Guyana Chronicle E-paper 10-08-2018

MONDAY 8th October, 2018

No.105421

Work begins on US$200M deep-water harbour 03

––thousands of jobs PAGE being created for Berbicians

Pensioner shoots farmer during acouri hunt 14 PAGE

Police Force seeks indigenous recruits 11 PAGE

An artist’s impression of the facility when completed (CGX website image)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 8, 2018

CH&PA halts GuyTrac Mandela Avenue projects

THE Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) has served notice on the Guyana Tractor and Equipment Company (GuyTrac) to halt unauthorised construction on a plot of land near Mandela Avenue.

The notice is in conformity with the Town and Country Planning Act, Chapter 20:01 of the Laws of Guyana. The land in question is located a few blocks away from where the company operates several other businesses stretching along the thoroughfare.

On Friday, the notice served on Shamnarine Narine ordered that he cease, with immediate effect, all activities; these include development and construction works at Plot ‘HN’ Industrial Reserve, Plantation Ruimveldt.

The notice was signed for and received by an excavator operator who is in the employ of Narine, the CH&PA said in a statement on Saturday.

According to the CH&PA, Narine submitted an application to the agency for full approval of Planning Permission on April 30, 2018, to erect a two-storey building for commercial use.

The upper floor was intended to house offices, while the ground floor was expected be

The parcel of land where the CH&PA has blocked GuyTrac from constructing a gas station and convenience store a convenience store. Within In addition, the CH&PA in the area were set aside for the vicinity, four fuel pumps said the proposed means of beautification purposes by and three underground tanks access, which is from Plum- the community. for kerosene, gasoline and baggo Street and another “They already have plendieseline were expected to roadway are minor streets ty businesses along Mandela; be installed for use as a gas that cannot serve as means the whole area from the trafstation. of ingress and egress; they fic light go back they have “On May 11, 2018, the are not suitable and inappro- businesses. Why are they so convenience store and offices priate. greedy,” an angry resident were recommended for apThe CH&PA said it is told this publication earlier proval on condition that the concerned with the destruc- on Saturday. developer amended plans in tion that was caused to the It was noted that when accordance with recommen- road and road shoulders by the workmen commenced dations from the Ministry of heavy-duty equipment used clearing the area several days Public Infrastructure, indicat- by Narine to drive piles into ago, they blocked a canal at ing no access from Mandela the ground. the junction of Mandela AvAvenue,” the CH&PA said.

Meanwhile, it was also not- enue and a street leading to It noted that the gas sta- ed by the CH&PA that the resi- the community. This resulted tion was rejected on two bas- dents of the Shirley Field-Rid- in Mandela Avenue being es: the site is still not suitable ley Square, South Ruimveldt, flooded for almost 24-hours. for such a development, since in a petition to the agency have Residents expressed it cannot be accessed from rejected the construction of the hope that the businessMandela Avenue, which is gas station and the convenience man would be barred from the main thoroughfare; ac- store and offices. erecting any business opcess must be from a main Residents told the Guy- eration in the area in questhoroughfare. ana Chronicle that the lands tion.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 8, 2018

Work begins on US$200M deep-water harbour

3

––thousands of jobs being created for Berbicians

By Nafeeza Yahya

EXECUTIVE Director for CGX Energy Inc., Dr. Suresh Narine said the company is moving ahead with its US$180-200 million investment in Guyana’s first deep water harbour and onshore base at Crab Island, Berbice.

With the closure of two sugar estates in Berbice recently, and an abundance of skilled and semi-skilled labour available, Dr. Narine said that the investment represents hope for Berbicians.

“We are moving forward with the facility, will be investing with our partners between US$180-200 million in the deepwater harbour and shore base facility. Whilst that facility in its own right will not solve Berbice’s unemployment issues, it will be an important nucleus for growth. Other services with see trickledown effect… it will also have the impact of bringing the oil industry into Berbice in a way that is very lasting and very impactful. When you think even of the construction efforts that such a project will engender, we are talking about hundreds if not multiple thousands of jobs followed by second tier jobs, jobs for our educated people,” the CGX executive director, who was at the time addressing the Berbice Expo, said to a resounding applause.

Speaking with Guyana Chronicle afterwards the event, Dr Narine disclosed that the recommendations of 10 different independent

studies all pointed to Crab Island as being perfect for a port and work has commenced work on phase one of the three phase project to build the deep water harbour and onshore port facility.

“We already have the logistics yard already fixed up and ready to go; it operational.

At the wharf facility which was designed by Ballast Nedam, a very reputable Dutch Firm, we have already done all the vertical drains and we have a tender out that was closed a week ago for about $100 million to start revetting the facility. It’s small in the grand scheme of works but it has already started putting real dollars into Berbice and we are very excited,” he said.

The first phase of the project will see the setting up of a 90-metre wharf and 10,000 metre open logistics yard with a service building.

It will also include storage facilities and the dredging of a channel and turning basin to accommodate ships.

The second and third phases will see the expansion of the facility and the construction of the deep sea harbour and commercial container facility.

EMPLOYMENT According to Dr. Narine, CGX Energy Inc. has a policy to train Guyanese if a position can be filled by them without affecting the efficiency of the company.

Noting that all of the company’s board

members are Guyanese, along with a manager, Dr. Narine said that recently 20 Texans were turned down to conduct a geo-chemical survey and instead 30 Guyanese were trained to do the job.

He said the training of Guyanese where possible is a worthwhile investment.

“We have to have an entry, but Guyana is blessed with all these innovative people, and I am willing to bet that once they have entry into the business they will be making unique contributions to that business as well. We are not only going to be doing this with geo-chemical surveying, that is a start, but when we do our seismic surveys, when we start drilling our wells…”

The labour pool required for the deep water harbour and the onshore base project will be drawn mainly from Berbice. And, CGX is planning to work closely with the University of Guyana’s Berbice campus, GuySuCo Training Centre and other technical institutes within Berbice to facilitate training.

The project, he said, will have massive spin-off effect, including the emergence of several new businesses.

“We have a wide spectrum of people who are engaged directly and those that would end up indirectly, so when you think of a deep water facility you have got a requirement from logistical people, sub-contractors, supplying fuel ,drilling fluids, storage, decanting facilities, trucking. We have an increase

CGX Energy Inc. Executive Director, Dr. Suresh Narine demand for customs and excise, housing, entertainment and transportation, so a major facility like that engenders not only jobs but relocation of labour to the site. It will have far reaching impacts on businesses and accommodations in the area.

Many of the developments are difficult to match because the natural entrepreneur spirit takes over and you can’t predict everything, but those that we can predict suggest a large volume of business,” he said.

Miss India delegates visit Mrs Nagamootoo

THE 10 delegates of the Miss India-Guyana 2018 Pageant and the new franchise holders on Friday paid a courtesy call on Sita Nagamootoo, wife of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo at their official residence.

The delegates shared their individual platforms with Nagamootoo and highlighted areas in which they wish to place emphasis during the lead-up to the pageant. Nagamootoo, being a former Miss India-Guyana in 1966, gave pointers to the delegates for the upcoming pageant.

She advised them to fully understand their roots and the origin of their forefathers in maintaining the Indian tradition.

She pledged her support to the delegates and the franchise holders for the upcoming pageant, which is slated for October 27. (DPI)

Sita Nagamootoo, wife of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo with delegates of the Miss India-Guyana 2018 Pageant and franchise holders Hashim Ali and Melicia Partab-Ali (DPI photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 8, 2018

Man found dead outside Lethem nightclub Twenty killed in ‘horrific’ upstate New York limousine crash board for 12 years and this is one of the biggest loss of lives that we’ve seen in a long time,” NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt told a news conference on Sunday.

On Sunday, emergency vehicles clustered near the parking lot of the Apple Barrel Country Store, the scene of the crash, in Schoharie, about 40 miles (65 km) west of the state capital, Albany.

It was the deadliest transportation accident in the United States since a 2009 plane crash in Buffalo, New York, that killed 49 people, Sumwalt said.

The scene of the crash (AFP/Getty Images)

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Twenty people were killed when a stretch limousine crashed into another vehicle and pedestrians in the parking lot of a store in rural upstate New York, in what federal authorities on Sunday called the deadliest U.S. transport crash in nearly a decade.

A 2001 Ford Excursion that had been stretched into a limousine, charged through a highway intersection without stopping on Saturday afternoon, New York State Police and the National Transportation Safety Board said on Sunday.

The limo then hit an unoccupied 2015 Toyota Highlander in the parking lot of a tourist restaurant and slammed into two pedestrians, killing all 18 occupants of the limo and the two people in the parking lot, state police and the NTSB said.

“Twenty fatalities is just horrific. I have been on the

FOUR SISTERS DIED The dead included at least two pairs of newlyweds, the New York Times reported.

No injuries were reported.

Barbara Douglas, the aunt of four sisters who died in the crash, said the victims were smart, beautiful and lived life to the fullest.

“I don’t know how you say it. You can’t wrap you head around such a tragedy where you have four of your daughters die,” she told reporters at the scene. “I don’t know what to tell you, they were the best nieces that anybody could have,” she said. Names of the victims have not been released pending notification of the next of kin.

The NTSB and the New York State Police were probing the cause of the crash and looking into safety regulations in the limousine industry.

The victims were taken to Albany Medical Centre where autopsies were conducted. All those killed were adults, state police said.

THE police are investigating the death of a 22-year-old man whose lifeless body was found a short distance away from a nightclub at Tabatinga, Lethem, on Sunday morning.

Dead is Morgon Gonsalves, a Guyanese, who lives in Bom Fim, Brazil. The man was last seen at Marlon’s Nightclub at Tabatinga; his body was discovered by a sibling close to the nightclub on

Sunday morning. The man had a wound to his head and he was reportedly killed between midnight and 06:00hrs on Sunday.

Gonsalves had worked as a labourer at a general store in Lethem and would usually spend time at Tabatinga with relatives. Residents were shocked after receiving news of his death. A police investigation is in progress.

Interpol says China’s Meng resigns as president of organisation PARIS (Reuters) - INTERPOL said on Sunday that Meng Hongwei - whom China says is being investigated over suspected violations of the law - had resigned as president of the international police organization.

“Today, Sunday 7 October, (at) the Interpol General Secretariat in Lyon, France received the resignation of Mr Meng Hongwei as President of Interpol with immediate effect,” Interpol said in a statement.

Interpol said South Korean national Kim Jong Yang would become its acting president, while it would appoint a new presi-

dent at a Nov 18-21 meeting of the organisation in Dubai.

Meng Hongwei

Saturday 6, October, 2018

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06, 19, 21, 24, 25

4, 0, 0

8, 7, 6

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 8, 2018

Haiti quake kills at least 14, aftershock jolts nervous residents

PORT-DE-PAIX (Reuters) - AN earthquake hit northern Haiti late on Saturday, killing at least 14 people and sparking a scramble by rescue agencies to help residents of the worst-hit towns in the impoverished Caribbean country.

A local official said at least eight people died in Port-de-Paix on the northern coast near the epicenter of the magnitude 5.9 quake, which struck at a depth of 11.7 kilometres (7.3 miles), according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Four people were killed in and around the town of Gros-Morne farther south, local authorities said, including a woman who died from a heart attack suffered after the quake.

Another person was killed in the town of Chansolme when a house collapsed and one other person in Saint-Louis-du-Nord.

Rescue teams fanned out to help residents, many of whom were still dealing with the trauma of a devastating earthquake in 2010.

A magnitude 5.2 after-

Residents viewing the damage – (Reuters photo)

shock on Sunday afternoon sent people rushing into the street in Port-de-Paix, with many vowing that they would not sleep inside their houses that night.

Marie Lourdes Estainvil, 45, raised her hands and loudly sang, “Jesus, we need your presence among us!” as others gathered.

There were no immediate reports of further damage from the aftershock.

President Jovenel Moise said he would send additional police and military to the region, promising to as-

sist the families of victims.

Some houses in the worst-affected areas were destroyed by the earthquake, the agency said.

The full extent of the damage was not clear though in parts of Port-de-Paix residents tried to go about their business normally on Sunday.

The tremor was one of the strongest to batter Haiti since the 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck near the capital in 2010.

It killed tens of thousands of people.

World Bank wants Caribbean to enhance efforts to build resilience, manage risks WASHINGTON, United States (CMC) — THE World Bank says even as the economies of Latin America and the Caribbean countries (LAC) are growing again after a number of difficult years, the “fragile recovery” highlights the need to increase efforts to build resilience and manage risks.

In its latest regional semi-annual report titled, “From Known Unknowns to Black Swans: How to Manage Risk in Latin America and the Caribbean,” the financial institution finds that the growth prospects for 2018 are falling short of initial expectations “due to challenges faced by some of the countries in our re-

gion, particularly in South America”.

“We’ve hit a bump in the road to recovery,” said Carlos Vegh, World Bank Chief Economist for Latin America and the Caribbean, adding that “this makes it all the more important to better understand and manage risks and other shocks, from financial turbulence to natural

disasters”.

The report notes that the LAC region is now expected to grow 0.6 per cent in 2018 and 1.6 per cent in 2019.

South America is expected to contract 0.1 per cent in 2018 and grow 1.2 per cent in 2019. In contrast, Central America is expected to grow 2.8 per cent in 2018 and 3.2 per cent in 2019, the Carib-

bean 3.7 per cent in 2018 and 3.5 per cent in 2019.

The report states that external factors that remain relatively benign for the region include robust growth in the United States, slowing but still strong growth in China, and a recovery in commodity prices.

In addition, the report notes that Latin Ameri-

Brazil election will go to run-off, Bolsonaro vs. Haddad BRASILIA (Reuters) RIGHT-WING Brazilian Congressman Jair Bolsonaro is headed toward a second-round runoff against leftist former Sao Paulo mayor Fernando Haddad on Oct. 28, according to exit polls, and early results that indicate no candidate winning a majority in Sunday’s presidential election.

With 68 per cent of voters counted, Bolsonaro had received 46 per cent of valid votes, far ahead of Haddad’s 25 per cent. Much of Haddad’s support is concentrated in northeast Brazil, which is

often slower to report electoral results.

An exit poll of 30,000 voters conducted by survey institute Ibope suggested Bolsonaro would win 45 per cent of valid votes on Sunday, with 28 per cent going to Haddad. The survey had a margin of error of plus or minus two percentage points.

Bolsonaro, 63, a former Army captain who praises dictatorships and vows a brutal crackdown on crime and graft had surged in opinion polls in the past week on a wave of antipathy toward Haddad’s Workers Party,

who leader is in jail receiving bribes. He gained momentum after a near-fatal stabbing at a rally one month ago that kept him from cam-

paigning.

Haddad, a former education minister and oneterm mayor of Sao Paulo, is standing in for the party

founder, former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is serving time for bribery and money laundering.

ca and the Caribbean is “extremely exposed and vulnerable to many natural disasters, such as earthquakes, floods that can ravage entire regions and hurricanes that devastate Caribbean states”.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 8, 2018

Firearm licences distribution LAST Friday, the Government of Guyana distributed 130 firearms and licences, and 100 rounds of ammunition each, to selected residents of 12 villages in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni region. This exercise was government’s response to the recognised needs of residents of those communities, and follows a promise made by government to be mindful of the needs of all citizens – regardless of where they live – and respond quickly and appropriately to their individual requirements.

Residents of hinterland communities have particular needs. They farm crops and livestock which they must protect; they live in remote areas that have scarce stores and other sources of goods; and they frequently reside in areas with few, poorly equipped law-enforcement facilities and personnel. As such, many residents had understandably armed themselves with guns illegally, in a desperate attempt to protect their families, guard their properties, and safeguard their interests. Of course, such unregulated

possession of guns is unacceptable, as it would be to any law-abiding society.

The administration, being responsible, law-respecting, mindful, and responsive to the needs of citizens, initiated a programme of amnesty in 2015. Under this programme, owners of illegal firearms could surrender their guns to law- enforcement officials, without any fear of punishment. Additionally, the government made a promise to provide legal firearms – because they were needed – to residents of hinterland communities.

Time for Integrity Commission to turn its attention to policy-makers Dear Editor, WITH information recently coming to the fore, some as a result of the long overdue and recently launched Commission of Inquiry into the operations of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) of Georgetown, I believe that the need has become even more critical for the recently reconstituted Integrity Commission to turn its attention to the policy-makers and administrative officials of the Georgetown municipality, if it is to improve public confidence in the integrity of persons holding senior positions at City Hall.

A section of the media has recently reported the purchase of a $30-million-dollar home on the East Coast of Demerara by a senior officer of the Georgetown municipality, but failed to mention that the same officer has also allegedly purchased other properties in Diamond, East Bank Demerara, among others. How could an officer, who lived in a very modest and unfinished home three years ago and for which his salary could easily be checked, move from having difficulties with his bankers for outstanding debts, to owning several properties overnight and to having other assets and investments both locally and overseas without coming under the microscope of the Guyana Revenue Au-

thority for unexplained wealth? Why has no net worth analysis been done of this individual and other municipal officers?

Why is this individual and his colleagues not being made to demonstrate that these multiple homes, vehicles and other luxury assets were acquired through legal sources of income? Additionally, the children of these nouveau riche are being sent to the most expensive private schools, whilst the other staffers who are being paid late every month are barely eking out a living; they are unbelievably cruel and indifferent toward their underlings.

And the revelation of the massive wealth acquired by this officer is just merely scratching the surface at City Hall. So many other senior officers and policy-makers have acquired properties and other assets from the proceeds of corruption. How much longer must the citizenry put up with the council’s corrupt elite and their brash display of wealth? The Integrity Commission and the GRA have a responsibility to ensure that any stolen wealth, bribes, kickbacks and other inducements acquired by corrupt municipal officials are frozen, and ultimately returned to the citizenry from whom it was stolen.

Regards Roseanne Rodgers

The government has fulfilled that promise.

Working through the Ministry of Public Security and Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, government, in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force, has made the first batch of legal firearms available to those who need them; namely, residents of Kako, Waramadong, Jawalla, Phillipai, Kamarang, Warwata, Puruima, Wax Creek, Chinoweing, Imbamadai, and Wailing.

Importantly, the administration will also provide safe, secure places where legal

ammunition may be obtained and stored.

Prior to this arrangement, even if a hinterland resident had a legal firearm, he would have had to travel all the way to the city – at great cost – to purchase a few rounds of ammunition.

Today, with this new and progressive arrangement, the owner of a legal weapon would be able to obtain ammunition from nearby law-enforcement officials, and, he would be able to store that ammunition at a closely located police station, at great savings to him-

self and the community.

This pilot initiative is an example of a socially sensitive government responding to the specific needs of an often overlooked community. It is an instance of a comprehensive programme that is intended to address a definite need, following the identification of that need.

And, it is a timely response of a thoughtful, searching, proactive, and pragmatic government, to a problem that faces citizens, many of whom were previously overlooked.

The troubles of City Hall Dear Editor, WHENEVER one is faced with an explanation of what’s going on at the Georgetown municipality, the choice is always between incompetence, corruption and conspiracy.

The latest news is that the Mayor and City Council has not had financial audits into its affairs for the years 2016, 2017 and 2018.

This is according to its Internal auditor and is in complete violation of Chapter 28:01 of the laws of Guyana,which states, “The City Council and the Town Council shall, not later than the 31st day of March in every year,submit to the minister a report in writing containing an account of all monies received, expended and applied during the preceding financial year.”

Of course, this is not the most shocking, unusual or monumental of revelations coming out of City Hall; everyone in Georgetown, except maybe for the 30 city fathers and mothers sitting around the horseshoe table, is well aware of this; but the question to be asked is what work and tasks the internal

auditor and the not insignificant number of staff assigned to her, do for the last three years since according to her, the requisite documents are never submitted to her for auditing. Has the auditor and the staff of her division just been twiddling their thumbs for the last three years whilst being well compensated?

And the next question is, what did she then do about it?

Did she formally bring to the attention of the town clerk, the mayor, the minister of communities and the auditor general of Guyana, the existence of this indefensible and appalling state of affairs? Or is she only raising the alarm now that there is a Commission of Inquiry?

But most worrying in all of this, is that during the period referred to, 2016-2018, central government has pumped hundreds of millions of dollars into the system; property rates and other municipal charges have risen sharply; new taxes such as the container tax have been levied upon the citizenry, bringing in hundreds of millions additionally; and yet still the council over the last three years has been and is always broke and bankrupt.

Citizens would like to know whether the internal auditor has been afforded the opportunity to audit the income and expenditure of the recently held 175th anniversary celebrations of the city? I seriously doubt it; this present City Council will never willingly allow an audit there, as all hell would break loose when one is forcibly done.

It would be interesting to know how the internal auditor was recruited and whether she is competent and qualified to carry out those responsibilities effectively.

Such a determination should also be of the competencies of the other staff of the internal audit section. The most egregious of all these goings-on is the fact that some the 30 councillors who sat idly by in key positions and allowed such a travesty to occur, are now seeking to be re-elected to another three-year term with the usual pie-in-thesky promises. These persons are in effect just seeking to insult the intelligence of the citizenry.

Regards Jermain Johnson

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 8, 2018

Bandits terrorise elderly security guard A 68-year-old security guard stationed at a sand pit on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway was overpowered by two bandits and had his hands, feet and mouth duct-taped on Saturday.

On completing the act, the bandits escaped with excavator supplies and a

$7M hydraulic pump.

Reports indicate that the security guard lives in a one-flat wooden building in the fenced compound of the sand pit. The guard related that in the wee hours of Saturday morning, he heard a loud banging on the door by persons claiming to be police officers.

However, suspecting that something was amiss, he did not open the door.

Moments later, the security guard said he heard the excavator which was parked in the compound started and suddenly the bucket slammed into his house.

Terrified, the guard said he bolted from the building,

but as soon as he was out, he was confronted by the bandits who immediately dealt him several cuffs, causing him to collapse on the ground.

When he fell, the bandits tied him up and escaped with the stolen items in a vehicle which was parked nearby.

Unidentified body found on Soesdyke-Linden Highway A PARTIALLY nude and battered body of a man was found motionless at Loo Creek on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway with multiple injuries on his body on Sunday.

Reports indicate that the body bore injuries to the head, left arm and leg. Next to the body were pieces of plastic fragments suspected to be that of a vehicle light.

The closest community from where the body was discovered is three miles away. The body was taken to the Linden Hospital Complex and was later transferred to the Wismar Hospital Mortuary, awaiting identification and autopsy.

Social media policy needed for public officials Dear Editor,

I REFER to the Stabroek News article, “Cops Probing Complaint against Gov’t Cultural Advisor…” published on October 5, 2018. It was with great shock that I recently learnt that the said adviser has a personal interest in the case brought before the High Court against The Bishops’ High School teacher. Now that the police

have turned up at his place of work in response to a complaint lodged by the teacher and his fiancée for allegedly breaching a section of the new Cyber Crime Act, my initial suspicions have been confirmed.

It seems to me Johnson is determined on achieving his end, regardless of the consequences, even if it means causing this government great embarrassment.

That he would suggest the teacher is taking advantage of the law purely because it’s new, is ludicrous. It matters not whether the law is two minutes or five years old, if a breach has occurred, the wronged party has the right to legal redress as is provided by the law. What Johnson seems to be saying is that the law is only valid when it serves his purpose.

Further, that he would

contend that Jackson and his fiancée’s complaints are a reflection of the relative strength of Jackson’s High Court matter, is equally puerile. Clearly, the two cases are distinct and separate and should be judged on their own merit. If this is the kind of faulty thinking that Johnson provides to his employers in his role as adviser, then the taxpayers of this country are being taken for a ride.

Following Johnson’s logic, one can take the other side and argue that the alleged public slander of the named individuals is indicative of the relative strength of the case in which Johnson has a vested interest. How else can he explain the urge to offer public pronouncements on the matter which is before the court, and in which he is a witness?

Mr. Editor, because of loose cannons like Ruel

Johnson, there needs to be some kind of social media policy for public officials.

Can you imagine how awkward it must have been for the permanent secretary to attempt an explanation to the police for Johnson’s refusal to go down to the station? This government must do better.

Yours respectfully, Kevin Samaroo

Early detection equals cure Dear Editor COMMUNICABLE diseases are those which can pass from one person to another. Non- communicable diseases are those which affect persons, but do not go from one person to another; one such disease is breast cancer.

Breast cancer is a horrible, often fatal disease which must be addressed. Unless breast cancer is treated, it will spread into surrounding tissues and kill the patient. It can affect both women and men and it is preventable and curable, but it must be caught early.

Breast cancer can affect both men and women because everyone has breast tissue. Fortunately, in Guyana, the disease is curable.

Worldwide, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), some 1.38 million persons are diagnosed with new cases of the disease.

In Guyana, about 150 persons are victims of breast cancer annually. According to the Ministry of Public Health, 17 per cent of all cancers are breast cancer; and 27 per cent of all cancers in females begin in the breast. Unfortunately, the majority of those

victims die because they do not detect the disease early enough and seek treatment – which is absolutely free – at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Chief oncologist – cancer specialist – Dr Sayan Chakraborty at the Cancer Institute of Guyana, says that all stages of cancer-related treatment: diagnosis, chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy, can be done in Guyana. Further, he said, “know cancer, no cancer.”

According to the WHO, every person should be aware of changes in their bodies; any change in the feel, appearance, or behaviour of the breast should be suspect, unless cancer is ruled out by a competent doctor. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual international event held every year in order to raise awareness of the dreaded disease, and educate persons worldwide, that breast cancer is detectable and curable.

The keys to cure are early detection, rapid action, and medical intervention. Again, any change in the breast should be reported to and investigated by a medical doctor.

The GPHC is equipped

with an Oncology Department, fully equipped to diagnose and treat any type of cancer, including breast

cancer. The Oncology Department may be contacted through the GPHC switchboard. Additionally, the

Cancer Institute of Guyana may be reached via Tel: 225 5701, or email, cancerinstistitute@sbcglobal.net Early

detection equals cure.

Regards Mark Dacosta

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 8, 2018

Domestic violence claims 15 victims –– almost half are from Region Four this year

cer (REO) Pauline Lucas said that everyone has a role to play in ending domestic violence.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Ravindra Stanley, addressing participants at the domestic violence march on Sunday SOME 15 women have lost their lives through domestic violence in Guyana during the period January 31 to August 31 this year, with seven of those women coming from Region Four.

This is according to Region Four Chairman Genevieve Allen, who was on Sunday addressing a march and rally against domestic violence, organised by the Ministry of Social Protection and the Region Four Regional Democratic Council (RDC).

Allen told a well-attended gathering at the Lusignan Community Centre ground, that based on statistics from the Probation and Welfare Department, while there were 48 male victims; female victims remain the highest at 154.

“The numerous deaths of our loved ones are psychologically affecting our children.

Within these homes, families are destroyed and many women live in fear for their safety

and that of their children. Even though men are being abused by women, the percentage of women experiencing abuse by men is significantly higher. Children who witness the abuse often live in fear and, some of them may copy and perpetrate abuse towards other family members of the home and even in our schools,” Allen said.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) during the period January 1 to March 31, dealt with 484 cases, a 100 per cent increase in the corresponding period. Notably, 81 of those cases were recorded in C Division, representing a 16 per cent increase.

During the march, participants held placards, chanting throughout the journey from the Beterverwagting Community Centre Ground to the Lusignan Community Centre, that no form of domestic violence would be tolerated irrespective of who the perpetrators are.

Region Four, Regional Executive Offi-

Police recover boat, engine in Waini River piracy attack THE police have retrieved the boat and engine, as they continue their investigation into a piracy attack on eight Guyanese fishermen, by a gang of six suspected Venezuelans on Thursday afternoon in the Waini River.

The attack reportedly occurred in the vicinity of an area called “Crabdog”, which is close to the Guyana Venezuela border on the Guyana side.

The vessel, which was captained by Julian Marks, 40, of Dartmouth Village Essequibo Coast, had a crew of seven men.

Reports indicate that the captain and crew were about to drop their seines when they were ambushed by six, Spanish speaking men, who arrived in wooden “balahoo” powered by a 75hp outboard engine.

The robbers, who were armed with shotguns, rifles and pistols when they confronted the fishermen, ordered them to jump into the river. Fearful for their lives, the fishermen complied. The bandits then took possession of the wooden boat, which was powered by a 40hp Yamaha engine, along with foodstuff and other items.

The Spanish-speaking men before escaping in the direction of Venezuela, cut off a smaller boat that was tied to the fishermen’s vessel, and this was used by the Guyanese to pull themselves to safety and until they were rescued by a passing vessel.

VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM “We realise that this is a very serious problem within our society, and that is why we at the RDC jumped on board immediately so that we can play our part,” REO Lucas said, noting that nothing but a zero-tolerance approach to domestic violence must be accepted.

“Almost every day when you read the newspapers now you are hearing about some woman who have been murdered or abused, and there are men too who are at the receiving end of domestic violence. However, several of the men suffer in silence because they are reluctant or ashamed to speak out. Therefore, it’s time that we come together to address domestic violence in an aggressive and consistent way. This walk is to demonstrate that together with one voice we can stop domestic violence,” Lucas said.

Deputy Superintendent of Police within

`C’ Division, Ravindra Stanley, said the Guyana Police Force continues to upgrade and enhance the various police stations across the country to better handle cases of domestic violence.

“The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has a zero tolerance to domestic violence, and I would like to repeat it so that persons are assured, that we do not in no way entertain or condone domestic violence,” Stanley said.

He noted that contrary to perception, the GPF does not settle cases of domestic violence but channels them to the court.

“We, within the GPF, take domestic violence reports seriously and in almost every police station there is a domestic violence room where we take statements and conduct interviews with domestic violence victims, as we place a very high degree of confidentiality on domestic violence matters.

We do not settle any domestic violence matters, therefore we would refer the matters to either the court or the probation department for appropriate action,” the senior policeman said.

Some of the marchers against domestic violence on Sunday

VYC taking STEM to youths THE Volunteer Youth Corps (VYC) will be taking its Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Programme to young people, in an effort to boost their capacities.

The VYC held its opening ceremony for partners, students and teachers on Monday October 1, 2018 at Regency Suites, where over 200 students were in attendance along with teachers and special invitees,. They were given information in accordance with the STEM programme and its future upcoming plans, a release from the group said.

Speaking at the event, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Volunteer of VYC, Ms. Goldie Scott, explained that since 2012, VYC has been implementing its After-School Interactive Math and Science Programme through financial support from ExxonMobil and approval from the Ministry of Education.

She also highlighted the

Deedra Moe, Senior Director Public & Government Affairs at Exxon Mobil (sixth from left) and Goldie Scott, CEO of VYC Volunteer Youth Corps (third from left) pose with students of the VYC annual events of the VYC, in conjunction with its after-school programme, the release noted.

Senior Director, Public & Government Affairs at ExxonMobil Guyana, Deedra Moe shared: “It is exciting to be a part of this initiative, and ExxonMobil Guyana is committed to the development of youth in the areas of STEM education, and is very pleased with the good work

being done by the Volunteer Youth Corps. “We see the positive impacts that these classes have on the volumes of youth that participate and we are excited to see more,” she affirmed.

Students were also informed about the VYC’s STEM Academy, a programme for youth desirous of undertaking future careers in the Engineering and Science fields. Here,

students between the ages of 15-19 can enrol in the academy to pursue fulltime Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) classes at affordable rates in Physics, Mathematics, Technical Drawing, Integrated Science, Human and Social Biology, English A, Information Technology, Robotics and Career Guidance, the release added.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 8, 2018

Prepare for the opportunities ahead

–– Minister Gaskin urges private sector MINISTER of Business Dominic Gaskin has called on the private sector to prepare itself for the abundance of opportunities that lies ahead, pointing out that Guyana has a unique problem that the rest of the world would love to have.

“Right now Guyana has a problem that most countries in the world would love to have; we have a lot of opportunities ahead and we are not yet prepared to take advantage of those opportunities and when we say we, I mean both the government and the private sector, because we are in this thing together; it is Guyana’s oil and we together have to find a way to maximise the benefits of that oil,” he said.

The minister, who was at the time addressing the opening of the Berbice Expo on Friday, said systems are being put in place to improve the lives of all Guyanese.

“Fortunately, I know what the government is doing and I know that we’re close to being where we need to be; despite all the gloom and doom and negativity things are taking shape… our government is putting the necessary frameworks in place, the Department of Energy; Sovereign Wealth Fund; local content policy; financial sector reform; enhanced revenue and trade facilitation systems and many other initiatives and programmes to ensure that Guyana’s oil will benefit Guyanese people and the Guyanese

economy. All of this is happening within the bigger picture: the Green State Development Strategy, which will guide Guyana’s development over the next two decades. So like I said, I am not worried about government, I am a lot more concerned about the private sector.”

The minister of business commended the Central Corentyne Chamber for hosting yet another Berbice Expo and urged that all pay attention to the expo’s theme: “Advancing economic progress through professional standards and entrepreneurship.”

Gaskin said standards have been ignored for too long and has come back to haunt Guyana, since larger international companies which would be coming because of the petroleum sector require certain standards in their dealings and can be the difference as to whether Guyanese gain or lose the bulk of the benefit.

“Right now it is very important [that] we focus on implementing standards and improving the quality and consistency of what we do, because Guyana is at a junction and we can go right or we can go wrong. If we go right, we can enjoy a bigger share of the benefits of the oil that we own; and if we go wrong, we may lose out on a lot of the benefits and others will end up enjoying them for us… Our government of the day will get money and will improve education,

Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin addressing the Berbice Expo healthcare, security, roads and many other things that will happen. There is no doubt, but businesses must also get contracts to provide the goods and services that the oil industry needs,” he said.

Gaskin also noted that while many may believe that they cannot be part of the industry because they are not into the oil business, everyone needs to understand that there will be a demand for service and products that are already in Guyana.

“Our entrepreneurs must start positioning themselves for what is going to happen

across all sectors when Guyana starts to produce oil, because not everyone has to be an oil man or an oil woman. There will be increased demand for construction, transportation, maintenance, food; almost everything that businesses are currently doing or currently providing and it will be required on a larger scale and more importantly though, at a higher quality and with better consistency.”

The Berbice Expo, which concludes today, has attracted thousands of patrons and exhibitors from across Guyana and Suriname.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 8, 2018

A closer look at the effects of child sexual abuse

Monday, October 08, 2018 –– 04:00hrs –– 05:30hrs

(Please note the word ‘victim’ is used in this article for descriptive purposes only. There are many ‘survivors’ of sexual abuse.)

When someone forces himself upon you sexually, it can be a harrowing and traumatic experience.

It doesn’t matter if you are a man or a woman, a boy or a girl, it is an invasion of your body, your privacy and an act against your will. Even if you manage to fight the perpetrator off, you may still have flashbacks or anxiety attacks, every time you remember the incident and what could have happened if you did not manage to get away.

To feel powerless in any situation is bad enough without the added bestial act of sexual molestation being performed upon you by a low-life, selfish individual, who does not care about you or the way you think or feel, but whose ultimate sole purpose is self-gratification.

After the awful act of sexual abuse, each victim is left to pick up the pieces and sort out his/her life, from that moment on.

One thing is for sure: they will never think, feel or have the same outlook on their future, like they had, before it happened.

Sexual abuse can interfere with a child’s feelings

and attitude towards sexuality: their developmental growth in this area may become inappropriate and dysfunctional as a result of the abuse. This happens because the child has been involved in sexual activity that is unsuitable to his/ her level of development; in some cases, the child is even made to feel, that she/he is to be blamed or is a co-conspirator in the act; this brings feelings of anxiety, guilt and the need for added secrecy into the equation.

As an abused child grows, his/her intellectual development and their emotional outlook on the world can become distorted; this can affect their ability to achieve academically and socially, because they have little sense of their own value and worth.

Being sexually abused can also make them feel powerless about taking control of their lives and their future.

Sexual abuse changes the victim: it is a unique type of trauma that has a way of seeping into the very essence of the victim’s being and affecting them in negative ways.

Of course, the ordinary person cannot see this and may tend to advise the victim, ‘just forget about what happened and get on with your life’. But for the victim, it is not that simple.

Psychologically, they need to be counselled, even if they do not realise it at the time (or in years to come): they need to talk about what happened, how it happened and let it all out. Only then can they ‘look’ at the event(s) and begin to understand clearly, what occurred and the reasons why. Victims of sexual abuse need to heal and healing begins once things are discussed and examined professionally, with the victim at his/her own pace.

Covering up sexual abuse because of shame or to protect the perpetrator is a big mistake that always has repercussions in the long run. Families who do this tend to raise damaged children into adults who have their own ‘set of problems’ (i.e. low self-esteem and selfworth; promiscuity; early and multiple pregnancies; inability to make and keep friends or partners) as a result of how the abuse was dealt with at the time.

When little children are sexually abused (if there are no physical scars as a result), there is always the hope that the child might not remember the ordeal or that he/she might continue to develop, unaware of what had happened to them. But there is usually some type of unpleasant unspoken recollection of the incident that hangs

over the child and the family. While children under five may have a sketchy memory, incidents of trauma, especially sexual trauma, will stand out.

As adults we must do all we can to protect both boy and girlchildren from being sexually abused.

Don’t think, ’that could never happen to my child’.

Do not leave children in vulnerable situations; do not rely on anyone to look after them unless it is absolutely necessary; teach children how to protect themselves and how to say ‘NO!’ if someone tries to touch them inappropriately; get them ‘clued in’.

Above all, do not dismiss sexual abuse as ‘just an unfortunate incident’ it is a heinous, deliberate act that can have a detrimental impact on a victim’s entire life.

If you need to speak to a social worker in confidence about sexual abuse, call the Childcare and Protection Agency on 227 4082 and ask to make an appointment. If you are concerned about the welfare of a child call the CPA hotline on 227 0979 or write to us at childcaregy@gmail. com A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY, MINISTRY OF SOCIAL PROTECTION

Two more NOC escapees –– nabbed at Supenaam recaptured with stolen items TWO inmates who had escaped from the New Opportunity Corps (NOC), Onderneeming, Region Two, were recaptured by ‘G’ Division police at Supenaam on Sunday morning.

The two were nabbed during a police search in the area. The duo had in their possession 1hp

laptop; two yellow metal chains; four yellow metal rings; one bluetooth box; and one external hard drive and one silver knife. The items recovered are suspected to have been stolen from a doctor at Suddie Public Hospital.

Doctor Shivanie Totaram’s apartment was broken into around

23:00hrs on October 4.

The students escaped from the NOC between September 27 and 29. Thus far, 10 of the 13 students who escaped have been recaptured.

The police in ‘G’ Division are continuing their search for the other three students.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 8, 2018

Police Force seeks indigenous recruits

By Leroy Smith

DEPUTY Commissioner of Police Paul Williams DSM, who is responsible for the force’s administration which encompasses recruitment, is initiating a process of having residents from the indigenous communities join the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

While the force currently has vacancies for 200 more recruits, that is not the main reason why Williams is pushing for the indigenous intake. It is largely to address the language barrier which currently exists within several hinterland communities between the police from the coastland and indigenous residents who seek to engage the police through ways of making reports and, seeking other services and protection by ranks serving those areas.

“When police from the city work here, really and truly they cannot communicate with you effectively because of your dialect which they do not understand. So if we have persons from these communities joining the force, we will provide you with the training in law enforcement and send you back to serve in the parts of the country along with ranks from the coastland, so that the issue of language barrier can be minimised tremendously,” Williams told some 300 indigenous residents and community leaders on Friday in Kamarang.

He was at the time accompanying Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan, Minister of Public Affairs Dawn Hasting-Williams and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock, who travelled to the Upper Mazaruni to issue letters for firearm approvals and firearm licences.

Already, D.C. Williams has initiated a conversation on the issue with Minister Williams verbally, and that is soon to be followed up through the formal channels, the indigenous communities were told. The force will be launching an aggressive recruitment drive in the hinterland locations to ensure that the necessary procedures are followed. Williams called on the leaders in the communities to be part of the process.

“I would like to ask the Toshaos and other reputable persons to recommend the recruits, and come on board as you will know their character, discipline levels and background. We will be able to work with them and we will make the arrangements to mobilise and get them to Georgetown, where they will be trained and then sent

back to serve the indigenous communities,” the Deputy Commissioner assured the residents who responded with a resounding applause.

The senior officer requested that the villagers and their leaders cooperate fully with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in this regard.

He stressed that the move is all part of ensuring that the GPF sticks to its mandate and responsibility of protecting and serving each and every citizen in this country and, where there are lapses that prevent proper service, whether in communication, crime fighting or otherwise, then the force is not fully fulfilling that mandate.

He noted also that the move to increase the number of indigenous members in the force works both ways, as the force has seen and is cognisant of the fact that challenges do exist with regard to communication among indigenous peoples and members of the force.

He said the move is similar to where the force has to deal with foreign nationals, where interpreters have to be sourced when these persons are of interest to the police for the purpose of investigations.

“It is the same thing we are facing in the hinterland, and with our recruitment focus that is one of the things that we need to address because we want to ensure what we give is balance across the board. It also makes it easy for us and the indigenous residents, because we don’t want them coming to a station and having to sit or wait for hours until we can find someone who can communicate with them in their language, like any other citizen in this country that is not the kind of service they deserve,” said Williams, in an exclusive interview with this publication.

Deputy Commissioner Williams, however, said that increases have been observed in the number of persons who wish to join the GPF, and unlike previous years where the force had to go hunting for recruits, persons are coming to the organisation and asking to join.

Further, the quality of these persons as it relates to their academic achievement is something that the Guyana Police Force has been impressed with.

The GPF is also now seeking to have its strength increased and that request has already been made to the government, and is waiting on Cabinet’s approval, Williams told the Guyana Chronicle.

He said that in the expansion drive of the force

as it relates to numbers, the organisation is placing heavy emphasis on capacity building and cultural diversity, given the new frontiers of law enforcement and the many different areas of housing development, and communities which are opening where the police will have to be present in the execution of their duties of ensuring law and order.

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New employment opportunities –– Minister forthcoming in agriculture Holder

GUYANESE are set to benefit from new employment opportunities in the agriculture sector when the agricultural stations, which will demonstrate the agricultural potential of major eco-zones, come on stream.

The agricultural stations will result in the establishment of orchards,

nurseries and seed-production facilities and breeding of cattle and small ruminants to provide stock for farmers and seed stock for entrepreneurs.

Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, said the new stations will create new employment opportunities, both directly and indirectly, as the country’s economic base is moved

inland and will complement other activities such as mining, forestry and support service activities.

Areas in the Intermediate Savannahs including Kasarama, Ebini, Kimbia, Fort Nassau to the east of the Berbice River and Wiruni, Ituni and Kibilibiri on the west have a rich agricultural history. Minister Holder said due to

this fact, an approximately 54,000 acres agricultural station was established at Ebini.

“Back in the 1930s, at Tacama on the Berbice River, the cattle were shipped by paddle boat.

Those that were weak after the approximately sixweek journey, were placed on the Ebini Savannah to recover. This prompted

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 8, 2018

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder the establishment of the extension systems and will Ebini Livestock Research finance the buildings and Station in the 1940s,” Min- equipment required in the ister Holder explained.

Ebini agricultural station,” The station is respon- Minister Holder related. sible for investigating the This should comconstraints to beef pro- mence in early 2019. duction, while realising the economic agricultural potential of the Intermediate Savannahs.

Its primary agricultural entities include the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA); the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI); and the Hydrometeorological Service.

Minister Holder highA 66-YEAR-OLD lighted that the GLDA farmer of Queenstown, continues to work to idenEssequibo Coast, is in police custody after it tify breed types and pasis alleged that he took ture species suitable for aim at an acouri but these savannahs. There instead, he shot a farmare approximately 700 er in the backlands of cattle and 300 sheep. BrahQueenstown. man Zebu, Beef master His firearm and carand Brangus are the breed tridges were seized and types of cattle being exhave been lodged at the plored along with a numpolice station.

The injured 54-yearber of pasture species. old farmer was taken to Meanwhile, NAREI’s Suddie Hospital where emphasis is on orchard he received treatment crops, including citrus, for two shotgun pellet guava, avocado and sourwounds and was dissop. charged.

According to Minister Reports indicate that Holder, Ebini also conthe pensioner, who is a tains NAREI’s coconuts licensed firearm holder, ventured out around and mango germplasm 05:00hrs on Sunday collection, as well as a red morning to hunt, when pea and peanuts nursery to he reportedly shot the supply the Bernice River farmer. and coast. Approximately The injured farm10 acres of corn for feed er said he heard a loud production is in place, explosion and he felt a while large-scale cassava burning sensation after is being investigated. falling to the ground.

Almost immediately af“Under the Sustainable ter, he said he heard the Agriculture Development shooter claiming that he Project (SADP), more emmissed the acouri. phasis will be placed on The farmer said he soybean cultivation. This did not see who was the IDB-funded project has a shooter; however, he component that focuses managed to make his on strengthening the agway to the hospital for ricultural innovation and treatment.

Pensioner shoots farmer during acouri hunt

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 8, 2018

KUFP promises good life for Kwakwani

PROVIDING that they win Local Government Elections 2018 in Kwakwani, the Kwakwani United For Progress (KUFP) promises to take the community from “depressed” to one that is “sustainable.”

This was told to the Guyana Chronicle during an interview with Constituency Three Representative, Maleeka Russel, who noted that the independent group wants “Kwakwani being a community that would move from depressed to a community that is sustainable economically, socially and get all the necessary services that are going to make a person better than they were yesterday.”

Operating under the theme, “Growth and Development through transparency and inclusiveness,” the group is seeking to place the interest of the people first.

The group’s main focus is on road development, education, sports and promoting development amongst the residents of Kwakwani.

“So far [for] our main

Constituency Three representative, Maleeka Russel focus, we’ve always been focused on road development, education, sports and promoting development among residents. Basically looking at opportunities and making use of those opportunities in whatever area possible,” Russel noted.

KUFP was formed in 2015 after it was announced by Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, that Local Government Elections would resume in 2016. Persons within

the community formed the group, since they felt as though the people were not being represented.

“In June 2015, after minister announced that they will be having a local government election in 2016, we decided that we are going to form a group that is going to contest in the local government election. That came about because we thought that the persons that were representing the parties were just there to represent the party and not the people of Kwakwani,” Russel said.

In March 2016, the group contested the Local Government Elections in which they won the majority of the votes; however, the group was only allocated five out of the 12 seats.

“Having five of the 12 seats, it was kind of lil hard for us to actually carry out some of the things that we promised residents; we would have done because the majority was AFC and APNU, so they always give us a fight in terms of having our plans fulfilled,” said Russel, as she explained

FAO Food Price Index down in September amid robust supplies GLOBAL agricultural food commodity prices fell in September due to growing inventories of key staples.

The FAO Food Price Index declined 1.4 per cent from August and is now 7.4 per cent below its level during September 2017.

The FAO Cereal Price Index dropped 2.8 per cent, led by maize, as expectations of a very large crop in the United States of America pushed export quotations down.

International prices of rice and wheat also fell during the month, the latter due primarily to ongoing strong sales and shipments from the Russian Federation.

The FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index posted its eighth consecutive monthly decline, dipping 2.3 percent to a three-year low. Palm oil prices registered the sharpest decline, as large inventories in major exporting countries weighed on price quotations, which are now 25 per cent below their level of a year ago.

The FAO Dairy Price Index declined 2.4 per cent in September, continuing its downward trend, while the FAO Meat Price Index slipped marginally from its revised value for August.

The FAO Sugar Price Index is 21 percent below its September 2017 level, while it rose 2.6 per cent from August as ongoing harvesting operations in Brazil, the world’s largest producer and exporter, point to drought conditions having had a negative impact on sugarcane yields. Sub-par monsoon rainfall in India and Indonesia also provided upward

support to international sugar prices.

With its Cereal Supply and Demand Brief, also released today, FAO raised its forecast for this year’s global cereal production to 2 591 million tonnes, still 2.4 per cent below the record high of 2017.

Reduced rainfall in Australia and Canada are expected to lower wheat yields, which, however, should be offset by higher outputs in Algeria and the Russian Federation. U.S. maize production is expected to reach its second highest level on record, more than offsetting downward revisions made for Russia.

Global rice production is anticipated to rise 1.3 per cent, surpassing last year’s all-time high, spurred by evidence of greater Asian plantings than previously expected, especially in India.

FAO expects world cereal utilization to rise to 2 647 million tonnes in the 2018/19 season, up 1.1 per cent from the estimated level for the previous year. Global trade in cereals is expected to approach 417 million tonnes, about 1.0 per cent less than the record level of the 2017/18 marketing season. International trade volumes of wheat and rice are expected to decline, while those for maize to increase.

World cereal stocks by the close of seasons in 2019 are forecast at 751.3 million tonnes, about 7 per cent below their record-high opening level, with significant drawdowns of wheat inventories expected in the European Union and the Russian Federation.

the challenges of having a limited number of seats.

However, Russel highlighted that the group is not an opposition to the government.

“One of the things to note is that we are not an opposition to the government. We are just here to make sure that residents’ interests [are not forsaken],” she added.

The other representatives are Faye Rodriguez, Constituency One; Lyndon Mc Almont, Constituency Three; Petranella Pollard, Constituency Four; Jennifer Edwards, Constituency Five; and Loraine Fordyce, Constituency Six. Russel is encouraging persons to vote wisely, adding, “I always say, vote wise.

Vote for people that will represent you, not for persons who are there to represent a party.”

Kwakwani Six constituency representatives

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Brathwaite says batsmen need to find balance (CMC) – STAND-IN captain Kraigg Brathwaite says West Indies’ batsmen need to find the right balance between attack and defence, as the Caribbean side seek to bounce back from their humbling innings and 272run defeat in the opening Test here last weekend.

India needed less than three days to beat West Indies and take a 1-0 lead in the twomatch series as the Windies’ batting folded meekly in each innings for 181 and 196.

“Going forward, what we need to do is, along with the attacking shots, trust in defence. I think that’s the key,” said Brathwaite, who replaced regular skipper Jason Holder who sat out the match with an ankle injury.

“Obviously, when the field goes back, it’s a matter of still staying positive in defence also and putting away the bad balls, stroking the ball along

the ground for singles. I just don’t think we trusted our defence as much as we should have.”

India amassed a massive 649 for nine declared with teenaged debutant Prithvi Shaw (134), captain Virat Kohli (139) and Ravi Jadeja (100 not out) managing hundreds.

The Windies batting then showed little enterprise and only Roston Chase with 53 in the first innings and opener Kieran Powell with 83 in the second, showed any will to resist the Indian attack.

Brathwaite, who failed in both innings, said the Windies batsmen would do well to learn from how India approached their innings.

“I think what they can look at is how India batted. We saw the guys getting in and backing themselves,” Brathwaite pointed out.

“Obviously, Shaw was

quite attacking; he was 100 per cent into what he was doing. Kohli obviously came in, took his time and flourished.

“I think if we can learn from them, that will put us in good stead going forward. [There were] obviously a few nerves, it’s Test cricket, so it is never easy but we need to take a page out of their book and take that into our batting. “[We have to] trust in defence and obviously when you attack, go 100 per cent as well.”

West Indies face India in the second Test in Hyderabad starting Friday and will hope to give a better account of themselves.

Importantly, they will have experienced new ball bowler Kemar Roach back after he missed the first Test due to the death of his grandmother.

However, doubt remains over Holder’s fitness but

Kraigg Brathwaite

Brathwaite said a decision would be made in the coming days about the all-rounder’s availability.

“Kemar will be back but not 100 per cent sure [about Jason]. In a couple of days we will come to know,” he

said. “It’s just for us to bounce back. Obviously, it’s not the start we wanted but we can bounce back.”

West Indies have not won a Test on Indian soil in 24 years and a series in India in nearly four decades.

Hemraj’s century helps Guyana Jaguars crush Windies B in Super50

By BRIJ PARASNATH

West Indies A team opener Chandrapaul Hemraj scored an unbeaten 103 which sparked Guyana Jaguars to a crushing nine-wicket victory over the West Indies B team in their day-night CWI Super50 clash at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy last evening.

The 25-year-old Hemraj, who hails from Stathavon, ECD, shared an unbroken 153-run second wicket partnership with Christopher Barnwell who finished undefeated on a well played 61 that contained three sixes and one boundary off 71 deliveries.

The Everest Cricket Club player posted his career best 50-overs score and it was his maiden regional triple-figure mark in First Class, List A or T20 matches. Hemraj embellished his hundred with two

sixes and twelve delightful fours off 80 balls.

Hemraj and Barnwell took control of the proceedings in a strategic right-left combination after left-handed opener, Trevon Griffith, had shared a 40-run first wicket stand.

Pacer Chemar Holder dismissed Griffith, caught by wicketkeeper Tevin Imlach, for 14 and was the only successful bowler.

G u y a n a J a g u a r s t r iumphed with 193 for 1 off 28.2 overs after the West Indies B team innings closed at 192 for 9 in 47.2 overs with Yannic Cariah injured and unable to resume his innings after he departed with six runs to his name.

Having won the toss, the Guyana Jaguars captain Leon Johnson decided that his team will field first and try to exploit a pitch that was devoid of any grass.

West Indies Youth World

Cup players Kimani Melius and Keagan Simmons shared a 37-run opening stand before Raymon Reifer prised out Melius for 20 off 34 deliveries.

Simmons was the dominant partner in the 57-run second wicket stand with Kirstan Kallicharran that carried the score to 94 for 2 in 24.4 overs.

However, the left-hander was bowled by the impressive Clinton Pestano who pegged back the Windies B with a frugal spell of 5-1-8-1.

He greeted West Indies senior player Marlon Samuels with two bouncers that rattled the experienced Jamaican who then played on to Sherfane Rutherford.

The first bouncer by Pestano surprised the right-handed Samuels and the sharp rising delivery glanced off his elbow and left him in some pain. The next one also forced a hurried defensive stroke which saw Samuels

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retreat forlornly to the pavilion with only six runs off eight balls and the score 106 for three after 27.3 overs.

Kallicharran struggled to middle the ball and his patchy innings lasted 85 deliveries when his attempted flick shot off Ramaal Lewis ballooned to Pestano stationed at wide mid-off. He shared equal topscore with Simmons on 44 that includ-

ed four fours off 80 balls.

Odean Smith smashed two sixes and contributed 32 runs off 32 balls as their innings closed at 192 for 9 off 47.2 overs.

Raymon Reifer (7.1-030-2), Permaul (10-0-47-2), Hemraj (6-0-28-2), Pestano (6-1-13-1), Lewis 7-1-25-1) and Sherfane Rutherford (2-0-6-1) shared the wickets.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday October 08, 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) (1) (2)

ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: 644/8 declared (Delhi, 1948/49) 631/8 declared (Kingston, 1962)

(1)

(2)

TODAY’S QUIZ: What is the highest total made in a Test innings by India (in India) against the WI? What is the highest total made in a Test innings by India (in the WI) against the WI?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE 10:45 hrs Moyross 11:15 hrs Ellie Mac 11:50 hrs Native Lass 12:20 hrs First Approach English Racing Tips Windsor 08:25 hrs Dark Thunder 08:55 hrs Damon Runyon 09:25 hrs Reeth 10:00 hrs Mans Not Trot 10:30 hrs Ashington 11:00 hrs Dragons Voice 11:35 hrs Motajaasid 12:05 hrs Plucky Dip

Pontefract 09:05 hrs Just Hubert 09:35 hrs Diamondque 10:10 hrs Jamil 10:40 hrs So Near So Farhh 11:10 hrs Bezos 11:45 hrs Mustaqbal 12:15 hrs Ormesher 12:50 hrs Fronsac

Stratford 09:15 hrs Unsafe Conduct 10:20 hrs Shoal Bay 10:50 hrs Roll The Dough 11:25 hrs Rouge Vif 11:55 hrs Cillian’s Well 12:30 hrs Flash Of Steel

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 8, 2018

Hamilton dominates Japan

Arrests after

Nurmagomedov beats McGregor

Lewis Hamilton dominated the Japanese Grand Prix

CMC – LEWIS Hamilton dominated Suzuka from start to finish to win the Japanese Grand Prix here Sunday and close in on his fifth Formula One world title.

The 33-year-old Brit took the chequered flag 12 seconds ahead of Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas, with Red Bull’s maverick Max Verstappen rounding out the podium, to once again confirm his quality.

Hamilton’s victory saw him move to 331 points and stretch his lead to 67 over nemesis Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari who could only finish sixth, in a further blow to his title chances.

With four races left in the 2018 season, Hamilton is now the heavy favourite for his third title in four years but said he was not getting ahead of himself.

“Honestly, I’ll take it one step at a time,” said Hamilton, whose paternal grandparents were born in Grenada.

“Each week you have a positive weekend and you go to another Grand Prix and you’re not sure how you’re going to fare and how you’re going to perform, because there are still gaps in between.

“But I think we have gone from strength to strength this year as a team, so I really hope that we can [win]. Austin is usually a good track for us, so I can’t wait to unleash this

beast there.”

Hamilton can win the title in Austin in a fortnight once he finishes eight points clear of Vettel. And the scenario is entirely possible especially since he has swept the last four races there and won six of the last seven at the Texas venue.

On Sunday, Hamilton drove like a champion-in-waiting. He started on pole following his domination of weekend qualifying, got away nicely from the grid, safely navigated the restart on lap seven following a collision on lap four between Charles Leclerc and Kevin Magnussen, and then hardly put a foot wrong for the remainder of the contest.

“I loved it. I was actually very, very happy,” Hamilton told reporters.

“I think the whole weekend’s been very strong from the team. It’s a great one-two from Mercedes, it a true showing of the great strength in depth we have as a team. This track is the best track in the world. I don’t know why they don’t make tracks like this anymore but every second of the run it was just great fun.

“I was able to look after my tyres the way I wanted and just managed the pace. It’s really weird – obviously I have been racing a long, long time, but the happiness I have inside is as high as always. It’s a great feeling.”

(REUTERS) - MOHAMMAD Hafeez marked his return to test cricket with a century as Pakistan reached 255-3 at stumps on the first day of the series-opening test match against Australia on Sunday.

Veteran all-rounder Hafeez, playing in his first test since 2016 and his 51st overall, frustrated Australia en route to his 10th century before being trapped in front of the wicket for 126 by pace bowler Peter Siddle in the final session.

His fellow opener Imamul-Haq was a lot more aggressive in his knock of 76, as the first-wicket pair added 205 runs after Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed won the toss and opted to bat on a dry wicket at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Australia’s attack then tightened things up after the two openers were back in the dressing room. Haris Sohail was batting on 15 with night watchman Mohammad Abbas on one at the end of the day’s play.

the 45th over. Barring that error, Hafeez looked in full control during his 208-ball knock which contained 15 hits to the fence.

Imam, meanwhile, used his feet well against the spinners and smashed seven boundaries and two sixes to notch up his second test fifty,

Hafeez marks test return with century Earlier, Australia captain Tim Paine brought on off-spinner Nathan Lyon after only eight overs and left-armer Jon Holland shortly afterwards.

Holland could have had Hafeez caught in the deep for 74 but Mitchell Marsh dropped a difficult chance in

Mohammad Hafeez sweeps © Getty Images

before being caught behind

by Paine off the tireless Lyon.

The 30-year-old Lyon bowled 33 overs in the day.

Azhar Ali departed with a little over three overs remaining, caught at mid-off

by Mitchell Starc for an 80-ball 18 while trying to hit Holland out of the ground.

Referee Herb Dean separates Khabib Nurmagomedov of Russia from Conor McGregor of Ireland after McGregor tapped out in their UFC lightweight championship bout during the UFC 229 event inside T-Mobile Arena on October 6, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

(REUTERS) - CHAOS erupted after Khabib Nurmagomedov retained his UFC lightweight title with a submission victory over Ireland’s Conor McGregor on Saturday with members of his support team arrested after an all-in brawl broke out after the bout.

The Russian ended McGregor’s attempt to win back the title when he sealed a brutal submission victory with a rear naked choke hold in the fourth round, which then sparked a mass brawl.

Fights broke out in and around the cage, with a red-shirted fan landing several blows on McGregor before security intervened. Both fighters were escorted from the arena by police and security.

UFC boss Dana White later told Fox Sports that three members of Nurmagomedov’s team were arrested.

The fight had been highlighted by bad blood between both camps, with McGregor pleading guilty in July as part of a deal with prosecutors to resolve charges over an April melee in which he attacked a bus the Russian was travelling on.

The situation boiled over after referee Herb Dean waved off the fight, which prompted Nurmagomedov to jump out of the cage and head straight for McGregor’s teammate and corner-man Dillon Danis, prompting a series of violent scuffles.

One man jumped the fence, swinging blows at McGregor before being bundled away by security and there were punches thrown in the crowd as police and security struggled to deal with the angry crowd, most of whom had been backing the Irishman.

White entered the octagon to try to placate Nurmagomedov, who was not presented with the belt, although he was announced as the winner.

The Russian’s fans chanted his name and danced in the street outside the T-Mobile Arena, but rather than the fight bringing to the end the feud, it only poured more fuel on the fire.

McGregor, making a comeback to the octagon after nearly two years away, had looked dangerous in the early striking exchanges but as expected, Nurmagomedov quickly took the fight to the ground.

The Russian smothered him with his wrestling skills and prevented him from getting back to his feet for the rest of the first round.

The Irishman was then wobbled by an early right cross from the Russian in the second round and the fight was soon on the floor again, but this time the Russian champion was able to keep the challenger from getting his back to the cage.

The victory stretched Nurmagomedov’s professional record to 27-0 and handed the Irishman his second defeat in the UFC, both to the same choke hold, before the chaos began.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 8, 2018

South Africa Women draw series against West Indies (CMC) – SAARAH Smith and Masabata Klaas scrambled a near suicidal single off the penultimate ball of the match as South Africa stunned West Indies by three wickets to win the final Twenty20 International and steal a 2-2 draw in the five-match series here Saturday night.

Chasing a difficult 156 for victory at the Brian Lara Stadium, the South Africans got 42 from opener Lizelle Lee; 31 from Chloe Tryon and 25 from Mignon du Preez, to enter the last over of the contest requiring three runs for the series-tying win.

Marizanne Kapp (18) steered the first ball from speedster Shamilia Connell to short third man for a single before Smith (two not out) was held scoreless from the second ball.

However, Smith then swung the third delivery to wide mid on to level the scores but more drama ensued when Kapp holed out to a straightish mid on, leaving South Africa still needing one run from the last two deliveries of the match.

Smith, though, held her nerve and drilled the next delivery straight to mid-off,

Opener Hayley Matthews top-scored with 70.

setting off for a sharp single as the fielder missed a direct hit at the non-striker’s end that would have left her short of her ground.

The result was a disappointing one for West Indies especially after they led the series 2-0, following wins in the opening two games.

They looked to be safe bets to complete the series win when opener Hayley Matthews top-scored with 70 from 52 balls to get them up to 155 for five off their 20 overs, after they had been sent in.

She struck eight fours and three sixes and added 42 for the first wicket with the in-form Natasha McLean who made 23 off 33 deliveries.

When the Windies lost three quick wickets for 15 runs in the space of 15 balls, Matthews combined with Shemaine Campbelle (28) in a crucial 53-run fourth wicket stand which rebuilt the innings.

Campbelle hammered four fours in a 17-ball cameo before perishing in the 16th over but Matthews found an

ally in former captain Merissa Aguilleira (14 not out) to put on a further 36 for the fifth wicket.

Matthews was out with three balls left in the innings, caught on the ropes at wide long on by Mignon du Preez off same Klass, aiming for her fourth six.

In reply, Lee ensured a solid start to South Africa’s run chase, posting 37 for the first wicket with Laura Wolvaardt whose 23 came from 13 balls and included three fours and a six, and a further 30 with Robyn Searle (14) for the second wicket.

Three wickets tumbled for 17 runs to leave South Africa wobbling on 84 for four in the 11th but they rallied through two key partnerships, anchored by Tryon.

Firstly, she added 31 off 22 balls for the fifth wicket with du Preez and then put on another 37 off 27 balls for the sixth wicket with Kapp.

Tryon faced 22 deliveries and struck one four and a couple of sixes – both coming at the start of the 17th over from off-spinner Anisa Mohammed which leaked 19 runs all told, and gave the Proteas the edge.

CCC crush USA in Regional Super50 two wickets apiece, to hurt the run chase.

Seeking their first victory following defeat in the opener, Marooners stumbled early and their innings became essentially a tale of two partnerships.

They lost Kyle Corbin for

CMC – HALF-centuries from West Indies Twenty20 captain Carlos Brathwaite and opener Amir Jangoo paved the way for Combined Campuses and Colleges’ comfortable 59-run victory over USA Cricket in the Regional Super50 here Saturday.

Playing at the 3Ws Oval, Marooners rallied to a competitive 221 for nine off their 50 overs, thanks to 69 each from Brathwaite and Jangoo.

In reply, USA were challenging at 81 for one in the 20th over but slumped to 162 all out in the 46th over, as they lost their last nine wickets for 81 runs.

Opener Monank Patel carved out a breezy 53 but leg-spinner Keron Cottoy snared three for 40 while left-arm spinner Yannick Ottley (2-25) and off-spinner Jon-Russ Jagessar (2-29) finished with

three with the score on five in the second over before Jangoo and Kjorn Ottley posted 112 for the second wicket to revive the innings.

The left-handed Jangoo struck six fours and a six off 77 balls while Ottley faced 82 deliveries and

CCC Marooners captain Carlos Brathwaite plays through the off side during his joint top score of 69 against USA Cricket at the 3Ws Oval on Saturday.

(Photo courtesy CWI Media)

counted two fours and a six.

Once the stand was broken, however, Marooners lost four wickets for 14 runs in the space of 31 balls to decline quickly to 131 for five in the 32nd over.

Skipper Brathwaite came to his side’s rescue, pummeling four fours and two sixes in an up tempo 61-ball innings, adding 62 with Yannick Ottley (21) for the sixth wicket.

Ottley’s depature signalled another slide as Marooners lost their last four wickets for 28 runs.

Jamaica-born left-arm speedster Elmore Hutchinson grabbed five for 42.

Monank Patel and Steven Taylor, who scored 32, then put USA in a strong position, courtesy of a 68-run, second wicket stand after opener Jaskaran Malhotram (4) fell cheaply in the third over with the score on 13.

While Patel faced 66 balls and struck six fours and a six, the left-handed Taylor counted three fours in a 60ball innings.

However, they perished within 14 runs of each other – Jagessar sending back both – and Cottoy ripped out the middle order to leave USA in tatters.

Gayle smashes hundred as Scorpions crush pride

ON THE GO: Jamaican opener Chris Gayle drives during his 122 against Barbados Pride at Kensington Oval on Saturday. (Photo courtesy CWI Media)

CMC – SUPERSTAR Chris Gayle fittingly lowered the curtain on his domestic 50-overs career with an audacious hundred as Jamaica Scorpions brushed aside Barbados Pride by 33 runs in their Group B clash of the Regional Super50 here Saturday.

Playing at Kensington Oval in his 356th List A match, the 39-year-old plundered 122 off 114 deliveries as Scorpions were dismissed for 226 in the 48th over.

Andre McCarthy chipped in with 48 from 49 balls but Scorpions declined following his departure, losing their last eight wickets for 74 runs.

Gayle held the innings together, hammering 10 fours and eight sixes to mark his 27th triple figure score in the shorter form of the game.

In reply, Pride slipped from 93 for two to 193 all out in the 48th over, losing their last eight wickets for exactly 100 runs, to remain win-less in two matches following their rained-out opener against Leeward Islands Hurricanes last Thursday.

Left-hander Jonathan Carter impressed with a responsible 77 while captain Shamarh Brooks got 26 but no other frontline batsman passed 15.

Fast bowler Oshane Thomas picked up three for 53 while left-arm spinners Nikita Miller (2-23) and Christopher Lamont (2-45), along with pacer Gordon Bryan (2-28) all claimed two wickets each.

While the victory was Jamaica’s second and left them top of the standings, the real story surrounded veteran Gayle who could not have asked for a better finale, which included two catches and a wicket from a 10-over spell costing 31 runs.

Given a guard of honour by both teams at the start of the innings, Gayle put aside the sentimentality to pull Scorpions out of trouble after fast bowler Miguel Cummins accounted for opener Chadwick Walton (5) and Jermaine Blackwood (2) cheaply with just 21 on the board in the sixth over.

He partnered with McCarthy in an entertaining third wicket stand of 131 off 110 deliveries which powered Scorpions to 152 for two in the 24th over.

Pride were running out of answers when seamer Kevin Stoute (3-33) broke the stand, removing McCarthy after the batsman had struck seven fours.

Gayle carried the innings, however, taking a special liking to Ashley Nurse (2-49) who he blasted for two sixes in the 18th over and another three consecutively in the 20th over.

The West Indies star was eventually sixth out in the 35th over with wickets tumbling around him, falling to 20-year-old seamer Shamar Springer who ended with two for 35 from an excellent 10-over spell.

Pride also suffered two setbacks at the start of their innings when Lamont removed both openers Shayne Moseley (10) and Leniko Boucher (9) with 32 on the board in the seventh over.

Carter and Brooks then came together in a 61-run, third wicket partnership to consolidate the innings and deny Scorpions any further immediate breakthroughs.

However, it was Gayle who eventually struck, gaining an lbw decision against Brooks in the 21st over and his dismissal saw Pride’s run chase unravel as wickets fell steadily.

Carter, who faced 125 balls and struck four boundaries, was ninth out in the 48th over with Scorpions already all but secure.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 8, 2018

GBA’s Lennox Blackmoore Nat’l Intermediate Championships….

GDF record another six victories on second night

By Michael DaSilva DEFENDING champions, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) gym, continued their march to top honours on the second night of the Guyana Boxing Association’s (GBA) Lennox Blackmoore National Intermediate Championship.

The gym won six of seven fights to follow up on the six victories they recorded on the opening on Friday at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

Registering victories for the soldiers on Saturday were: Clinton Clarke (Bantamweight), Andrew Grif-

fith (Lightweight), Seon Murray (Welterweight), Quacy Boyce (Welterweight), Orlando Norton (Middleweight) and Renaldo Niles (Heavyweight).

The Army’s lone loss was that of Orlando Grenville (Junior Welterweight) at the hands of Christopher Moore of the Vergenoegen Boxing Gym (VBG).

The bout could have gone either way as it was very close, but Moore secured a split-decision verdict.

The defending champions started their winning ways on Saturday night when Clarke secured a walk-over win

Reflection planned for ‘Fat’ Wayne Andries tonight at MSC

THE basketball fraternity of Linden will tonight show its respects to the late Wayne Andries with a night of reflection at the Mackenzie Sports Club from 19.00hrs.

The former National player,also known as ‘Fat Wayne’ or ‘Bouncer’ aged 53, who also represented the 76ers and Wismar Pistons of Linden, died in the United States recently.

Andries is regarded as one of Linden’s greatest players and would be remembered as a ‘ferocious competitor’ whenever he took to the court and was a fighter who never gave up.

Andries, who succumbed to a cancer related-illness after he was hospitalised, began his basketball career as a member of the 76ers in Mackenzie and led them to victory in the LABA ‘B’ League championship in 1983 with a game-high 28 points in the 63-62 nail-biting win against the YMCA Kings at the Community Hard Court.

One year later, Andries had a 16-point game with the 76ers who scored another exciting victory against the Kings when they won the Senior Club Championship 78-76.

He later joined forces with his friends, Lloyd Ross and Robert Byass, to form a formidable force with the Wismar Pistons Club which was located in the Christianburg community and it was with this platform he became a leading member of the Linden basketball teams representing the LABA in inter-association encounters.

He was known as a warrior, especially when he represented his club or country, being a fearless competitive shooting-guard.

from Harpy Eagles’ Ishaun Khan.

Andrew Griffith then followed up with a split-decision win against his GDF gym mate Gordon Green, before Murray made it three victories for the soldiers by securing a split decision win against Republican’s (Rep) Donovan Richard.

Boyce then forced the referee to stop his contest against his `Squaddy’ Jamal Crawford at 49 seconds of the third round, while Norton scored a knockout against Rose Hall Jammers’ (RHJ) Shawn Lafleur at one minute, one second of the second round and Niles scored a technical knock-out win against Donald Allison Boxing Gym’s Shekeal Damon at two minutes 55 seconds of the third round.

The other winners on the night’s card were Eastman who secured a walk-over win from Republican’s Deon Samuels in a lightweight contest.

Clarke was down to face his GDF gym mate, Albert Thomas last evening, while Eastman and Griffith were to do battle in the lightweight final and Moore was down to face off with Mark Chester (Rep) in the Junior welterweight final after Chester defeated Forgotten Youth Foundation’s Orin Bancroft. Murray and Boyce were down to battle for the Welterweight title, while Norton and his soldier counterpart, Royden Grant were to clash for the middleweight title. Grant had secured a TKO win on Friday night against his gym mate Corlette Greenidge.

Lucozade Handicap Squash Tournament…

Joseph retains title after overpowering Dias in Open final -Verwey too much for Gomes in Category A

NYRON Joseph used his agility and endurance to overpower a spirited Deje Dias in the Open final of the Ansa McAl Lucozade Handicap Squash Tournament yesterday afternoon at the Georgetown Club.

The win (15-14 and 15-10) for the 21-year-old is his second consecutive in the event and as last year, he played off the lowest score (-22).

The 25-year-old Dias (-8) was up to the challenge in the opening set, and it proved to be a battle of strength, fitness and wit. Dias tested Joseph at every opportunity, and he had the answers for his opponent’s shots, but he could not keep up with Joseph’s endurance and it showed. From a score of 11-2, Joseph clawed back to tie the game at 12-12. Dias got a second wind and both players had opportunities to win the set, but a miss-hit by Dias handed Joseph the opener.

In the second set, Dias was a spent force and Joseph did not show remorse. He made him work for every point. Nyron’s superior fitness was evident when he recovered immediately after

a fall to challenge Dias’s soft attempt off the wall. The winner scored nine of the last 11 points to retain his title.

In the Category A final, 12-year-old Nicholas Verwey battled past Kirsten Gomes in three sets.

Verwey won the opener 15-13, before Gomes battled back to even the game 15-11. The pre-teen told the Guyana Chronicle after the game that he tried to play straight in the third set and to only go for winners when it was necessary. He won that set 15-12.

In the Open category plate final, Josh Abdool (4) disposed of Ian Mekdeci (5) 15-3, 15-9, while in the Category A plate final, Zachary Persaud (7) also claimed a straight set victory over Kamir Khan (8) 15-7, 15-14.

In the Category A third place clash, Abosaide Cadogan got past Mohryan Baksh 15-11, 15-6.

Steven Xavier gained a walk-over victory from Regan Pollard in the third place Open match while John Maikoo also finished with a walk-over win over Ashley Khalil in the Open plate third place game.

Deo wins women’s division at Suriname Invitational

FORMER Guyana Open winner, Joaan Deo, won the female division of the Republic Bank Suriname Golf Invitational at Golf Club Paramaribo over the weekend.

The 28-year-old, who was leading after the opening day, finished with a score of 79 over 18 holes for 42 points.

With her 40 points from day one, she tallied 82 points over the two days. Another former Guyana Open winner, Shanella Webster, finished second with a two-day total of 75 points.

According to Deo, the win is her first outside of Guyana, and one of her best outside of the Guyana Open.

“It feels really good to compete with players outside of Guyana and also to take home the championship.”

Excluding the win, yesterday’s play was also important because it was the first time that she broke 80 over 18 holes.

“I’m glad that I got the

lowest gross score and the net points; it’s a big boost to my game.”

Twenty Guyanese golfers participated the event and a number of the male players did

well in the different divisions, including Bridgelall Harry, who won the B flight (14-24 handicap) and Videsh Persaud, who finished second in the C flight.

Reigning Guyana Open champion, Avinash Persaud, who was tied for second place in the top flight on Saturday afternoon, fell out of the top three on Sunday.

The Guyanese winners after the presentation ceremony last night in Paramaribo.

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 8, 2018

Uncapped Duke-McKenna named in Golden Jaguars squad A 26-MAN squad has been named by Michael Johnson, head coach of the National Senior Men’s team, to face The Turks and Caicos Islands on October 13 as Guyana looks to cement a victory in its second appearance of the Concacaf Nations League.

The squad, which includes three goalkeepers, seven defenders, seven midfielders and six forwards, will see the return of seasoned players, Walter Moore and Emery Welshman, as well as a debutante, Stephen Duke-McKenna.

Duke-McKenna, an 18-year-old from Bolton Wanderers FC in England, has been described as a “versatile attacking option who can play across the forward line.” Johnson said he looks forward to his presence in the squad as “he will bring professionalism, energy and freshness to an already good team spirit.”

In previewing the match, which is scheduled for 16:00hrs at the TCIFA National Academy, the head coach said it will be no easy feat: “It’s a game that we know will be tough if we

don’t prepare right, given their most recent results in previous games. I’m expecting an improvement from them, so we need to be ready. The team spirit fostered since our last meeting together has been a huge bonus, which will hold us in good stead for this game.”

Speaking about the team’s preparation, Guyana Football Federation Technical Director, Ian Greenwood, said continuous work has been done: “The Guyana-based players have been preparing themselves by following their individual and specific training

programme set by our Head of Sports Science alongside squad practices. All the players understand the importance of earning the right on and off the field to wear the badge. The Turks & Caicos fixture offers another opportunity for the Golden Jaguars to build their growing reputation in the CNL.” This will be the first away match for Guyana in the qualifiers with the second being in French Guiana on November 20 at 21:00hrs. Guyana will play its final qualifier against Belize in March 2019 in Guyana.

Noble House Seafoods 2nd division two-day cricket competition…

Andrews’ ton helps GDF to draw against Police

Leon Andrews scored 120 runs for the Guyana Defence Force.

A DEFIANT century by Leon Andrews helped the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to an unexpected draw against the Police Sports Club yesterday on the final day of their Noble House Seafoods second-division two-day cricket clash at the Eve Leary ground.

Police had established a lead after the first day’s play.

They had bowled out GDF for 138 and had raced to 171-1, but

on Sunday morning, they were pegged back early when the hard hitting Paul Tyndell (82) only added a run to his score.

A few other batsmen did put willow to leather. Kemol Savory chipped in with 34 (4X4s), while Andrew Lyght Jr. added 45 (2X4s, 2X6s), Chemroy Kendell 48 (2X4s, 4X6s) and Jason Heyliger (who had nabbed five wickets in the first innings) 45.

Noble House Seafoods 2nd division two-day cricket competition:

Barker bowls Malteenoes to victory A TEN-wicket match haul from skipper Nichosie Barker propelled Malteenoes to victory over the Sophia Cricket Club in their Noble House Seafoods second-division two-day cricket clash at the GCC Ground, Bourda, over the weekend.

Scores in the match: Malteenoes 276-3 and 179-9 declared. Sophia 151 all out and 129 all out.

Although Malteenoes were ahead throughout the game, Sophia, through their tailenders, attempted to hold on for a draw on Sunday afternoon. One by one, they fell, with Glenford Stephen, who finished with 24, left as the only barrier, but a quicker ball from Delon Dalrymple bowled him in the penultimate over of the clash.

Continuing from their overnight score of 104-6, Sophia would have been restricted for a lower total had Dwayne Peters not played a few shots. Peters hit two sixes and two fours in a top score of 36 unbeaten runs and proved the only resistance against the off spin of Barker. The Malteenoes all-rounder cleaned up the tail to finish with seven wickets for 46 runs from 15 overs.

Malteenoes started their second innings with Stephon Browne, the first innings century maker, hitting a six off the first ball, but as the top order went after the bowling, they ended up playing rash shots.

Browne scored 20 (1x4, 1x6), Barker 26 (4x4s and

Nichosie Barker finished with match figures of 10 wickets for 92 runs from 51 overs.

1x6), Clarence Baird 27 (1x4, 1x6) and Jeremiah Scott 24 (2x4s, 2x6s) before the side eventually declared.

Peters led Sophia’s attack with 3-30, while Stephen and Ray Barker grabbed two wickets each.

Sophia never looked as if they could have smashed the 302 runs needed for victory. Peters did throw his bat, which resulted in three fours and two sixes, but his score of 29 was the most by any of the batmen as Barker and S. Philander led the bowling attack with three wickets each.

The game would have ended before had it not been for the defiance of the lower order, in particular the number nine and ten batsmen, Stephen and Mark Nedd (24 runs 3x4s and 1x6).

Paul Tyndell led Police’s attack with 82 runs.

However, with Andrews and Paul O’Neil leading the attack for the soldiers with three wickets each, the home team was eventually bowled out just before lunch for 364 in 71 overs.

They were confident that their 226 runs lead would have been enough in their hunt for an all-out win, but Andrews stood in their way.

He carved out 10 fours and

seven sixes in his innings to carry his side to 198-8 before the close of play.

The 22-year-old added 81 runs with Damien Whitney (18) for the third wicket and 38 runs with Terry Fraser for the fifth wicket.

Although wickets continued to fall and a Police victory looked possible, Andrews sheltered the tail enough to force the draw.

Delon Dalrymple (right) celebrates after taking the last wicket of the match.

VBG’s Christopher Moore (left) about to deliver a right hand to GDF’s Orlando Grenville during their junior welterweight contest at the National Gymnasium on Saturday night.

(Delano Williams photo).

See Page 22

GBA’s Lennox Blackmoore Nat’l Intermediate Championships….

GDF record another six victories on second night Lucozade Handicap Squash Tournament…

See Page 22

Joseph retains title after overpowering Dias in Open final

Stephen Duke-McKenna

-Verwey too much for Gomes in Category A

The winners of the 2018 competition

Hemraj’s century helps Guyana Jaguars See Page 19 crush Windies B in Super50

Uncapped Duke-McKenna named in Golden Jaguars squad See Page 23

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2018