Guyana Chronicle E-paper 10-13-2018

SATURDAY 13th October, 2018

Deal clinched No.105426

… gov't, GTU agree to 12% wage hike for 2016, 8% 2017-2018

… arbitration proceedings aborted

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Education Minister Nicolette Henry and President of the Guyana Teachers’ Union, Mark Lyte, shake hands after the two sides sealed a three-year deal for salaries and other benefits for teachers (Delano Williams photo)

'Don’t drop the ball'

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–– President Granger urges Rose Hall residents to vote at LGEs

A student from Lower Corentyne Secondary School receives a bicycle from President Granger

Modern police station opened in Linden 10 PAGE

The new two-storey Mackenzie Police Station

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 13, 2018

Deal clinched

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 13, 2018

–– gov’t, GTU agree to 12% wage hike for 2016, 8% for 2018

–– arbitration proceedings aborted

By Navendra Seoraj TEACHERS are set to benefit from salary increases, as well as increases in non-salary benefits, as the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) and the government have agreed on a settlement after weeks of dispute between the two parties.

The agreement came after almost eight hours of consultations between executive members of the GTU and officials of the Ministry of Education at the ministry’s Lot 26 Brickdam office on Friday.

Teachers could expect 12 per cent (junior) and eight per cent (senior) retroactive increases for 2016 and an eight per cent retroactive increase for 2018. There

were also initial calls for an increase in salaries for 2017, but the interim payoff of eight per cent which teachers had received in that year was deemed final.

In 2016, increases of 10 per cent and six per cent were given to teachers, and as a result of the new agreement, those increases would be upgraded.

Teachers who benefited from a 10 per cent increase in 2016 would get 12 per cent; and those who received six per cent would get an eight per cent increase on their salaries.

The increases are based on the categories/scales of the teachers, who are placed in scales ranging between TS1-19.

For instance, junior teachers whose salaries are

$61,000 would get increases of $7,320 for 2016; this would take their salaries to $68,320 and a further eight per cent ($5,465) for 2018, which would their salaries to $73,785.

The GTU has also bargained for and acquired non-salary benefits such as duty-free concessions and smaller class sizes.

“There were adjustments to the initial offer in keeping with what we ought to have considered in a large way to ensure that every teacher is a beneficiary of the outcome,” said Education Minister Nicolette Henry in an invited comment.

Both parties agreed that there was an “amicable settlement” for the matter not to proceed to arbitration.

The three-year (2016-

2018), agreement will be signed in the new week, but government has offered to pay the 2018 salary increase in December and the retroactive salary increase for 2016 in January 2019.

The GTU had called for arbitration after the negotiations had ended in an impasse when the union rejected the ministry’s offer of a one-time payout of $700 million for salary increases, and $200 million for debunching.

The GTU instead called for an increase of 40 per cent for 2016 and respective incremental increases of five per cent for 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. After the two sides agreed to move to arbitration, GTU President Mark Lyte had announced that GTU was willing to

accept as little as 20 per cent.

On Monday of this week, at a meeting between President David Granger and the GTU, a new salary offer was extended to the union, which would see teachers being paid retroactive salary increases beginning with 10 per cent for 2016, and incremental increases of eight per cent for 2017 and 2018, respectively. A sum of $350M was offered for debunching for the period 2011-2018.

In addition to accepting the adjusted offer, the union also agreed to the $350 million payoff for debunching.

“A lot of issues that had to be removed have been removed and it paves the way for a fertile relationship moving forward.…We believe the union was created to support the work of the ministry and the ministry should be supportive of the union, so we are looking for a symbiotic relationship,” said Minister Henry.

GTU President Mark Lyte also agreed that the union is “a lot happier” than it initially was, since the members of the union were able to broker an agreement with the ministry. He believes that the agreement will bring satisfaction to the members, with whom they had consulted every step of the way.

“The previous offers would not have allowed for a significant portion of our teachers to benefit to the extent they will now… the new offer will be more equitably received,” said Lyte, adding that their intention is to ensure that every teacher benefits and that has been achieved.

In a comment under a Facebook post from the Guyana Chronicle, a teacher, Rushell Edwards, said: “I am thankful, so whatever it is when they tax it I give thanks for small mercies. God is a great God.”

Infidelity claims lead reputed wife to set home on fire THE police are on the hunt for a woman who, after setting the home of her reputed husband on fire, on Thursday afternoon, vanished without a trace.

The woman reportedly showed up at the man’s house with her two year old son in hand and accused the child’s father of cheating on her with another woman.

The man who said that he was in his yard at the time with his business partners, refused that he has been having an affair with another woman but the reputed wife would have none of it.

As such the woman walked into the house, which she has access to, and shortly after walked out and told her reputed husband, Sherwin Barrington that “you gone know what I talking about.”

This was after the man claimed ignorance of what the woman was accusing him of.

As she left and was almost about to join a vehicle, a next door neighbour shouted that fire was coming from the southern apartment on a two compartment range house in Pineapple Street.

Barrington said that when he went upstairs, he observed fire in the middle

of his mattress and immediately telephoned the fire service who responded with four fire tenders.

The man who is now displaced said that he has been living at the location for the past 47 years and would have had all his life’s investments there. He estimated his losses to be roughly $14 million with the possibility of it being more.

A Fire Service official told the media that the fire tenders that responded came from Central, West and Alberttown Fire Stations.

According to the senior fire officer, when they arrived, the entire top flat of the building was engulfed and they immediately went into containment mode to prevent the fire from spreading to the other apartment.

There was some amount of water damage to that apartment and its ceiling.

When this newspaper arrived, occupants of that house had already secured the few belongings they could have.

It was observed that they mostly secured clothing and a small number of household appliances as they prepare to seek immediate shelter for the night.

The man's damaged home

Residents who gathered to comfort the man

One of the damaged bedrooms in the upper flat of the building

The items which the neighbours from next door removed from their home

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File on ‘tipsy’ senior cop back with DPP THE file on Deputy Superintendent of Police, Patrick Todd, who was involved in a fatal accident on the Boerasirie Bridge, West Coast

Demerara (WCD) on September 12, 2018, has been completed and returned to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Chambers,

Deputy Superintendent of Police, Patrick Todd

Saturday, October 13, 2018:

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police confirmed.

The police have also confirmed that a breathalyser test was done on Todd, and he was found to be above the legal limit.

The Deputy Superintendent was reportedly driving his Toyota Rav4 when he struck down 64-year-old pedal cyclist, Conrad Alleyne of Hague, WCD on the Boerasirie Bridge.

Reports are that the accident occurred at around 19:20hrs on the bridge, and that the vehicle PTT992 was proceeding east along the northern side of the bridge.

Todd had told the police that he had suddenly felt an impact, and upon investigating, saw an injured Alleyne lying on the bridge.

The man was taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital in a semi-conscious state, treated and referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital but succumbed on his way.

05:30 hrs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 13, 2018

SOCU wins case against GBTI …Bank to produce required documents in investigation

THE Full Court of the High Court on Friday dismissed an appeal filed by Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) clearing the way for the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) to access the banker’s books under section 24(2) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter the Financing of Terrorism Act’s prohibits.

The matter was heard before Judges Fidela Corbin-Lincoln and Nareshwar Harnanan. SOCU, as part of its probe into the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRBD) General Manager fraud case, had moved to the court to obtain an order instructing GBTI to produce all the required documents to aid in the investigation.

On July, 5, 2018, Justice Franklin Holder granted a Production Order directing GBTI to produce specific records of transactions, documents which are relevant to identifying, locating or quantifying property or locating a document necessary for the transfer of such property where a person is being investigated for a serious offence or money laundering pursuant to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act Cap. 10:11.

The Court ruled that the Trial Judge, Justice Holder acted in compliance with the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act, to hear the application ex parte.

The Court also ruled that Section 24 of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act does not prohibit the production of copies of the banker’s books.

The Court ordered GBTI to comply with the order of Justice Holder by the 12th day of November, 2018 at 4:30pm and cost to be paid to the respondent in the sum of $150,000.

When counsel for SOCU, Leslyn Noble was contacted, she said the banking institutions should be co-operating with the law enforcement agencies to combat financial crimes. In fact, she said the banks have an important role in ensuring the promotion of high ethical and professional standards in the financial sector.

Those on trial are: GBTI directors, Edward A Beharry, Suresh Beharry, Kathryn Eytle-McLean, Richard Isava, Carlton James and Basil Mahadeo; its chairman Robin Stoby and acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shaleeza Shaw.

The directors are jointly charged with failing to comply with a production order issued by the acting chief justice and served by a marshal of the High Court, ordering them to produce certain named documents within seven days to SOCU head, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Sydney James.

The trial is being presided over by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, with evidence being led by SOCU prosecutor, Patrice Henry. Under tough anti-money laundering laws, once court orders are granted, financial institutions are reportedly bound to provide information. In this case, the monies are not from private accounts, but rather from the U.S. dollar and other accounts of GRDB–a state entity.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 13, 2018

Gov’t seeks miners’ cooperation in Mahdia enforcement operations

CITING safety and improved mining practices among its objectives, the Ministry of Natural Resources is seeking the cooperation of residents of Mahdia in its ongoing enforcement operations at the Region Eight (Potaro/Siparuni) mining district.

Residents this week protested the move; some noted that their equipment were either seized or damaged by officials of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) officers who undertook the operation with assistance from the police.

However, the ministry said that the GGMC officials and the Corps of Wardens have been tasked with executing the enforcement operation and are expected to follow the procedures outlined for execution.

“The GGMC is further expected to work with those not in compliance, to ensure they can

return to work as soon as reasonably possible; providing that there is an expressed agreement to comply with the law and/or be registered,” the ministry said.

Resources that miners whose equipment were seized, were previously warned that their operations were not in compliance.

“Although they may have made

taken, they were unsuccessful in doing so,” the statement said.

The ministry stated that it understands that compliance and enforcement operations are

Residents of Mahdia and nearby communities as they protested in front the offices of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) on Wednesday.

In addition, it was noted by the Ministry of Natural

communication to the GGMC that compliance steps would be

not well received by persons who do not meet the standards

given to operate. “It is not pleasing having these done, but the cooperation of everyone is sought to ensure that the exercise is concluded expeditiously and efficiently,” the state entity noted.

It was noted that the lives of mines workers are of great value to Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman, and the ministry expressed hope that mine operators value them the same. “More so, it is the minister’s hope that miners value the villages and communities adjoining where they perform mining activities. Unfortunately, this is not entirely so, and enforcement of compliance becomes necessary,” the ministry said.

The effects of illegal mining have been well documented by the ministry, which noted that it threatens the lives of workers in the mining pits, also, the livelihoods of others.

It reiterated that Minister Trotman recognises the effects of the operations on persons, directly and indirectly; but for the sake of preserving lives and livelihoods, the entity advised that the operation be allowed to ensure the preservation of the aforementioned.

The miners were encouraged to ensure that their documents and operations are in compliance for mining, so as to avoid issues with the process.

It has been reported by Acting Mines Manager Krishna Ramdass of the GGMC, that the mining district at Mahdia has had the majority of mining accidents for 2018, seeing a reported fourteen (14) deaths from January 23rd to October 1st.

This is a great cause of concern for the minister and the government, and should be the same for others, the ministry said.

Ukrainian nationals allegedly attempt to contact magistrate’s relatives CALLS have been made for the authorities to investigate allegations that two Ukrainians, who are on bail on an active court matter, have contacted relatives of a sitting magistrate who is overseeing the case.

The Ukrainian men, Maksym Furtak, a 33-yearold manager and Vitaly Paraschuck, a 38-year-old security officer, who are employed at the West Bank Demerara Gold Inc. were in August remanded to prison after appearing before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court charged for assaulting and using threatening behaviour towards two Guyanese miners at Quartzstone in the Cuyuni/Mazaruni.

Reports are that the men contacted the relatives of Magistrate Crystel Lambert, who is presiding over their case.

The New York- based

Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID), which first broke the news on the assault of the locals by the men, dispatched a letter to Attorney General, Basil Williams on Friday as it called on the minister to investigate the allegations, which the body said, was an attempt to pervert the course of justice.

According to CGID, at a court hearing on September 12, 2018, Magistrate Lambert warned the defendants that she is an officer of the court and would not condone anyone contacting her family with regards to any case. The body said the magistrate also directed the attorneys for the defendants to instruct their clients to desist from contacting her family members regarding the case.

CGID President, Rickford Burke asserted that “if the allegation is true, the act consti-

tutes a conspiracy or attempt to pervert the course of, and/ or obstruct, justice.”

Burke said “such conduct imperils the security of judicial officers and undermines the integrity of the judicial system. It cannot be condoned.

These are serious allegations that merit a criminal investigation.”

The CGID called for criminal investigations to be pursued regarding the alleged attempts by the men to contact the magistrate’s relatives.

In August, the men were first made to answer to charges of failure to wear their uniforms while on duty on August 3, 2018 at Quartz Stone Backdam, Cuyuni River, while being employed in their respective designation by the West Bank Demerara Gold Inc. Furtak was further charged for making use of threatening behaviour towards Randolph

Deane, a Guyanese, on August 3, 2018 at Quartz Stone Backdam.

Paraschuck was charged for unlawfully assaulting Charles Clarke and using threatening behaviour on the day in question.

The men, with the aid of an interpreter, pleaded not guilty to the respective charges while their Attorney, Keoma Griffith made an application for their release.

Vitaly Paraschuck (left) and Maksym Furtak

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 13, 2018

Eliminating filaria

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FTEN, people are busy with the norms of daily life and consequently, fail to notice national initiatives intended to benefit everyone. When such government programmes require the active cooperation of citizens, persons may unfortunately, miss out on opportunities.

One example of this is government’s ongoing campaign to wipe out lymphatic filariasis (filaria), the dreaded disease which Guyanese call “big foot.” Lymphatic filariasis has been affecting humans for centuries; however, it became scientifically understood only in the mid19th century. Between 1866 and 1900, various scientists made discoveries that led to the understanding that the disease is spread by infected mosquitoes that inject tiny worms into the body. Those worms may then block the minute channels in the body’s lymphatic system.

Such blockage then cause ugly swellings in the feet, genitals, breasts, and other parts of the body. Guyanese know that persons who have those deformities are frequently stigmatized; importantly, too, those deformities are usually painful, uncomfortable, and may render the patient unable to work.

The deformities are called elephantitis. The condition, once contracted, cannot be reversed or removed.

Sadly, worldwide, 120 million people suffer with elephantitis, and of that number 40 million are so badly disfigured that they are incapacitated and unable to move about normally. Fortunately, the disease can be prevented and the government of Guyana is currently working to completely eliminate the disease from the population.

Although this may appear to be a big undertaking – and it is – other countries have successfully eliminated the illness.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Cambodia, China, the Cook Islands, Niue, the Marshall Islands, South Korea, and Vanuatu have all wiped out the disease from their populations. This was achieved by undertaking the same type of programme of Mass Drug Administration (MDA) which Guyana is now pursuing.

Most recently, by successfully implementing MDA, the Polynesian country of Tonga, made up of 169 islands, was declared free of filaria in 2017 by the WHO. Guyana can therefore do the same.

To prevent and eliminate the disease, the entire affected population must take a combination of two medicines every year, for about six years. The medicines currently being used in Guyana have no significant side effects. Unfortunately, a few years ago when a similar MDA was conducted, of the 16,975 households visited

by the drug delivery staff, 3,908 refused to take the medicine. Of course, refusing to take the medicine would defeat the whole purpose of the campaign; people who do not take the medicine can carry the disease and spread it all over again to the entire population.

As it is, the Government of Guyana is dedicated to the total elimination of filarial; but, to be successful, citizens must take the medicines when staff of the Ministry of Public Health visit their homes, workplaces, or are distributing the medicines in public places.

The commitment of the administration to stopping Guyanese from suffering from this disease was emphasised by Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, at the 10th meeting of the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GAELF) in New Delhi, India, in June 2018.

Dr. Cummings said, “It is important to note that the Government of Guyana sees the elimination of lymphatic filariasis as a national, regional and global priority and pledges its continued support to the successful implementation of this exercise.” Guyanese, therefore, should take notice of this opportunity; take care of their own health, cooperate with government, take the medicine, and avoid becoming infected with this dreaded disease.

Time for non-payment of taxes to end Dear Editor,

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NE must agree that based on the testimonies of those persons, both staff and citizens, who have so far testified before the Justice Kennard Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the administration of City Hall, there is the undoubted conclusion that there are very serious issues which do exist. What is also very clear is that these are matters that pre-date this current council and central government. Thanks to the former administration that, having failed to subdue the former council, allowed the city to deteriorate to an abysmal state never before seen nor experienced in the city’s history.

However, since the most principal of the city managers are yet to testify, I am reserving further comment. They must have their day before the CoI and therefore defend all of the allegations against their stewardships.

On observation, a particular complaint that has been constant in most testimonies before the commission, has been about the non-remittance of NIS contributions; tax deductions; and workers’ pensions to the respective agencies; one must also add the perennial issue of late payment of salaries. These are very chronic issues that have existed for about the last 15 years or more, though there are the hypocrites and those with

political agendas who would want to convey otherwise.

Editor, it would also seem that there is a body of opinion which believes that the council could suffice on the meagre sums that are paid by those citizens who meet their civic obligations. I suspect that this opinion is based on stories about contracts being given out by the current town clerk.

Failure on the part of any employer to remit deducted sums from their employees to the respective recipients, will most naturally attract instant concern and protest. And we are all aware what the non–payment of especially NIS contributions can mean for insured workers, particularly those who may wish to claim the short-term benefits, such as sickness and maternity. Moreover, the long-term benefits of old age and invalidity pensions can be affected if deducted contributions from the concerned claimant are not present at the time of computation of the respective benefits.

Thus, one can perhaps appreciate the council’s predicament of not being able to remit, because of very scarce revenues from citizens and having to decide to pay wages utilising the very deductions. Of course, payment of the latter would be of the most immediate priority for the city’s staff.

Thus far, I have not heard any of the city’s officials speak as to the degrading effects that the huge commercial and domestic debts owed to the city, continue to impact on the latter’s abili-

ties to deliver critical services to citizens. I find it very baffling that none of the seniors that have already testified, have not spoken on this very critical issue of revenue that has everything to do with the issues alluded to above.

I would also hope that whatever findings are to be made, and recommendations given that very specific mention is made as to the abysmal failure of citizens to honour their obligations.

For, notwithstanding the municipality’s problems, nothing gives the right, or can be interpreted as reasons on the part of citizens not to pay rates and taxes. Such huge sums owed to the city’s municipality, can only continue to witness a cemetery in its current shameful state, as Le Repentir is. It is time that this deliberate act be ended. It stands at the heart of most of the city’s problems.

Editor, it would seem that this is what has been happening for many years, apart from the fact that I suspect a political hand in the midst. One can also refer to the parallel of the numerous businesses that had taken to evade paying their fair share of taxes, but are now being made to pay –thanks to the no-nonsense and aggressive line taken by the commissioner-general and his staff against the delinquents.

Regards Earl Hamilton

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 13, 2018

‘Don’t drop the ball’

By Nafeeza Yahya

PRESIDENT David Granger has called on Rose Hall residents to “Don’t drop the ball” and turn out in their numbers at Local Government Elections (LGEs) polls on November 12.

The President, who was at the time addressing residents at a community meeting at the Rose Hall Town Primary School on Friday, reiterated his government and party’s commitment to ensuring local government elections are held to help promote democracy and development at the grassroots level.

“November 12 is a big opportunity for Rose Hall. I am asking you to come out in your numbers; as I said, this is not a political, partisan affair, this is a developmental affair and I ask knowing very well that Rose Hall did not come out in full support of APNU in 2015; but despite that, the APNU+AFC government did not shun Rose Hall, we continued to help Rose Hall because we are a government of the whole country.”

According to the President, the management of the smallest but one of the most powerful towns in the country is not only important to Region Six, but the entire country and urged that the residents do due diligence and put the best people to lead them.

“I am asking you to put

the best people because they are good for Rose Hall; what’s good for Rose Hall is good for Guyana, so this is what we are about, not to put lazy people there, not to put people who come from a party, not to put a cousin or an aunty, but to put people who are concerned about the economics and the development of Rose Hall Town. This is the moment of opportunity for Rose Hall, don’t drop the ball.

ers people to make decisions which are in the best interest of themselves and community by having a seat at the table and being part of the decision-making process.

“LGEs are the most efficient means of making decisions, so when someone comes with some cock plan ,you say no, why not say this or do that and through discussions and debate you will be able to arrive at a better plan.

This is what you are entitled

President David Granger addressing the meeting at the Rose Hall Town Primary School on Friday

You have the opportunity to move this town forward,” he said.

Granger emphasised that the concept of LGEs empow-

to, this is the freedom APNU is giving you, freedom to sit around the table and discuss how this town is going to be a powerful economic force.”

Large Canadian oil and gas delegation due Monday THE High Commission of Canada and the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador are collaborating with the Government of Guyana through GOINVEST to bring a Canadian oil and gas trade mission of approximately 50 persons from the province’s offshore oil and gas industry to Guyana from October 15th – 18th, 2018.

In a release, the Canadian High Commission here said Canadian companies are hoping to leverage partnerships with appropriate Guyanese businesses, and work with them to access opportunities in the oil and gas sector.

The Minister of Natural Resources from Newfoundland and Labrador, Siobhan Coady, who will also be in Guyana next week on a different mission, will be attending the events organised for this mission. On

October 15th, 2018, Minister Coady will be signing a MoU on behalf of her province with the Government of Guyana for technical cooperation on oil and gas.

The High Commission said Guyana presents worldclass, deep-water petroleum prospects which offer business opportunities that align with Newfoundland and Labrador’s petroleum expertise and experience.

According to the high commission, the development of potential partnerships between the two jurisdictions could serve to build strong business relationships, transfer technology, and skills development to support the growth of Guyana’s offshore oil and gas industry.

Newfoundland companies have been servicing FPSOs for over 15 years.

Companies from this province have also been

servicing rigs and drill ships for 40 years. The experience of Newfoundland can be a great potential resource to Guyana in developing its offshore industry through working with experienced partners (government and private sector), suppliers and service companies. This trade mission will expose Canadian companies to the market opportunities, investment regime and qualified local companies. “The local support for the trade mission has been overwhelming. This highlights the willingness of Guyanese to partner with Canadians, which is largely due to the Canadian model of leveraging local partnerships through building partners’ capabilities to access together the opportunities in this nascent sector,” the High Commission said.

NO MORE IMCs He added: “What has been happening for over 22 years is that many of our municipalities and our local areas have been kept on life support.

They did not have enough funds and support to grow and yet it was barely enough to keep them alive… the result is the people were suffering and if you were to go into the municipality you can see what is taking place. What we saw in the last administration was resistance to local democracy, because they knew if you were in power to vote your own members into the municipalities and into the NDCs, they would lose control. That has changed… changed forever no more IMCs in Guyana,” he said to resounding applause.

The President also challenged the residents to question their leaders whomsoever they choose and get to know them.

Highlighting some of the

-- President Granger urges Rose Hall residents to vote at LGEs

developments of the town despite not being fully supportive of the APNU+AFC government, the President reminded the gathering that his government is a government of all the people and must run a country in which all citizens have equal access to public services.

“APNU has a clear policy, the policy is to provide what is best to Guyanese citizens and the way to do it is through municipal elections.

I want to see Rose Hall as a prosperous and progressive business district. I want to see proper streetlights and I will continue to work with the municipalities, neighbourhoods.

We will not allow politicians to divide this movement. I have great dreams for Rose Hall, I see Rose Hall as a business centre as becoming a financial headquarters for East Berbice, Corentyne. I see Rose Hall education system generating entrepreneurs. I see Rose

Hall even becoming a model for energy generation.”

The President also handed over 25 bicycles to students from several schools in the Lower Corentyne area. He noted that the initiative is in keeping with a commitment to provide free transportation for children to go to school.

“We feel it is part of the civic duty of the government to provide that service and these bicycles are the third Bs, what it means with these boats, buses and bicycles, children could get to school without having to pay one dollar.”

They are currently 28 buses on the roads in Guyana and over 1200 bicycles have been given to children.

The President simply asked the children to take care of the bicycles, while noting that it is for all Guyanese children regardless of race, religion or region.

President David.

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‘We are planning to link UG to Giftland Mall’ - Patterson reveals

Vehicles traversing the newly rehabilitated roadway at the University of Guyana (Adrian Narine Photo)

THE Ministry of Public Infrastructure is currently in talks with the University of Guyana (UG) and the Giftland Mall to construct a walkway connecting the two facilities. This is according to the subject Minister, David Patterson.

Minister Patterson in a comment under a Facebook post he had made, said, “We are in discussions with UG and Giftland Mall to build a walkway connecting UG and the mall...”

The minister continued, saying that the walkway will be accessible, secure and

will serve to allow students greater transportation and entertainment options.

This is in wake of construction projects that are currently ongoing at the University’s Turkeyen campus. Among them, are the recently constructed roadways providing access to the campus; the newly commissioned maintenance facility; and a northwestern lecture room, commonly known as the UGLR building.

Students and minibus drivers expressed their satisfaction with the newly rehabilitated entrance road,

deeming it “fit and proper” for realising their transportation needs and comfort.

One student, Courtlee Rodrigues said, “What I particularly like is that it benefits all road users, they reinforced the speed bumps to derail persons from racing—I can ride smoothly and without fear.”

Other students said the connecting roadway will be a project they will support.

They believe that, the location of the roadway will limit the threats their person as opposed to using the UG access road.

According to the University’s website, there are other plans in the pipeline inclusive of plans to construct mathematics and science buildings. It also speaks of the university’s plans to launch its new Department of Petroleum and Geological Engineering slated for commencement of works in January 2019.

The Guyana Chronicle made efforts to contact an official of UG for a comment, but efforts proved futile.

Spike in grass fires in Region Two -as Anna Regina Fire Station observes Fire Prevention Week

Fire Officers standing at the Anna Regina Car Park where they put on a display of their equipment

A Fire Officer explaining to a child the use of a piece of fire equipment

THERE has been an increase in grass and rubbish fires in Region Two, according to Sub Officer for the Anna Regina Fire Station Shannon Crawford.

Crawford said according to statistics at the Anna Regina Fire Station, there has been an increase of 19 calls for grass and rubbish fires this year when compared with 2017. He has therefore called on Essequibians who are in the habit of deliberately lighting grass and rubbish fires to utilise the garbage system in an effort to stop such occurrence. According to statistics, the station received 49 fire calls for 2017. For 2017 six buildings were under fire with four completely destroyed and two severely damaged.

Fire fighters responded to eight grass and rubbish fires last year. However, from January to September 2018, the Anna Regina Fire Station received 55 fire calls. Eight buildings were under fire, one severely damaged and three slightly

damaged. The staff had to attend to 27 grass and rubbish fires for 2018 thus far. “It is illegal to light fire without permission from the Guyana Fire Station, grass and crop fires can travel at tremendous speed and change direction quickly…we are therefore calling for cooperation from the citizens,” Crawford said. The senior fire officer also called on families to invest in their own fire extinguishers in the eventuality of a fire. The Anna Regina Fire Station kicked off the week with a prayer service at Living Water Tabernacle Full Gospel Church at Henrietta. Crawford said that fire officers then visited various schools where fire prevention talks were given. To conclude the week officers had a display at the Anna Regina Car Park. During the display, officers interacted with residents on fire prevention. The week was observed under the theme, “Promote a green economy, give time to fire safety”.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 13, 2018

Subryanville residents want M&CC to get tough with Mae’s

AS the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into City Hall continued on Friday, the commission heard testimony from Damian Fernandes, claiming that Mae’s Private School allegedly removed two basketball hoops and a portion of the perimeter fence from the Farnum Community Ground, after being told to halt works being carried out to section off the ground.

Fernandes is one of a collection of Subryanville residents who, for the past two years, have been contesting against Mae’s Private School being given permission to take over a section of the Farnum Community Ground.

According to Fernandes, the residents are still calling to see a copy of the lease or agreement issued by the Mayor and City Council (MCC) to owner of the school Mayfield Rodrigues, giving her permission to section off one third of the ground.

According to Fernandes, they are also calling for the school to remove the builders’ waste that it has been dumping at the ground; remove the internal fence that Mae’s has since ceased construction on; to restore the portion of fence torn down; and for MCC to sign a Memorandum of Agreement for the community to take over management and maintenance of the ground.

Equipped with a PowerPoint presentation, Fernandes informed the commission that the situation with Mae’s School trying to assert control over the ground dated all the way back to 2010, when the school wrote then Mayor Hamilton Green requesting “control” over Farnum Community ground and “permission to divert traffic onto the field and park”. The letter claimed to be “in conjunction with Subryanville Community Organisation”, however, Fernandes refuted that the community was in agreement.

Subryanville resident, Damian Fernandes

Another resident, Colonel Carl Morgan, on behalf of Subryanville Development, also wrote Green indicating that there was no agreement between the school and any community group.

Then it was in January 2017 that the school first began constructing a fence across the width of the ground sectioning off approximately one third of the ground.

Some 34 residents signed a letter to the school expressing concern that the fence would result in the restriction of access to the ground, since Mae’s had previously padlocked gates at the ground, and asking to meet.

The Mayor, Patricia Chase-Green, Town Clerk, Royston King and Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary were all also sent copies of the letter.

While the school never responded, the MCC subsequently demolished the fence.

Following that, the residents continued to upgrade the ground and invested some $2.5 million to level the ground, to which Mae’s school donated $100,000 However, in January 2018, construction again began on an internal fence. According to Fernandes, Rodrigues claimed “that the Town Clerk’s office had issued a lease to the School for that section of the Ground. They indicate that the lease allows them to build a fence”.

The residents contacted their constituency representatives Carlyle Goring and Linda Gomes-Haley, both of whom claimed no knowledge of the undertaking. Then Deputy Mayor Lionel Jaikarran also claimed no knowledge of the project.

The issue was discussed at a subsequent MCC statutory meeting, whereby King established that while he did have a written agreement with Rodrigues it was not a lease.

The councillors called for works on the internal fence to cease and this was eventually done.

It was shortly after this, Fernandes informed, that the basketball rings and sections of a long-existing fence around the perimeter of Farnum Community Ground, both of which were erected by the school, had been torn down.

The tearing down of the basketball rings, and the dumping of builders’ waste have left dangerous metal rods, zinc sheets and wood with nails in them littered across the ground, posing a danger to persons who still use the ground, many of them school- children.

With grass growing and covering the dangerous implements, Fernandes believes the ground is an accident waiting to happen.

It is the hope of the residents that following the CoI something can be done about the situation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 13, 2018

Better to manage migration –– than not accept it, ILO representative

By Navendra Seoraj LOSING or not getting a job is the fear of any adult with responsibilities but that fear inevitably increases when a country experiences an influx of migrants, similar to the case of Guyana where migrants from Venezuela have been entering the country because of a deteriorating Venezuelan economy.

Whether the locals like it, migrants will make their way into Guyana where they hope to get opportunities that might not be available in their country.

“It is important to real-

ise that what is happening with Venezuela… there is an outflow from Venezuela because the people there have no options left,” said International Labour Organisation (ILO) Director of Decent Work for the Caribbean, Claudia Coenjaerts during an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle.

According to a report from the International Monetary Fund, the inflation rate in Venezuela will rise to 1.37 million per cent by the end of the year as the government there fails to cover widening budget shortfall by printing money.

Looking ahead, consum-

er prices will rise 10 million per cent in 2019, according to the report. The reality behind those figures is Venezuelans would not be able to neither sustain themselves nor their families.

The lack of options has basically caused what Coenjaerts termed as “forced migration.” And no matter what, she believes that people will find a way to enter another country, especially if they have to do so to survive.

Though the people will move, the ILO director said it does not mean everyone is a refugee or asylum seeker; it simply means that they were pushed out of their country.

In such cases, the ILO believes that it is important for countries to manage the influx of migrants instead of not accepting them.

Guyanese, in some cases, have complained that migrants have been taking up jobs and working for below the national minimum wage but, most of those migrants have been working in the informal economy that is neither taxed nor monitored by government.

USUALLY UNDOCUMENTED Flashback: In dialogue – Minister Keith Scott and Coenjaerts said cases ILO Director Claudia Coenjaerts like those occur when mi-

Venezuelan migrants at Khan’s Hill gration is not managed.

She explained that many migrants are usually undocumented so they have to work illegally.

“By not managing the problem, we risk to aggravate a problem… the issue with Venezuela translates to one like the Middle East, with Syria, where the ILO has been involved by helping governments to set up temporary work permits… in doing so we help them to not create two labour markets,” she said.

The ILO director believes that once the system is regulated, Venezuelans would work for the same salaries and wages there would be no “competition”.

In order to manage the situation, comprehensive migration policies are needed; policies which include a comprehensive approach which analyses human rights, economic conditions, health, social wellbeing and security.

“If you have the policy,

you can bring all of that together… involve all stakeholders, social partners to bring in their angle so you can agree how to manage migration,” said Coenjaerts, noting that those approaches would also assist in the collection of data and facts.

Although the ILO has not conducted a study to determine what the situation is with Venezuelans in the Caribbean, she said the organisation is ready to do such a study.

LONG-TERM SUPPORT The Government of Guyana recently said it is making plans for long-term support for Venezuelan migrants, some 2,588 of whom have so far been documented in Guyana.

Guyana adopted the 2016 New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants, which streamlines migration.

What this means, is that the country has an international

and humanitarian obligation to cater for migrants.

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM)’s Regional Coordination Officer for the Caribbean, Robert Natiello had said in a Guyana Chronicle report that an influx of a migrant population can be very taxing on local infrastructure such as schools, health centres and so forth; hence, knowing a figure would allow stakeholders to make critical economical decisions.

“So far, the government has been exemplary and shown solidarity with Venezuelans; the government has shown a willingness to support them….They said they do not want to just deport them, but instead regularise them, especially because Venezuela had received a lot of Guyanese migrants in the 1980s.”

“The Government is developing a policy to provide them with temporary permits that are renewable,” said Natiello.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 13, 2018

Modern police station opened in Linden

By Vanessa Braithwaite ‘E’ Division ranks can now better serve the communities of Region 10 in a $117M spanking new two-storey, police station, located at Mackenzie, Linden, which will also serve as the headquarters of ‘E’ Division (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice).

The modern facility is community-based and will

room for ranks. The building will also be powered by solar energy.

Commissioning the building was Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, who handed over the ceremonial keys to Senior Superintendent, Linden Lord, who was also newly appointed to the ‘E’ Division.

In his feature address, Minister Ramjattan said the

because they are the people who ought to be the beneficiaries of a good police station” Ramjattan said.

IMPROVED ENVIRONMENT The degraded conditions result in degraded performances and therefore, he said, “that is why we want to improve, upgrade, amelio-

Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan cuts the ceremonial ribbon of the new ‘E’ Division head quarters. Looking on to his left is Commissioner of Police Leslie James, and to his immediate right, IDB Country Representative Sophie Makonnen and outgoing ‘E’ Division Commander, Anthony Vanderhyden give the citizens of the region a better opportunity to file reports, especially sensitive reports where the need for confidentiality is high. The new building is part of the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) remodelling programme and has a special room for domestic violence cases which will accommodate children, a witness protection room, a case management room that will be fully automated, a public management room, a listening room, rooms with one-way glass for suspect identification and training

building serves to provide service and protection to residents, since the ranks will be better able to serve them in the new, spacious, modern and comfortable facility. He expressed gratitude to the International Development Bank (IDB) for funding such a project which shows institutional strengthening.

“The modern design adopted for the rehabilitation of the rebuilding of the 12 police stations, support the notion of putting victims and witnesses first, we have to prioritise,

rate all police stations in the country and we are on that journey, we want to also provide a confidential environment for those who want to make their statements to the police about the crimes they have seen… we need that kind of confidential environment.”

“When the Guyana Police Force recommended this station for rehabilitation, the intention was to remodel and improve, not rebuild a completely new station; however, the dilapidated state of the building

was noted and the decision was to rebuild a band new police station and today we have it there.”

Ramjattan noted that the government is investing $1.18B for the refurbishing of stations countrywide.

“Government will continue to mobilise more resources so that the police can provide to the people of Guyana with the resources that they deserve. Some of the police stations that were rehabilitated in 2018 were Parfaite Harmonie, New Amsterdam, Lethem and Mathew’s Ridge police stations. Our goal is to strengthen police capability, so that the police have enough resources to carry out their functions which are stability, security, rooting out corruption and transforming the Police Force as an institution, to one that is efficient, disciplined and professional so that it can help in the maintenance and updating of the duties that they perform.”

Ramjattan is urging the ranks that will be utilising the building to do so with professionalism, honesty and integrity and to pay particular attention to the maintenance of it. Com-

missioner of Police, Leslie James, said the Police Force is very appreciative of the strides taken by the government in ensuring the improvement of standards within the force and ensuring the safety of the citizenry.

Giving an overview of the Citizen Security Sector Reform Programme was Dr. Clement Henry who said that the overall aim is to strengthen capacity with the force and the community at large.

The programme has three components which are: improving community resilience in responding to crime, strengthening capacity by offering entrepreneurial training and the rehabilitation and the reintegration of the Guyana Prison Service.

CONTINUED SUPPORT IDB Country Manager, Sophie Makonnen noted that the IDB will continue to support institutional capacity building, improved governance and citizen security through the effective prevention of crime and violence.

The IDB will fund the rehabilitation of 18 police stations with $380M. Twelve of these have been completed. These include Kwakwani, Annai, Aishalton, La Grange, Cane Grove, Suddie, Mabaruma and Port Kaituma. The physical appearance of a police station is important, Makonnen said, since it affects the sense of security of community members. She is also pleased that the new police stations will, more effectively, tackle gender-based violence since these victims can now report their cases in confidentiality.

Female officers will also be accommodated at the new stations.

Also present at the commissioning ceremony were other senior ranks of the Guyana Police Force including Deputy Commissioner, Maxine Graham, outgoing Commander, Anthony Vanderhyden, former commander who oversaw the commencement of the project, Fazil Karimbaksh. Regional Chairman, Renis Morian and Deputy Mayor, Wainwright Bethune, were also present.

A section of the audience at the commissioning ceremony

Tough call for a vagrant –– either find 25G, or do time for pilfering

CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan on Friday fined a 42-year-old vagrant $25,000 for stealing a quantity of items from the yard of an attorney.

Krishna Singh admitted that on October 10 at Hadfield Street he stole a quantity of items valued $27,000, property of attorney-at-law Pamela DaSantos.

According to the facts presented in court by Police Prosecutor Corporal Richard Harris, on the day in question,

Singh forced his way into the victim’s yard and stole the items, but was caught out while making good his escape from the yard.

Singh at first denied stealing the items and told the court that he was in the yard picking pear leaf, but later confessed to committing the act.

The Chief Magistrate fined him $25,000, failing which he’d have to spend eight weeks in jail.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 13, 2018

Adventists take novel approach to community intervention –– Min. Ramjattan takes a shine to the idea

By Gabriella Chapman

WITH just around US$2000 and the welfare of the disadvantaged at heart, the Guyana Conference of Seventh Day Adventists on Thursday launched a project so unique it has Minister of Public Security, Mr Khemraj Ramjattan sold on the idea.

That project is titled “The Inner City Youth Risk Reduction Project”, and according to its coordinator, Elder Murray Greenidge, it was designed specifically for persons between the ages

Project Coordinator, Elder Murray Greenidge of 20 and 35, as it is at that age that young people are at their most vulnerable.

The launch was held at the Ephesus Seventh Day Adventist Church on Smyth Street, Werk-en-Rust, where Elder Greenidge is Assistant Community Services Leader, and in which environs the project will be implemented.

As Elder Greenidge shared with invitees, the socio-economic challenges of life can have such a negative impact on persons, it cannot only deprive them of the will to lead positive, productive, and sustainable lives, but also cause them to gravitate to disenfranchisement, drugs, divorce, domestic violence, depression, and ultimately death by means of suicide.

As such, the project is not only designed to assist in improving the reading and literacy levels of beneficiaries, but to provide them also with the skills and knowledge they need

project is giving me tremendous hope that we can do it; this, I would say, is a real gem of a discovery.”

Giving a background as to how the project got started was Director of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), Pastor Alexander Isaacs, who said he had learnt quite by chance

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan to clarify their personal and professional goals, find work, and develop healthy work habits and behaviours that will help them to be effective and efficient in the working environment and ultimately be successful in life.

“It prepares them to be dedicated employees as well as successful entrepreneurs,” Elder Greenidge said, adding: “An integrated curriculum of life skills, capacity building, vocational skills, remedial English and Math, Entrepreneurship and conscious reasoning augurs for the establishment of a solid foundation on which persons can have a second chance in life. This programme is all about giving persons another chance to stay upright, move forward and keep up the momentum.”

All this was like sweet music to the ears of Minister Ramjattan, as he couldn’t help but express how important such a project is to the country.

‘HONOURED AND DELIGHTED’ “I’m honoured and delighted in this small gathering, dealing with this major issue of support for at-risk youths,” Minister Ramjattan said.

“This kind of programme is something we generally associate with governments busting their brains to ensure it happens.

“And to see that the Seventh Day Adventists, both regionally and internationally, would be venturing into this

that there was funding available at By Grace Charity, an international NGO that works around the world to alleviate poverty as best as they could.

It was the sort of information he could not very well keep to himself, so he passed it on to the 10 fields that make up the Caribbean Union, of which he is also director, and one of the Unions that comprise the vast Inter-American Division.

“I sent to all the fields, information about this project. You had to do a proposal and get it approved,” Pastor Isaacs said, adding: “Guyana submitted one of the projects by Murray Greenidge, and it was the first to be selected in the Caribbean Union.”

According to Elder Greenidge, the church has also opened its arms and invited a number of agencies to be a part of the project, and so far it has caught

the attention of quite a number of them, including the Massy Group of Companies, the Guyana Prison Service, and the Guyana Police Force.

“We have also been working closely with a number of other business individuals in the Georgetown area, where we have identified them to be mentors for the trainees when they complete the training programme,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 13, 2018

Region Four teachers honoured for sterling contributions

AFTER a specially arranged inter-faith service and brunch, over 300 teachers were treated as part of the Department of Education Region Four, World Teachers Day function last week.

The function, which was held at the Multipurpose Hall of Bladen Hall Multilateral School, catered for teachers from as far as Mahaica on the East Coast of Demerara to Soesdyke on the East Bank of Demerara, a release from the Region Four Department said.

Among those who graced the event were: Regional Executive Officer (REO), Ms. Pauline Lucas, Ms. Jillian Frank representing the Ministry of the Presidency, Chairperson of the Regional Education Committee (REC), Mr. Ryan Belgrave, Representative of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) Mr. Collis Nicholson, Acting Regional Education Officer (REDO) Ms. Tiffany Favourite-Harvey and scores of head teachers and teachers.

The event was held to commend and thank the teachers for what the REDO dubbed as their invaluable support and assistance in moulding the nation’s children. She

declared that the teachers within her region continue to give selflessly, thus she urged them to remain committed, disciplined and steadfast to their profession.

“Today’s occasion is specially organised to thank God for you - our teachers, and to show respect and to pay reverend and gratitude to you for your selfless efforts while enriching the education system in the process,” she said. The REDO reminded the teachers that whenever they enter the classroom they are scientists, doctors, lawyers, parents, explorers, counsellors and so much more, noting that her department is fully aware of the teachers’ efforts and the many sacrifices that they make.

She said that irrespective of how or what the views some may have, she loves her teachers as they are extremely important, thus the reason for such an auspicious occasion. She stressed that she and the entire Department of Education in Region Four are extremely grateful because whenever they teach the students they react to them as their own. “You have inspired our children to pursue further and to prepare them to

withstand obstacles that may confront their lives. However, it is expected that our teachers would continue to strive for perfection; as to your students, you are their hero,” REDO Harvey stressed.

GTU representative, Collis Nicholson told those gathered that to ensure that all children are prepared to learn and take their places in society. “Teachers must receive effective training and support that equip them to respond to the needs of all students, including the most marginalised.” He stressed that the shortage of teachers in the system is hampering efforts to achieve equitable, inclusive quality education for all. This, he noted is particularly in countries beset by widespread poverty and protracted crises, and in regions where the youth population is growing rapidly. “To meet the demand for new teachers, education authorities often employ individuals with little or no training or by lowering qualification requirements.

Some teachers are asked to teach subjects for which they have no pedagogical training,” Nicholson argued.

The GTU senior official disclosed that it is his union’s

The four teachers who were honoured L-R Towanna Connely; Wilburg Williams; (REDO) Ms. Tiffany Favourite-Harvey; Miss Colleen Henry and Miss Eleanor Hopkinson view that the most marginalised and excluded children tend to be taught by the least experienced teachers, who may be on temporary contracts and receive no pre-service or in-service training.

“Despite widespread recognition that teachers are key to achieving quality education for all, teaching is still not widely regarded as a valued profession. Its low prestige impedes efforts to recruit and retain teachers in rich and poor areas alike.” The senior Region Four GTU official declared that teachers must receive quality initial teacher education, effective induction into the profession, and have opportunities for high-quality professional development to hone their skills throughout their careers. “They must demonstrate to the public that teaching is a valued profession by providing decent salaries and improving working conditions for educators at all levels of education,” Nicholson.

Meanwhile, REO Lucas

saluted all teachers in Region Four and throughout Guyana, noting that they are a very special set of people because of their unbelievable love. She confessed that she can never become a teacher as it certainly requires a lot of patience, tolerance, faith and the ability to go beyond as it relates to helping the children. She declared that if she had the power and will, she would certainly pay teachers whatever they want as a symbol that she respects their service to the country.

REO Lucas reaffirmed her commitment to lending whatever support that she and her office can provide, declaring that teachers are critically important to the holistic development of any country and as such, she remains steadfast supporter of 101 per cent.

Several teachers were recognised and honoured with the REDO declaring that the annual award ceremony slated for December 5 will see a long list of awards being issued to teachers for various categories

of services. However, she honoured the youngest and oldest teachers on both the East Bank and East Coast. Copping the award for the Youngest Teacher on East Bank was St. Cuthbert’s Nursery School teacher, Ms. Colleen Henry, while the youngest for the East Coast was Beterverwagting Secondary School teacher, Ms. Towanna Connely.

The oldest teacher award for the East Bank was given to Covent Garden Secondary, Ms. Eleanor Hopkinson while Bladen Hall Multilateral’s Sir Wilburg Williams who is expected to retire at the end of this month, copped that award for the East Coast.

The teachers were serenaded by performances by some of their colleagues: Ms. Pearl Freeman, Mark Luke-Edwards and Ossie Nedd. Nedd’s superb performance resulted in several teachers expressing their open appreciation for the selected oldies renditions that he performed.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 13, 2018

Guyana bullish on rice trade with Cuba … sees export growth in lumber, other commodities

AS part of the execution of the economic diplomacy thrust presently engaging the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Guyana is seeking to expand trade relations with Cuba in a move that has resulted in millions of dollars in exports to the Spanish-speaking Caribbean island.

Guyana’s Ambassador to Cuba, Halim Majeed,

disclosed that the amount of rice exported in 2018, for instance, has more than quadrupled when compared to last year. “In 2017, we sold 15,500 tonnes of rice to Cuba; this year, so far, we sold more than 70, 000 tonnes. Our target is to see whether we can export up to 125, 000 tonnes by the end of this year,” Majeed was quoted in a release by the Ministry of

Foreign Affairs as saying.

He labelled the growth in exports a “significant breakthrough” for Guyana’s rice.

Meanwhile, exports in lumber and other products to Cuba amounted to some US $1.2M or an equivalent of GY $240M last year. As of June this year, that figure expanded to US $1.9M. “We are now trying to see how we

MENTAL health was the main focus when the Ministry of Public Health and the Faculty of Health Sciences hosted a health fair at the University of Guyana, Turkeyen campus on Wednesday.

World Mental Health

such a scenario, mental health has assumed even greater importance to governments worldwide.

Lawrence also stated that global statistics have been established that depression is the third leading cause of mental illness and suicide is the second leading

recognised and managed they can eventually lead to mental illness,” said Minister Lawrence. She further stated that support programmes need to be intensified, so as to build mental health resilience and coping strategies for mental challenges.

MoPH, UG host health fair

Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence and other officials at the health fair Day was observed for the first time on October 10, 1992. It was started as an annual activity of the World Federation for Mental Health by then Deputy Secretary-General, Richard Hunter.

Speaking at the event, Volda Lawrence, Minister of Public Health, stated: “this year, World Mental Health Day is being celebrated amongst fear, conflicts and political and economic challenges in almost every corner of the world…”

She added that with

cause of death among the 15-29 age groups.

She continued by saying that the World Health Organisation focused on adolescence for this year’s observance with the theme being “Young people and mental health in the changing world.”

“Our adolescents and young adults face challenges on a daily basis, which can be caused by factors such as unemployment , starting university, inadequate home and sufficient meals. Unfortunately, if these feelings are not

Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamed, said persons with mental and social disabilities represent a portion of the world population. She added that mental health is not only a heath or medical concern, it is also an issue of human rights, communities and social justice.

Also speaking at the event was Country Representative of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), Dr William Adu –krow.

can export other products to Cuba such as fruits and vegetables, meat, and paints,” the Guyanese diplomat revealed. He further stated that in a recent meeting, representatives of the Guyana Forest Products Association recorded an interest in having a more organised mechanism of trade in lumber and shingles with Cuba.

According to the ministry, economic diplomacy has been cited as critical to Guyana’s progress and

Guyana’s Ambassador to Cuba, His Excellency Halim Majeed has taken centre stage in the state’s relationship with many countries, since the 2016 appointment of new heads of overseas missions. Guyana and Cuba established diplomatic relations on December 8, 1972.

The two countries

share a strong bilateral relationship, which has been characterised by many exchanges at the government level and cooperation under the Guyana/Cuba Joint Commission. Trade is a renewed dimension of the decades-old friendship.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 13, 2018

Young civil engineer wants to help transform East Ruimveldt

WOMEN empowerment, security and youth advancement are high on the agenda of 24-year-old Civil Engineer, Eketa Edwards vying for councillor of Constituency No.13 in this year’s Local Government Elections (LGEs).

The young woman proudly represents A Partnership for National Unity Party (APNU) and her constituency which encompasses West and East Ruimveldt.

Being a resident of East Ruimveldt for over 23 years, as Edwards grew she noticed the needs in her community and when the opportunity presented itself for her to make a difference, she grabbed hold of it.

“So far, what we have been doing as a team is engaging residents within the community by verifying their information, whether they’re on the list or not. I would have found that I’m from a loving community that comes together in unity

Civil Engineer, Eketa Edwards and they’re willing to push self-help programmes to better the community,” she said, speaking of activities that have begun.

Through these one-onone engagements, Edwards has gotten to hear in detail some of the concerns of the residents in her constituency.

Although she doesn’t believe that being a civil engineer gives her an edge in the elections, the young woman knows that she will be able to make a lasting difference in the regular cleaning of drains and canals to prevent flooding in the flood-prone area.

“Because of my technical background I see the need for regular maintenance in terms of cleaning the drains. But we have some major drains that cannot be reached because of the squatting and that is something that can’t be dealt with on my level.”

“But, what can keep the waters down during the rainy season is regularly cleaning the drains and a regular maintenance schedule for these drains to be cleaned.

In some cases where the machines won’t be able to reach it, it would have to be hand dug and I see the community coming together to get that done. They just

need the leadership to get it done,” she stated.

It is also as a result of her technical background that a portion of her focus, if elected, would be dedicated to encouraging women's empowerment and gender equality at the community level.

Being a female in a male-dominated field, Edwards knows all too well what it takes to survive.

“Coming in to it as a young lady you have to work extra hard, you have to push harder so I’m particularly concerned with women in my community who would like to get into technical fields.

“I would like to develop programmes in which we can engage all young people so that they can develop different trades and different skills through which they will then learn to have a business mindset, so that their trade and their skill can give them an income,” she

explained.

Edwards intends to work along with other community leaders and will request the assistance of her female friends who are also in technical fields, to meet with the women and girls to further empower them as real-life examples.

Other areas the young woman hopes to address are increased streetlights to prevent robberies and the maintenance of community roads to prevent small cracks from becoming huge and dangerous potholes.

With LGEs being reestablished in Guyana in recent years after an over 20-year hiatus, Edwards emphasised the importance of the process and what it means for communities.

“You have that chance of selecting a person that you want to represent your community, who would be able to bring the interest of the community to the table at the council level so that

the problems and issues that you’re having within your communities can be taken care of. A lot of young people don’t know the importance of Local Government Elections and that is because as young as we are is as young as Local Government hasn’t been kept,” she said.

The young woman added, however: “It starts with us now. It starts with us making the decision now because if we sit back and we don’t make a decision on who we want to represent our communities, then it’s like we’re saying we don’t care about what’s going to happen…So, as young persons we need to get out and we need to get our votes in because when we make our votes we know who to go to when we’re having issues in the community.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 13, 2018

EU aid boosting water, electricity sectors

THE European Union has been supporting transformation of the electricity and water sectors here with the injection of much-needed funds, the latest being a USD 40.4 Million grant through the Caribbean Investment Facility to address priority needs of the sectors.

In a release, the EU said in October 2014, it teamed up with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and committed to support the efforts of the Government of Guyana to improve the quality and delivery of reliable water supply; and also to strengthen the reliability and efficiency of electricity service delivery.

In this regard, representatives of both organisations had met at IDB headquarters in Washington DC on October 10, 2014, to sign the loan and investment grant agreement with the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. According to the release, at the time and in the framework of the agreement, the EU had contributed to the partnership with USD 7.49 Million towards the Power Utility Upgrade Programme (PUUP), and USD 6.3 Million towards the Water Supply and Sanitation Infrastructure Improvement Programme (WSSIIP). These funds were disbursed to the IDB to act as the contracting authority for works under the PUUP and WSSIIP. In September 2018, additional payments from the EU’s contribution totalling USD 17.3 Million,

were disbursed to the IDB towards the Power Utility Upgrade Programme (PUUP), and Water Supply and Sanitation Infrastructure Improvement Programme (WSSIIP).

In recognising the delivery of the EU grant disbursement, EU Ambassador to Guyana, Jernej Videtic highlighted that both the EU and the IDB recognised the need to assist Guyana’s further development through investments in the energy and water sectors and therefore allocated USD 40.4 Million through the Caribbean Investment Facility to address the priority needs of the sectors. Videtic stressed that in the energy sector, work will focus on strengthening the management capacity of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL); increasing operational efficiency and reducing commercial and technical losses. This will necessitate the rehabilitation of distribution lines network in Georgetown and Region IV and will benefit the population living in the coastland Regions IV and V. He further added that in the water sector, work on strengthening the performance of the Guyana Water Incorporated, improving water pressure, quality and

EU Ambassador to Guyana, Jernej Videtic continuity of supply as well as reducing non-revenue water losses will be undertaken. The EU Ambassador highlighted that an important aspect will be an improved access to sanitation for low-income households; the construction of three new water treatment plants at Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara, Sheet Anchor in Berbice and Uitvlugt on the West Coast of Demerara, coupled with major rehabilitation works of the water treatment plant at Shelterbelt, Georgetown is also part of the project. At least 55,300 households will benefit from upgraded access to drinking water.

The European Union

approved the creation of the Caribbean Investment Facility (CIF) on April 30, 2012. The purpose of the CIF is to strengthen Caribbean regional integration and to foster investments in key infrastructure in the Caribbean, with a particular focus on the energy, environment, climate change mitigation and adaptation, transport and social infrastructure sectors.

These projects are the first to be funded under the CIF programme.

The collaboration is part of the EU’s Innovative Financial Instruments commonly called ‘blending,’

which is an instrument for achieving the EU’s external policy objectives, complementary to other aid modalities and pursuing the relevant regional, national and overarching policy priorities. The principle of the mechanism is to combine EU grants with loans or equity from public and private financiers.

In parallel, several thematic initiatives are supported through blending, with special focus on inclusive and sustainable private sector development. The Electrification Financing Initiative (Elec-

triFI) aims at accelerating access to electricity and modern energy services through intervention at the development stage of a project, Agriculture Financing Initiative (AgriFI)’s objective is to unlock, accelerate and leverage investments with a value-chain approach, focusing on smallholder’s inclusiveness and/or MSME agri-business and Climate Finance Initiative supports identification and piloting of innovative climate finance instruments to mobilise private development finance.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 13, 2018

ECD supermarket selling expired products ‌ proprietor charged, citizens urged to pay attention to labels

THE Government Analyst –Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) is warning citizens to pay closer attention to the expiry dates on products sold on the local market.

The department said particular note should be taken of products sold in supermarkets along the East Coast, East Bank, and West Coast Demerara areas.

In a release, the department said it conducted an inspection exercise on 5th October, 2018, at a recently established supermarket on the East Coast of Demerara; the proprietor

was discovered to be repackaging foods under insanitary conditions, selling expired foods and also tampering (extending the date mark on Condensed Milk products.)

Fifty-one tinsĂ— 395g of condensed milk which had the date marks tampered with, were seized and removed from the premises. Criminal proceedings have been instituted against this proprietor in the East Demerara Magisterial District, according See page 18 Tins with Original Barcode and Date

Repackaged rice and sugar

Tins with suspected tampered date marking minus Barcode

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 13, 2018

E’bo parents picket private school over poor administration

SCORES of parents who have children attending the private Al Madinah Academy at Anna Regina in Region Two, protested on Friday, airing their views on the current administration of the school.

Armed with placards, parents protested for a change in the board of directors and for the resignation of principal of the school.

Some of their placards read: “We Demand a new school board”, “We need Shazzad,

Faoud, Zalenena and Sala”; “The Principal must go”; “Our children kicked out of school because of poverty”; “Oh Allah, we seek your intervention,” amongst others.

Leading the protest was a parent, Anad Azad, who said that their views must be heard since they are not satisfied with the current administration of the school. Azad, speaking on behalf of parents, said that the school lacks trained teachers and oftentimes

Parents protesting in front the Al Madinah Academy School in Region Two

The Al Madinah Academy School in Region Two children are sent home due to lack of funds.

The parent related that a new principal recently took over approximately three months ago and within weeks, several secondary teachers had walked off the job. He described the principal’s leadership as autocratic.

Azad said the current principal is not working in the best interest of the school and children are left to suffer. “Last week, children were sent home because their parents did not pay their fees; the children are now at home going to the “backdam.” This was not why the school was established; the board of directors were informed and none of them did anything,” Azad alleged.

Another parent, who spoke anonymously, said that she has five children attending the school and she is not satisfied with the current leaders. She added that members of the Parent Teachers Association (PTA) do not have a voice in the school and everything they do must be approved by the board.

“If parents want to do a fund-raising,

they have to consult the board; if we want do something for the school, everything has to pass through the board, which sometimes take forever to approve, this was never so in the past,” the parent said.

The parent also said that most of the directors who sit on the school board are out of Essequibo and therefore called for Essequibians to take up positions. Parents are also calling on the Ministry of Education and other relevant authorities to look into the matter. The school was established in 2001 by former Regional Executive Officer Shaffeek Khan. Other founders included the deceased Answar Ally and Shazad Ally. The school has a population of 200 children who are taught at both the primary and secondary levels.

On a weekly basis, parents pay $4000 per child for primary and $5000 per secondary. The school also has a bus service, which transports the children to and from school.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 13, 2018

Available skillset bit outdated –– GLSC Trevor Benn

By Navendra Seoraj

COMMISSIONER of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC), Trevor Benn said the skillset available locally cannot service a 21st century organisation.

Benn, who was addressing students of the University of Guyana (UG), said a lot of work has to be done and the GLSC has been making use of every

available opportunity to improve capacity of its staff.

“We have invited UG to join training opportunities and meetings,” he said during the GLSC seminar titled “The challenge of sustaining the life of the planet” at UG on Thursday.

He believes that if the university participates in those programmes, they would be able to build their own capacity to deliver on

courses.

While academic improvement is important, Benn said GLSC will also be looking to work with UG in different areas pertaining to its mandate.

The relationship between UG and GLSC started about a year ago and the partnership has been extensive. This partnership is expected to grow over the next few years.

In addition to local training opportunities, he said there are opportunities to travel abroad for train-

ing. Soon, six employees of the GLSC will be travelling to the United Kingdom (UK) to be trained to operate the Continuous Operating Referencing Stations (CORS) network.

CORS will extend the national geodetic network and coordinate accuracy of boundaries during surveying.

As the workload increases, Benn said persons would have to be able to do more with less because the resources will not always be there.

Commissioner of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) Trevor Benn

ECD supermarket selling ...

From page 16

to the Laws of Guyana Food and Drug Act Chapter 34:03 Section 35.

Part II (5) states ‘‘any person who sells an article of food that is unfit for human consumption or was manufactured, prepared, packaged or stored under the unsanitary condition is guilty of an offence’’.

Also Part II (6) Food and Drug Act Cap 34:03 of 1971 states that “Any person who labels, packages, treats, processes, sells or advertises any food in a manner that is false, misleading or deceptive or is likely to create an erroneous impression regarding its character, value, quality, composition, merit

or safety is guilty of an offence”.

In addition, members and representatives at the department’s recently hosted National Food Safety and Control Committee meeting, held on October 9th, were briefed on this practice and were asked to take the necessary enforcement action in their respective regions/ areas, the release added.

“Consumers are again asked to ensure that all items of food have a label, is English translated and to ensure the dates are closely examined and not altered or tampered with.”

The area being used to repackage foods

Asphaltic concrete paving for ECD road Tuesday THE Ministry of Public Infrastructure has advised that asphaltic concrete-paving operations for the East Coast Demerara Public Road Widening and Improvement Project , Better Hope to Belfield village, will commence on Tuesday, October 16, 2018.

These works will be executed on the east-bound lanes between the villages of Better Hope and Montrose, the ministry said in a notice.

Consequently, preparatory works for the paving operations are necessary and will commence on Saturday, October 13, 2018; this will result in closure of the east-bound lanes within this section.

Motorists and pedestrians are therefore asked to exercise caution and observe all caution and directional signs, particularly in the vicinity of the works. We sincerely regret any inconvenience caused.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 13, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 13, 2018

GFF partners with Ansa McAl to launch ‘Always’ National Women’s Development League … 216 games to be played from October 27, 2018 to March 2019

By Rawle Toney THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has partnered with distribution giant, Ansa McAl Trading, under their ‘Always’ brand, to launch a National Women’s Football Development League, which is expected to comprise 2016 games to

be played across Guyana’s 10 administrative regions from October 27, 2018, to March 2019.

With the GFF investing approximately $10M into hosting the event, it is said that the five-month long tournament will be played in an effort to provide a consistent platform for women to play the ‘beautiful game’ and develop their football skills.

Mentioning that Guyana’s women’s senior national team have achieved more on the international stage than their male counterparts, taking into consideration that only the women’s side were able to play at two CONCACAF tournaments, GFF president Wayne Forde believes the National Women’s Football Development League represents his administration’s commitment to ensure that all female players, regardless of location in Guyana, are given the same opportunity.

Forde told the gathering of sponsors, players, media and other executive members at the SleepIn Hotel, that the GFF is more than pleased to roll-out a programme that will no doubt create an impact on young girls and other women with aspiration to become football players and more importantly, to do so in an environment that will be safe.

“Women’s football is unique in so many ways, because, the football world has discovered that ability to play the game exceptionally well is far-less

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important to women, but rather, just the opportunity, to have the opportunity to play and to have fair and equal access to the sport and it’s development, means so much more to women and to girls,” said Forde.

The GFF boss also highlighted that “every girl, every woman, who has the desire to play football, must be given an equal opportunit. It’s one of the key mandates of the GFF Executive Committee.

This league will create a social messaging platform that we hope will allow us to speak to the issues that affect girls and women; but more importantly, open up new and fresh dialogue that will lead to solution.”

Meanwhile, the tournament’s primary sponsor, Ansa McAl, through its head of the Business Unit Padma Kunjbeharry, said the League represents some of core values of her company and as such, the company is happy to come on board.

“We are happy with Always to be part of this league, as our tagline says, ‘Let’s rewrite the rule’ … It’s great to see that our women are being pushed in sports that are male-dominated or on male-dominated territory,” Kunjbeharry said.

Valerie Garrido-Lowe – Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, who is also the Patron for women’s football in Guyana, believes that the tournament was long overdue; but she’s more than pleased that,

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as an advocate for women in the hinterland, women are given a fair chance like those on the coastland. The league will also have an impact on the way the game is viewed on the outskirts of the capital.

The minister also noted that her ministry, as usual, will be offering its full support to the GFF to aid in the success of the tournament.

The ladies will play in a 7-a-side format and will open in Region One at Kamaka, Anna Regina Region Two, matches will also be played at the Tucville ground and the Wisburg Secondary School ground in Region 10.

Also kicking off their leg of the league on October 27 will be Central and North Rupununi, Mahdia and Bartica.

Only recently, FIFA launched its first-ever global strategy for women’s football which charts the course for how FIFA will work with confederations

and member associations (MAs), clubs, players, the media, fans and other stakeholders to realise the full potential that exists within the women’s game.

FIFA strongly believes that women’s football brings one very important benefit to the many young girls and women involved in the game – empowerment. Encouraging empowerment through football, growing the game, getting more girls involved in it earlier and keeping women in football longer are all key elements of FIFA’s Women’s Football Strategy.

The Women’s Football Division will work closely with MAs around the world via workshops and special initiatives to assist them in bringing together key stakeholders to discuss, develop and implement their respective women’s football strategies and to ensure the greatest impact possible of their efforts to develop and grow the women’s game.

Chase’s unbeaten

From back page

SCOREBOARD WEST INDIES 1st innings K. Brathwaite lbw b Kuldeep Yadav K. Powell c Jadeja b Ashwin S. Hope lbw b Umesh Yadav S. Hetmyer lbw b Kuldeep Yadav S. Ambris c Jadeja b Kuldeep Yadav R. Chase not out S. Dowrich lbw b Umesh Yadav J. Holder c wkp. Pant b Umesh Yadav D. Bishoo not out Extras: (b-4, lb-7) Total: (7 wkts, 95 overs)

14 22 36 12 18 98 30 52 2 11 295

Fall of wickets: 1-32, 2-52, 3-86, 4-92, 5-113, 6-182, 7-286.

Bowling: Umesh Yadav 23-2-83-3, Thakur 1.4-0-9-0, Ashwin 24.2-7-49-1, Kuldeep Yadav 26-2-74-3, Jadeja 20-2-69-0.

V. Kohli, L. Rahul, P. Shaw, C. Pujara, A. Rahane, Rishabh Pant, R. Jadeja, R. Ashwin, U. Yadav, K. Yadav, S. Thakur.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 13, 2018

Bolt fires two goals in Mariners trial (REUTERS) - Olympic sprint champion Usain Bolt scored two goals in his first start for the Central Coast Mariners in a trial match yesterday that he hopes could pave the way for a professional contract as a soccer player.

The 32-year-old Jamaican, who is hoping to win a contract ahead of the Mariners’ 2018-19 A-League campaign, was in the thick of the action as the Mariners recorded a 4-0 win over Macarthur South West United.

He scored his first in the 57th minute when he shrugged off a defender on the left before unleashing a hard, low shot past the goalkeeper at the near post.

Bolt pointed to the sky in his trademark ‘lightning bolt’ celebration, but the world’s fastest man still had more to offer.

His second goal came in the 68th minute when Bolt pounced on a defensive error to tap home from close range.

“My first start and scoring two goals, it’s a good feeling,” Bolt told Fox Sports

after he was substituted in the 75th minute.

“I’m happy I could come here and show the world I’m improving. I’m keen to be a Mariner, to play my best and get into the team.

Bolt’s last appearance for the first team was against an amateur select side in August, where he came on as a late substitute and appeared to lack match sharpness.

Former Australia goalkeeper Mark Bosnich said

“Slight improvement if you want to say that but his touch is still very poor,” Bosnich, currently a Fox Sports commentator, said during the match.

“His speed endurance is a little bit better but he Australian captain Tim Paine

By Ian Ransom

Central Coast Mariners’ Usain Bolt in action. (REUTERS/David Gray/Files)

“The coach said to me, you’ll get chances, you’ll score some, you’ll miss some, don’t put your head down, keep your head up and try for the next one.”

although there were improvements in his game, Bolt still had a long way to go to transform himself into a professional soccer player.

still looked tired after 15-20 minutes. He just looks a little bit sharper, not a great deal to be honest. There’s a slight improvement but not very much.”

Proteas clinch T20 series with win in Potch CAPE TOWN, South Africa - The Proteas have clinched the three-match T20 series against Zimbabwe with a six-wicket victory in the second T20 at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom yesterday evening.

Dane Paterson and Robbie Frylinck celebrated their return to the Proteas starting line-up with two wickets apiece at minimal cost to lay the foundation for a comfortable victory with 26 balls to spare for their side.

The victory clinched the series for the Proteas who now hold an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series with just the final match of the tour to come at Willowmoore Park tomorrow (14:00hrs start).

The pair, making their first appearances of the series, had combined figures of 4-42 from 8 overs with

Australia win back respect in Dubai dust

Frylinck’s return of 2-20 being a career-best.

They were largely responsible for restricting Zimbabwe, who had won the toss, to 32-2 in the power

Zimbabwe once again lost too many wickets too cheaply up front with only Sean Williams, their outstanding batsman of the tour, making much of a show with

Dane Paterson

play and they were equally effective at the death with the visitors only able to score 31-3 in their final five overs at the death.

his innings of 41 (28 balls, 2x4, 3x6) with all 3 sixes coming from one Tabraiz Shamsi over.

In spite of some inconsis-

tency in the pitch’s bounce their total of 132 was never going to be enough to test the Proteas who cantered home in spite of losing wickets at regular intervals.

JP Duminy with the top score of 33 not out (26 balls, 3x4, 1x6) and David Miller saw them safely over the line.

Williams completed a good all-round performance by taking 2-25 in 3 overs and the match confirmed that Zimbabwe have an emerging talent of great ability in Brandon Mavuta.

With most of Zimbabwe’s senior players comfortably into their 30s, Mavuta is going to have to lead Zimbabwe going forward and he will be an asset to the many T20 leagues around the world.

Paterson was named Man of the Match.

MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - Leading a scandal-hit team dismissed as Australia’s worst in 30 years, captain Tim Paine’s pledge to win back hearts and minds seemed a fanciful, if noble, aspiration in the lead-up to the Test series against Pakistan.

In the end, it took only five days of cricket before he could claim mission accomplished, having ushered his team to safety in Dubai in one of the bravest fourth-innings escapes in the history of the game.

Anchored by a career-defining 141 by Usman Khawaja and Paine’s unbeaten 61 on a pock-marked pitch, Australia survived 139.5 overs in enervating heat to ensure the series remains alive to the second match in Abu Dhabi.

For all the brilliant teams Australia has produced, none have prevailed for so long in a fourth innings on Asian pitches.

Only two visiting teams to Asia have ever scored higher in a fourth-innings chase than the 362-8 scratched out with astonishing grit and defiance by Paine’s men.

It followed a calamitous batting collapse of 10-60 in the first innings, which had appeared a terminal setback in the context of the match.

All that happened without the country’s best two batsmen in former captain Steve Smith and David Warner, who remain suspended for their parts in the Cape Town ball-tampering scandal.

In their absence, Khawaja emerged as the team’s safest hands in the rejigged order, having compiled the highest-ever fourth-innings score in the continent by a non-Asian batsman.

At 524 minutes, it was also the second longest knock in a fourth innings, behind only Michael Atherton’s 643-minute epic in an unbeaten 185 against South Africa in 1995.

Twinned with his team-high first-innings 85, it was a stunning riposte for the critics who have long criticised his record on Asian pitches.

“People think because of my relaxed nature that’s not the case, that I’ve been gifted to be able to get to where I am, but it’s not the case at all,” the 31-year-old told reporters.

“I’ve worked my absolute backside off for the last 10 years and really worked as hard as I can in different conditions like this and in England and other places.

“People overlook that sort of stuff and you don’t get to play at the highest level without putting in the hard yards.

There’s no secret to success, it’s all about hard work.”

It was also a personal triumph for Paine, left to pick up the pieces of a team brought to its knees by the scandal in South Africa.

While Paine’s leadership was confirmed during the selection of Australia’s vice-captains two weeks ago, it was also strangely undermined, with the decision taken out of his hands and entrusted to a panel of elders, selectors and administrators.

Since replacing the ousted Smith, he has been unfairly cast as a stand-in and a caretaker who will duly step aside once his predecessor’s penance is served.

But after steering Australia to safety with an assured captain’s knock, Paine heads to Abu Dhabi with his authority strengthened and having given estranged fans at home a reason to re-engage.

“We know that to become a good team, we first have to be hard to beat,” Paine said.

“We’re just really proud of our whole group, the way they went about it, the way they applied themselves today.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 13, 2018

Digicel/Team Evolution Cancer Awareness Cycle race set for October 21

Huge Wimbledon

expansion one step closer

All England Club chairman Philip Brook

By Ossian Shine

Keith Fernandes of Evolution Cycle Club, Digicel’s Vidya Sanichara, along with Banks DIH representative and members of Evolution Cycle Club at the launch of the Digicel/Team Evolution Cancer Awareness Cycle. (Adrian Narine photo)

THE seventh Digicel-sponsored Team Evolution Breast Cancer Awareness five-race cycling event is set to pedal off on Sunday, October 21, when all of the country’s top cyclists are set to invade Georgetown.

Held in commemoration of Breast Cancer Awareness, the marquee will see the senior and junior riders start from Irving Street in the vicinity of Camp Ayanganna, head north to the Roundabout, turn right onto Vlissengen Road, right on to Thomas Lands then back onto Irving Street for 30 laps, covering an approximate distance of 40 miles.

At a launch yesterday at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) pavilion, Keith Fernandes of Evolution Cycle Club said that the event is usually one that is high on the agenda of the country’s cyclists and their enthusiasm is primarily based on the significance of the event.

The main event, the Novices/Mountain Bikes will be featured

in race one, followed by a race for Children (being held for the first time at the event), a Match Sprint and the race for Veterans (Over- and Under-45 years).

Vidya Sanichara of Digicel said while there is no registration fee for the children, others would be required to pay $2 000 to compete. The proceeds from registration would be matched by Digicel and donated to the Cancer Society.

Sanichara added that part of the proceeds from the company’s smartphone sales in October would also be given to the Cancer Society to aid its fight against the disease.

This year Banks DIH Limited is on board as a partner, through its Rainforest Waters Brand. The stakeholders are urging members of the public to come out and witness the country’s riders as they compete for a good cause.

Registration will start at 07:00hrs on race day and the first event will pedal off at 08:30hrs.

Red Force surge to fourth successive Super50 win PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – The Trinidad and Tobago Red Force used a strong batting performance to help propel them to their fourth successive win of the Regional Super50, courtesy of a 70-run victory over West Indies B at the Queen’s Park Oval here Thursday night.

The home side were boosted by half-centuries from Jason Mohammed, Lendl Simmons and Denesh Ramdin on their way to posting a competitive total of 318 for nine from their 50 overs.

Alzarri Joseph then hit an unbeaten half-century in a losing cause as the Windies put up a fighting effort on their way to folding for 248 in 43.2 overs.

The Red Force were given a solid foundation by two separate century-partnerships, which helped to set the launching pad for their eventual total.

Following the early run-out of Kyle Hope for

one with the score on 17, Simmons and Mohammed joined forces to add 105 runs in 19 overs.

Simmons, the more dominant in the partnership, even-

Jason Mohammed’s knock of 83 led the Red Force to a formidable total of 318 for nine.

tually was dismissed for 75 from 75 balls, inclusive of 13 boundaries.

J a s o n M o h a m m e d ’s knock of 83 led the Red Force to a formidable total of 318 for nine That brought captain Denesh Ramdin to the crease and he and Mohammed continued in the same vein in a third-wicket partnership of 102.

However, 17 runs short of a well-deserved century, Mohammed lost his wicket to Bryan Charles to leave the score on 224 for three. His knock of 83 came off 90 balls and he struck six fours and four sixes.

Ramdin was the next to go for 55, the second of Charles’ three wickets, with the Red Force still firmly in control at 242-4 in the 42nd over.

The Red Force would have been hoping for a bigger total, as, despite Kieron Pollard’s cameo of 30 off 12 balls, they were only able to

muster 33 runs from the final five overs.

Despite Keagan Simmons’ knock of 60 and a stubborn, unbeaten 51 from Joseph, the Windies were unable to dig themselves out of an early hole to mount a legitimate challenge.

After an opening stand of 38 between Kimani Melius and Simmons, the Windies found themselves in trouble at 118 for five.

Leonardo Julien, who made 20 and Odean Smith who scored 49, halted the slide of wickets during a 64run sixth-wicket partnership to help give the Windies an outside chance of an improbable victory.

That hope was lost once Smith was dismissed, although Joseph put up resistance, scoring 51 from 36 balls.

Narine was the best Red Force bowler snaring 3-38, with Dwayne Bravo and Ravindarath Rampaul each claiming two wickets.

LONDON, England (Reuters) - A huge expansion of the Wimbledon tennis championships which would transform the tournament and bring qualifying on-site moved a big step closer yesterday after a local golf club decided all members would benefit equally from a proposed buyout.

Wimbledon Park Golf Club members voted more than the necessary 75 per cent to amend their constitution. Now all members would benefit from the £65M ($85.83M) windfall, not just those with more than 10 years’ standing.

Under the All England tennis club’s buyout offer, the golfers will receive a reported £85,000 ($112,285) each to sell the declining asset - the tennis club already owns the freehold to the land which would revert to the All England Club in 2041 in any case.

The golfers are expected to vote on the offer before the end of the year.

Wimbledon wants to use the land - landscaped in the 18th Century by English landscape architect Capability Brown - to move qualifying on-site from its current location some three miles (5 km) away in Roehampton.

“The whole experience of being at Wimbledon we think could be transformed,” All England Club chairman Philip Brook said recently.

EYES WIDE OPEN “And this isn’t about building new big stadia, it’s about a wonderful opportunity ... tennis in an English garden.

“We are not planning to build hotels, multi-storey car parks, a helipad, a shopping centre.

The aim was to move the qualifying event on-site, he said.

“Most of the people who play qualifying lose and don’t ever make it inside the gates of SW19, and we think that’s a shame, and we’re the only grand slam where that is the case.

Bringing that event on-site would be fantastic.”

Should the golfers accept the offer then part of the land will become available to the tennis club at the end of 2021, and other parts available at a year’s notice.

The heritage of the land means it comes with numerous constraints, including some 40 trees which could never be moved, Brook said, adding that the club had already done initial work with external consultants who are familiar with Capability Brown land.

“We’re going into this eyes wide open in terms of that aspect of it. We are very interested in building grass tennis courts over there.”

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday October 13, 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: 1693 runs (18 Tests) 256 (Kolkata, 1958/59)

(1)

(2)

Today’s Quiz: What was the result of the first Test of the current WI/India series?

Who was voted Man of the Match in the first Test of the current WI/India series?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 13, 2018

CONCACAF Nations League

Golden Jaguars hunting first win against Turks and Caicos today

Guyana’s Senior Men’s National Team train ahead of today’s game against Turks and Caicos.

DESOITE Turks and Caicos being at the bottom of the CONCACAF and FIFA rankings, head coach Michael Johnson will be heading into today’s game with caution, while still being optimistic of a positive result.

Kick-off time is 16:00hrs at the Turks and Caicos National Academy, where both countries will play their second game in the CONCACAF Nations League.

While Guyana (182), played to a 2-2 come-from-behind draw against Barbados at home, Turks and Caicos (210) were hammered 11-0 by Cuba when they travelled to Havana.

“The squad trained at a fantastic tempo and with an unbeliev-

able spirit. We’re looking forward to a great game and doing the nation proud,” Johnson said, after the team’s last practice session last evening.

Johnson called his 26-man squad “a nice blend of youth and experience”, with veteran Finland-based defender Walter Moore and USA-based Emery Welshman making a return.

Stephen Duke-McKenna, the 18-year-old from Bolton Wanders FC in England will also be making his debut for Guyana against Turks and Caicos, and was labelled by Johnson as a “versatile attacking option who can play across the forward line.

He will bring professionalism, energy and freshness to an already

good team spirit.”

Relative to the playing style being employed, Johnson said, “The players are adapting well to the new style of play and structure, which challenged and provoked some serious thought and discussions about the team and themselves. We will continue to challenge and stretch in all areas of their development with our obvious target.”

This is the first away match for the Golden Jaguars as they seek to qualify for the CONCACAF Gold Cup. French Guiana will host Guyana on November 20, while Guyana will play their final qualifier against Belize in March 2019 at Leonora.

GBTI signs Hetmyer and Hand-in-Hand chips in with timely support for GMRSC Ignite company Hand- event, which is being organised The company handed over Klautky as Brand Ambassadors INSURANCE in-Hand has come out in sup- by the Guyana Motor Racing support to the event earlier this THE Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limi t e d ( G B T I ) re c e n t l y named West Indies cricketer Shimron Hetmyer and lawn tennis and hockey player Sarah Klautky as its first-ever Brand Ambassadors.

Sarah Klautky

By doing this the lending institution signals its strong support for the nurturing of young talent and cultural affiliation in Guyana, along with its renewed focus on retail and commercial banking.

“Part of this renewed focus is humanising the GBTI brand and what better way to do this than to use our very own Guyanese superstars or people and personalities who have the potential to become

stars, leaders and influencers, who we believe have the potential to help us reposition GBTI as a people’s bank that engages, represents, identifies and connects with the Guyanese people and its customers at large, who at the same time proudly carry the GBTI brand wherever they go,” the Bank said in a release At age 14, Sarah is already carving a name for herself in the sporting arena both locally and regionally.

The Marian Academy fourth form student, who first engaged in lawn tennis at age six, is the reigning GBTI Tennis Championship U-18 title-holder.

The Roraima Tennis Club player has represented Guyana in the International Tennis Federation COTECC Championship in Jamaica where she emerged winner in the Under-14 category and subsequently participated in the Blue Mountain Tournament and walked away with the Under-14 Title.

Klautky is also a member of the Junior National Hockey Team and despite only picking up the sport three years ago, she led the Guyana Junior team to victory with the most goals scored in the recently-concluded

Paragon Hockey Tournament in Trinidad and recently also copped the MVP player award in a local tournament.

In accepting the ambassadorial role for GBTI Sarah said that she’s “extremely elated to now be a part of the GBTI family. I’d like to

Shimron Hetmyer

thank you for choosing me to be your Brand Ambassador. I will do my best to represent the bank in everything I do.”

Meanwhile, Hetmyer, 21, who is currently in India with the West Indies team, thanked GBTI for bringing him on board, while adding that he’s looking forward to his role as the bank’s Brand Ambassador.

port of the upcoming Ignite

and Sports Club (GMR&SC).

Hand-in-Hand’s Savita Singh (left) presents GMRSC’s Saurica Singh with the sponsorship cheque.

week through Business Development Manager, Savita Singh, at the head office on Avenue of the Republic.

Singh expressed pleasure that her company had been given the opportunity to contribute to the fast-growing sport in Guyana and voiced her anticipation to witness firsthand the very popular National Championships next month.

The anticipated event will be the culmination of the 2018 season of the CMRC championship for the Groups 1-5 as well as the Superstocks and SR3 radicals along with the local classes including the Superstock motorcycles.

The overseas competition will see drivers from Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago), Jamaica and Canada.

Tickets are on sale at the GMR&SC office on Thomas Lands at a cost of $2 500 for adults and 1 000 for children.

Scorpions beat Hurricanes by 7 wickets – Group B BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – Jamaica Scorpions defeated the Leeward Islands Hurricanes by seven wickets in their Group B match in the Regional Super50 at the Three W’s Oval here Friday.

SCORES: HURRICANES 214 for nine off 50 overs (Devon Thomas 71, Damion Jacobs 28, Rahkeem Cornwall 28; Derval Green 4-44).

SCORPIONS 215 for three off 33.4 overs (John Campbell 81, Jermaine Blackwood 65).

GFF partners with Ansa McAl See 28 a P ge

to launch ‘Always’ National Women’s Development League

… 216 games to be played from October 27, 2018 to March 2019 Ansa McAl’s Head of Business Unit Padma Kunjbeharry (second from left), GFF president Wayne Forde, Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Valerie Garrido-Lowe and president of the women’s football association, Andrea Johnson, are flanked by players at the launch of the GFF ‘Always’ Nation-wide women’s football league. (Adrian Narine photo)

Chase’s unbeaten 98 leads Windies fightback HYDERABAD, India (CMC) – Stroke-maker Roston Chase stood on the brink of his fourth Test hundred after producing a gallant effort to lift West Indies out of trouble against India on the opening day of the second and final Test here yesterday.

The 26-year-old right-hander was unbeaten on 98 at the close as West Indies recovered from 113 for five inside the first hour after lunch, to end on a respectable 295 for seven.

Chase was aided by returning captain Jason Holder who struck a polished 52 while Shai Hope gathered 36, Shane Dowrich 30 and left-handed opener Kieran Powell 22.

Left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who triggered the postlunch slide, has taken three for 74 while seamer Umesh Yadav, who struck twice in the final session to stymie the Windies progress, has claimed three for 83.

Seeking to turn the page on their embarrassing threeday defeat in the opening Test in Rajkot last week, West Indies conjured up a steady start, after choosing to bat first at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium.

Powell, who faced 30 balls and struck four boundaries, put on 32 for the first wicket with vice-captain Kraigg Brathwaite who made 14.

But with the session drifting towards the end of the first hour, Powell’s attacking approach cost him dearly, as he tried to lift off-spinner Ravi Ashwin over the top but managed only to pick out Ravi Jadeja at cover.

Brathwaite followed with the score on 52, missing a forward defensive prod at Kuldeep and falling lbw, with the subsequent ill-advised review showing the ball hitting middle and off-stump.

Hope and Shimron Hetmyer (12) then tried to repair the innings in a 34-run, third-wicket stand, which seemed to be taking the Windies safely to lunch.

The right-handed Hope had faced 68 balls and counted five attractive fours when he fell in the final over before

Roston Chase and Jason Holder scored 104 for the seventh wicket to help Windies recover. (Cricbuzz)

the interval, lbw to Umesh Yadav trying to turn one onto the leg-side.

Kuldeep then threatened to derail the Windies innings when he struck twice in the first half-hour following the resumption.

Hetmyer, unbeaten on 10 at the break, added just two before falling lbw in the third over after the interval, shouldering arms to one that spun back.

Sunil Ambris followed four overs later for 18, caught at short over by Jadeja off a leading edge as he attempted a booming on-side drive.

With the wheels all but threatening to fall off, Chase stood tall, anchoring two critical stands to pull West Indies around and frustrate the Indians.

First, he put on 69 for the sixth wicket with wicketkeeper Dowrich who faced 63 balls and struck four fours and one six – a clean hit over long on off left-arm spinner Jadeja.

Chase, one of two Windies batsmen with a half-century in the opening Test, once again looked in good nick and raised his seventh Test half-century with a single to long leg off Umesh just before tea.

All told, he has faced 174 deliveries and struck seven fours and a six.

He lost Dowrich about 20 minutes before tea, however, the right-hander playing across a straight-ish delivery from Umesh in the first over of a new spell, and adjudged lbw on review.

On 197 for six at tea with Chase on exactly 50, the Windies consolidated afterwards as Holder joined his fellow Barbadian to post an enterprising 104 for the seventh wicket.

Utilising a positive approach, Holder stroked six fours – mostly well-timed off-side drives – in an innings requiring 92 balls and which forced India onto the backfoot.

But with the close approaching, Windies suffered a major setback when Holder perished, brushing a pull at a short ball from Umesh, for wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant to take a nimble leg-side catch. (See Scoreboard on page 28)

See Golden Jaguars hunting first win Page against Turks and Caicos today 31

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2018