo by Delano Williams)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 19, 2018

52-year-old amputee gets life for raping child

A 52-YEAR-OLD man was on Tuesday jailed for life after being found guilty of raping a five-year-old girl back in 2014.

Deosaran Narine was jailed in absentia at the Sexual Offences Court which was stalled for several hours

as the jury’s verdict was delayed due to his absence.

The hearing which was scheduled to commence at 09:00hrs was unable to start since there was no sign of the accused. Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, postponed commencement to

13:30hrs, giving Narine some time to show up.

During that time police officers went in search of Narine, but efforts to find him proved futile. Even Narine’s attorney, Maxwell McKay, was unaware of his client’s whereabouts. Nonetheless,

court returned the afternoon and Justice Sewnarine-Beharry proceeded with the matter in his absence.

The indictment presented by the State Prosecutors, Lisa Cave and Orinthia Schmidth, states that in May 2014, Narine engaged in sexual activity with a child under 16. He was 48 years old at that time and the child was only five years old. Details of the inci-

dent states that he kissed her on her back and then sexually violated her.

When the victim’s impact statement was read by Child Link representative, the child expressed that she thinks she is to be blamed for what happened and feels total pain and sadness for what had happened to her. After two hours of deliberation, the 12-mem-

ber jury returned with a unanimous guilty verdict for Deosaran Narine. Considering the aggravating factors, mitigating factors and psychological effects the incident had on the child, the judge imposed a life sentence on Narine, who will be eligible for parole after serving 25 years.

The search is now on to locate the convict.

Rape accused dies hours before going to court A MOCHA, East Bank Demerara man reportedly died Tuesday at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) while receiving treatment.

According to the police, Stonie Henry, 47, was being held at the East Ruimveldt

Police Station lock-ups on suspicion of rape, and was to have appeared in court that very morning when, around 06:15hrs, he complained to ranks on duty of feeling unwell.

He had also begun vomiting, so he was taken to the GPHC where he succumbed less than two hours

later.

The charge against Henry was that on July 24, 2017, at Mocha, he unlawfully engaged in sexual activity with a teen.

The body of the deceased is presently at the GPHC Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Alcoholism fuelling social breakdown in Baramita ‌gov’t working to tackle unusually high suicide rate

By Tamica Garnett BETWEEN 2005 and 2016, more than 73 persons have committed suicide in Baramita, Region One, most of them by hanging.

From then to now, the number has raisen to 78, with

A section of the Baramita community

the latest two victims - a 24-year-old mother of four and a 16-year-old boy - having taken their lives earlier this month.

This is considered a particularly high rate for the Indigenous village of some 3000 people, and on

the ground it is believed that this scourge has much to do with the over-consumption of alcohol in the village. The surge of domestic and sexual violence in the community was also well documented in

Turn to page 24

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Alcoholism fuelling ...

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Continued from page 23

a November 2016 report by the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA), highlighting the struggles of the interior community, where

the main economic activity is mining.

“What we discovered is that the vending of strong alcohol has a bearing on this

tendency to violence and to suicide. It appears as though the effect on their psyche has been tremendously strong.

And we believe this could

have something to do with this whole issue of suicide and of course domestic violence,” explained Mervyn Williams, Ministerial Adviser in the

Mervyn Williams, Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs

Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs.

The village is also affected by other social ills such as: high school dropouts, teenage pregnancy, and rape. Sexual abuse of young girls and women is also rampant. With sexual abuse and exploitation on the rise, young girls are now known to be the perpetrators of physically violent crimes in order to protect themselves from being raped time and again, the GHRA report stated.

But despite the other social ills in the community, it always seems to come back to the mass alcohol consumption in the village. “Alcohol abuse is widespread. People, including women and teenagers, are drunk in the middle of the day. Sexual abuse of teenage girls, both by adult miners, police and others, is rampant, with parents permitting sexual abuse of their daughters in exchange for liquor,” the GHRA report, entitled ‘Impact of Mining: Survival Strategies for Interior Communities in Guyana’, noted.

But all is not lost as government has taken notice of the situation and is working to put measures in place to mitigate the scourge on the community. “If you look at the period of time and the instances of suicide you would notice a trend of improvement. More can be done, more is being done. But it requires also the will of the people to support the will of the government, as, in partnership, we seek to improve the quality of life so that these social ills could be gotten rid of,” Williams noted.

The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs has been working along with several other government ministries including the Ministry of Public Health, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Public Security.

“What government did very early in the game is to establish an inter-ministerial task force to hit the ground running to get a sense of what interventions may be necessary to try to alleviate the hardships, to alleviate the pressures and to improve the quality of life of the people of Baramita which is almost exclusively a mining village,” Williams said.

“We discovered that the

village does not condone the sale of strong alcohol, particularly high wine, but there has been over time, persons who have been guilty of contravening the regulations of the village by taking the strong alcohol into the village and selling it, to very young people.”

With the installation of a new village council in the community after elections in May this year, strong measures are being taken to attack the issue of alcohol in the village. The village council has expelled two coastlanders who had been vending alcohol, asking them to leave permanently and never return, the council, under the law, has the authority to do so.

The Ministry Of Public Health has been involved in medical outreaches, awareness and treatment programmes, and while there is currently no permanent mental health official present in the community, one has visited the area in recent times.

“I know that there is a medical facility there, I also know that on one of their visits the MoPH did take someone who is a specialist in the area of mental health, but of course there is no resident professional and visitations, if they are going to be effective, would need to be more frequent and for longer durations,” Williams pointed out.

“But this is not the end of the exercise, this is really the beginning of exploring what the circumstances are that need to be addressed and mapping out a strategy that says these are the interventions that are required, so that’s where we are and we’re working on it.”

On the part of the Ministry of Public Security, there has been the stationing of female police officers within the village, to encourage better handling of sexual violence cases.

But even intervention methods are not without their challenges.

“One of the biggest hindrances to communication is the language barrier. In Baramita people speak Carib, that’s the first language [and] English is an acquired language so it poses a problem in the school, in the health centre and in the security sector,” Williams said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Over 800 metres of sea-defence works completed at West Demerara Some 800 metres of sea defence works have been completed at Wallers Delight on the West Coast of Demerara, the Department of Public Information has reported.

The project, which commenced in November 2017, was completed in three phases. BK International has executed 300 and 260 metres respectively of riprap sea-defence in two phases and Toolsie Persaud Construction completed another 300 meters.

Part of the completed riprap structure at Wallers Delight

Speaking with the Department of Public Information (DPI), Ministry of Public Infrastructure’s Project Coordinator, Dennis Ramsingh said the works were critical due to the rapid degradation of the mangrove trees over the years. “Had government not taken the intervention to construct riprap sea-defences then there would have been lots of damage and breaches of the embankment. That would have caused inundation to immediate residential and agricultural land. But because we were monitoring the area over some time, we had seen the need to take this intervention early,” Ramsingh explained.

The final phase of the project was delayed due to challenges with a regular supply of sand for the work. Also, construction was delayed due to the removal of decayed mangrove trees before the commencement of excavation works. The project entailed excavation of the seaward slope to construct the slope and toe and the riprap structures which involved excavation, sand filling, placement of geotextile fabric, underlayer and the armour stone which is the finished structure.

Ramsingh pointed out that similar works were also completed at Windsor Forest.

Completed riprap structures at Windsor Forest

“Works were identified at this area (Windsor Forest) because we had aged concrete sea-defences with low crest elevation which contributed to severe overtopping during peak spring tide period. The ministry took the initiative to replace that aged concrete structure with 300 meters of riprap sea-defences,” the Project’s Coordinator underlined.

The project was completed ahead of schedule and entailed excavation of the foreshore, to construct the toe and lower slope, sand filling to construct the upper slope, crest and embankment works were also included. According to Ramsingh, these riprap structures, which are built of rock or other material used to protect shorelines, require less maintenance and are flexible. Most of the materials for riprap’s construction is also available locally.

Additionally, the areas in Den Amstel, Uitvlugt and Leonora that were flooded earlier in the year due to severe overtopping will also see improvement. Ramsingh indicated that the ministry has already prepared the designs, contracts have been awarded and physical work will commence shortly. These will also be executed in phases.

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Beharry Group...

By Rawle Toney WITH the Rugby Americas North (RAN) 7s championship set for this weekend in Barbados, the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) yesterday received a boost from one of its most loyal corporate supporters – Edward B Beharry & Company Limited.

At a simple, yet significant presentation yesterday, the company, known for its wide variety of world renowned brands - being the custodians of the KFC franchise in Guyana as well - handed over $1.5M to the GRFU, in their continued support for the Caribbean’s most decorated Sevens Rugby side.

The usually cashstrapped GRFU had a busy year, playing in the CAC Games (7s) and, for the first time, the Americas Rugby Challenge (15s), and president Peter Green believes Beharry’s contribution was not only timely, but also one which the union believes will aid significantly in helping Guyana to retain the title which they surrendered to Jamaica last year in Mexico.

According to Green, Be-

FROM BACK PAGE

harry Group of Companies has been the union’s biggest supporters over the years and as such, its continuous show of generosity could only be matched through the players, who he said will deliver in Barbados.

Monique Tiwari, the company’s Brand Manager, told the gathering of reporters that supporting the rugby team now comes as a ‘given’ for the business, since the company is pleased with their results the discipline shown and the fact that they are excellent ambassadors for Guyana.

Tiwari said the company is pleased to be associated with the GRFU and the Sevens Rugby team, and she also wished them well in their quest to regain regional supremacy in Barbados.

Meanwhile, head coach Sherlock Solomon announced the team for the important RAN tournament, naming Dwayne Schroeder as captain of the side that includes Avery Corbin, Vallon Adams, Rickford Cummings, Richard Staglon, Ronald Mayers, Osei McKenzie, Lancelot Adonis, Jamal Angus, Claudius Butts, Peabo Hamilton and Patrick King.

In naming the team, Solomon said he went with a side that was experienced and one that he was certain will deliver.

The veteran coach said

apart from reigning champions who upset the multiple-time winners Guyana 28-24 in the closing seconds of extra time last year, the likes of Mexico, the Cayman Islands and Trinidad and Tobago will also be a tough challenge. However, he’s confident that the 12-man team selected is good enough to bring the title back to Guyana.

Guyana will open their campaign against Curacao on September 22 at the Barbados Polo Club in Saint James. The winners of the two-day tournament will become eligible for the 2019 Hong Kong Sevens qualifier tournament and two teams will also advance to the 2019 Pan American Games.

The format for this year’s tournament includes pool play for both the men’s and women’s divisions. With 14 teams, the men’s teams are seeded into four pools. The top two from each men’s pool will go through to an eight-team knockout and the bottom six will go through to a tournament with two pools of three.

Guyana, in the men’s division will be placed in Pool B alongside hosts Barbados, as well as Curacao. The women, who have won the Caribbean title five times, are in Pool A in their championship, with Mexico, Dominican Republic, Barbados and St Lucia.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Five CPL 2018 performers who could break into other T20 leagues FAST bowlers with variations and six-hitters have always attracted attention in T20 cricket. ESPNcricinfo lists out five such CPL 2018 performers who could be in the lens of various other T20 leagues.

Ali Khan (Trinbago Knight Riders) He was nicknamed ‘the yorker machine’ by his USA

team-mates for his ability to consistently hit the blockhole at speeds north of 140kph. Then, in the Global T20 Canada, he impressed Winnipeg Hawks captain Dwayne Bravo, who also captains Trinbago Knight Riders in the CPL, so much so that he was signed as a replacement player by TKR. In his first game of the

season against St Lucia Stars, he harried Andre Fletcher with pace and bounce, before tricking the opener with a knuckle ball.

In the next match against Jamaica Tallawahs, Ali Khan bagged three wickets in seven balls but dropped Andre Russell first ball and watched the Tallawahs captain batter

an unbeaten 121 in a remarkable chase.

Ali Khan buried the disappointment of the drop in the next game against St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, and snaffled another three-wicket haul. He continued to be a dominant force for TKR with the ball, finishing as the fourth-highest wicket-taker with 16 scalps in 12 games at an economy rate of 7.80.

When the CPL was hurtling to the knockouts, Ali Khan was picked up by the Kabul franchise in the Afghanistan Premier League. Is he on the BBL and IPL radars as well?

Oshane Thomas (Jamaica Tallawahs)

hammad Irfan and Ali Khan.

Obed McCoy (St Lucia Stars) Another out-and-out quick, who took the Global T20 Canada route to CPL 2018. After claiming 11 wickets - the most by a West Indies B bowler in their run to the final - McCoy played only seven matches for St Lucia Stars, but ended as their joint-highest wick-

Shimron Hetmyer has become the youngest player to score a century in the CPL at age 21.

Sherfane Rutherford gave a display of courageous six-hitting during CPL 2018.

Ali Khan with the CPL trophy (Getty Images)

The 21-year-old, who had clocked speeds close to 150kph in CPL 2017, set the speed gun on fire this season too. Did you watch his searing yorker to Shai Hope - the ball of CPL 2018? He angled a yorker into the toes of the batsman, then found late outswing to storm through his defences and floor the middle stump.

Thomas was consistent as well, taking at least one wicket in each of the 10 games he played. His tally of 18 wickets included big names such as Martin Guptill, David Warner, Evin Lewis (thrice) and Dwayne Bravo.

According to CricViz, Thomas had a strike rate of 14.50 in the Powerplay - the third best after Mo-

et-taker with nine wickets at an economy rate of 7.80. His left-arm variety and slower cutters stood out even as the rest of the Stars faded away.

Shimron Hetmyer (Guyana Amazon Warriors) Hetmyer is only 21 but he has already built an impressive CV. He has played two Under-19 World Cups leading West Indies to glory in 2016, he has featured in 20 internationals for West Indies, and last month he became CPL’s youngest centurion when he walloped a hundred off 47 balls against Jamaica Tallawahs - one of the better bowling attacks in the tournament.

For Amazon Warriors to give themselves a second shot at making the final, they needed to chase down 155 in 15.3 overs against TKR at Providence, and they did it in 14.1 overs thanks to Hetmyer’s fireworks.

He then put his side in the final with a more sedate 39 in the Qualifier 1, but his form cooled off against TKR in the title bout.

Sherfane Rutherford (Guyana Amazon Warriors) In a display of outrageous six-hitting, he smoked an unbeaten 45 in 13 balls: 6, 6, 6, 1, 0, 1, 1, 6, 6, 2, 6, 1, 4, against TKR in partnership with Hetmyer during that 155 chase. Dwayne Bravo bore the brunt of the assault, going for 25 runs in six balls.

The shot of CPL 2018, however, came when Rutherford launched his third six.

When left-arm spinner Nikita Miller pushed one through wide outside off, Rutherford reversed his hands so very quickly and swatted the ball into the second tier over backward square leg.

Rutherford had als o showed off his big hitting during his 134 not out off 66 balls, including 11 fours and 10 sixes, in the Global T20 Canada Qualifier 1 against a Vancouver Kings attack, comprising Tim Southee, Sheldon Cottrell, Andre Russell and Fawad Ahmed, who turned out to be the top wicket-taker in CPL 2018.

Given his ability to hit sixes on demand, Rutherford looks set to barge into other T20 leagues. (ESPN Cricinfo)

33

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Stokes, Hales charged with bringing game into disrepute LONDON, England (Reuters) - England all-rounder Ben Stokes and batsman Alex Hales will appear before a disciplinary hearing in December after being charged yesterday with bringing the game into disrepute for a fracas outside a Bristol nightclub a year ago.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said in a statement that both were required to attend a panel hearing of the independent

Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) in London on December 5 and 7.

They could face anything from a warning to the termination of contract.

Each has been charged with two counts of breaching an ECB directive that states: “No participants may conduct themselves in a manner or do any act or omission at any time which may be prejudicial to the interests of cricket or which may bring the ECB, the game of cricket or any

cricketer or group of cricketers into disrepute.”

The timing allows both men, who have resumed their international careers, to be available for England’s tour of Sri Lanka in October and November.

England have three Tests, five one-day internationals and a Twenty20 international lined up in Sri Lanka before starting a tour of the West Indies in mid-January.

Stokes and Hales were

referred to the CDC by the ECB’s director of cricket Andrew Strauss a year ago but the hearing was put on hold while Stokes faced criminal charges ensuing from the street brawl in Bristol last September.

The 27-year-old was last month found not guilty of affray.

Prosecutors had told the court that Stokes had got into a fight with two men after being refused entry to the western city’s Mbargo

England’s Ben Stokes (left) and Alex Hales

nightclub.

Hales, 29, was interviewed by police but not charged over the incident.

Stokes’s lawyer Paul Lunt said after the ver-

dict that the case had cost Stokes the England vice-captaincy, his place on an Ashes tour to Australia last winter and in other England matches.

BCB/Elizabeth Styles Under-21 Tournament

Blairmont beat arch-rivals Albion to reach final … set to face Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets FOR the second time this year, Blairmont Community Centre (BCC) defeated Albion Community Centre (ACC) in a semi-final of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) junior cricket tour-

nament.

After knocking them out of the New York Business Group Under-19 tournament, BCC defeated ACC by 56 runs to join Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets in the

grand final which would be played shortly.

BCC, after winning the toss, elected to bat first.

Fawaz Gafoor top-scored with 25 and received support from Javed Karim 22, Nigel

India avoid shock defeat by Hong Kong at Asia Cup INDIA rallied to avoid ceded only 48 runs from a shock defeat by Hong the last 10 overs, also Kong in the Asia Cup, taking five wickets to eventually winning by limit the world number 26 runs in Dubai. two ODI side - who have Hong Kong, who lost rested several players for their one-day internathis tournament, includtional status this year, ing captain Virat Kohli were 174-0 off 34 overs, - to 285-7. chasing 286 to win.

A weakened India But captain Anshy bowling attack struggled Rath (73) and Nizakat for long periods before Khan (92) fell in quick debutant left-arm seamsuccession as India er Khaleel Ahmed and took four wickets for leg-spinner Yuzvendra 25 runs.

Chahal took three wickKinchit Shah and ets each to stifle Hong Aizaz Khan kept their Kong’s chase. side in contention but Defeat means qualafter both were removed ifiers Hong Kong are in the 45th over, Hong eliminated from the Kong could reach only competition, while In259-8. dia face Pakistan at the India opener Shisame venue today to khar Dhawan had determine the winners earlier hit 127 off 120 of Group A - although balls, with Ambati the arch rivals are now Rayudu making 60 Shikhar Dhawan brings up his 14th guaranteed to meet from 70 balls.

ODI century and takes India’s total again in the Super Four Yet Hong Kong con- beyond 200. stage. (BBC Sport)

Deodat 17 and Rameshwar Samaroo 17, as Blairmont were bowled out for 165 from 45.1 overs. National Under-19 bowler Kevin Umroa took 5 for 37 while Karran Arjpaul, who played for Guyana in 2017, took 2 for 19.

Needing to score 166 for victory from 50 overs,

Albion were bowled out for a disappointing 109 in 35.4 despite Kevin Umroa returning with the bat to score 32 and his brother Ritesh a fighting 30.

National Under-17 off-spinner Seon Glasgow was the best bowler with 5 for 27 from 10 overs. Nigel De-

odat, another Guyana Youth Player took 2 for 13 while Javed Karim snared 2 for 23 for the hard-working and talented BCC Cricket Club.

Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets had earlier in the week destroyed Tucber Park Cricket Club by eight wickets to advance to the final.

Balram Narine continues to dominate FACC members-only races BERBICE cyclist Balram Narine continued his dominance of the Flying Ace Cycle Club’s members-only events, by winning the club’s organised 40-mile road race in Berbice last Sunday.

Starting at the junction of Alexander and Main Streets, Narine went off to a flying start and was challenged for the lead halfway up to the turn-back point at the Adventure Police Training Centre on the Corentyne Coast.

After turning back, Narine accelerated and went out of the sight of the 14-bunch and went on to complete the course in one hour 45 minutes. He also copped the four prime prizes that were on offer.

His victory was an emphatic one, as he finished the approximately two miles ahead of the second-place finisher Donovan Fraser.

Ralph Seenarine was third, Clement Doris fourth and Ray Millington fifth.

The 12-14 age group category was won by Jeremiah Joseph, ahead of Steve Bhimsain and Nicholas Emanuel in that order.

The event was spon-

sored by the Regional Democratic Council of Region 6, Samantha Prince, Alfred Pettio, J’s Supermarket, Fix It Electronics and Vickram Jewellery, and was coordinated by the club’s coach, Randolph Roberts.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday September 19, 2018) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & Cummings Electrical Company Ltd. 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Andre Russell, Rovman Powell & Glen Phillips (2) Glen Phillips - 457 runs Today’s Quiz: (1) How many times the Warriors have now played in a CPL final?

(2) Who took most wickets for the Tallawahs in Hero CPL 2018?

Answer in tomorrow's issue

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Logie backs Windies Women to come out swinging today in crucial ODI BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – West Indies Women’s coach Gus Logie has backed his side to put Sunday’s opening loss to South Africa behind them, and come out swinging in today’s crucial second OneDay International of the three-match series.

The hosts produced a limp performance with the bat, failing to chase down a modest target of 202 and crashing to a 40-run defeat at Kensington Oval.

However, Logie said with much of the preparation having focused on the side’s defence of the Twenty20 World Cup title in November, it was now critical they make the adjustment to the requirements of the 50-overs format.

“It’s just a matter of reinforcing the positives and at the end of the day, hope that the players learn from

(Sunday’s) experience,” the former West Indies batsman said.

“I think the preparation stage was very good so I don’t think that any player can critique the fact that we were well prepared in terms of number of balls hit, time in the nets, and it’s evident when you look at the nine-ten-Jack (tail-enders), the way they shaped – they shaped pretty well – it gives you courage so I’m sure the top order will take some more responsibility come Wednesday (today).”

He added: “It’s a work in progress. We keep talking about what we’re aiming towards. It’s a buildup as well despite the fact it’s a competition within itself, but it’s a buildup to what happens later in the tournament in terms of the T20s and certainly the T20 World Cup. “A lot of our prepa-

The returning Shemaine Campbelle was the only batsman to show responsibility.

ration, I must admit, has seemed to focus a lot more on the T20 World Cup coming up, so we’re looking for players to shift a little bit in gear, be a lot more patient – it’s 50 overs, a longer version of the game – so it’s about spending a bit more time in the middle, but I’m certain that we’ll do that

come Wednesday.”

Windies Women bowled well to restrict South Africa to 201 for nine off their 50 overs, especially after the visitors had cruised to 104 for one in the 28th over.

However, the hosts were then let down by a sloppy batting effort in their run chase with only Shemaine Campbelle, in her first ODI in two years, showing any enterprise with 46.

Logie said the batsmen had failed to apply themselves properly and stressed the importance of senior players taking responsibility.

“I think at the half-way stage we felt really confident that this total was gettable and that we could have chased that down, but unfortunately it did not work out,” Logie lamented.

“Again, our more estab-

lished players didn’t come to the party. We know they’re much better than that but it’s heartening to see Campbelle playing the type of responsible innings which she did and the support from the lower order. “(Anisa Mohammed) really stepped up to the plate as vice-captain of the team and really showed what was possible. I think the top order will take some heart from that and some confidence from that going into the next game. So I’m looking forward to a much more all-round performance in game two.”

Logie also praised the Proteas bowling effort which saw new-ball bowler Marizanne Kapp finishing with three for 14 from nine superb overs.

“Conditions were a bit better in the second innings

‘Lady Jags’ roar to 83 in FIFA Women’s World Ranking

Guyana’s senior National Women’s Football team – the Lady Jags

THE Senior Women’s Football Team, commonly known as the ‘Lady Jags’, have moved 35 places up the FIFA Women’s World Ranking to 83, entering the top 100 bracket of countries in the world.

This movement results in the team being placed eighth among the CONCACAF Member Associations and fourth in the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) following the relaunch of the programme in 2017.

In an invited comment, the team’s head coach Dr. Ivan Joseph said this is a first step in a continuous effort to raise the bar of women’s football, stating that “this is a great first step to validate the work the Federation and our female athletes have put into the programme.

“Our coaching staff look forward to continuing our efforts to advance the Lady Jaguars standing at the international level.”

Meanwhile, Ian Greenwood, Technical Director of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), said this is a positive step in the right direction, since the “relaunch of the Lady Jags programme required an innovative approach and we are very confident under Dr Ivan and his experienced staff it will continue to grow.

“The recent rankings show a very positive push in the right direction but also highlights that we must be consistent in our women’s development programmes as we still have a long way to go on this journey.”

“This is a fine example of what is possible when we believe in a mission that is beyond the might of one person, said GFF president Wayne Forde.

“The collective strategic focus of the executive committee, the GFF international support group (ISG), our technical staff, parents, and most importantly, our courageous young women, has produced early dividends, which have certainly elevated the credibility and direction of our Womens’ programme.

The GFF-Scotia Bank Academy Training Centres (ATC) are injecting a higher percentage of quality players into our national programme, which will result in the creation of many more scholarship opportunities for our girls

in the coming years. This is truly a proud moment for our nation, Forde added.”

Since the relaunch of the women’s programme, the Lady Jags were engaged competitively in two tournaments – the CFU Women’s Challenge Series and the CONCACAF Caribbean Women’s Qualifiers. The team placed third in the CFU Women’s Challenge Series in March and tied nil-all against Barbados in May 2018 in their final qualifier match of the latter tournament.

In 2016, when the team qualified for their second major CONCACAF tournament – the Olympic Qualifiers, then Mark Rodrigues-coached team had a 79 ranking in the world, which remains their best position to date.

for batting … hence the reason we won the toss and fielded, because we felt the pitch would play a little bit better and it did,” explained Logie. “(So we can’t take away) anything from the pitch or the conditions (but we have to) commend the South African bowlers. They were disciplined, they bowled the right lines and the right lengths, they were consistent and very effective in the field as well, but we showed what was possible in the end.

“With a bit more patience and a bit better decision-making with the batters, certainly we can come back (into the series).”

The series forms part of the eight-team ICC Women’s Championship which serves as a qualifier for the 2021 Women’s World Cup in New Zealand.

BVA male, female teams suffer mixed fortunes in Goodwill series in Barbados THE Berbice Volleyball Association’s (BVA) male and female teams suffered mixed fortunes on the opening day of their Goodwill tour in Barbados over the weekend.

According to reports, the male team won two matches on the opening day, while the female team won one match and lost one.

In their first game which was played against a combined first division team from the `Land of the Flying Fish’, the Guyanese team, after losing the first game 17-25, rebounded and won the other three 25-22, 25-17, 25-23.

The male team’s second match was against the Progressive Youth Foundation and the Berbicians completely dominated things, winning 3-0 with scores of 25-14, 25-19, 25-22.

The female players, on the other hand, lost their opening match 0-3 against a combined side. The scores were 22-25, 19-25, 22-25.

In their second match, the females came from a 21-25 loss in the first game and rebounded to win the other two games in a two best-of-three match up 25-17, 25-21.

Despite the results, president of the BVA and coach Levi Nedd complimented the ladies on their spirited performance and is satisfied with their efforts.

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 19, 2018

A combination of youth and experience leads to Conquerors Elite League title – Thomas

By Rawle Toney FRUTA Conquerors Football Club can finally boast of being Guyana’s number one team, after their Tucville-based unit solidified their position at the top of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League last weekend, following their 1-1 result with last season’s winners - Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

Domini Garnett scored in the 66th minute for the SM Jaleel-sponsored club and while Sherwin Caesar responded late (90+3 minute) for GDF, the result was good enough to see ‘orange men’ over the line with 42 points and a game in-hand.

“The collective feeling of the club is that we have finally been able to overcome the hurdles and challenges of not being able to win a senior title after a number of years. Even though we did win the GFA 1st Division Title under coach Allen in 2014/2015, our ultimate goal was to win the GFF Elite League,” Club secretary Daniel Thomas told Chronicle Sport in an exclusive interview yesterday, speaking on the

Fruta Conquerors Club Secretary Daniel Thomas

club’s resounding success this season.

According to Thomas, a combination of youth and experience played a major factor in the team’s success, adding, “We have been able to have a good base from a very large pool of very talented youth players coming through our system, where they constantly train and play competitively and if one was to look at the progress of players such as Jeremy Garrett, Ryan Hackett , Raushan Ritch, Nicholas McArthur, Simon Moore, Leon Sealey

Yaw, Cecil Jackman; these are all youth players under the age of 20 years who would have been a part of our youth system and would have now progressed to the Elite League.”

“Secondly, we have been fortunate to have very good senior coaches and both coaches, Allen (when he was here) and our current head coach Sampson Gilbert, have done tremendous work with the players. I think that coach Sampson has a wealth of knowledge, as he also works closely with the Guyana Football Federation developmental youth plan, so he’s very aware of what needs to be done and how the players should be prepared to ascend to the next higher level required of them,” Thomas said.

Thomas showered praise on the club’s long-time sponsor, Trinidad and Tobago-based SM Jaleel and Company, through its local subsidiary, Guyana Beverages Inc., with praises, for being at the team’s side for the past 20 years. .

“Also I think that for this season we have been able to fit a number of piec-

The Conquerors! Fruta Conquerors FC before kickoff in the GFF Elite League

es together in terms of getting the balance of the team correct, you know we have wonderfully gifted midfielders, such as Jahall Greaves and Denis Edwards, who have both played magnificently over the season, and I must admit the revelation of our junior keeper Leon Sealey-Yaw has been outstand-

ing between the uprights.”

“We’ve had players come and fit right into the team like Domini Garnett and Trevor Jones. We’ve had the likes of our veteran players Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson, Delon Williams, Anthony Abrams, King Solomon Austin who were all over the season to

give guidance to the younger players,” Thomas said, in applauding the players.

In the 17 games played so far (one more to go), Fruta Conquerors scored 50 goals (the most in the tournament) and conceded a league-low six goals. The team chalked up 13 wins, played to three draws and only tasted defeat once.

The usually candid Thomas told Chronicle Sport that the stats also demonstrated and showed the club’s superior scoring and astute defensiveness during the third installation of the Elite League.

“We can say it could have been our experiences from Season I and II, but our players did the work and now have been rewarded for their efforts. We hope this win serves as a catalyst for better and brighter days ahead at Fruta. Plans are afoot to very soon launch a Fruta Conquerors Youth Academy and these plans shall be officially revealed to the public over time.

This Academy shall be a fully operational Academy with all the best that can be had for full player development,” Thomas opined.

Swan dispose of St Cuthbert’s Mission 4-2 in Region Four Heritage playoff SWAN Football Team, comprising a number of players drawn from their Under-15 and U-18 teams, stood firmly to the challenge as they disposed of St Cuthbert’s Mission 4-2 in a three-way competition to select a team to represent Region Four in the 2018 Heritage football competition.

Playing at the St Cuthbert’s Mission ground, the well-uniformed Swan team took on St Cuthbert’s Mission, who evidently had a number of older players, making the contest a ‘David versus Goliath’ battle.

Swan opened the scoring in the 11th minute through Eran Hussain who skilfully dribbled three players from the opposing team before hitting the ball into the net with a solid right foot volley.

St Cuthbert’s Mission

Swan FC goalscorers (from left), Eran Hussain, Mellon Joseph, Ishmael Pulsram and Edson Williams.

had a perfect opportunity to level the score four minutes later through a penalty, taken

by Lorenzo Clenkian but his shot went over the crossbar.

However, 23 minutes into the game St Cuthbert’s equalised the score at one-

all when Zack Ferreira stunned Swan goalkeeper with a terrific kick that went straight into the net.

Playing a better game, Swan scored their second goal in the 31st minute through Mellon Joseph and

held unto the one-goal lead until halftime. However, in the 53rd minute of the second half Swan’s lead was once again increased through Ishmael Pulsram.

Edson Williams upped the score in the 57th min-

ute, thus condemning St Cuthbert’s Mission to what was going to be a heavy defeat as the score read 4-1 in favour of Swan.

A determined St Cuthbert’s Mission team tried hard to reduce the score and were able to pull one back in the 59th minute through Leo Evans but the final whistle blew with the score 4-2.

Coach and manager of the Swan Football Team, Andre Gonsalves expressed satisfaction over his team’s win noting that the players stuck to their original game plan of seeking to control the ball, while looking for opportunities to score.

“I think we may have missed about two or three scoring opportunities but overall we played very well and it is reflected in the results,” he said. Gonsalves expressed confidence that

his team would win the playoff, thus earning the right to represent Region Four at the National Heritage competition.

This is our first year playing in the competition as we pulled out last year before the playoffs owing to what we termed unprofessional and unsportsmanlike behaviour of some of the players representing other teams.

However, thus year we are here and I can assure you that while we are fielding a young team the guys are very determined to win this playoff,” Gonsalves declared.

St Cuthbert’s Mission will now play Laluni football team with the winners facing Swan in the final for the opportunity to represent Region Four at the National Heritage Games set for this weekend in Georgetown.

Beharry Group of Companies presents $1.5M cheque to ‘Green Machine’

See Page 31

…Dwayne Schroeder to captain team as GRFU selects strong, experienced side

Edward B Beharry & Company Limited Brand Manager Monique Tiwari (fourth from right) hands over her company’s $1.5M cheque to ‘Green Machine’ captain Dwayne Schroeder, in the company of other GRFU representatives. (Rawle Toney photo)

Seventh COURTS Pee Wee football competition launched

Petra Organisation’s co-director Troy Mendonca collects the sponsorship cheque from COURTS Guyana General Manager Clyde De Hass for the tournament.

By Stephan Sookram PEE Wee football action will return on September 29, following the launch of the seventh edition of the COURTS and Malta Supreme tournament yesterday.

Held at the National Library in Georgetown, the event featured sponsors, organisers and Ministry of Education officials, all making remarks to the students and teachers present. The first to speak was Troy Mendonca, co-director of the Petra Organisation, the body responsible for the organisation of the tournament.

He contended that the tournament was

birthed through the body’s insistence in developing football at the grassroots level.

“Over the years, we’ve come to understand the number of schools and students that this tournament encompasses and the smiles it puts on the faces of the students,” Mendonca noted during yesterday’s launch.

Meanwhile, General Manager of COURTS Guyana, Clyde De Hass contended, “The competition has grown from strength to strength after six editions and we are very pleased that we have nurtured a very strong partnership with Petra Organisation which has helped us to put excess funds that we have in the right place.”

32 teams will take part in the tournament with 24 of them coming from Georgetown, three each from East Coast and East Bank and two from the West Coast. The round-robin action will be played on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00hrs at the YMCA ground on Carifesta Avenue and Thomas Lands.

Marketing Manager of COURTS, Pernell Cummings, hailed Petra for its outstanding organisational skills.

“I have never missed a Saturday of this competition since I’ve been with COURTS and it has been very exciting. This tournament has produced some talented players including four of whom have gone on to represent Guy-

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ana,” he said.

Malta Supreme, whose Brand Manager Clayton McKenzie was at the ceremony also lauded the initiative, stating that they are happy to be on board once more. He said, “This year we will be sponsoring through two brands, Malta Supreme and Rainforest Waters, in addition to providing snacks on match days.”

Ministry of Education’s head of the Physical Education Department, Nicholas Fraser, contended, “The Ministry is quite pleased with the way the tournament has grown and it is very easy for us to approve it.”

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2018