Guyana chronicle e paper 10 16 2017

President lightsPage symbolic diya 5

Five dead No. 105067

MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2017

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

–– including mother and sons in deadly Corentyne smash-up

Investigators and firefighters at the scene as they try to remove the bodies of Dhanpaul Kishandayl and front seat passenger Reshma Seeram from wrecked motor car PPP 3394 at the corner of the Number 59 Village Public Road, East Berbice, Corentyne on Sunday (Nafeeza Yahya photo)

Dead: Sabita Mangali with her two sons Emanuel Mangali and Ethan Ramjeet in happier times

The pothole into which Kishandayl drove and lost control of his car

Dead: Dhanpaul Kishandayl

Dead: Reshma Seeram

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 16, 2017

Car slams into bank AN accident in the mining town of Bartica on Sunday resulted in several persons sustaining minor injuries while the door to a local commercial bank was damaged in the process.

Reports are that around midday on Sunday, the driver

of a car collided with a pick-up along Second Avenue. Both vehicles turned turtle and in the process, the car slammed into the door of the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) .

Police are investigating the incident.

The damaged car following the incident

Persons next to the damaged door of the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) Bartica branch

Cane Grove man killed by ‘village bully’

A 32-year-old Cane Grove, Mahaica man succumbed to chop wounds he sustained at midday on Sunday during a confrontation with a man described as “the village bully”.

Dead is Harrinarine Ramnawaj called “Khrishna” and “Pusha”. The man’s father, Chandrapaul Ramnawaj, 59, was also injured during the confrontation.

According to Ramnawaj’s brother, Ronald Baldeo, his sibling and nephew went to their farm at an area called “Long Dam” around 11:45hrs on Sunday when they observed a man stealing their plantains.

He said that this occurred even after the duo made a report to the Cane Grove Police Station of their suspicions earlier on Sunday.

Baldeo related that his brother and nephew confronted the man, who is well known in the village as a troublemaker, and he told

them that they cannot do him anything.

He said the assailant then attacked the father and son and in the process, they both sustained chop wounds about their hands. He said his nephew was left lying on the ground as public-spirited citizens[MY1] rushed to the scene.

Baldeo noted that as the two injured men were being taken out of the area to seek medical attention, Harrinarine passed away. “He vein on he hand get cut so he bleed to death,” the worried man stated.

He said his brother, Chandrapaul, lost two fingers in the confrontation.

The assailant has been arrested and reports are that he had wounded several persons before who confronted him as he stole their items.

“He chop up this ex-police man couple month back fa he own cow,” Baldeo said.

Harrinarine Ramnawaj When this newspaper visited the family of the deceased on Sunday afternoon, the injured Chandrapaul could not contain himself as he called his son’s name.

The man sat in a hammock with his hand in a bandage as relatives comforted the family on their loss.

Police are investigating the incident.

Five dead

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 16, 2017

–– including mother and sons in deadly Corentyne smash-up

FIVE persons died on the spot on Sunday in what has been described as one of the worst accidents in recent times on the Corentyne Coast.

The tragedy occurred after a driver reportedly lost control of his motor car and slammed into an oncoming paddy truck on the Number 59 Village Public Road, East Berbice, Corentyne, knocking the tray off.

According to eyewitnesses, around 13:40 hrs, motor car PPP 3394 was heading east when it dropped into a pothole and driver Dhanpaul Kishandayl, 38, lost control of the vehicle.

The car reportedly swerved, spun around and

her two sons Emanuel Mangali, 18 and fiveyear-old Ethan Ramjeet as well as her secretary and friend Reshma Seeram, 38, and Dhanpaul Kishandayl, the driver, who only recently returned from the U.S., all died on the spot, reports say.

Unconfirmed reports suggested the five were heading to the Number 63 beach.

Sabita’s address was given as Lot 2, Second Street, Bel Air, Geogetown, and the Guyana Chronicle understands that a few years back she had lost her husband in an accident.

Up to press time, family members were making

Dead: Reshma Seeram

Dead: Dhanpaul Kishandayl

the upper part of his body ending up out of the vehicle.

The bodies of her sons landed in a roadside drain, while hers was on the shoulder of the said

and drop in the pothole, then the car speed up and start swerve and crash into the paddy truck. The whole truck tray fall off and I see things flying out the car…. When I run out I

Dead: Sabita Mangali with her two sons Emanuel Mangali and Ethan Ramjeet in happier times

The mangled remains of the car that was being driven by Dhanpaul Kishandayl slammed into an oncoming truck GZ 2763, which was laden with paddy.

The force of the impact knocked the tray off the truck, scattering paddy on the roadway.

The five occupants of the car identified as Sabita Mangali 40, owner/proprietor of Sabita Immigration Services, Located at Maraj Building, Charlotte Street, Georgetown;

their way to the Ancient County to identify the remains of their loved ones.

Eyewitnesses revealed that Sabita and her two sons were seated in the back of the Honda Civic and upon impact, she and the elder of her two sons Emanuel, were flung out of the vehicle.

Her younger Ethan was ripped in half with

drain.

The driver, Dhanpaul Kishandayl and the front seat passenger Reshma Seeram were pinned down in the vehicle, and the fire service had to be called in to help remove their badly mutilated bodies from the wrecked car.

“I sitting down under the house and I see the car, this car coming through

see a lil boy in the drain and when I pick he up is only half an he I pick up all he guts and so fall in the trench. Them had a man next to he with a red shirt and I pull he out too but them did done dead….

Them had a lady on the ground next to the drain, all she clothes rip up and she did dead too. When I reach the car, the two in the

front seat did done dead; it look like them neck bruck but them pin down so we couldn’t get them out.

When I check the back seat I thought was somebody else, but was the rest a de lil boy body did pin down… the truck driver get blackout and did bleeding badly, so we pick he up and put he in the yard then a car come and them carry he way to the hospital. I did just start drinking and when I see all this, I tell me friends them I done,” said Tameshwar Narine, 31, who lives close to the road with the pothole.

The driver of the truck, who was identified as Doodram Singh, 30, of Number 49 Village, East Berbice, Corentyne was taken to the Skeldon Hospital but was subsequently transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he is nursing serious head injuries.

When the Guyana Chronicle arrived at the scene, there was a crowd trying to get a glimpse

of the dead, while others lent a helping hand. Many broke down in tears as they saw the badly mutilated bodies strewed on the roadway.

Residents expressed anger, disgust and sadness that they have been asking for the pothole to be fixed for a while now, but the authorities have paid no heed to their call.

“You know how long now we asking the NDC [Neighbourhood Democratic Council] to fix this hole. Every couple weeks an accident a happen because of this hole; two weeks ago a lady brakes up fuh the hole and a next car slam in she car back; before that a car man get a blow out and end up in this boy (Tameshwar Narine) kitchen damage up all he fridge and suh.

Now look five dead, them guh fix am now though, but them could a prevent this,” one eyewitness said.

Police have launched an investigation into the accident.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 16, 2017

Trump hostility set to deepen Iran power struggles Iranians quickly closed ranks against a hawkish new U.S. approach to Tehran, but Iran’s powerful hardliners are set to exploit the latest dispute with Washington to weaken domestic rivals who are open to the West, analysts and insiders say.

President Donald Trump’s warning on Friday that he might ultimately terminate a landmark 2015 nuclear deal sets the stage for an eventual resurgence of political infighting within

Iran’s complex power structures, officials said.

If the accord signed by Iran and six major powers does start to fall apart, anyone who strongly promoted it, such as pragmatist President Hassan Rouhani, could face a career-damaging backlash.

That could leave Iran’s security hardliners unchallenged at home, enabling greater Iranian assertiveness abroad that could worsen tensions in the Middle East, analysts say.

For the moment, solidarity within the Islamic Republic’s faction-ridden political elite is the priority.

“What matters now is unity against the foreign enemy,” a senior official told Reuters on condition of anonymity, like other figures contacted within Iran because of the sensitivity of the matter.

“Our national interest is a priority for all Iranian officials.”

But Rouhani and pragmatists and reformist allies who promoted the deal, which lifted sanctions in return for Tehran rolling back technologies with nuclear bomb-making potential, may become increasingly politically vulnerable at home.

“GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY” FOR ROUHANI‘S CRITICS Trump on Friday defied both U.S. allies and adversaries by refusing to formally certify that Tehran is complying with the accord even though international inspectors say it is.

“The growing tension with America is a golden opportunity for hardliners to clip Rouhani’s wings,” said a Rouhani ally, who was involved in the 18-month nuclear talks.

Iran’s top authority, hardline Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, guardedly backed Rouhani when he opened the door to nuclear diplomacy with world powers, but has repeatedly expressed pessimism about Washington remaining committed to it.

For Rouhani the stakes are high: His rapprochement with the world won him enhanced popularity at home and prestige abroad, dealing

a setback to Khamenei’s hardline allies, who oppose both detente with the West and domestic liberalization.

Now the tables may be turning.

“Hardliners will use Trump’s threat as a Sword of Damocles over Rouhani’s head ... While enjoying the economic benefits of the deal,” said Tehran-based political analyst Saeed Leylaz, referring to the lifting of tough oil and banking sanctions.

“Rouhani and his detente policy with the world will be weakened if the deal does not survive,” another senior Iranian official said.

“And of course an aggressive regional policy is inevitable.”

Under Iran’s unique dual system of clerical and republican rule, the elected president is subordinate to the unelected Khamenei, who has in the past reasserted control when infighting threatened the existence of the Islamic Republic.

Trump’s policy will play into the hands of hardliners eventually, said an ally of Khamenei. “What matters is the Islamic Republic and its interests.”

TIT-FOR-TAT STEPS In reaction to Trump,

Rouhani signaled Iran would withdraw from the agreement if it failed to preserve Tehran’s interests.

The survival of the deal now is up to the U.S. Congress, which might try to modify it or reimpose U.S. sanctions on Iran. But even if the Congress refuses to consider sanctions, the deal could still be in jeopardy if Washington and Tehran resort to tit-for-tat retaliatory steps.

“As long as both sides only exchange words, business will continue as usual,” said Leylaz.

Since the lifting of sanctions, Rouhani has started to repair an economy ravaged by a decade of restrictions on its vital oil industry and issued warm welcomes to global investors.

But major European investors could think twice about involvement in Iran if tension mounts with the United States and uncertainty grows over survival of the accord.

“If European companies don’t have the comfort of a political agreement endorsed by the Americans they will say stop,” said a senior French diplomat.

Among European firms that have announced big deals in Iran since the deal took effect are planemaker Airbus AIR.PA, French energy group Total TOTF. PA and Germany’s Siemens SIEGn.DE.

REGIONAL CHAOS Trump enraged Tehran by saying that the Revolutionary Guards, which have fought Iran’s regional proxy wars for decades, was Khamenei’s “corrupt personal terror force and militia”.

Rouhani said Iranians would always stand by the Guards.

Several officials agreed that Trump’s hostility would not change Iran’s regional behavior, determined by Khamenei. But if Trump somehow made good on his threats, “then Iran will adopt a harsher and aggressive regional policy,” said one of the officials familiar with Iran’s decision-making policy.

Iran and its rival Saudi Arabia accuse each other of fuelling regional tensions.

The Sunni Muslim kingdom is at odds with Tehran’s revolutionary Shi‘ite leaders in struggles across the Arab world, including Syria, Yemen, Iraq, Bahrain and Lebanon.

On social policy, Rouhani’s scope to loosen restrictions on individual freedoms and rights would be crushed by hardliners if he loses political prestige. Hardliners control the judiciary, security forces and state media.

“Whenever pressured abroad, the regime increases pressure at home to silence any opposition,” said a former moderate official.

(Reuters)

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President lights symbolic diya

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 16, 2017

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-- as Guyana prepares to observe Diwali PRESIDENT David Granger said as Guyana strives for national unity and social cohesion, there are many important lessons to be learnt from Diwali, an important national Hindu festival, which symbolises love and togetherness.

“I do believe that there are lots of lessons that all Guyanese can learn from the festival of lights. Guyana is blessed to be a country of many religions, Guyana is blessed to be a multi-cultural country… there is so much we can learn from each other,” the head-ofstate said.

He made these remarks Sunday evening at the Indian Monument Gardens where he and First Lady, Sandra Granger joined with members of the Indian Commemoration Trust (ICT) for the symbolic Diya (lamp) Lighting Ceremony and Cultural Show.

The President said Diwali has been observed in

The audience was entertained by a packed cultural programme of music and dance by talented local artistes (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

Guyana for 179 years, but it became a national holiday about 50 years ago owing to its significance, not only to the Hindu community, but to the country as a whole.

“It symbolises the victo-

ry of good over evil, it symbolises the victory of light over darkness, it symbolises the victory of hope over despair and I would like to feel that it symbolises the victory of knowledge over

ignorance and of prosperity over poverty,” President Granger said.

The President said he is pleased that this festival has become embedded in Guyanese culture, as it is

not confined to households and mandirs and informed that this year, State House, the official residence of the Head-of-State, will be illuminated with diyas on the evening of October 18.

Meanwhile, Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Venkatachalam Mahalingam told the story of Diwali and about the different ways it is observed in North and South India. He also expressed his satisfaction with the fact that Diwali is celebrated with so much fanfare in Guyana and urged Guyanese to use this occasion to recreate the spirit of togetherness.

Diwali is linked to the worship of Mother Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. It is also celebrated in honour of the end of a 14-year exile of Lord Rama after he defeated a vicious demon, hence, the spiritual significance of good over evil and light over darkness.

The ICT event also featured a packed cultural show of music and dance by talented local Guyanese artistes. There were also several booths with Indian craft, jewellery and food on sale. (Ministry of the Presidency)

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Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 16, 2017

Collusion with serious criminality IF there is any criminal act committed in any jurisdiction which evinces great anger and opprobrium from citizens, it is the one that surrounds the theft of state finances and other related assets. That such a reaction is expected, is because the persons involved are persons who are entrusted as custodians of state funds, which are primarily the hardearned taxpayers’ money.

These people being placed in such important positions of being accounting officers and gate-keepers of state resources means a high level of public trust and responsibility have been reposed in them.

This situation has become a traditionally marked occurrence, a culture in many countries, particularly those where checks and balances and financial procedures have been constantly ignored and by-passed, and where wholesale state theft is deliberately orchestrated; the former being the precursor for the latter.

It is well known that this scenario is inherent in that type of country where an incumbent government occupies the seat of power for multiple terms. Guyana has been in such a category, where, after 23 years of People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government which ended in its defeat in 2015, the aftermath of which has been the unearthing of numerous frauds via audits. From the detailed reports, and ensuing police investigations, it can only be concluded that Guyana has been the victim of massive theft and transferal of state resources unheard of in our 50 years of independence.

Although some of the accused are already before the courts, it is well known that financial crimes of the nature and magnitude committed on the people of this nation, have been very challenging to investigate, not because of the thieves not being known, but because of the lengthy paper trail that has to be traced and collated, for final charges to be made. We refer to former Charges d’ Affaires at the United States embassy in

Georgetown, Bryan Hunte, advising patience because of the investigative aspect of finding the paper trail. He said that such cases do take years.

Of course, expectations have been uppermost as Guyanese expect these perpetrators, many of whom have stolen and laundered hundreds of millions of dollars, with an instance of an alleged $14B suspected to be part of a money-laundering scheme. This situation has grown to the point of impatience and criticism of the authorities not doing enough to accelerate the judicial process.

However, recent revelations of the Guyana Bank for Trade Industry (GBTI) refusing the Special Organised Crime Unit(SOCU) of the Guyana Police Force(GPF) access to information that relates to charges brought against former senior officials of the Guyana Rice Development Board(GRDB), and the probe into money transfers of hundreds of millions of dollars to a prominent Essequibo rice farmer, does shed light on the investigative obstacles.

This is at the heart of a wider investigation of US$500M from the PetroCaribe Fund which passed through accounts of the GRDB. Audit reports have given shocking details of funds being given as loans without proper documentation; and also for trading in foreign currency. What a free-for-all with state funds!

It is unbelievable that such a blunt refusal of cooperation can occur, even after months of refusal by the bank, for information, and SOCU being forced to take the latter to the High Court for its uncooperativeness. This resulted in a judge issuing Productive Orders, compelling the GBTI to give whatever information on the banking accounts of certain former senior officials of the entity, and a rice farmer, as requested by SOCU. It is well known that banking confidential laws govern the protection of information to third parties, concerning account holders. However, these are known to be set aside, in cases of criminal complaints being filed. Given the pervasiveness

of especially international money laundering, terrorism financing, and tax evasion, a few of the well-known serious financial transgressions, banks throughout the international financial system have been forced to comply with enacted laws, that have since compelled the accessing of information of suspect account holders by financial crimes investigators.

Even Switzerland, once known for its strict adherence to confidentiality, has had to comply with a changed international legal landscape.

If this is the current given with this particular bank in relation to this instance of SOCU investigation, then it suggests strongly as to similar positions with the general banking system in its future engagements with this investigative arm for financial crimes. And we say this without apologies, since given the massive scale of financial theft and of other state assets, it is quite obvious that the banking system would have been used to hide such proceeds.

But we say to them, that it is against modern laws to harbour account holders whose finances are gained from illicit activities that include money laundering and those stolen from the state. GBTI, is no exception to this rule. They should be reminded that the Anti- Money Laundering and Combating Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) legislation, requires all financial houses to report all suspicious transactions to the relevant authorities. It constitutes an offence not to do so.

Its continuous refusal to cooperate with SOCU, even now, despite a productive order, reeks of contempt for the law.

In doing so, it is harbouring very serious criminality, even colluding with same.

We note the deafening silence of the private sector.

The oil beast is a dangerous monster Dear Editor, THE future is rosy and bright for Guyana. Oil has been found. So great are its quantities that Guyana can now be branded as an intended oil-producing country in the not-toodistant future. Wonderful indeed, for finally the saying which has always been a part of our socio-economic dream lexicon, of being a country “rich in resources but with poor people,” will now read a

“country rich in resources and rich people.” A fact that we have always been told about is soon to be reality. Never before, have expectations about a better life for all Guyanese, been so high.

However, this discovery of black gold has unleashed ever since its announcement in May, 2015, the full ferocity of an evil, greedy beast that had ruled this land and did destructive damage to this country.

Editor, this beast is dan-

gerous as well. We know of its rapacious and gargantuan appetite, systematically gobbling up this country’s economic resources for cronies and friends. This beast reduced this country to its personal fiefdom, where all laws were either trampled upon, or completely ignored in its quest for dominance and enrichment where the public treasury was transformed into private ATMs. Both beast and clique, all grew fat from the illicit methods of self-enrich-

ment, and transferring untold assets to their personal use. This clique wickedly transformed Guyana into a narco-state, a money-laundering state, and a virtual criminal state where the rule of law was dictated by the lawless in power.

They showed no compassion to others that were not of their iniquitous circle.

The beast and his clique, their nightly dreams, are now punctuated by dreams of OIL! OIL! OIL! Every dream heightens their

greedy appetite, raises their ferocious snarls, thus increasing their highly wicked expectations of more illicit plunder and riches.

Now, all Guyanese ought to beware of this beast, whose modus operandi now or in the future, will be no different from the past - ALL MUST BE MINE! FOR MY FRIENDS, TOO! Such heartless, uncaring, and selfish sub-human elements ought not to be allowed to ever rise again from the swamp, to which

they were consigned, not so long ago.

This should be the task for all Guyanese who love their motherland; who want a better country and a better future for their children and grandchildren; who want to see their country return to one of decency and improved morality; and who want to have a fair share of the national pie.

Yours sincerely, Concerned citizen

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 16, 2017

Coalition is not responsible Dear Editor, HUMANENESS demands that we empathise with our fellow humans, particularly when it is about the family and its daily existence. A breadwinner, male or female, who is not working, his/her pleadings for assistance is going to resonate with many who may be listening.

And so it was last Wednesday, via one of that evening’s telecasts that workers from the now closed Wales Estate were complaining about their current domestic circumstances – no employment, and so no money. This is a very pitiful situation, particularly where there are young children in the home.

But it is the undertones of their public statements that must be challenged – that the coalition government is responsible for their present situation. The answer is a resounding, NO! Editor, if my memory serves me correctly, it is recalled that upon the government’s decision to close Wales because of its inoperable state, and the billions it will take to effect an overhaul and merge with Uitvlugt Estate, GuySuCo

offered workers from Wales Estate full employment with the former. Also, full transportation was offered to and from Uitvlugt.

I stand to be corrected, that while some of the former Wales workers accepted continued employment at the Uitvlugt Estate, the others opted for redundancy, thus bringing their employment with the corporation to an end. The latter were duly paid their severance.

There was even a scenario, where some of those who had opted to continue at the Uitvlugt Estate, suddenly decided that they too, should be paid severance! Obviously, this was a contrived GAWU and its political handlers, the PPP, strategy. But it was another example of the union and the PPP/C again, deliberately misrepresenting the facts to those workers, as no such arrangement had been discussed with GuySuCo. Therefore, the workers were being misled and manipulated for political ends.

Editor, the problem with these workers, all members of the sugar union, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), has been their continuous

Monday, October 16th , 2017 14:30 hrs Tuesday , October 17th , 2017 14:30 hrs Wednesday, October 18th, 2017 14:30 hrs

blind trust in the latter that continues to lead them to the breadline. And this is without prejudice to the fact that it was their decision to accept the severance.

As stated above, most, if not all of these former workers have dependent families. This means that they ought to have given first priority to the future needs of their families, weighing carefully their employment decisions. Instead, they have all fallen victims, again, to the political machinations of GAWU and its PPP/C masthead.

I will advocate, without any apology, that such public appeals as made by the now economically stranded workers should be done at the doorsteps of GAWU/ PPP/C. Let the latter now begin to display, in a genuinely compassionate manner, that they really care for those former workers who had been cruelly manipulated throughout the years to serve the political interests of that unholy duo.

In a nation where there are many convenient memories, citizens should be reminded, in the mid-2000s, prior to the 2011 national elections that there were public quarrels over the

state of GuySuCo and the PPP/C’s government treatment of the welfare of sugar workers. So intense were the exchanges between GAWU’s long-standing leader Komal Chand and then president, Bharat Jagdeo, that Jagdeo threatened to de-recognise the union.

So bitter the sordid story of sugar was.

Concomitantly, there were the usual strikes, and cane harvesters were openly asking Chand about the conflict of being a PPP/C member of parliament, while being their union president.

Many were shouting that they were tired of being “used’’ by the then PPP/C government.

That aside, it was evident that Chand was becoming concerned about the declining state of the industry, and was appealing for help from the government of the day. What was surprising, was that such concerns on the part of Chand ceased when Donald Ramotar became Guyana’s president.

It is further recalled that when asked by the media, whether he will continue to speak about the sugar industry, he answered in the negative, making reference to his friendship with Don-

ald Ramotar, then incoming president. Chand thereafter fell silent.

So, whatever is the state of GuySuCo, Chand and his union executives have been aware for years.

So stop lying to your union members; stop try-

ing to deceive the nation, Komal Chand. Sadly, your members are now suffering as a result of you and the selfish ends of the PPP/C. Sincerely yours Earl Hamilton

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 16, 2017

City battles wanton garbage disposal –– to avert serious health problems

By Telesha Ramnarine

WITH reduced collection of garbage in some quarters of the City, along with a somewhat irregular pick-up schedule being used by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC), residents and businesses continue to dump on reserves and empty lots regardless of the health risks involved.

The M&CC is cognisant of the serious consequences associated with this practice and has already initiated an audit to determine just how many empty lots are in Georgetown, so that they can work with the owners to keep them clean.

Worrying, however,

sibility because we want to secure the integrity of the environment and also the health of our citizens.

In some cases, the owners even ask us to help and we would. If it’s a court matter, though, where the land is in dispute, it will be difficult and take us a long time to address,” Public Relations Officer Debra Lewis told the Guyana Chronicle.

Acting Chief Environmental Health Officer Yonette Smith also lamented the dumping of garbage on empty lots.

AN ENVIRONMENTAL THREAT Apart from the unsightliness that the practice creates, Smith spoke

This empty lot located at Lot 105 Middle Road, La Penitence, is a haven for social rejects

Acting Chief Environmental Health Officer Yonette Smith

Caught in the act! This individual is dumping on a vacant lot along Bentick Street, Georgetown

M&CC Public Relations Officer Debra Lewis is the fact that should the M&CC come across a disputed lot that happens to be in court, there is little it can do to address the problems there.

“If the owners are not coming forward, we would have to take that respon-

about leachate, which is a toxic liquid that emanates from the garbage and can consequently contaminate the groundwater supply of residents.

“When the garbage trucks pick up your garbage, you would notice there’s a liquid that comes out of it that we call leachate. It’s a toxic substance that is left in the ground when persons dump garbage and it can contaminate our water supply,” she expressed.

Furthermore, the site becomes an ideal environment for insects and rodents.

“We ask persons not to dump their garbage like this, because apart from polluting the ground water, there are insects and rodents that can end up in your home and they also can get persons sick.”

On this note, Lewis offered that after a time, rodents would tend to migrate from the vacant lots and be-

gin invading the homes of residents in search of food.

“Rats spread leptospirosis and they urinate on your stuff. Although only a section of your bread may be bitten, the entire loaf could contain urine because wherever the rats eat, they urinate.

“You also have reptiles living in those lots because that’s a good hideout and dwelling place for them and they crawl out at nights looking for food and can harm persons passing by,” Lewis further pointed out.

She also referred to the increase in the mosquito population as a result of such dumping, along with the practice by criminal elements to use these locations to hide out and rob people.

KEEP CLEAN “We’re asking all residents who own the vacant lots to weed them, have Garbage dumped recklessly often ends up in City drains, affecting the free flow of water

Due to the absence of functioning drains on empty lots, water often backs up in neighbours’ yards when rain falls

them fenced and try to keep them clean and clear from such accumulation.

But some of the owners we cannot locate,” Smith observed.

She said although the officers are in the field trying to locate the owners, many times they do not get the full cooperation of those living nearby. Further, while the neighbours may know the owners are living overseas, they have no idea how they can be contacted.

“So we are getting a difficult time locating the owners. But we’re asking the owners themselves to come forward and to clean the lot of all bushes, weeds and long grass,” Smith said.

Lewis rejoined that if residents do happen to know the owners of these lots, then they should come

forward and provide the information to the City Council so that action can be taken.

“Give us the lot number and their names so we can serve them with notices,” Lewis pleaded.

In the meantime, she noted that the M&CC would clean some of the lots and attach the costs to the owners who leave them unattended.

“Some business people continue to pay social rejects, and where will they throw it? They’re looking for the nearest abandoned lot to deposit the waste,” Lewis pointed out.

The M&CC has three environmental health officers and nine health assistants who are tasked with looking into this and many other issues in the City.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 16, 2017

Slowe report not yet reviewed by Cabinet

CABINET is yet to review and discuss the findings and recommendations made by the Paul Sloweled Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the alleged plot to assassinate President David Granger.

Last week, Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, told reporters at a press conference that matter has to be deliberated at the level of Cabinet before any action, if any, is taken.

The report has recommended that Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud be made to resign or proceedings should be initiated in accordance with Article 225 of the Constitution to have him removed from office for misbehaviour.

The CoI was conducted by retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Slowe and the report handed over to President David Granger weeks ago.

Should the President act on the recommenda-

tion, Seelall would be the first police chief here who would have left office in this manner. He is due to formally retire from the force sometime next year and is currently on accumulated vacation leave.

The report stated that Persaud had improperly inserted himself into the investigation into the alleged plot, although he was on leave. At the time, Assistant Commissioner of Police David Ramnarine was acting in the capacity of police commissioner. He is the second most senior rank in the force.

Slowe, a former assistant police commissioner had also recommended that several members of the Police Force’s hierarchy be sanctioned for failing to act according to established procedures and policies and the removal of several sleuths.

Meanwhile, when asked whether discussions have commenced on the appoint-

Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud ment of a new commissioner and deputy commissioner, Ramjattan told reporters that the matter has to be dealt with at several levels.

The minister said the matter is not yet before Cabinet.

“I think it will soon come up and depending on what advice the Cabinet gives the President… as you know it is a presiden-

Father of eight gets seven years for wounding villager A WEST Coast Berbice father of eight, who was initially indicted on an attempted murder charge, ‘threw in the towel’ after the closure of the prosecution’s case and pleaded guilty to wounding his fellow villager with intent.

He communicated his position when he appeared before Justice JoAnn Barlow at the Berbice Assizes last week.

Bheem Evans, 55, called “Gum,” who was unrepresented, had moments earlier opted to give a sworn statement in which he declared that the complainant, Anil Kalamadeen, had injured his 17-year-old son in his mouth during a fight.

Evans stated that after parting the young men, he reported the incident to the police station before accompanying his son to the hospital.

The following day, the complainant’s uncle went to Evans’s home and made threats with a cutlass. The police were called but they did not visit the area until 22:00hrs, when they had to use torchlights to examine the outer walls of the building which bore chop marks.

On November 11, 2015, at No. 11 Village, West Coast Berbice, just after daybreak, Evans recalled sending his 12-year-old son to the shop to purchase a bag of tennis rolls and an

aerated drink , but moments later he saw the child crying as he returned home.

“After enquiring what had transpired, I armed myself with a cutlass and marked Anil across his face, and his left arm, and he started to bleed. I did not intend to kill him, just wanted to mark him,” he told the Judge, State Prosecutrix Tuanna Hardy, and the mixed jury.

Prior to the defendant’s change of his plea to guilty, accepting that he had wounded Kalamadeen with intent, so as to cause grievous bodily harm, the judge requested that Attorney Mursaline Bacchus, appear amicus curiae (literally friend of the court), thereby advising the father of eight. Consequently, Evans maintained his guilty plea and readiness to face the consequences of his actions.

In handing down the sentence, Justice Barlow noted that the act was not a defensive one, but was a result of anger.

“You cannot take the law into your hands. Your act has left a young man with a permanent scar across his face.

The sentence is 10 years, but I have deducted one year, 11 months for the period you have spent in custody and a further year for your plea of guilty,” Justice Barlow told the convict.

tial appointment; the new commissioner and deputy commissioner,” he stated.

“I would want to believe that the President under the constitution has to speak to two other institutions, the Leader of the Opposition and Police Service Commission for deputy commissioners and the commissioner,” noted Ramjattan.

The substantive police commissioner will attain the age of retirement in April next year, but according to Minister Ramjattan, he has additional days leave which he was advised to take.

“He will be on the job for a couple more months quite frankly… subject to what Cabinet’s decision and the President’s decision that is.”

When asked whether

consideration is being given to an external choice for police commissioner, Ramjattan said that thought never crossed his mind.

“I don’t have that in my mind at all. Absolutely not!

I think that is not going to be in my mind for the forthcoming years to begin with.

I think we have competent people amongst whom we can make the selection of both commissioner and deputy commissioner,” Ramjattan assured.

Commissioner Persaud on March 10, 2015, took the oath of office, thereby becoming the country’s 31st commissioner of police. He succeeded Leroy Brumell who had served as the top cop. Born on the Essequibo Coast, Persaud spent most of his year in the Police Force at the Criminal Investigations

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan Department (CID).

He headed the Police Anti-Narcotics Unit (Drug Squad) for 10 years and served as the country’s crime chief for another seven years.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 16, 2017

Helping children to cope with difficult situations A MOTHER is talking to her three-year-old son, ‘So Jason upset you?’ she asks ‘I bet that made you feel sad.’

She goes to her child and

puts her arm around him.

‘It’s okay to feel sad sometimes. When I felt sad as a child I used to tell myself, tomorrow I will feel better over and over again and it always

worked.’ Helping children to express what they are feeling and teaching them how to deal with it, is an important part of parenthood.

There is a vast array of

emotions that we experience in life and it is a healthy approach to identify the negative ones and learn how to cope with them, Instead of allowing them to fester and become problems. When this happens it can affect our learning, our thinking and our decision-making process. Teaching children how to cope with different emotions will help them deal with people and the many varied situations that they will encounter throughout their lives.

Childhood is where the majority of our feelings are formed and childhood shapes us into the adults we become.

So if as a child you were not encouraged to express your thoughts or opinion, the chances are as an adult you may still carry around those unexpressed and suppressed emotions. And when you do have an outburst or ‘melt down’ it is not just relevant to your current situation, but involves your subdued childhood emotions and all the pent-up frustration you were unable to offload as a child.

Helping children to recognise their emotions or feelings is a good thing. It is perfectly alright for a child to be angry, annoyed, disappointed, and frustrated, as it is for them to be sad, lonely, fed-up, scared, surprised or embarrassed. Learning how to deal with their emotions is where parenting comes in.

For example, (negative emotions) when a child is angry or frustrated instead of hiding their feelings or going to the opposite extreme of having a ‘tantrum’ they should be allowed to acknowledge, ‘ ‘Whoa! I am really disappointed’… and then a coping technique…’well, maybe it will be different next time’ or ‘I feel frustrated’…and then a coping technique …’but I can handle this…I’m going to take a deep breath and count to 10’. Adults should teach children that accepting the way they feel and directing it towards a positive outlet eases stress and brings about peace of mind.

Many grown-ups need to learn this too, because so many have their own issues; sometimes they don’t even know why they have particular issues.

They seldom sit down and do a self-analysis of what they are feeling and why: they never explore the root cause of what makes them feel (or sometimes act) the way they do. By helping their children they can help themselves to be more ‘in touch’ and honest about the emotions they experience.

Adults too can find ways to cope by recognising and expressing their emotions or by putting them into perspective rather than wallowing in them.

In every game there is a winner and a loser, but some

adults are really ‘bad’ losers and they encourage their children to adopt the same attitude. They allow their emotions to get the better of them and they will find a reason why they should have won and accusations about unfairness and favouritism are usually in the mix. A good loser -- although disappointed -- is humble he/she accepts the result in the spirit of the game and will even offer sincere congratulations to the winning side.

When we teach our children to ‘acknowledge their feelings’ and ‘learn how to cope with them,’ we are teaching the ‘adult’ inside them to desist from lashing out senselessly at someone verbally or physically, we are teaching them how to prioritise the important things in life and not stress or ‘hang on to’ negative emotions.

We are helping them to balance out their thoughts and become more rounded individuals.

These lessons and more can be learnt from the simple practice of acknowledging, expressing and coping with the way we feel.

If you are concerned about the welfare of a child call the Childcare and Protection Hotline on 227 0979 or write to us at childcaregy@gmail.com A message from the Childcare and Protection Agency, Ministry of Social Protection

11

Kissoon fires back at AG

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 16, 2017

FORMER Deputy Solicitor-General Prithima Kissoon on Saturday lashed back at Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams for statements he made Friday which suggested that she lacked professionalism while citing dereliction of duty.

In a lengthy response issued through her attorney Nigel Hughes, Kissoon said she had read with considerable “consternation and disbelief the complete lack of accuracy and honesty set out in the press release issued by the Chambers of the Attorney General in relation to the termination of my services, my alleged lack of professionalism and dereliction from duty.”

She argued that prior to the beginning of court proceedings she instituted against Attorney General Basil Williams, she was never accused by Williams or the Public Service Commission of lack of professionalism or dereliction of duty.

“There is no such charge pending anywhere in the Republic of Guyana,” she stated.

“The basis for my purported termination was that I left the country after I was sent on leave by the Public Service Commission and failed to notify them of this event while I was on leave,” Kissoon declared.

The former deputy solicitor-general said that every submission she had prepared and presented to court was submitted to the attorney general for consideration.

“I have never failed to provide the attorney general well in advance with my intended submissions in all matters involving the State.

It was the attorney general who instructed his staff to desist from receiving my draft submissions which led to my emailing them to him well in advance of all court appearances,” she asserted.

As it relates to her remuneration package as referred to in the attorney general’s response, Kissoon made it clear that the quantum of same is not fixed or determined by her, but is set and approved by members of the National Assembly.

“I was unaware that there were latent considerations and qualifications from which I was precluded for matriculation for the

position of deputy solicitorgeneral by dint of birth and perhaps ethnicity.

“I was never acting solicitor-general; such an appointment has to be made by the Judicial Services Commission,” Kissoon added.

With specific reference to the Carvil Duncan case, where the attorney general accused Kissoon of causing the secretary to Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo to sign an incomplete affidavit and “subsequently inserted her own facts which were gravely different to the instructions given by the deponent and caused same to be filed with incorrect facts”, Kissoon said, “I drafted the affidavit of the Honourable Moses Verasammy Nagamootoo, the Prime Minister and First Vice-President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and that of his confidential secretary, Ms. Deeann Ali, which were both emailed to the office of the prime minister for review by Ms. Tamara Khan, legal officer, for additions and alterations and to the attorney general which he acknowledged receiving.”

The former deputy solicitor-general said same is evidenced by email correspondence attached to her affidavit in reply filed in the High Court.

A MISTAKE “If the attorney general felt that I had compromised the pleadings of the affidavit in answer of the Prime Minister, Mr. Moses Nagamootoo, and his confidential secretary, Ms. Deann Ali, then he had a right and duty to request leave of the court to file supplementary affidavits from the deponents which he did not do and therefore he is labouring under a mistake or fashioning a distortion,” she stated.

In Hareshnarine Sugrim v National Drainage and Irrigation Authority 2015-HC-DEM-W-193 case, Kissoon said she was not permitted to finish her conduct of the case because she was sent on administrative leave, and as a result, never saw the submissions in reply of Counsel, Ms. Abiola Wong-Inniss, who appeared for the Plaintiff, Sugrim.

“The attorney general had written to the President, H.E. Brigadier David A. Granger, the Honourable Justice Diane Insanally and

Ms. Abiola Wong-Innis informing them that he would appear personally and conduct the trial before Her Honour. The attorney general wrote and sought numerous adjournments from Her Honour which were granted.

However, the court decided to commence the trial, having accommodated his requests for over a month.

The trial commenced and concluded without the attorney general ever appearing.”

Williams said Kissoon did not support his contention, therefore allowing counsel for the plaintiff to rely on Kissoon’s failure

Former Deputy Solicitor-General Prithima Kissoon as an advantage for her case.

RIPE OPPORTUNITY “The attorney general had the ripe opportunity to respond to counsel’s submissions and dethrone the plaintiffs case and remedy any defects in my submissions, yet this did not happen,” declared Kissoon.

Additionally, the aggrieved woman said the statements made by the attorney general are a “deliberate and malicious fabrication of the events surrounding the granting of the consent Order of Court that was given by the Court of Appeal in the matter of the Attorney General v Desmond Morian Action No 2016-HC-DEMCIV-CM-55 …referred to as the “Two Ministers Case.”

Kissoon said that on November 4, 2016, she appeared in the Court of Appeal for three other cases over which she had oversight, namely: Civil Appeal No. 82 of 2016, Appeal

by Bheri Ramsarran, Civil Appeal No. 72 of 2013, The Public Service Commission et al v Kareem Abdul Jabar

for hearing in Chamber and Civil Appeal NO. 81 of 2013, Clement Toney v The Registrar of the Supreme Court et al for hearing before the Full Bench.

“Whilst there, before the court was convened, I received a call from Ms. Jones, an office assistant, informing me that I have to appear in addition, to the aforementioned matters for the matter of Civil Appeal No. 16 of 2016, Attorney General v Desmond Morian, to which I responded I was already in court and embarrassed because I was without the file and expressed shock that I would be given notice of a matter of such grave importance so belatedly, there must be a severe mistake.”

The former deputy solicitor-general said she had never received notice, neither was she informed that a notice was received by the chambers until she was told by the chancellor in court that a notice was received by Ms. C Henry.

“Ms. Henry is the personal assistant to the solicitor-general. I was never instructed that this matter was listed before the Court of Appeal. I received only the frantic call from Ms. Jones, the office assistant, without the written notice or file.

“On my return to the Chambers on the 4th, November, 2016, I telephoned and duly informed the attorney general that the matter was heard and the consent order was made. I also informed him that I had not received the notice prior to my appearance in the Court of Appeal and as a result was without the file and without knowing the facts, he verbally abused and insulted me as being incompetent.”

Additionally, Kissoon states that the attorney general appealed and applied for the stay before the Court of Appeal and any consent was in the State’s favour.

“The attorney general has clearly attempted to defend his prejudices when his objective from the time he entered the Chambers was to remove me from my post,” she alleged.

ADVICE NOT ACCEPTED In the case of Berbice Bharati Saywah Sanga et al. v The Attorney General No.995/CM of 2001, Kissoon said she advised

Williams to settle the matter at a lesser sum of seven million dollars which counsel on the other side was willing to accept and “he arrogantly refused.”

The Court of Appeal in the Berbice Bharati Sawywah Sanga case had made an order by a majority decision that the matter be referred to the High Court for the sole and only determination on the quantum of damages.

The former PPP/C government, had compulsorily acquired the Sangha premises for the building of what is now popularly called “The University of Guyana, Berbice Tain Campus.”

“The Attorney General remained heedless to my advice both orally and tendered in writing, to settle the matter out of court on the quantum of compensation for $7M. Mr. Murseline Bacchus, attorney-at-law, had written to the attorney general as well seeking a settlement and was willing to accept this lesser sum.”

The court awarded judgment in the sum of $30M. Justice Sandra Kurtzious ordered and found that the plaintiffs/applicants were entitled to compensation.

They were previously paid $3M, thus the court ordered that the plaintiffs/ applicants be paid the sum of $17.8M as full and final compensation for the compulsory acquisition of their property.

“The attorney general has libelled me in the press in the Attorney General v Bharrat Jagdeo case. The appeal in the Jagdeo case was filed by the solicitor- general, who has publicly stated that the attorney general was adamant he be named as the appellant.

At the time the appeal was filed I was on vacation leave and with the oral approval of the attorney general I had left the jurisdiction,” Kissoon contends.

She accused the attorney general of having received a copy of the prepared affidavit in answer that she emailed to him four times on differing days; a copy of which was given to his confidential secretary, Ms. Demi Hipplewith.

“I waited on his instructions, comments, additions or alterations to the submitted affidavit in answer but none were forthcoming.”

“Mr. Basil Williams S.C., who appeared in person before the Court of

Attorney General, Basil Williams Appeal on the 9th January, 2017, sought leave of the court to lay over and serve further written submissions in response if necessary to the submissions made by counsel for Mr. Jagdeo, Mr. Murseline Bacchus, by the 13th January, 2017. The attorney general never filed the affidavit in answer, never argued his case orally or in written submissions as a legal luminary and eminent counsel,” Kissoon stated.

Nonetheless, the former solicitor-general said that in March 2017, she was informed by the PSC that she should proceed on administrative leave with immediate effect pending the outcome of investigations into several court matters for which she was responsible.

“The PSC did not give a period of time limit with regard to how long I was to remain on administrative leave and there were no conditions attached to my administrative leave. I was effectively relieved from duty by the PSC pending the outcome of the investigations. I was now under the authority of the PSC,” she stated.

She said too that the PSC through its Secretary, Ms. Marvalyn Stephens, had advised that if she intended to travel overseas she must inform them and provide contact details.

Kissoon said she wrote to the PSC, indicating that she would be travelling out of the jurisdiction and provided two contact numbers and an email address for any “pertinent communication regarding their enquiries.”

“I believe the appropriate forum for these matters is the court, a venue at which I look forward to engaging the attorney general,” she concluded.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 16, 2017

Showdown looms at Bourda Green from heavy rainfall and conversely – the hot sun.

Additionally, they explained, these coverings offer shelter for customers , as well as the vendors themselves, since they are not behind counters.

Meanwhile, executives and members of the Guyana Market Vendors Union are up in arms against what they call atrocities and high handedness taking place on the Bourda Green, resulting in added and unjustifiable financial burdens being placed on them by the office of the clerk of markets.

They are therefore call-

ing for an audience with the clerk of markets and/or other authorised agents of the municipality to address (iron out) these concerns, which they hope will redound to the good of all persons concerned.

Meanwhile, the union, headed by President Eon Andrews is incensed, arguing that the Council cannot arbitrarily take a decision to order the dismantling of vendors’ property without first having a meeting with them, discussing the implications and moreso giving them adequate time to make such changes.

“What is needed here is

dialogue. Already we are not making money, so where are we going to get money to pay for such works?” they ask.

They want to know just who will stand the cost of installing the security lights in the market place, since the Council is known to be perpetually without money.

“So if we take down our lights, we can very well end up waiting for another year before the first light is put up by Council. By then, and in fact within the first few days, our stalls can be ‘swept clean.’ Tell us who will bear the liability then!” they demanded

A Bourda Green vendor makes a point to the media highlighting the difficulties they face at the hands of the market authorities

By Shirley Thomas STALLHOLDERS selling on Bourda Green are expecting a big showdown with City Market authorities for failure to respond to a notice, purported to have come from the Clerk of Markets (ag), but which they contend, has no legal basis.

The notice bears no signature, was not written on a letterhead, nor does it have an official stamp.

The strongly worded notice, dated September 26, gives the holders of stalls on the Bourda Green a 14-

day ultimatum to remove all makeshift overhead shelters connecting stalls, and/ or extensions to stalls and passageways, failing which “necessary action” will be taken against them.

The notice states that the removal of the coverings is “to facilitate the installation of additional security lights within this section of the market.”

Unless these are removed, the notice claims, new security lights could not be properly installed.

But the stallholders are saying they would not fall for that talk because, Council is

advancing a lot of measures when they know that they are cash-strapped.

The vendors say that for years they have been exposed to the elements and their customers would be drenched whenever it rains, since they had no place to shelter. And as for security lights, they had begged the Council ad nauseam to install lights on the Green, since break-ins and stealing had become rampant.

After realising that their cries had fallen on deaf ears, the vendors ran their own lights and set up makeshift coverings to protect them

No sales! Faced with competition from the roadside, at 16:00hrs, the vendors in the permanent stands look as though they’d just opened up for business

Cummings Street vagrants shift across the road -- after M&CC dismantles their shed VAGRANTS and homeless people, many of whom lived on the corner of Cummings and Regent Streets, Georgetown, had some of their comfort removed when the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) decided to take down a shed under which they slept at nights.

The shed was part of a building that housed a business at the said corner, the owner of which had complained about the presence of these individuals.

When officers from the M&CC visited the location on Friday, taxi drivers outside of the business reported how more than 15 persons lived here, including an entire family.

“There is the mother,

father, children, grandchildren, and even their dog,” one driver said.

After being removed, the vagrants wasted no time in taking up dwelling across the road where there is an empty lot.

M&CC Public Relations Officer Debra Lewis observed that the problem also exists around the various municipal markets.

She is calling for an inter-agency approach to help curb the problem.

“We need the Ministry of Public Health, Social Protection, M&CC, NGOs (non-governmental organisations), churches, mosques and temples. We must adopt an approach that is holistic.”

Lewis said many of

these individuals have homes and shelters to which they can go and with the right help and treatment, they can return to being normal citizens.

“We need to involve the relatives. There are some family members who have totally neglected their responsibilities,” she observed.

Constabulary Superintendent Laurel Gittens offered that even though these individuals have chosen their path of life, they are human beings.

“Certain areas like the avenues are public spaces and we can’t really stop them from going there, because if they choose to dwell in the streets and they see benches and open

Vagrants simply moved across the road and took up dwelling after being removed by the M&CC

spaces where they can relax, we can’t stop them.”

She, too, is suggesting that the Ministry of Public Health come forward to offer some assistance. “The municipality would have to work in collaboration with the Public Health Ministry

so we can find a solution.”

Gittens recalled that in the past when efforts were made to remove them from the streets, it often resulted in some of them committing suicide or finding their way back to the streets.

“So having grown ac-

customed to the open environment, having them enclosed has posed a problem to their health.

Some of them died of natural causes after being enclosed; for some reason, they take sick and die.”

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 16, 2017

‘Bitter-sweet’ moment for young attorney admitted to Bar

By Shirley Thomas IT was a momentous occasion for the Mohamed family of Middle Road, La Penitence, on Thursday, when 34-year-old Rizwaun Mohamed was admitted to the Bar. Mohamed had successfully completed the Legal Education Certificate (LEC) from the Hugh Wooding Law School, University of the West Indies after earlier graduating from the University of Guyana with a Bachelor’s Degree in Law. Rizwaun is the son of Zareefa Mohamed and former Registrar of the Supreme Court, Rashid Mohamed, who passed on just over a year ago.

Last Thursday, he was admitted to the Bar by Justice Nareshwar Harnanan, with Senior Counsel Robin Stoby and Attorneys- atLaw Kashir Khan and Imtiaz Baig presenting the petition on his behalf.

Court 5 of the High Court was filled to capacity with legal luminaries and the Mohamed family members and friends who had come to share in the joy of the moment.

But for the newly-accredited attorney, Mohamed, and evidently his mother, it was a ‘bitter-sweet’ moment, as he admitted in his response to being admitted to the Bar by the Honourable Justice Harnanan.

“Sweet”, because of his distinguished accomplishments and “bitter” on account of the death of his father who had so desperately wanted him to become a lawyer, and who gave him all the support he needed.

His father died last August when Rizwaun was just half way through his programme at the Hugh Wooding Law School. But wanting to do it for his dad, he mustered up all the strength and courage and determination, emerging successful in the end.

Reflecting on the journey he has just completed, the young attorney admitted that it was not an easy one. He told of having to contend with late study nights, the intake of more coffee than is medically prescribed, early morning

studies, few hours of sleep per day, illness, fatigue and panic; but it was all worth it.

And noting that nothing comes easily in this life, he thought of how basic life would be without struggle, conceding that through struggle, persons gain experience and become stronger individuals.

But through his experiences, he said – both academic and personal--he can attest to the fact that nothing is possible without the guidance and mercy of God Almighty.

“For me, that is a lot, for without His (God’s) mercy and blessings, I would not be standing here before this Honourable Court to present my petition.”

BRAVED THE STORM Meanwhile, presenting his petition, the young lawyer declared: “Your Honour, I stand before you as a proud individual, as I would have braved the storm to be able to

Young Rizwaun Mohamed taking the Oath of Office

az Baig, and others for their part played.

Mohamed for always believing in me and for providing the way for

tunately my father is not here with me physically today to witness this momentous occasion in my life, for my dad was behind every step of my career, and more particularly during my three years at the University of Guyana and my first year at the Hugh Wooding Law School.”

He said that completing law school successfully was one of his father’s greatest desires. In fact, he said his father has always urged him to study law even though he had a preference for Information Technology.

When Rizwaun finally made the decision to pursue legal education, it was the best news his father received, because he himself had started legal education at the University of Guyana but was forced to discontinue because of work commitments.

DESIRE FULFILLED Delighted over his final decision and that he was able to do his

Rizwaun Mohamed second left with Senior Counsel Robin Stoby, Justice Nareshwar Harnanan, his mother Zareefa Mohamed, Justice Diana Insanally, Attorney Kashir Khan and Attorney Imtiaz Baig, following his admission to the Bar

present my petition.”

He expressed gratitude to the Honourable Judge; his presenters Senior Counsel Robin Stoby and Attorneys Kashir Khan and Imti-

He also expressed profound gratitude to his parents.

“I would like to thank both of my parents – Zareefa Mohamed and my deceased father, Rashid

me to have the support and necessary resources to finish this scheme of mine.

“I must say, this moment is a bitter/sweet one for me, for unfor-

father’s will, Rizwaun declared: “Today, I can safely say that I have fulfilled that desire of his, and have filled another of his desires with the acceptance of my petition

today – that is, to become an attorney-at- law.”

And with a sense of deep appreciation, he continued: “It is from the great depths of my heart that I say, ‘Thank you dad’, for everything that you did for me. I know that if you were with me today, you would have been delighted and overjoyed… but at the same time, I know that with the grace of God Almighty that you are in a better place now.

“And to my mother Zareefa Mohamed, I would like to thank you. There are not sufficient words in my vocabulary to express my gratitude to you. My mother has been my rock and my source and motivation throughout my journey.”

Rizwaun recalled that just after having started the LLB programme at the University of Guyana, it seemed he would not be able to handle his workload and studies, and contemplated quitting university. He discussed it with his mother and she urged him to continue, saying that if others could make it, so could he.

“It was with those words of advice that I was motivated to press on, and as a result, I am proudly standing here today, before Your Honour with my petition…. Mom, I thank you, for you are the true definition of a mother,” he humbly stated.

Rizwaun is from Middle Road, La Penitence and initially attended Ketley Primary School, Charlestown. He later attended Brickdam Secondary School and eventually Queen’s College. Moving on, he attended the University of Guyana and did Computer Science and later Business with Cambridge University. He also did a lot of Microsoft Exams while working as Systems Administrator, Information Technology Department at the Ministry of Legal Affairs from 2006 to 2015, when he resigned to complete his studies at The Hugh Wooding Law School.

The new attorney works in Khan & Khan chambers where they deal mostly with civil matters.

God’s Cathedral of Praise donates to Veterans’ Home God’s Cathedral of Praise, Lamaha Park, Georgetown, on Tuesday made yet another donation of mobility products to seniors with disability in a retirement home in the city.

This time around, it was the donation of a wheelchair, strollers, a bathroom chair and cane to the National Veterans’ Rest Home at the

Joint Services Housing Scheme, Lamaha Springs.

Leader of the church, Bishop Timothy Norton, presented the items to administrator Nekayah Smith, in the presence of typist/store clerk, Lynette Cambridge at the Veterans’ Home.

The administrator expressed gratitude to the church on behalf of the rest home, noting that

such items will be very useful for affected persons at the home.

Bishop Norton also presented a quantity of booklets with biblical readings – for every member of the home.

The items were donated with the in tention of assisting in enhancing the clients’ mobility and making them less dependent on caregivers.

Bishop Timothy Norton presents the items to Veterans’ Home Administrator Nekayah Smith, while typist/store clerk, Lynette Cambridge looks on

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 16, 2017

LHC teenage pregnancy clinic making impact

By Vanessa Braithwaite

SINCE its establishment at the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) on March 14, 2017, the teenage pregnancy clinic has seen a significant increase in young mothers joining the facility in a bid to benefit from the specialised services offered.

The antenatal clinic monitors young mothers, ranging from ages 13 to 19.

Realising that there was an increase in teenage pregnancies in the mining town, a decision was made to establish the clinic. In 2016, 18 per cent of total deliveries at the LHC were teenage mothers.

Therefore, out of the 998 live births, 179 were delivered to teenage mothers, giving an approximation of 14 teenage deliveries per month.

As a result of this alarming number, the teenage clinic was introduced and on the first day of admission, four teenage mothers joined. To

date, there are now 61 teenagers who are now members.

Melanie Norwick, a midwife attached to the LHC and who plays an integral role in the functioning of the teenage antenatal clinic, told the Guyana Chronicle that the teenagers were formerly members of the high-risk clinic which is held on Thursdays, but the management of the hospital had noticed a decrease in their attendance while the delivery rate was up.

It was concluded that the teenagers may have been affected by stigma and discrimination.

As a result of this, many of them were reluctant to attend. If this was not remedied, serious medical, physiological and social consequences could have been attached.

CLINICAL MOTIVE Chief Executive Officer of the LHC, Dr. Mohammed Riyasat, who is also

an obstetrician, explained that the introduction of the clinic was essential for the effective and early monitoring of the teenagers, since they are special high-risk cases.

In teenage pregnancies, Riyasat said there are three very important risks that the teenagers are exposed to. As a result of most of the pregnancies being spontaneous, Riyasat explained that teenagers are at risks of anaemia.

“A lot of these teenagers would have been anaemic, their eating patterns would not have been in a way to prepare them for pregnancy…so we want to capture that early and give them their nutrition to build them up to go through the pregnancy also.”

High blood pressure (HPB) is another risk, he explained, that needs to be tackled early, since it is more prevalent in teenage mothers and can lead to pre-eclampsia

and eclampsia.

“We have seen it several times, 15 and 16 years old coming with really high blood pressure, these are pregnancy-induced blood pressure.” Such complications can lead to haemorrhaging in the head, stroke and even kidney failure.

Pre-term delivery is the third risk that the obstetrician explained is associated with teenage pregnancies.

These babies are normally underweight and are more susceptible to infections since their lungs, brains, nervous systems and other vital organs may not be as developed as it should.

SOCIAL MOTIVE Because of the stigma attached to teenage preg-

to step in and that is us, the health workers, we have to step in and fill that grey area, and if we don’t, then there can be more complications,” he said.

MORE COMFORTABLE Shequita (not real name), a 17-year-old mother who attends the clinic, explained that she feels more comfortable at the teenage clinic than at the regular one.

“You know I would feel kind of shame when people stare at me, even some of the nurses would be whispering and talking and I was hesitant to stay away, but then I realise that I needed to put shame aside but then not everyone would be strong like me so I think the teenage clinic is a good thing because you feel

he used condom and then he didn’t want to use it anymore and I didn’t want to talk up because I was scared he would leave and I end up getting pregnant again before my daughter was 1,” Judy revealed.

While there were no cases of the teenagers being infected with HIV for 2017, Midwife Norwick revealed that there were noticeable cases of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection.

The schools welfare officer is responsible for channelling the teens back into the education system.

While some of them would go back to school, some would choose to learn a life skill at a tertiary institution.

As a social worker, Smith-Grey plays the role of counselling the teenagers as

There has been an increase in the number of teenage mothers joining the teenage pregnancy clinic at the Linden Hospital Complex nancies, the medical practitioners related that many of the young mothers were hesitant to attend the regular high-risk clinic and this led to absenteeism from their monthly visits.

The mothers were therefore not being monitored effectively and the introduction of the clinic remedied this situation.

Midwife Norwick explained that the teenagers felt more comfortable among their cohorts and attendance began to increase.

“We wanted to give them more attention and we have seen great improvement in responses, in them opening up, they open up more, they respond more, we have a better rapport with them, they come to us with any problem,” the experienced midwife posited.

Dr Riyasat echoed similar sentiments in saying, “We are able to focus our energies more on them, have that one-to-one rap … we know with teenage pregnancy, there is a lot of stigma behind it, so we have to assist them, they may be rejected by their parents, by their neighbours and friends and if they are not getting the kind of support from society, somebody has

more comfortable, you realise you are not alone in this situation,” the young mother shared.

One of those complications includes repeated pregnancies, and according to the social worker Laurette Grey-Smith, there are cases where the teenagers would have repeated pregnancies before becoming adults and therefore family planning, as well as counselling, is essential to curbing this phenomenon.

The health workers revealed that in one case there was a 19-year-old with three children. She highlighted that many of the teenagers would be school dropouts and situations such as poverty and dependency on another partner who would then demand a child of their own, would cause the teenager to become impregnated again. Judy (not real name), a repeated teenage mother, said that she entered another relationship when her first daughter was six months, and that is how she got pregnant again.

“My baby father went back with his first child mother and I wasn’t working, so I decided to enter into another relationship with this carpenter boy who was supporting us and for first

well as referring the cases to the Child Care and Protection Agency, when the mothers are below 16 years old, since they would have been victims of statutory rape.

“They have not reached the age of consent, so they cannot consent to sex so even though they are in a relationship and they agree to have sex, according to the law they still cannot agree to have sex… all such cases have been referred to the child care agency because they are still considered minors,” SmithGrey said.

While the law makes provision for the fathers, if they are over the age of 16, to be prosecuted, the social worker related that in many cases, this is not done.

And according to SmithGrey: “It comes down to what the family would accept…if the relatives come and say that they don’t want any police story, then everything seems to lie low but according to law, they are supposed to be prosecuted.”

The teenage pregnancy clinic at LHC is also part of the hospital’s maternal health strategy which aims at maintaining the record of no maternal death which has not occurred since 2011.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 16, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 16, 2017

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 16, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 16, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 16, 2017

Gabbiadini double earns Southampton 2-2 draw against Newcastle

(REUTERS) - Manolo Gabbiadini earned Southampton a point by scoring both goals in a 2-2 Premier League draw with Newcastle United at St Mary’s on Sunday.

The Italian striker equalised twice for the hosts, first with a fine solo effort in the 49th minute to cancel out Isaac Hayden’s firsthalf opener.

Newcastle regained the lead two minutes later through Ayoze Perez but Gabbiadini replied from the penalty spot in the 75th minute after Shane Long had been brought down by Florian Lejeune.

Gabbiadini’s double saved Southampton from a third successive home defeat and lifted them two places to 10th in the table, while Newcastle remain ninth.

Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino said: ”It was a chaotic game. We conceded a couple of soft goals. In

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the last 20 minutes we could win the game but we could also lose it.

“As a manager I don’t like this sort of game. We scored two goals but we didn’t always control the game.”

Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster had parried Christian Atsu’s effort into his path.

Virgil van Dijk almost equalised when he headed just wide two minutes later but Southampton otherwise struggled to create chances despite dominating possession and territory.

Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster had parried Christian Atsu’s effort into his path.

Virgil van Dijk almost equalised when he headed just wide two minutes later but Southampton otherwise struggled to create chances despite dominating possession and territory.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 16, 2017

De Kock, Amla smash unbeaten tons in Proteas 10-wicket win KIMBERLEY, South AfAmla struck eight fours rica (Reuters) - Quinton de Kock and Hashim Amla smashed unbeaten centuries as South Africa cruised to a record-breaking 10-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the first One-Day International at the Diamond Oval on Sunday.

Africa reached 282 without the loss of a wicket and with 43 balls to spare.

It was the seventh time that South Africa have won an ODI by 10 wickets and the third time they have achieved this against Bangladesh. It was, however, the highest total chased by any team to win by 10 wickets.

in his 110 from 112 balls, his 26th ODI ton, as the pair put on a South African record partnership for any wicket in the 50-over format.

Bangladesh’s innings of 278 for seven was underpinned by a fifth ODI century for Mushfiqur Rahim (110 from 116 balls), who became the first player from

his country to score a ton against South Africa in any format.

Home seamer Kagiso Rabada was the pick of the bowlers with figures of four for 43 in his 10 overs.

The second match in the three-game series will be played on Wednesday in Paarl, with the final game in East London on Oct. 22.

SCORECARD

Mushfiqur Rahim became the first Bangladeshi to hit a hundred against South Africa in international cricket ©AFP

Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat on a flat wicket, setting their hosts a below-par 279 to win. South

De Kock was the chief aggressor with 168 from 145 balls for a 13th ODI century that included 21 fours and two sixes.

Bangladesh Innings Imrul Kayes c de Kock b Pretorius 31 Liton Das c du Plessis b Rabada 21 Shakib Al Hasan c Amla b Tahir 29 Mushfiqur Rahim not out 110 Mahmudullah c Miller b Pretorius 26 Sabbir Rahman c Paterson b Rabada

19 Nasir Hossain c Amla b Rabada 11 Mohammad Saifuddin c Paterson b Rabada 16 Extras: (lb-5 w-10) 15 Total: (for 7 wickets, 50 overs) 278 Fall of wickets: 1-43 L. Das,2-67 I. Kayes,3-126 S. Al Hasan,4-195 Mahmudullah,5-237 Sa. Rahman,6-253 Nas. Hossain,7-278 M. Saifuddin Did not bat: M. Mortaza, T. Ahmed, R. Hossain Bowling: K. Rabada 10 - 1 - 43 4 (w-5), D. Paterson 9 - 0 - 69 – 0,

I. Tahir 10 - 0 - 45 – 1, D. Pretorius 10 - 0 - 48 - 2 (w-1), A. Phehlukwayo 10 - 0 - 60 - 0 (w-4), J. Duminy 1 - 0 - 8 - 0 SOUTH AFRICA Innings Q. de Kock not out 168 H. Amla not out 110 Extras: (w-4) 4 Total: (for no loss, 42.5 overs) 282 Fall of wickets: Did not bat: F. du Plessis, A. de Villiers, D. Miller, J. Duminy, D. Pretorius, A. Phehlukwayo, K. Rabada, D. Paterson, I. Tahir Bowling: Rubel Hossain 6-0-370, Mashrafe Mortaza 8.5-0-50-0, Taskin Ahmed 8-0-61-0 (w-1), Shakib Al Hasan 8-0-48-0 (w-2), Mohammad Saifuddin 5-0-46-0, Nasir Hossain 5-0-29-0 (w-1), Mahmudullah 2-0-11-0.

Federer brushes aside Nadal to win Shanghai Masters

(REUTERSs) - Roger Federer brushed aside world number one Rafael Nadal 6-4 6-3 to win the Shanghai Masters on Sunday and register his fourth victory of the year over his Spanish rival.

The Swiss world number two beat Nadal in the finals of the Australian Open and Miami Masters and in the last 16 at Indian Wells earlier this year, and never looked like losing to his long-time rival in Shanghai, firing 10 aces as he cruised to victory.

Federer, the only man who can still stop Nadal ending the year as number one, took an hour and 12 minutes to claim his sixth title of the year and his second Shanghai crown with a clinical performance.

“I wasn’t here last year because of injuries, so it’s just so, so nice to be back in Shanghai,” Federer said. ”It’s a wonderful moment

Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates winning against Rafael Nadal of Spain. REUTERS/Aly Song

for me to be back here playing

against my good friend and rival, Rafa... We didn’t think maybe we were going to have the year we did.

“I definitely didn‘t, so it’s just nice to share this court with you today and hopefully there’s more to come in the tournaments we’ve got left.

It’s been a pleasure playing against you again today.”

Playing under a closed roof at the Qi Zhong Tennis Center, Federer sprinted out of the blocks, breaking Nadal in the opening game and the Spaniard had little answer to the sheer variety of shots coming across the net.

The Swiss refused to take his foot off the pedal in the second set, breaking Nadal to go 3-2 up and keeping his cool to wrap up victory.

He sealed the win on his opponent’s serve, winning the second of three match points to claim his 94th career title.

Federer, who won the tournament in 2014, has enjoyed himself on the fast courts of Shanghai this year, while Nadal will look back on a successful stint in Asia after winning last week’s China Open.

“I want to congratulate Roger and his team for a great year. Today I think you played a fantastic match, so many congratulations,” Nadal said.

“This year has probably been the most successful of my career here in China...

It’s been a great two weeks and I feel very happy after a long year to be able to have the results here. It’s very important for me.”

Sharapova wins first WTA title since return from ban

(REUTERS) - Maria Sharapova won her first WTA title in more than two years at the Tianjin Open on Sunday, showing plenty of grit and determination as she came from behind in each set to beat Belarusian teenager Aryna Sabalenka 7-5 7-6(8).

The former world number one, who returned to the tour in April following a 15-month doping ban, started the stronger, breaking Sabalenka in her opening service game, but struggled on serve and soon found herself trailing 4-1 in the first set.

The Russian managed to hold serve for the first

time in the match at 4-2 and clung on grimly in the face of some hard hitting by her 19-year-old opponent before converting her fourth break point of the next game to get back on serve at 4-3.

Maria Sharapova

Her nerves settled, Sharapova began to hit her stride, breaking Sabalenka again to go 6-5 up before closing out the set.

The Belarusian, playing her first WTA final, came back in the second set, opening up a 5-1 lead before serving to send the match into a decider, but Sharapova once again fought back to erase the deficit.

The 30-year-old broke Sabalenka twice in succession and held her nerve when facing a set point on serve at 5-4 to level things up, and broke the Belarusian to give herself the chance to serve out the match

at 6-5.

But there was more drama to come. The Russian, who sent down seven aces during the contest, double faulted when facing a break point to gift Sabalenka the game and send the set into a tiebreak.

Sharapova, whose last title came at the Italian Open in May 2015, had three match points but Sabalenka survived them all before double faulting with the score at 8-8 to hand Sharapova another opportunity.

This time, the Russian made no mistake, firing down a powerful serve to seal the victory.

Brathwaithe spurs Guyana to WIFBSC Short range title

By Stephan Sookram DESPITE being beaten by both England and Ireland yesterday, Guyana still emerged victorious in the West Indies Fullbore Shooting Council’s short range championship.

Held at the Timheri Rifle Ranges, the locals were right up there with their European counterparts at the 300, 500 and 600 yard ranges.

With 1142 points and 85 V bulls, the Guyanese were spurred by Lennox Brathwaithe who had the highest individual score of the day.

His 148 and 19 V’s out of 150 points came from shooting a 49 and 5V’s at the 300 yards, followed by 49 and 7V’s at 500 yards and a possible 7V’s at 600 yards.

Sherwin Filicien was another main contributor, having marked a 144 and 10 V’s while National Captain Mahendra Persaud and Ransford Goodluck shot 143’s with 13 and 5 V’s respectively.

Other team members includ-

ed Vice-Captain Dylan Fields who shot a 142 with 10 V’s, Peter Persaud and Leo Romalho who both shot 141 and 11 V’s each and newcomer, Roberto Tiwari with 140 and 6 V’s.

In the regional Championship, the 1069 points by Trinidad and Tobago meant that they finished second, while Barbados with 1066 points placed third and Antigua and Barbuda with 1057 placed fourth.

In the International Championship, England scored 1148 points for the win with their top scorer being Charlie Staples who marked 148 and 16 V’s.

Second placed Ireland was not far off with 1146 and 74 V’s with a pair of 147 and 9 V’s from David Calvert and Jack Alexander.

According to captain Persaud, the Guyanese unit managed to post competitive scores as against that of the competition and he was proud to have hosted the tournament.

The next instalment of the WIFBSC will take place in Barbados in May of 2018.

from Essequibo crowned ... Continued back page and Most Valuable Player in the tournament.

Meanwhile, Coach Michael Franco Hyles hailed the team’s performances, saying it’s an amazing accomplishment, not only for this team, but also for Essequibo and Guyana’s cricket.

“It was a superb commitment in all departments… everyone contributed, and I am happy for the end results,” Hyles said in an invited comment from this publication.

GCB’s Secretary Anand Sanasie said that Essequibo have silenced the critics. He urged the players to stay focused and replicate at all formats and levels.

Sanasie, who is also a director on Cricket West Indies (CWI) hoped that through this League, the game can continue to improve.

“This, the second edition of the League, can clearly be considered better than the first. It is the hope that we can continue to improve at all levels to make this the primary first class competition in the longer version of the game,” he disclosed.

According to Sanasie, the board has expended in excess of $20M on this tournament, with the hope that more cricketers and officials can be developed for national duties, and thereafter making the grade for selection at the regional and CWI levels.

Sanasie congratulated the team and the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB). He indicated that initiatives in Women and T20 cricket development are high on the GCB’s agenda.

Meanwhile, when play resumed yesterday at Tuschen,

West Demerara were 81-5. They added a further 73 runs before they were bowled out for 154 during the morning session.

Left-arm spinner Anthony Adams was again among the wickets, claiming four of the remaining wickets to finish with figures of 6-44.

Of the five remaining batsmen, only Jamal Gomes (25), Richie Looknauth (17), and Mahendra Dhanpaul (12 not out), offered some form of resistance.

Chaitram Persaud (3-45), and Kevin Gordon (1-28), were the other successful bowlers for Essequibo.

With a first innings lead of 110, Essequibo, batting a second time, declared at 128-5. Set 233 to win, West Demerara reached 24-1 when the game was called off.

At Bush Lot, West Berbice were bowled out for 296, with a lead of 222. When the game was called off after 42 overs, Lower Corentyne were 151-2.

At Everest, no final day scores between East Bank and East Coast were made available up to press time.

Meanwhile, Gudakesh Motie accumulated the most wickets (61), and was also voted the best fielder in the tournament.

Akshaya Persaud scored the most runs in the League (523).

The best wicket keeper award went to Kemol Savory.

Ronaldo Ali Mohamed was adjudged the Most Promising Player of the League, with an aggregate of 447 runs and 13 wickets.

Upper Corentyne finished on 78.7 points, and received the runners-up trophy and $250,000.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 16, 2017

Baijnauth urges cricket administrators in Berbice to put their differences aside

Regional Invitational XI beat T&T Red Force in charity T20 for hurricane victims

- in the interest of the players and the game

By Rajiv Bisnauth F O R M E R p re s i d e n t o f the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), Roy Baijnauth has weighed into the ongoing dispute between the elected members of the BCB and the majority of the cricket stakeholders in that County, urging the two sides to put their differences aside and stand together to work for the welfare of the players and for the development of the game in the Ancient County.

Baijnauth also called on the cricket stakeholders to allow the board to function so that the administration of the game can return to some form of sanity.

“The bottom line is that you can’t suit everyone, but everyone involved in this cricket problem should put their differences aside, work with the new board in the interest of the players and for the development of the game,” the

former BCB president echoed.

He added “Our cricket is at its lowest ebb ever, and once we continue in this way, we can never return to those days when Berbice was the top inter-county team in the country”.

Former president of the Berbice Cricket Board, Roy Baijnauth

Baijnauth went as an observer in last Sunday’s BCB elections, but was forced to leave the venue after there were some issues pertaining to

the legitimacy of the notices, as some club members were seeking entry into the venue.

During the exclusive interview Saturday, the former twoterm BCB president indicated that he left the venue because in his opinion, nothing good will unfold.

However, he indicated that apart from a few minor hiccups, the elections were held in accordance with the Judge’s ruling.

The BCB’s elections were made possible following a ruling delivered by Justice Navindra Singh on September 8 last, which mandated same for the purpose of electing officer-bearers of the board.

A stable administration of the game in Berbice started way back in 2014, and after Sunday’s elections, the pathway of administrative turmoil has seen additional escalation of tensions for the game.

While president-elect Dhirendranauth Somwaru

is of the view that the elections were conducted in a free, fair and transparent environment, the cricket stakeholders are claiming the opposite.

This has led to the stakeholders from the Berbice cricket fraternity filing two separate court orders following last Sunday’s contentious elections.

Information reaching Chronicle Sport indicates that an injunction was filed against the current board, preventing those officials from performing their duties until the application to set aside the elections is heard and determined.

A second application for contempt was filed last Tuesday against Somwaru, Godwyn Allicock and secretary of the Guyana Cricket Board, Anand Sanasie.

The contempt matter was called before Justice Singh on Friday, but was adjourned to this Tuesday.

Three batsmen Kyle hitHope, half-centuries in West Indies 301-6 BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe, Shai’s older with a mere seven runs on and a six.

(CMC) – Batsmen Shai Hope, Roston Chase and Kraigg Brathwaite all gathered half-centuries as West Indies made a bright start to their tour of Zimbabwe here Sunday.

brother, missed out on a half-century with 42 while seamer Michael Chinouya, who played his only two Tests against New Zealand last year, was the best bowler with two for 55.

Shai Hope hit a top-score of 85.

Opting to bat first on the opening day of the three-day tour match against Zimbabwe A, the Caribbean side ended on 301 for six with Hope top-scoring with 85, Chase stroking 79 and Brathwaite chipping in with 53.

In the only warm-up match before the first Test starting next Saturday, West Indies made the most of the outing with their main batsmen getting among the runs.

They lost left-hander Kieran Powell cheaply for one

the board in the day’s fifth over but Brathwaite and Kyle Hope posted 87 for the second wicket to repair the innings.

Brathwaite struck five fours and a six in an innings spanning 136 deliveries and just over 3-1/2 hours while Kyle faced 109 balls ìn 189 minutes at the crease, and counted four fours and a six.

Both perished four balls apart in successive overs with the score on 94 but their demise paved the way for an attractive 175-run, fourth wicket stand between Shai Hope and Chase.

Hope, the most successful batsman on the recent tour of England, appeared in good touch, striking 10 fours off just 107 balls in just over three hours.

Chase, meanwhile, looking to regain his form following a poor England series, faced 114 deliveries in three hours at the crease and counted eight fours

They were both trotting comfortably towards three figures when they retired with the score on 269 and Jermaine Blackwood failed to follow their example, belting a four and a six in 15 before falling lbw to Chinouya.

SCORECARD WEST INDIES 1st innings K Brathwaite lbw b Mashinge 53 K Powell c Musakanda b Chinouya 1 K Hope c wkp Mutumbami b Mavuta 42 S Hope ret. out 85 R Chase ret. out 79 J Blackwood lbw b Chinouya 15 +S Dowrich not out 10 *J Holder not out 3 Extras: (b3, lb3, nb3, w4) 13 TOTAL: (6 wkts, 90 overs) 301 To bat: S Hetmyer, S Gabriel, M Cummins, A Joseph, D Bishoo, R Reifer.

Fall of wickets: 1-7, 2-94, 3-94, 4-267, 5-267, 6-286.

Bowling: Chinouya 19-6-55-2, Tiripano 10-5-9-0, Mashinge 16-3-52-1, Chisoro 25-3-85-0, Mavuta 20-1-94-1.

Darren Bravo

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Brandon King, Darren Bravo and Rovman Powell all starred as a Regional Invitational XI defeated a Trinidad and Tobago Red Force XI by 11 runs in a celebrity Hurricane Relief Twenty20 here Saturday night.

The encounter, staged at Queen’s Park Oval, brought together a plethora of regional and West Indies stars with the aim of raising TT$ one million (US$148 233) to support ongoing relief efforts in the Caribbean countries devastated last month by the passage of Hurricanes Irma Maria.

As such, while the result was of academic interest, several players grabbed the opportunity to entertain the sizeable crowd which turned up to support the venture.

Sent in, the Regional XI piled up an imposing 217 for eight off their 20 overs with Jamaican Brandon King lashing an imperious 62 off just 26 balls while West Indies all-rounder Rovman Powell pummeled 56 from 28 deliveries.

Windies T20 opener Johnson Charles hit 26 from 25 balls while Ashley Nurse came at the end to belt a 12-ball unbeaten 26.

The Regional XI were 67 for three in the ninth over when King, and then Powell, intervened to accelerate the innings.

King crunched four fours and six massive sixes, putting on 58 for the

fourth wicket with Powell before holing out at long off in the 14th over.

Powell then took over, smashing seven sixes to dominate a 50-run, fifth wicket partnership with captain Darren Sammy (4) before perishing in the 17th over – three balls after the former Windies skipper departed.

West Indies off-spinner Sunil Narine picked up two for 23.

In reply, the left-handed Bravo lit up the Oval with a sparkling 58 off 29 balls, with two fours and six sixes while Lendl Simmons struck 49 from 26 deliveries and fellow opener Tion Webster, 21 from 14 balls.

Simmons set the tone for the innings, blasting five fours and three sixes in a 71-run, opening stand with Webster.

When Simmons fell in the sixth over, Bravo put on 33 for the second wicket with Webster and a further 36 for the fifth wicket with older brother Dwayne Bravo (19).

Red Force seemed on course for victory at 158 for four in the 14th over but once Darren Bravo pulled medium pacer Dwayne Smith into the lap of Charles at deep mid-wicket, the last six wickets tumbled for 48 runs.

The match was an initiative of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board in partnership with the Sport Company of T&T, and Queen’s Park Cricket Club.

Aussies must ‘ find some hatred’ for England: Warner (REUTERS) - Australia opener David Warner has fired a salvo ahead of the Ashes against England, likening the series to a “war” and saying the hosts would work up some “hatred” for their opponents to get in the right frame of mind.

Warner also said he did not regret comments he made during the first Ashes test at the Gabba in

2013 about England having “scared eyes”, adding that he fully expected more words to be exchanged during the coming series. ”As soon as you step on that line it’s war,“ Warner said on ABC Grandstand. ”You try and get into a battle as quick as you can. I try and look in the opposition’s eyes and try and work out ‘how can I dis-

Australian opener David Warner

like this player, how can I get on top of him?’

“You have to delve and dig deep into yourself to actually get some hatred about them to actually get up when you’re out there.

History is a big part in this and that is what carries us onto the ground.”

The five-Test series starts in Brisbane on Nov. 23 and Warner said the battle would begin

in earnest on day one of the first encounter at the Gabba.

“Four years ago, during that first Test I made some statements in the media and at the time I thought it was a great thing to come out and speak what I said,” he added, in reference to his comments during the last Ashes held in Australia, which the hosts won 5-0. ”I have no regrets about

that and I think that could have played a little bit of a role in the back of their minds.

“At the moment I‘m not going to put any vibes out there or get into a verbal stoush... but come day one when we walk out there, there will definitely be some words exchanged. I think the subtle approach these days is how it is and how it goes.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 16, 2017

‘Boodoostig ’confirmed for Georgetown Grand Prix ‘Caribbean Showdown’ TRINIDAD and Tobago driving sensation, Kristian ‘Boodoostig’ Boodoosingh has been confirmed as one of the overseas competitors for the Georgetown Grand Prix ‘Caribbean Showdown’ billed for this weekend.

Boodoosingh, the 2015 Caribbean Motor Racing Championships’ Group Four runner-up, will make his second appearance at the Georgetown Grand Prix, after competing for the first time at the event back in April this year.

Back then he lined up in the Shifter Pro Cup against the likes of Group Four rival, Kristian Jeffrey, but didn’t get the desired results, finishing outside the top three in two races and failing to finish the third.

This time around, the ‘Trini’ will do battle in the 125cc Senior category and he is looking to right the wrongs of that April race meet.

“I am ecstatic about this opportunity given to me again by Vishok Persaud to race under the lights at the GT Motorsports facility.

This time I will be running in the 125cc class, coming up against the likes of the Jamaican racers. Now having one event under my belt, it should put me in a better position to hopefully get on the podium this coming Saturday,” Boodoosingh said on Sunday.

He will be up against Matthew Vieira, Denzel Hopkinson, Mikhail Mohamed and first-timers to GT Motorsport-- the Jamaican duo, Senna Summerbell and Joshua Sigany.

Action will get underway at 18:00hrs and admission to the venue is $1,000 for adults, $500 for children and $4,000 for the VIP experience.

The Georgetown Grand Prix will set the stage for the

Zimbabwe to host World Cup qualifier in March 2018

THE search for the final two teams in the 2019 World Cup will begin in Zimbabwe in March 2018, after it was announced the host of the qualifying tournament.

West Indies will be among the countries taking part in this competition, having failed to gain direct entry into the showpiece event.

They will be joined by the bottom-three ranked ODI nations - Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Ireland - the top four sides from the ICC World Cricket League Championship and the top two from the ICC World Cricket League Division 2.

Originally, Bangladesh were scheduled to host the qualifiers.

But with their gaining direct entry, finishing in the top eight of the ICC ODI rankings on deadline day, September 30, Zimbabwe put themselves up for consideration.

The ICC inspected the facilities about a month ago and it is understood that alongside the two regular international venues - Harare Sports Club and Queens Sports Club - the grounds at Takashinga, Bulawayo Athletic Club and in Kwe-Kwe will be used for the tournament.

The World Cricket League Championship is already underway, with all participants having played more than 10 matches each. Netherlands are leading the points table, with eight wins. Papua New Guinea are second, Scotland third and Hong Kong fourth. (ESPN Cricinfo)

ultimate motorsport event of the year- the final leg of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship on November 12 at the South Dakota Circuit.

It is being supported

by Sun Burst Juices, RentA-Tent, Fly Jamaica, Stag Beer, Monster Energy Drink, Exxon Mobil, Handin-Hand Insurance, Ready Mixx Concrete, Scotiabank, Cloud 9, Optique Vision

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GBA lauds Minister Norton’s ‘Hinterland Boxing’ initiative THE Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) is showering Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton with praise for his initiative in ensuring hinterland fighters be given an equal opportunity as their counterparts on the mainland.

Thanks to Dr Norton who is also responsible for Sport, the GBA was able to send Orlondo ‘Pocket Rocket’ Rogers to Region 9, where over the course of one week, he was able to train over 50 young fighters, inclusive of two females, in the basic of the sport.

“The GBA is happy that the minister could embrace the initiative and he would’ve without hesitation, having the coach

in the region. It says that we would be able to tap into hidden talent in Region 9 and we have always said that we have gotten a chance to see some of our best athletes because of the lack of resources” said president of the GBA, Steve Ninvalle.

Ninvalle said the GBA is also exploring the possibility of opening a gym in Region 9 to afford fighters there a chance to compete at the National Championships.

“The GBA salutes and applaud Dr Norton for acting swiftly on this when approached, since this fits well into our boxing decentralizing programme” Ninvalle stated.

Rogers, who hails from

The two female boxers in Region 9

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday October 16, 2017) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Ridley Jacobs-16 dismissals (16 catches) (2) Tatenda Taibu-10 dismissals (8 catches/2 stumpings) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who was declared Man of the Match in the last WI/ZIM Test?

(2) Who was voted Man of the Series at the end of the last WI/ ZIM engagement?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

trical Store, Impressions, Truck Masters, Windjammer, Super Bet, The Track Bar, Ocean Spray Hotel, Secure Innovation and Concept, Clear Waters, Marics, Rid-O-Pest and Karcher.

Some fighters during one of their days at training

Linden and operates the Pocket Rocket Gym, expressed his delight to be given the opportunity by the GBA, and also thanked Minister Norton for allowing him the chance to possibly produce the country’s next top fighter.

“What I realise is the interior have the talent when it comes to sports and I was able to reach the youths of Lethem and some other villages around” Rogers highlighted.

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 16, 2017

John wins l Kadir Mohamed 80-mile cycle road race

In this Adrian Narine photo, Team Coco’s Jamal John (left) romps to victory in yesterday’s Kadir Mohamed ‘One Ounce of Gold’ 80-mile Cycle Road Race ahead of Raynauth Jeffrey (right).

IN form team Coco’s Jamal John returned three hours 13 minutes, 6 seconds in winning the 6 th Annual Kadir Mohamed 80-mile cycle road race yesterday which was staged along the Georgetown, East Bank and Linden Highway.

The Flying Stars Cycle Club organized event wheeled off from Homestretch Avenue and proceeded along Mandela Avenue before turning on the East

Bank Highway to journey to Dora on the Linden Highway before returning to the place of origin for the finish.

The veterans over 45 years of age as well as the juveniles and mountain bikers turned back at the first hill at Splashmin’s Fun Park.

However, it was while at Farm on the East Bank of Demerara that Christopher Griffith, Walter Grant-Stuart and

John attacked, but this was short-lived as Raynauth Jeffrey, Orville Hinds, Shaquel Agard Alonzo Ambrose, Andrew Hicks and Geron Williams connected to the trio and together they battled for positions.

While on the downward journey, Jeffrey and Hinds attacked the pack and were subsequently joined by John and together the trio dominated the

Prize winners of the various categories in yesterday’s 80-mile Kadir Mohamed Memorial ‘Ounce of Gold’ Cycle Road Race strike a pose with Mrs. Mohamed (centre front) after receiving their prizes (Adrian Narine photo).

race until they reached the final turn for home at the junction of Mandela and Homestretch Avenue near the Cultural Centre, when John jumped the pack and won comfortably by almost 30 metres.

Jeffrey outsprinted Hinds to take second, while Agard placed fourth, Williams fifth, DeNobrega sixth, Alonzo Ambrose seventh and Christopher Griffith eight, respectively.

In other results, Curtis Dey won the junior category ahead of Nigel Dugid, Christopher Cornelius and Marcus Keiler, respectively.

The juvenile event was won

by Jonathan Ramsuchit who returned two hours 30 minutes, 17 seconds. Second in this category was Ralph Seenarine while David Hicks of Berbice placed third.

The veterans’ under 45

years category was won by Junior Niles ahead of Paul Cho-Wee-Nam and Keith Fernandes respectively, while the veterans’ over 45 years of age was won by Ian Jackson. Second was Oliver Younge and finishing third was Kennard Lovell.

Jude Bentley won the mountain bike category ahead of Seon Budhan and Julio Melville respectively.

GFA kickoff season amidst referees ‘boycott’ Guyana Women to open account against Uruguay ... Beacon 4 – 1 Black Pearl in opening game Pan American Indoor Hockey Championships…

The Guyana ladies will have a tough battle when they open their Pan American Indoor Hockey tournament bid against Uruguay.

By Stephan Sookram THE highly-anticipated Pan American Indoor Hockey Championships start at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall with the Guyana Women playing two games.

They ladies will play against Uruguay in the second match of the day at 11:15hrs before turning around to play Argentina at 17:30.hrs The day’s proceedings open with the Argentina Women taking on the Barbadians at 10:00hrs

in the first game with the third women’s encounter featuring the United States and Trinidad and Tobago at 12:30hrs.

At 13:35, the Men’s action gets underway with Canada and Mexico squaring off after which Guyana and Barbados will clash at 15:00hrs.

Women’s action returns at 16:15hrs with Canada and Barbados having to battle while the Guyanese ladies return to action.

Following a brief opening ceremony at 17:00hrs,

Argentina and Trinidad and Tobago return at 18:45hrs for a men’s clash with Uruguay and Trinidad and Tobago closing off the night at 20:00hrs with a female clash.

Play resumes tomorrow with six more matches at the same venue, starting from 13:00 hrs and Guyana’s men will open their quest for top honours with a clash against regional counterparts T&T at 16:45 hrs.

All Guyana is being urged to wear Green or Yellow tops in support of the national teams.

COMPLIMENTS of Ansa McAl under their STAG Beer brand, the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) kicked off their 2017 Premier League last evening at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground with a triple-header.

But the tournament, which will be contested between 10 City teams, got off to an embarrassing start, after only two officials turned up for the opening game which saw Beacon defeating Black Pearl 4 - 1.

Reports are the GFA had written to the GFF, following protocol, with fixtures and payments for the officials.

However, at kickoff for the opening game of the league, only two officials were present, despite the GFA ensuring that they met all the demands of the GFF to have the league played.

Public assistant Referee? (Adrian Narine photos)

The referee and his assistant were present and had to ask a spectator to help ‘carry the flag’. But there was no fourth official. A GFA official was bewildered at the ‘no show’ of the officials, and stated a formal report will be given to the GFF about the incident.

Meanwhile, the League continues today at the same venue with a double- header which will see, from 18:00hrs, the home side GFC coming up against Flamingo, while Santos do battle with Northern Rangers from 20:00hrs.

Part of the action between Beacon and Black Pearl in the GFA Premier League at the GFC ground on Sunday.

John wins l Kadir Mohamed 80-mile cycle road race See Page 23

‌.England win overall team shoot

See Page 20

Brathwaithe spurs Guyana to WIFBSC Short range title

Guyana is the 2017 WIFBSC Short range champions following the conclusion of the tournament at the Timheri Rifle Ranges on Sunday. (Adrian Narine Photo)

Essequibo crowned GCB Franchise League three-day champions ... Coach Hyles hails team performance, Sanasie says Essequibo have silenced the critics

By Rajiv Bisnauth

The victorious Essequibo team celebrate after winning the second edition of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Franchise League three-day tournament yesterday.

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

ESSEQUIBO rode on an excellent all-round effort throughout to win the second edition of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Franchise League three-day tournament, which concluded yesterday.

The achievement landed Essequibo their maiden title.

The League, which was played over a seven-week period, saw over 100 of the country’s best cricketers participating.

However, Essequibo do deserve great appreciation. They played some phenomenal cricket from round one, and the trend of an overall team effort continued throughout.

Their dominance was so eventful, that Anthony Adams was voted the best all-rounder

Turn to page 20 MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2017