Guyana Chronicle E-paper 10-30-2018

TUESDAY

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 30, 2018

30th October, 2018

No.105443

Lawmen alone can’t solve crimes …Ramjattan warns against creating ‘jailhouse nation’ for youths

President off to Cuba for medical check-up PRESIDENT David Granger will today depart Guyana for the Republic of Cuba, where he is scheduled to undergo a medical investigation, the Ministry of the Presidency has announced.

According to the ministry, the Head of State will be accompanied by First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, and is expected to return on November 11, 2018.

He reportedly met late Monday and had a last-minute talk with ministers of the People’s National Congress-Reform (PNCR) arm of the government.

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GECOM promises early results …says ready to deliver clean LGEs

President David Granger

$103M

pump station opens in Essequibo 13 PAGE

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Few groups apply to 08 observe LGEs PAGE

The newly commissioned $103M pump station at Two Friends Village on the Essequibo Coast

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 30, 2018

All aboard

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 30, 2018

By Rabindra Rooplall

MINISTER of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan said that law enforcement agencies alone cannot solve the crime problem here, even as he urged total involvement of all stakeholders.

The minister was at the time speaking at the launch of the Citizen Security Strengthening Programme (CSSP) of the Ministry of Public Security parenting, interpersonal violence prevention and conflict resolution intervention programme, at the Umana Yana.

The US$5.7M programme themed “Reclaim Hope. Reclaim Community, Unite to Reduce Crime and Violence”, is expected to provide training for out-ofschool youths. It is one of the components of CSSP which is being funded by the Inter-American Development Bank to the tune of US$20M. Noting that violence has an intolerable consequence for many, especially women and young children, Ramjattan said the brutish are not only out on the streets but within homes. He said based on global violence statistics, over a million people die each year because of various forms of violence.

Guyana’s murder rate in 2013 was 20.7 per 100, 000 population. This was reduced to 15 murders per 100, 000 population last year. But,

Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan

Ramjattan said, while there was a decline, “it is not anything to be proud of as there is much work to be done.”

“Our government is trying its best, in a very substantial way, to help adolescences and youths, both perpetrators and victims who should be in school or otherwise gainfully occupied, to help in the prevention of violence,” the minister of public security said.

He added that as part of the CSSP programme, the aim is to train 1,400 youths that are at risk within 20 communities that were identified. “It is amazing how bright these youngsters are in various subject areas, the talent is there, we have to nurture it into something positive, rather than by their idleness that may force them into a direction that will be distracting and negative,” Ramjattan said.

Adding that crime and vi-

olence pose a threat to society and the human rights of all, the minister said a comprehensive understanding of the problem is needed before any solution is reached. “Government alone cannot solve it, we need partners, we need the IDB, the United Nations and its set of experts, amongst others,” he noted.

He said the issues must not be dealt with anecdotally but that empirical science is needed, and the University of Guyana has been urged to get such results.

Underscoring that greater investments must be made in our young people, Ramjattan said Guyana must not create a jailhouse nation for the youths but that programmes must be designed to enhance their development.

These programmes, which he said have already started, include vocational and life skill training, gender equality to decrease violence against women, addressing cultural and social norms that support violence and non-violent methods of disciplining children.

With the support of international assistance and consultants, the minister said that all forms of violence will be addressed.

According to him, the launch of the intervention is an indication that the government and the ministry understand that cooperation must be fostered with communities to address the various is-

…Min. Ramjattan says lawmen alone can’t solve crimes …warns against creating ‘jailhouse nation’ for youths

A section of the gathering at the event

sues of security, in an effort to safeguard the wellbeing of citizens. “This intervention targets the context of which violence is fostered, and addresses the risk factors associated with the perpetuation of violence. It is my intention to work with other government departments and the international community, NGO’s, and community based groups to deal with crime and violence using a comprehensive and systematic approach,” Ramjattan explained.

Meanwhile, keynote speaker Sociologist Dr. Lionel Matthews said that the wrongs that are done to others, reproduce themselves in disempowering and self-diminishing ways for both the abused and the abuser. He explained that persons who

experienced abuse are more likely to abuse others, and the effects never operate in one direction as both the victim and the victimiser are affected.

“The violence phenomenon is a vicious cycle, it resides not only in violent relationships, but also within the entire life of the abused and the abuser,” Dr. Mathews said.

He said that only with constant strategising, planning and the execution of those plans, would rehabilitation be brought to victims and victimiser. “Life has no permanent cure,” he noted.

Deterrence and rehabilitation must always be applied in a reasonable way and mindful of unintended consequences, he added.

Dr. Matthews posit-

ed that parents, teachers and social workers must go the extra mile to talk to children who display undesirable tendencies. “When members of the police force and other law enforcement agencies step up and execute their duties with fairness, reasonableness yet firmness; When members of the clergy help us reconnect with our better angles, and yet others not mentioned; when they too step up and execute in all the ways they can; when we all step up and execute and join hands, then we will be able to see the dawning of the day for which we have longed,” the sociologist asserted.

GECOM promises early results …says ready to deliver clean LGEs

By Lisa Hamilton

WITH just 12 days to go, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) says it is ahead of schedule and fully prepared to efficiently conduct Local Government Elections (LGEs) 2018 and its Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield said when it comes to the counting of ballots and declaration of results this will not go beyond November 13, 2018.

Explaining his position further, he added: “I envisage that results will be declared in each of these 80 Local Authority Areas as early as practicable. The largest municipality we have to cover remains Georgetown. There

are others where we barely have six polling stations [that is why] I don’t envisage that is going to take an inordinately long time to be counted.”

There are currently 1,674 polling stations countrywide while some 272 are likely to be private residents which GECOM is now moving to confirm.

READY FOR LGES Meanwhile, GECOM said it has successfully trained some10,700 polling staff who will oversee the smooth functioning of the process.

“I’m happy to report that the commission is on schedule for the efficient conduct of Local Government Elections 2018 on the 12th of

November without any chaos or confusion as is being reported in some sections of the media,” Public Relations Officer (PRO) Yolanda Ward stated on Monday at a press briefing.

Lowenfield said that the ballots procured from the Canadian Bank Note Company have arrived on schedule and are presently being secured by the Guyana Police Force (GPF). Regarding the trained polling officers Lowenfield said: “We’ll be employing them definitively from November 2, 2018 to facilitate mock polls and their own integration as members of polling stations across the spectrum. So, we’re on the way to delivering an efficient

Seated from left at the Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM’s) media briefing on Monday are: Public Relations Officer (PRO) Yolanda Ward; Chief Election Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield and Deputy Chief Election Officer Roxanne Prince-Myers

election.”

Deputy Chief Election Officer (DCEO) Roxanne Prince-Myers added: “As the CEO said, we are appointing our polling day staff so we are well ahead of our schedule in

terms of preparing for Local Government Elections.”

Prince-Myers reminded that the period for application of proxy is open and will close on November 2, 2018.

“Right now our returning of-

ficers are issuing application forms for proxy. This means that there are some categories of people who are not able to be voting on Election Day so they can have proxy, a person who would vote in their stead,” she explained.

Addressing some of the criteria, Prince-Myers said that both the proxy and the person unable to vote must be living within the same constituency and listed at the same polling station.

When applications are sent in they will be investigated by returning officers and by November 8, 2018 appointments will be issued to applications approved.

Also at the news conference, Ward took the opportunity to Turn to page 9 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 30, 2018

All options on table in dealing with BBCI toll increase- Min Patterson NO option will be ruled out when dealing with the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. (BBCI) proposed toll increase, and the government intends to use all options available to ensure that citizens are not burdened, Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson said in telephone interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Monday.

Minister Patterson said that currently there are water taxis working and whether

they will be increased or not will be decided in time. Members of the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce had expressed the shock, astonishment and anger at the recent amended fare structure put out by the BBCI, and openly wondered if the company wants to strangle the citizens of East Berbice.

The BBCI has announced plans to increase the bridge tolls over threefold, with a view to meeting operational costs and making up for the

company’s accumulated loss of over G$2.8B. The rates announced by the company are as follows: Cars: G$8,040; Pickups: G$14,600; 4WD: G$14,600; Minibuses: G$8,040; Small trucks: G$14,600; Medium trucks: G$27,720; Large trucks: G$49,600; Articulated trucks: G$116,680; Freight: G$1,680 and Boats: G$401,040. These, the company said, would be implemented on November 12, 2018.

Patterson said that the government would do all in its power to ensure that the increases are not implemented while, Attorney General, Basil Williams has stated that the BBCI would be in breach of both the Berbice River Bridge Act and the agreement that the company has signed with the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, if it proceeded to increase tolls.

The Corentyne chamber in a statement said, with the

Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson

present economy of East Berbice not quite booming following the closure of some sugar estates, it is extremely insulting to the citizens to now be faced with this horrendous increase in fares. As a matter of fact, members of the chamber are asking for the present fare of $2,200 for motor cars and buses to be reduced to $1,500.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Regional Chair-

man David Armogan had said he does not think the government will allow the fares to increase, and that he has confidence in the administration to come up with a reasonable compromise.

“I think the government will intervene, I have the confidence the government will intervene and bring the stalemate to some kind of conclusion, so I don’t think that those rates that are fixed will be implemented on the 12th November,” the regional chairman said.

Meanwhile, President of the Central Corentyne Chambers of Commerce, Poonai Bhigroog said, when he first saw the news on social media he thought it was someone playing a late April fool’s joke in October. He said that should good sense not prevail and it is implemented, it will be disastrous for Berbice. “If it is to be implemented, I think that will be the final nail in the coffin for Berbice, it might be

the first time on the planet that a county in a country becomes obsolete, cause it is almost ridiculous.”

Ryan Alexander, the President of the Berbice Chambers of Commerce echoed similar sentiments, and believes that if implemented the new rates will create “havoc”. He has called on all relevant stakeholders to unite so a solution can be worked out for the benefit of all. The President of the Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce, Mohindra Persaud, said he does not think the rates will be implemented since he believes the government will step in. According to him, from experience he knows the cost for maintenance for anything increases as it gets older, but feels the BBCI needs to look at other avenues to increase their revenue to help cushion this cost.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 30, 2018

More problems surface at Kato Secondary

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--REO asks Finance Ministry for help

By Svetlana Marshall KATO Secondary School in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) is saddled with more problems close to two months after it was declared fit for learning by the engineer at the Ministry of Education.

Constructed under the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) administration to facilitate students in the region, the Kato Secondary School has been a sore issue for the Ministry Education.

After much delay, the school, construction of which started in 2013, was opened this September, but now that it has the full complement of students, more problems are surfacing.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Regional Executive Officer (REO) Carl Parker said that from all indications, the A Partnership For National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) administration will be saddled with the responsibility of constantly maintaining the school building as there are a number of things wrong with it.

“The engineers went and give the school a pass mark in terms of structural integrity, but they did that when the school wasn’t loaded,” Parker said.

“And now that the school is loaded with 350 children -- and you know children; they gallivant whole day -- a

tor to go across to extend the septic tanks to commercial size septic tanks.”

Region 8 REO, Carl Parker

lot of faults are showing up with that school,” he added, noting that for starters, the walkway around the building is unstable.

Parker said: “Apparently it wasn’t done properly, and so when you are walking on the concrete, you feel the concrete moving.

“So apparently it wasn’t compacted properly, or if they compact it properly, they compacted it with the wrong material.”

Then there’s the roof of the school, which, according to the REO, was poorly done.

He said that in the event of any heavy shower with strong winds, “the zinc sheets will be flying left, right, and centre.”

Parker said, too, that the water trestles cannot withstand the weight of the tanks, added to which is the problem with the septic tanks.

“The septic tanks are those you build for your homes,” the REO said. “We have 350 children there, and all the septic tanks are overflowing. So I asked a contrac-

LITANY OF WOES And if that’s not enough, the water supply system, which is powered by solar energy, conked out several days ago due to the inability to charge the batteries. As such, no water could have been pumped to the school.

“There is no system in place for the waste water from the kitchen,” he further pointed out, while explaining that the waste water currently drains into a ravine, which in turn drains into the creek from which water is pumped to supply the school.

Said the REO: “So we are pumping water; nasty water into the tanks. Last week we had to deal with a situation where the doctors had to respond to a bout of vomiting and diarrhoea.”

To remedy the situation, he said the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) has identified another ravine from which to access water, and that the pump will be relocated to facilitate the process. But to do it, the RDC will need additional funds, which it has already requested, from the Ministry of Finance.

The RDC has also requested $50M from the Finance Ministry to rehabilitate a number of buildings at Kato to accommodate teachers.

“The building right now

Republic Bank honours RightStart NGSA students

Students of Queen’s College in receipt of Republic Bank’s RightStart Gift Certificate and a special gift on Friday

EIGHT outstanding National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) students, also RightStart account holders of Republic Bank Guyana Limited, were honoured on Friday at a special ceremony during their school’s assembly.

The students are all from Queen’s College and included: Zyia Brathwaite, Cianna Barkoye, Jaya Jamuna, Amaya Ramsarup, Matthew Singh, Alexander Persaud, Danielle Ramlall and Krystel Gangadin.

They each received a

RightStart Gift Certificate and a special gift.

In the feature address, Manager, Internal Audit at Republic Bank Mr. Oral Rose, congratulated the awardees for their exceptional performance and commended the parents for the support they provided.

He encouraged the awardees to continue to give of their best in all they endeavour to do academically and to make use of opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities.

These, he highlighted,

will aid in their development as to ensure they become rounded individuals.

Well wishes also came from the bank’s board of directors, management and staff, according to a media release.

This activity is an annual feature for Republic Bank which focuses on encouraging academic excellence among Guyana’s youth by recognising and rewarding the academic milestones of its RightStart account holders.

Kato Secondary

could only accommodate 10 teachers,” Parker said, adding: “We have 17 teachers, and so we have to find accommodation for seven. We have the buildings.”

Those buildings to which he referred were built in the 1980s, when Kato was the seat of administration for Region Eight. “We are awaiting permission from the Ministry of Finance, along with the funds, to have those buildings rehabilitated,” he said. “ So we have teachers right now doubling up in their apartments.”

For 2019, the RDC has requested funding for the con-

struction of another dormitory, the REO said. “That school only has Forms One, Two and Three, and it is filled; both dormitories are filled.

“Next year we will be having a Form Four, and the following year we will be having a Form Five. And it has implications for accommodation, so we have budgeted to extend the dormitories.”

He said that based on the current situation, it is likely that the school will have to be maintained more than is the norm.

The contract for the construction of the school received Cabinet’s approval

on December 27, 2012, and was awarded by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) to the lowest of four bidders.

At the time, a $728.165M contract was signed on December 31, 2012, with a commencement date of January 21, 2013. The contract provided for a two-year period for defects liability, one year after completion.

However, it was saddled with defects, and the current administration was left with no other choice than to facilitate remedial works.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Promoting sustainable tourism ONE of Guyana’s greatest yet underutilised potential resources was the focus of attention at a workshop in New Amsterdam, Berbice last Thursday.

Regional officials of Mahaica-Berbice and East Berbice-Corentyne met with representatives of the Department of Tourism at the Ministry of Business to discuss ways to develop Guyana’s vast tourism potential.

Although it has long been recognised that Guyana has enormous capacity in the area of tourism, unfortunately, the sector has not received sufficient attention in the past.

The new focus is, therefore, a welcome development.

The Mission Statement of the Department of Tourism is: It is the mission of the Department of Tourism in the Ministry of Business to raise the profile of Guyana

as a tourism destination that emphasises the development of a sustainable and essentially, though not exclusively, nature-based product that exceeds visitor expectations while making a substantial contribution to the national economy, and to the enhancement of the quality of life of all Guyanese.

Tourism is big business worldwide; it accounts for 30 per cent of global trade revenues in services. Such services include transportation, accommodation, hospitality, and entertainment.

Tourism is responsible, too, for six per cent of global trade in products, including food and souvenirs. Clearly, the sector is a significant part of global economic activity, and it would be to Guyana’s great advantage to become optimally involved.

Guyana offers diverse

and, in many cases, unique tourism opportunities. Our nature-based product alone is excellent. Visiting Guyana’s pristine forests is an experience no one can forget.

The forested mountains and valleys with their majestic waterfalls and rapids, beautiful streams and creeks, and towering trees of a mind-boggling variety are home to some of the world’s most interesting wildlife. Guyana is home to no less than 21 of the largest animals of particular species.

Our country has the largest fresh-water fish, the mighty Arapaima; the largest rodent, the Capybara; the largest Anteater; Caiman; bat; eagle; jaguar; armadillo; toad; and manatee, among other fauna. It’s a nature enthusiast’s haven. We need not even mention our famous Kaieteur Falls.

With a variety of activities to pursue, including hiking, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, bird-watching, mountain climbing, and camping, there is something for everyone.

However, if we want to successfully market our product, we must continue to work to make access to our unique resources easier and less expensive. In this way, Guyana’s natural beauty may be accessible to both foreign visitors and local tourists.

We must also implement practical systems and protocols to ensure that visitors to our natural areas do not harm our environment. In other words, we must ensure sustainability.

At the XXIV Inter-American Congress of Ministers and High-Level Authorities on Tourism, President Granger said: “The protection and pres-

ervation of the zone of peace and natural patrimony is the foundation on which sustainable tourism initiatives will grow and thrive…”

Guyana also has enormous possibilities in the cultural-tourism sector. There is little doubt that many overseas residents would come here to experience our Diwali celebrations, our Rupununi rodeo, and other activities that take place in the various regions. But first, potential visitors would have to be aware of those activities, and that requires aggressive marketing.

As it is, unfortunately, even many Guyanese do not know what the various regions have to offer in terms of entertainment and recreation.

Referring to our hemisphere, President Granger said: “The Americas possess

spectacular attractions; they have more than the traditional Mediterranean and Pacific sun, sand and sea tourism.

“They are rich in cultural diversity. The immigrants, together with the Indigenous Peoples, have woven a fantastic fabric of faiths, festivals and foods.”

The recent workshop is a move in the right direction.

The Ministry of Business has announced that its Department of Tourism has embarked upon a programme of regional consultations, workshops, and cooperative endeavours to promote and market each region’s unique tourism product.

Since an influx of visitors to the various regions would translate to an inflow of revenue, a successful marketing campaign would be a positive development for Guyana.

CGID condemns Kennard’s ‘Shut Up’ remarks Dear Editor , ON October 26, 2018 at a sitting of the “so-called” Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the operations of the Georgetown City Council, Chairman of the CoI, retired Chancellor of the Judiciary of Guyana, Cecil Kennard, shouted “Shut Up” to Mrs. Patricia Chase-Green, the elected Mayor of Georgetown. Mr. Kennard’s outburst made sensational headlines. Several obliviously ignorant critics of the mayor rushed to social media to glorify this contemptuous eruption.

How dare this man speak to the mayor of our capital city, a woman, in this insolent manner? And how dare the leaders of our country condone such appalling behaviour?

Justice Kennard’s outburst was sexist, chauvinistic and repulsive. Nothing about his disgraceful conduct should be glorified.

In fact it should be denounced. CGID, therefore, condemns these comments in the strongest terms. We question whether

Mr. Kennard can speak to the females in his household in this manner? If so, let him take his appalling chauvinism there!

The day prior to this disgusting outburst, Mr. Kennard, made his antipathy for the mayor known. With alarming disdain, he asked the Chief Constable of the City Constabulary, Mr. Andrew Foo, why is it necessary for the mayor to be assigned eight security guards: “Is she President Granger, he contemptuously questioned? I have never seen the security arrangements of a duly elected public official so recklessly challenged in public.

Mr. Kennard, an octogenarian, seems out of touch, uninformed and intemperate.

The important question is: is the mayor entitled to protection? The answer is YES! Moreover, a contingent of eight security guards is standard for a protected person.

There are three shifts per day. Usually, two guards are assigned to the protectee’s residence per shift, plus a driver and a principle protective officer who accompanies

the protectee. What is the objection to this basic security detail? But, is the mayor’s security within Mr. Kennard’s remit? Impossible! Furthermore, if the mayor made managerial mistakes during her tenure, that is a question for the citizens of Georgetown to consider in the upcoming local government elections on November 12, 2018.

Moreover, why is Mr. Kennard chairing a commission of inquiry? He has disqualified himself from public office. In 1997, Justice Kennard allegedly secretly swore in Mrs. Janet Jagan as President of Guyana.

He then stood and watched, laughing, as Mrs. Jagan threw away an order by then Chief Justice Desiree Bernard, prohibiting him from administering her (Mrs Jagan) the oath of the presidency. He also stood laughing as Mrs. Jagan’s security guards assaulted the chief marshall of the Supreme Court, as he served the order of the chief justice. Subsequently, Mr. Kennard told Mrs. Jagan “That was good” as he giggled.

Mr. Kennard’s lawless conduct was

not only a grave violation of the constitution and to the rule of law, he subverted the democracy and brought dishonour to the judiciary. In any normal functioning democracy, Justice Kennard would have been impeached and removed from the bench. CGID, therefore, believes that Mr. Kennard lacks the integrity and credibility to conduct an inquiry into accountability at City Hall. His selection further begs the question as to the lack of judgement of the person who selected Justice Kennard for this role!

CGID, therefore, calls on Mr. Mortimer Mingo, Chairman of the Local Government Commission, to explain why someone who cannot command the respect and confidence of the people was selected for such an important task?

Rickford Burke President Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 30, 2018

GWI must step up Dear Editor, Guyana has earned its name from the Amerindians, with the meaning “Land of Many Waters”. Ironically, in this land of many waters, that precious, supposedly colourless mineral, has become the most abused, wasted and expensive commodity.

Just over a year ago, I had cause to publicise a Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) billing issue. Senior management and executives subsequently met with me over it. I presented my facts, and the issue which had greater reach than my simple highlight was acknowledged and efforts subsequently made to correct it.

My publicity of the GWI issue did not go down well with some persons and even

resulted in minor collateral damage. A once close friend, who was also even more closely linked to the GWI top people, took offence to my action and our friendship dissipated over the ensuing months. In life, you win some and you lose some.

GWI’s operation is again the subject of my attention. On October 19, 2018 at 12:11, I sent a video and photograph of a leaking water main located in a section of north-eastern Georgetown to the GWI Facebook account. All relevant details were provided. My message was read by someone at the GWI at 12:12, one minute later, on the same day. To date, the water main continues to leak. I estimate that thousands of gallons of water have been wasted over the past months since the main first started leaking, although some

ingenious resident in the area placed an old bucket over the breakage to prevent the water from sprouting into the air.

Hundreds more gallons of water may have been wasted since I took my precious time and effort in a public spirited gesture, to inform the GWI via its fancy Facebook public interface over a week ago. Is GWI really serious by its PR, advertisements, and appeals for members of the public to report breakages and leaking water mains?

I am no stranger to this type and culture of inaction in my hydrophilic country, but it is stifling to absorb the hypocrisy and even animosity that some in the corporate arena develop when the public media is engaged on such matters, which invariably expose their apparent slighting attitudes or incompetence.

The GWI people may again be unhappy with this missive, notwithstanding their untimeliness in addressing my report of the leakage. If acted upon, the entity will undoubtedly avert the unnecessary wastage of hundreds of thousands of dollars in water wastage, as well as restore full water pressure to consumers in the affected area.

Some other time I will address the issue of that orange-brownish colour featured in the water, which permanently stains everything it comes into contact with, from linen to toilet and sanitary ware. GWI is lucky to be operating in a country where persons do not actively sue for damages.

Regards, Orette Cutting

Questionable results from Medical Council elections Dear Sir, IN the not too distant past, I happened to read of multiple wrongs which continue to occur with regards to the functioning of the Medical Council of Guyana, in collusion with the chief medical officer (CMO) who happens to be an integral member of the very council. There were various letters of complaints from members of the wider public, who seem to have reflected the views of the practicing doctors, who for one reason or the other, were unable to directly give their views to the media because of the restrictions concerning doctors and the airing of grievances in the media to the wider public.

The council has been accused of being biased, ethnically and gender-wise imbalanced, politically-oriented, tardy in their decision making, and with a penchant for dealing in a high-handed manner with regards to junior doctors. The CMO has been accused of favouritism for particular members of the council, who it seem have had his great support thus, resulting in his defense of their every action or inaction with regards to the expected duties of council members.

In his defense, the CMO launched a scathing attack on whom he classified as “agitators” in an August 8th, 2018 article published in the Kaieteur News Daily, where he explained that some mem-

bers of the medical fraternity wanted changes at the medical council for their own private agenda, which included the issuance of licenses to unworthy practitioners. He, also, went at great lengths to disapprove the theory that he favoured sitting members of the council to continue in their position for the next election cycle, and that he had no negative bias towards any other doctor. The CMO also heartily boasted that he had been in that position for over 10 years, and that he had overseen the functioning of the medical council and its election procedure without any complaints before, and so this was something new of him being accused of showing bias.

However, the CMO never addressed adequately the issue of why the nomination process for members of the council was rushed, with little time for all doctors registered to make their input. He never answered why insufficient media coverage was given to the nomination process, nor why the nominations made were not shown to the public (i.e. who nominated and seconded each candidate). He also ignored an entire list of possible candidates without giving them due notification of why they could not be selected, even though a letter penned to himself with the names of those nominated, who nominated them and those who seconded the nomination was provided, along

with their registration numbers as in the 2018 Gazette of Practitioners, and a contact number for each and every person on the list. That letter clearly stated why it was nigh on impossible for those who were involved, to personally hand in their individual nomination list during the timeframe given. It requested that extension be granted or, if deemed necessary, to make contact. NO ONE was ever contacted by the CMO or his staff.

The CMO, therefore, clearly had an agenda and this agenda was challenged by not one but various letter writers, and proof of skullduggery will vindicate the accusations.

In the Oct 28th edition of the Kaieteur News, the CMO bravely released the results of the elections of new council members. They are as follows: Dr Frank Anthony 82 votes, Dr Mahendra Carpen 82 votes, Dr Bhiro Harry 80 votes, Dr Mercedes Palomares 45 votes, Dr Chris Prashad 79 votes, Dr Navin Rambarran 87 votes and Dr Marissa Seepersaud 72 votes.

Given the fact that six members are selected from the votes, we can safely assume that all except Dr Mercedes Palomares will be elected.

Of those six, five are returning members of the current board, with Dr Chris Prashad being the only new comer and Dr Ravi Motilall being the outgoing member. Five are currently staff members of the GPHC, with Dr Antho-

ny being the exception. Of the five, three are from the same department (Surgery) at GPHC. No representative of any other region or health facility was elected. Take time to digest this fact! Was there no other person interested enough in bettering their region, or another health facility (be it public or private) worthy of consideration?

The CMO’s claim that he has been responsible for elections for the last 10 years leads to a simple question.

Are the elections a true reflection of the wishes of the general medical fraternity or has the election process always been as tainted as the current version reflects?

Doing the same thing for 10 years does not mean that one is correctly doing what should be done, and as a doctor, the CMO should be aware of this fact.

If one is the least bit interested, the current gazette for health care providers will show on record that there are approximately 1000 doctors (1080 to be exact) registered to practice medicine in Guyana, and thus eligible to vote in any council election. Of this number, 454 are junior doctors with institutional registration, some having this type of registration for more than three years (even though the Medical Practitioner’s Act clearly states that this is unlawful, and the CMO whether aware or ignorant of this fact has clearly not made it a priority to rectify the

situation), and 626 have full registration (as of May22nd).

This gazette, as demanded by the governing act, is supposed to be up to date for every year and available to all health care providers and the general public for inspection.

What significance does this data show? It means that at the last election where each registered doctor has one vote, whereby he can select from the list of candidates a total of six worthy candidates for the board, no candidate garnered more than a tenth of the total votes available.

All doctors are supposed to be sufficiently qualified to understand the rules of voting so the candidate with the maximum votes (87), and give or take 13 ballots as being spoilt, then that would be a grand total of 100 votes.

A hundred votes are a tenth of the total number of registered voters as reflected by the national gazette of doctors.

Were nine tenths or 90 per cent of the voting population not interested in their wellbeing or was the system set up in such a way to reflect the results as shown? How do the current members of the council feel when the evidence is there that they were elected by a drastic minority of voters? Will the CMO be man enough to accept the fact that his tried and trusted formula is erroneous, and that the current election results are not a true reflection of the doctors he claims to serve?

Will the honorable ministers

of public health accept the results as they are on the good word of the CMO? Will the wider public sit idly by and watch corruption in its ugliest form continue? Who provides the checks and balances when the system that is put in place for good governance fails?

The world is watching, the doctors are watching especially the younger ones, those who feel under- represented and those with more to lose. Can the system make do without the 112 young doctors who have refused to continue with the government any longer?

Can GPHC give the MoPH the 40 requested GMOs so that they replace their departing colleagues from the interior, and still function to optimum capacity? Can the government cope with the loss of almost 50 doctors every year for the foreseeable future, due to fulfillment of contractual obligations and the calling of the wider world? Are we as a government doing enough to keep our most prized asset, our human resource? We all know the answer. Let’s hope we see the change that we voted for. To see wrongs being committed and to sit idly by and allow the continuance of these wrongs makes one and all partners of wrongdoing. Stand up and be counted ministers of public health.

Regards, Gustavo Kuerten

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 30, 2018

Few groups apply to observe LGEs

Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chief Election Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, says that very few applications came from groups requesting to observe the November 12, Local Government Elections (LGE).

“We had made a public appeal [where we] advertised for groups who are desirous of participating in the observation of the process.

We have received very few of those,” Lowenfield announced at a press briefing

on Monday.

Applications received came from the Private Sector Commissions (PSC); the Public Service Union (PSU) and a few embassies located in the country. “I can’t recall exactly [the number of embassies applying] but I think the US and the Canadian embassies would have made submissions to the commission for approval. So they’re the only ones who have responded to us far as it relates to participating in the observations of the elections,”

he said, adding: “I think the commission has already approved their participation and the office of the chairman will be relating to those agencies that I mentioned for the details as required to be satisfied.”

When asked whether any group’s application had been denied, Lowenfield responded: “I’m not aware of any applicant being turned down who would have applied to participate in the observation.”

Group observation is

GECOM Chief Election Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield

Overseas-based woman succumbs to Beehive crash

OVERSEAS-BASED Guyanese Keiolla Fortune-Thomas, the woman who was hospitalised following an accident at Bee Hive on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) on Monday afternoon, has succumbed to her injuries, relatives confirmed.

Fortune-Thomas of Clonbrook, ECD was travelling in a car, a Toyota Allion

bearing registration PWW 5851, around 14:45hrs on Monday, when the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into an electrical pole following which the car landed in a trench.

The car was allegedly driven by a police officer stationed at the Ann’s Grove Police station. He is said to have escaped with injuries which were not severe.

Reports are that the driver was speeding along the roadway when he lost control of the car and crashed into the pole. He reportedly hit another pole before landing in the trench. Eyewitnesses noted that the cop emerged from the car minus his police shirt.

The woman was immediately rushed to the hospital where she died while undergoing treatment.

Keiolla Fortune-Thomas

Fortune-Thomas travelled to Guyana in August this year to celebrate her one year wedding anniversary. Relatives and friends reacted in shock after receiving news of her demise.

requested by the commission in order to enhance transparency, credibility and impartiality of the LGEs. Some of the criteria needed for all local observer groups include: familiarity and experience with electoral laws and procedures; ability to maintain professional independence and strict impartiality in the conduct and previous experience in election monitoring.

Rape accused granted $300k bail A 21-year-old man was on Monday released on $300,000 bail on a rape charge when he appeared in a City Magistrate’s Court.

Mario Bruce appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and was not required to plead the indictable

charge.

The charge alleged that between August 21 and 22, 2018 at Princes Street, Werk-en Rust, Bruce engaged in sexual activities with a 15-yearold child.

Bruce was released on $300,000 bail by the magistrate

Sea defence works commence on Fort Island

IN an effort to boost the infrastructural integrity of Fort Island, Essequibo River against erosion, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure has embarked on sea defence works.

Head of the National Task Force Committee, Dr. Sewnauth Punalall, told the Guyana Chronicle that the ‘gabin mattress’ design is being used to build the sea defence following concerns of erosion reported by residents.

He explained that the ‘gabin mattress’ is the method in which a wire basket is made and filled with rocks and installed around the island.

Dr. Punalall told this newspaper that he made a follow-up visit to Fort Island and during an outreach he met with residents who expressed concerns about erosion. It is reported that a section of the island has washed away.

He related that he visited the area which once served as a pasture for cattle and saw first-hand the damage caused by the high tides and coincidentally, at the time of his visit, the region was doing some work on the is-

Dr. Sewnauth Punalall following the presentation of hampers to residents of Fort Island.

land and a collaboration was established.

Dr. Punalall added that residents also spoke to him about the absence of potable water supply, the state of disrepair of the Transport and Harbours Department facilities and the need for the pathway which serves as the main road to be cleared of vegetation.

Noting that Fort Island is a tourist site, the pathway which was once useful years ago should be free of encumbrances since bird watchers and others use this pathway.

Dr. Punalall also heard the concerns by residents about the growing drug use on the

island by mostly the youths.

DONATION During one of his visits to Fort Island, he also made a monetary donation to one of two students who was successful at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) and was placed at Parika Secondary School.

The pupil Asha Kawapattie, 11, was presented with the money to assist in her studies.

Meanwhile, a few families were gifted hampers which consisted of a kerosene stove and groceries, all compliments of Dr. Punalall.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 30, 2018

King fails to contest legality of City Hall CoI –– to reappear Friday to finish testifying

By Tamica Garnett TOWN Clerk, Royston King, through his lawyer Maxwell Edwards failed Monday in his motion to challenge the legality of the establishment of the City Hall Commission of Inquiry (COI) and its authority to investigate him.

King was scheduled to begin testifying before the COI yesterday morning, but that session ended in uncertainty as to whether or not he would take to the stand.

The motion was successfully quashed when the Commission’s lawyer, Everton Singh-Lammy argued, at the opening of the afternoon session, that there were lawful provisions for the Local Government Commission (LGC) to establish the COI under Section 78 (a) of the Constitution.

This was followed by Commission Chairman, Justice (ret’d) Cecil Kennard ruling that the LGC had a right to delegate it’s right to investigate as it sees fit, particularly in a case where the investigation requires expertise outside of the LGC’s range.

Said Justice Kennard as he handed down his decision on the question of legality:

“It is clear that the Commission has a right to initiate and investigate. Does that mean that the LGC has the competence to investigate such a matter?

“Does it mean that the LGC cannot delegate some of its functions? Surely not.

That would be adopting a very narrow view. Having regard for the magnitude of the task, and in view of the various complaints being brought, I would say it was commendable on the part of the Commission to set up this Inquiry.

“And in examining legislation, one has to apply a commonsense approach to the situation.”

Subsequent to Singh-Lammy’s presentation and the judge’s ruling, King began his testimony but was not able to complete it by the close of the session for the day, and is now scheduled to reappear on Friday.

He was summoned before the Commission to answer to a number of charges that were levelled against him over the past few weeks, but before he took the stand, his lawyer Maxwell Edwards made what he called “a preliminary point” that the COI was not established through the proper channel, in accor-

Town Clerk, Royston King (right) with his lawyer, Maxwell Edwards (Photo by Adrian Narine)

dance with either the Local Government Commission Act (LGCA), or Chapter 28:01 Municipal and District Council Acts.

That observation out of the way, Edwards said that in that case, he would advise his client not to take the stand, and that if Justice Kennard overrules his submission, he would advise that he “testify as a witness under protest”.

Addressing the Commis-

Body found aback South Ruimveldt THE body of an elderly woman was found on Monday lying in the bushes in the backlands of Cane View Avenue, South Ruimveldt.

At the scene, police said that the body was seen lying in a fetal position on its right side, clad in camouflage. The body was removed by Lyken Funeral Parlour and is at Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) mortuary awaiting identification and a post-mortem.

The body bore scratches and minor abrasions to the back of the head.

The body that was found aback South Ruimveldt backlands.

GECOM promises early ... make a public appeal to persons who have conducted transactions for Identification Cards, whether for new cards or replacements, to uplift them.

“As, you know, an ID card is a very essential component for the voting population and so what we have at the moment is a number of persons who have conducted various registrations…but they have not yet uplifted their IDs from our offices. We are urging those persons to ensure that

over the next few days you visit the registration office where you would have conducted that particular transaction and to ensure that those ID cards are uplifted,” she said.

Education programme The PRO also updated that GECOM has commenced sensitisation regarding education awareness on the voting process which includes the dissemination of printed materials.

“We have disseminated a

From page 3

number of printed materials through the returning officers in their respective Local Authority Areas and so they have been conducting their own education awareness on the ground using some of these materials,” Ward said. However, she noted that there is still more work to do in this regard.

Meanwhile, notice of polls will be made public to all electors at least 10 days before the elections.

ion’s Chairman specifically, Edwards contended that the LGCA only provided for the LGC to investigate matters itself according to Section 14 (1), or to delegate its investigation responsibility to a “local government organ

authority” according to Section 19.

“I would submit that this Commission is void and a nullity on two grounds, the first ground in terms of Section 14 (1) of the Local Government Commission Act, under which this Commission was established,” Edwards said, adding: “Is this Commission the Local Government Commission? The simple answer is no. So this Commission could not be the Commission contemplated by this Section [14(1)].”

Edwards also noted that though there are provisions in Chapter 28:01, under the Eighth Schedule for the establishment of an inquiry, that provision says the Commissioner and Terms of Reference of the Inquiry has to be established by the Minister of Communities.

“The Minister of Communities has not established this Commission,” Edwards said, adding that while there is also the Commission of Inquiry Act, it calls for the CoI to be established by the President.

“Certainly, Sir,” he told Justice Kennard, “the President has not established this

Commission.”

In his response, Singh-Lammy contended that while Section 19 of the LGCA states that the LGC “may delegate… to any local government organ authority”, it in no way states that the LGC is limited to delegating only to local government organ authorities.

Further, Singh-Lammy said, Section 78 (a) gives the LGC widespread power to handle all local government matters “as it deems fit”.

Section 78 (a) of the Constution reads: “Parliament shall establish a Local Government Comission, the composition and rules of which empower the Commission to deal with, as it deems fit, all matters related to the regulation and staffing of local government organs and with dispute resolution within and between local government organs.”

As such, Justice Kennard ruled that the CoI had proper jurisdiction to investigate King and other matters pertaining to City Hall.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 30, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 30, 2018

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GECOM says preparation for disciplined services vote well advanced THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) will be pre-positioning ballots for the ease of movement during the Local Government Elections (LGEs) voting of Disciplined Services ranks scheduled for November 2, 2018.

“For the minimisation of movement, we will be pre-positioning in some locations the location of these ballots to ensure there is an easy and quick move on the day,” GECOM Chief Election Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield said.

Giving an example he said: “For example we’ll be pre-positioning the boxes for Springlands Police and Army at the Whim location, New Amsterdam location, and Fort Wellington locations. They’re all located in ‘B’ Division of the police so as against making one long movement on the day, we have prepositioned those

boxes intended for all ranks of the army, police and prisons in those locations eastward.”

He further added: “We’ll also be pre-positioning at Bartica on November 1. That takes care of ranks from the prison service stationed at the Mazaruni Prisons; the Bartica Police Station and we’ll be going as far West as St. Mary’s Police Station up the Essequibo River.”

CEO assured that planning for these movements is well-developed.

“Our preparation for the conduct of Disciplined Services balloting is very well advanced. I’ve had the opportunity this morning to brief stakeholders, those who attended, on all our moves for disciplined service balloting and to request of them for their involvement for the provision of agents or scrutineers to be part of that process,”

Lowenfield said.

He added that since the ballots arrived on October 22, GECOM has been able to extract the ballots specifically for the Disciplined Services. These include ranks from the Guyana Police Force (GPF); the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

“We’ve completed that.

We’ve extracted those ballots and we’ve sorted them out by polling stations. That is to say, when we extract we take it to the location where the rank is currently stationed and balloting will take place at those locations,” Lowenfield said.

He added that the location of balloting stations across the spectrum have been both gazetted and published.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 30, 2018

M&CC unveils new stamp

…in celebration of Georgetown’s 175th Anniversary THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC) on Monday unveiled a commemorative stamp to mark the 175th Anniversary of Georgetown’s elevation from the status of a Town to a City.

The launching of the stamp seeks to remind the populace of all of the contributions of the “city fathers and mothers,” and their collective efforts over the years which have resulted in the growth and development of Georgetown.

Those who attended the ceremony at City Hall included Minister of Public Telecommunications Catherine Hughes, Georgetown Mayor Patricia ChaseGreene, Acting Town Clerk Sharon Harry, and Post Mistress General Karen Brown.

Speaking about the design of the new stamp which goes on sale at all post offices in Guyana on October 30, the Mayor explained that the four images depict historical landmarks representative of old and new Georgetown and is representative of the

Minister Hughes (at left) with Assistant Town Clerk Sherry Jerrick at Monday’s ceremony

country’s people, various cultures and historical development.

Chase-Green offered that with the many plans on the table, she is looking forward to the time when the cleanliness, neatness and greatness of Georgetown are restored.

Minister Hughes, in her speech, recalled that earlier this month, the Guyana Post Office Corporation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs unveiled a special commemorative stamp to observe 50 years of strong bilateral and diplomatic relations with

neighbouring Brazil.

She observed that City Hall has hosted several activities to mark Georgetown’s 175th birthday as the commercial and financial center of Guyana; the seat of government; and at the last population census in 2016, the home of approximately 200,500 residents.

The Minister, in seeking to provide a glimpse back in time, related that Georgetown began as a small town in the 18th Century, a period when the French, Dutch, Spanish Turn to page 14

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 30, 2018

Gov’t commissions $103M pump station in Essequibo …283 farmers to benefit from the venture By: Indrawattie Natram RESIDENTS living within the communities of Columbia, Aberdeen, Three Friends, Land of Plenty, Mainstay, Reliance as well as its immediate front lands, will now experience improved drainage and irrigation now that the Government of Guyana, through the National Drainage and Irrigation (NDIA) and the Ministry of Agriculture, has commissioned a $103M new stateof-the-art pump station at Three Friends Village.

The installation of the pumps will significantly reduce flooding in the area with its capacity of 240 cubic feet of water per second. The cost for the pump included the construction of two metal pump houses, two trash racks, two 1,100-litre fuel tanks, an access road, an operation house and a vehicle.

The project was awarded to Samaroo’s Investment.

Addressing a large gathering of farmers, residents and governmental officials at the commissioning ceremony held at Three Friends, Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder said

that his ministry has been concentrating on water management as a critical area of focus since the vast majority of the country’s agriculture is practiced in the low-lying regions of 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.“Climate change is likely to cause extensive and chronic flooding, the inundation of valuable agricultural lands and loss of crops caused by increased frequency of heavy rain; these when compounded by rising sea levels will have negative effects on the drainage coefficient, this can result in a negative effect in Guyana’s economy, therefore we need to be able to mitigate these climatic changes where our water resources and management is concerned,” Minister Holder said.

Speaking about the pump station, Minister Holder said that the pump was placed strategically to benefit other locations including Columbia and Aberdeen. These areas, he said, are important to national agricultural development efforts. “Specifically, some 3500 acres of predominately rice and cash crops will benefit with other

commercial undertakings.

There are about 230 rice farmers and about 200 cash crop farmers who will benefit directly and the system will also indirectly benefit 283 rice farmers linked to this network,” Minister Holder further told the gathering.

The minister said that it was also recognised that during periods of heavy rainfall, approximately 1,100 acres in the areas would experience flooding, causing losses to crops and in some cases property. As a result, he said that gravity drainage available in the location is not sufficient to reduce the level of water in a timely manner thereby causing flooding in the Three Friends and close by villages.

“The installation of this pump will effectively reduce flooding, also due to heavy siltation of the outfall channels, the pump will also assist in clearing the outfall channel, the pumps capacity of 24p cubic feet of water per second, will assist in the clearing of sediment that causes blockage of the outfall,” Minister Holder said. The Minister urged those who will be benefiting from the services

Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder assist these youths in cutting the ribbon to officially commission the pump at Three Friends

to ensure that the drains and channels are clear of weeds in an effort to ensure the full use of the new facility.

Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt, who gave brief remarks, said he was happy that the project was completed and farmers would benefit from an improved drainage system.

He therefore pledged the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) support towards working in collaboration with NDIA in ensuring that proper drainage and irrigation services are provided to residents in the Pomer-

oon-Supenaam Region. He also made calls for revetment work to be done in the Three Friends area to complete the project.

Chief Executive Officer of NDIA, Mr. Fredericks Flatts gave an overview of the project and said that previously NDIA was tasked with ensuring that a mobile pump was in the area. He said the cost of the physical infrastructure was $103 million and was contracted to Doodnauth Samaroo Investment. Consultancy for the project was done by C and B Associates at the tune of $13.8 Million Guyana dol-

lars. The pumps, he said, are driven by engines as opposed to electricity.

After the formal part of the programme, the unveiling of the plaque and cutting of the ribbon, the pump was test run on site after which a coconut was burst as a symbolic opening. Also attending the commissioning were General Manager of the Guyana Rice Development Board, Mr. Nizam Hassan and Corporate Secretary of NDIA Omadatt Chandan along with other staff from the Ministry of Agriculture.

Body of drowned ‘conductor’ surfaces aback Marriott

THE body of 22-year-old Darshanan Mohabir who went down under choppy waters outside the Kingston seawall on Sunday afternoon, floated up aback the Marriott Hotel on Monday.

Mohabir, called “Ravi”, a minibus conductor and

father of two of Jangotown, Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, was swimming outside the seawall aback the Pegasus Hotel around 17:00hrs on Sunday, when his friends observed him encountering difficulties as he tried to swim to shore.

A friend of the man at-

tempted to swim towards him but turned around after he also encountered the choppy waters.

The man’s wife, Saudia Mohabir, told the Guyana Chronicle that her husband went out earlier on Sunday to play cricket with friends as customary. She said that

after playing the game, the group left for the seawall to take a dip. She said she was at home when the family received word that her husband went missing.

She said her husband, the second of three children, is the father of two young children, a daughter

and a son who will be celebrating his one year birth

anniversary in the coming days.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 30, 2018

St. Joseph’s Mercy Hospital partners with NexGen Pathology …to enhance its diagnostic services ST. JOSEPH Mercy Hospital (SJMH) has recently partnered with Trinidad-based NexGen Pathology, a fully CAP (College of American Pathologists) accredited laboratory that specialises in Anatomic Pathology, Clinical Pathology, Molecular Diagnostics and Genetic Studies to enhance its capacity in providing timely diagnosis and value-based medical care to its patients.

The hospital’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) Deborrah Ramsay, disclosed that the new partnership with NexGen will expand and improve the hospital’s medical diagnostic services because it gives SJMH direct access to the acclaimed laboratory’s cutting edge technology.

She added that the collaboration with NexGen Pathology is a key element of the hospital’s strategic focus on constantly upgrading the quality of its medical services to fulfill its core mission of promoting good health and well-being while maintaining meaningful bonds with the medical community, patients and the communities it serves.

Giving a brief overview of what the partnership entails, CEO and Founder of NexGen Pathology, Dr. Wesley Greaves explained that a main component of

the laboratory’s services is Surgical Pathology, which involves diagnosing surgical specimens, including breast biopsies and skin biopsies.

“If someone did a surgical procedure for a tumour and the tumour needs diagnosis, then it would need to go to the pathology lab to be diagnosed. That is a basic service that will be provided,” he explained.

Dr. Greaves noted that the Caribbean has a history of lacking skilled human resources in terms of internationally trained pathologists to provide specialist services.

However, the partnership will allow SJMH to benefit from the expertise of NexGen Pathology’s four American board certified pathologists.

Dr. Greaves said the facility also has sub-specialty pathologists trained in hematopathology, gastrointestinal, liver and breast pathology.

“This sort of world class team of pathologists is unprecedented in the English speaking Caribbean and that is the kind of quality service we will be bringing to Mercy…” Dr. Greaves said.

He added that while SJMH has its own onsite laboratory, NexGen Pathology will provide a comprehensive range of laboratory services, some of which are not done at SJMH. According to Dr.

M&CC unveils ... and British fought among themselves for possession of newly discovered territories in the West Indies, South America, East Asia, and even Australia. Guyana’s boundaries were not officially demarcated at that time until 1899.

This territory, according to Hughes, had separate colonies here, and the Demerara-Essequibo colony was first owned by the Dutch.

When the colony was captured by the British in 1781, Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Kingston chose the mouth of the Demerara River to establish a town with boundaries between Plantation Werken-Rust and Plantation Vlissengen.

It was the French who made it a capital city when they captured it from Colonel Robert Kingston in 1782, just one year after he won the land in a battle for Britain. The Dutch got it back two years later and re-named it Stabroek after Nicolaas Geelvinck, Lord of Stabroek, and he was President of the Dutch West India shipping Company.

Over time, the boundaries of the capital city expanded to include Eve Leary in the North, and Le Repentir in the South.

The town was renamed Georgetown on April 29, 1812 in honour of King George III of England. “Today, we have a City Council

Greaves, who is a specialist in Molecular Genetics Pathology, NexGen Pathology is also a strong provider of DNA testing, which is not widely available in the Caribbean.

Samples for analysis will be shipped to NexGen Pathology’s laboratory in Trinidad and Tobago. Tests will be done either there or at a partnering lab in North America. Reports from findings will be sent electronically.

“Even with that logistical reality in terms of the specimens having to go outside of Guyana, we believe we can meet and even beat the turnaround times that one would usually be accustomed to when sourcing these services here within Guyana. So we are confident that even with that limitation at this point in time, our turnaround time can match world class standards,” he said.

He added that NexGen is “the only fully comprehensive medical laboratory in the English speaking Caribbean to have accreditation with the College of American Pathologists.”

“Our desire is to partner with anyone who has that passion and interest and where we can find common ground in terms of providing the best quality of health care and medical services. We think we have found such a

From page 12 but in the 19th Century, the governing body of Georgetown was a Board of Police with members selected by the governor and the Court of Policy. The Commissary of Police did not have a role on the Board of Police. The Board of Police was eventually abolished and an ordinance was passed to establish a Mayor and Town Council,” Hughes informed.

Georgetown was officially recognised as a City on August 24, 1842 during the reign of Queen Victoria. She was the granddaughter of King George after whom the city was named.

“You would notice that the names of the city’s wards

From Left: St Joseph Mercy Hospital’s (SJMH) Lab Manager, Cindy Lalaram; Deputy CEO of SJMH, Deborrah Ramsay; CEO and Founder of NexGen Pathology, Dr. Wesley Greaves and NexGen Pathology’s Chief Operating Officer and co-founder, Andrea Richardson.

partner in Mercy Hospital… we believe…we have that same kind of drive to provide the best possible care.

“We know that St Joseph Mercy has a particular tradition and is recognised here in Guyana for their level of services. We think that we can definitely find common ground in terms of our desire to provide the best possible health care to patients who most need it,” he said.

SJMH’s Lab Manager, Cindy Lalaram underscored the importance of getting pathology results in a timely

manner to ensure well-timed diagnosis and treatment lest a patient’s condition worsens because of delays in testing and acquiring test results.

SJMH does not do pathology testing and makes use of external services. “The turnaround time can be long and by the time they get back the result the patient’s condition may have degenerated,” Lalaram said.

However, she noted that NexGen Pathology’s turnaround time is about seven to 10 days, depending on when SJMH submits the samples.

NexGen Pathology’s Chief Operating Officer and co-founder, Ms. Andrea Richardson, a Guyanese who is resident in Trinidad, anticipates tremendous benefits from the relationship.

“I think that Mercy Hospital is a pillar in the community and want to add to what they currently do. I think only great things can come from this relationship,” she said.

Richardson said that the NexGen liaison significantly boosts SJMH’s capabilities.

and streets reflect the past presence of the Dutch, the French and the English who were the administrators of the town at different periods,” Hughes said.

She noted that since its beginnings 175 years ago, the boundaries of Georgetown have expanded on three of four boundaries. The fourth boundary is the Demerara River. Greater Georgetown was added with new wards laid out in a similar box pattern. These included Bel Air Park, Gardens and Springs; Lamaha Gardens and Subryanville; Turkeyen, Liliendaal, and Ogle.

South Georgetown incorporated communities to the east and south of Werk-enRust which included the Ruimveldt wards, Roxanne Burnham Gardens, Albouystown,

Houston and Agricola.

Market as a “sight to see”…

Both the nation and the diaspora have been begging for that structure (Market) and this structure (City Hall), as well as the environs around one of our other attractions, Parliament Buildings, to be restored to their former pristine condition.”

The minister assured that the restoration of the Stabroek Market is underway, along with repairs to City Hall. “We owe it to ourselves, to our children, and to this nation that we love, to play the small roles that each of us have as citizens have, to bring Georgetown back, and our old nickname – The Garden City,” she charged.

THE GARDEN CITY Minister Hughes recalled that Georgetown was once called “The Garden City of the Caribbean”, and was glorified by tourists and the Caribbean because of its neatness; its cleanliness; the wide canals; double carriage-ways, and brightly flowering trees on nicely landscaped parapets.

“Those canals were built about three centuries ago by the Dutch to drain rainfall off the land, but several of them were filled in during the last century to function as avenues between double carriageways like Waterloo St. and Camp St. “I have found out that much of the Tourism literature produced all over the world still list the Stabroek

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Prime minister praises work of Salvation Army and to lift those who [are] in want.”

Sharing a recent experience he had in India, he said, “Perhaps there are many people contemplating or have attempted suicide, or even committed suicide, but if they have assistance like what is being offered at the Salvation Army to help them to lock the temptations of the world out, they would not lock their own lives away from the world.”

Mark Butts

By M Margaret Burke PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo has praised the work of the Salvation Army of Guyana during its seventh fund raising dinner held at the Georgetown Club, Camp Street, Georgetown, on Saturday evening.

Nagamootoo, in bringing greetings and well wishes from His Excellency President David Granger, said that the President had asked him to assure the leadership of the Salvation Army of the continued support for the movement. President Granger, the patron of the Salvation Army in Guyana, was unable to attend the event.

“I would like to compliment the organisers of this event; I was here last year as well and I noted that this is the only army in the world that has never fought a war – the Salvation Army. It is here to bring you salvation; here to open up avenues for people’s creative endeavours; to be able to help those in need

GOVERNMENTS NEED HELP Nagamootoo stated that there is therefore need for organisations such as the Salvation Army to help give spiritual guidance, since it is not about countering the mind, but about organising

why they get together with organisations such as the Salvation Army to be able to deal with the vulnerable in the society.

“Today, as the world is embroiled in conflicts and confrontations, we need many more armies like the Salvation Army to make peace; to be able to resolve the differences in a way that can promote social cohesion. For it is possible that we all can learn from each other; to live with each other and share what we have with each other,” Nagamootoo told the gathering.

“And so I want to sincerely compliment the Salvation Army for staying with us.

This is an organisation that has not been here overnight, it is an international move –

Diego Alphonso receives his award from Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

the mind with love.

He added that this is the element that governments do not do properly; so that is

starting perhaps more than 150 years ago; and because it has been there so long, it is a testimony that it has been

Mr. Diego Alphonso, Master of Ceremonies; representative of the Organisation of American States in Guyana, Ambassador Jean Ricot Domeus; Moses Nagamootoo, Prime Minister of Guyana; Major Matignol St. Lot, Divisional Commander of the Salvation Army; and of Edward Boyer, Chairman of the Salvation Army’s Advisory Board

doing some good things… changing the life of one person at a time… and we can all keep those we love around us living longer; not throwing them out on the streets; not abandoning them to diseases, alcohol, drugs if we care for them; and that is the role the Salvation Army has assigned itself,” Nagamootoo concluded.

Mark Butts, one of the many men who have benefited from the Men’s Social Centre, testified of the benefits he received from being a part of the centre in his time of need. He said that he was extremely grateful for what the Salvation Army has done for him so far.

“When I started experimenting with drugs, I hadn’t the slightest idea what I was getting myself into. Ladies and gentlemen, that was a great hell hole that I would wish on no one. I am grateful to God for designing a

programme for the Salvation Army and I am grateful for what the government is doing for the Salvation Army to help people like me… I am now linked with my family again because of this wonderful programme; and I have a job that the first time I can actually be punctual on,” Butts shared with the gathering.

ROLE OF ADVISORY BOARD Meanwhile, Mr. Edward Boyer, Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Salvation Army also conveyed a message of gratitude to the government for the sustained assistance they have been giving to the organisation.

He noted that the Salvation Army’s rehabilitation centre is the only such centre in Guyana that provides 24-hour care for those who are most in need of it. He declared it a success story,

even though there is a limit to the number of persons that can be accommodated at any one time. He said that there is however hope for expansion of the facilities in the future.

“While it is sad that drug [addiction] and alcoholism continue to plague the society, the Salvation Army is determined to do its best to give people afflicted by these problems a second chance in life. We will dedicate our energies and work diligently with all concerned to reduce the number of persons by drugs and alcohol,” he stated.

Ambassador Jean Ricot Domeus of the Organization of American States also complimented the government of Guyana for the assistance they continue to offer the Salvation Army for the work they to do in Guyana and spoke words of encouragement to the organisation to keep up the good work they are doing.

Holder meets protesting rice farmers …promises to address issues of low prices, poor grading

MINISTER of Agriculture Noel Holder, on Monday met with affected rice farmers during a protest at Three Friends, Region Two, Essequibo Coast.

Farmers, particularly those who were affected by paddy bug infestations, low prices and bad grading during this crop, staged the protest during the commissioning of the Three Friends Pump Station. The protest was headed by the Guyana Rice Producer Association General Secretary, Dharamkumar Seeraj, and was joined by farmers from across Region Two. During the commissioning, farmers were armed with placards calling the attention of the minister of agriculture.

After the formal opening of the pump, the minister along with General Manager

Farmers listen intently as Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder addresses them during a roadside meeting on Monday

of the Guyana Rice Development Board, Nizam Hassan, and other officials went over to the farmers. They met with farmers and listened to

their many concerns. Some of the concerns raised were: poor grading at rice mills, low prices for paddy and the absence of GRDB officials at

the mills. Farmers also called on the government to speak with the loan agencies in the rescheduling of loans and also made request for a subsidy

on fuel in an effort to go back into the new crop.

Farmers also complained about paddy bug infestation, which forced many of them to burn their fields especially in the Darthmouth areas.

Seeraj told Minister Holder that presently they are approximately 167 farmers who are suffering tremendously during the crop. He said RPA has receipts from those farmers to show the damage they suffered during the crop. He said that farmers received very low prices from millers and most of them were given poor grade with high dockage.

After listening to farmers’ complaints, Minister Holder called on Hassan to investigate what was happening at the mills. He also urged the GRDB Manager to implement a penalty on errant

millers. Minister Holder said he is moved at the low prices farmers were telling him about.

In moving forward, representatives from the Guyana Rice Producers Association (GRPA) and rice farmers will be meeting with officials from the Guyana Rice Development Board to make a proposal on behalf of those affected rice farmers. Based on the proposal, the Guyana Rice Development Board will intervene and see how it can assist. During the crop, many rice farmers received low prices for the crop. Prices ranged from $475-$270 GYD per bag of sample grade. Farmers are calling on GRDB to provide officials at the mill to investigate the grading system.

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Gov't ups fight against TIP

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 30, 2018

…with launch of information booklets on dangers, of human trafficking

THE Ministry of Social Protection, Counter Trafficking In Persons Unit (C-TIP Unit) has launched ‘Blu Resources’ – a compilation of literature aimed at educating persons on the dangers of human trafficking, the rights of survivors, and the role of persons in the fight to bring an end to the global phenomenon.

The information booklet on Trafficking in Persons – one of the materials produced by the C-TIP unit, clearly states Guyana’s position on this horrendous crime and includes additional information on the elements of human trafficking, the types or forms of Trafficking in Persons (TIP), the characteristics of persons at risk of becoming a victim of human trafficking, and how society can recognise the victims. It also includes information on the services available to survivors of human trafficking, and measures in place by the Guyana Government to combat this scourge.

Other materials include a hotel’s guide on Indicators of Trafficking in Persons 2018 Edition, and a handout on Myths and Facts surrounding Human Trafficking.

During the launch of the ‘Blu’ Resources’ at the Regency Hotel on Monday, the Coordinator of the C-TIP Unit Tanisha Williams-Corbin said that human trafficking continues to

plague society, robbing it of its most valuable resources – men, women and children regardless of their nationality, social status or culture.

Alluding to the US State Department report, Williams-Corbin pointed out that Guyana has been identified as a source, origin and destination country for trafficking in persons. Between 2015 and 2018, approximately 365 victims of trafficking were assisted by the Ministry of Social Protection through the unit the C-TIP coordinator said.

Describing the figure as alarming, Williams-Corbin said that the victims of TIP in Guyana continue to be exploited sexually, and in the form of force labour often through debt bondage, deception and coercion.

Cognisant of the problem, she said the C-TIP unit has been executing a number of programmes and initiatives aimed at raising awareness, training public officers, combating human trafficking, and providing much needed assistance to survivors.

Building the Bridge Campaign and Bridging the Gap Campaign are some of the recent initiatives, along with the Blu’ Resources drive. According to Williams-Corbin, the unit has noticed a significant decrease in the number of cases in the targeted communities where awareness campaigns were held.

Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection with responsibility for Labour, Keith Scott, said that while slavery was abolished 180 years ago, the world is now faced with what is called Modern Day Slavery or Human Trafficking.

In Guyana, he said, the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act of 2005 was enacted with the aim of confronting, tackling and uprooting the scourge wherever it may exist.

“As a matter of fact, the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, which can be properly referred to as Act # 2 of 2005, has the potential of operationalising the Four Ps which constitute the phi-

losophy of the fight against this evil. The Four Ps are: Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, and Partnership.

“Act No. 2 of 2005 is indeed a modern legislation created to defeat Modern Slavery, but long before its existence our nation demonstrated its commitment to a fair, humane treatment to human beings, when in 1966 we ratified several International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions including: Conventions No.’s 29 and 105, which prohibit and abhor forced labour which is subsumed in “Trafficking”,” minister Scott explained.

Guyana also ratified Convention No. 182 which seeks to eliminate the Worst Forms

of Child Labour.

Minister Scott disclosed that the labour department recently submitted to the government a draft Child Labour Policy for consideration, and consequently adoption and implementation.

“It is not unusual to hear, government along with scholars in economics and politics declare that the youths, including the children of any nation represents its future. Hence, they need to attract the greatest amount of investments and protection so that they can realise and maximise their full potentials and become productive citizens, enjoying the best quality of life available,” he said.

According to him, the

APNU+AFC Government has placed a very high premium on the development of young people, on the basis that they are the “true game changers of the future.”

In its quest to counter human trafficking or exploitation within the labour force, the department of labour has implemented a new Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP), which is intended to promote and maintain human development.

Minister Scott noted, however, that the highest possible level of human development cannot be achieved if trafficking in persons is allowed to flourish. He said the government has taken note of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) report, that every year millions of women, men and children world-wide are deliberately made victims of human trafficking.

The APNU+AFC Government upon understanding that there is a direct correlation between poverty and human trafficking, has endorsed and support the United Nations 17 Strategic Development Goals – the first of which is to “End Poverty in all its forms”, the minister said, To report a suspected case of trafficking in persons, persons are asked to contact the unit’s hotline numbers 227-4083 or 6235030.

THE Ministry of Education commissioned two new Information and Communications Technology (ICT) laboratories at the Eccles and Tucville Primary Schools on Monday in keeping with its aim to ensure all children are digitally literate.

Attending the ceremonies was Education Minister, Ms Nicolette Henry who told the pupils that the ICT lab would help them in the areas of literacy and numeracy as the government seeks to bridge the gap of quality education and learning.

“ICT, or computers, as you see it, is very, very im-

portant for you in terms of your educational journey,” she told the children.

Minister Henry said that teachers are currently being trained at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) to utilise the equipment and its software to be better able to assist students in their development.

She also encouraged the children to follow the rules of the ‘lab’, and to adhere to the guidance of their teachers regarding the proper use of the computers.

“I want to ask you to listen to your teachers and ensure that you care these

computers, and that you use it for educational purposes,” she said.

Remarks came, too, from MoE Head of the Management Information Systems Unit, Mr Yoganand Indarsingh who said that in a world of pervasive technology, the ICT lab will give the pupils easier access to information.

“It allows us the opportunity to transform the way we learn, the way we work, and it brings a richer life if we can see that vision.

For teachers and students at school it means that knowledge and information will be readily accessible,” Mr Indarsingh said.

“It means that you can learn from others in other parts of the world, even from other schools in Guyana of the best practices of knowledge and content that maybe you don’t have within your school system,” he added.

Eccles Primary’s headteacher, Ms Doreen Wrights said that it is the first modern lab to be opened at the school, and underscored that in the current age, students cannot be taught in the manner of the past.

“This initiative will facilitate the education of the pupil population in the practical and application of information technology in

this technological era,” Ms Wrights said, adding: “Our Government and the Ministry of Education are aware of this, and have taken the necessary steps to ensure that they provide.

And for this we are grateful.

I therefore take this opportunity, on behalf of the teachers, parents and students of Eccles Primary, to thank all who were instrumental in making this information technology laboratory a reality.”

Tucville Primary’s headteacher, Ms Colleen McTaire that the ICT lab will provide an opportunity for the young learners to benefit from an

improved retention rate.

Both she and Ms Wrights communicated to the minister that they would make special effort to preserve the equipment.

In 2017, a total of 95 p r i m a r y s c h o o l s w e re provided with ICT labs.

In moving forward, the ministry is also collaborating with the Organisation of American States (OAS) to introduce digital classrooms for 28 primary schools in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice) for more personalised learning.

Persons viewing the Blu’ Resources at Regency Suites, shortly after the launch on Monday (Photos by Samuel Maughn)

Gov’t delivers on computer literacy promise –with commissioning of ICT ‘labs’ at Eccles, Tucville Primary Schools

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 30, 2018

Region Six gets fifth David ‘G’ school bus

Casino manager at Princess Ramada Hotel, Eray Kanmaz

Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally

STUDENTS in the East Canje, Berbice area will now travel to school free of cost and more safely, thanks to the government which along with the Princess Ramada Hotel commissioned the 29th David ‘G’ School Bus today, at the Canje Secondary School.

According to a DPI press release, the commissioning of the bus is all part of the President’s Five Bs initiative.

Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally pointed out that this is the fifth David ‘G’ School Bus to be commissioned in Region Six.

“There is not a single region without a David ‘G’ Bus, Boat or Bicycle. We congratulate Region Six and we would like you to take care of this bus. I must tell you that it is the regional administration of Region Six responsibility to cater for the driver, fuel and the maintenance of this bus,” said Ally.

Reminding that the bus project is a collaborative effort with private sector donors, Minister Ally commended the management of Princess Ramada Hotel for their continual donations.

Manager of the hotel’s

Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally and Casino Manager at Princess Ramada Hotel, Eray Kanmaz cuts the ribbon to commission the David ‘G’ School Bus

Students enjoying a ride in the 29th David ‘G’ School Bus.

casino, Eray Kanmaz, said the hotel is elated to be part of the Five Bs initiative.

“This being our second visit to Berbice and third donation of a bus in collaboration with the govern-

CARICOM appoints special Rapporteur on Disability THE Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has appointed a Special Rapporteur on Disability, as it works towards an inclusive Region for persons with disabilities.

The 35th Meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) – Health, in September 2018, endorsed the recommendation that Senator Dr. Floyd Morris be appointed to the position, and “urged Ministries of Health to facilitate the special rapporteur in the conduct of his duties at the national level.”

In a release, CARICOM said Dr. Morris is currently the Director of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Centre for Disability Studies, in Mona, Jamaica. The CARICOM special rapporteur holds a PhD in Government with special focus on Political Communication, and has done extensive research on persons with disabilities in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. He led the negotiations for Jamaica at the United Nations on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) between 2002 and 2006 and eventually signed and ratified

the Convention in 2007, enabling Jamaica to be the first country in the world to do so.

In December 2013, in response to a mandate from the Conference of Heads of Government, the CARICOM Secretariat, in collaboration with the Government of Haiti, convened a high level meeting to examine the situation with regard to people with disabilities and to chart the way forward for an inclusive Region.

Among the outcomes of that meeting was a political document, the Pétion-Ville Declaration, which identified a number of actions for advancing the goal of an inclusive society for persons with disabilities. The appointments of a CARICOM Special Rapporteur on Disability, and the creation of a network for regular consultation among representatives of the regional community working in the interest of persons with disabilities, are among those.

The CARICOM Special Rapporteur on Disability will monitor and assess the implementation of the Pétion-Ville Declaration, in an effort to advance progress towards a disability-inclusive society

for all in CARICOM Member States.

In accepting the responsibility, the CARICOM special rapporteur indicated his commitment to the “huge task” ahead and pledged to work diligently with the CARICOM Secretariat, governments in the Region and the Advisory Committee to make the Caribbean a more participatory, inclusive and non-discriminatory society for persons with disabilities.

“To whom much is given, much is required and I am prepared to strongly advocate for improvements for my brothers and sisters with disabilities throughout the Caribbean”, he said.

Globally, one of the largest vulnerable populations comprises persons with disabilities. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), “over a billion people, about 15 per cent of the world’s population, have some form of disability; between 110 million and 190 million adults have significant difficulties in functioning and rates of disability are increasing due to population ageing and increases in chronic health conditions among other causes”.

Teachers, education officers, students and parents at the commissioning of the 29th David ‘G’ School Bus ceremony

ment; the Princess Group of Companies is dedicated to contributing and playing an active role in the social welfare of all Guyanese.

Education is imperative to the development of a nation.

Having access to transportation, eases the burden from

parents and children which will translate in keeping our children in school.”

To date, 29 buses, nine boats and more than 1,200 bicycles have been distributed across the regions, as part of the Five Bs initiative.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 30, 2018

Diamond-Grove NDC chairman hailed as the best CHAIRMAN of the Diamond-Grove Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) Bharat Narine, was hailed as the best performing chairman by several during the second annual Region Four NDC’s Retreat and Fun Day. “Exceptionally well, distinguished, superb and insightful,” were the words used to describe him when referring to several initiatives, projects and programmes he instituted.

Despite not serving the

full term as Chairman of the Diamond Grove NDC, Narine was commended for his implementation of a number of new financial systems which helped to guard against fraud.

He was recognised as the one who discovered the massive fraud where some 40M was stolen from the coffers of the NDC after which he immediately summoned an investigation, according to a press release.

He was also credited for implementing several pro-

grammes which aided in significantly boosting the rates and collections among tax payers, while enhancing public’s confidence as several projects were implemented.

“What is very impressive with Chairman Narine is that he didn’t allow his political beliefs to get involved in serving the people of Diamond Grove or working along with a number of councillors on the other side of the house.”

“This is the kind of leadership that we need among

Diamond-Grove NDC Chairman Bharat Narine with the 2018 CSEC top five students from the NDC who were awarded.

our leaders and in my mind I will always recognise him for the great stewardship and leadership that he has provided to the people of that NDC,” said Chairman of the Haslington-Grove NDC, Roy Kingston.

Similarly, Chairman of Buxton Foulis Deon Abrams congratulated Narine, stating that his success is evident in his ability to establish several standing committees that have been effectively working.

At the same function, Chairman of the Caledonia/

Good Success NDC, Dwarka Nauth, described Bharat Narine as a future leader in Guyana, expressing the view that he will do better in national politics.

“There is no doubt that Guyana can benefit better from the great skills and qualities of this man instead of an NDC, as I believe that a man with his skills and qualities can give more to national development,” Nauth said.

He urged other NDC’s to emulate Narine’s style and method of leadership by focusing on the work at hand

and putting politics aside.

“There are many NDC Chairmen who are doing their best and trying to keep their performance at a high level. However Chairman Narine is certainly a class above the rest and while he is a new chairman, his intelligence and knowledge about getting things done are superb thus certainly reinforcing the view that he has been doing an exceptionally great job,” Nauth declared.

Woman busted with cannabis remanded THIRTY-YEAR-OLD Loretta Hinds of Peters Hall, East Bank Demerara appeared before Magistrate Peter Hugh at the Mahaicony Magistrate’s Court on Monday charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

She pleaded not guilty and was remanded until November 5.

On Thursday last, about 17:45 hours, the police acting on information received, stopped a Georgetown-bound vehicle being used for public transportation, on the Park

Public Road, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara.

Hinds, was subsequently arrested after a search of her bags revealed six taped parcels of compressed cannabis, which weighed in excess of five kilograms.

REO slams ‘negligent’ contractors for incomplete Eccles Health Centre THE incomplete $27.1M Eccles Health Centre is as a result of the negligence of its contractors, says Region Four’s (Demerara-Mahaica) Regional Executive Officer (REO), Pauline Lucas.

At their recent Regional Democratic Council (RDC) monthly meeting, Lucas made her position clear to the councillors that she would not be transferring payments to contractors for work done haphazardly. The current challenge lies with the type of zinc sheets being utilised by the contracted company, Vision’s General Construction Services, which Lucas insists must be changed.

However, the contractor maintains that he must be paid for previous works conducted prior to proceeding further. Lucas said that de-

spite explaining several times to the contractor that removing the wrong zinc sheets and replacing them with the correct ones will enable him to be paid, he does not seem interested in doing such.

“Recognising that he had the wrong zinc sheets on, I told him that he may proceed with the work on the building but that the zinc sheets had to be changed. He requested a payment but I told him that I cannot pay him unless the work has been examined and verified by the engineer,” Lucas was quoted in a release from the RDC as saying.

Coupled with this is the challenge whereby the engineer with previous responsibility for the project, Yogesh Narine upon his departure, had not handed over all the documents for the projects.

This resulted in the current Engineer, Eon Austin, encountering a number of difficulties. Nonetheless, Lucas states that the health centre was slated to be completed by the end of June and despite being granted extensions, the contractor has failed to complete the project.

“I have made my position clear to the contractor that he cannot receive any additional payment until he fixes the roof with the zinc sheets, and the engineer would have reviewed and certified the work done,” the REO said. Several councillors congratulated the REO on the position that she has taken regarding the matter, the release stated.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 30, 2018

‘Find that inner strength to make a difference’ ––Line Path Secondary alum charges Class of 2018

LAST Friday saw 65 students graduate from the Skeldon Line Path Secondary School during the school’s annual graduation exercise.

Reports are that the school did exceedingly well for itself this past academic year, testimony to which are the results of the recent sitting of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.

According to those results, Line Path Secondary not only had the distinction of producing the second top student in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) with 14 Grade Ones and two Grade

Maths; 100% in Information Technology; 88.84% in Principles of Business; 82.62% in Principles of Accounts; and 100% in Caribbean History, Biology, Technical Drawing, Office Administration, and Physics respectively.

She, however, said that commendable though those results are, she and her staff will continue to ensure the school does even better with each passing year.

Delivering the keynote address, former student and Head of Neurosurgery at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Dr.Amarnauth Dukhi said one cannot ask for a better

He, however, said that he cannot promise that there

Valedictorian and Top student Yugeeta Kumar

Dr.Amarnauth Dukhi presents an award to scholarship recipient and SLPSS top performer Yugeeta Kumar

Twos, but four other top students as well in the entire country.

Addressing the graduating class, parents and invites, Headmistress Ms. Evett Johnson highlighted that besides attaining 100% passes in nine subject areas, Line Path Secondary also recorded vast improvements in the areas of Maths and English A, and excellent performances in other subjects.

Giving a breakdown by subject of how the school performed this year, Ms Johnson said that in English A, the school recorded a 79.57% pass rate; 57.29% in

school than Linepath Secondary when it comes to moulding young minds to become prepared to take on the world.

Having said that, he had a challenge for the Class of 2018. “My challenge to each of you today,” Dr Dukhi said, “is to do all you can to reach your full potential; push yourselves, aiming for the stars.

“Success is not the absence of fear, but the capability of overcoming it; finding that inner strength to make a difference, and succeed in conquering unchartered grounds.”

wouldn’t be challenges.

“No matter where we go or what we do, there are challenges ahead of Us,” Dr Dukhi said.

“What I'm asking from each of you is that you meet those challenges head-on, with your head held high and your heart wide open.

“It's not enough to simply try to get by in life; that doesn't move the world forward. You must try to excel in everything you do; strive for excellence in every task, large or small.”

And by way of giving back to the school for making him the rounded person he is today, Dr Dukhi used the opportunity to announce the launch of the ‘Dr.Amarnauth Dukhi Foundation’ which aims at providing tertiary education to those students who cannot afford it.

Said Dr Dukhi of the scholarship: “It will serve to identify and help prevent brilliant minds who would have excelled at the CSEC exams but cannot afford a tertiary education due to social

Lowchee to face trial for ‘Blue Iguana’ murder MARK Lowchee who was on remand for a murder that happened 14 years ago, was on Monday committed by Magistrate Leron Daly, to stand trial at the High Court.

Lowchee, called Marc Lee, was on remand for the September 21, 2003 murder of Collis DeAbreu at Fifth and Light Streets, Alberttown, Georgetown. Lowchee is partly handicapped due to

a stroke to his left side and he uses a cane for assistance.

The preliminary inquiry (PI) was presided over by Magistrate Leron Daly, who concluded on Monday that there is enough evidence for Lowchee to face a judge and jury.

According to reports, on the day in question there was a misunderstanding between the accused and the owner of the night club, over a

glass belonging to the Blue Iguana.

It is further alleged that the accused pulled out a gun and discharged several rounds in the vicinity of the nightclub, hitting De Abreu to the chest and injuring other patrons.

De Abreu was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital and was pronounced dead upon arrival.

and financial difficulties.

“The foundation will seek to finance their university education so that they can harness their true potential in spite of their economic status. It’s a way of giving back to the school where my dreams all started.”

The first recipient of that scholarship is 16-yearold Yugeeta Kumar, an aspiring bio-chemist.

A section of the graduating class

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 30, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 30, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 30, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Ariel

Speedboat...

FROM BACK PAGE The victory meant Speedboat had earned the top prize of $800,000 and the Trophy Stall trophy while SVC New York pocketed $200,000 and the runner-up trophy. Both teams also received medals.

As a further incentive for their sensational victory, Ariel Speedboat were presented with $500,000, compliments of Bardon Construction Services of Waller’s Delight, West Coast Demerara. Retesh Singh made the presentation to skipper Wazeer Hussain.

Sunday night’s man-ofthe-match was Greg Singh for his fine 35, while the Most Valuable Player of the Open category was his teammate Kishore Smith. Chandrashekar Arjune of SVC Spartans took away the prize for the lone five-wicket haul.

Smith’s prize was a gold bat in the form of a pendant with diamond encrusted, compliments of Steve Jewellery, who has been making similar donations from the onset of the tournament. Similarly, all trophies and medals were sponsored by Trophy Stall of Bourda Market.

GFSCA president Ramchand Ragbeer expressed appreciation to all 24 teams which participated in the three-day tournament, promising that it would even be better in 2019. Ragbeer also reserved special praises for the several sponsors who have helped in making the competition it has grown into.

A m i n u t e ’s s i l e n c e was observed for the late softball stalwart, Amrit “Rocky” Rai who passed away under tragic circumstances exactly one year ago Sunday. Among those in attendance was Rai’s cousin, Eric Ferrier, who initiated the ceremony. Ferrier is the president of the New York Softball Cricket League.

FROM BACK PAGE

Rohit, Rayudu tons...

And Kohli, with a century in each of his previous three innings, perished cheaply this time around when he nicked a prod at one from Kemar Roach (274) which seamed and was taken behind.

Rohit then dominated the Windies bowling, gathering his half-century off 60 balls with a pull forward of square off Paul, before reaching triple figures off another 38 balls when he punched leftarm spinner Fabian Allen to the point boundary in the 33rd over.

He required 33 more deliveries to raise his 150 in the 43rd over but then fell eight balls later to off-spinner

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Ashley Nurse, top-edging to Chandrapaul Hemraj at short third man. Rayudu, meanwhile, reached his half-century off 51 balls in the 37th over before speeding to his third ODI hundred off only another 29 deliveries.

He was run out shortly afterwards by Allen’s direct hit at the bowler’s end in the 48th over but India still plundered 116 runs from the last 10 overs.

Faced with a daunting task, West Indies wilted under the pressure, and there was never any real doubt about the outcome once wickets started tumbling.

Hemraj (14) drove pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar tamely

to Rayudu at cover in the fifth over with 20 runs on the board and disaster followed when leading run-scorer Shai Hope (0) and opener Kieran Powell (4) were both run out in the space of five deliveries with no runs added.

First, Hope failed to beat Kuldeep’s direct hit at the bowler ’s end from short mid-wicket as he scampered a quick single and Powell was left stranded by Marlon Samuels, leaving Kohli to throw the stumps at the non-striker’s end from close range.

Shimron Hetmyer (13) played down the wrong line and was lbw to Khaleel Ahmed in the 10th over and 13 balls later with two runs

added, Rovman Powell (1) missed a drive at the same bowler and had his offstump rattled.

Samuels, short of runs in the series, struck three fours in 18 before edging a drive at Khaleel Ahmed to Rohit at slip in the 14th over and when Allen (10) nicked Kuldeep’s googly to give Rohit the second of three catches, West Indies were in tatters.

It fell to Holder to save face for the Windies and he did so admirably, facing 70 balls and striking a four and a couple of straight sixes – his 31-run, ninth wicket stand with Paul, who made 19 from 18 balls, proving the best of the innings.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Ronaldo says he left Real because of president Perez’s attitude MADRID (Reuters) - Cristiano Ronaldo says he decided to quit Real Madrid this summer because the Spanish club’s president, Florentino Perez, only ever

saw him as a means of making money. “He [Perez] only ever looked at me as a business relationship. I know it.

What he told me was never from the heart,” the Portu-

guese forward told France Football magazine.

The 33-year-old Ronaldo signed for Italy’s Juventus from Real in July for 100 million euros and has helped his

new club to an unbeaten start in Serie A this season, netting seven goals in ten appearances for the Italian Champions.

“In the first four or five years (at Real) I had the feeling of being ‘Cristiano Ronaldo’. Less so afterwards. The president looked at me through eyes that didn’t want to say the same thing, as if I was no longer indispensable to them,” he said.

“That’s what made me think about leaving. Sometimes I’d look at the news, where they were saying I was asking to leave. There was a bit of that, but the truth is that I always had the impression that the president would not

hold me back.”

Real have struggled to come to terms with his departure. Opting not to replace him in the transfer market has backfired and the European champions are currently ninth in La Liga with new coach Julen Lopetegui set to be axed on Monday.

Previous incumbent Zinedine Zidane had warned the club major changes were needed, however pre-emptively left Real in what is now looking to have been a smart move.

The Portuguese international said he is satisfied with his decision to leave given how things have transpired

at the Bernabeu this season.

“My decision to leave was not based on Zidane’s,” Ronaldo said. “That being said, it’s one of those little things that made me feel a bit better about what I thought about the situation at the club.” He says he feels vindicated by the decision to join a club where he feels loved.

“If it had all been about money, I’d have moved to China, where I would have earned five times as much.

“I did not come to Juve for the money. I earned the same in Madrid, if not more, but the difference is at Juve they really wanted me. They told me that and made it clear.”

Bosai Inter-Departmental dominoes

General Services beat Mines 64-49, Plant Operations upset Plant Maintenance 41-39

By Joe Chapman Reigning champions General Services staved off the challenge of the Mines 64-49, but Plant Operations scored an exciting 41-39 upset win over Plant Maintenance last Saturday night at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court.

The two teams will now meet in this year’s BOSAI Inter Department basketball final on Saturday at the same venue.

General Services were off to a 18-11 first quarter advantage as last year’s Most Valuable Player Jamar Bethune led their early charge with five points and with Alfie Robertson filling the lanes with Terron Welch, this gave the Services the edge as they maintained their lead at lemon time by a 32-24 cushion.

That response from the Mines, who were outscored by a single point 14-13 towards the break at half time, gave them the drive they needed as they went on a 16-14 third quarter run, but still were adrift 40-46, as the champions made their best

effort in the final stanza of the game.

They were able to gain a 18-9 exchange in their favour, despite the inside game of the Mines ‘big man’ Dennis Anderson, who had chalked up 14 points in the second and third quarters of the game as Marlon Pollydore, who hit in 11 first half points, kept the Mines in with a chance of going to the final.

But the fine passing game of the Services through Welch, Bethune and Robertson in particular, would ensure the defending champions control the game; ending with a 64-49 triumph.

Robertson finished with 18 points as Bethune scored 17 and Welch 10, as the losing Mines side got 16 points each from Anderson and Marlon Pollydore with Akeem Primo supporting with eight.

Playing in the first game, Plant Operations surprised their opponents, Plant Maintenance, with a stinging two-point victory.

Operations first jumped into the lead with an 8-4 score when the first

quarter ended and with some fine ball movement, were leading 19-12 from an 11-8 run before the half time break.

Quincy Dodson and Omissi Williams were the main players pushing the game for the Operations side and despite Maintenance being able to turn things around somewhat by outscoring their opponents 1411 and 13-11, respectively, in the next two periods of play, it proved inadequate.

In the dying stages, OperationS got a crucial basket by Myron Prescott and a free-throw by Williams sealed the win for the Operations, who in the last minute were able to put together a combination to contest the championship.

Operations were led to their win through Dodson, who had a top score of 12 points, as Williams supported with eight while Myron Scott added seven in the win.

The final and third place playoff games are set for Saturday at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court.

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Warner, Smith, Bancroft bans will stand - Peever DAVID Peever, the Cricket Australia (CA), chairman, on Monday), noted that the sanctions handed out to David Warner, Steven Smith and Cameron Bancroft in the aftermath of the ball tampering incident that unfurled in the Newlands Test would not be lifted.

Smith and Warner were banned for a period of 12 months and Bancroft was handed out a ban of nine months. Incidentally, players’ union had also reportedly called on the board to reconsider the bans imposed on the trio. “There was a full investigation, and that was the outcome,” Peever said. “The sanctions were carried out and imposed by the board after a very full and thoughtful process. And so the sanctions stand, as I said several weeks ago,” he added.

When the charges were levied under CA’s Code of Conduct, all three players were given the opportunity to file appeals that would

have been heard by an independent commissioner.

However, the trio accepted the charges as per the investigation that was conducted by CA’s then Head of Integrity, Iain Roy. The decision also comes in the backdrop of Peever releasing the 145-page independent review, which criticised the board by noting that CA had created a “winat-all-costs” mentality.

Among the report’s recommendations was that CA’s top brass also need to take the fair share of the responsibility “for the circumstances that gave rise to the ball-tampering incident... not as a matter of direct, personal culpability but as a demonstration of responsible leadership and accountability”.

Meanwhile, in addition to the culture review a “players’ pact” has been drafted by the Rick McCosker-led panel, which also comprises present Test captain Tim Paine as well as the head coach, Justin

The trio accepted the charges as per the investigation that was conducted by CA’s then Head of Integrity, Iain Roy © Getty

Langer.

“You’re never going to have a game of cricket played where opposition aren’t going to speak to each other,” Paine said while unveiling the pact. “That’s always been part of the game, and I think it always will be.

But we know what’s right, and we know what’s wrong.

We know what Australian

cricket expects of us, and we’ll be holding each other accountable.

“If it does happen, and it does start to get out of control, it won’t just be me, it will be a number of guys that know where we sit on that, on how far we go, and where we don’t go. I think the reflection of the public on how we behaved sat uncomfort-

ably, but at the time - when you’re out in the middle - we just got caught up in the heat of the battle a few times.

And the disappointing thing was, when that happened, we didn’t play our best cricket.

“We allowed the emotion of the game to get the better of us, and that’s something we’re really cautious of now.

When we’ve got our best

team on the park, we’re as good as anyone in the world.

So we want to make sure we’re playing the game on skill,” he said.

He also agreed about the report’s references to a ‘gilded bubble’, where the team gradually became disconnected from the grassroots game. He noted that on-field performances would lead to a change in perceptions.

“I do understand what’s meant by that. I think potentially, we got a bit wrapped up a bit in our own self-importance. We’re the lucky ones playing for Australia - it’s not our cricket team, it’s Australia’s cricket team and I think for a little while we lost that. So this coming season is more about giving back to our fans, getting outside of our bubble and trying to grow the game a little more.

To think more of others, rather than just the 11 or 12 of us that are out there representing Australia.”(Cricbuzz.com)

Police say drone not cause of Leicester helicopter crash as black box found (REUTERS) - The helicopter crash that killed Leicester City soccer club owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha was not caused by a police drone, Leicestershire Police said on Monday, as investigations continue into how the accident happened.

Thai businessman Srivaddhanaprabha died along with four others when his helicopter crashed and then exploded outside the club’s King Power Stadium on Saturday after a Premier League match against West Ham United.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said it had recovered the flight data recorder and would remain in the city until the end of the week before transporting the wreckage to its facilities in Farnborough.

“Today, our inspectors in Farnborough will start working on the recorder, which was subject to intense heat as a result of the post-accident fire,” according to a statement from the

Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha lays a wreath in memory of his father with his mother Aimon (second right). Mike Egerton/ PA Wire

AAIB, which investigates all civil aircraft accidents in Britain.

The cause of the crash remains unclear.

Leicestershire Police said on Twitter that their drone was not in flight when the helicopter left the stadium.

It came down in a car

park outside the ground shortly after 1930 GMT, about an hour after the end the match. Police named the other victims of the

crash as passengers Izabela Roza Lechowiczas, Nursara Suknamai and Kaveporn Punpare, and pilot Eric Swaffer. The Italian maker

of the helicopter, Leonardo SpA, said it was ready to assist the investigation.

Vichai’s family, including his son and wife Aiyawatt and Aimon, arrived at the stadium on Monday to lay flowers among the mass of tributes already left by the club’s supporters.

Hundreds of people had queued since the morning to lay toys, scarves and bouquets to remember the muchloved owner who took over the club in 2010 and oversaw their incredible rise from the second tier to Premier League title winners in 2016.

Players and staff from the club were also at the stadium to pay their respects.

Leicester City’s firstteam squad had a short training session on Monday morning but the club’s fourth round League Cup tie with Southampton, scheduled for Tuesday at the King Power, was postponed because of the accident.

26 26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 30, 2018

EBFA Senior KO competition..

Timehri Panthers, Agricola Red Triangle and Soesdyke Falcons put away opponents TIMEHRI Panthers downed Hauraruni Eagles 12-1 on Sunday while on Saturday, Agricola Red Triangle trounced Diamond United 8-1 and Soesdyke Falcons got past Mocha Champs 4-0 to each book a place in the next round of the East Bank Football Association senior knockout competition to select two teams for the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) yearend Super 16 tournament.

Contesting the final match of the round of 12, the Timehri lads, who dominated proceedings from start to end, were led by Samuel Steel who blasted the nets six times, while Shannon Samnauth supported well with a hat-trick.

Steele was on target in the 28th, 35th, 39th, 42nd, 75th and 78th minutes with Samnauth scoring his three in the 11th, 25th and 27th minutes. Dexter Welcome had opened proceedings in the 7th minute; John Steele added his name second

Soesdyke Falcons goal scorers (from right)Mark Barker, Colin Barker and Tyrone Khan.

Timehri Panthers’ Samuel Steele (No15) nets one of his six goals against Hauraruni goalie Emanuel Pulsarran

down in the 9th minute with the other coming off the boot of Rhondell Haywood in the 57th minute.

Agricola Red Triangle stamped their authority against the Diamond United lads in registering victory, led by a hat-trick from Brian Price, who found the back of the nets in the 21st, 24th and 35th minutes.

minute.

Soesdyke Falcons were never troubled in their contest against Mocha Champs and got over the line via a 4-0 margin. Tyrone Khan opened proceedinsg from the penalty spot in the 25th minute after being brought down.

Thereafter, goals in the 42nd and 45th minutes from Colin Holder and Mark Bark-

Shaquelle Baptiste started proceedings with a goal of his own in the 4th minute. B. Jabar doubled the lead in the 19th minute before Price got into the act. The other contributors were David Corrica (25), Floyd Boyce (41) and Leon Noel in the 53rd minute.

Diamond achieved a consolation goal in the 43rd

er in the 52nd sealed Soesdyke’s place in the next round and a date with Herstelling Raiders on Saturday in the first match of a double-header from 14:00hrs.

Saturday’s feature game will see Grove Hi Tech coming up against Kuru Kururu Warriors from 16:00hrs. The lone match on Sunday brings together Agricola Red Trian-

gle and Timehri Panthers.

One team from the final three that would be left standing would earn a bye to the final with the other two facing off in the lone semi-final. The finalists would earn the right to be the EBFA’s representative teams to the GFF year-end tourney which has at stake over six million in prizes.

Real Madrid sack coach Jelen Lopetegui following El Clasico defeat MADRID (Reuters) - Real Madrid sacked coach Julen Lopetegui three months into his first season in charge after the Spanish

giants were beaten by arch rivals Barcelona over the weekend, the European champions said on Monday.

Real have failed to win

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday October 30, 2018) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & Cummings Electrical Company Ltd. 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to Tuesday’s quiz: (1) 2 ties (2) 205 innings Today’s Quiz: (1) What was the result of the third ODI of the current WI/India series?

(2) Who was declared Man of the Match at the end of the third ODI? Answer in tomorrow's issue

in La Liga since beating Espanyol on Sept. 22, losing to Sevilla, Alaves, Levante and drawing with Atletico Madrid before Sunday’s 5-1 thrashing by Barcelona.

Former player and reserve team boss Santiago Solari has been put in caretaker charge after negotiations between the club and former Chelsea, Italy and Juventus boss Antonio Conte broke down on Monday, the club added.

“The Real Madrid board met today and decided to renounce coach Julen Lopetegui’s contract with the club,” the club said in a statement.

“The board feels there has been a disproportionate difference between the squad Real Madrid possesses... and the results obtained until now.”

Lopetegui has now

lost two jobs in under five months as he was also fired by the Spanish Football Federation as coach of the national team the day before the World Cup started in June for announcing his move to Real behind the organisation’s back, throwing Spain’s tournament preparations into chaos.

The 52-year-old replaced Zinedine Zidane as Real coach after the Frenchman decided to step down from the role having guided the club to three successive Champions League titles in May. After the club’s all-time top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo also departed for Juventus in July, Lopetegui’s stint at Real got off to a difficult start as they were beaten 4-2 by city rivals Atletico Madrid in the UEFA

Real Madrid sacked coach Julen Lopetegui just three months into his first season.

Super Cup. His side then won four of their opening five La Liga games and a 3-0 win over AS Roma in their Champions League opener.

But things started to fall apart when they were thrashed 3-0 by Sevilla last month, a result that started a run of four defeats in five matches in all competitions.

During that stint, they also failed to score a goal for eight hours.

Last Tuesday’s 2-1 win over Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League provided a brief respite but the team were still booed off the

pitch after an unconvincing display. unday’s 5-1 hammering proved to be the final straw for Real president Florentino Perez.

During his 10 La Liga games in charge, Lopetegui won four, drew two and lost four, leaving Real floundering in ninth place in the table.

Spanish Federation rules allow clubs 14 days to name a permanent successor, meaning that Argentine Solari, who played for Real between 2000 and 2005, could potentially be in charge of four first team games.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Dover selects ‘perfect blend’ of players in 20-man squad for CONCACAF U-20 tournament –Jeremy Garrett named Captain WAYNE Dover, head coach of Guyana’s National U-20 team, believes that he has selected the perfect blend of players to compete in the November 1 – 22 CONCACAF U-20 Championship at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, USA. Guyana is grouped with Curacao, El Salvador, Guatemala and the Cayman Islands in the 34-team tournament, with Dover on Friday naming his 20-man squad which features players from the USA, Spain, Portugal, Canada and England.

According to Dover, the International flavour in the squad certainly adds value to Guyana’s chances,

adding “the international-based players, from reports, have been consistent in their performances in their respective clubs and that should auger well for Guyana’s participation in this tournament. The goalkeeper has been doing great. “ Dover reasoned that “We know Jeremy Garrett for his sterling performance throughout the years; Bevan is a young and upcoming talent who has shown consistent performances in this year’s college season.

Marsh- Brown is coming from Arsenal’s Youth Academy and is currently playing for Bolton Wanderers in

We are disappointed as a group, says Jaguars coach Crandon eight games and whipping Barbados in the semifinal game, it was cricket lovers’ perception that this year is definitely Guyana’s chance of winning a one-day title after 13 years.

Head Coach Esaun Crandon said, as a team, they are very disappointJaguars Head Coach, ed.

Esaun Crandon “I thought we played GUYANA Jaguars’ bid well in the group stage to claim their tenth Re- heading into the knockout gional One-day title was stages and fought well to again halted after they get into the grand finale, were handsomely beat- but we did not play our en by the Combined best,” Crandon said.

Campuses and Colleges He added “We kept Marooners by six wick- losing wickets at crucial ets last Sunday in the times and we did not final of the 2018 season have any substantial in Barbados. partnerships to really A batting meltdown take us to a respectsaw the Jaguars being able total; but the Mabowled out for just 205, rooners played well, a target the Marooners they had a good start. chased down with ease.

Corbin (Kyle) played Guyana Jaguars’ a good innings and put last Regional One-day some pressure on us title was back in 2005. and took the game away After ending Zone from us in the Power A with 29 points from Play”. (Rajiv Bisnauth)

the English set-up, so more than likely he should bring a level of professionalism to the team.

Luke is a towering attacking-minded player and Hazelwood will definitely add strength and dynamism to the team while Britton, who has been part of the national programme before, will add firepower to the frontline.”

Dover added that for the Guyana team, which will be captained by Jeremy Garrett, discipline on match day is key to success, since “during the past six weeks of preparation, we gave it our best to enable the team a chance to compete, win games and

possibly progress to the next level. In the modern game of football, every team stands a chance to qualify, based on who is more disciplined on match day and makes fewer mistakes. We are going to be optimistic and try our best to focus throughout the tournament.”

The National U-20 team played their final training match last evening against a select Elite League team before departure in the new week.

Guyana will open their campaign against Guatemala on November 2 from 10:30 hours, and will clash with the Cayman Islands on November 6.

The Guyanese men will then face Curacao on November 8 and will close their group stage against El Salvador on November 10.

G u y a n a ’s S q u a d : Johnathan Vaughn (GK), Jamaine Cumberbatch (GK), Michael Luke, Nixon Robertson, Lionel Holder, Kwai MarshBrown, Jeremy Garrett (captain), Cecil Jackman, Ryan Hackett, Job Caesar, Jalen Case, Kelsey Benjamin, Nicholas Mc Arthur, Hudson Hazlewood, Ryan Dowding, Raushan Ritch, Bevan Baker, Thair Britton, Guyana’s U-20 captain Jeremy Leon Richardson and Garrett in action for Louisiana Chris Macey.

State University-- Alexandria

Green Machine fall 86 – 7 against Paraguay at Wins for West Demerara Americas Rugby Challenge and Lower Corentyne

GCB Female Franchise U-17 Schools T20 League…

THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has taken a first-hand approach towards the development of female cricket at the grassroot level.

To this end, the board has commenced the first ever female franchise Under-17 secondary school T20 league yesterday with two matches.

The GCB will use this tournament as a foundation for the female franchise tournament in the upcoming years. Eight franchise teams from across Guyana are part of the league. They are Upper Corentyne, Lower Corentyne, West Berbice, East Coast Demerara, Georgetown, East Bank Demerara, West Demerara and Essequibo.

The teams will be competing in a round-robin method in seven rounds, which is expected to conclude on November 7.

West Demerara and Lower Corentyne gained victories over West Berbice and Upper Coprentyne, respectively.

At Albion, Lower Corentyne won by 27 runs. Lower Corentyne made 93-2 after winning the toss. Openers Ashmini Munisar and Shenia Simon added 52 for the first wicket before they were dismissed for 22 and 18, respectively.

In reply, Upper Corentyne struggled, and in the end reached 66-8. Shanaya Fraser top scored with 17. Bowling for Lower Corentyne, Ashmini Munisar picked up 3 -14 while she was supported by Niveena Ramnauth, who took 2-5.

Meanwhile, over at the Wales ground in West Demerara, West Berbice won the toss and decided to bowl first.

West Demerara then scored 77 all out in 13.3 overs of their allotted 20 overs. Ariana Buckan top scored with eight while Jamaica Simon scored five. The most instrumental bowler was Renata Liverpool who grabbed 4-15 while Lisa Isaaca and Tamara George took 3-20 and 2-10, respectively.

In reply, West Berbice failed to reach their target, managing to score only 63 from 18 overs. Ariana Buckan was the most destructive bowler, grabbing 5-18, while she was supported by Varuni Pitambar who took 2-10. West Demerara won by 14 runs.

The games billed for Enterprise were called off due to unforeseen circumstances.

By Rawle Toney

SELWYN Henry scored a try and Ryan Gonsalves made good of the conversion, but that was all Guyana had to cheer about in their 86 – 7 drubbing, suffered at the hands of Paraguay, when the Americas Rugby Challenge continued yesterday in Medellín, Colombia.

Speaking to Chronicle Sport after the team went down for the second time in as many matches in Colombia, Gonsalves said the Guyanese defence was the common denominator that contributed to the lopsided result. “We were too scrappy on second and third phase when defending.

These top sides are solid and very compact in both attack and defence. We really need to get ourselves out of this disappointing performance for the first two matches.

“The level here (In Colombia) is totally higher than what we’re accustomed to, but we are not far away, just need to clean up on the basic mistakes we continue to make in the last games which cost us, especially in our defence. In Paraguay, we had some more possessions but failed to execute and finish try-scoring opportunity when

Guyana Green Machine's Ryan Gonsalves the opportunity present itself,” Gonsalves explained.

The scrum-half further noted “The team is very disappointed and will use the remaining days before our final game against Mexico on Sunday to clean up the errors that cost us and look for the win. This is a learning experience for the entire team playing 15’s rugby at this level; we can only build from this and adjust to it. Work to improve on our weaknesses and build on our strengths.”

The final round, on Sunday, September 4, will see Mexico clash with Guyana, and Colombia versus Paraguay as the closing match.

The winners will be the team accruing the most tournament points.

Ariel Speedboat in three-peat! …upstage SVC New York as Guyana Softball Cup 8 ends

GFSCA president Ramchand Ragbeer hands over the winning trophy to Ariel Speedboat captain, Wazeer Mohamed, in the presence of jubilant players and supporters.

By Frederick Halley

LAST year they created history by becoming the first team to retain championship honours in the Open category of the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) Guyana Softball Cup. Just before midnight on Sunday, Ariel Speedboat players and ecstatic fans were basking in glory with another sensational win as the curtain came down on the eighth edition of the tournament at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground, Queenstown.

In what was billed as the clash of the titans, Ariel Speedboat prevailed over the much-vaunted SVC New York side by four wickets, thereby copping their second major title in as many weeks, following their successful defence of the Prime Minister Cup in the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSL) tournament which climaxed last weekend at the Everest Cricket Club ground.

Set a challenging 162 for victory, after their opponents reached 161 for six in their allotted 20 overs, Ariel Speedboat got to the target

in 17.3 overs, with their captain Wazeer Hussain fittingly hitting the winning runs, blasting Andrew Gonsalves over midwicket for six.

The two-time defending champions lost opener Shazam Hussain (one) in the third over, but his partner Anand Bharat (23), who was mixing aggression with solid defence, shared a useful third wicket partnership of 43 with Greg Singh as Ariel Speedboat consolidated their position.

The dismissals of Bharat, who struck a six and a four

and Lennox Marks (seven), gave SVC some semblance of hope. However, Singh and Vickash Dhaniram steadied the innings with a sensible sixth wicket stand of 44, aided by a horrendous last over

by Vijay Surujpaul which saw him conceding 19 runs, including an incredible 10 wides.

Vijay’s over, the 13th of the innings, virtually sealed the fate of SVC New York as the returning Mark Harold was savagely greeted by his former teammate Singh who hoisted him for two massive sixes, before the latter got

Man-of-the-match Greg Singh receives his award from GFSCA’s Rickey Deonarine.(Cullen Bess-Nelson photos)

his revenge, bowling Singh for 35, a knock that included four sixes.

By the time an over enthusiastic Dhaniram departed for 27 (one six and three fours), Ariel Speedboat needed a mere four runs to complete the formalities. Their skipper graciously obliged.

A generous 55 extras, consisting of an incredible 32 wides, did little to help SVC New York’s cause.

Earlier, seasoned campaigners Richard Latif (42) and Sarfraz Esau (39) had given their side an excellent chance of dethroning the

defending champions. Latiff, who smashed four sixes and an equal number of fours, shared a fine opening stand of 62 in eight overs with Navin Singh (10).

Several quick wickets in the middle, however, halted SVC New York’s progress before Esau shored up the middle and lower order with little support. His innings was laced with three sixes and a four. Shazam Hussain ended with three for 47, Kishore Smith two for 15 and Ian Ivan two for 32.

SEE PAGE 23

Rohit, Rayudu tons set up massive India win

Rohit Sharma struck 20 fours and four sixes in his 137-ball 162 before slicing to short third man ©AFP

MUMBAI, India, (CMC) – Captain Jason Holder’s unbeaten half-century spared West Indies embarrassment but they still suffered a record 224-run drubbing, as India registered their largest-ever victory over a Test-playing nation in the fourth One-Day International here Monday.

Chasing a mammoth 378 at Brabourne Stadium after opener Rohit Sharma and Ambati Rayudu blasted high quality hundreds, West Indies slumped to 20 for three in the sixth over and never recovered, bundled out in the end for 153 in the 37th over, to also record their heaviest-ever defeat to the Indians.

At 77 for seven in the 19th over, the Caribbean side were staring at one of their lowest totals in five years and potentially their ninth total under 100, but Holder stroked a responsible unbeaten 54 to help his team escape humiliation.

The top order imploded with two needless run outs but the rest of the innings was wrecked by left-arm seamer Khaleel Ahmed who ripped out the middle order with three for 13 and left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who polished off the tail with three for 42.

Rohit had earlier lashed a sizzling 162 off 137 deliveries with 20 fours and four sixes while Rayudu hit exactly 100 from 81 balls, including eight fours and four sixes as India, choosing to bat first, embarked on a run-spree to rattle up 377 for five – their second highest-ever total against the Caribbean side.

The pair put on a rollicking 211 for the the third wicket after Shikhar Dhawan (38) and captain Virat Kohli (16) had fallen after getting starts, leaving India on 101 for two in the 17th over.

Left-hander Dhawan again looked ominous in striking four fours and two sixes off 40 balls before pulling seamer Keemo Paul to Kieran Powell at short mid-wicket in the 12th over.

SEE PAGE 23

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Ambati Rayudu strengthened his case for a permanent slot with a well-paced century ©AFP TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2018