Guyana Chronicle E-paper 10-04-2018

THURSDAY

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 4, 2018

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4th October, 2018

No.105417

Embracing technology

…new crime chief to place heavy focus on technology to solve crimes …urges more cooperation from businesses 03 PAGE

APNU eyes Corriverton

…President tells residents declining population is a no-confidence vote in PPP PAGE

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A packed audience gathered at the Corriverton Primary School Wednesday evening for President David Granger’s community meeting (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

GTU

to call strike again

GRA seizes illegal fuel from fishing vessel

See page 08

See page 10

Prison officer arrested for ganja in N/A jail See page 10

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 4, 2018

APNU eyes Corriverton

…President tells residents declining population is a no-confidence vote in PPP

By Nafeeza Yahya PRESIDENT David Granger told residents of Corriverton on Wednesday that they should give the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) a chance to lead their municipality, highlighting that the township should have been further than it is and that its declining population is a vote of no-confidence in the PPP, which has control of the municipality.

Speaking to a packed audience at the Corriverton Primary School in one of his many community meetings countrywide, the President

stressed the role Local Government Elections (LGEs) play and the importance of putting the right persons to lead. “It’s a constitutional right, it’s an entitlement, it’s not a favour as the PPP would like you to feel, you are entitled to it…Local Government Elections are the pathway to democracy. ” Local Government Elections are slated for November 12. He told residents that the APNU is the only political party that is serious about LGEs and his government has made it possible a mere 10 months after ascending to power and wil Turn to page 3

President David Granger on arrival at the Corriverton Primary School greets representatives of the PNCR. Also in photo is Minister of Social Protection, Ms. Amna Ally (right).

President David Granger greets a recipient of the President’s Public Education Transport Service (PETS) at the Corriverton Primary School. Some 20 students received bicycles Wednesday evening through the service

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 4, 2018

Embracing technology …new crime chief to place sharp focus on technology to solve crimes …urges greater cooperation from businesses

By Leroy Smith NEW Crime Chief and Deputy Commissioner of Police Lyndon Alves, has said that for the Guyana Police Force to be successful in solving crimes, it must embrace technology as a key weapon in its armoury.

He also appealed to businesses to cooperate by making available their CCTV footage, which can aid in identifying suspects in criminal offences. “We are moving based on technology and that is one of the things I am strongly pushing: for us to now utilise technology to solve crimes, particularly murders dealing with DNA; and we are also looking at video interviews, which we have already started doing” Deputy Commissioner Alves told the Guyana Chronicle during an exclusive interview on Wednesday.

Alves was among four other assistant commissioners of police who were appointed

by Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President David Granger in August of this year. He said that one of the areas where the technology capacity of the force is already in train, has to do with the use of CCTV cameras. “What we have ob-

served is that there are a lot of businesses out there who have CCTV mounted on their premises and businesses, but they are very low-rated but we have been able from the Guyana Police Force perspective to now have the capacity to enhance those images to a point, so that we can be able to see what’s on it and who are involved.”

The crime chief indicated that there is a practice which is of concern to the Guyana Police Force and should be of concern to any law-abiding citizen and those who have a notch for security. “I would urge businessmen to seek out the professionals, acquire high-quality cameras so at the end of the day it is not just there as a deterrent, it is there to capture in the case that something goes down.

We have also found that persons have cameras mounted on their premises and when something happens, either in close proximity of that business place when you go to the places and attempt to get the images from the DVR, we are told that the cameras are not working, it is just there as a bluff.”

Deputy Commissioner Alves encouraged those who have CCTVs mounted on their buildings to have same checked regularly and also

encouraged them to ensure that when things take place on their premises or close by, that they are willing to share the images with the police and not to be afraid of their identity being revealed. He further added that it is for this reason that he is also pushing the issue of confidentiality among ranks and in dealing with investigations and members of the public.

LEADERSHIP As assistant commissioner and in his previous ranks, the now deputy commissioner was asked what special skills he thinks he has brought to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), he responded: “What is important to the success to the Criminal investigation Department is strong leadership, we must have a vision; we must know where we want to go and check and see where you are at and then you plan, based on your vision and mission how you intend to get there and what you will do to get there. So with an operational background coming out of the operations department that will do well in enhancing the capacity and capabilities of the Criminal Investigation Department to achieve its mandate to this nation,” Deputy Commis-

sioner Alves told the Guyana Chronicle.

Asked about his vision for the CID, he said among the issues of primary focus is to ensure that training, capacity-building, building on the strengths and improving on the areas of weakness, while also positioning the right persons in the right areas and filling gaps. Alves also spoke of the issue of a wide gap between the members of the public and the investigators and by extension, the force, which he as head of the Criminal Investigation Department, does not wish to continue working with such an existing gap. “Very important is to rebuild the trust we once enjoyed and we are also looking at honesty and integrity among the ranks who work within the department; and wherever it is found that there are corrupt elements in the CID, they will be immediately removed and necessary lawful action taken against them. I will not be the person in charge of addressing matters of criminal nature and have ranks working under me, who are part of any criminal network or operations,” The crime chief firmly stated.

So far, since taking over the department, Deputy Commissioner Alves said that he

has not had cause to reassign any of the officers, as he is still assessing the needs of the department, coupled with the capacity which currently exists. He stressed that he has been doing some needs assessments to see if the persons who are currently functioning are better suited where they currently serve, or if there may be need for them to be reassigned. “As it is now, there is no need to reassign anyone, but based on the dynamics of this organization, there are more than likely going to be some movements based on their skill setting and the vision of the Criminal Investigation Department to clear up at minimum 90% of the crimes perpetrated against members of the public,” Alves asserted.

As crime chief, Alves is responsible for the offices of the deputy crime chief; narcotics; the Major Crimes Unit; Cold Cases Unit; Fraud; and the Criminal Records Office. There are also the divisional detective officers, who have direct oversight of detectives who are working in the various divisions.

Those officers report to the crime chief also or to his deputy. The divisional detective officers also have a mandate to report to the respective divisional commanders, under

From page 2

APNU eyes ... l give residents the opportunity a second time come next month. His Excellency highlighted the potential of the town, given its location to Suriname, especially in the area of trading and the importance of putting the right political party to lead.

“Last month, Corriverton celebrated its 48th anniversary as a town on the 17th September, ask yourselves if you have made the progress in the 48 years that you and your children deserve and when you answer that question, if you want to get better in the next 48 years under an APNU municipal council.

That is what you are aiming at; you are aiming at a good life for all the residents of Corriverton. ”This is an important town, because in all of CARICOM, the only two states that touch each other are Suriname and Guyana; and in a way Corriverton is

a frontline town, because you have the face of Guyana to Suriname; you are the commercial capital where all the trading takes place. Tt shows the vibrancy and potential of this town and the power and implications of this region.”

He continued that under the PNC’s leadership in 1982, there were some 152,000 people in Region Six, but the population has been reduced to 104,000 and still continues to decline, as it is a vote of no- confidence of the PPP leading the administration of the region.

“This should be the town to lead other towns with business and commerce; you have all the opportunities to make this town a commercial powerhouse; you have all the resources to become a prosperous and successful town, but what is holding you back is a weak municipal administration and we have to

President David Granger poses with residents of Corriverton Wednesday evening after a community meeting held at the Corriverton Primary School

change that.”

The President implored the residents to spread the word that they have the power to change the township and not allow one person to decide what is good for them. He highlighted some of the developments his administration has made to the township, despite not being in charge and urged them to think for themselves how much more they can do if they are in control of the town.

Sugar Reform Meanwhile, the President while addressing the gathering, also touched on the sugar industry and explained that it is being reformed and not destroyed. He explained that the decision taken was a difficult one, but not one that he regrets. He continued that sugar is being produced at 67 cents per pound and sold at a price lower than that makes no sense and promised to fulfil the promise of paying the severance before the end

of the year. “We are not abandoning the sugar industry, we are not abandoning the sugar workers, we promised them severance pay in two parts the first part in the first half of the year and the second part in the second half of the year. I promised you that before the second half of the year you will receive the rest of your severance. We made promises and we will fulfil them, but the sugar industry is being reformed, it is not being destroyed. We realised

whom they directly serve.

There are sergeants within the sub-divisions who report to his or her officer, who then reports to the divisional detective.

The divisional detective in turn reports to the commander and subsequently the deputy commissioner, law enforcement. Shortly after his elevation to the current rank and responsibility as crime chief, Deputy Commissioner Alves met with his divisional detective officers, as well as investigating ranks from ‘A’, ‘C’ and ‘D’ Divisions, as well as those from headquarters where he spoke of his vision for the CID. “I spoke to them about giving the members of the public the value for their tax dollars; and that the department would rebuild the trust that we would have lost due to rogue cops, because back in the days we had persons having respect for the police, so we need to respect each other so that the members of the public can respect us,” stated Alves. The crime chief is also looking to engage members of the public through community meetings in keeping with the commissioner of police’s vision of meeting the masses. we could not continue to run seven inefficient estates, so we decided to run three efficient estates… this is possible, this is desirable; we want to save jobs, we want to save estates, but this is a difficult pill to swallow, rather than allowing the whole industry to go down, we decided to shut down four estates and leave three estates,” the Guyanese leader said.

He called on Corriverton to play a role by becoming an economic hub and urged residents to think outside of the box by putting the right people to lead -- irrespective of political affiliation-- to help make that possible. He wrapped up by pledging to ensure that LGEs are held whenever it is due, as along as he remains President. He also fielded questions from the residents regarding infrastructural developments, culture, agriculture and crime among others and addressed each to the satisfaction of all.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 4, 2018

United Airlines flight lands safely after mayday call (BBC) A United Airlines flight has landed safely at Sydney Airport after issuing a mayday call due to low fuel reserves, authorities have said.

Flight UA839, carrying 194 people, had been on a 15-hour flight to the city from Los Angeles.

Police said they activated a “full emergency response” shortly before the jet landed at 06:36 local time on Thursday (20:36 Wednesday GMT).

United Airlines called it a mechanical issue and said all on board were safe.

“The aircraft taxied to the

The United Airlines plane (not pictured) landed safely in Sydney

gate and all customers disembarked normally,” the airline said in a statement.

The pilot of the 787-900 Dreamliner had earlier issued a mayday call due to low fuel levels, said Airservices Australia, the nation’s aviation navigation authority.

New South Wales police

said the incident forced the brief closure of Australia’s busiest airport and surrounding roads.

According to Civil Aviation Safety Australia, “fuel mayday” calls are an automatic requirement when planes tap into reserve supplies of fuel.

Strong headwinds, weather conditions and changes in route and altitude are all factors that could eat into fuel levels, said spokesman Peter Gibson.

The plane would have had at least 45 minutes of flying time in its reserves, he said.

Republicans deplore Trump mocking Brett Kavanaugh accuser

Thursday, October 04, 2018

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(BBC) US President Donald Trump is facing criticism from fellow Republicans after he mocked a woman who says she was assaulted by his Supreme Court nominee.

Senators Jeff Flake and Susan Collins, both key votes to confirm Brett Kavanaugh, called Mr Trump’s remarks “appalling” and “just plain wrong”.

At a rally, Mr Trump poked fun at Christine Blasey Ford for not recalling key details of the alleged assault.

Last week the Republican president called her a “very credible witness”.

If approved, Judge Kavanaugh, 53, would be expected to tilt the ideological balance of the Supreme Court in favour of conservatives.

Its nine justices are appointed for life and have the final say on some of the most contentious issues in US public life, from abortion, to gun control, to voting laws.

Mr Flake - who helped spur the FBI investigation into Judge Kavanaugh - told NBC’s Today show: “There’s no time and no place for remarks like that.

“To discuss something this sensitive at a political rally is just not right. It’s just not right. I wish he hadn’t had done it.”

The Arizona senator is a closely watched swing vote as Republicans can potentially only afford one defection if they are to confirm their nominee.

Ms Collins, a moderate Republican from Maine, told reporters on Wednesday: “The president’s comments were just plain wrong.”

She has not yet said whether

13:30 hrs

she will vote for Judge Kavanaugh either.

Later on Wednesday, moderate Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski joined in the criticism, saying Mr Trump’s speech was “wholly inappropriate” and “unacceptable”.

“I am taking everything into account,” Senator Murkowski said when asked by reporters if it may affect her vote.

What is the other reaction?

Prof Ford’s lawyer, Michael Bromwich, described Mr Trump’s words as “a vicious, vile and soulless attack” on her.

“Is it any wonder that she was terrified to come forward, and that other sexual assault survivors are as well?” he added.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer on Wednesday denounced Mr Trump’s “outright mockery of a sexual assault survivor”.

At a briefing at the White House, Mr Trump’s press secretary, Sarah Sanders, said she did not think the president’s performance had made the approval more difficult.

What did Mr Trump say?

At Tuesday night’s rally in Mississippi, Mr Trump mocked gaps in Prof Ford’s memory about the alleged assault 36 years ago.

He said: “Where’s the house?

I don’t know! Upstairs, downstairs, where was it? I don’t know! But I had one beer. That’s the only thing I remember. And a man’s life is in tatters.”

Shortly after Prof Ford’s testimony to the Senate last week, Mr Trump said she was a “very fine woman”.

ber?

What does Prof Ford remem-

When she spoke before the Senate committee last Thursday, Prof Ford recalled that the house where the alleged assault took place was in the Chevy Chase-Bethesda area in the Washington DC suburbs.

The president seemed to suggest she did not know on what floor of the property the alleged attack had occurred, but Prof Ford told senators she remembered being pushed into a bedroom on the upstairs level.

She testified that Judge Kavanaugh held his hand over her mouth to prevent her shouts from being heard, and attempted to rape her at the party in the summer of 1982.

Prof Ford did acknowledge in her testimony that she could not provide all the details asked of her - including how she arrived at the party or how she left it and where exactly it took place.

Experts have said it is not unusual for victims of trauma to remember certain details vividly but have little recollection of other things.

‘Ex-boyfriends’ attack accusers Prof Ford’s legal team has released a statement to rebut claims by a purported ex-boyfriend of hers.

Fox News has obtained a letter from the unnamed man contradicting her testimony that she had never given anyone advice on taking lie-detector tests.

The unidentified man says he witnessed the California psychology professor coach a friend on how to take a polygraph while applying

for a government job.

Prof Ford’s legal team released a statement from Prof Ford’s friend, Monica McLean, the woman named in the purported ex-boyfriend’s letter.

Ms McLean denied that Prof Ford had ever had any “type of assistance whatsoever in connection with any polygraph exam I have taken at anytime”.

Senate Judiciary Committee Republicans on Tuesday took the extraordinary step of releasing another letter attacking another Kavanaugh accuser, Julie Swetnick.

The correspondence was sent by a man identifying himself as a former boyfriend of Ms Swetnick.

Her lawyer, Michael Avenatti, told the Washington Post the letter was “bogus and outrageous”.

Ms Swetnick accuses Judge Kavanaugh of involvement in alleged drugging and sexual assault of girls at house parties in the 1980s.

Is the FBI inquiry about to end?

The FBI’s confidential investigation is due to be completed

by Friday, but some reports have suggested it could be completed as early as Wednesday.

According to US media reports, at least five people have been questioned so far. Four of those interviewed attended a 1 July 1982 event which was listed on a calendar that Mr Kavanaugh has produced to show what he did at the time.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has said the Senate must vote on confirming Mr Kavanaugh this week.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 4, 2018

Local oil service company receives ISO Certification

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ITH an investment of approximately $10M, Guysons Oil and Gas Services, and Guysons Engineering have received ISO certification-- Guysons Oil and Gas Services being the first Guyanese oilfield service provider to receive such accreditation.

The ISO 9001:2015 certification requirements established by the International Organisation for Standardization (ISO) were acquired by the two companies with the support of ExxonMobil Guyana’s Centre for Local Business Development (CLBD).

In making the announcement on Wednesday at the Centre for Local Business Development by Guysons Oil and Gas, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Faizal Khan said the acquisition of ISO 9001:2015 certification is a major achievement for the two companies. He said the globally recognized certification has enabled the Guyanese-owned companies to better position themselves.

“What does ISO certification means to Guysons? Well, for the first time, Guysons, because of our quality management systems, are tendering for international-based tenders. So we are currently going through tenders for companies in Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago; that wouldn’t be

possible if it wasn’t for the ISO certification,” Khan told those present.

He noted that Guysons Oil and Gas Services, and Guysons Engineering, are also in communication with internationally-based investors and partners, who had earlier required that quality

ExxonMobil’s CLBD Project Director, Patrick Henry; Guysons CEO Faizal Khan and ExxonMobil Guyana Operations Manager, Mike Ryan, holding a replica of the ISO 9001:2015 certificate. (Samuel Maughn’ photo)

management systems be put in place.

The Guysons Group CEO and advisers would be travelling to Houston, Texas, later this month to finalise a joint venture with a major International Oilfield Company to support Tier 1 Operators.

Guysons is also in partnership discussions to support Sub Sea Operators.

With design and machining capabilities and a wide customer base in Guyana’s manufacturing and mineral extraction industries, Guysons has been serving a number of companies, especially those requiring heavy-duty machinery, such as gold and bauxite mining.

ExxonMobil’s CLBD Project Director, Patrick Henry, said while the local business development centre paid for ISO 9001 compliance, Guysons invested heavily to bring it to fruition. “Guysons had to make investments in their stock, in their facilities, in their procedures, in their training to get better to meet the requirements,” he explained.

ExxonMobil Guyana Operations Manager, Mike Ryan, said the ISO certification is a strong indication of the high standards companies’ exhibit.

“ExxonMobil and others in the oil and gas industry recognise this standard as somebody that we can work with, that can deliver on commitments. That’s important to us.

It is a demonstration of how they can work and how they collaborate with industry. It provides better internal management, increases efficiency and effectiveness of the processes, it improves customer retention and acquisition and it provides consistent outcomes that are measured and monitored,” Ryan explained.

He said the achievement

by Guysons Oil and Gas Services, and Guysons Engineering, reinforces the position that Guyanese suppliers are up to the challenge.

In a statement issued during the simple ceremony, Guysons said its oil and gas company is more focussed on oilfield services, provided by a team of professionals with vast expertise in engineering,

client relations management, customs and immigration management, freight and logistics management—and most importantly, oil and gas operations and supply-chain management.

“Moreover, Guysons is ideally located to serve the oil and gas sector. The company’s 35,000 sq. ft. head office facility is just a three-minute drive away from the ExxonMobil Guyana Shore-base in Houston, Georgetown.

In addition, Guysons has a bonded warehousing and open storage facility at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport,” it said.

The companies took approximately six months to achieve the ISO 9001:2015 certification. The umbrella company believes that achieving the ISO 9001:2015 requirements has opened unlimited opportunities for growth. It is now putting the necessary systems in place to attain American Petroleum Institute (API) certification as well as other ISO certifications.

City Hall accused of hindering Camex Restaurants Inc

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HE Georgetown Mayor and City Council (MCC) City Engineer’s Department has not approved any building applications by Camex Restaurant Inc., the franchise holder of Church’s Chicken, Mario’s Pizza and Dairy Queen, and Pollo Tropical, in the past four years, leaving the business to incur millions in losses, in some cases.

Managing-Director Terrence Campbell is questioning if it is a case of targeted victimisation and questions whether it has anything to do with his refusal to go the route of paying bribes to get his work done.

Managing-Director of Camex Restaurants, Terrence Campbell (Adrian Narine photo)

Testifying before the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into City Hall being held at the Critchlow Labour College, Campbell informed the inquiry of the difficulty his business has been getting in having building plans approved for numerous locations for some four years now.

“I think it’s incompetence,

dereliction of duty and designed in such a way to force businessmen into corrupt activities with City Hall. The system is set up in such a way as to force you to pay a bribe, otherwise you would suffer major losses as I have. I have been told by other businessmen that the matter could easily be resolved and they could take me to functionaries, who I would not name. But I rather lose the $30 million that I did, than pay a cent in bribe,” Campbell established.

According to Campbell, he is clueless as to what could have prompted the sudden difficulty to process his documents, as he has never had any altercations with anyone at City Hall.

According to Campbell, the problem first started in 2014 when in January of that year, he submitted plan #161 of 2014 for the construction of a restaurant in South Ruimveldt Gardens; and to this date, has never heard received a single word from the City Engineer’s Department.

“There would be an immediate response from City Hall if I start construction though,” Campbell charged.

Subsequent to that application, another application was made in 2015 for an extension at the Camp Street location of the business, where Campbell has plans of putting in a gym and day care facilities for his staff. In 2016, another plan was submitted for works on a residential property in Crown Street; after an application for general repairs was never answered, Campbell took the decision to tear down the building.

In August 2016, he applied again for works pertaining to a property in Lamaha Gardens.

The most worrying of cases

and most expensive, Campbell shared, was when he leased a building on Croal Street, previously leased by SINO Foods, which had operated a fast food restaurant at the location for two years.

However, within of days of taking over the property from SINO Foods and beginning renovation, Camex was informed that no permission had been given for a restaurant to operate at the location.

Campbell is questioning how City Hall never knew this in the two years SINO Foods was there, but realised it the instant Camex Restaurant Inc sought to open a business there.

“We entered into an arrangement with SINO to take over the business and one with the owner to take over the lease. Immediately as we took over the property, the mayor, the town clerk and the city engineer turned up to say the building had no permission to operate as a restaurant. This is despite the fact that for two

years, SINO Foods operated as a restaurant within the line of sight of City Hall. They stopped us from doing any renovation on the building. In 2016, we applied to City Hall for permission to renovate and permission to operate as a restaurant,” Campbell explained.

This all played out in September 2016. Camex subsequently received approval from the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) to build, and got permission from the GWI to install fixtures. However, City Hall’s approval has still not materialised.

According to Campbell, the business eventually wrote, in 2017, to the then Deputy Mayor Lionel Jaikarran, who sent a memo to the City Engineer Colvern Venture, enquiring about the state of Campbell’s various building applications.

Still no response was ever given. Reports were made to

the Private Sector Commission (PSC); the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI); the Ministry of Communities and the Ministry of Business, but, according to Campbell, the City Engineer’s Department has not budged.

“It’s either that there is a decision by the City Engineer’s Department that no application for me will be processed, or it is probably gross negligence or a combination of both. There’s no response on any of those matters. Chamber of Commerce has tried, the deputy mayor has tried, I have tried; nothing could move the City Engineer’s Department,” Campbell suggested.

After suffering millions in

losses paying rent on a property that was not being used, Camex Restaurants had to buy out of the lease.

“We didn’t operate it for a day. We never sold a piece of chicken and lost $30 million. Roughly the rent was $1.2 million per month, and we paid the rent for well over a year. We had to close the lease in December, 2017, because we could not continue rent a place that we were getting no revenue from.

On terminating the lease, we also had to repair the building and the operators of SINO Foods have sued us for $4.5 million. It could even be more than 30 million by the time the dust settles,” Campbell explained.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 4, 2018

Elderly Care

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ROWING old for many is inevitable and with it comes concomitant concern and attention treating with the elderly.

The cliché that the greatest measure of a society is how it treats its elderly is not without merit. This demographic has rights, which include privacy; protection from abuse; access to quality social services; and to live in a safe, clean and healthy environment. Where societies today see greater movement of people, such impacts the elderly and by extension the environment in which they live and the services at their disposal. The family structure continues to be impacted -- creating new ones -- even as it brings new meaning and importance to the nuclear and extended units.

The extended family, a featured characteristic of our society, is taking on new forms. Where parents have migrated -- leaving their children in the care of grandparents, aunts and uncles to follow later-- their parents are often left behind.

Where parents do not want to follow their adult children, preferring to stay in their original homes, such pose challenges to their offspring meeting their pyscho-social needs.

Where parents, having either migrated with their children or have their children follow and want to re-migrate, very often this results in having to leave their children and grandchildren behind.

There exist other challenges, such as children being unable to provide the needed care for their elderly parents, are left with the option of having them re-migrate or move into nursing homes or retirement communities. In Guyana, where

the elderly resides alone or are sent to either of the named facilities, there exist the options of the state-owned Palms, or non-government institutions.

Elderly care has become a lucrative business. This market (product and services) is projected to reach US $ 512.7 billion in 2020. Gone are the days when to leave an elderly loved one in the care of ‘strangers’ was considered abandonment. This demographic has unique needs; and where it is recognised that trained professionals (nurses, doctors, social workers, etc.) are better able to satisfy these -- invariably at a cost -- persons are favourably rethinking placing loved ones in the care of others.

The elderly care business is growing in Guyana. Where factors such as safety, cost and climate are dictating the elderly returning, it creates the need to provide a service.

Recently, a facility was opened at Le Ressouvenir, East Coast of Demerara, providing at competitive rates, similar services and environment to what obtains in developed societies. Then there is the young female re-migrant entrepreneur, recognised by the Barack Obama administration, for the home care services she provides for the elderly.

Where competition and choice exist, such brings with it not only comparative analyses, but also expectations that service will meet an acceptable baseline. One such is that the elderly’s semblance of dignity would be maintained, irrespective of financial wherewithal. This includes respecting them as human beings who deserve to be treated with respect.

Non-state competition or presence will also impact on and put pressure on state services to operate at comparative levels in

Nigel Hinds needs to re-examine his accounting text books Dear Editor,

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N most cases, active public and political debate over the management of our growing oil and gas industry is healthy for Guyana. But we must also be mindful of individuals who seek to raise their own profile by introducing inflammatory and erroneous concepts into the public debate.

Nigel Hinds’ recent letter in the Kaieteur News is the perfect example. In it, he put forward the claim that ExxonMobil is not entitled to recover any pre-discovery costs for exploration and identification of our now known resources offshore. Mr. Hinds knows full well that the audit of the pre-discovery costs is in the public eye right now. He knows that he stands to raise his personal profile by commenting on that audit and those costs.

And he knows that the idea that Guyana would simply pocket all the pre-discovery costs, basically billions of dollars for free, would be extremely appealing to people. However, what he clearly doesn’t seem to know is how basic business expenses work – which is surprising for a chartered accountant.

Mr. Hinds’ claim itself, that cost recovery is a “farce,” is just that – a farce. He is knowingly misleading Guyanese with inflammatory statements, and we must not fall prey to his demagoguery.

Cost recovery is an integral and normal part of Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs) for oil and gas players across the globe. Cost recovery allows companies that risked their own capital in the uncertain exploration phase to recoup those expenditures once, or if, the resource begins producing revenues.

Anyone can see how that assurance is crucial for exploration. If companies weren’t going to be compensated for their efforts, they wouldn’t front the cost of exploration. In that case, countries themselves would have to pay for exploration – a high-risk undertaking that could sink entire economies if they don’t pay off. Many nations, like our own, would be unable to pay for these activities and may never gain access or even knowledge of the resources below the sea.

Also important to note is that in the absence of a discovery, the oil companies would practically forfeit the money they put in up front. Nigel Hinds should know that not allowing cost recovery would cause irreversible damage to Guyana’s reputation with ExxonMobil and with the international investment community at large. It’s fair to say that no international energy company would invest here again – the risks would be far too great.

The whole point of the ongoing audit is to make sure that every dollar of those costs that are being recovered are legitimate; we must trust in that process and live up to our end of the standard oil exploration and production contract. By claiming otherwise, Mr. Hinds is simply looking to improve his own reputation and stir up anger for his own gain. Recovery of costs is one of the most basic concepts of accounting. Mr. Hinds is apparently in need of a refresher on the subject, he should re-examine his accounting text books.

Regards Clement Smith

the provision of basic services, treatment and environment.

For instance, engaging in activities that would keep the cognitive skills of the elderly active, such as through games, outings and other social activities. The concept of shut-in, leaving the elderly alone or un-involved has been found to be undermining their quality of life and longevity.

Advocates for the elderly have argued -- not without merit -- of the need for strong laws; this would including oversight agencies and services that would ensure that this population continues to enjoy the highest quality of life possible. This, in an environment where dignity and respect are considered important factors. It needs to be said that to the extent where their appearance--physical and environmental--and treatment are healthy, such add living to their lives.

Dignity requires the elderly not being made to feel that having given of their best years that at this vulnerable phase of life’s journey, they do deserve to be treated as discards. To be fair, sometimes such treatment is not the result of absence of love, but the absence of knowledge of caring for this demographic and in the presence of limited financial resources. Shifting thinking and corresponding action is a process that requires nurturing, which would come through lobbying to shape positive rethinking, realise the establishment of policies, programmes and laws.

The advantage to the society where private services are increasing, is that seeking to establish these consistent with international standards and expectations, it would gently be nudging the society in the right direction.

Witnesses at City Hall CoI need protection Dear Editor,

T

HE recent exposé by a vendor of being victimised after giving testimony before the Com-mission of Inquiry (CoI) into the administration and operations of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC), shows the length that some persons who have been placed in positions of influence would go, which is way beyond the pale, to protect themselves, their cohorts and their enterprises.

These actions, though not totally shocking coming from where it did, were nonetheless abominable and just plain reprehensible. Anyone familiar with the Law of Omerta, would realise that there are elements within the Council, like Kingpins, Crime Lords and Mob Bosses, who expect the Code of Silence

to be practised by their subjects, whether staff, contractors, vendors, suppliers and soldiers under their control, remaining studiously silent irrespective of the punishment meted out to them. This code of honour places importance on silence, non-cooperation with authorities, and non-interference in the illegal actions of others. They expect to have absolute or nearly absolute control over their subordinates; they expect to be greatly feared for their ruthlessness and willingness to do whatever is necessary to maintain their influence, and benefits from the endeavours they undertake.

It may have been surprising to some that the ‘Queen’ herself descended to get personally involved in teaching the vendor a lesson by removing her from her spot; but one must understand the Turn to page 7

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 4, 2018

GRA debunks Nigel All three cabinet members are performing their constitutional functions Hinds claims Dear Editor

Dear Editor

T

HE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) wishes to respond to the inaccuracies contained in a letter appearing in the September 30, 2018 edition of the Kaieteur News titled, ‘Guyanese rel-

Vehicles less than 4 years old

cc

Up to 1500

>1500 cc up to 2000 cc

egated to drive old vehicles’ from the writer, Nigel Hinds, and finds it necessary to provide some clarifications.

It is clear that the writer is not au fait with the changes in legislation. In the 2016 Budget, excise taxes on vehicles less than four years old not exceeding 1500 cc was zero

Duty

ExExcise cise Reduced in 2016 Budget 45% 10% 0% 45%

30%

rated, while those in the 1500 to 2000 cc category were reduced from 30% to 10%. This saw a reduction of total taxes by 33.06% and 16.53% for the 1500 cc and 2000 cc categories respectively (see below). This category accounts for approximately 90% of vehicles imported into Guyana.

CumulatRevised ed total Cumulative Total

10%

Difference

81.83%

65.30%

-16.53%

114.89%

81.83%

-33.06%

Motor vehicles similar to Allion, Honda Accord, Camry, etc referenced in the letter usually fall in these two (2) categories, paying taxes as follows.

Categories

Year

Premio or Allion 1500

2014

Mazda Skyactive 2000cc

2014

cc

C I F Actual ToTaxes stated Taxes OverUS$ tal Taxes (G$) in Letter stated by % $7,500 $1,021,128 $3,078,000 201% $7,500

$1,279,616

$3,385,800

165%

From the above tables, it can be seen that the writer has not kept up to date with current reform, thereby utilising incorrect values and rates resulting in overstating taxes by 201% and 165% for these two categories.

Mr. Hinds’ reference to a buyer importing a 3000 cc as an “economy class vehicle” is flawed, as this category is considered “high-end” vehicles. In fact, manufacturers now use the latest advances in technology to produce vehicles with lower cylinder capacities to consume less power, while increasing torque; and leading vehicle manufacturers now promote the use of eco-friendly vehicles such as electric, hybrid, and LPG vehicles.

Recognising this, and from the perspective of creating a ‘Green Economy,” the government has exempted these categories from the payment of excise taxes, notwithstanding the negative revenue impact.

Mr. Hinds opined that many illegal schemes are used to evade the tariffs. Even registration of ‘written off’ vehicles are being recycled with smuggled vehicles from Suriname. The GRA agrees that such schemes are not only used to avoid vehicle tariffs, but are utilised in every facet of tax evasion by unscrupu-

lous taxpayers, who are many times aided and abetted by tax professionals and customs brokers. GRA with its limited capacity is sometimes overwhelmed by such evasion and whenever caught, confidentiality rules do not permit the publication of “shame on you” lists of the evader and their abettors. It is clear however that the writer may be in receipt of information that will help to minimise this activity and the GRA will be grateful for him to so supply same under its current whistleblower policy.

Lastly, the writer states, the “Guyana vehicle tariff regime is antiquated, archaic, and visionless that has resulted in restrictive and oppressive and irrational vehicle import tax rates.” This is far from the truth, as Guyana is poised to take the lead in the Region and will soon implement the most modern version of the Harmonised System 2017 version of the Common External Tariff (CET). This legislation is in keeping with obligations to the

Witnesses at City ...

message that was being sent to other vendors, should they consider appearing before the Commission to report the poor administration of and unsatisfactory conditions in the markets.

I am sure that the Local Government Commission realises that their best source of information about mismanagement, fraud, and abuse in the Council shall come from existing municipal employees who are committed to public integrity and who are

willing to speak out. Such acts of courage and patriotism, which can improve the delivery of citizens’ services and often save millions upon millions of taxpayers’ dollars, should be encouraged rather than stifled. We need to empower municipal employees as watchdogs of wrongdoing and to become partners in performance.

If the Commission is to receive more current employees of the Council, contractors and business-

World Customs Organization, and seeks to include provisions for new commodities, technological progress, changes in trade patterns, clarification of texts, environmental issues and simplification and consistency.

The GRA remains firm in its commitment to achieve its objectives. It is willing to advise concerned parties not only on the correct interpretation and application of the laws as it relates to imports, but for every tax that the Authority administers. The Authority therefore calls on every citizen to do their part and join the whistleblowing scheme being administered by the Authority. This will allow for the payment of the rightful tax by persons with the ability and the earned taxable income to pay, thereby allowing for an expansion of the tax base, which will result in a reduction in rates and in the incidence of tax for all taxpayers.

Regards Guyana Revenue Authority From page 6

persons at the hearing, then they will have to expand and improve the witness protection guarantees being offered, as persons are aware of how swift and ruthless the retaliation to whistleblowers at City Hall can be. One just has to be reminded of what was done to the witness of the sexual assault of a juvenile by a colleague a few months ago.

Regards Aanu Bihari

R

EFERENCE is made to Anil Nandlall’s Facebook post of September 23, “A coalition with no power”, in which he determined Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, and Ministers Raphael Trotman and Khemraj Ramjattan as not having any ministerial power as members of the current administration, since their roles and functions have been absorbed by the People’s National Congress (PNC) segment of the coalition government.

Editor, Anil Nandlall’s view is a carefully, continuing trend of People’s Progressive Party/ Civic narrative on the Alliance For Change(AFC), a member of the current President David Granger-led coalition government. It is further a strategy designed to sow the seeds of uncertainty, and confusion, about Guyana’s future as a country governed by a coalition government.

Such a line is not unexpected, either, since it is designed to conjure a perception in the minds of PPP/C constituents that attempts at coalition politics in Guyana have failed, and cannot suffice as a vehicle for national unity, as part of the government’s efforts towards

social cohesion. Such a message is subtle; masking the real intention to paint AFC’s cabinet members as ineffective, and with no influence.

One has only to refer to PPP/C party leaders, Bharrat Jagdeo’s and Clement Rohee’s intermittent attempts at targeting Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, with the party leader refusing to accept the prime minister as leading a government delegation to engage the opposition on matters of national importance.

Simply stated, it is petty politics to the max, which continues to reflect a mindset of political grudge, immaturity, and being out of sync with a changing global landscape in which coalition governments are becoming the new political order of forming governments. It is now recognised as a mechanism, not only for unseating an incumbent government, but also for alignment of groups that although of disparate political-socio-economic backgrounds, are prepared and willing to place consensual areas of national concerns, above common interests.

It must be reminded that what the PPP/C had masqueraded as the civic component of its former government was a national hoax designed to hoodwink a nation into believing that its political support base was broad-based, and

that it had embraced inclusivity.

It never was, and will never do, since it is a party that embraces the conflictive and dangerous political ideology of ethnic domination.

But back to Nandlal’s contention of spite and grudge, which is also dishonest and deceptive.

All three cabinet officers mentioned, have their allotted constitutional functions, clearly demarcated as dictated by the individual constitutional functions.

And they are also carrying out those functions as mandated in consonance with cabinet approval, for that is what any cabinet officer has to follow in accordance with the rule of collective responsibility.

I will not waste further time in seeking to debunk statements from Nandlall, lest I am construed as dignifying a presidential wannabe. All three of these officers are performing their functions in three very challenging portfolios that have to do with very critical aspects of this country’s future political-social-economic growth and development – but they are not corrupt, living fat off of the nation’s toil, like many in the PPP did.

Regards Dillon Goring

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 4, 2018

GTU to call strike again …umbrella trade unions offer support

By Lisa Hamilton THE Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) has decided to embark on yet another country-wide strike and is prepared to head to court should the government take legal action as it believes its decision is within the law.

During a previous press engagement, the GTU had given Minister with Responsibility for Labour, Keith Scott, a seven-day ultimatum to rescind his appointment of University of Guyana (UG) Professor, Dr. Leyland Lucas, as Chairman of the arbitration panel. Receiving no word that this was done, the GTU organised another press conference on Wednesday in collaboration with the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) and the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG).

“Today, being the seventh day, we indicated that thereafter the union will be proceeding on industrial action. In fact, we will be calling our members out for the second time to be engaged in strike action,” the GTU President Mark Lyte announced.

The date on which this will commence is yet to be announced by the GTU. In his opening remarks, Lyte reaffirmed the GTU’s position for rejecting Lucas, stating that Minister Scott had “appointed” the professor rather than “nominating” him, as the existing agree-

Seated from left at the press conference hosted by the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) on Wednesday, are: General-Secretary of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), Dawchan Nagasar; General-Secretary, Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), Lincoln Lewis; GTU President Mark Lyte; and GTU Field-Secretary Lancelot Baptiste (Adrian Narine photo)

ments outline.

He clarified that the issue at hand is the formation of the arbitration tribunal panel by the GTU and Education Ministry, according to the Memorandum of Agreement signed by both parties on April 10, 1990.

Lyte said that the challenges being encountered by the GTU have been in the public spotlight since 2015, when the union first submitted its multi-year proposal, 2016-2020. Now, the GTU president said that the struggle continues as deliberations with the government are still at a standstill, due to government’s misinterpretation of the binding agreements between the involved parties.

Lyte stated: “We are here this morning to let you know

that we have rejected the individual who was appointed and we believe that a neutral person should be nominated for both sides to agree on the panel.”

PREPARED FOR COURT When it comes to the resumption of strike action, the Education Ministry last Wednesday had issued a release in reference to the 1983 Memorandum of Agreement –‘The Avoidance and Settlement of Disputes’ signed by the two parties. “During the consideration of the matter in dispute, under the grievance procedure, there shall be no strike, stoppage of work — whether of a partial or general nature — go slow, boycott, picketing, retardation of production or

any other interference with the ministry’s operations by the union; nor shall there be any lockout or any other form of interference by the ministry. Both parties shall endeavour to maintain a state of normal industrial relations,” the release highlighted.

It went on to affirm: “Teachers are therefore kindly advised to have due regard to the above legal stipulation and should note that any action which violates or is adverse to the above shall be illegal, for which the ministry will ensure that the appropriate consequences ensue.”

However, the GTU does not believe that it is in breach of the said agreement, stating that arbitration has not yet begun. “We do not see any breach as being committed…

as far as we’re concerned, [the] arbitration panel and the terms of reference are the first steps to setting arbitration in train. But arbitration hasn't been started as yet. “If that [legal action] is to happen, the GTU will have no other course but to walk the steps of the court, because we are preparing to ensure that our members do not suffer in any way,” Lyte said.

SUPPORT Taking note of the fact that strike action is always the last resort, Lyte said that its members in Regions One, Two, Five, Six, Seven and 10, are all “up and ready” for the resumption of industrial action.

In addition, he said that trade unions have been brought on board to lend

“physical support” to execute the strike action. “We’ve asked our members and members of the other trade union bodies to help us as we mobilise our members again.

Whatever form and shape the course of action will take going forward, we will do so as we continue the struggle for better wages and salaries for our workers,” Lyte said.

FITUG General-Secretary Dawchan Nagasar, added: “The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana is fully in support of the GTU and the teachers in their quest. We will be giving support and anything that is requested in support of the GTU.” Meanwhile, GTUC General-Secretary Lincoln Lewis, said: “We will have to consider physical support in whatever form the GTU requests. [Some people] when talking about physical support, all they see is strike, but as a trade unionist I see industrial action as a number of measures.”

As with the previous occasion, Lyte said that the strike will be conducted regionally and will see strike relief being offered teachers. When contacted about the unfolding situation on Wednesday, Minister Scott said that he could not make a comment on the issue at this time as “the matter is in the hand of the tribunal.”

Presidency condemns fake article, Facebook page DESCRIBING the move as malicious and wicked, the Ministry of the Presidency (MoTP) has rejected the publishing of false articles pertaining to President David Granger aimed at besmirching the character and reputation of the head of state and the government and its representatives. The articles have appeared on various social media platforms.

In a missive on Wednesday, the MoTP said it has taken note of a Facebook Page established under the name, ‘Brigadier David Granger’, which is reporting that the President has intervened in a recent

matter involving the Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall and a young woman of the same community. The site also purports to quote the President from a recent interview conducted.

“The Ministry of the Presidency would like to categorically state that no such interview was conducted with or any such remarks made by the President. The ministry, in the strongest possible terms therefore, condemns and rejects these articles as a wicked falsification,” the MoTP stated.

It is now calling on all Guyanese,

particularly the media corps, to be aware of the campaign being executed. Citizens are being advised not to be taken in by the “daily inundation of untruths, mischief and falsehoods,” which are being published on the various social media platforms.

“While the Government of Guyana respects the fundamental right of its citizens to freedom of speech, as well as press freedom, it condemns, in the strongest possible way, any impeachments. The publishing of untruths, propaganda and misleading information should not be considered a joke or a prank. It is a serious

act designed to mislead, create panic and division among the citizens,” the ministry stated.

It said the spreading of fake news appears to be an ongoing global problem as social media giant, Facebook, in 2016, moved to initiate systems to ensure that fake news pages are carefully monitored on its platform. “The Ministry of the Presidency, once again, calls on the members of the public not to be duped by the misinformation, falsehoods and distortions consistently published by these sites,” it reiterated.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 4, 2018

Exxon preps businesses for the oil and gas sector

EXXONMOBIL Guyana’s Centre for Local Business Development (CLBD) is in the process of assisting four companies in acquiring International Organisation for Standardization (ISO), the CLBD Project Director Patrick Henry disclosed on Wednesday.

Already, the centre has secured ISO9001:2015 Certification for Guysons Oil and Gas Services and Guysons Engineering – two Guyanese-owned companies that fall under the umbrella company Guysons.

Henry said that some of those companies will be going forward to their audit stage. “So that’s started and then we have a list of other companies that are interested

so we are just working with the industry to figure out how to sequence those in a sense of trying to get the companies that are necessarily needed quickly into the process to try to get them in as quickly as possible,” Henry explained.

He added that the Centre will not only be focusing on companies in the oil and gas sector, but they are also welcoming the interest from other companies as well, to come on board and learn about the process and procedures for obtaining their ISO certificate.

They are also focused on businesses of any type, which are not prepared to go into the oil and gas sectors, to provide them with the knowledge on same, through the classes

Centre for Local Business Development, Project Director, Patrick Henry

they provide.

Henry said that they have already 1,200 businesses from across the country in their supply registration

board, including machine shops, restaurants, hotels and a variety of other businesses.

“Over the past 18 months the centre helped thousands

of Guyanese businesses get registered, they come through our classes, they learn about the oil and gas sector, and they leave, better equipped to manage successful businesses,” he said.

The Centre for Local Business Development provides a space for local firms to learn about opportunities in the oil and gas sector, strengthen their competitiveness, and prepare them to supply the oil and gas sector with various services.

The intention is to register local businesses, to provide them with the opportunity to bid on contracts linked directly to the country’s budding oil industry, so as to not only boost themselves, but Guyana as a whole.

Dexter Todd appointed special prosecutor for hotelier murder case

ONE week after the chambers of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) instituted a murder charge against Subryanville Hotel Owner, Erwin Bacchus for the murder of his neighbour, Jason De Florimonte the DPP on Wednesday again moved to assign a special prosecutor to deal with the matter.

Attorney Dexter Todd will be prosecuting the matter

since the relatives of deceased have been dissatisfied with the Police Force’s pace of investigation and criminal proceedings and had complained to the Police Complaints Authority and Crime Chief.

On Wednesday when the matter was called before Magistrate Judy Latchman for the commencement of the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) Todd told the Magistrate

that he needed more time to review the files and get a clearer understanding on the statements.

As such magistrate Latchman set October 10, 2018 for commencement of the Preliminary Inquiry (PI). Bacchus, 45, was initially charged with manslaughter, but on the advice of the DPP he is now charged with murder. Bacchus was arraigned before Magis-

trate Latchman and was not required to plea to the capital offence, which alleges that on August 4, 2018 at Subryanville, he murdered De Florimonte, 30. He was represented by attorneys-at-law Nigel Hughes and Glenn Hanoman and remanded to prison. According to reports, on the day in question at about 01:30 hrs, De Florimonte had a misunderstanding with his girlfriend

in front of the hotel when Bacchus’s handyman, who was standing at the hotel’s gate, intervened.

In the ensuing exchange between the two men, the handyman reportedly ran into the hotel with De Florimonte in hot pursuit, whereupon Bacchus, a licensed firearm holder who was on the premises at the time, shot him dead.

9

Miner in court for alleged fraud A MINER was on Wednesday charged with alleged fraud when he appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore in the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court.

The charge alleged that on September 17, 2018 at Central Immigration Office, Cliff Ryan Jacob made a false statement and signed saying he is Joseph Troy Gomes knowing same to be false.

The 27-year-old man who is a father of one, and resides at 264 Loo Creek Linden Highway denied the charge that was read out to him in court by the magistrate. He was represented by Aattorney Paul Fung –A Fat who made a bail application.

The police prosecutor had no objection to bail.

According to the police facts, on the day in question about 09:20hrs the defendant went to the passport office with a complete passport form and with a birth certificate but upon looking through the document the immigration officer saw that the information was not legible.

Bail was granted in sum of $25,000 by Magistrate Azore and the matter was adjourned to October 27, 2018.

Giftland Mall management complains of City Hall frustrations AS the Commission of Inquiry into the operations of City Hall continued on Wednesday, it was heard that MCG Investments Inc., the company that owns Giftland Mall, contended that their rates and taxes were unfairly increased despite an agreement they had with the Town Clerk, Royston King.

According to a representative of the company, Paul Hugh, at a meeting in November 2017, King met with MCG Chairman, Roy Beepat, and it was verbally agreed that certain taxes and penalties would be waived and an amount to be paid was agreed upon.

“It was in 2017, a demand notice was sent to MCG Investments Inc. which is the holding company for Giftland Mall, for a total of $44,255,183. Now on the 2nd November, 2017, at a meeting

at the Giftland Mall between Mr Beepat and Mr. King, it was agreed at that meeting that the rates and taxes for the years 2015 and 2016, including interest and penalties, will be waived and interest and penalties for 2017 would also be waived. The rates and taxes for 2017, with the interest and penalties being waived, was $11,467,500 and they would have agreed and the MCG Investments would have provided a payment schedule to the M&CC,” Hugh explained.

Beepat sought to have the amount confirmed in writing before commencing payment, but despite multiple correspondence, this was not done, and a subsequent increased amount was imposed.

“No reply was received.

A [payment] schedule was to be given by Mr. Beepat to the Town Clerk on how they would’ve paid it, but Mr. King was supposed to reply

to him stating that this was the agreement and it wasn’t sent. Mr. King was to reply first to say this is the agreement, and Mr. Beepat would have sent the schedule to Mr. King and we would’ve made payments. The Town Clerk should have put it in writing. A letter was expected from him at least to confirm this is what we spoke about,” Hugh related. He further relayed that “Then on the 3rd of April, 2018, Mr. King wrote back that the agreement no longer stood.”

According to that letter, this was due to the time that had elapsed since the agreement between King and Beepat.

“I must acknowledge receipt of your letter dated march 9, 2018. I must inform you that due to certain circumstances including the lapse of time, from the

time of our conversation in 2018 and no follow up actions by MCG Investment Inc. on payments of rates and taxes to City Council, our discussion is no longer relevant to your account at City Hall. However, the chairman of the council’s finance committee has agreed to meet and discuss with you a way forward to settle your accounts with the Georgetown municipality. If you agree, then I can fix a date and time and place for this meeting,” that letter read.

Another correspondence from King informed that the taxes for 2017 had then been increased from the agreed $11 million to $25 million.

However, Hugh argued, the lapse in time was due to the lack of correspondence from City Hall.

“The Chairman [Beepat] responded to Mr. King, reminding him of the meeting

on November 2017, also indicated that he spoke with Mr. Lionel Jaikaran [then Deputy Mayor] who said that he would have the amount agreed upon put in writing; this was not done,” Hugh maintained.

“There was no response to that letter. Then there was another letter sent by Mr. King on 2nd May, 2018, indicating that on April 28, 2018, Council took the decision to waive the interest accrued by MCG Investments Inc and they would now have to pay $25, 263,750 instead of the agreed $11 million. I don’t know what Mr. King informed council, but he’s saying that council decided that they would waive certain interest, but it’s now $25 million and not $11 million.”

Hugh’s other contention is that while another meeting has been set with City Hall, the invitations continue to be

delivered within hours of the meeting, making it difficult for Beepat and his finance controller to make themselves available for the meeting.

“We have just received an invitation to a meeting on 28 September, which came on the afternoon of 27th September, but Mr. Beepat and the company secretary were not available, so they did not go to that meeting. That’s the last position that I know of. Another invitation was for a meeting on July 4, 2018, but again that was received at 12 noon on the 4th July, 2018, scheduled for 4 pm on 4th July, 2018. In his reply to them he asked to be given seven days notice to a meeting so he could make provisions to attend. It seems that was ignored,” Hugh said.

Hugh is hoping that the CoI can look into the matter as they continue to investigate matters at City Hall.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 4, 2018

Man sets fire to Enmore house

KENDRA Petrie and her five children have been displaced after their Hope South, Enmore, East Coast Demerara home was destroyed by fire.

The family was renting the upper flat of the two-storied wooden and concrete building.

The house was allegedly set ablaze by a man who is a relative of the property owner.

Petrie and her children were not at home at the time of the blaze.

Tuesday’s arson came just a few days after the said suspect had set fire to the stairs leading to the property, according residents. The man was arrested for that offence but was placed on bail as the police continued investigations into that matter.

Since that incident, Petrie and her children, including another, returned to the commu-

nity of Golden Grove where they lived previously before moving to the Enmore property. The woman sent her daughter to the Enmore property on Tuesday to remove some items from the home and it is unclear what transpired but, during that process, the suspect set fire to the building. He lived downstairs in one of two apartments, according to his father.

When the Guyana Chronicle visited the area on Wednesday morning, it was observed that everything in the upper flat of the building had been reduced to ashes.

The police in their probe found that after setting the place on fire, the suspect attempted to flee the area but he was promptly arrested after he was pointed out by persons in the area.

The house which was gutted

GRA seizes illegal fuel from fishing vessel LAW-ENFORCEMENT officers of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) have seized in excess of 80,000 litres of diesel from the motor vessel “Plumrose.”

According to a release from the GRA, on September 22, 2018, Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID) officers of the revenue body conducted a rummage of the vessel and it was discovered that even though the intended use of the vessel was listed as “fishing purpos-

es”, the “Plumrose” was converted for fuel transport.

According to the GRA, the captain and crew of the vessel are currently assisting the body with an ongoing investigation and charges are expected to be laid shortly.

The GRA said representatives of the Guyana Energy Agency were contacted and the two agencies are collaborating on the investigation.

The revenue authority has also seen a rise in fuel-smuggling over the past

few weeks with the interception of additional vessels, which will lead to a substantial sum of revenue being recovered. “The Authority has taken a relentless approach against smuggling and will be working in close collaboration with its sister agencies to minimise these activities,” the body said.

The GRA said over the past year, it has recouped billions of dollars in taxes from seizures and auctions from illegal fuel;

the authority said it has also recovered significant sums through action against breaches in motor vehicle concessions and IDAs, and commonly smuggled items which include alcohol, foreign imported chicken and mosquito coils. “The authority wishes to advise these persons to cease and desist from smuggling activities, failing which, instead of accepting fines, the relevant charges will be instituted in a court of law,” GRA said.

Ann’s Grove miner was chopped 42 times – autopsy KELVIN Royston Daly, who was killed in the Puruni area (Region Seven,Cuyuni-Mazaruni) was chopped 42 times about the body, an autopsy conducted on Wednesday has confirmed.

Daly, a father of six, was said to have been killed between Sunday night and Monday morning.

The man’s cause of death was also given as shock and haemorrhage. Relatives who spoke with this newspaper

on Monday said that they were informed that the man was attacked by four men who unleashed a most brutal attack on him by chopping him about the body.

There was no reason given as to why anyone

would want to hurt the man, but according to his relatives, he did not have any enemy in the interior location where he worked. He had been w o r k i n g t h e re f o r t h e past eight months and

was slated to travel out some two weeks ago; he however had opted to remain and try to make some extra money. An investigation is underway, as the police seek to capture the perpetrators.

Prison officer arrested for ganja in N/A jail A PRISON Officer attached to the New Amsterdam Prison is now in police custody in relation to his alleged involvement in the 1032 grams of suspected marijuana and 39 packs of cigarettes found in the prison over the weekend.

According to a release from the prisons, based on video evidence, the officer was seen in possession of the parcels that came over the prison fence. He then conspired with prisoners to secure same in the prison kitchen. A middle manager, acting on information received, caused a search to be conducted. The items were then discovered.

Acting Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels, said that in a telephone interview with the officer, he admitted his involvement. “According to him, the items were to be delivered to a specific prisoner,” Samuels said. The officer has been handed over to the police, along with the items.

Last Saturday, police said that during a four-hour Joint Services search operation, nine cellular phones, a number of cell phone chargers, several SIM cards, 220 grammes of cannabis and a quantity of wire, razor blades and lighters were uncovered at the New Amsterdam Prison.

Commander Brutus steps up the pace – following three fatal accidents in ‘C’ Division COMMANDER of ‘C’ Division, Senior Superintendent Calvin Brutus, has taken swift action to improve traffic management in his division, following three accidents in the past two weeks which have resulted in deaths and injuries.

According to Brutus,

ranks serving the Traffic Department have been increased as an immediate and longterm measure to reduce traffic accidents and fatalities.

The ranks, he said, will be conducting random stops on motorists to check their alcohol- consumption levels, as they leave night spots in

the division. Once they are found to be driving under the influence, they will be charged and placed before the courts.

Police patrols in the division will also increase, notably in busy areas.

Currently, two females who were involved in sepa-

rate accidents in ‘C’ Division are in hospital, while four families are mourning the loss of loved ones who died in accidents recently.

On September 13, Sunil Sooknandan, Six, of the Ogle Seawall, died on the spot when a car driven by a female collided with a bicycle

he and his sister were on as they were attempting to cross the public road.

Sunil’s sister, Denesha Sooknandan, 17, who was admitted to hospital in critical condition, is recovering.

Last Friday, the division recorded yet another crash which initially claimed the life of a young man, who had just left a drinking spot where he was celebrating his 25th birthday. The driver in-

volved in the crash also succumbed the following day.

And early last Saturday morning, Cyon Caunders, 40, a clothes vendor had his head crushed by a truck along the East Coast Highway Expansion Project.

Caunders, of Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara, was walking along the Good Hope Public Road when he was struck down by the truck.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 4, 2018

‘C’ Field Sophia residents appeal for help

-- call on authorities to look into drainage, state of roads in their community

By Tamika Garnett RESIDENTS of ‘C’ Field Sophia are calling on the relevant authorities to look into the deplorable state of their streets and drainage within their section of the community.

The residents, who are calling for better roads, drainage and streets lights, say many have been robbed in the streets in ‘C’ Field at nights and coupled with that, their yards flood regularly because of poor drainage.

“Me and two other girls were robbed couple nights ago right on the corner. We was just liming on the corner and them boys just pull up on we just like duh,” said resident Denzel Skinner.

Many of the cross streets in ‘C’ Field Sophia are so bad, that taxi drivers refuse to drive through them. On some occasions, residents are robbed as they make their way from the drop-off point to their homes.

“You frighten, many times you would want to go out on the corner to lime, but you does be afraid to,” explained Sherwin Halley, whose sister and brother-in-law were robbed at gunpoint while they were standing at the corner waiting on a taxi, just a few doors away from their residence.

remains a constraint.

In some cases it appears difficult to tell where the drains end and the yards begin.

“Let me tell you, this morning I brought a truckload of sand and it couldn’t even come in here. I had to tell the man go away back, I didn’t even tell him throw it there; me husband can’t fetch the sand from down there to down here. We need

BATTERY STOLEN “Being that I’m parking so far away from where I’m living the security is not there, so people invade and take out my [bus] battery.

Just the other day I had to purchase back a battery for $29,000. I have my car parked in front by me and I can’t bring it out; it start rotting, a car and a van. And we get promises how many

‘C’ Field residents Terrence DeFlorimonte (left) and Oliver Kerr at an elevated walkway the residents had to construct to escape flooding

‘C’ Field Sophia resident Terrence DeFlorimonte shows the depth of the this ditch in the middle of one of the streets (Samuel Maughn photo)

roads, proper roads; we need lights, at least for when we coming in, at least to protect us; all the land are under water for the longest

years ago that they gon do something. Even if is lil’ crush and run to throw on the street, something. But they ain’t doing anything as

The state of one of the streets in ‘C’ Field,

“It happen about two months back, right at the corner. Is because the street them don’t have no light. A lot of times when I go out to the back dam, I does call taxis to come in and they say they not coming in the street, reach them on the road, ” said Roxanne Holder.

She also complained bitterly about the state of her yard which is regularly flooded because of poor drainage. According to Holder, she wants to do work on her house and yard, but the state of the roads

not for a month, is years now it deh like this; over three years now and we need something to be resolved.

This thing here it overbearing. If the rain drizzle now this whole street flood, you gah tek off yuh boots and we are living in Greater Georgetown, imagine that. I think we are being neglected in this area and there are so many little children living in this area,” the bus driver

while,” Holder, a mother of five, said.

For Shawn Fiffee, a bus driver, the situation has also cost him a lot. Because of the state of the street where he lives, Fiffee is unable to park his bus in front of his house and instead has to park it some distance away at the head of the street.

He also has two other vehicles which are parked inside his street that cannot come out, since the street in question has a deep pothole that runs the entire width of the mud street.

yet,” Fiffee protested.

His yard is also constantly inundated.

“Well, I am very frustrated right now, my children they had to actually migrate from this area here; they can’t get to go to school. We can’t walk, the place always under water; rain don’t gah fall for this place to flood. This water in this gutter it never go down,” Fiffee said, pointing at a drain overrun with weeds and bushes.

“If you go in these people yard here, it flood and

lamented.

Oliver Kerr, a blind man who lives in one of the streets, also came out to register his complaints.

“You always have to go a long boots on. When it rains it worse than this; the children can’t get to go to school and them kind of things. They sliding down and all manner of things.

We’ve made a lot of complaints to housing because is housing that responsible really. If you are putting people here, you have to put down proper infrastructure for the people,” Kerr said.

Kerr, along with Fiffee and other neighbours came together to build an elevated platform above their walkway, because the entire walkway is under water.

City Councillor with responsibility for ‘C’ Field, Sophia, Andria Marks, when contacted by this newspaper acknowledged that her constituency has some issues, but said improvements are on the way.

“My main road in ‘C’ Field is perfect, but the cross streets, we cannot do that as yet; we know some of the cross streets have never been done… don’t let us run away from it, is 23 years Sophia was

living under bondage, thank God for the new coalition government; at least we could say we are seeing a little bit of light now in Sophia. I am giving my residents at least about a year or two more years from now, Sophia will get there. I am thankful for the little that the government has been doing, but ‘C’ Field will be getting there soon. I include Sophia in my next budget, so I will do [some roads, even] if is one, or two or three,” Marks said.

However, Sophia being able to access funds from City Hall will be dependent on the area being handed over to the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA). The CH&PA earlier this year had also indicated that plans are afoot to do infrastructural works in Sophia before the handing over.

“What we’re doing presently is going through the area and doing an inventory of the roads, etc. The infrastructure in Sophia is slated to be upgraded under the IDB [Inter-American Development Bank] reformulated loan,” CH&PA Chief Executive Officer Lelon Saul had said back in May. CH&PA is hopeful of handing over the area before the end of 2018. Even after the handing over, Saul had said the CH&PA will endeavour to ensure that the infrastructure is up to standard and will continue to finance the upgrading.

Currently, Sophia is not benefiting from any of the services provided by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) and as such, for years, basic amenities such as water and electric-

ity could not be extended to residents of North Pattensen, North Sophia, and Block ‘R’ Extension, among other communities.

Charity businesswoman granted bail on drug charges T H I R T Y- S E V E N YEAR-OLD Roxane Lawrie of Charity Housing Scheme was granted bail when she appeared at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday on narcotics-possession charges.

She was arraigned before Essequibo Magistrate Esther Sam. Lawrie was slapped with two charges: possession of narcotics and the possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking; she pleaded not guilty to both charges. The court heard that the businesswoman was found with three grams of cannabis and 1 ¾ grams of cocaine on October 1. She denied the allegations and on Wednesday was granted bail. For possession of cannabis, she was granted $2000 bail and for the possession of cocaine, she was granted $4000 bail. The case has been adjourned until November 11, when trial will commence.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 4, 2018

Karasabai gets help!

THE village of Karasabai, North Pakaraimas, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), has begun to benefit in the areas of infrastructure, electricity and agriculture, thanks to the help of two of its main representatives.

Last May, village representative Marlon Edwards and Project Coordinator Ronald Lee-Bing visited the Guyana Chronicle, to tell of several problems plaguing their community.

Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) at the recent National Toshaos Council (NTC) conference Some two weeks ago, a GWI team visited the area to assess the unbalanced water distribution system in the community, which Edwards said has the most wells in Region Nine.

There are also several water tanks on trestles in satellite villages around Karasabai, which were not completed by the previous administration and the two

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and former Minister of Public Health, Dr George Norton, to discuss the shortage of medicine and medical supplies in their community.

VERY HAPPY “We are so happy because a truckload of medication was sent in from Georgetown straight to Karasabai two weeks ago,” Edwards updated.

In addition, to assist the Hinterland Electrification Village representative Marlon Edwards (left) and Projects Coordinator, Ronald Lee-Bing

on the agenda. Edwards and Lee-Bing now intends to lobby the Public Infrastructure Ministry for the provision of street lamps and cables to brighten up their main roads.

The men are working to repair a Caterpillar Backhoe in the village, with help from their Brazilian friends, to

market for it because they are not willing to sell it for that type of price,” Lee-Bing explained.

AWAITING MARKETS He added that the farine awaiting markets amounts to tonnes. Now, the men are encouraging the farmers to

are also looking to receive a grant to purchase equipment, which will assist them in clay-block production.

“The people there that are making clay blocks do it manually, which means it’s a very hard and tedious task to do… there are machines in Brazil which the Brazilians use and an average Guyanese crew can make up to 700 to 800 clay blocks per day, but with a machine you can make 15,000 to 20,000 blocks per day,” Lee-Bing said.

Edwards and Lee-Bing care dearly about the opportunities for their village, because without them, it would mean that the people in their area-- especially the youths -- will have limited job opportunities.

Stemming from the ongoing developments, some in the community will be able to be employed as machine operators or maintenance personnel, while some hope-

A soil-tiller donated by Food For the Poor to peanut farmers

At the time, they were also in engagements with the ministers of government and were hopeful that the situations highlighted would receive adequate attention.

On Tuesday, the men were elated to report that since their last interview, much has

believe this will give the GWI an edge in completing its work.

“It will not be expensive to do the work because it is 80 per cent complete. All we need is [a] pump to get the water from the wells to the trestles,” Edwards said, add-

Programme in their community, the men were able get their friends in Brazil to repair a caterpillar generator which had been non-functioning for the past four years.

They now intend to use the equipment to power

Electricians from Brazil examine the Caterpillar generator which will provide electricity to the community

One of the water pumps donated to the village of Karasabai by Food For The Poor

changed in the community and for the better.

Significant water challenges in the area will soon come to an end following fruitful engagement with the

ing: “Before December 2018, we’re supposed to have [a] proper water system and most of the villagers will benefit from this.”

The men also met with

households with teachers, health workers and other residents willing to contribute a small fee for its upkeep.

Also in connection with electricity, street lights are

work on the community’s internal roads which are currently just tracks through the bushes.

Meanwhile, regarding agriculture, black eye, red bean and casareep production have all begun. However, the village is now facing a lack of export markets when it comes to farine, a by-product of cassava; the village previously sold farine to neighbouring Brazil for favourable prices.

“Recently we found that the Brazilian dollar is low, so the price they [farmers] used to get for it, they’re not getting that price. So you find now that most of the farmers have left the farine in Karasabai, but there is no

look into peanut production as an option, as the soil in the region is suitable for the crop.

Lee-Bing noted that there is also a demand for peanuts in Georgetown which is currently being met by overseas markets.

The men were also able to acquire three water pumps and a soil-tiller from Food For The Poor (Guyana), which they handed over to farmers to assist with the seasonal peanut crop.

However, the farm is now in need of barbed wires to fence the land and Edwards intends to approach the Small Business Bureau (SBB) with a proposal for assistance.

Along with this, the men

fully will be trained by GWI and the Public Infrastructure Ministry.

“We will need persons to be trained to operate the Backhoe and the Caterpillar generator, so we will have employment opportunities for more young people in the village,” Edwards said.

Lee-Bing then added: “Our emphasis is that once you touch a machine, you must be trained to operate it and that has been lacking in most of the villages where you give them these equipment and they are not trained… so when they’re damaged, nobody knows how to check or fix it so they put it aside.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 4, 2018

Guyana to host ninth Caribbean Beekeeping Congress …focus to be on developing local sector

GUYANA will be hosting the ninth biennial beekeeping congress from November 19 to 23 under the theme: “Natural Beekeeping for a Green Caribbean.”

At a simple launch held at the Ministry of Agriculture’s boardroom, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), Nigel Cumberbatch said that there is much scope for the agricultural sub sector to develop.

He said that according to the information he received, Guyana imports about the same amount of honey that it produces and that should not be in the coming years.

“We have an industry

that has the ability to grow and there’s that market that we can attain by growing,” he said. “We must push production… we have a market right here and we should be able to satisfy that market.”

Locally, beekeeping businesses produce honey and other products on a smallscale basis. But according to Cumberbatch, now is the time to expand and commercialise. Expansion of apiaries and diversification of products can be had as part of the overall developmental thrust in society, he suggested.

Additionally, he noted that while the highest producing apiaries are on the coast, hinterland areas show great potential and can be de-

GPL explains Tuesday’s blackouts THE Guyana Power and Light (GPL) said that on Tuesday morning a power failure in Georgetown had resulted from a tripped circuit.

In a release, GPL explained that at approximately 09:24hrs, damaged-line hardware on its network situated at Water and Cowan Streets and Parade and Cowan Streets, Georgetown, had resulted in a circuit-trip and subsequent interruption in the supply of electricity for customers in Georgetown.

Affected customers were repowered within 20 minutes of the outage. These did not include customers in sections of Kingston, Cummingsburg, Lacytown and Robbstown, who remained without electricity while restorative work was executed; these customers were subsequently repowered at 15:46hrs.

Around 16:07hrs, customers within sections of Kingston, Cummingsburg, Lacytown and Robbstown, experienced a second in-

terruption in the supply of electricity; this was due to burst 13.8 kilovolt distribution lines along Cowan Street. Extensive restorative works were performed, which included stringing of distribution lines and reconnecting all associated line hardware in an effort to restore the supply of electricity. Following the completion of the aforementioned works, electricity was incrementally restored and the last area was repowered at 20:07hrs.

In an isolated incident, customers from Unity to Bygeval, East Coast Demerara, experienced an interruption in the supply of electricity around 15:00hrs on Monday. This was due to a fault along the 13.8 kilovolt distribution lines at Mahaica. Remedial work commenced on Tuesday and continued until Wednesday morning around 10:15hrs. All affected communities were thereafter repowered.

GPL Inc. extends sincerest apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), Nigel Cumberbatch

veloped so that persons may become self-sufficient. He specifically pointed out women’s groups and schools that can benefit from revenues.

Moreover, this congress also provides an opportunity for the regional beekeeping community to address the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. Importantly, at the launch, President of the Georgetown Chamber

of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), Deodat Indar highlighted the ban on the transshipment of Guyana’s honey through Trinidad.

This ban has been a law for over 80 years from 1935, but its amendment was only sporadically raised at CARICOM meetings. At the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Energy Sector

President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), Deodat Indar

Cooperation between the two countries, the Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister seemed optimistic that the discrimination against Guyana’s honey would be removed, once the entry of Guyana’s honey would in no way affect Trinidad’s biodiversity. This is still to come to fruition I n d a r a s s u re d t h a t the chamber will keep up

the fight against this ban and assured the GGCI’s support for the subsector.

And while Cumberbatch stressed that production in the sector needs to be upped, Indar was of the view that if jobs are to be created in the sector to foster the growth of the sector, then focus must be placed on creating revenue.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 4, 2018

Hinterland leg of GSDS consultations completed REGIONAL consultations on Guyana’s Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) concluded last week with the final consultation being held in Kato, Region Eight, a media release stated.

There were 33 consultations spanning all 10 administrative regions of Guyana over a period of six months (April – September).

The consultations were done by teams of experts from the Government of Guyana Department of the Environment and the United Nations

Environment Programme (UNEP). The teams were assisted by the World Wildlife Fund Guianas (WWF).

Meetings were held in the following cluster areas: Aishalton, Annai, Anna Regina, Bartica, Belladrum, Bush Lot, Charity, Corriverton, Diamond, Georgetown, Kamarang, Karasabai, Kato, Klien Pouderoyen, Kwakwani, Lethem, Linden, Mabaruma, Mahaicony, Mahdia, Matthew’s Ridge, Moraikobai, Moruca, New Amsterdam, Orealla, Parika, Port Kaituma, Rose Hall, Shulin-

ab, Soesdyke, St. Cuthbert’s Mission and Number Eight Village.

According to the release, the main objectives of the consultations were to raise awareness of Guyana’s GSDS. The consultations were also aimed at encouraging meaningful participation from communities by identifying and prioritising the needs and expectations they have for their regions; participants were asked to share their ideas and visions for how they desire development in Guyana over the next

twenty (20) years. The inputs from these consultations will influence and guide the final strategy submission.

Some of the main priorities highlighted in both hinterland and coastal consultations were: infrequent solid-waste management; inadequacy of infrastructure; concerns regarding health and education services and lack of suitable facilities; domestic violence and substance abuse (alcohol, drugs etc.)

The GSDS is Guyana’s national development plan

that sets out investment priorities for economic and social development over the next 20 years. It is based on the principles of a ‘green economy’ which are to improve standards of living; ensure social equity and reduce reliance on resource-intensive sectors and open new and sustainable income opportunities for Guyanese

citizens.

The GSDS will focus on guiding Guyana along a path of development that delivers a clean and healthy environment; and which provides opportunities to earn a decent wage and enjoy standards of living that promote happy, healthy and wholesome individuals, families and communities.

Businessman distances self from King

…denies allegations by vendor at CoI

Businessman, Hugh October

POPULAR Regent Street businessman, Hugh October, also known as Magic Man, sought to set the record straight on allegations made against him by a vendor who claims he had a hand in the destruction of her stall by city council workers.

The vendor, while testifying at the ongoing Commission of Inquiry into the operations of City Hall, earlier this week claimed that October, through connections with the Town Clerk, Royston King, influenced city council to break up her stall which was located just outside of October’s business on Regent Street.

However, according to October, he has no special connection to King and has never even been to King’s office, although he has approached King on the streets about the issue with the vendor since the two had an ongoing feud.

He said he had also reported the matter to the mayor, Patricia Chase-Green, but only because of the ongoing tensions between the two.

According to October, it was actually the woman who would often boast of having connections to King and other politicians. He counter claimed that he has received constant harassment from the woman and her husband, and he did indeed wanted them removed because they would continue to speak to passersby and dissuade customers

from coming to his business.

“I never even know what the Town Clerk office look like. She was boasting about her connection with the government and her relationship with Mr. King, but I never used to pay her no mind. If two vendors having a problem, you leave one and move one,” October explained.

According to October, he first came across the woman and her husband when they asked to sell on the pave in front of his business place, and he complied. The couple later had issues with October for cleaning the front of his business with water, to the point where, according to October, he was threatened by the woman’s husband. He reported the matter to the city constabulary and the man was arrested and the matter went to court. Allegations that October threw water on the gentleman resulted in both parties being placed on a bond to keep the peace.

In a subsequent matter, the woman accused October of stealing products that she was selling, but later recanted her story. According to a witness in that matter, Yonette Adams, the woman did tell her that October stole her articles but later denied saying anything. October made a report of the matter to the police and that issue is still ongoing.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 4, 2018

Fiery destruction for pensioner’s home

ELAINE Pollard, an Ann’s Grove Resident who resides in the United States, received a call this morning informing that her house situated at lot 37, Middle Walk, Ann’s Grove, was going up in flames.

The woman travels often to the United States and whenever she is away, she would leave specific instructions for all the lights in her home to be left on, as no one would be staying in the building during her period of absence.

Fire officers are contending that from all indications and given the instructions left by the home owner, it would appear that the fire might have been electrical in origin.

At the fire scene this morning, firefighters and persons who live in the community assisted in battling the blaze.

We were told that many of the residents who once worked with the fire service also provided a helping hand.

The two-storey building, which was made out of wood and concrete, stood on a double corner.

The fire, however, badly affected another house which was east of the burning building.

Windows were shattered and boards scorched by the heat from the fire at the Pollard’s residence nearby.

The Guyana Fire service responded with a tender from Mahaicony and another from Georgetown. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

A police vehicle parked on the road to keep onlookers at bay

The smoking house of the overseas-based pensioner

The house which was damaged by the heat, fire and water

Firefighters control a hose as they spray water in the direction of a burning section of the building

Gandhi remembered at Promenade Gardens ceremony THE Indian High Commission, along with the Government, on Tuesday celebrated the 149th birth anniversary of eminent freedom activist, Mahatma Gandhi, recognising his invaluable contribution to the world.

The ceremony took place at the Promenade Gardens where a statue of Gandhi is located. In attendance were Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence; Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes; former President of Guyana, Donald Ramotar and his wife, Deolatchmee Ramotar; and People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Member of Parliament (MP) Nigel Dharamlall.

Present too were the High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Venkatachalam Mahalingam; Mayor of Georgetown, Patricia Chase-Green and Chairman of the Indian Commemoration Trust and the Demerara Bank Limited(ICT), Dr. Yesu Persaud.

Persaud, in his remarks,

spoke of the Indian activist as one who “broke the back of the British empire”.

During his synopsis of some of Gandhi’s greatest achievements, Persaud stated that Gandhi’s life should serve as an example to all of humanity of how peaceful resistance can crumble the barriers of racism and injustice. “Gandhi represents a symbol of what man should be. He was not a selfish man, he was only a man for all the people,” he said, later adding: “Gandhi is a living symbol of what we all can be, how we can represent our country and make it a better place to live in…we cherish him, we honor him and we hope that generations to come, his name will remain in shining light throughout the world.”

Meanwhile, Mayor Chase-Green said that Mahatma Gandhi never fought with guns or fists but taught the world how to fight the non-violent, peaceful yet ef-

fective fight.

Similarly, People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Member of Parliament (MP) Nigel

Dharamlall stated that the Indian political and civil rights leader was incremental in the struggle which brought

democracy and freedom to India.

“I am certain that India is very proud of Gandhi, known

as the Father of the Nation, a truly religious and diligent man who Turn to page 16

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 4, 2018

Gandhi remembered at ...

Elderly man scammed $212,000

From page 15

KADAR Vishnu had been saving with a city bank for many years and never shopped online or ever had a PayPal account but, to his dismay, $212,000 had been deducted from his account.

The 64-year-old man told Guyana Chronicle that he was told by the bank that his account has been hacked when he went in for a visit.

Vishnu related that his Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card was cancelled even though he told the staffers that he did not withdraw any money and a new one was issued to him.

The elderly man disclosed that, at the bank, he was then told that someone

was shopping online using his money via his ATM card information, using PayPal to buy games and other things online.

Vishnu was, however, told it was not him doing the online shopping and was reassured that his money would be credited to his account but, to date, that has not happened. He was asked by bank staffers to sign a ‘dispute form’ stating he had nothing to do with the online transactions from his account.

The senior citizen added that two months after, he was called by the same bank and given some information about the person who had been shopping online

through Zoon Shipping. He took the information given and went to Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

The police, Vishnu related, did some ground work and he was told that the person who had been shopping online using his money does not exist.

“I was told by the police that the address was visited and no one by the name given ever lived at the location and that I have been scammed,” Vishnu said while noting that to date, the money was not credited to his account.

once said: ‘Fight if you must, on the path of righteousness and God will be with you’,” Chase-Green said.

Meanwhile, Dharamlall commented: “It is especially important in this part of the world where [there are] struggles for freedom and in our fight for a better life, that every opportunity that we have-- our policies, or guiding principles, our daily lives-- should be focussed on the attention of the weak and the vulnerable.”

The event’s feature remarks came from Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, who urged Guyanese to make a conscious effort to adhere to the message of the influential leader. She noted, too, that other great leaders such as Martin Luther King, Tibet’s Dalai Lama and Nelson Mandela have also emulated his methods to shake up the dynamics of world politics.

“Gandhi’s fight against the social problems prevalent of his time; his struggle

for human dignity, justice, equality and opportunity for self-determination remind us very forcibly of what’s happening in this our contemporary era. 149 years have elapsed but [the] issues are still very rife,” the Minister said, adding: “As we pay homage to his great soul, whose legacy transcends time in terms of its impact on civil rights, equality, economic independence, I ask us all to let us make a conscious effort. Read, each and every one of us must, so that we can adhere to this maxim of his which says ‘The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others’.”

Mahatma Gandhi, born in British India [now Gujarat] was an Indian lawyer, politician, social activist, and writer who was widely revered both before and after his death.

He was assassinated on January 30, 1948 at the age of 78, being shot by a fanatic at point-blank range while walking to his prayer meeting

on the lawns of Birla House, New Delhi.

On June 15, 2007, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly voted to establish October 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence, commemorating Gandhi’s birthday, originally October 2, 1869.

At the ceremony, the Indian High Commission also released the 150th anniversary postage stamps of Mahatma Ghandi, with assistance in its presentation coming from Minister Hughes and High Commissioner Mahalingam. Also, secondary school students who participated in an essay -writing competition on the ‘Relevance of Gandhi’s philosophy today’ were awarded. The winners were: Alisha Ali-- first; Geetanjali Ramraj—second; and Steven Jagnandan-- third, while other participating students also received consolation prizes.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 4, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 4, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 4, 2018

Samuels century sparks Windies B team to win over Canada

By Brij Parasnath

WEST Indies senior player,

Marlon Samuels, showed his class with his Regional 50-Overs career second hundred and sparked West Indies B team to a hardfought 10-run victory over gallant Canada in the CWI Regional Super50 in their Group A day-night match at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Toruba, South Trinidad last evening.

West Indies B amassed 302 for 8 in 50 overs while Canada replied with 292 for 8 in their 50 overs.

Samuels is the captain of the Windies B and he displayed his authority and featured in a match-winning 165run fourth wicket partnership with Trinidadian Yannic Cariah who registered an attractive 73 that included four sixes and four fours off 83 deliveries.

Having won the toss and batted first, Samuels topscored with 101 that was studded with four sixes and ten fours off 96 deliveries. It was Samuels’ second regional 50-overs triple-figure mark as the West Indies B innings closed at 302 for 8 off their allotted 50 overs.

Kimani Melius also impressed with three sixes and four fours off 47 deliveries in an entertaining 46 as he shared a 44-run second wicket stand with Kirstan Kallicharran (7 off 19 balls) and 36 for the third wicket with the more dominant Samuels who changed gears when Cariah joined him at 83 for three wickets after 15.3 overs.

During their 25.2 overs stand, Samuels contributed 77 off 73 balls while Cariah got 73 off 83 balls. Guyanese Tevin Imlach, 17 (22 balls) and Trinidadian Leonardo Julien 27 (2x4s off 26 balls) posted 43 for the seventh wicket in 6.5 overs.

For Canada, Romesh Don finished with five wickets for 31 off eight overs while Salman Nazar took three wickets for 60 in his 10-over quota.

In reply, the Canadians fought bravely and got a brisk start as openers Rodrigo Thomas and Navnert Dhalilal raced to 67 in 7.4 overs when Javor Royal removed Dhalilal via the caught and bowl route

for 16 (3x4s off 16 balls).

Thomas smashed one six and ten fours before Cariah bowled him for 63 off 55 balls with the score on 90 for 2 off 13.2 overs. Nitish Kumar and Srimantha Wijeyeratne restored the batting momentum with a 54-run third wicket stand before pacer Chemar Holder bowled Kumar and made it 144 for 4 off 23.6 overs.

West Indies youth wicketkeeper, Imlach, held on to two catches as the West Indies bowlers put the skids on their North American counterparts. He took the catch offered by skipper David Jacobs (13 runs off 13 balls) off Holder and then took care of the stubborn Srimantha Wijeyeratne off the bowling of pacer, Odean Smith.

Wijeyeratne topscored for the Canadians with a solid 57 that contained one six and three fours off 71 balls received.

In between those two wickets, Trinidadian senior off-spinner, Bryan Charles, who was very frugal in his first seven overs when he conceded only 16 runs, claimed Nikhil Dutta (17 runs off 26 balls) who was caught by Odean Smith and finished with an analysis of 10-0-29-1.

Smith then bowled Salman Nazar for zero and the Canadians were 209 for 7 after 37.5 overs, which became 238 for 8 when Cariah forced Dilon Heliger to offer Bryan Charles a catch and departed for seven.

Harsh Thaker and Sukhdeep Brar were involved in a fierce rear-guard battle and kept the Canadians in the hunt for an upset victory and fashioned a brilliant unbroken 65-run ninth wicket stand which was short by ten runs at the end of the tension-filled encounter.

Thaker made a quickfire unbeaten 52 (3x6s and 3x4s off 40 balls) while Brar was not out on 25 (1x6 and 1x4 off 24 balls).

Holder (2 for 61), Smith (2 for 69) and Cariah (2 for 60) shared the wickets.

Red Force beat Volcanoes by 75 runs – Group A PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Trinidad and Tobago Red Force defeated Windward Islands Volcanoes by 75 runs, in their day/night Group A match of the Regional Super50 at Queen’s Park Oval here Wednesday.

The match was reduced to 37 overs per side because of a delayed start due to rain.

Scores: RED FORCE 220 for eight off 37 overs (Nicholas Pooran 89, Sunil Narine 35, Kyle Hope 38; Kyle Mayers 4-58) VOLCANOES 145 for eight off 37 overs (Kyle Mayers 55 not out, Shane Shillingford 29, Tyrone

Theophile 21; Rayad Emrit 3-5, Sunil Narine 2-26)

Rayad Emrit

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 4, 2018

East Bank Essequibo Under-19s ECB Ansa McAl joins GUYOIL league sponsorship T20 Inter-Committee champions

By Elroy Stephney

THE Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) last Saturday and Sunday hosted its inter-committee T20 Under-19 tournament at various venues involving the eight area committees.

The players were clad in white clothing and used red balls, and the atmosphere was one of competitive rivalry and individual brilliance.

On Saturday at the Reliance ground, South Essequibo easily disposed of Wakenaam winning handsomely by 85 runs. South opted to bat first after winning the toss and amassed an imposing 239-2 from their allotted 20 overs, thanks to an opening stand of 172 between Quintin Sampson and Orlando Jailall.

Sampson showed his experience after completing a stint with the senior Essequibo team in the GCB Franchise tournament by blasting an unbeaten century.

His delightful knock of 116 was decorated with 10x6s and 8x4s while Jailall’s composed 66 included 3x6s and 6x4s.

In reply, Wakenaam found the going tough and were demolished for a paltry 54 in 11 overs to concede a heavy defeat. Leg-spinner Devindra Jailall bowled with promise to take 3-14 while there were 2 wickets each for Quintin Sampson and Sheldon Sylvain who was impressive with his pace and accuracy.

On the same day at the Imam Bacchus ground in Affiance, eventual champions East Bank Essequibo disposed of Leguan by 7 wickets. In a low-scoring encounter, Leguan could reach only 97 in 19 overs with Mark Rankin 22 and Takaram Premnauth 20 showing some resistance.

Meduim-fast bowler Elian White 3-16, Adrian Ramkripaul 2-17, Nicholas

Holder 2-14 and Jeremiah Scott 2-17 all bowled miserly with telling effect.

In their turn at the crease, an explosive unbeaten half-century by Jeremiah Scott, whose 65 was studded with seven fours and four sixes, nicely paced East Bank to 55-3 in just 9 overs.

all-rounder Joshua Jones 15, Badesh Parsotam and Kelly Williams 12 each, reaching double figures.

There were 2 wickets each for Sheldon Charles, Rafel David and Lance Roberts. North in reply could reach only 70-8 when their overs expired, as off-spinner

prolific Orlando Jailall was lbw in the second over without scoring to lead the slide of his team.

A lone vigil by the mercurial Quintin Sampson, whose responsible, though subdued half-century provided an indication of how difficult it was to bat on

ECB Under-19 champions East Bank Essequibo celebrate.

The company will sponsor the tournament under the LASCO brand with the iCool Water and LYRIX products and the Smalta Brand.

The tournament begins on Sunday at the Ministry of Education ground on Carifesta Avenue.

From 11:30hrs Annandale will take on Vergenoegen while in game two, Uitvlugt and Wismar Christianburg battle from 13:15hrs.

Friendship and Marian Academy face off from 15:00hrs in game three while Queen’s College and Queenstown meet at 16:45hrs.

Matches continue on Monday with Bishops’ taking on St Rose’s and Dolphin playing Lodge Secondary.

Legendary fast bowler Courtney Walsh fancies vacant Windies post

Lone century-maker Quintin Sampson

At the Number 1 ground on the same day, Central Essequibo had the better of North Essequibo to win by 11 runs. Central took first strike and posted 81-9 from their 20 overs with national

Badesh Parsotam mesmerised his opponents to grab 5-15 from 4 overs. Only Kirk James 24 and Sheldon Charles 14 managed to offer some resistance in a close finish.

During the draw, East Bank drew a bye to the final as Central Essequibo and South Essequibo battled in the semifinal on the same day at the Imam Bacchus ground which ended in a tie and a super-over decider.

South Essequibo made 9 in the lone over then restricted Central to 6, to win by 3 runs. The final was then contested on Sunday at the same venue.

After winning the toss, South Essequibo batted on a wearing pitch that was seemingly under-prepared.

It meant that runs were difficult to acquire and the spinners used the surface to their advantage.

East Bank opened their attack with spin and immediately gained success as the

the surface. In the end, he grafted 63 (4x4, 1x6) while Dovindra Mohan supported with 20 (2x4). They were the principal scorers in a total of 102-6 in 20 overs.

In reply, East Bank began purposefully accumulating runs, though it was also tough for them at the crease.

It eventually took a responsible innings of 33 (2x6, 2x4) from captain Kevin Christian while Azim Mohamed 15 and Dodi Oselmo 12 ensured that their side crossed the line ending on 103-5 in the 19th over for a 5-wicket triumph.

During the ceremony, ECB treasurer Veren Chintimani made brief remarks and made the presentation of prizes. Also present were organiser Ramnarine Ragoobar and ECB secretary Autto Christiani.

The winners received $20 000 while special mention was made of Quintin Sampson’s century and Badesh Parsotam’s 5-wicket haul as the highlights of the tournament.

Big 6 take Trophy Stall dominoes title in Wakenaam BIG 6 chalked up 92 games to win the Trophy Stall dominoes competition which was played last Sunday at Carlosh Sports Bar in Good Success, Wakenaam.

Allstar finished second on 73 while Under Dog placed

BEVERAGE giant Ansa McAl yesterday joined forces with the GUYOIL School Football League set to begin shortly.

During a brief ceremony at the company’s Beterverwagting office, Petra Organisation, through Representative Mark Alleyne, contended that they are happy for the support of the company.

“We are always grateful to companies that are looking to support the youths,” Alleyne added.

Non-Alcoholic Beverage Manager Errol Nelson added that the company has always been investing in football.

“We have been supporting football from the grassroots all the way to the development and even at the senior level,” Nelson added.

third with 71 games.

Anand Dhanyshure made the maximum 18 games for the winners while Sham Singh and Khalid Zamam won 16 each.

Khemraj Surujpaul marked 15, Vijay Persaud

14 and Heera Sukram 12 for the runners up.

Under Dog’s leading players were Krishundat Hansraj and Vickram Ramnairne with 14 and 13 games respectively.

Organiser Nazeer Mohamed expressed gratitude

to Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall and congratulated the winning team while Surujpaul thanked Sunich for his contribution to sports on the island, adding that he is looking forward to his continued support.

K I N G S TO N , J a m a i c a (CMC) – Legendary former West Indies fast bowler, Courtney Walsh, says he would be interested in taking up the post of head coach of the regional side, if offered.

Jamaican Walsh is the current bowling coach with Bangladesh and has a contract that runs until the ICC World Cup in England next year.

“If something comes along and something can be done then it is something I would consider,” the 55-year-old told TVJ Sports.

“But at the moment, as much as my heart is there, I just have to wait and see what happens and do the best I can here. Eventually one day I would love to be involved.

“I would not say I’m not

interested or wouldn’t be interested in doing something in West Indies cricket.”

Walsh, a former Windies captain, holds the record for the most wickets in Tests by a West Indian with 519 scalps from 132 Tests.

He became Bangladesh bowling coach two years ago and recently served as interim head coach following the departure of Chandika Hathurusingha.

The West Indies head coach position will become vacant at year end after Australian Stuart Law announced last week he would quit the post following the ongoing tour of India and the subsequent series against Bangladesh.

Law’s announcement came in the middle of West Indies’ preparation for the World Cup.

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21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 4, 2018

Linden town firmly behind Women’s World T20 … Mayor Arrindell believes Windies will win

THE International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Women’s World T20 2018 fever is spreading with Linden town being the latest to feel the heat.

On Tuesday a team of members of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) were guests of the mining town where they interacted with residents on plans for the November 9 to 24 showpiece.

Linden Mayor, Her Worship Waneka Arrindell who welcomed the team to the township told the gathering in the midday heat that the entire town will be behind the Windies team in their quest to win again.

“As a town with known prowess in sport, I am pledging the support of the entire Linden on match days at Providence when the Windies Women will once again make us proud.”

Mayor Arrindell was speaking to a gathering of fellow councillors, teachers and students of schools in the area and other well-wishers including Member of Parliament, the Honourable Jermaine Figueira, in front of the Linden Economic Network (LEN) where the

Linden Mayor, Waneka Arrindell (centre), and Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira with students of Mackenzie High School on Tuesday in Mackenzie (ICC WWT20. (John Ramsingh photos)

Linden Mayor Her Worship Waneka Arrindell (left) and Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira pose with two enthusiastic young fans in the Mackenzie Market on Tuesday.

LOC distributed tournament flyers and interacted with the curious residents.

In brief remarks, MP Figueira noted that “Linden is known for producing athletes across all levels as the track record of ‘Nationals’ will show.

“We (Linden) are the reigning champions for a

number of years and it is pleasing to know that the LOC for the ICC Women’s World T20 saw it fit to include our town in their plans to promote the event, to which I encourage all of you to go, since the admission fee is just $500.”

Following the short pro-

Maestro Messi lights up Wembley as Barca sink Spurs 4-2

By Martyn Herman LONDON, England (Reuters) - Lionel Messi lifted Barcelona out of their recent slump with a magical display as his side beat Tottenham Hotspur 4-2 in a thrilling Champions League Group B clash yesterday.

The Argentine maestro, who scored two goals to take his Champions League haul to 105, was the instigator in two others and was twice denied by the woodwork as he lit up Wembley Stadium.

Messi, 31, was applauded off by both sets of fans at the end of an absorbing contest that kept Barca at the top of the group and Tottenham in trouble after two defeats.

Philippe Coutinho and Ivan Rakitic scored in clinical fashion as Barcelona went in 2-0 ahead at halftime.

But Barcelona needed Messi at his best to repel a tenacious Spurs fightback as Harry Kane and Erik Lamela gave the hosts hope.

Only when Messi struck his second in stoppage-time could Barca coach Ernesto Valverde breathe a little easier.

Barcelona, without a win in their last three La Liga games, were supposed to

be vulnerable but on a pitch bearing the scars of British heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua’s fight against Alexander Povetkin they took only two minutes to land a blow straight in the solar plexus.

Lionel Messi

Tottenham allowed Messi time and space to curl a pass to Jordi Alba on the left and with keeper Hugo Lloris, back from injury, charging out of his goal Alba cut the ball back to Coutinho who drilled home through a gaggle of defenders.

The hosts responded with Kane firing in a shot that did not have enough venom to worry Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Messi opened up Tottenham again in the 28th minute. His floated pass was chested down by Luis Suarez to Coutinho whose volley sliced up in the air

before the quick-thinking Brazilian hooked the ball back to Rakitic who rifled a picture-perfect right-foot volley in off the post from 25 yards.

Messi ran riot at the start of the second half, twice teasing the Spurs defence before thudding shots against Lloris’s right-hand post.

Tottenham capitalised on their good fortune and Kane halved the deficit in the 52nd minute with a clinical finish.

Messi shook his head in disbelief but he silenced the home crowd again - this time side-footing inside the post from Alba’s cross to finish a flowing move he had started.

There was no let-up in the furious pace and after Kane worked hard to win the ball, Lamela gave Spurs another lifeline when his 66th-minute shot flicked off Clement Lenglet and spun past Ter Stegen.

A gallant Tottenham side, missing the likes of Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen and Jan Vertonghen, swarmed forward looking for a point that had earlier seemed inconceivable.

They left yawning gaps at the back, though, and Messi finally ended their resistance when he struck again in stoppage time.

gramme, Marketing and Sportainment Manager of the LOC, Rayad Boyce, presented tournament souvenirs, ‘Watch This’ t-shirts, to Figueira, Mayor Arrindell and other councillors and some of the excited students who braved the heat to show their support.

While in the town which is also accessible via the mighty Demerara River, the LOC members visited the Linden Market and bus park to distribute more flyers and allowed fans to take photographs with the souvenir tournament bat.

An advertising banner with

relevant information about the tournament was also installed by the popular five-corner junction to greet visitors and residents into the town.

The sixth edition of the ICC Women’s World T20 tournament bowls off on November 9 with the first of eight matches in Guyana. St Lucia will also host first-round matches while Antigua will play host to the semifinals and final on November 24.

The tournament will feature 10 teams including defending champions Windies

Women, who will take on Bangladesh Women on the opening day where a super concert is also planned.

It is the second time that the tournament is being held in the West Indies following the 2010 edition but will be the first standalone Women’s World T20 after the previous five editions were held along with the ICC Men’s World T20.

Windies are placed in Group A along with England, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, while Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan and Ireland are in Group B.

Karibee Rice on board with Guyana Softball Cup 8 RICE giant Nand Persaud and Company Ltd of No. 36 Village, Corentyne, Berbice takes the lead in providing sponsorship for the eighth edition of the Guyana Softball Cup tournament, organised by the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA).

This mega event is set for the weekend of October 26-28, 2018 at grounds in and around Georgetown.

In presenting the cheque, CEO of the company, Mohindra Persaud, said that he is happy to be associated with this tournament and wishes the organisers well. The GFSCA would like to express gratitude to the rice

giant for providing sponsorship for the championship.

Mohindra Persaud

The 2018 competition promises to be the largest ever with over 30 teams. For the first

time an Over-50 segment will be played. This adds to the regular Open, Female, Masters with all four finals to be played at the famous Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground in Queenstown.

Floodlights Masters and Speed Boat will defend their titles in the Masters and Open categories respectively and for the second time. Karibee Strykers are the defending champions in the female category.

The GFSCA wishes to remind cricket fans that their BBQ and cricket tournament fundraiser is set for Sunday, October 7 from 10:00hrs at the DCC ground.

Members of the victorious Big 6 team

Big 6 take Trophy Stall dominoes title in Wakenaam

See story on page 20

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 4, 2018

Strauss steps down from England director of cricket role ANDREW Strauss has stepped down as England’s director of cricket after three and a half years in the role.

The 41-year-old had taken a break in May after his wife Ruth entered a new period of treatment for cancer.

Andy Flower, who has covered for him, will continue in an interim role before a fulltime replacement is found.

Strauss said 2019 is “potentially the most important year the game has had in this country” with the World Cup and Ashes series on home soil.

“We have an incredible opportunity to do something special,” said the former Test captain.

“It is vital that the director of cricket can give consistent guidance and support to England Cricket through this period.”

Flower, the England coach between 2009 and 2014, will continue in his interim capacity until December with the intention of joining the England Lions in India in January.

A full-time appointment is

Andrew Strauss is to take on a more ‘flexible’ role at the ECB

KGM and R. Kissoon join Ignite sponsorship team KGM Security and R. Kissoon are the latest two companies to confirm their support for the upcoming Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club’s (GMRSC) ‘Ignite’.

The event, which is also set to be the canvas for the final round of the Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC), is billed for November 10 and 11.

CEO of KGM, Ravin Al-

two companies and we are pleased to join motorsports in Guyana,” Mohamed noted.

“We foresee the new partnerships taking the sport to new levels and we want to thank the management of both businesses for putting their faith in us,” Mohamed continued.

Meanwhile the final leg of the CMRC is expected to see competition from Trinidad, Barbados, Jamaica, the United States and Canada as well as Europe.

Apart from the regular groups 1 through 4 and Superstock championship, the first-ever Radical Caribbean Championship featuring the SR3s is expected to culminate at the South Dakota Circuit as well.

The club is expected to launch the event within days with just over a month remaining with ticket prices confirmed at $2 500 for adults and $1 000 for children.

expected to be made before England’s West Indies tour which begins in mid-January.

Strauss will take on a “flexible” position within the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

He will initially help ECB chief executive Tom Harrison in preparing the way for his successor, and thereafter continue to consult on other issues.

“Taking time out this summer to support my wife and kids, as Ruth goes through treatment for cancer, has given me the chance to fully consider what’s right for England and what’s needed at home,” he said.

‘HARD TO OVERESTIMATE HIS CONTRIBUTION’ Strauss returned home early from the Ashes tour of Aus-

tralia in December to be with his family after his wife was diagnosed.

The former England captain took up the director of cricket role in May 2015, less than three years after retiring from playing, having skippered his country in 50 of his 100 Tests, scoring 7 037 Test runs at an average of 40.91.

His appointment followed the sacking of Paul Downton as ECB managing director, and came on the same day that Peter Moores was sacked as coach following a poor World Cup campaign.

As director of cricket, Strauss appointed Trevor Bayliss as Moores’ successor and rubber-stamped the end of Kevin Pietersen’s England career.

Bayliss, who is in Sri Lanka ahead of England’s

one-day international series which starts with a warm-up match romorrow, paid tribute to Strauss.

“The job he’s done has been first-class. We all understand why he’s going, and it could be a big hole to fill,” said the Australian.

“He’s very knowledgeable of the game, number one. He’s a very educated guy who can listen to people and then put those things together in a very understandable way.

“His planning, his ability to plan and help us plan going forward has been first-class and that’s given us - the management and coaching of the team - a great help.”

Strauss has overseen the development of England into the world’s leading ODI team, while the Test side beat Australia in a home Ashes series

before losing Down Under.

Harrison said: “I know that I speak for everyone at the ECB when I say that we’re very sad to see Andrew step down from the role and we all wish him and his family the very best.

“He deserves huge respect for the way he has managed his role, fully supported Ruth and their boys and calmly considered this decision. And it’s hard to overestimate his contribution since joining us in May 2015.

“He is an exceptional talent and it is easy to see how he has made a success of each step in his career moving from dressing room, to captaincy, to commentary, to a key role in the governing body - and all the while being the most popular of colleagues.”

Neymar treble inspires PSG to 6-1 rout of Red Star PARIS, France (Reuters) Paris St Germain got their Champions League campaign back on track with a 6-1 home rout of Serbian side Red Star Belgrade yesterday as Brazil forward Neymar lit up a lop-sided Group C clash with a hat-trick.

Angel Di Maria, Edinson Cavani and France World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe added a goal each as the French champions ripped into 1991 European Cup winners Red Star, who were spared a heavier defeat by goalkeeper Milan Borjan.

The result left PSG on three points from two games after their opening 3-2 defeat

by Liverpool, who visit Napoli in the group’s 1900 GMT kick-off. Napoli were held to a surprise 0-0 draw at Red Star in their opening match.

The outcome was also Red Star’s heaviest defeat in Europe, ending their 38-match unbeaten run in all competitions stretching back to last season.

Despite the obvious gulf

in class, PSG coach Thomas Tuchel praised his team for keeping up a high tempo which barely allowed the visitors to get out of their own half and singled out the outstanding Neymar.

Brazil forward Neymar

“We’ve improved our intensity in every game and you saw that tonight,” Tuchel told a news conference.

“Neymar is one of the best players in Europe. We have several of the best in our team

- not just Neymar. We’ve won lots of games because we have the best players, but also because we were the best team.

That’s very important.”

It was one-way traffic from the start as the home side raced into a 2-0 lead with two goals in two minutes as Neymar curled a delightful free kick past Borjan in the 20th minute before he converted a fine run and pass by Mbappe.

Cavani made it 3-0 with a deflected shot from inside the penalty area in the 37th minute before Di Maria added a fourth from close range after Thomas Meunier floated in a superb pass with the outside of his foot.

In-between the goals and early in the second half, Borjan pulled off a string of superb saves to deny Neymar and Mbappe on multiple occasions as PSG carved open Red Star’s defence at will, with Mbappe also guilty of some sloppy finishing.

Mbappe finally found the back of the net in the 70th minute after a dazzling move involving Neymar and Juan Bernat left the 19-year-old with a simple tap in from six metres.

Red Star, playing in the competition’s group stages for the first time, scored their maiden goal on the big stage when midfielder Marko Marin buried a shot from 12 metres into the top corner in his team’s first purposeful move.

Borjan could only offer a wry smile when Neymar put the icing on the cake of a brilliant individual performance, as he unleashed another breathtaking free kick from 30 metres in the 81st minute before he was substituted.

Cavani had the ball in the back of the net again shortly afterwards but the goal was disallowed for a marginal offside, as PSG kept their feet on the pedal until the final whistle.

Steyn, Tahir dazzle in South Africa’s crushing series win

phonso, in a statement thanked the GMRSC for giving him the opportunity to support the rapidly improving sport.

GMRSC president Rameez Mohamed, confessed his pleasure with the support that the motor racing body has been receiving from the corporate community, while noting that KGM security firm and R. Kissoon Contracting Services are the lastest companies to confirm their support.

“We are happy to have KGM and R. Kissoon on board with the Ignite race meet next month. We (the GMRSC) know that this is a big step for these

DALE Steyn made a welcome return to ODI cricket by cracking a crucial innings of 60 and picking up two scalps, while Imran Tahir bagged a six-wicket haul to power South Africa to a thumping 120-run win against Zimbabwe and help them take an unassailable lead of 2-0 in the three-match series.

While chasing down a target of 199 on a surface where there was considerable variable bounce, South Africa just ripped through the cream of Zimbabwe’s batting unit to leave them in tatters.

Steyn started the slide by snuffing out Solomon Mire with a nip-backer. After losing the first wicket, Craig Ervine and Hamilton Masakadza (27), playing in his 200th ODI, survived testing spells from Lungi Ngidi and Steyn before the former fell to a stunner of a catch by Andile Phehlukwayo. The all-rounder flew to his right at mid-wicket and

plucked an excellent catch.

By then, Zimbabwe’s chances of hunting down the target rested in the hands of senior players Brendan Taylor and Masakadza.

Unfortunately, for the visitors, Taylor was trapped in front in the 14th over by Tahir. Masakadza soon followed him back to the pavilion after he fell to Lungi Ngidi. The ball seemed to be angling down leg, but the umpire answered the loud appeal for an lbw in the affirmative.

Masakadza’s wicket opened the floodgates for Tahir to run through the rest of the batting order. The veteran spinner used his googly and the straighter one to deadly effect to trigger a major collapse, with Zimbabwe losing seven wickets for an addition of just 21 runs.

Tendai Chatara and Donald Tiripano delayed the inevitable before the former pulled one straight to the fielder positioned at

deep mid-wicket as South Africa finished the formalities.

Earlier, Steyn and Phehlukwayo had shared a crucial stand of 75 for the eighth wicket to haul South Africa out of troubled waters and steer them to a respectable total.

With the home team in dire

Imran Tahir claimed his first hat-trick and registered his second best figures in ODIs. (AFP photo)

straits at 101 for 7, Steyn joined forces with Phehlukwayo to lift the spirits of the side. Steyn, who also notched his maiden fifty in ODIs, turned out to be the more aggressive of the two. In the 37th over of the innings, Steyn upped the ante with a sweetly-played drive off Sean Williams. Two overs later, he clubbed Chatara for three boundaries.

Just when the duo seemed to be taking the home team into a decent position, Phehlukwayo was dismissed via a strangle down the leg side off Chatara.

The all-rounder wasn’t too pleased with the decision but replays confirmed that he had got a faint tickle. Despite losing Imran Tahir at the other end, Steyn continued to flourish, evidenced by the straight six he crunched off Williams to bring up his fifty.

The veteran pacer, who came into the side after the hosts decided to rest Kagiso Rabada, also

showed the required batting aptitude to shepherd the No. 11 batsman, Ngidi, and stitch a useful alliance of 21 for the final wicket.

Eventually, Steyn fell to Tiripano in the 48th over as Zimbabwe wrapped up the innings.

On the other hand, for long periods of the innings, Zimbabwe’s bowlers had bowled with diligence and discipline. Kyle Jarvis, Chatara, Brandon Mavuta and Tiripano all targeted the stumps and were duly rewarded with nine scalps among them.

Zimbabwe now will look for a consolation win when they take on South Africa in the final ODI of the series in Boland Park on October 6.

Brief scores: South Africa 198 in 47.3 overs (Dale Steyn 60, Aiden Markram 35; Tendal Chatara 3-42) beat Zimbabwe 78 in 24 overs (Hamilton Masakadza 27; Imran Tahir 6-24) by 120 runs. (Cricbuzz.com)

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 4, 2018

Finally!

GCB gets lease for LBI Community Centre ground The Chetram Singh Centre of Excellence is Guyana’s only indoor cricket facility.

This is the current state of the LBI Community Centre ground.

(Adrian Narine photos)

By Rajiv Bisnauth THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has finally secured the lease for the LBI Community Centre ground, which will now pave the way for the board to invest approximately $600M in the next few years towards the general upgrading of the facility to benefit the cricketing community.

Chronicle Sport was reliably informed yesterday that the lease was finally approved by the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo), in January of this year.

The GCB had engaged the previous administration and GuySuCo for several years now, and while they had obtained approval from the-then Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud, who had instructed GuySuCo to hand over the facility to the GCB, the formal legal documentation to facilitate this development was delayed.

The GCB had already invested close to $75M a few years ago to construct the existing hostel, the Chetram Singh Centre of Excellence at that location, and over the years the Board has saved a lot of accommodation expenses with the use of this hostel to house its players.

In addition to the facilities for the accommodation of teams preparing for local and regional tournaments, the Centre comprises indoor nets, a gym and a lecture room, all designed to turn out more rounded players, who are prepared to meet the challenges of the modern game.

The multi-million dollar structure was officially opened in 2010.

Meanwhile, secretary of the GCB, Anand Sanasie, said plans are now in the pipeline for major transformation works on the LBI facility.

“The first phase of the upgrade will be to raise the playfield so as to eliminate flooding, and at the same time major repairs to the overall pavilion,” Sanasie said.

The GCB secretary also gave the vision he has for the facility. “We will start this year with a lot of money to develop the LBI facility, and ultimately we would like that to become a mini-stadium where we can house the academy, and have up to the level of regional cricket at least; because Providence will be reserved for international fixtures. The GCB intends to start some serious investment into that facility,” Sanasie who is also a director of Cricket West Indies opined.

It is expected that the bulk of the funding will come from the board through the funds from the franchise league.

BCB begins distribution of raincoats to groundsmen in Berbice

Star Party Rentals throws support behind GSCL Prime Minister’s Cup 2

BCB executive member Lakeram Latchman hands over the raincoats to representatives of the club.

GROUNDSMEN across Berbice would now be in a better position to prepare venues across the Ancient County as the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) last Sunday started the distribution of raincoats to clubs.

The BCB had received 40 raincoats from Bonny Singh, Managing Director of The Hardware Depot, valued $100 000.

President of the BCB, Hilbert Foster, stated that under his leadership, the BCB is fully committed to assisting clubs as much as possible to fulfil their man-

dates. The donation of the raincoats followed similar donations of $1.3M worth of cricket balls and $2M worth of cricket gear, stumps and scorebooks.

The BCB president also stated that every effort is being made to obtain some proper pitch covers that would be used by the board across the county.

Foster stated that all Berbicians should be pleased at the current status of the game in the county and he urged all clubs to dedicate themselves to lifting their standard even higher.

Cricket, Foster stated, is being played at every level, while numerous developmental programmes have been put in place to assist the younger generation of players to develop quickly.

Clubs were urged to use the raincoats for the intended purpose and not for personal use.

Representatives of the six clubs expressed gratitude to the BCB and The Hardware Depot for the donation and hailed the outstanding work of the board over the last seven months.

STAR Party Rentals is once again on board with the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Inc. for the Prime Minister’s Cup. The event, which is in its second year, is set to start later this month.

At a recent handing-over ceremony Trenton Griffith, of the business entity, said that he was happy to once again support the competition and is looking forward to another exciting and successful softball series.

Griffith was also thrilled that several overseas teams had indicated their intention to participate in the event.

The competition, which is a partnership involving the GSCL, the National Sports Commission, the Ministry of the Presidency and the Ministry of Social Cohesion, will be played in the Open and Masters divisions and will commence on October 19, at several venues in Georgetown.

Among the venues identified for preliminary matches are GNIC SC, Muslim Youth Organisation, Gandhi Youth Organisation, Demerara Cricket Club, Malteenoes Sports Club, Eve Leary and Everest.

The tournament, which is

set to have lighted bails, will culminate on October 21 at the Everest Cricket Club.

In the Open Division, the winning team will take home $700 000 and the runners-up $100 000 while in the Masters category the champion team will receive $600 000

and the runners-up $100 000.

Regal Masters and Speedboat in the Open and Masters divisions will look to defend their titles.

The Crossover band and cheerleaders will provide entertainment during the finals.

Mario Allicock (left) of GSCL Inc accepts the sponsorship

cheque from Star Party Rentals’ Trenton Griffith.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday October 04, 2018)

COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Gary Sobers & Viv Richards-8 centuries apiece (2) Sunil Gavaskar-13 centuries Today’s Quiz: (1) Which WI has scored most Test runs without a century?

(2) Which Indian has scored most Test runs without a century?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

Petra’s jacquline Boodie collects the sponsorship from Non Alcoholic Beverage Manager Errol Nelson in the presence of Mark Alleyne and Ansa McAl’s Francis Mohamed.

See 20 Page

Ansa McAl joins GUYOIL league sponsorship Legendary fast bowler Courtney Walsh fancies vacant Windies post See Page 20

Marlon Samuels

Samuels century sparks Windies B team to win over Canada See Page 19

Legendary former West Indies fast bowler, Courtney Walsh

GCB gets lease for LBI Community Centre ground

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

See Page 23

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2018