Guyana chronicle e paper 09 20 2017

President to press border issue in UN address Page 11

No. 105041

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

Price: $80 (VAT Inclusive)

US$170M for new harbour bridge Page 2

––feasibility study recommends 250 %, 700% increase in toll

Bigger CDEMA needed –– Pres Granger urges more coordinated approach to disaster relief

Page 3

Roofs blown away, house flattened Page 12

…as storm rips through Bath Settlement

Amelia’s Ward residents up in arms Page 9

––over illegal sand-pit operation in their backyards

President David Granger chatting with Secretary–General of the Commonwealth, The RT. Hon. Patricia Scotland, Prime Minister of St. Lucia Mr. Allen Chastanet and Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr. Carl Greenidge at the United Nations Headquarters in New York (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

New cases of ‘black money’

Page 20

…FIU, SOCU on the trail of new money-laundering reports

Wapichan group concerned about illegal airstrip at Parabara Page 18

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 20, 2017

US$170M for new harbour bridge –– feasibility study recommends 250 %, 700% increase in tolls

By Navendra Seoraj LIEVENSE CSO’s final report on the feasibility study for the new Demerara Harbour Bridge has put the estimated cost of the project at US$170M and also proposes increases in the tolls to help limit government’s contributions.

According to the report released by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure on Tuesday, the total cost is inclusive of interest for pre-fi-

nancing and costs during construction. The study which was conducted between January 1, 2017 and August 17, 2017 concluded that the best option would be a low bridge at Houston-Versailles (West Bank Demerara), with three lanes and a movable section to transit seagoing vessels. Lievense has advised that the bridge be designed with a minimum clearance of 17.5 m above Chart Datum (CD) to allow uninterrupted passing of trawlers, tugs and

barges and smaller coastal and service vessels.

A low bridge is reportedly about 20 per cent cheaper than a high bridge (with a reduced height of 43.5 m CD).

Compared to the high bridge, the low bridge also has an estimated 15 per cent higher lane capacity and less risk on the breakdown of trucks and cargo fallen off.

Without the interest for pre-financing, the bridge’s estimated cost is US$150 million, including contractors An artist’s impression of the low bridge at Houston-Versailles (West Bank Demerara) with three lanes and a movable section and viaducts over the bank cost and additional costs for report stated. services, land acquisition for The recommended proj- roads.

Although much is yet to the approach roads, and lim- ect, however, has from a ited budget for a first phase financial point of view a be done, the report pointed of link roads. limited safety margin and out that the present bridge According to the study, many factors are still un- is unreliable and lacks the due to the cost, it was con- certain. Those factors in- capacity to serve the traffic cluded that the business case clude the contract costs of demand hence a new bridge of the project is “financially the design and construction is required.

“The Demerara Harbour not viable,” assuming similar contractor, the final fundtoll rates and no contribution ing costs and interest, the Bridge has been in operation from Government. The main uncertainty in the traffic for 40 years and has long reason for this is reportedly forecast and thus the rev- passed its technical lifetime. the high debt service caused enues, claims and force The bridge is no longer able to service the present and by the short loan periods and majeure (greater force). future traffic demand,” conhigh interests in the market. cluded the Lievense report.

In order to compensate FLEXIBLE DEVELOPIn addition, traffic is estifor this, it was advised that MENT STRATEGY the toll tariff rates be inIt was therefore rec- mated to continue to grow at creased to 250 per cent of the ommended that a flexible five per cent per annum. The 2017 road toll rates and 700 development strategy be road network in the greater per cent of the present rates adopted in order to control Georgetown area is saturated for river vessels. “This way risks in cost and revenues and the road network adjathe Government’s contribu- by scope management, as cent to the present bridge is tion will be limited to about this is the only way to influ- not able to serve the present US$39 million to be paid in ence the costs of the proj- and future traffic demand, five years after commission- ect. Some of the strategies therefore new linking roads ing of the project and the that were suggested include are required to fully use the project becomes viable,” the projects such as link roads new bridge’s capacity. A pre-feasibility study carried out in 2013 proposed three alternative locations, Houston, Peters Hall (the existing location) and New Hope, to construct a new bridge.

The Houston–Versailles location was the recommended location because, according to the report it has the highest socio-economic cost benefits (highest benefits for invested money); much lower urban and environmental impacts than other locations.

The intended design for the new Demerara Harbour Bridge ISSUES TO BE RESOLVED Though it had the lowest investment cost, the report cited some issues to be resolved, which include the resettlement of some houses, and efforts to minimise the impact to the Muneshwer terminal, as well as to the PSI Fishing terminal which will be adjacent to the bridge.

On the West Bank, the Government was advised to pay attention to mangrove fringe crossing, the current drainage channel and a timber company.

Additionally, procedures for navigation have to be reconsidered and new lead lines developed.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Bigger CDEMA needed –– Pres Granger urges more coordinated approach to disaster relief

By Svetlana Marshall in New York

THE devastating impact of the recent series of hurricanes that have ravaged a number of Caribbean Islands and the urgent need to increase efforts to mitigate climate change, were atop the agenda when President David Granger met with the Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland on Tuesday on the sidelines of the 72nd Regular Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 72) in New York. And he told Guyanese reporters that the Region needs a bigger disaster relief mechanism.

Minutes after the meeting with the Commonwealth Secretary-General at the United Nations Headquarters in

of Caribbean member states, when the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting is held in London in 2019.

Additionally, the President stated that there is clearly a need to expand the work of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA). “We have to broaden CDEMA, because what is happening now, several countries are being adversely affected at the same time, simultaneously, so it is not sequentially, so we can deal with one country and then the next, everybody saw the picture of Barbuda,” he posited, while also pointing to countries such as Dominica and the British Virgin Islands (BVI) that have also been hard hit.

Attention, he reiterated,

very important role to play in in mitigating climate change, and its domino effect. “We are the largest CARICOM state and we have to consider our land space as being the hinterland of the Caribbean; we have to sit down and speak to other Caribbean states to see how this gift maybe could be utilised to give the people in the Caribbean a better life in [the] wake of these disasters,” President Granger explained.

More attention, he emphasised, must be placed on green technologies and environmental measures.

For Guyana, extension of the country’s protected areas would be critical in aiding the move to gradually bring global warming under control. “Guyana is the largest CARICOM state and Guyana

President David Granger engaging members of the Guyana press corps shortly after his high-level meeting with the Commonwealth Secretary-General.

(Ministry of the Presidency Photo)

President David Granger meeting with the Commonwealth Secretary-General Baroness Patricia Scotland in the presence of the Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations Ambassador Michael Ten-Pow and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge New York, President Granger told journalists that climate change could no longer be ignored, as he pointed to Barbuda that is now unhabitable after being flattened by Hurricane Irma. “In my lifetime, I have never seen such catastrophic series of hurricanes, starting from Harvey to Irma, to Lee to Maria, to Katia. So it is quite clear that climate change is not something that we could ignore,” President Granger said, while noting that the small island states of the Caribbean are very vulnerable.

As result, President Granger said, during his meeting with Scotland, he underscored the importance of placing climate change on the front burner and the need for relief and protection

must now be placed on providing relief and evacuation, but said the affected should not be moved from one affected country to another.

While relief and evacuation are short-term solutions, medium and long-term solutions should be implemented to reverse the effects of global warming.

“More importantly, we got to think about mitigation, how we are going to prevent climate change at a global scale from affecting small-island developing states and also low-lying developing states, because, Belize, Suriname, and Guyana can also be affected by global warming and rising sea levels,” he told journalists.

Very important role Guyana, he said, has a

fortunately is located in the Guiana Shield, which is part of the lungs of the earth, so we would like to intensify our work to contribute to mitigation, to climate adaptation, by extending our protected areas, by protecting our forests, and making sure that Guyana continues to discharge that duty to mankind.

Guyana is the best suited of all the CARICOM states to do so and we would like to play our role in that global partnership.”

Contributions Zooming in on the work being done by Guyana to assist countries plagued by hurricanes, the President admitted that it has been a challenge.

Guyana has doubled its contribution to relief for Ca-

ribbean territories affected by Hurricane Irma from US$50,000 to US$100,000.

A Guyana’s Needs Assessment Team headed by Minister of Citizenship Winston Felix is currently on the ground in Antigua coordinating relief for Guyanese nationals affected by Hurricane Irma in a number of Caribbean islands.

He said it is important for Guyana’s response to be a coordinated one, noting that the Government is concerned about the affected Guyanese, particularly those who would like to return home, and those who have lost all of their documents such as identification cards and passports and will need assistance.

“We are committed to CDEMA and sometimes there is a temptation for people to rush it, but you know in places like Barbuda there is no port, there is no authority. So we felt that unless our efforts were coordinated we

would not get the best results.

No point sending containers there when it can’t be unloaded, or it has stuff that people don’t need, so we are working through CDEMA,” he explained.

President said he could not update the press on the current situation on the ground, given that there has been a serialisation of catastrophe. “It is quite a pity that so many countries have been affected for so long by this continuing serial, and I really hope that it is brought to an end pretty soon.”

The President met with the Commonwealth Secretary-General in the presence of the Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, Ambassador Michael Ten-Pow and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge.

President saddened at passing of Yusuf Sankar PRESIDENT David Granger has extended heartfelt sympathy to relatives of Mr. Yusuf Sankar, especially his children and his sister, Mrs. Lyla Kissoon.

Mr. Sankar died tragically on Monday when fire broke out at his Main Street home.

In a message expressing his condolence, President Granger recalled that Mr. Sankar was a prominent businessman and a pioneer in the local commercial photography industry. “He was the proprietor of

Risan’s Photography Centre and Jarrod’s Graphics Design, both of which were housed at his Main Street residence that was destroyed by the fire in which he perished,” the message read.

The President extended heartfelt sympathy to his five sons - Nicholas, Damon, Shane, Riyad and Jarrod; his sibling s- Mrs. Lyla Kissoon of the Kissoon Group of Companies, Mrs. Amna Winter, Mr. Fouad Sankar, and Mrs. Ayesha Strathler; and other relatives, employees and friends.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 20, 2017

At UN: Trump warns US may have Hurricane Maria bears down to ‘totally destroy’ North Korea …slams St. Croix, Puerto Rico after

United States President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that the United States will be forced to “totally destroy” North Korea unless Pyongyang backs down from its nuclear challenge, mocking North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as a “rocket man” on a suicide mission.

Loud murmurs filled the green-marbled U.N. General Assembly hall when Trump issued his sternest warning yet to North Korea, whose ballistic missile launches and nuclear tests have rattled the globe. Unless North Korea backs down, he said, “We will have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea.”

“Rocket man is on a suicide mission for himself and his regime,” he said. North Korea’s mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Trump’s remarks. A junior North Korean diplomat remained in the delegation’s front-row seat for Trump’s speech, the North Korean U.N. mission said. In his first appearance at the annual gathering of world leaders, the president used a 41-minute speech to take aim also at Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional influence, Venezuela’s collapsing democracy and the threat of Islamist extremists.

He also criticized the Cuban government. But his strongest words were directed at North Korea. He urged United Nations member states to work together to isolate the Kim government until it ceases its “hostile”

behaviour. He said North Korea’s pursuit of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles “threatens the entire world with unthinkable cost of human life.”

In what may have been a veiled prod at China, the North’s major trading partner, Trump said: “It is an outrage that some nations would not only trade with such a regime but would arm, supply and financially support a country that imperils the world with nuclear conflict.”

Turning to Iran, Trump called the 2015 nuclear deal negotiated by his predecessor, Barack Obama, was an embarrassment and hinted that he may not recertify the agreement when it comes up for a mid-October deadline.

“I don’t think you’ve heard the last of it,” he said.

He called Iran an “economically depleted rogue state” that exports violence.

The speech marked his latest attempt to lay out his America First vision for a U.S. foreign policy aimed at downgrading global bureaucracies, basing alliances on shared interests, and steering Washington away from nation-building exercises abroad. Trump, who entered the White House eight months ago, told world leaders at the 193-member global body that the United States does not seek to impose its will on other nations and will respect other countries’ sovereignty. “I will defend America’s interests above all else,” he said. “But in fulfilling our obligations to other nations we also realize it’s in

everyone’s interest to seek a future where all nations can be sovereign, prosperous and secure.” Reading carefully from a script, Trump said the U.S. military would soon be the strongest it has ever been. Turning to Venezuela, Trump called the collapsing situation there “completely unacceptable” and said the United States cannot stand by and watch. He warned the United States was considering what further actions it can take. “We cannot stand by and watch,” he said. Shortly before Trump’s speech, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed from the General Assembly lectern for statesmanship to avoid war with North Korea. “This is the time for statesmanship,” said the former prime minister of Portugal.

“We must not sleepwalk our way into war.”

The U.N. Security Council has unanimously imposed nine rounds of sanctions on North Korea since 2006 and Guterres appealed for the 15-member body to maintain its unity on North Korea. Trump has warned North Korea that military action was an option for the United States as Pyongyang has carried out a series of tests toward developing the ability to target the United States with a nuclear-tipped missile. Financial markets showed little reaction to Trump’s speech, with most major assets hovering near the unchanged mark on the day. (Reuters)

trashing Dominica Hurricane Maria, the second maximum-strength storm to hit the Caribbean this month, killed at least one person in Guadeloupe and bore down menacingly on the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on Tuesday after devastating the tiny island nation of Dominica.

Maria, a rare Category 5 storm at the top end of the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale, churned in the eastern Caribbean about 80 miles (130 km) southeast of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. forecasters said. Maria was carrying maximum sustained winds of 165 miles per hour (270 km per hour), the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) said. The “potentially catastrophic” storm was expected to pass near or over the U.S. Virgin Islands on Tuesday night and over Puerto Rico on Wednesday.

The storm plowed into Dominica, a mountainous country of 72,000 people, late on Monday causing what Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit called “mind-boggling” destruction. “The winds have swept away the roofs of almost every person I have spoken to or otherwise made contact with,” Skerrit said on Facebook, noting that his own residence had been hit, too.

He said he was now focused on rescuing people who might be trapped and getting medical help for the injured.

North of Dominica, the French island territory of Guadeloupe appeared to have been hit hard. The Guadeloupe prefecture said one person was killed by a falling tree and at least two people were missing in a shipwreck. Some roofs had been ripped off, roads were blocked by fallen trees, 80,000 households were without power and there was flooding in some southern coastal areas, the prefecture said in Twitter posts.

Video footage released by the prefecture showed tree-bending winds whipping ferociously through deserted streets and shaking lamp posts when the storm first hit.

The region was punched just days ago by Hurricane Irma, which ranked as one of the most

powerful Atlantic storms on record. Irma devastated several small islands, including Barbuda and the U.S. Virgin Islands of St. Thomas and St. John, and caused heavy damage in Cuba and Florida, killing at least 84 people in the Caribbean and the U.S. mainland. Maria was expected to remain an extremely dangerous Category 4 or 5 hurricane as it moved near or over the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, the NHC said.

It was expected to pass near St. Croix, the part of the U.S. Virgin Islands that escaped the brunt of Irma on Sept. 6. St. Croix is home to about 55,000 year-round residents, roughly half of the entire territory’s population. U.S. Virgin Islands Governor Kenneth Mapp warned residents of St. Croix that they would feel the brunt of the hurricane’s winds around midnight. St. Thomas and St. John, to the north of St. Croix, were not likely to suffer a direct hit, he said.

Mapp warned that police and military troops would be pulled off the streets well before the storm’s arrival, meaning that rescue would be unavailable to anyone out in the winds. ”If you’ve identified a spot, a closet, a corner on the inside of your home and you have some breach in your roof, one of the things you can do is take a mattress or something and have it as a barrier to make sure that you’re safe,” he told residents in an afternoon broadcast.

Many U.S. Virgin Islands residents fled to shelters around midday Tuesday. Mapp urged islanders to focus on saving themselves. “You lose your life the moment you start thinking about how to save a few bucks to stop something from crashing or burning or falling apart,” he said. “The only thing that matters is the safety of your family, and your children, and yourself.

The rest of the stuff, forget it.”

U.S. airlines said on Tuesday they would cap one-way fares at $99 to $384 to aid evacuations. Maria was predicted to be the worst storm to hit St. Croix since Hugo, a Category 4 storm, in 1989. Hector Cintron, who works at a telephone

company on St. Thomas, said he had spent the past couple of days preparing generators, securing his belongings and clearing debris as he and his neighbors prepared for a repeat of Irma.

“There’s a lot of stress and a lot of anxiety. It’s off the charts,” he said. “The community is coming together and helping people out.

That’s the good thing.”

“TIME TO ACT” In Puerto Rico, a U.S. island territory with about 3.4 million inhabitants, Governor Ricardo Rossello urged residents to go to official shelters. “It’s time to act and look for a safe place if you live in flood-prone areas or in wooden or vulnerable structures,” he said.

Puerto Rico avoided a direct hit from Irma two weeks ago as that storm skirted north, although there was damage. In the Miramar neighborhood of Puerto Rico’s capital, San Juan, one resident said he was ready for the storm. “I am prepared.

I have water, I have cash, I boarded up my windows, I have gas. That’s it,” Gerry Garraton said, smoking a cigarette on the sidewalk near his home.

Garraton, 58, planned to be alone in his apartment in Miramar during the storm, and said he could stay there a few days, if needed. Shelters in Puerto Rico have capacity for nearly 70,000 people, but the territory’s housing secretary, Fernando Gil, said he was concerned that only 299 people had taken refuge in official centers as of Tuesday morning.

Mary Luz, 43, and her daughter Summer Torres Varela, 23, who has epilepsy, went to the medical shelter at Puerto Rico Convention Center in Isla Grande, near old San Juan. Torres Varela was vacationing in St. Thomas during Irma and experienced three seizures, Luz said. Maria is the 13th named Atlantic storm of the year, the seventh hurricane so far this season and the fourth major hurricane - defined as Category 3 or higher - following Harvey, Irma and Jose, the NHC said.

Those numbers are all above average for a typical season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. (Reuters)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 20, 2017

More than 100 die in huge Mexico quake A strong earthquake has struck central Mexico, killing more than 130 people and toppling dozens of buildings in the capital, Mexico City.

Rescuers are searching for survivors and there are reports of children trapped in a partly collapsed school.

The 7.1 magnitude quake caused damage in Morelos and Puebla states and in Mexico State. It struck while many people took part in an earthquake drill exactly 32 years after a quake killed thousands.

The country is prone to earthquakes and earlier this month an 8.1 magnitude tremor in the south left at least 90 dead. The epicentre of the latest quake was next to Atencingo in Puebla state, about 120km (75 miles) from Mexico City, with a depth of 51km, the US Geological Survey said. At least 64 people were killed in Morelos state alone, south of the capital, and 29 reported killed in

Puebla state. Thirty-six are confirmed dead in Mexico City with another nine in Mexico State.

About two million people in the capital were without electricity and phone lines were down. Officials also warned residents not to smoke on the streets as gas mains could have been ruptured.

Mexico City Mayor Miguel Angel Mancera told TV network Televisa that rescue services were dealing with collapsed or badly damaged buildings at 44 locations. The earthquake drill was being held in Mexico City on the 32nd anniversary of a quake that killed up to 10,000 people. Earthquake alarms did sound, correspondents say, but some residents apparently thought they were part of the day of drills. Mexico City is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, with more than 20 million people living in the metropolitan area.

The prolonged tremor hit at 13:14 local time (18:14 GMT) and sent thousands of residents into the streets. Jennifer Swaddle, a teacher at the British International School in Mexico City, told the BBC that part of her classroom collapsed after the earthquake hit.

“Something that started as a tremor quickly escalated into something where the classroom shook,” she said.

“As we were leaving, the outside of my classroom wall fell, so there was a big pile of rubble. Luckily, fantastically, nobody was hurt, but it was incredibly frightening.”

A six-storey blocks of flats, a supermarket and a factory were said to be among the collapsed buildings in Mexico City. Mexican media also reported that some children had been rescued from the partially collapsed Enrique Rebsamen school, in Mexico City’s southern Coapa district, but that others were

It is feared the death toll will rise further

Rescuers and volunteers tried to find survivors under the debris of collapsed buildings

This building collapsed in Mexico City after the earthquake

still trapped. Across the city, teams of rescue workers and volunteers clawed through the rubble with picks, shovels and their bare hands. “My wife is there. I haven’t been able to communicate with her,” said Juan Jesus Garcia, 33, choking back tears next to a collapsed building. “She is not answering and now they are telling us we have to turn off our mobile phones because there is a gas leak.”

President Enrique Peña Nieto urged people to avoid the streets so emergency services could reach the most affected areas.

Mexico City is a city all too used to earthquakes.

But this tremor, on the anniversary of another one that left thousands dead in 1985, was especially powerful.

It sent thousands of people into the streets, trembling, shaking, crying, and trying to reach their loved ones by phone. As time passes it is becoming clear that there are going to be many victims. In the capital alone, about 30 buildings collapsed.

In one of the worst-affected areas I saw dozens of people desperately removing rubble because they believed someone was trapped. Alfredo del Mazo Maza, governor of the State of Mexico, said

schools would be closed on Wednesday. He also ordered all public transport to operate services for free so that people could travel home. Foreign leaders sent messages of support to Mexico as the scale of the disaster became clear. US President Donald Trump, who has courted controversy with his plans for a border wall with Mexico, tweeted: “God bless the people of Mexico City. We are with you and will be there for you.” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also tweeted his support following the “devastating news”.

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Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Organic farming THE organic industry is worth U.S. multi-million dollars and growing, as customer demands increase. The World of Organic Agriculture Statistics and Emerging Trends 2016 Report notes that retail sales for foods and drinks reached US$80 billion in 2014.

North America and Europe, which comprise a third of the world’s organic farmlands, are responsible for over 90 percent of the sales. What is instructive in this report is the potential for such an industry in Guyana, given our vast landmass (83,000 square miles).

Guyana is not only within the reach of North America, but also benefits from the European Union/ CARIFORUM Trade Agreement. This agreement allows us preferential access and treatment to enter what is evidently a booming market. Where this country has high unemployment, pervasive poverty, human capital flight and the retired looking for economic opportunities, with visionary focus, leadership, and implementation, the sky is the limit for this country and citizens.

The demand for organic vegetables, milk, meat, eggs, fruits, peas, beans and rice to name some is growing. There is also focus on increasing organic cotton production, given its benefits in areas such as breathability, and durability. In 2014, certified organic cotton was produced by 19 countries, but 97 percent of that product came from only five countries, in which Guyana was not included, though she has the potential to be. The report also shows that between 2004/2005 and 2009/2010, cotton production increased nine-fold as interest accelerated for more sustainable textile production.

Digging deeper into the report, Guyana has no pride of place in land dedicated to organic farming. Grenada, Haiti, Barbados and Jamaica, fellow CARICOM member-states, of smaller landmass are represented as countries engaged

in structured organic farming.

It would be recalled that Kimbia, in the Berbice River, during the Guyana National Service (GNS) period produced cotton, legumes, peas and beans, and reared poultry and livestock. The foundation may still be there, but definitively within our midst lies the institutional memory, of most noted, are retired Majors-General Norman McLean and Joe Singh.

Organic farming is not a passion or pastime, but an important element in addressing health and longevity. It is about working towards the reduction, and if possible, elimination, of preventable diseases and medical bills. This industry can open the way for massive production of goods and services, and creating new avenues for employment and economic opportunities.

Organic foods are being pursued through methods of using renewable resources that are free of chemicals and that are not toxic. To meet the need of producing such foods requires a re-education programme which targets the separation of garbage, where items such as ground provisions, fruits and vegetable peelings/waste are gathered to be used in the production of compost.

Compost can be used in fertilising the farms, replacing imported chemical fertiliser, saving the country scarce foreign exchange, as it creates local economic opportunities.

There is also the element of trapping liquid waste from the sewage, if effectively applied, can produce liquid fertiliser and compost that can be used in major farms, here again minimising importation.

Pursuing and advancing the industry has to be seen as an element in the Government’s national thrust in creating a green economy, since the fertilisers primarily used on our farms are chemicals. These chemicals adversely impact the

ecosystem and people’s health. Countries that are engaged in organic farming have seen the State providing direct and indirect investments to support the shift. An instance is the state of Goa in India, where the government has given financial and technical assistance and identified the lands.

Indirect investment from the state can also be in playing a leading role in public awareness and training.

With the required economic and cultural shift, citizens would not only produce organic products for their own consumption, but be capable of selling the surplus on the international market. Thus, it is encouraging news that in the 2017 National Budget G$20.6B has been earmarked for the agriculture sector. Finance Minister Winston Jordan said the Government proposes to diversify the sector and open up the Intermediate and Rupununi Savannahs. Resources are to be set aside for research and services in the hinterland regions in the production of crops, accommodation and laboratory facilities, including research, to support food security in the Region. If would be in Guyana’s economic interest should some attention be given to this new and growing industry. Evidence of its potential and the availability of the main resources, human and land, to make it possible are unquestionable.

Those holding public office have to be sensitive about the language they use Dear Editor LAST week, after the incident between two public office holders -- one a parliamentarian, the other a support staff at OP -- the following thoughts came to mind.

Reading Vidyaratha Kissoon’s ‘Coil’ was a far more precise rumination, reminding us about what’s actually in the Constitution, but acknowledging the socially friendly racial undertones to our interactions, which are rarely as benign as we think.

Excellent poem by Mr. Edwards, I have the same response when I hear the word ‘buck’ used. Of all the races/ethnicities we have,

it is my belief that we are most discriminatory and prejudiced in our speech and treatment of our indigenous peoples. Hands down. Even the most racially polarising speech I’ve heard from rabid Indo-Guyanese bigots will make some deference to other ethnic groups, as they are at the very least, considered the same species. Not so the ‘buck’ people, who are treated and spoken about as though they’re somehow on another evolutionary branch.

It’s sickening and insidious.

There is literally an entire library that could be written on the subject of race and ethnicity in Guyana. I am only now seeing Ruel Johnson’s

post about the fracas surrounding Ms. Lloyda Nicholas’s private conversation with a friend, and wondering if this is the biggest problem we have for MPs to address?

Let’s be realistic for a second and acknowledge that just about every Guyanese at some point or the other has had a racist thought or two flutter across their brains.

Does that mean we’re an unredeemable, ethno-centric people? Perhaps there are a few, but I really don’t think so.

Do we discriminate based upon any racially disparaging thoughts that may make their way to our consciousness?

Because that is the core issue

of any prejudices we may have as individuals. What, if any, action stems from this?

Personally, I am far more concerned about institutional biases that deliberately, maliciously isolate and subjugate, based on race, gender, religion, etc. I use the word ‘coolie’ all the time, because it really rather succinctly describes us. Our ancestors from India came here as labourers, field workers, ‘coolies’ in effect. We were not kings and queens in those faraway lands. Had we been, we certainly would not have signed away our lives and boarded a ship bound for God-knows-where. And, more than likely, there were

significant numbers of lower caste Indians that came, because despite the hardship and uncertainty, it was a better option to leave and find work and sustenance in a foreign land.

That the word ‘coolie’ describes me, my ancestors, my family, and many others, is not something to be ashamed of or at which we should take umbrage. Because, despite the circumstances under which we arrived, we managed to struggle and sacrifice and preserve what we could of the culture we left behind; and a few generations later, we have produced doctors and lawyers and engineers and artists and musicians and

parliamentarians and have become so much more than we ever could have imagined, when first we arrived.

While I, my children, my siblings, etc. may not be ‘coolies’ in the original use of the word, it should be a badge of honour, knowing that this word no longer accurately describes who we are, but instead is an archaic reminder of our humble origins across the distant sea.

Having said this, and emphasising that it is distinctly my own view of a particular ethnic description, not everyone feels this way.

Among our Afro-Guyanese brethren, for example, there Turm to Page 7

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Totally irrational for PSC to overrule DPP, PCA recommendations Dear Editor, READING the Guyana Chronicle’s editorial of Thursday, September 7, 2017 (“PSC’s disturbing recommendation to Top Cop”), I was reminded of when a former chairman of the Judicial Service commission made a recommendation to President Hoyte.

(The story is told in a case reported as Barnwell V The AG and Another (1993) 49WIR 88). The moral behind that chairman’s decision (matters of procedural impropriety notwithstanding), was that where there are serious allegations made against an officer (in that case a Judge), the officer must be made to account and disciplinary measures instituted. IN CONTRAST and in contradistinction, the Omesh Satyanand-chaired Police Service Commission’s recommendation in a 14th July 2017 letter to the commissioner of police that “no charge should be instituted against the officers,” portrays just the opposite: unaccountability, and tolerance for serious indiscipline in, of all institutions, a necessarily disciplined service like the GPF. I submit, that the PSC’s decision amounts to a contumacious disregard of its public duties and abuse of the public’s trust, serious enough to warrant condemnation and punishment.

Yet, Omesh Satyanand seeks to discredit the GC’s editorial. (“Role of Police Service Commission–disciplinary matters”–KN, Monday, September 11). And coincidentally, there is a letter by retired Assistant Commissioner Clinton Conway (“some burning questions “GC 2017-09-11).

In Mr. Conway’s letter, we are informed of “20 alleged acts of misconduct committed by 17

officers and inspectors.”And this is the gravamen of this matter. Was there really no real prospect of conviction or guilty-finding in nine of those 20 allegations – hence, “no charge”? That prospectivity was the legal test as to whether in this matter “no charge” was justified. The evidential material on file was the determinant factor, not “interviews.” Both the DPP and the chairman of the PCA (being a former chancellor of the judiciary), would be very familiar with, and of profound understanding of, that legal test. The present CoP (not being learned in law); and that PSC, have no such capacities.

So, legalistic niceties about the due exercise of the PSC’s and/ or CoP’s discretionary powers notwithstanding, I submit that it must be the mother of all irrationalities, bordering on asininity, for the DPP and PCA’s recommendations to institute charges to have been overruled by that PSC and CoP, in their respective capacities. One should think this an indefensible irrationality, amounting to a breach of public trust.

But Mr. Satyanand in arguing the PSC’s case for justification of the “no charge should be instituted against the officers” decision, does not alert us to this high figure of 20, but by a sleight of pen, mentions, ONLY two (2) “examples” as to why the “allegations levelled against these ranks” (i.e the 20) “were recommended to be dismissed.”

So,what about these other 18? Not a word, except that self-serving “interviews” were done with the ranks. The irresistible inference, as it seems to me, is that on the facts of those 18 other allegations, a “no-charge” recommendation was not justified by any standard or basis; and so adopting

Those holding... are racially charged words that some are comfortable tossing about, while others are horrified by their usage.

As race is still such a viciously divisive issue, and even though we have arrived at a more enlightened and nuanced understanding of it, we should never assume that everyone will be comfortable with others using the same potentially offensive word or phrase.

Those holding public office have to be especially sensitive and cautious about the language they use, because it can be exploited to create a situation whereby the ethos of an entire organisation or

government is somehow perceived as condoning racially derogatory language and actions, even if the intention is not to do so by a specific individual.

With regard to the current issue at hand, it is my humble opinion that the person at the centre of the fracas should apologise and tender her resignation, demonstrating the moral courage that she no doubt possesses.

Something the parliamentarian-turned-detective would never understand or consider doing.

The public officials who comprise her supervisors/ bosses, in recognition of her genuine remorse and

the aphorism that “silence is golden,” he tactfully makes no mention, thereby avoiding having to also give details of those 18. Moreover, no recommendation should have been made at all in respect of offences involving any rank BELOW Inspector; for at that stage (not being some appeal) the PSC has no disciplinary function over those ranks.

But readers, Mr. Satyanand’s tangled web of deceit gets even more tangled.

We are reliably informed in the GC’s editorial that his letter to CoP Seelall Persaud recommending “no charge …” is dated 14 July 2017” (this date is important as to the timeline of events he refers to in support of the “nocharge” decision). But in his convoluted letter to the KN, he writes, “Interestingly in correspondence dated August 15th, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, and 25th 2017 the “Top Cop” has recommended that all charges be dismissed due to lack of sufficient evidence, despite the recommendations from the Police Complaints Authority.”

So, recognise that these correspondence from the beleaguered Top CoP were sent ex-post facto to the PSC, i.e., some 1½ months AFTER Mr. Satyanand’s letter of 14th July to the CoP. So, unless that Satyanand- chaired PSC was somehow psychic, or telescopic in its perceptions, it could not have materially anticipated that the TOP Cop would have taken a similar position as that taken by the PSC some 1½ months before, and so those correspondence are of no value and wholly irrelevant to the critical question whether on that date (i.e. 14th July 2017), the PSC had information, or evidence, or even recommendation that justified its “no-charge” decision with

regard to all 20 allegations. No such is discernible in his letter.

So, plainly, on the merits of the facts, the PSC’s “no charge…” case is as weak as weak could be, and insupportable.

So, Mr. Satyanand as justification invokes the cloak of the “Constitutionality of the Police Service Commission.”

Ironically, as I argue, it is this very “constitutionality” which contrives also to damnify him and the other PSC’s members whose decision/recommendation was “unanimous.” As the GC’s editorial so poignantly puts it, the PSC, “… is threatening the people’s safety and nation’s security.” I agree.

Serious issues about the security-related public duties vested by article 212 in the PSC and abuses of the public’s trust are involved.

I accept as generally correct and sound, Satyanand’s point about article 212(1) of the Constitution, the Police (Discipline) Act Cap 17:01, the Police Complaints Authority Act, Cap 17:02 and the respective roles/function of the PSC, the DPP, PCA and the CoP, including matters of delegation, and appeals. However, he conveniently omits to mention that the PSC has absolutely no role or function as regards the recommending, charging or prosecuting of CRIMINAL offences (such as theft of fuel) as in the Criminal Law (offences) Act Cap 8:01; and/or Summary Jurisdiction (offences) Act Cap 8:01; and so its recommendation to the CoP in relation to that theft-of-fuel allegation was constitutionally

decision to take the moral high ground, should deny her resignation and instead take whatever disciplinary action is reasonably warranted, (In this case, probably a letter warning her about the consequences of recurrences) and the potential for adversely affecting her work in public relations.

The clamouring MP should direct the outrage machine closer to home, as there is ample fodder well within their immediate environs.

Regards Scheherazade Ishoof Khan

be successfully challenged in the Courts by the Government!

And I submit, that it is just such finality that also, implicitly, creates in the PSC a correlative duty to vindicate the public trust, and avoid abuses of it. Such avoidance did not happen in this matter. Where so much for reaching power is entrusted, much is expected in its exercise.

I end with this: there seems to have been nurtured an Orwellian syndrome of unaccountability and irreproachability in some members of the GPF (as in George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” “pigs” being more equal than the other animals). That presents a clear and grave danger to our national security? Ranks could have been induced and permitted to think that they are not disciplinable. Society is the casualty. And it may well be the case, that this Orwellian syndrome explains the audacity of the now infamous phrase of “inherently incredible” in the just concluded Paul Slowechaired CoI. In life, nothing is too farfetched; those misconducting ranks should all be made to watch a movie based on the real-life Rwandan genocide of 1994. The notion might seem novel, but for me, the Omesh Satyanand- chaired PSC abuse of public trust is such as to amount to the crime of misfeasance/misconduct in public office (in a subsequent letter I will stir some points about this).

Regards Maxwell E. Edwards

Region Two chairman forfeited right to be respected Dear Editor

From Page 6

misconceived, and outside its constitutional ambit.

I know that the theft-offuel allegation involves both a criminal and a disciplinary offence; but the DPPs recommendation must have been in respect of the criminal offence.

And the PSC did not err on the side of taking disciplinary action, but rather, on the side of not taking disciplinary action.

I mention one other aspect not mentioned in the GC’s editorial, or Clinton Conway’s letter. Readers (who are not lawyers) would be astonished to know that by article 226 (6), the Constitution itself has made the PSC to all practical purposes and intent, (if no fundamental right is involved) a law onto itself. Because of article 226(6) as confirmed in case law (Thomas – dismissal of ASP by a PSC for disciplinary offences) even the Supreme Court has no jurisdiction, or right, to inquire into the validity of the PSC’s decision, once it is performing its article 212(1) functions/ powers of, inter alia, “to exercise disciplinary control” (i.e. in relation to offences against discipline involving inspector to assistant commissioner).

No matter how the conduct of senior ranks may be a discredit to the reputation of the force; no matter how senior ranks may have misconducted themselves in investigations touching and concerning the Head of State’s security, if ex hypothesis, the PSC instead of disciplining those ranks, rewards them with promotion, that PSC decision because of article 226(6) is final. It cannot

I HAVE noticed that the regional chairman in your news columns denied misuse of the region’s vehicle assigned to him. While I have never questioned the regional chairman’s full use and control of the State vehicle “24 hours a day,” I simply requested of him to make the vehicle available for the use of the regional administration and the acting regional chairperson while he was on 42 days annual leave.

I felt, as the regional executive officer, I should have been allowed by your respective newspaper to react to his complaint/allegation.

I wish to let you know that we should now inform the public, taxpayers in particular, that the issue had nothing to do with control of the use of the vehicle by the regional executive officer. It is unbelievable that one who professes to be a leader in the region could be so irresponsible, that copying the request to return the only enclosed vehicle in the region, to the Minister of Communities and the permanent secretary had no effect on his disrespectful action. And not even a second reminder that the vehicle is needed to provide assistance with transportation for the attorney general and minister of legal affairs and party.

By his actions, the re-

gional chairman has forfeited his right to be respected.

I hope that your respective news outfit will correct his misleading story, which will go a far way in maintaining your balance in reporting.

In the circumstances, I must now insist that the regional chairman, Pomeroon-Supenaam, apologise to my principals and to the Regional Democratic (RDC) Council for his behaviour, unbecoming of a regional chairman, before the next RDC meeting. If he fails to do so he will run the risk of being similarly disrespected Regards Rupert Hopkinson Regional Executive Officer, Region two

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Exxon aiming to have 90% of activities run by Guyanese

By Svetlana Marshall in New York

PRESIDENT of ExxonMobil Exploration Company, Stephen Greenlee, committed to building local capacity in Guyana when he met with President David Granger on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Subsequent to his meeting with President Granger on Monday, Greenlee told journalists that ExxonMobil Exploration is aiming to have more than 90 per cent of its activities run by Guyanese when production starts in 2020.

Though he was unable to state the number of Guyanese currently in the employ of ExxonMobil, Greenlee gave the assurance that the numbers will climb once production kicks in.

“So our goal is when we are up and running in Guyana, and we have the projects, and we have the actual production activities occurring, our goal is to be like all the other places where we would have employed over 90 per cent nationals in our activities,” the ExxonMobil President said.

According to him, the development of local content is of significant importance to the oil-producing company, noting that more contracts will be made available to

Guyanese contractors. “One of our top priorities is tried [sic] to build a local capacity,” he emphasised. Greenlee’s commitment comes days after Trinidadian Con-

make a product, in this case, the production of oil.

That aside, the President of ExxonMobil said that the Liza field remains one of the company’s top priorities,

cost of approximately $1.2 billion for the FPSO facility, and will develop approximately 450 million barrels of oil. The Liza field forms part of the Stabroek Block and is

President briefed on Exxon exploration. President David Granger met with the President of ExxonMobil Stephen Greenlee at Guyana’s Permanent Mission in New York. The President along with Ministers of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge and Public Affairs Dawn Hastings-Williams were briefed on Exxon’s operations in Guyana. Also part of the meeting was Ambassador Michael Ten-Pow the Permanent Representative to the UN, Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Audrey Waddell and Sir Shridath Ramphal. sultant Anthony Paul told Guyanese stakeholders that the local-content policy that the Government is currently drafting, must benefit all Guyanese. Local content can be described as the materials and workers that are used to

even as he disclosed its intention to start the drilling of additional wells soon. In June, the U.S. oil giant had disclosed that its final investment into the development of the Liza field stands at approximately $4.4B for the

Camp St inmates demand steak for breakfast INMATES who are on remand at the Camp Street Prison, including several who had escaped from the Lusignan Prison, were furious on Tuesday morning because they were not served steak for breakfast.

Director of Prisons, Gladwyn Samuels, told members

first phase. The Liza Phase 1 development includes a subsea production system and a floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel designed to produce 120, 000

of the media that there was indeed a ruckus at the prison, but the prison authorities managed to control the situation.

“The escapees wanted steak for breakfast and it was not served…those who created the stir were the men who escaped and were later

Camp Street Prison

recaptured. The Lusignan set,” he said.

According to prison sources, the minor unrest was settled after Samuels and the Commander of A’ Division, Assistant Commissioner Marlon Chapman, had a conversation with prisoners.

barrels of oil per day.

With production expected to commence in 2020, less than five years after the discovery of oil in the field, Phase 1 is expected to cost just over $4.4 billion which includes a lease capitalisation

approximately 190 kilometres offshore in water depth of 1,500 to 1,900 metres.

An optimistic Greenlee said the company’s plans are progressing smoothly as it fulfils its obligation. “As I told the president, I looked

around the organisation to see if they were any outstanding issues, and they really aren’t any. It is really out first priority and we are moving forward,” he posited.

The U.S. oil giant is currently drilling an exploration well, and according to Greenlee, the results would be available in the coming days.

“We are very close to getting down to our objectives, and the other programmes that we have in Guyana are going well too.

I really gave the president a really optimistic view of how things are going at our operations in Guyana, and the work that we are doing with the regulatory agencies,” he said.

Overall, Greenlee said he is “very pleased” with the progress being made.

Questioned about the company’s investment thus far in the exploration process, the ExxonMobil President said it ranges in the billions.

“It’s really hard to pull that number off from the top of my head, I will say probably in the hundreds of millions of dollars so far in the exploration campaign, and in the work that we are doing in development, all the engineering work and all that, it’s probably several hundred millions of dollars, and the development itself will be several billion dollars,” he posited.

Hurricane Maria hits Dominica; PM fears worst PRIME Minister Roosevelt Skerrit is calling for international aid to his hurricane-battered country even as he said his focus now “is in rescuing the trapped and securing medical assistance for the injured.”

Skerrit, who himself had to be “rescued” from his residence as Hurricane Maria, a Category 5 storm hit the island on Monday night, said that “initial reports are of widespread devastation. “So far we have lost all what money can buy and replace.

My greatest fear for the morning is that we will wake to news of serious physical injury and possible deaths as a result of likely landslides triggered by persistent rains.

“So, far the winds have swept away the roofs of almost every person I have spoken to or otherwise made contact with.

The roof to my own official residence was among the first to go and this apparently triggered an avalanche of torn-away roofs in the city and the countryside.”

He said on Tuesday, the authorities will “hit the road, as soon as the all-clear

is given, in search of the injured and those trapped in the rubble. “I am honestly not preoccupied with physical damage at this time, because it is devastating…indeed, mind-boggling. My focus now is in rescuing the trapped and securing medical assistance for the injured. We will need help, my friends, we will need help of all kinds.

“It is too early to speak of the condition of the air and seaports, but I suspect both will be inoperable for a few days. That is why I am eager now to solicit the support of friendly nations and organisations with helicopter services, for I personally am eager to get up and get around the country to see and determine what’s needed,” Skerrit said in a message relayed by the St. Lucia-based Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission.

Dominica was hit by a Category 5 storm in 1979 when Hurricane David swept through the island killing several people and leaving millions of dollars in damage. (CMC)

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Amelia’s Ward residents up in arms --over illegal sand-pit operation in their backyards

By Vanessa Braithwaite RESIDENTS of a community aback Amelia’s Ward, Linden, are fearful they just might lose their properties if the illegal sandpit operation in their neighbourhood is allowed to flourish unchecked.

It is with this thought in mind that they are calling on the relevant authorities to look into the activity, which at the moment is causing large-scale soil erosion.

The residents on Tuesday met with members of the media, where they outlined the seriousness of the matter, which is fast becoming an environmental hazard.

They say that it is three years since they have been engaging regional authorities on the issue, but seem not to be getting anywhere.

What is basically occurring is that contractors, truck and tractor drivers and excavator operators alike, are all indiscriminately mining the white sand free of cost, to resell for various construction purposes.

Today, what was previously a small sand pit is now an enormous hole mere feet away from the back yards of many of the residents, one of whose property has already lost some foundation posts due to the incessant excavation.

Chairman of the Community’s Policing Group, Mr Hement Singh has said that the area, though not regularised, has been home to a number of people for over 30 years now.

He himself has been living there for the past 28 years.

To date, there are close to 800 residents living in the community, many of whom may soon lose their properties if the digging continues.

“It is affecting the entire community, because not too far from there, we got a spring; people who can’t afford to buy drinking water or

vehicle to reach at the house, that is where they going to the spring to do everything,” the concerned Chairman said, adding: “And one of the other problems is the children; the children in the community is a lot, and the population keep growing all the time.

There are 425 children alone in the community, and 345 adults. And at one time one a child already fall in the pit.”

The Amelia’s Ward Primary School is just a stone’s throw away.

Singh’s wife said that in one day alone can see as many as three to four big trucks and more come to dig from the pit; some even come at nights with lights.

MAY GET DICEY Singh said that on many occasions, the diggers and the residents have gotten into verbal conflict, and he is scared that one day the violence will get physical.

One resident, Mr Lewis Marks, in whose back yard the digging is currently taking place, said that he does not intend to take things lightly, and has every intention of doing persons harm should they cross the line.

The residents says they have spoken to several authorities at the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LMTC), the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), National Industrial Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) and even the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).

Some of these authorities, including Mayor Carwyn Holland, have since visited the community and did express concern over the situation.

“Yesterday marked three years since we have been trying, so we decided as a threeyear anniversary to go back and do the whole thing again from the start,” Singh said.

“And the first place we went back yesterday is right back at the environmental office at LMTC where we start from,” he added.

The residents said that Regional Chairman, Renis Morian also promised on several occasions to bring a halt to the issue, and to even write Minister of State, Mr Joseph Harmon on the matter, but to date, has not received any help.

“There is nowhere else we can go to when it comes to Linden. They need to stop digging; that is what we are looking for,” Singh said. The residents claim that they have observed contractors working with the RDC and MTC are also raping the sand pit.

When asked about their regularisation status, Singh said that they are currently in the process of being regularised and the residents are presently engaging both NICIL, since the land is owned by that entity, and Guyana Lands and Survey Commission.

CONFLICTING REPORTS When the Guyana Chronicle contacted NCIL Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Horace James on Tuesday, he said the houses are on NICIL’s property, but for sand removal, permission has to be given

by GGMC. He, however, promised to visit the community today.

When the residents visited the GGMC office on Monday, an officer, though willing to help them, said she was not given permission to stop the digging from her superiors in Georgetown.

Mayor Holland said that the Council held meetings with GGMC and is trying to regularise the entire operations of digging in Linden.

He admitted that it is a serious environmental hazard, and that the LMTC has engaged

An excavator and truck hard at work

the RDC about having a new sand pit at a different location.

“Looking at the situation, they shouldn’t be digging any further there,” he said.

However, Regional Chairman Morian, when contacted, said that any matter relating to digging and sand should be forwarded to the Council.

While the sand pit operation has been deemed an environment hazard, and poses a serious threat to property, Mayor Holland as well as Head of the Environmental Committee, Wainright Betune, said that the halting of the operations will put many contractors out of jobs and

will also result in an increased price for construction materials.

“There are about 40 to 45 persons that depend on the sand pit for a livelihood, so it is a rock-and-a-hard-place kind of situation, in that you can’t stop them and then put these men out of jobs immediately, and you can’t allow them keep fetching out the sand and digging out people land,” Betune said, adding: “So they should create a buffer zone that they shouldn’t pass, and at the same time look for alternative locations.”

He said that moving to other locations, however, will see an increase in construction costs in Linden. One of the truck drivers who sell the sand told the Guyana Chron-

Some of the houses under threat

icle that he has been digging there for over 15 years, and has in his employ over five young men who would be unemployed if he stops.

The driver did admit that the situation is hazardous, but said that some of the residents came to live there after the digging started.

“They came and reach us here; this is all we know,” he said. “Linden done ain’t get work! Where exactly they want us to go!”

He admitted that there are other sand pits in Linden but they are not as easily accessible as this one. “If we have to travel farther,” he said. “That mean that the sand cost will go up and it will affect every resident so this thing has a far way to go.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Of press officers, sitting MPs, race and accountability

By Akola Thompson ONCE again, the issue of race has raised its head within Guyanese society.

Not surprisingly, the problem began where it most often does, amongst our politicians and those who serve them. Over a week ago, PPP/C parliamentarian Nigel Dharamlall released screenshots of a group conversation that involved the President’s Public Information and Press Services Officer, Lloyda Garrett, referring to her staff as “these coolies.”

Dharamlall, who is in his own right a self-avowed and quite successful racist,[http://guyanachronicle.com/2017/09/05/divisive-politics-public-sphere] recommended that Garrett be fired and recommended she undergo a “period of race relations rehabilitation.”

CONTRITENESS It was reported in the press that shortly after the screenshots were made public, Garrett had apologised to her staff for using the term ‘coolie.’ She has not however, made any public statements since.

As an employee of the state, paid by taxpayers' money, Garrett has a duty to report to the people. It is her responsibility to prove contriteness and in this area she has failed. As someone with the responsibility of press services, one would think that Garrett would know that the effective way to get rid of a scandal is not by burying one’s head in the sand and hope that it goes away. Even if it does, what this does is create an opportunity for this incident and her reluctance to address it to rear its head in the future.

It will become something that distinguishes her despite whatever work she has done or will continue to do. Imran Khan, who insinuated that the screenshots might have been photo-shopped, gave one of the first responses from the government. One must really begin to question why government funds are being used to employ people who seem to continuously fail at the one job they have.

When it comes to the topic of racism, given our history with it, our responses should not be silence and a wilful attempt to mislead the public, particularly when your

job entails providing information to said public.

We are a divided society.

This divide is one that moves between a forced closing in the face of appeals for harmony and an almost instinctive widening caused by one careless comment. We have grown up in a system that perpetuates divisiveness through miseducation and repetition of the ideals related to that miseducation. We are taught to accept things as they are and not question the inherent racism within society. It is always something placed on the back burner because, ‘we have more serious issues at hand.’

What is the solution to combating racism and how do we make time outside of the ‘serious issues’ for it? So far, our most popular form is that of ‘naming and shaming’ the perpetrators of real or imagined blunders. While this is good in of itself, too often, this approach fails to take into consideration underlying issues that contribute to the racism. We lack effective solutions to tackle it because even beginning a dialogue can see someone branded as a racist and no one wants that.

Reactionary approaches fail for a reason. The reason for their failings is in their very name. It is a reaction to something. It is not sustained and it is not looked at thoroughly.

TOXIC ENVIRONMENT Social, political and economic conditions have helped to foster a toxic environment in Guyana.

It has created a divide yes, but a divide that is silent and insidious.

We all have our implicit biases that we must learn to overcome. These biases make themselves known in the friends we choose, our hiring practices and even in our jokes. Our behaviour when it comes to race and race relations is difficult, because often we don’t even know how much unlearning we have to do. Many things have become acceptable due to their normalisation. Albeit being unfortunate, it is not surprising that our usage of derogatory terms as they relate to race is something that is common in our lexicon.

It is made even worse when we have the leaders and those in the vicinity of power make usage of racist

terms that have caused pain to that marginalised group.

CELEBRATION OF CULTURE The word ‘coolie,’ is one that has been used so much, it has become normalised. Not many find issue with it.

I have heard many casual conversations reference it and no offence was taken.

It is true that over the years, the word has become destigmatised, with many even embracing it. For some it is seen as both a celebration of culture and an acknowledgement of their history. As it relates to the leaked screenshots, for those who would say we use the term all the time, in this case it was more about context than anything else. It was pointed out that even if the word, “Indian,” had been substituted for the word “coolie,” it would still be reprehensible because of the context in which it was used.

One thing we need to stop doing however, is examining the world in black and white. It is a tempting thing to do; what it leads to is a limited vision in how we

handle things. If someone falls short of our expectations, we should not be quick to throw them aside, unless of course their actions are reprehensible. Dharamlall is shameless in his hypocrisy by asking for the firing of Garrett when he himself goes on an almost daily tirade of racist rhetoric and behaviour and encourages that amongst his support base. I am no fan of Garrett.

In fact, I find her intolerable and lacking in several crucial areas. However, she is competent in the work she does and as it stands now, she needs to make a public apology and let us try to heal wounds and move off from this.

In our efforts to dismantle racism and the system that upholds and perpetuates it, we need to ask both ourselves and those around us some very serious questions.

It is only through the addressal and constant addressal of race can we begin to see some semblance of unity sprout up about us, because the more we examine ourselves, the more we might find our own discriminatory words and practices.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 20, 2017

President to press border issue in UN address

By Svetlana Marshall in New York

AHEAD of his address today at the United Nations General Assembly, President David Granger secured the support of the Commonwealth and the Republic of Mauritius on the issue of the border controversy with Venezuela.

The President held talks with the Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland and the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, on Tuesday. Briefing the media on his high-level engagement with Baroness Scotland at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, President Granger disclosed that during that meeting, he reminded the Commonwealth Secretary-General of the commitment made by the former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Kimoon, to refer the territorial controversy to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) if significant progress is not made at the level of the Good Offices Process at the end of December, 2017.

He noted that Norwegian diplomat, Dag Halvor Nylander, who was appointed the Personal Representative

of the current UN Secretary-General António Guterres, has been visiting both countries as he executes his mandate. “Here in New York,

bequest, the testament of Mr. Ban Ki-moon could actually be implemented,” he said.

The President said he raised the matter with Baroness

Kumar Jugnauth, the Guyana/Venezuela border controversy was among issues also discussed. “With regard to the territorial issue

zuela. Mauritius as part of the Commonwealth has always given us support, so there is mutual support in terms of the territorial claims against

President David Granger and his delegation meeting with Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth and his team at UN Headquarters, New York on Tuesday I am looking forward to meeting the Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres to get an update on the work of Mr. Nylander, and also to get the secretary-general’s few on how the legacy or the

Scotland on the basis that the Commonwealth has long supported Guyana on this territorial matter.

In a separate bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind

between Mauritius and the UK, Guyana has already made forthright statements.

We support Mauritius and I also took the opportunity to raise the territorial claims on Guyana’s territory by Vene-

these two countries,” President Granger told journalists.

The President is expected to address the border controversy when he addresses the General Assembly today during the 72nd Regular

Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 72). He is also scheduled to meet with the UN secretary-general on Monday, September 25. The two leaders, in recommitting their support for each other’s country, also discussed the important of protecting the environment.

According to President Granger, protection of the environment will be a key item on the agenda at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting next year in London. “We feel that the Commonwealth would be a good forum to keep the issue of climate change and global warming alive. We are going to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and I am sure we are going to raise it there,” he posited.

Prior to the meeting with Prime Minister Jugnauth, the Head of State also met with Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), Grete Faremo and a UN delegation which included Assistant Secretary-General, and UNOPS Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, Vitaly Vanshelboim and two Advisers Morten Wetland and Drajan Micic.

Bartician charged for ganja trafficking A 33-year-old man who was busted by police, allegedly with marijuana in his haversack, was on Tuesday remanded to prison by Chief

Magistrate, Ann McLennan for drug trafficking.

It is alleged that on September 16, at Mazaruni River, Essequibo, Cliff Obermuller

of Fifth Avenue, Bartica, had in his possession 506 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

The unrepresented man

denied the charge when it was read to him. Police Prosecutor, Inspector Arwin Moore, however told the court that the defendant was sitting in a

speedboat when the police conducted a search on his person and a haversack he was carrying. The suspected narcotics was found inside the backpack.

The Chief Magistrate remanded Obermuller until October 12 and transferred the matter to the Bartica Magistrate Court

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Roofs blown away, house flattened … as storm rips through Bath Settlement

By Clifford Stanley SIX houses were partially damaged and another was flattened at Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice, when a storm ripped through a section of the village late Monday afternoon.

Block D 1 of Bath Settlement resounded to the sounds of zinc sheets being hammered on to the roofs of homes as affected residents hustled to replace blownaway roofs before nightfall.

One home owner was not so lucky with her property: Ms Sheila Harrichan, 58, escaped injury, but the wind sent her home crashing to

the ground with her trapped on the verandah. Her home was flattened and will have to be reconstructed, a staff of the regional administration of Region Five, which is offering her help, said.

Other home-owners reported additional losses due to rain damage of electrical items such as television sets, DVD players, refrigerators and freezers as the storm with accompanying sheets of rain, loud thunder and lightning hammered that section of the village for about 15 minutes before abating.

A lifelong resident of Bath Settlement said that the slanting rain, loud thunder

and flashing sheets of lightning was the worst he had ever experienced. “Everything turn black and white.

We couldn’t see anything for that period,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ms. Harrichan who lives alone and who was the worst-hit victim of the storm, is in dire need of assistance in terms of shelter and reconstruction of her home.

Her husband died 16 years ago, she said and she is a twoday-a-week domestic worker “I don’t have the financial resources to rebuild. All my furniture and belongings are exposed to the weather. I have nowhere to go. “ Kind neighbours rescued her Monday night

Worst hit: Bath Settlement storm victim Ms Sheila Harrichan outside her home yesterday and last night. People’s National Congress Parliamentarian for Region Five Miss Jennifer Wade and Mr Abel Seetaram of the AFC visited the area yesterday and collected information on what assistance was needed. Regional Executive Officer of the region, Ovid Morrison, said that

the region will assist Ms Harrichan with rebuilding, but it will take some time.

Regional Engineer Dhanpaul Sukha explained: “Our first thought was that all we had to do was jack up the house and place it back on the blocks. But on investigation our carpenters found that the beams of the house

had been badly damaged.

They have to dismantle and reconstruct.”

Meanwhile, Mr Seetaram was yesterday afternoon mobilising assistance to help the storm victims and in particular Ms Harrichan to regain the shelter of her own home.

Ramjattan disappointed over leaked CoI report MINISTER of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan, has expressed his disappointment over the leaked report of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the alleged plot to assassinate President David Granger.

This comes after media reports surfaced with recommendations emanating from the CoI. The minister said that the idea was to discuss the recommendations with the relevant authorities such as President Granger and members of Cabinet before it was released to the public. Some of the recommendations in the report include removal of the commissioner of police and sanctions against Assistant Commissioner David Ramnarine and Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum. The sanctions are a result of the manner in which the above-mentioned officers handled the investigation.

Minister Ramjattan said that before the recommendations are enforced, a more in-depth analysis of the findings must be conducted. He stated that “Yes, there were some negatives found and yes, we have to take care of that. We want a robust police

force and we want security sector reform and we are in the process of that and the report did bring out a couple of things that ought not have been done and to that extent is where I am going to make my statement as to whether all that was recommended must happen or all must not happen.”

Additionally, the CoI recommended that Deputy Crime Chief, Senior Superintendent of Police Rishi Das be removed from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and a replacement appointed.

The minister noted that such recommendations coming out of the CoI can have negative consequences on an institution. With that, he added that it is important to make measured responses, so that we “do not throw the child out with the bath water.”

The CoI was conducted by retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Slowe and the report was handed over to President David Granger two weeks ago. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo also expressed disappointment and concern over the leaking of the report. (DPI)

Taxi driver remanded for illegal possession of gun, ammo A 27-year-old taxi driver who was busted at the Itaballi Police Checkpoint with a gun under his car bonnet, was on Tuesday remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan on two firearm-related charges.

Dexter Waite of North Ruimveldt is alleged to have had a .32 revolver in his possession on September 17, at the Itaballi Police Checkpoint, Mazaruni River, when he was not a licensed firearm holder.

It is further alleged that on the same day and location, Waite had five live .32 rounds in his possession but he has denied both charges. Meanwhile, and his lawyer begged the court to release his client on bail on the ground that there were several special reasons including that there multiple persons were in the vehicle where the firearm was found.

Police Prosecutor, Inspector Arwin Moore, however, objected to Waite being granted

bail citing the prevalence of the charge. According to the prosecutor, on the day in question, the police searched Waite’s vehicle and found a gun concealed under its bonnet. Moore pointed out that Waite was the driver of the vehicle and had control of it.

The Chief Magistrate ruled in the prosecution’s favour and remanded Waite until October 12, when the matter will be recalled at Bartica Magistrate Court.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 20, 2017

First Lady commits to doing more –– to further secure the rights of young women and adolescents

FIRST Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger has committed to forming partnerships to advocate for commitments

currently underway at the United Nations (UN), in New York.

Hosted under the theme,

HIV/AIDS (OAFLA); and First Ladies from other continents, to commit “to mobilise resources so as to prioritise

At Tuesday’s high-level OAFLA meeting are, from left: Haiti’s First Lady, Mrs. Martine Marie Etienne Joseph; Guyana’s First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger; and Belize’s First Lady, Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow (Photos courtesy of the Ministry of the Presidency) to further secure the rights of young women and adolescents.

She did so on Tuesday, during a meeting among other First Ladies on the fringes of the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 72),

“Global Partnership towards harnessing the demographic dividend in Africa”, the meeting brought together the First Ladies and Spouses of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM); members of the Organisation of African First Ladies Against

investments in women’s and youth’s health and in particular, the sexual and reproductive health of adolescent girls.”

Also in attendance at the high-level meeting, were representatives of the African Union Commission (AUC), United Nations

A 26-year-old man who swallowed a total of 114 cocaine pellets was on Tuesday sentenced to four years imprisonment and fined $2.5M, when he appeared before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Julius Fidel Watkins of Second Street, Cummings Lodge, pleaded guilty to the charge which read, that between September 12 and September 15, 2017, at the Woodlands Hospital and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), he had 960 grams of cocaine in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

The facts presented by

Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) Prosecutor, Konyo Sandiford, stated that on September 12, the accused was an outgoing passenger at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on a Fly Jamaica flight destined for Canada.

The court heard that the accused was observed by a CANU rank acting in a suspicious manner. He was taken to the Woodlands Hospital where an x-ray that was conducted on him revealed pellet-like objects in his abdominal cavity. Watkins admitted to ingesting 114 pellets laced with cocaine.

Meanwhile, during his stay in the hospital to expel the pellets, some complications

developed resulting in Watkins having to be housed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Woodlands Hospital and the High Dependency Unit (HDU) at the GPHC as the cocaine was in his intestines.

Following his discharge from the hospital on September 16, the accused was taken to the CANU headquarters where he was told of the offence and he admitted in a caution statement. He was subsequently charged for the offence.

Watkins when he was given a chance to address the court said, “I am really sorry, I needed the extra money because my four kids have to go to school.”

Cocaine swallower gets four years

Speedboat operator in court for drug trafficking A 37-year-old speedboat operator was on Tuesday remanded to prison

by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for drug trafficking.

Deon Vangronigen of Parika, East Bank Essequibo, is alleged to have had 868 grams of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of

trafficking, on September 15 at Second Avenue, Bartica.

The unrepresented accused denied the drug-trafficking charge when it was read to him and the Chief Magistrate remanded him to prison until October 12.

The matter is transferred to the Bartica Magistrates Court.

The court heard that on September 15 last, the Police in F’ Division while acting on information received, contacted the defendant at Second Avenue, Bartica and conducted a search on his person and his belongings, thereupon the illegal substance was unearthed in his haversack.

agencies, the private sector, philanthropists, and civil society, including youth organisations.

The First Lady has been a firm advocate for the empowerment of women through education, and is engaged in several projects aimed at improving opportunities for them to lead productive lives.

Mrs. Granger and the First

Ladies and Spouses of CARICOM, through the “Every Caribbean Woman, Every Caribbean Child” initiative, aim to share their knowledge and experience with the view of impacting policy direction for the good of women and children throughout the Region.

The First Lady, in collaboration with the Government of Guyana, is also working towards the re-

integration of adolescent mothers into the education system and their social and economic development. She has also thrown her support behind the creation of youth-friendly health centres for teenage girls and boys, and teenage parents, which provide counselling and other support services. (Ministry of the Presidency)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Malariologists beginning to worry

–– as deadly falciparum species starts to fight back

By Navendra Seoraj A PRELIMINARY test by the Vector Control Unit (VCU) has revealed that the Plasmodium falciparum, one of the most common and most deadly malarial parasites, is beginning to show signs of resistance to

“first-level” medication.

According to the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), malaria is a disease caused by the parasite, Plasmodium, which is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito.

Only the Anopheles genus of the mosquito can transmit

malaria. The symptoms of the disease include fever, vomiting, and or headache.

PAHO had reported that chloroquine was the treatment of choice for malaria, and is still followed in most countries for treatment of the P. Vivax parasite, but the P. falciparum has seemingly Director of the National Malaria Programme, Dr Quacy Grant addressing persons present at the National Malaria Technical Oversight Committee meeting developed a resistance to it.

The mining areas are, Director of the National however, the most difficult to Malaria Programme, Dr Qua- access, and that poses a threat cy Grant, during a National to their aim of eliminating the Malaria Technical Oversight disease.

Committee meeting on MonPart of the National Malarday revealed that the discov- ia Strategic Plan 2015-2019 is ery was made locally as well to reduce the malaria burden by during a preliminary test, at least 40 per cent, particularly but has indicated that further relative to the recorded 19,000 research will be needed to de- reported cases of malaria in termine whether they should 2014. It also involves eliminatmove from “first-level” to ing P. Falciparum transmission “second-level” treatment. during that period.

For years, the VCU has The trace of resistance can been trying to reduce the pose a threat to their battle. social and economic impact And if further research proves of malaria on individuals and that it is happening, then it communities. might even affect their chancAccording to Dr. Grant, es of achieving their goal. the disease continues to be The VCU, nevertheless, prevalent in the mining and intends to continue tackling logging districts. Those areas the disease by empowering which are located in Regions miners and loggers to test for One (Barima-Waini), Seven malaria. During that process, (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight they will also approach stake(Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine holders to assist them in map(Upper Takutu-Upper Esse- ping out the mining district. quibo) have been labelled as “We will put malaria back endemic. on the front burner... As minRegions 10 (Upper De- ing increases, so will malaria, merara-UpperBerbice) and so we have to target the hinTwo (Pomeroon-Supenaam) terland communities where have been listed as low-en- the disease is more prevademic regions. lent,” Dr Grant said, adding

that vulnerable groups such as children, Indigenous Peoples and pregnant women will also be priorities.

Going forward, the Unit reportedly intends to achieve the goals of Health Vision 2020, which include building stronger partnerships with the Tuberculosis (TB), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and other programmes.

Dr. Grant also highlighted that those involved with the National Malaria Programme will be collaborating more with stakeholders such as the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Ministry of Education.

Minister of Public Health, Ms Volda Lawrence also shared similar sentiments, noting that the National Oversight Committee is the ideal body to bring together persons from different spectrums to share their views on how they can combat the disease.

The minister pointed to the need for communication among stakeholders, especially when crafting a strategic approach to eradicating malaria.

She also emphasised the need for capacity-building and advocacy for the prevention of malaria.

“We need to see more marches and interaction…

Although we do not have the capacity to go from door to door, we need to speak up about malaria,” she said.

In the interim, persons are being reminded to take precautionary measures such as the use of insecticide-treated nets at home, and indoor residual spraying of insecticides.

These precautions act by decreasing exposure to bites of infected mosquitoes.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Charges expected against cop

–– in Ogle fatal accident CHARGES are expected to be instituted this week against a police Lance Corporal who was found to be above the legal alcohol limit following a fatal accident Sunday night, on the Ogle Public Road, East Coast Demerara.

Dead is 20-year-old Anastasia Kerr, of Hope Estate, East Coast Demerara. The sales girl’s body is currently at the Georgetown Pub-

lic Hospital Corporation (GPHC) mortuary, where a post mortem (PM) is expected to be done today.

Investigations have revealed that the policeman was driving his personal vehicle, PSS 3984, at around 19:50hrs on Sunday night, proceeding east on the southern side of the northern carriageway,and within the stipulated speed limit, when the pedestrian

ran across the road from north to south into the path of the vehicle and collided.

She was picked up by the policeman and rushed to the GPHC in an unconscious state, but died whilst receiving medical attention.

The 39-year-old driver, who is stationed at Force Headquarters and resides in Cummings Lodge, is assisting with the investigation.

For the year, police ranks have been involved in over a dozen fatal accidents.

CDB approves grant to address childhood obesity prevention THE Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has approved a grant of US$150,000 to the Healthy Caribbean Coalition (HCC), to support capacity building to address childhood obesity prevention in four countries.

The project will strengthen the ability of civil society organisations (CSOs) in The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize and Jamaica, to contribute to non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention and control with specific focus on childhood obesity programmes.

The grant agreement was signed at CDB headquarters in Barbados on Monday, September 18, 2017 by Sir Trevor Hassell, President of the HCC and CDB’s Vice-President (Operations), Ms. Monica La Bennett, a CDB release stated.

“Childhood obesity is associated with a wide range of health complications and an increased risk of premature onset of illnesses, including diabetes and heart disease.

Preventing childhood obesity is a key strategy for reducing

the incidences of NCDs in the Caribbean. These illnesses create an economic burden for countries in the region, and may also result in the loss of income, contracted labour markets, as well as increased economic dependence within households,” said Ms. La Bennett.

“Childhood obesity is a global epidemic from which the Caribbean has not been spared and its prevention has to be one of the pressing public health problems of our time. The protection of the health of the child is one of its basic rights and obesity is an indication of the infringement of those rights. I believe that the HCC is ideally positioned to mobilise the stakeholders that are critical to the success of what will be a protracted effort. I believe that this grant is a clear indication that CDB appreciates the economic dimensions of the problem. I trust that this is the beginning of a very fruitful partnership,” said Sir Trevor Hassell.

HCC, the project implementation agency, will en-

gage with the CSOs. The organisations selected are the Cancer Society of The Bahamas; Breastfeeding and Nutrition Foundation of Barbados; Heart and Stroke Foundation of Barbados; Belize Cancer Society and the Heart Foundation of Jamaica.

Five CSO-led childhood obesity prevention interventions are expected to be implemented in the four countries by 2019. Other anticipated outcomes include the development of CSOled action plans on childhood obesity, the hosting of a meeting of regional participants to discuss and finalise childhood obesity prevention strategies and plans, and the documentation and dissemination of project successes and lessons learned.

The grant is consistent with CDB’s strategic objective of supporting inclusive and sustainable growth and development, and its corporate priorities of improving quality of access to education and training and citizen security; regional cooperation and integration; and gender equality.

King writes Venture to draw up ‘disaster preparedness plan’ TOWN Clerk, Royston King has written to City Engineer Colvern Venture on the issue of establishing a disaster preparedness plan for the city in case of emergencies.

“I have put in place a team of officers to meet and to do an initial plan and that plan must be taken to the City Works Committee for further development and formulation and then to the Council,” King told the Chronicle on Monday at City Hall.

Noting that natural disasters occur without warning on many occasions, King

said it is important to be prepared by having such a plan in place. “So the engineer has correspondence from me asking him to meet with the team this week and to look at that. We need to prepare for it.”

Just last week, Mayor Patricia Chase-Green questioned the city’s preparedness for a flash flood and called on councillors to meet and advise on the way forward.

“While we sympathise with our brothers and sisters in the Caribbean, I hope you are reading and following reports that there may very

well be a flash flood coming to Guyana sometime after the hurricane,” Chase-Green said.

“I would like to find out if there are any preparations; is there a committee set up?

We are right on the water front. Our Stabroek Market is at a great disadvantage.

I hope that the administration along with the councillors responsible for that particular committee that deals with that could sit and advise somehow or the other their preparedness for such an event,” she added.

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The car the policeman was driving when he was involved in the accident,is parked in front of the Sparendaam Police Station

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 20, 2017

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 20, 2017

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Forensic lab closer to conducting DNA testing

SEVERAL contracts, to improve the capacity of the Forensic Laboratory and facilitate the rehabilitation of numerous police stations across the country, were signed on Monday.

This aspect of work falls under Component Two of the Citizen Security Strengthening Programme (CSSP) of the Ministry of Public Security. The contract for works to be undertaken on

the Forensic Laboratory was awarded to Horatio Construction Company to the tune of $16.5M, and will involve the installation of electrical components to ensure electricity is safely transferred to all sections of the building.

During the signing at his ministry, Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan, noted the works will bring the laboratory one step closer

to conducting Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) testing. He pointed out that the laboratory is currently conducting all other tests, except that of DNA testing. “We have to do what is called the air quality system and the security system which will be contracts.

I understand those are up for single sourcing that will be to the tune of $50M, and that will take care of what is called, the infrastructural

works that is [sic] going to complete it for DNA kind of testing” he explained.

The infrastructural works, the minister assured, will be completed by this year-end. Equipment will be sourced with support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and should take about nine months for procurement and training, when it arrives. Project Manager of the CSSP, Clement Henry said that the work slated to be carried out at the Forensic Laboratory is to ensure the receipt of international accreditation.

Henry also pointed out that the government is pursuing a proficiency testing body to ensure that there is credibility for all tests conducted in the laboratory.

Additionally, seven police stations will be rehabilitated at a cost of $150.4M to make them more user-friendly. These include Suddie, Aishalton, Port Kaituma, Mabaruma, Annai, Issano and Aurora. The structures at Issano and Aishalton will be rehabilitated by R. Wilson Construction Company to the tune of $17.4M One of the contractors signing his agreement, flanked by Project Manager of and $20.5M, respectively. the CSSP, Clement Henry (left) and Permanent Secretary to the Public Security Aruku Investments will reMinistry, Danielle Mc Calmon model the Port Kaituma and

Minister of Public Security handing over a contract to one of the contractors Mabaruma stations at a cost tiality within the room… of $31.7M, while the Suddie because we are moving toand Aurora stations will wards digitisation in many be redone by R. Kissoon of the processes, we want Construction Services for to have the computer room $54.5M. Raghubir General for them to work and also Construction was the award- an area whereby they can ed the contract to remodel gather evidence in a locathe Annai Police Station for tion where it is at least to the maximum to ensure a sum of $26.2M. “We are moving to- that, that process is confiwards installing a domes- dential,” Henry explained. tic violence room, so that The rehabilitation works persons reporting cases of on the police stations are domestic violence can do so slated to commence within with some level of confiden- the next two weeks. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Wapichan group concerned about illegal airstrip at Parabara THE presence of several illegal airstrips at Parabara in the South Rupununi is one of several challenges facing the Wapichan indigenous group.

On Tuesday the Wapichan body , the South Rupununi Development Council (SRDC) , under which 21 Wapishana villages in the Region Nine (Upper Essequibo/Upper Takutu) area fall, launched its website which it noted will bring awareness to the world of the indigenous group, including their daily lives and challenges the group faces.

Following more than 50 site visits since 2015, the group listed among its findings, the presence of the illegal landing strips in the Parabara savannah.

The village of Parabara falls under the SRDC. The SRDC stated that community information for the website has been collected, using a grassroots land-use monitoring arrangement that involves community monitoring teams, the use of smartphone technology, drones, and community digital maps – all controlled and managed directly by the

several reports of aircraft landing near Parabara and reports from the ground indicate that the planes usually spend a very short time on the ground before taking off.

SRDC technician, Tessa Felix, monitors a drone flight over the South Rupununi. (SRDC photo)

villages.

On Monday the Guyana Chronicle reported that a law-enforcement team was dispatched to the area to carry out an investigation following reports that several aircraft have been seen landing at an illegal airstrip near the Parabara savannah.

According to reports from the area, on several occasions in recent months, aircraft were seen circling and later landing in the Parabara savannah, south

of Lumid Pau. Region Nine Chairman Bryan Allicock, confirmed on Monday that a team which included Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ranks travelled to the location on Friday to investigate the reports. He said that the team was expected to return to Lethem on Wednesday.

“We got messages from the area that aircraft were seen overflying there,” Allicock said.

An aviation source confirmed that there have been

On Monday morning, the pilot of a small Cessna aircraft laden with cocaine , died after the aircraft fell out the sky and crashed at the Brazilian town of Caracarai (bottom left ) in the state of Roraima.

Youths benefit from Guyana People’s Militia exercise SOME 119 youths from Regions Three, Four, Five, Six and 10, enjoyed a brief stint away from their homes and were positively impacted at the recent Guyana People’s Militia (GPM) 2017 Teen Camp.

According to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), following some basic regimentation to ensure that they understood and appreciated the disciplined environment, the youths were engaged in

On Tuesday , a village leader in the South Rupununi region noted that a plane crash across the border in the Brazilian state of Roraima on Monday morning this

learning National Policy and Basic Jungle Survival Skills.

They also had regular physical training sessions which were designed to enhance their levels of fitness.

The GPM Teen Camp is designed to allow youths from all over Guyana to benefit from the opportunity to see a part of their country they might otherwise never had seen, to socialise and to begin a process of learning about the GPM and its role

Some of the youths learning how to tie special types of knots with a rope. (Photos courtesy the GPM)

The youths involved in physical training sessions at the camp

in the society.

In addition, the camp forms the incubator for their involvement as young patriots. In this regard, they gained an understanding of the importance of defending Guyana from internal and external threats.

Further, the camp helps them gain a greater appreciation of the military and also lays the foundation for their consideration of careers in the military after they complete secondary education.

week , has raised further awareness in the area of the illegal landings of aircraft which are suspected of being involved in the drug trade.

Brazilian media outlet, Folha Boa Vista, reported that following the receipt of anonymous reports that an aircraft had fallen out the sky and crashed in the Rio Branco Basin near the town of Caracaraí, in the southern region of Roraima, the State Military Police (PMRR) and the Fire Department have commenced investigations into such reports.

On Monday morning, the report said, a team of law-enforcement officers found the wreckage of a small CESSNA aircraft. Inside the cockpit was the body of the pilot and about 100 kilos of pressed cocaine, the largest shipment seized in recent times in Roraima, the report said. The Brazilian police were informed that the pilot had lost control of the plane which later crashed in the Rio Branco.

M&CC to meet with main garbage contractors within a week THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is planning to engage its two main garbage contractors, Puran Brothers Disposal Services and Cevons Waste Management, within a week, Town Clerk Royston King told reporters on Monday.

Representatives of the two companies, Morse Archer and Kalesh Puran, had complained recently of being in the ‘dark’ on the way forward with the City Council, due to its refusal to call any meetings with them.

“Two weeks ago, I had discussions with the owner of Cevons Waste Management and I am currently in discussion with the Chairman of the Finance Committee, and we hope to have a meeting in another week with both our contractors to brief them on the way forward,” King said.

Asked whether the municipality has on the cards approaching government for a ‘bail out,’ King reiterated that this is not necessary, in view of the fact that the Council is an autonomous body and therefore is capable of raising its own funds.

“There are enough provisions in the by-laws for Council to raise its own

funds to get done all the work that needs to get done.

But we have to be facilitated to do that. There is no need for a bailout. You check the laws. There is absolutely no need for a bailout if the Council is allowed to do its work and to raise its own funds,” King stated.

For those who are against some of the revenue generating projects of the Council, King said these individuals ought to provide the municipality with alternatives.

Meanwhile, residents in a number of communities have been reporting that their garbage is not being picked up in a timely fashion.

“There have been delays in some local communities because the equipment we are using is old and sometimes we have all kinds of mechanical problems,” King observed, adding, “We are not happy with the level at which we are providing the clearance because it is not at an excellent level, but we are doing our best in the current circumstances. We could not find $45M a month to hire the two contractors.”

He said this is the reason the Council is pushing for a number of revenue generation projects.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Woman, taxi driver shot during robbery at Providence A WOMAN and a taxi driver were shot and injured early Tuesday morning by a lone gunman on a bicycle. This occurred during an armed robbery at Plantation Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Injured are Kathy Vyphuis who was shot in the arm and taxi driver, Tommy Lee Stephenson, who was shot in the hand at about 02:00hrs when he (Stephenson) stopped to drop off Vyphuis who was returning home from work.

According to Nicole

The injured Kathy Vyphuis.

21 female cops attending leadership conference in Australia

ASSISTANT Commis sioner of Police, Maxine Graham, is heading a delegation of 21 females of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) currently participating in a leadership conference in Cairns, Australia.

The team, comprising seven other officers, seven inspectors, two sergeants, two lance corporals and two constables, is scheduled to return home on Friday, September 29, 2017 The one-week training will cover areas of event planning, Trafficking in Persons (modern-day slavery/ sex workers around the world), community relations, domestic violence/ sexuality and gender diversity in policing, leadership and management, forensic challenges, women leading from the outside, evidence-in-chief and the reality of the victim in court, operational solidarity, law society and policing, strangulation investigation , cor-

ruption and changing roles of women in law enforcement, and male-dominated hierarchical organisations, amongst others.

According to Press Officer, Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan, the majority of employees within the GPF are men and that the police culture is looked upon as being imbued with masculinity, male values and norms.

He further explained that equality in general is seen to be an important factor in order to attract more female leaders, which is why various activities are put in place in order to increase the number of women in the organisation.

The superintendent said it is perceived that women were more social and more socially oriented in their leadership than men, which means that they focus more on relations, communication, dialogue and the group dynamics.

Telford, the injured woman’s neighbour, she was awakened by two loud gunshots and the screams of a female which caused her to get out of bed to enquire.

Telford told the Guyana Chronicle that she took the injured Vyphuis into her house while the taxi driver sped off to the Diamond Hospital.

However, a few minutes after, the bandit came to Telford’s door and asked that that she open it as he had Vyphuis’ bag and claimed it was not she

he wanted. At this point, Telford said she became afraid and began shouting for help but no one came to their assistance. She also called the police who, when they showed up an hour later, related that their incident was the third robbery within days to have occurred in the area.

Telford disclosed that she has not slept properly for three nights as the bandit had shot and damaged the street light in front of her hom, which she and the injured neighbour had paid to have installed.

Meanwhile, Commander ‘A’ Division, Marlon Chapman when contacted said, both the taxi driver and passenger, are sta ble. According to him, the matter is being investigated but he pointed out that there is only one anti-crime patrol that covers the villages between Eccles and Grove..

Chapman said too, that the Providence Police Station does not have the services of a vehicle at present, however, efforts are being made to rectify the situation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 20, 2017

New cases of ‘black money’ … FIU, SOCU on the trail of new money-laundering reports

By Alexis Rodney

THE Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) continues to work with the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) in monitoring new cases of money laundering with improved intelligence analysis, Director Matthew Langevine has said.

He is also urging the speedy establishment of the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Authority and the appointment of a lawyer and accountant for the unit. The FIU Director said on Tuesday that the unit has had a few new cases which have been passed on to SOCU. While he could not give statistics at the time, he told the Guyana Chronicle that the FIU remains committed to its original task of keeping money laundering at bay.

“We’ve been working closely and reporting as required to SOCU. There

have been a number of cases that we have been working and adding new cases,” Langevine told the Guyana Chronicle.

STAFF APPOINTMENT Regarding the posts of Lawyer and Accountant, the FIU Director said the critical positions have been vacant for a very long time.

And although persons have been identified to fill the vacancies, the final decision sits in the hands of the National Assembly. He said while Parliament is currently in recess, he hopes that the issue would be addressed as soon as the session resumes, as the two positions are critical to the effective functioning of the FIU. He said too that the very important AML authority is very important to the process of cooperative oversight of the FIU, a very important arm

based on the law.

Meanwhile, Langevine said the Financial Unit continues its preparation for the fourth round of assessment of Guyana by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) which is expected in 2022.

He said currently the unit, in collaboration with the Chambers of the Attorney General, has been conducting consultations and meetings with both stakeholders and especially reporting entities to bring them up to date with the regulations. According to him, many reporting agencies have still not yet come on board and that the FIU was working towards rectifying that.

“The fourth round requires a demonstration of effectiveness. We have to ensure that the reporting agencies are on board. The main ones have started,

Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit, Matthew Langevine friendly societies, cooperatives etc. We are working also with the supervisory authority to be engaged in the oversight of these reporting authorities”, he told the Guyana Chronicle.

Back in May, the FIU had said that it would be

moving to have lawyers, accountants and those in private practice be brought under regulation as part of the FIU requirement to ensure Guyana clears the Fourth Round of Mutual Evaluation by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force.

Updating on that, Langevine said both the FIU and the attorney general had met with the two groups. He said the professionals are aware of their expectations. One of the things needed he said however, is the appointment of a supervisory authority for the groups. He said there will be ongoing conversations which he hopes will lead to a common understanding.

In preparation for its Fourth Round of Mutual Evaluation, Guyana must have in place a robust regulatory and supervisory framework for all the reporting sectors. According to

the FIU, the implementation process therefore requires ensuring that all reporting entities under the AML/CFT Act of 2009, comply with sections 15, 16, 18, 19 and 20 of the said Act. These provisions relate, among other things, to the conducting of customer due diligence, record-keeping and maintenance, submitting suspicious and other reports to the FIU and appointment of a compliance officer.

Langevine also addressed criticisms of the FIU’s failure to publish its annual reports.

He explained that an amendment to the AML ACT in 2015 no longer requires the unit to publish its annual reports. He said information coming out of the FIU can be requested by the AML authority.

“The FIU is no longer required to publish reports. It is illuminated under sections 111”, he told this publication.

Workers complain about conditions at RUSAL REPRESENTATIVES of the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI/ RUSAL) and the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union on Tuesday demanded an urgent intervention by government on matters affecting them.

During an impromptu meeting with Minister with responsibility for Labour, Keith Scott, the small group outlined a number of issues affecting their well-being.

These issues included the wrongful dismissal of workers, deteriorating occupational health and safety conditions, better wage packages, and tax waivers on overtime.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Social Protection’s Department of Labour, the RUSAL employees, both current and past, were represented by President and General-Secretary of the GB&GWU Leslie Gonsalves and Lincoln Lewis, respectively.

The union argued that the issues have been ongoing

for years and the workers are extremely frustrated by what can be perceived to be inaction. In the case of the wrongful dismissal of some 62 employees between the

Department of Labour.

The workers expressed much concern for their safety and told the minister that since his last visit to the company’s worksite, there

use of faulty vehicles, the workers and the union contend, resulted in an accident on September 14. Several persons were injured in that accident. Upon hearing this,

That aside, the issue of the negotiation of better wages and salaries was raised and according to the workers, RUSAL has selectively used the Collective Labour Agree-

Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection with Responsibility for Labour , Keith Scott, talks with RUSAL workers and representatives of the GB&GWU years 2009 and 2010, the union said RUSAL continues to refuse to engage it on the matter, but they have received a commitment from Minister Scott that the matter will be dealt with through the

have been a number of lapses pertaining to occupational health and safety.

In fact, the workers pointed to defective vehicles being used to transport staff to the worksites daily. The

Minister Scott committed to having occupational health and safety workers from his department investigate the matter and the findings thereof will be provided to all concerned parties.

ment to discipline workers, but not to address the issue of better wages and salaries.

They complained too about the tax waiver on overtime pay and reminded that the matter is yet to be

resolved. “The workers have complained that the management of RUSAL[has] continuously advised that it is the Government that continues to hold up the waiver on overtime pay,” the statement said.

However, last week the workers were told by their union that RUSAL has not signed the document to activate the waiver. “This document was shown to them, as such, they demanded that the Government take action on RUSAL on this vexed issue, for deliberately misleading them,” the Ministry of Social Protection stated.

Additionally, the failure of RUSAL to properly maintain the roadways used by the company was a sore point for both the workers and the union. This has resulted in the residents of communities near the company complaining about the deplorable conditions of the roadways.

In light of Tuesday’s discourse, Minister Scott has committed to taking swift action to address the concerns raised.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Wednesday September 20th, 04:30 - 14:30 hrs Thursday September 21th, - 05:00 hrs Friday September 22th, - 05:00 hrs

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Continued from page 32

SCOREBOARD World Cup 2018

WEST INDIES innings C. Gayle c Root b Woakes 37 E. Lewis c Hales b Ali 11 S. Hope c Bairstow b Stokes 35 M. Samuels c wkp. Buttler b Stokes 17 J. Mohammed c Hales b Rashid 18 R. Powell c Willey b Woakes 23 J. Holder not out 41 A. Nurse c Root b Rashid 1 D. Bishoo b Willey 5 J. Taylor c wkp. Buttler b Stokes 2 K. Williams not out 0 Extras: (lb-3, w-9, nb-2) 14 Total: (9 wkts, 42 overs) 204 Fall of wickets: 1-45, 2-53, 3-103, 4-107, 5-149, 6-150, 7-160, 8-187, 9-202.

Bowling: Woakes 8-0-41-2 (w-2), Willey 6-0-39-1 (w-1), Ali 2-0-

5-1, Rashid 9-0-31-2, Plunkett 8-0-42-0 (w-2), Stokes 9-0-43-3 (w-4, nb-2).

English Racing Tips Sandown 08:30 hrs Operative 09:00 hrs Falcon Eye 10:05 hrs D’Bai 10:40 hrs Dynamic 11:15 hrs Mister Blue Sky 11:45 hrs Becca Campbell 12:15 hrs Ghinia

09:10 hrs Herdwick 09:45 hrs Dream Warrior 10:15 hrs Ocean Temptress 10:50 hrs Flood warning 11:55 hrs Zabeel Prince 12:25 hrs Dakota Gold 12:55 hrs Equitation

Beverley 08:50 hrs Flo’s Melody 09:20 hrs Celestin’s 09:55 hrs Vera Drake 10:25 hrs Bolder Bob 11:00 hrs Mininggold 11:35 hrs Elnadim Star 12:05 hrs Cosmic Dust 12:35 hrs Rebel State Yarmouth

ENGLAND innings J. Bairstow not out 100 A. Hales c Lewis b Taylor 19 J. Root b Williams 54 E. Morgan c wkp. Hope b Williams 10 B. Stokes not out 23 Extras: (w4) 4 Total: (3 wkts, 30.5 overs) 210 Fall of wickets: 1-31, 2-156, 3-175.

Bowling: Taylor 7-0-46-1 (w-1), Holder 3-0-18-0, Williams 6-0-502 (w-1), Nurse 8.5-0-48-0 (w-1), Bishoo 6-0-48-0.

South Africa Racing Tips Kenilworth 08:40 hrs Dayonaut 09:10 hrs Shadow Warrior 09:50 hrs Gadget Man 10:25 hrs Kampala Campari 11:00 hrs Captain’s Flame 11:35 hrs Fours A Crowd Irish Racing Tips Fairyhouse 09:25 hrs Threeandfourpence 10:00 hrs Powersville 10:30 hrs Gobi Desert 11:05 hrs Focus On Heaven 11:40 hrs Blairmayne 12:10 hrs Hit The Silk 12:40 hrs New Story 13:10 hrs Panstarr American Racing Tips Belmont Race 1 Mydadfloyd Race 2 Mister Hayes Race 3 Manitoulin Race 4 This Bird Can Sing Race 5 Accolade Race 6 Montclair Race 7 Phi Beta Express Race 8 Bernong Rose Race 9 Lion in Wait

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 20, 2017

St. Pius team win Banks DIH Sports Day circle tennis match

Some of the action in last Friday’s match

A CENTURY from Mario Haywood propelled the St Pius Circle Tennis Team to 377-8 off 100 balls, for a 230-run demolition in their match against Banks DIH, at

the Banks DIH Sports Day held last Friday at the Thirst Park ground.

Hitting 13 sixes, Haywood made it 132 runs not out, and found support from a half-cen-

tury from Odessa Lewis (62).

Simone Williams with 42 runs and Keith Brandt with 30 runs, were the next top scorers.

However, Banks top scorer Troy McRae could

only put together 49 runs, as Banks DIH romped to their paltry 147-7 off their 100 balls. Savannah Re-Lynch added 20 runs and Danzil Alkins 16.

Gibson targets number one ranking with South Africa … Vernon Philander ruled out of first Test

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (Reuters) - New South Africa coach Ottis Gibson faces a fast bowling crisis ahead of the two-Test home series against Bangladesh that starts on September 28, as he plots a path to return the side to number one in the International Cricket Council’s five-day rankings.

West Indian Gibson left his post as England bowling coach to take up the top position with South Africa, but already faces a challenging start with several top performers sidelined by injury.

“We have four quality fast bowlers injured. That’s a problem straightaway,” Gibson said at his first press conference as coach yesterday.

“You can’t really develop a team with that type of injury list. We have to take 20 wick-

ets consistently to win Tests.

We need a group of fast bowlers ready to perform.”

Dale Steyn’s return has been delayed again, this time indefinitely, after he suffered a set-back in his recovery with a strained muscle in his problematic shoulder.

Vernon Philander has also been ruled out of the first Test, at least, with a back problem sustained in the recent 3-1 Test series loss in England, while all-rounder Chris Morris will miss both games also because of a back injury.

Promising youngster Lungi Ngidi, who burst onto the scene in Twenty20 cricket earlier this year, is also out until mid-October with a stress fracture in his back.

It means Kagiso Rabada and Morne Morkel are the only two fit seamers

with significant Test experience, leaving Duane Olivier, Wayne Parnell and Andile Phehlukwayo to likely fight over the other two positions in the side.

New South Africa head coach Ottis Gibson

Injuries aside, Gibson feels he has the players to return South Africa to the top of the test rankings.

“My philosophy over the next two years is taking the Proteas back to the top of the

(Test) pile first of all, then hopefully winning the (2019) World Cup,” he said.

“I‘m lucky in a sense, the Proteas have been to number one in the world on a few occasions and not very long ago they were number one in the world.”

Gibson says he is well aware of Cricket South Africa’s transformation targets that mean the national side, across all formats, must select on average through the season six non-white players per game, two of whom must be black African.

“That process has been happening before I got here‚” he said. “As far as team selection is concerned‚ we will continue on the path that we are on at the moment. The chairman of selectors and the captain have got a handle on that.”

Former Test bowler Labrooy heads new Sri Lanka selection panel COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (Reuters) - Sri Lanka named a new selection committee yesterday, putting former Test bowler Graeme Labrooy in charge of the five-member panel as they seek a reversal in the team’s fortune.

The previous panel, led by former captain Sanath Jayasuriya, resigned en masse last month in the middle of a tour whitewash by India who won all three Tests, five one-dayers and the lone Twenty20 Interna-

Graeme Labrooy

tional in Sri Lanka.

The debacle followed their first ODI series defeat

by Zimbabwe in July, which prompted Angelo Mathews to step down as captain from all formats.

“The new selectors will begin their term with the selection of the Test squad to take on Pakistan in their tour of UAE commencing early next week,” Sri Lanka Cricket said in a statement.

Labrooy, 53, played nine

Tests and 44 ODIs between 1986 and 1992. Other members of the panel include Gamini Wikramasinghe, Jeryl Wouterz, Sajith Fernando and Asanka Gurusinha, who is also the cricket manager.

Sri Lanka will leave for United Arab Emirates on Sunday for the series against Pakistan featuring two Tests, five one-dayers and three Twenty20 Internationals, the last of which is scheduled for Lahore.

Bairstow condemns Windies to World Cup qualifiers with maiden ODI ton MANCHESTER, England (CMC) – West Indies’ dismal One-Day International form continued with a seven-wicket defeat to England in the critical opener at Old Trafford here yesterday, a result that condemned the Caribbean side to a 10-team qualifying tournament in order to reach the 2019 Cricket World Cup. Needing to sweep the five-match series in order to achieve direction qualification for the showpiece, West Indies put themselves under pressure when they mustered 203 for nine in the contest reduced to 42 overs per side following a two-hour delayed start due to a wet outfield.

Captain Jason Holder top-scored with an unbeaten 41 off 33 deliveries, while opener Chris Gayle, in his first ODI in two years, belted a typically aggressive 37 off 27 balls.

Stylish right-hander Shai Hope carved out an attractive 35 while Rovman Powell got 23, but no other Windies batsman passed 20.

As expected, England made light work of the target, coasting home in the 31st over with Jonny Bairstow celebrating his promotion the top of the order with 100 not out – his maiden ODI century.

Test captain Joe Root chipped in with a polished 54 while all-rounder Ben Stokes arrived at the end to help formalise the result with a cameo unbeaten 23 off 15 balls.

The defeat was the 16th in the last 21 ODIs for West Indies and their 12th loss in their last 17 outings to England.

West Indies, two-time former World champions, will now battle minnows Ireland, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe, along with four teams from the ICC World Cricket League Championship and another two from the ICC World Cricket League Division Two, in a tournament next year in order to reach the World Cup. Opting to bat first, West Indies were given a rousing start by Gayle and Evin Lewis (11) who put on 45 off 33 deliveries.

The left-handed Gayle, dropped at second slip by Root off the third ball of the innings from pacer Chris Woakes before he had scored, looked in great touch, smashing two fours and three straight sixes to dominate the stand.

However, Lewis pulled a

long hop from Moeen Ali to Alex Hales at square leg in the off-spinner’s first over, and Gayle followed 20 balls later with 10 runs added when he holed out to deep mid-off to a brilliant running catch by Root off Woakes.

Hope stroked five boundaries as he consolidated in a 50-run, third-wicket partnership with Marlon Samuels before he too perished softly, whipping an ordinary delivery from seamer Stokes off his hip to be caught at square leg by Bairstow in the 24th over.

Samuels, who consumed 46 balls in making a boundary-less 17, departed 12 balls later at 107 for four in the 26th over brushing a leg-side catch behind off Stokes.

Powell and Jason Mohammed (18) then propped up the innings by adding a run-a-ball 42 for the fifth wicket but once they were separated, West Indies lost five wickets for 53 runs to decline.

It was left to Holder to wag the tail, the right-hander thumping five fours to push his side beyond the 200-run mark.

Stokes finished with three for 43 while leg-spinner Adil Rashid (2-31) and Woakes (2-41) were the other wicket-takers.

R e q u i r i n g a s t ro n g opening burst, the Windies claimed Alex Hales cheaply for 19 when Lewis held a juggling catch at point off seamer Jerome Taylor with the score on 31 in the fifth over.

However, the joy was short-lived as Bairstow and Root came together in a 125run, second-wicket stand which killed off the Windies’ hopes of a victory.

All told, Bairstow faced 97 balls and counted 11 fours in a well-paced knock, reaching his landmark in the last over of the game with a punch to deep over off off-spinner Ashley Nurse for three runs.

Root, meanwhile, struck four boundaries off 53 balls before chopping on to seamer Kesrick Williams (2-50) in the 24th over and captain Eoin Morgan’s lean run continued when he nicked one behind off the same bowler three overs later, to perish for 10.

But Stokes provided a swift end to the encounter, lashing a four and a pair of sixes – the last of which sealed the rout for the hosts.

(SEE SCORECARD ON PAGE 31)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Crandon, Khan spur HACC into SCA Elite final

By Frederick Halley TORONTO, Canada - After ruling the roost in the Premiere League for six consecutive years and enduring one of their worst seasons in the inaugural Elite League of the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) last year, Hawaiian Arctic Cricket Club (HACC) will be seeking to make amends when they oppose Highland Creek in Sunday’s final, set for the Ashtonbee ground, Scarborough, here.

In Sunday’s semi-final, played at the same venue, HACC denied last year’s finalists Scarborough Cricket Club (SCC) a second trip to the grand finale with a crushing 104-run victory, much to the delight of their loyal supporters.

The win was engineered through two brilliant performances by two of their ‘importees’ in Royston Crandon, a former Guyana and West Indies One-day player and Imran Khan, who hails from the tiny island of Wakenaam, Essequibo.

Crandon, who smashed a brutal 124 in his previous game versus Highland Creek, was in a more sedate mood this time around, as he cracked a match-saving 82 while left-arm spinner Khan, in an inspiring and mesmerising spell, bagged an amazing five for 14 in his 10-over spell.

hoo (25) and Surendra Seeraj (21) after being sent in by their opponents, However, they slipped to 68 for five by the 16th over before Crandon and skipper and former Guyana wicket-keeper/batsman Azib Ali Hanif revived the innings, adding 66 for the sixth wicket.

Mixing aggression with defence, the two averted a complete middle-order collapse before Hanif was

Royston Crandon and Imran Khan after Sunday’s victory

Needing 197 for victory after limiting the powerful HACC batting lineup to 196 all out in 44.4 overs, SCC were hustled out for a mere 92 in 31 overs as their batting faltered badly in the face of penetrative bowling, mainly from the spinners, and a superb fielding effort led by former Canadian player Abdool Samad. Showing little signs of his advanced age, Samad sneered

two startling catches in the cover region.

The only batsman to show any resistance was Suhail Variava with a solid 33 (two fours) before top-edging a catch to Crandon at slip off Khan while Siraj Uniya chipped in with 20 (three fours).

Earlier, HACC were given a fine start of 48 in the first nine overs between Bhim Bod-

Haye, Bellew set for a rematch soon

Britain Boxing - David Haye v Tony Bellew - O2 Arena, London - 4/3/17 David Haye in action against Tony Bellew (Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra Livepic)

LONDON, England (Reuters) - Former heavyweight world champion David Haye said yesterday he was all set for a rematch with fellow-Briton Tony Bellew after losing their first meeting in March.

“It’s taken months of negotiating but teams have finally agreed ALL terms for #HayeBellew2,” Haye said on Twitter.

“Will Bellew put pen to paper?”

Promoter Eddie Hearn told Sky Sports television that he hoped to confirm soon that the fight was on.

“Nothing is signed yet but I‘m catching up with Tony later this week and you can cross your fingers for an announcement in the next week or so,” he said.

Haye, 36, was fined 25 000 pounds for his conduct

in the build-up to the previous fight, with intense news conferences and heated trash-talk between the big men.

Former WBC cruiserweight world champion Bellew stopped the former WBA heavyweight belt holder, who had suffered an Achilles tendon injury, in the 11th round.

stumped for a well-played 26 which a six and a four.

The experienced Crandon continued to shepherd the lower-order and by the time he was unfortunately run-out when looked well set for his second consecutive ton, HACC’s total was already looking threatening. Crandon’s match-saving knock of 82 was laced with three sixes, a five and three fours.

Zenul Uniya finished with three for 21 from his allotted two overs while Arif Malek took two for 33 from nine.

In the other semi-final, played on the adjacent ground, Highland Creek defeated league leaders Ambassadors who were hoping to improve on their last year’s performance when they were also eliminated in the semis

by SCC.

34 EBFA/Ralph Green U-11 League

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Agricola, Grove and Samatta Point/Kaneville take full points in latest play

Rossi not ruling out return in Spain this weekend (REUTERS) - Italian great Valentino Rossi has not ruled out a return to MotoGP in Spain this weekend, three weeks after breaking his right leg, after getting back on a bike for some test laps on Monday.

whether a return at Aragon could be possible,” he said.

Rossi, a nine-time world champion, suffered a double fracture in an accident while riding an off-road enduro bike on August 31.

GFF president Wayne Forde and Coaches Association president Wayne Dover with the participating U-11 teams who played on Saturday.

DEFENDING champions Agricola Red Triangle were again in vintage form when they hammered Herstelling Raiders 8-0, as play in the Ralph Green-sponsored East Bank Football Association Under-11 League continued at the Grove Playfield last weekend.

Other teams enjoying full points on the day were Samatta Point/Kaneville who defeated Diamond United 3-1 and Grove Hi Tech who won via a walkover from Kuru Kururu Warriors.

The Mocha Champs versus Diamond Upsetters match ended in a s c o r e l e s s d r a w, e a r n ing both teams their first points of the competition.

Agricola’s win was centred on a hat-trick of goals from Seon Grant who was on target in the 7th, 10th and 23rd minutes, with his effort setting a solid foundation for the win.

There was a double each

Yamaha’s MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi poses with the new Yamaha YZR-M1 for the 2016 season in Barcelona, Spain, January 18, 2016. (REUTERS/Albert Gea)

for Jonathan Andries and Clevon Bowling. Andries netted in the 3rd and 27th minutes while Bowling rocked the nets in the 18th and 29th minute. Jaden Paul accounted for the other goal in the 21st minute.

Samatta Point/Kaneville secured their first win in the competition and in their first competition as a team through goals from Devon Parris who opened proceedings in the 3rd minute. Nickolai Francois in the 8th and

Akeem Francois four minutes later effectively sealed the win.

Diamond United got their consolation goal one minute before full time, Ronaldo Adams doing the honours in the 29th minute.

Brooks, Singh named Windies-A captain, vice-captain to face Sri Lankans ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Selectors have named a strong 13-man West Indies A team to face Sri Lanka A in the first two four-day ‘Tests’ of the three-match series set to bowl off in Jamaica next month.

The squad will be again led by Shamarh Brooks and

Vishal Singh

include left-handed batsman Vishal Singh and left-arm seamer Sheldon Cottrell, both of whom have represented West Indies in Tests.

Prolific Windward Islands batsman Sunil Ambris, currently on tour with the Windies one-day side in England, has been named in the unit.

Chief selector Courtney Browne said the series represented another opportunity for fringe players to press their claim for a place in the international side.

“Our A-Team is the feeding ground for our senior men’s team and so we are looking to continue the development of our second-tier players,” Browne said.

“With a strong focus on consistency in selection, this series is another opportunity for them to continue to press their claims for a place in the senior side, thus placing selection pressure on incumbents, ensuring there is

healthy competition for spots and growing our talent pool.”

Also making a return to the squad is untested Jamaican speedster Reynard Leveridge who limped out of the first ‘Test’ of the last A-tour of Sri Lanka last October while on debut, and was sidelined for the remainder of the series with injury.

John Campbell, also from Jamaica, has gained a call-up after scoring 495 runs in the last first-class season, and is joined by fellow left-hander Yannic Cariah of Trinidad and Tobago who was also among the runs with 691, including two centuries.

The opening match of the series is set for the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium from October 11 to 14, with the second match carded for the same venue five days later.

Sabina Park in the capital Kingston will host the third and final match from October 26 to 29.

SQUAD – Shamarh

Ya m a h a s a i d t h e 38-year-old, whose doctors had advised a 3040 day recovery period, had ridden around the Misano circuit near his home in eastern Italy on a YZF-R1M road bike to “put his fitness level to the test”.

The evaluation was inconclusive after rain forced him to cut the session short, however.

“He will decide by the end of today whether he will attempt to take part in this weekend’s Gran Premio Movistar de Aragon,” Yamaha said.

Motorsport.com quoted his father Graziano as saying Rossi had completed seven or eight laps and hoped to test again yesterday.

“I was told he felt a lot of pain in his right leg, but he could not determine in so few laps

He missed the San Marino Grand Prix at Misano and Yamaha said last week that Dutch Superbike rider Michael van der Mark would replace him at Aragon on September 24.

The Italian is fourth overall and 42 points adrift of Honda’s Marc Marquez and Ducati’s Andrea Dovizioso, who are tied at the top of the championship.

The race at the Motorland Aragon circuit is the 14th round of the 18-race season.

Yamaha team boss Lin Jarvis said last week he doubted Rossi would go there unless he felt he could be fighting for the top five or six positions.

In 2010, Rossi broke his right leg in practice for the Italian Grand Prix, and returned to MotoGP after an absence of six weeks.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 20, 2017)

Keon Joseph

Brooks (captain), Vishal Singh (vice-captain), Sunil Ambris, John Campbell, Yannic Cariah, Rahkeem Cornwall, Sheldon Cottrell, Jahmar Hamilton, Montcin Hodge, Damion Jacobs, Keon Joseph, Reynard Leveridge, Oshane Thomas.

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) Headingley, Leeds (1973) (2) Mike Denness & Rohan Kanhai Today’s Quiz: (1) Who struck the first hundred in a WI/ENG ODI??

(2) Who took the first five-wicket haul?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 20, 2017

MoE still to meet with GTU over planning of annual Nationals

By Tamica Garnett

THE annual National Schools Championships seems almost destined for another year of late planning, this year, as the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) still awaits a response from the Ministry of Education, particularly the Chief Education Officer, Marcel Hutson, as it pertains to the hosting of this year’s Championships.

With just over two months to go before the hosting of the major event, no management committee for the Championships has been formed, and the GTU and MoE are still to meet to have any discussions outlining plans for this year’s hosting, a GTU source confirmed this week.

“We’re already in the sports term and we still don’t even have any confirmation in terms of if we’re going to have Nationals or not. It’s the Ministry that has the final say.

“We’re trying our utmost to get a hearing with the CEO (Chief Education Officer) as it relates to Nationals because we know that we’re generally behind time, but nothing has transpired since (earlier this

year). We haven’t had a single word from him as it relates to Nationals since they had that long meeting,” the source shared.

The two bodies have not held any discussions since a meeting back in April, when it was proposed that the 2018 hosting of the event be split into separate primary school and secondary school competitions, with the secondary school competition being moved to the Easter term.

This year’s edition, which is scheduled for November 24 – 27, was expected to be a “farewell” of its current format, with the new format ushered in early next year.

This change came as the MoE sought to begin taking into consideration some of the recommendations made in a proposal submitted following the ‘Forum on the Development of the National Schools Championships in Guyana’ held at the National Centre for Education Resource Development (NCERD) back in January, 2015.

A lot of mixed opinions came out of that meeting, with many hinting that the GTU was not entirely pleased with the

decision to see the Championships split and moved. GTU president Mark Lyte, however, himself refrained from openly commenting on the issue.

Chronicle Sport continually attempted to make contact with the CEO, but was told that he was in a meeting on each attempt.

ER Racing’s Davin Panday and his AE92 Toyota Corolla Hatch

THE upcoming Caribbean Invasion drag race meet, scheduled in just over two weeks’ time, is heating up with competitors confirming their participation daily.

One such competitor is Davin Panday, who is hoping to make a lasting impression on the 13-second class in his AE92 Toyota Corolla Hatch which was recently upgraded to a 4AGE 20 Valve Engine.

Speaking to Chronicle Sport, Panday said, “Preparations are on-going and I’m

hoping to show the crowd what my car can do. Many people may look at it and think that it doesn’t pack a punch, but they’ll be in for a surprise.”

“I’m fairly new to the drag scene, and I don’t wanna make any threats to any competitors, as I respect all of the guys coming to line up, most of whom are friendsm but I’d also like to tell them to not underestimate the little white Toyota.”

Panday, who drives under Team ER Racing out of Eccles, feels that he has what

Moreover, attendance has even begun to decline. The lack of attention to the event is usually also shown in the poor planning of the event, where

15 titles: Upper Demerara/Kwakwani have been the most successful team at the National Schools’ Championships.

Panday eyeing lasting impression in 13-second class

By Stephan Sookram

Despite talks over the years on the heavy emphasis being placed on improving sports in schools, the National Schools Cycling, Swimming and Track

it takes to lift that 13-second trophy.

Meanwhile dragsters desirous of signing up for the meet should begin doing so at the GMR&SC office in Thomas Lands.

Officials of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club have indicated that this is to facilitate the entry of competitors into the timing system.

Persons or teams can pick up their entry forms and other documents at the club’s Thomas Lands office between normal working hours.

and Field Championships, or Nationals - the biggest schools multi-sport event - has failed to improve in standard over the years.

late planning and disorganisation are usually the order of the day.

“It’s a norm to start (planning) late but you see we just

so versed in this thing that we can manoeuvre and make it look good,” the source remarked.

The MoE has no stable body that overlooks the planning of Nationals, and only forms an oversight body a few months, or weeks, prior to the hosting of the event.

Though the GTU has a sports department, headed by chairman, Seon Bristol, at the MoE end the Physical Education Department under the Unit of Allied Arts is responsible for sports-related activities. This section is headed by Nicholas Fraser. Though the PE Department usually plays a role in planning of Nationals, it is by no means wholly in charge of planning the event on the MoE’s end.

Nationals is the longest running sport event in Guyana, which features athletes from all across Guyana, grouped into 15 districts competing in athletics, cycling and swimming events, across a five-day period.

Upper Demerara/Kwakwani, District 10, are the reigning champions of the event, and have been the most successful team at the event over the years.

McKoy named athlete-of-the-week after cross country performance GUYANA’S Claudrice McKoy has already begun to make her mark at her new school, Monroe College, in the USA, where she is currently attending on an Athletics scholarship. She achieved her first win for her school after championing the Queensborough Community College Invitational cross-country event last Sunday.

The CARIFTA Games gold medallist finished the 5K race in 20:22.24s to top a field of 205 athletes, leading the Monroe College women’s cross-country team to an impressive second-place finish out of 27 teams in the competitive meet.

She was the only one of her teammates to finish in the top five in the race, and only one of three to finish in the top ten. This saw McKoy being named the female athlete-of-theweek at her school.

Guyana’s Claudrice McKoy shows off her medal after her cross-country win last Sunday (photo credit: Monroe College)

McKoy is one of three Guyanese athletes, who were awarded scholarships to Monroe College earlier this year, following impressive performances at regional meets.

McKoy was approached after her performance at this year’s CARIFTA Games, where she finished with a gold medal in the Girls’ 3000m and a bronze in the 1500m. She also medalled at the South American Junior Championships, where she took bronze in the 1500m.

The other athletes offered scholarships were sprinters Onasha Rogers and Avon Samuels.

Rogers and Samuels each took silver medal at SA Juniors, finishing second in the 100m and 400m respectively. They both had bronze in the Girls’ 4x100m at the Championships, while Samuels also had a gold medal in the Girls’ 4x400m.

MoE still to meet with GTU over planning of See 35 annual Nationals Page

Johnny Bairstow puts the game beyond doubt with his maiden ODI hundred at Old Trafford. (Getty Images)

Bairstow condemns Windies to World Cup qualifiers with maiden ODI ton See Page 32

Sri Lanka secure World Cup berth after Windies defeat

SRI Lanka have become the eighth and final team to qualify automatically for the 2019 World Cup, following West Indies’ seven-wicket defeat by England in the first ODI at Old Trafford.

of 205 with more than 19 overs remaining.

S r i L a n k a , Wo r l d Champions in 1996, now join Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan and South Africa as the confirmed

Sri Lanka ODI captain Upul Tharanga With September 30 set as the cut-off date, West Indies (78 points) now cannot move ahead of Sri Lanka (86 points) in the ICC ODI rankings, irrespective of how their remaining matches against England pan out.

They had gone into the five-match series needing to win by either 4-0 or 5-0 to amass enough points to leapfrog Sri Lanka, but their fate was sealed in a 42-over-a-side contest in which a Jonny Bairstow century guided England past their victory target

participants in the 2019 event, which will be held in England between May 30 and July 15.

West Indies, two-time champions in 1975 and 1979, must now compete in a 10-team qualifier in 2018, where they will be joined by the bottom three sides in the ICC team rankings - Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Ireland - as well as the top four sides from the ICC World Cricket League Championship and the top two sides from the ICC World Cricket League Division 2. The top two sides

will complete the World Cup line-up.

“You always know there’s the potential of that (not qualifying direct); we knew it was going to be a tough ask,” said Toby Radford, West Indies’ batting coach.

“But we are very positive as a group and are trying to develop in all formats.

If it means the qualifiers next year, it means the qualifiers next year and we’ll build our way back up.”

Upul Tharanga, Sri Lanka’s ODI captain was relieved to have avoided that fate: “It’s no secret that we have been going through a tough time, but I want to say a big, big thank you to our fans who’ve kept faith with us when things looked bleak.

“ICC events have always brought out the magic in Sri Lanka cricket, and I look forward to proving that once again.

“We have a clear plan toward the World Cup, and we will work hard at achieving each step.

As we say in the dressing room, - Little ‘w’s (wins) add up to make the big ‘W’ - so that’s what we’ll be focusing on and I know you will see Sri Lanka’s special brand of cricket out there once again soon.” (ESPN Cricinfo)

Chris Gayle launches his innings with a volley of sixes.

FIFA bans CFU president Gordon Derrick for six years

Gordon Derrick had been president of the CFU since May 2012.

ZURICH, (Reuters) World soccer body FIFA said yesterday that the president of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU), Gordon Derrick, had been banned for six years from all soccer-related activities

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for violating several articles of FIFA’s ethical code.

The independent Ethics Committee found Derrick guilty of offering and accepting gifts or other benefits, FIFA said in a statement.

Derrick, who is also General Secretary of the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association (ABFA), was also ordered to pay a fine totalling 30 000 Swiss francs (£23 097), FIFA said.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2017