Guyana chronicle e paper 11 02 2017

Six months community service

– for ‘trying a t’ing’

Page 11

No. 105084

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 2, 2017

Price: $80 (VAT Inclusive)

President to address Parliament today Page 3

PM to make first donation

– at official launch today of Salvation Army Christmas Kettles

Page 14

Jagdeo asked to nominate Deputy Speaker Page 10

AA rare rare treat treat indeed! indeed!

TRIPLETS Radha, Rajshri and Reenica Mansaram, who hail from the Essequibo Coast, are celebrating their 23rd birthday today.

Here’s wishing them God’s richest blessings, and hoping they live to celebrate many more birthdays together.

Marine traffic to resume at Harbour Bridge today Page 14

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 2, 2017

GTT Pinktober campaign raises $4M

By Shirley Thomas THE GTT Pinktober campaign in support of persons who are victims of breast cancer and other cancers, with support from all across Guyana was able to amass a total of$4,752,680.00.

The sum was on Wednesday presented to the President of the Guyana Cancer Foundation Bibi Hassan, who will use it to continue the foundation’s mission of saving lives.

The presentation of the cheque was done by GTT’s Marketing Consultant, Samanatha Gooden, at a ceremony to mark the official closing of Pinktober activities at GTT’s Brickdam Headquarters Key among fund-raisers was the GTT Pinktober Fund Raising Benefit Dinner, held at the Kokomo Room, Palm Court. The private and government sectors, the diplomatic community and private individuals all wholeheartedly supported the initiative.

Meanwhile, GTT’s Public Relations Manager Allision Parker said the evening provided opportunities for GTT Cancer Warriors to share their stories of survival and resilience.

Cancer Warriors, Anju-

Seated from left: Pastor Simon Harris, Bibi Hassan and First Lady Sandra Granger, all share in lighting candles for friends and/or loved ones who have died of cancer (Delano Williams photo) President of the Guyana Cancer Foundation, Bibi Hassan, proudly displays the cheque representing a donation from GTT’s Pinktober fund- raising activities (Delano Williams photo)

li Beharry-Strand, Marilyn Dewar, Mitzy Campbell, Rosaline Clarke, Leslie Black and Bibi Hassan were also honoured at the event as a show of recognition for their strength and their contributions to the fight against breast cancer.

However, the biggest and most successful event was the inaugural, GTT Pinktober 5K/10K Walk/Run on October 21, which attracted over 5,000 participants, according to Allison Parker.

She said registration for

the event was $2,000 which allowed for $500 to be donated to the Guyana Cancer Foundation and provided participants with three–day mobile data plans, compliments of GTT. In the package too, was a free ticket to two major upcoming shows which will soon be hosted in Guyana: The best gospel concert featuring Travis Green on November 3, or the best reggae concert featuring Chronixx on November 18.

Parker agreed, the

First Lady Sandra Granger (at left), Bibi Hassan (at centre) and GTT’s Marketing Consultant, Samantha Gooden (at right), proudly display the cheque from GTT. Others are volunteers in the effort (Delano Williams photo)

Burning candles for loved ones who died of cancer (Delano Williams photo)

5K/10K Walk/Run provided a platform for every participant and over 200 volunteers to join in showing their support for the cause.

One of the most poignant moments, she recalled, was the release of 2000 pink helium balls, with each one representing someone who had lost the fight to cancer.

“There was a visible show of emotions from the thousands who gathered. The formation of the human ribbon gave those present an opportunity to join together to do and experience something which was never done before in Guyana,” Parker said.

Tracing the origin and objectives of Pinktober, Parker said when GTT launched the Pinktober initiative just over

a month ago, it was unimaginable the impact the initiative would have had on the lives of thousands of persons and communities across Guyana.

GTT’s intention was to raise funds for the Guyana Cancer Foundation to bolster their programme of raising awareness and to facilitate screening with the aim of saving lives.

Several activities were done, which gave the general public a chance to team up with GTT to contribute to the cause and they responded positively.

Speaking at Thursday’s event, First Lady Sandra Granger commended GTT for the excellent work done during Pinktober.

Meanwhile, cancer war-

riors and others all shared their positive stories of being part of the Pinktober experience.

GTT’s Brand Ambassadors Saiku, Poonam and Drew Thoven presented framed mementos of the Human Pinktober Ribbon to co-sponsors, nurses and doctors who are all part of the fight against breast and other cancers.

At the conclusion of the programme, attendees were invited to light candles to symbolise the hope they hold for all the warriors.

They also wrote notes of hope and encouragement which were placed in a ‘box of hope’ to be read to those who are either afflicted or affected.

Marine insurance seminar…

MARAD to implement regulations to manage waterways THE Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) will soon be implementing regulations to more efficiently manage traffic in Guyana’s waterways.

According to MARAD Director, Captain John Flores, the move is necessary as the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) will be visiting Guyana next February for an audit.

The director was at the time speaking at a marine insurance seminar hosted by Raj Singh Insurance Brokers & Risk Management Consultants Inc (RSI) at Cara Lodge

on Wednesday.

“We are preparing for an audit next year February, and at the same time we are preparing for oil and gas,” Flores said.

“We are putting a lot of the regulations in place; a lot of the structures, best practices under IMO and some of the other countries are also putting them in place,” he added.

With Guyana being a party to the Caribbean Maritime Understanding (MCU/ MOU), Captain Flores said, our standards have been prepared in keeping with other

Making a point at the seminar yesterday at the Cara Lodge is Mr Paul Rankin . Seated from left are: MARAD’s Captain John Flores, and Messrs Raj Singh and Alan Thomas (Photo by Samuel Maughn)

Caribbean countries and the IMO. “With systems in place, Guyana can have a better chance of attracting ships of a certain standard,” he said,

adding: “In this globalised world it is impossible to do business unless you have standards.”

President of the Insurance

Institute, Mr Raj Singh said stakeholders were drawn from vessel owners, cargo interests, staff from RSI and another broking house.

The seminar served to empower their customers, staff and others in the local insurance industry with the requisite knowledge of how marine insurance works, underwriting information needed, risk management basics, claim do’s and don’ts, etc.

He explained that the knowledge gained from this session is expected to translate into faster underwriting process and a better under-

standing of the claims settlements since the customer would have a better idea of requirements of marine insurance and what to do at the time of a claim.

In attendance were Alan Thomas, renowned marine insurance expert out of London with over 20 years’ experience as a senior Underwriter for Steamship Mutual, North of England P & I (formerly Newcastle) and Ocean Marine Mutual and Paul Rankin, Director at Maritime Mutual Insurance Association (NZ) Limited.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 2, 2017

President David Granger to address Parliament today PRESIDENT David Granger will address the National Assembly today as it resumes sittings and the Guyanese Head of State is expected to highlight government’s plans as the 2018 national budget beckons.

At the same time, the opposition is expected to be present at the 71st sitting of the National Assembly even as reports suggest that the party may stage a walkout prior to the President’s address.

Later this month, on November 27, Finance Minister Winston Jordan will present the government’s fourth national budget since the APNU+AFC administration

assumed office in May 2015.

Billboard signage has been erected around the capital city depicting the minister and government’s readiness to present the 2018 budget.

Earlier this month, Minister Jordan had noted that there will be no new taxes in Budget 2018. Instead, he said the new budget will seek to provide an incentive to some sectors and promote small-business growth.

“Anything in this budget is about cleaning up or providing an incentive or two as promised. We promised some sectors we will see how we can support them in this renewal,” Minister Jordan added.

The 2018 budget will

also cater to the long overdue construction of the East Bank Berbice (EBB) road, which is expected to cost approximately $1.5B. “We said those people were promised that road endlessly; we have to build the road. The road is going to cost between $1.3B and $1.5B,” Minister Jordan told reporters earlier this month.

Government has embarked on a number of infrastructural and community-based projects countrywide and these include road works, renewable energy projects as well as programmes geared at developing the capacity of the citizenry.

The President is expected

President David Granger

to highlight progress and renew government’s commitment to developing the

country’s economy.

The government’s Hinterland Employment Youth Service (HEYS) programme has been a major hit in rural communities across the country.

In July, the second phase of the programme was launched and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock reflected on the lessons learnt from the Phase One implementation of the programme.

He said while there were some challenges, the ministry is proud of the outcomes.

Some 2000 youths from 200 hinterland villages will benefit from the implementation of the second phase of the programme.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo told reporters that the party will be present at Parliament today, since it has its motions to present.

“However, in relation to the President’s speech you will hear more or see more from us,” he said.

At today’s sitting of the National Assembly, a number of motions are to be brought to the floor following the President’s address.

These include opposition motions including one on the 2017 Georgetown Prison break as well as the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the Guyana sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).

Harmon plugs taking people-centred approach – as public consultations on regulations governing wildlife management begin MINISTER of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon on Wednesday called on the Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission to adopt a ‘green,’ people-centred approach to the formulation of regulations for the hunting, trapping, protection, conservation, management and sustainable use of wildlife.

Speaking at the opening of public consultations for the development of regulations at the Everest Cricket Club,

Minister Harmon said that wildlife management must not only be sustainable, built on the principles of conservation and designed within the Government’s Green State Development Strategy (GSDS), but must also take into consideration people’s livelihoods and culture.

Said he: “I wish to suggest that you view our wildlife resources in its widest context, and deal with the role of the sector in the context of the ‘Green State’

Development Strategy; the importance of wildlife to our eco-systems; the future value of preserving our wildlife as we seek to expand and make our flora and fauna available for scientific research for the world; Guyana’s international obligations; the impact the adopted regulations would have on the livelihoods and culture of our Indigenous Peoples, as well as hunters, trappers, middle men and exporters; and the role Guyana should be playing in the pro-

tection of the flora and fauna of the Guiana Shield, which are under threat from human developmental activities.”

Noting that it is also his hope that the proposals would embrace the pillars of the President’s ‘Green State’ policy, Minister Harmon said that the proposals and draft regulations must also be implementable and capable of improving efficiency in the sector.

ANOTHER

SIGNIFICANT STEP The consultations, he said, represents another significant step in enhancement of the country’s overall national institutional capacity to ensure sound and sustainable environmental management in Guyana.

“The mechanisms for the proper management of our environment and eco-systems, including our wildlife, must be viewed within the context of the ‘Green State’ Development Strategy, which

represents our government’s commitment to the continued protection and stewardship of our natural patrimony,” Minister Harmon said, adding: “It represents our commitment to lay a firm foundation for inclusive ‘green’ growth and sustainable development for the country.

It addresses the protection, restoration and sustainable use of our terrestrial and marine eco-systems and wildlife to ensure that our natural resources provide the best social, economic and environmental benefits for our Turn to page 5 ►

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Harmon plugs taking...

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 2, 2017

From page 3

Head of the Department of Environment, Ms Ndibi Schwiers addressing participants yesterday at the opening of consultations on the way forward with regard to wildlife management (Photo courtesy MoTP)

people.”

He further suggested that during the consultations proper, consideration should

also be given to the fulfilment of the requirements of the country as a party to the Convention on International

Trade of Endangered Species and other Wildlife Flora and Fauna Societies.

Said he: “The Societies’ membership process involves certain responsibilities, including having appropriate laws and regulations to curb the illegal trade of wildlife and to provide for the safe and regulated movement and trading of wildlife with and without state parties.

“I hope that all issues will be ironed out during these consultations so that the con-

servationists as well as those persons, who have to deal with animals.

“I also hope that coming out of this, people can understand why it is important to protect endangered species; to change their techniques to hunting, trapping, transporting, and holding wildlife and how they can be a part of the process.”

STRATEGIC POSITIONING Meanwhile, Head of the

Department of Environment, Ms. Ndibi Schwiers, noted that the consultations are meant to strategically position the Wildlife Commission to effectively manage Guyana’s resources. “This, I believe, is important when consideration is given to recent wildlife research that shows that half of the earth’s biodiversity have dropped below levels that some scientists consider safe. With the onset of climate change and human activities that affect wildlife, these consultations are not only necessary, but represent a quickened step in the process for all stakeholders to take action to ensure the sustainability of our natural resources. This also fits nicely into the framework for the sustainable development of the country through the Green State Development Strategy,” she said.

Head of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission, Ms. Alona Sankar, in an invited comment said that the Commission is aiming to target as many persons as possible so that a holistic document can be drafted. The Consultations, she said, will be conducted countrywide.

“At the end of this, we are hoping to have regulations that can govern this

sector and once we have those in place, then we can move towards the implementation stages of licensing and monitoring and enforcement and so on and that is what we are ultimately aiming for,” she said.

There are regulations under the Environmen tal Protection Act for the Commission. However, the Wildlife Management and Conservation Act of 2013 repeals those regulations with the provision that they remain enforced until there are regulations to replace them. This exercise is therefore geared at developing the regulations to replace those in place. Once consultations have been concluded, it will then be taken to Parliament.

The consultations, which will run for a month, will be advertised in the media as the team moves around countrywide. Meanwhile, persons who may wish to confirm participation in any of the consultations and to request a copy of the Wildlife Management and Conservation Regulations 2013 are urged to call 223-0940 or email the Commission at wildlifemanagementauthority@ gmail.com (Ministry of the Presidency)

Thursday, November 2, 2017 - 03:00 hrs & 14:00 hrs Friday, November 3, 2017 - 04:00 hrs & 14:00 hrs Saturday, November 4, 2017 - 05:00 hrs & 14:00 hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday November 2, 2017

Five Argentines killed in New York attack Five friends from Argentina were among those killed in a truck attack in New York on Tuesday.

Another of the friends, Martín Ludovico Marro, is being treated in hospital.

Three days of mourning

Three officials said Saipov had previously come to the federal authorities’ attention because of an unre-

From L to R: victims Alejandro Damián Pagnucco, Ariel Erlij and Hernán Ferrucci

Eight people were killed and 12 injured when the driver of the truck hit people on a cycle path in Lower Manhattan.

Suspect Sayfullo Saipov, 29, an Uzbek immigrant, was shot and injured by police. He is in hospital and under arrest, and police have spoken to him.

Notes in Arabic claiming the attack on behalf of the Islamic State (IS) group were recovered from the scene.

New York Police Department (NYPD) Deputy Commissioner John Miller said the attacker had closely followed IS instructions from social media on how to carry out such an assault, and had been planning it for a number of weeks.

It was the deadliest terror attack in the city since 11 September, 2001.

The deaths of five Argentines were confirmed by the country’s foreign ministry. They were part of a group of nine friends in New York to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their graduation from a polytechnic college in the central city of Rosario, Argentine media said.

One of the men who died, steel firm owner Ariel Erlij, helped pay for the friends’ trip, La Nación newspaper reported (in Spanish).

The men - all aged 48 or 49 - were named as Hernán Diego Mendoza, Diego Enrique Angelini, Alejandro Damián Pagnucco, Ariel Erlij and Hernán Ferrucci.

have been declared in Rosario.

Belgian officials said Anne-Laure Decadt, a 31-year-old from Staden in Flanders, was also killed. Three Belgians were wounded.

Two other victims, both Americans, have not yet been named.

The attacker rented the truck from a New Jersey branch of retailer Home Depot on Tuesday afternoon before driving to New York City and entering the bike lane, police said.

Video cameras show the van driving at very high speed, appearing to target bike riders and pedestrians.

After the van collided with a school bus, its driver emerged and brandished what appeared to be two weapons.

A suspect was shot and wounded by police officer Ryan Nash, 28, one of three NYPD officers who attended the scene after being alerted by witnesses.

Police say the suspect is currently being treated at Bellevue hospital, where he has been interviewed by officers.

Knives, a paint gun and a pellet gun were recovered from the scene.

Police say the suspect is currently being treated at Bellevue hospital in the city, where he has been interviewed by officers.

He arrived in America from Uzbekistan in 2010 and is a legal resident in the country. Uber confirmed he had been working as a driver for them.

lated investigation, the New York Times reported.

Police records show he was arrested in Missouri last year over a traffic fine.

Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev told President Donald Trump his country was ready to “use all forces and resources” to help investigate the attack. Uzbek officials have not yet confirmed the identity or nationality of the attacker.

President Trump took to Twitter to call the attacker “a very sick and deranged person”, adding: “We must not allow ISIS [Islamic State] to return, or enter, our country after defeating them in the Middle East and elsewhere. Enough!”

He also announced he had ordered extreme vetting to be stepped up, without elaborating further.

Trump first said he wanted “extreme vetting” of immigrants during his presidential campaign last August. As president, he introduced a ban on arrivals to the US from a number of mainly-Muslim countries - a move that has been challenged legally and is due before the Supreme Court in the coming weeks.

The American Civil Liberties Union civil rights group said the term extreme vetting was a “euphemism for discriminating against Muslims”.

Early on Monday, he called for a “merit-based” visa system and attacked Democrat rival Chuck Schumer for having pushed for the creation of a diversi-

ty visa - or green card lottery - in the early 1990s.

A diversity visa is given to residents of countries with few immigrants to the US. A friend of Saipov told the BBC the 29-year-old had obtained his residency this way.

Mr Schumer responded to Mr Trump on Twitter, saying: “Always believed & cont. to believe that immi-

gration is good for America.

President Trump, instead of politicizing & dividing America, which he always seems to do at times of national tragedy, should focus on anti-terrorism funding which he proposed cutting in his budget.”

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said the incident was a “cowardly act

of terror aimed at innocent civilians”.

“We know that this action was intended to break our spirit. But we also know that New Yorkers are strong, New Yorkers are resilient and our spirit will never be moved by an act of violence and an act meant to intimidate us,” he said. (BBC)

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Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday November 2, 2017

These improvements were long overdue SOPHIA has recently been in the news; and not for the first time.

Those with good memories may recall the first stirrings of this community, when the first squatters attempted to erect dwellings. They were ordered removed in circumstances that will not detain us here; except to say, that sometime after, permission was given.

What then began with just a few dozen persons, braving what can be described as jungle, soon grew into the hundreds, then the thousands, as persons from many parts of our coastlands, staked their claim to land in this once canefield.

Today, Sophia is now one of the largest housing communities, with an estimated 13000 – 14000 persons now residing there.

To say that this now regularized housing community suffered deprivations, is to be conservative in our description of a community that experienced literal sufferings, pain, associated with accessing unknown territory for living.

These people, working class in nature, but including large families with children, and single moms, from

all races, did not have the courtesies of the well-known One-Stop-Shop method of house lot distribution, with banking advisory services, and facilities for title, that were known to visit locales where applicants had applied for house lots.

Most residences, whether modest, or large, have been built without recourse to mortgages/bank loans.

What at the moment is Sophia has been primarily developed by those residents, who in the early beginnings did not have even water pipes in their yards, no electricity, or where there were, most were via illegal connections; grass tracks, instead of roads.

In fact, the story is well known of residents trekking to the residence of a former Army Chief of Staff, who was kind enough to offer water services from his yard.

We recall, a then Peoples National Congress/Reform(PNC/R)Member of Parliament, whose offer to install water supply infrastructure was instantly disallowed by the PPP/C Minister of Housing and Water. That was how much that government had cared about some communities.

In essence, Sophia had been a neglected community that was even

socially discriminated against by the society, generally. Comments were mostly socially prejudicial. But these comments failed to take into consideration that there were residents who originated from varying backgrounds.

We all know the challenges that come from such circumstances. These have been just the same that come from individual persons from what is traditionally termed as residential.

But that was a very long time ago.

Of course, there is still illegal squatting, which the coalition government, A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change(APNU+AFC), along with the concerned residents are now seeking to resolve permanently, with offers to build core homes for those who cannot afford to do so.

What commenced as shacks for early dwellers, have now been elevated to well- designed residences, with modern amenities, such as telephones, internet, and well-kept yards. Also, since May 2015, this community has seen exponential improvements in the providing of critical social infrastructure such as a potable water supply system, that now flows into homes; well surfaced roads, and electrical lights in A, B, and

C Fields. Recently, the North Sophia Road was paved; and there are road lights now illuminating that entire locale.

These are improvements which have been long overdue. Numerous were the appeals by these residents, to the former People’s Progressive Party/Civic government for amenities to improve their community. But none was forthcoming, at least not the type that this well-deserving community is now receiving from this new dispensation. In plain language – The PPP/C government did not see Sophia as one of theirs. It was a pattern of governance that guided the former as to which area got what, and why.

Among its thousands of residents are young attorneys, doctors, and other public service professionals; mostly born in the very late ‘80s and into the ‘90s. They

understood what parental struggle is all about, endeavouring to establish a home for them. Many would have walked through muddy tracks to attend school. Now, they are the proud social products of a community that was birthed in dire hardship, now coming into its own as a respected community.

The not-so-long ago, Ministry of Communities consultations with the entire Sophia community, is built towards further elevating the social environment of this community. In another ten years, with the inputs of community centres, playfields, walkways, better drainage, installation of further electrification, and of course, roads – Sophia will be able to claim the right as an urban community in every sense of the description.

Sophia is rising.

PPP cooperation or not, Guyana will move positively forward through this government

Dear Editor

WE have heard the leader of the opposition calling on Guyanese, especially. PPP members and supporters, not to cooperate with the government towards having a better future. We must take lots of things into consideration as to what the man is calling for.

We must also understand that since May 2015, when this government took office, the PPP has never cooperated with the government, be it at the highest level or the lowest level.

At Parliament to date, they cannot name one member from the opposition side to be nominated as deputy speaker of the National Assembly. They are telling all their RDC and NDC chairmen and councillors not to cooperate with the various regional administrations.

They have been lambasting everything this government has been doing to better the infrastructural work in our land.

They now see the need to support teachers, sugar workers, rice farmers, fisherfolk, and the many

other working class groups of this country. They now create division amongst some religious groups and are celebrating a national holiday or a day that was declared a national holiday on a different day.

I was told that the leader and a few members of the PPP attended a church service in Berbice over the weekend. Yet those are the ones who are separating the nation, allowing the racial side to kick in and be in the minds of some people, but yet for all they now decided to show their godly side. I

don’t think God will accept someone that faked his marriage, who is creating division among the people, who said if Jesus was in Guyana he would have voted PPP, and who wants to punish the people, etc.

Imagine at the PPP press conference after the chairman of GECOM was announced, those PPP members who attended and sat at the head table seemed to be out of voice, but rather we all know that they were harnessed by the leader of the opposition. The man alone

must talk because it seems as if he alone has sense in the PPP. It was shameful.

But that’s how dictators behave: they must say everything, go everywhere, etc and don’t do anything.

Imagine, this man is telling Guyanese not to cooperate with the government. He is asking workers to stop cooperating and do what they want. But he is not telling the workers when they do what he wants, who will feed them and their children? For sure, the leader of the opposition won’t take out money from his pocket

and give it to every family deciding not to cooperate.

The man wants us to believe he cares for Guyana, but yet for all he decided to pull his members out of the Border Commission. Which man will have his country at heart and do not want to defend his land and people?

The man is only showing his real side, all he cares about, and for, is power.

It is very blatant that the leader of the opposition is using the people who support his party to destroy Guyana. But that Turn to page 7

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday November 2, 2017

Region Five completes President Granger knows better capital roads programme Dear Editor,

I REFER to what Mr. Kowlesar Misir wrote (Stabroek News, 30th October, 2017) about a “collaborative approach” in the appointment of the GECOM Chairman.

I would have liked Mr. Misir to amplify what is the meaning of “a list of six persons not unacceptable to the President” in the content of a duty placed by the constitution upon the leader of the opposition to submit names, ALL of which could qualify for appointment.

Mr. Misir posited that Article 161(2) of the constitution “demands a collaborative approach.” Since therefore, Article 161(2) in stating “Provided that if the leader of the opposition fails to submit a list as provided for…” must not be read in the absence of that earlier part of the same

Article 161(2) which states “…a list of six persons, not unacceptable to the President submitted by the leader of the opposition…”, I submit that Mr. Misir has failed to highlight that Article 161(2) thereby demands that the leader of the opposition submit a list that he [the President], in his own deliberate judgment, finds acceptable.

This is indeed not an abuse nor was it intended to be, since the drafters not only did not make it an obligation that the President MUST appoint a person from the list provided, but also gave the President the full prerogative to find the list unacceptable!

By violating this responsibility, the leader of the opposition rendered his entire list unacceptable not once, but thrice!

Just by way of example, Mr. Misir might have

read the column “The Shah Report” (Georgetown, 29th October, 2017) where an opposition leader’s nominee made the self-explanatory remarks: “Guyana voted in 2015 to give presidential power to a man whom the U.S. assessed to be an ‘anti-Indian racist.’’ Would it have been fit and proper, in this context, for President Granger to appoint an avowed ‘Indian rights activist’?

I suppose if Mr. Granger had fallen for Mr. Jagdeo’s plot, the outcome would have been seen as a “collaborative approach.”

But President Granger knew better, since he is the leader of the entire Guyanese nation, not just a particular ethnic section.

Yours faithfully, Cynthia Rutherford President Youths for Change AFC

From page 6

PPP cooperation or not, ...

won’t happen. Dr. Doom should look at the crowd he attracted at his village meeting in Chesney on the Corentyne over the weekend, a handful of voters with lots of small children. That alone shows that Berbicians won’t listen to the race-baiting from this man.

I was told yesterday by someone about an incident, whereby a young man who works with CORE Region Five was chased out of Bath Settlement Freedom House because he was working with the project. It’s shame-

ful that under the PPP they could not have come up with a project that would enhance the environment. So they are chasing those who want to see a better Guyana.

Since this government took office, the PPP wasn’t cooperating and no one expects them to at this time.

In Region Five, almost the entire work programme for 2017 is being completed without the input of the PPP’s RDC chairman and councillors. Works are being done across the region, within every NDC. In Region Five, the posi-

tive works will continue even if the PPP decided to protest day after day and months after months. The people are seeing improvement within the region and that is what the PPP is afraid of - DEVELOPMENT under the APNU+AFC government.

I call on all Guyanese to reject the opposition leader’s call and let’s work together for a better Guyana.

Regards Abel Seetaram APNU+AFC Regional Councillor Region Five.

THE Region Five (Mahica-Berbice) administration has successfully completed works amounting to $122M on extension and upgrading of roads for the current year.

Regional Engineer Dhanpaul Sukha disclosed that the administration spent $34M on farm-to-market (FTM) roads and $88M on residential access roads in the Mahaica /Abary and Abary/ Berbice sub-regions.

“This means that with the exception of a minor glitch at one of the residential access roads, the one at Rosignol, we completed our planned work for this year in the area of roads,” he said.

He said the continuation of the Masjid Street in Rosignol had not been fully completed, because one person who owns land in the area objected to the road taking a certain course.

He said the administration had designed the street in alignment with the fences alongside the road and is hoping that the matter would be resolved shortly.

He added that in the process of com-

pleting road projects for 2017, the administration had achieved some savings and is now ploughing these into three more road projects which he said were residential access roads projects.

The completed road projects have seen upgrades and extensions of residential access roads within the region in seven villages, namely: Catherina’s Lust, Litchfield, Lovely Lass, Waterloo, Paradise and Rosignol, all in West Berbice and at Perth in Mahaicony.

The completed projects have also seen rehabilitation of FTM roads at Good Faith, Mahaicony and at Number 8 Village, West Coast Berbice and extension of the FTM at Biaboo, Mahaica Creek.

The region is currently using savings from these completed projects to extend the Litchfield Nursery School Street and to upgrade the cross street at Lovely Lass Village and the cross street at New Scheme, Bush Lot village.

These are to be completed well before the end of the year, Sukha said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 2, 2017

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 2, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 2, 2017

M&CC begins dismantling stalls along Bourda Street – to facilitate start of road repairs THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC) on Wednesday began dismantling stalls along Bourda Street to facilitate repairs to the road there.

M&CC Public Relations Officer, Ms. Debra Lewis, told the Guyana Chronicle that the City Council has decided to allow those vendors between Regent Street and North Road to vend on a portion of Merriman Mall in the meantime.

According to her, they

will now be allowed on Merriman Mall between Cummings Street and Orange Walk. Some vendors were also permitted to work along Robb Street in the meantime.

Lewis said the vendors have been cooperative with the Council so far, and have even been assisting to get their stalls removed.

The Ministry of Public Infrastructure is also helping with this project, which is expected to last until

about November 15.

Approximately 40 Bourda Street vendors went into City Hall recently to sign an agreement with Town Clerk Royston King saying that they will relocate during the period, on condition that they are allowed to return to their original spots as soon as the repairs are completed.

And while some of the vendors will be allowed to sell on Robb Street in the meantime, Lewis said that more places will have to be provided to accommodate a few others.

The M&CC had said in the past that they were moving to construct stalls on Bourda Street similar to those outside the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) on lower Robb Street, but Lewis has disclosed that the municipality is no longer pursuing this option at the moment.

The Bourda Street vendors were, however, urged to upgrade their stalls so that they can appear more pleasing to the eyes, as opposed to the terrible state that some of them are currently in.

The M&CC had earlier said that it would allow these vendors a temporary space in front of the Bourda Market until the works have been completed, but

Lewis said the municipality will no longer pursue that option.

Back in July 2015, King and senior M&CC officials had met with some 20 vendors who plied their trade on Bourda Street. The purpose of that meeting was to inform the vendors that they would no longer be allowed to do business there, because the Council was ready to go ahead with plans to demolish the Bedford School. The news was not welcomed by the vendors, but King explained that the situation was no longer tenable as the derelict building posed a threat to their very existence as well as to passers-by.

“The Bedford building has been in a state of

disrepair for a number of years. The Council had issued a call for persons who have derelict structures to remove them, since they serve as a haven for criminal elements and persons of unsound mind. Also, these structures are an eyesore and pose a threat to the lives of the passers-by and occupiers of neighbouring buildings,” King had said.

“We cannot allow you to operate in an environment that will compromise your safety and health,” he said, adding that while the Council is cognisant of the socio-economic factors affecting citizens, vendors need to cooperate with the administration so that the relocation process can be a smooth one.

Jagdeo asked to nominate Deputy Speaker PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo has invited Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo to select a nominee to fill the post of Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly when Parliament resumes.

At the same time, the prime minister noted that if the Opposition declines to provide a nominee from

amongst its Members of Parliament, the government may consider taking such steps “as it deems appropriate in the circumstances and in the interest of our country’s democracy”.

In a missive penned to Jagdeo this week, the prime minister noted that since the National Assembly first met after the May 11, 2015

elections, there has been no Deputy Speaker in accordance with Article 56 of the Constitution and the Standing Orders of the National Assembly He said that the convention has been for the Opposition to nominate the Deputy Speaker.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo noted that the business of the National Assembly could be enhanced with the vacant position being filled.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 2, 2017

After seven long years...

Prosecutor finally closes case – in Freddie Kissoon assault-by-faeces matter

The defendants: From L-R: Jason Abdulla, Kwame McCoy and Sean Hinds

THE testimony given by newspaper columnist, Freddie Kissoon during trial against three men accused of throwing faeces on him back in 2010, has been deemed ‘inadmissible’ by attorney Glen Hanoman, who deemed Kissoon “incompetent.”

Police Prosecutor, Shawn Gonsalves on Wednesday closed his case into the matter before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman. The case has been ongoing for more than a year.

Former presidential liaison officer under the previous administration, Kwame McCoy, self-professed death squad member Sean Hinds, and opposition executive, Jason Abdulla are out on $100,000 bail each for allegedly assaulting Kissoon on May 24, 2010 at Georgetown.

Defence attorney, Glen Hanoman

Attorney Latchmie Rahamat is representing McCoy; Glen Hanoman is holding for Abdulla, while Hinds is being represented by George Thomas.

After the prosecution closed its case, Attorney Hanoman reminded Magistrate Latchman that she has an outstanding ruling as it relates to earlier in trial when he(Hanoman) made

an objection to Kissoon’s testimony in court.

Hanoman had requested that the evidence given by Kissoon be withdrawn, since he has proven on several occasions that his evidence is inconsistent.

The magistrate has adjourned the matter until November 8 when she would make the ruling for the objection raised by the lawyer.

On May 24, 2010 at around 19:00hrs Kissoon had just emerged from Nigel’s Supermarket on Robb Street and already entered his vehicle when a man walked up to him and threw the faeces in his face. Kissoon managed to drive behind the perpetrator, who ran north along Light Street then west into North Road before jumping into a waiting white AT 192 Toyota Carina motorcar and escaped.

Six months community service – for ‘trying a t'ing’ A 37-year-old man who confessed to snatching a woman’s cellphone was on Wednesday ordered to perform six months of community service.

Simon Persaud confessed to the simple larceny charge when it was read to him by Magistrate Fabayo Azore.

Particulars of the charge alleged that Persaud, on October 30 at Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown, stole a Samsung J7 cellphone valued $60,000 from Adia Azad.

“I heard about this phone snatching thing and I try it; I do it to get lil food,” the unrepresented man told the court as he begged for mercy.

The victim, who was present in court, also begged the magistrate to be lenient with Persaud since he had apologised to her.

The magistrate, after considering the circumstance, ordered Persaud to complete six months of community service at the Brickdam Police Station every Friday for three hours.

“Go with God,” Magistrate Azore told Persaud as he left her courtroom.

A soiled Kissoon tried to intercept the car, but was forced to back off to avoid a collision.

Police sources have since revealed that McCoy had been identified as the alleged mastermind behind the attack on Kissoon, and that Abdulla and Hinds confessed to the crime while in

Newspaper columnist, Freddie Kissoon

custody.

Hinds had provided security services to a number of PPP personalities, while Abdulla also worked at the then Office of the President and is now a functionary at the PPP’s Freedom Radio, housed at the party’s headquarters on Robb Street, Georgetown.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 2, 2017

Linden Chamber applauds GECOM appointment THE Linden Chamber Of Commerce and Industry Development has extended support to President David Grainger for his appointment of retired Justice James Patterson to the office of Guyana Elections Commission Chairman.

The chamber in a statement said it has noticed public criticism over the appointment of Justice Patterson, but contended that

the President’s actions were wise and justifiable since it was necessary to avert a constitutional crisis.

Justice Patterson, the release said, should not be judged for his age, for this can be deemed as discrimination, but for the content of his character.

“Guyana’s brightest and best minds are about his age undoubtedly. Submitting names and not considering

Linden Chamber of Commerce President Victor Fernandes

the criteria defeats the purpose. Insular behaviours have no place in and among us. Guyana belongs to all of us. Let’s be optimistic and work for the common good of our beloved country.”

Chamber President Victor Fernandes expressed confidence that President Granger has the best interest of the country at heart and urged that the populace join hands in advancing a

better life for all by working together.

Patterson, 84, was appointed chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on October 19. President David Granger made the appointment following a meeting with Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo earlier in the evening, when the head-of-state informed the latter of his disapproval of a third list of

nominees which was submitted to him.

At a simple ceremony at State House, Main Street, Georgetown, the President noted that he found the third list of nominees submitted by opposition leader on August 25, to be unacceptable within the meaning of the constitution.

There have been mixed views on Patterson’s appointment.

Elderly man abandoned at Linden Hospital THE Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) is calling on the relatives of 54-year-old Winston Jeffrey who has been abandoned by his relatives and friends after almost three months of being discharged. While the management of the hospital was unsuccessful in gathering sufficient information on Jeffrey’s relatives since he is unable to speak, efforts were made to publicly inform them via the LHC facebook page.

Though the post received many shares, no one has

since made contact with the hospital.

Jeffrey was admitted to the Kwakwani Hospital on August 6 by unknown persons after he allegedly fell ill on a work site in a community close to the Kwakwani District, Region 10.

He was then subsequently transferred to the Linden Hospital Complex where he was treated and discharged.

The persons who dropped him off, reportedly left without giving much information and has never revisited him since.

It has been close to three months and Jeffrey has received no visitors and therefore he remains at the institution’s male ward where he is receiving routine care. He is said to be in a stable condition, but is unable to speak.

While the LHC does not have regular cases of abandonment, the institution has dealt with such cases in the past. Management is asking relatives and friends of Jeffrey to make contact with the supervisor’s office on telephone number 4443005.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 2, 2017

Filaria pills are safe, Health Ministry maintains – six-year-old did not die as a result of tablet, autopsy finds THE post-mortem performed on six-year-old Princess Kissoon did not link the child’s death to the filaria pill she took, the Public Health Ministry has said, while stating clearly that the pills being administered are safe.

The Health Ministry issued the statement late Tuesday night after news broke on Monday that the six-yearold died days after ingesting half of a filaria pill.

Kissoon’s father Ray Kissoon has alleged that his daughter was in good health when he gave her half of an Albendazole, but later fell sick. She was sick for a period of two days before being rushed to Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC).

In that statement, the Health Ministry expressed condolences to the family of Kissoon, who died on her

Dead: Princess Kissoon

way to the GPHC on October 27, 2017, but made it clear that her death was not as a result of the pill.

“The post-mortem examination performed by pathologist, Dr. Nancy Olario on October 29 does not point to any linkage between the ingestion of the tablet and the Kissoon child’s death. The ministry is confident that

the drugs being administered on the filaria campaign are safe,” the ministry stated.

The Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis began in 2001 in Guyana.

It was pointed out that since 2008, six regions have benefited from the Mass Distribution of the tablets Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) 100mg and Albendazole 400mg at predefined doses.

“In 2016, 277,612 persons from Regions Three, Four, Five and 10 received the drugs via Directly Observed Therapy (DOT). Prior to this initiative, thousands of Guyanese had received Diethylcarbamazine in DEC salt. The medicines being distributed are donations from the World Health Organisation through their regional office, the Pan American Health Organisation,”

the Health Ministry further explained.

It was noted that the donation process begins with the exchange of documents which include a certificate of good manufacturing practice, a certificate of analysis of the tablet which assures product quality assurance, an information leaflet on the tablet which details its indications, considerations and precautions, dosage and side effects.

The documents, the ministry stated, are first perused by the permanent secretary and chief medical officer of the Ministry of Public Health before the drugs are approved for shipment.

The Ministry of Public Health further pointed out that Albendazole may cause gastrointestinal disturbances; abdominal pain, diarrhoea, headaches, dizziness while

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence

DEC is known for causing nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, anorexia, fever and rash/allergic reaction.

Albendazole, the ministry stated, should not be given to children under one year and women in their first trimester of pregnancy, while DEC should not be given to children under two years, nor pregnant women.

Together, the two tablets kill filarial worms and microfilariae.

“It should be noted that the adverse effects listed are pretty uncommon and occur mostly in patients who have a significant worm burden. Adverse effects subside within 24 hours. Any person who experiences these adverse effects beyond this time should seek medical attention,” the Health Ministry stated.

It added that: “In the nine years of tablet distribution, the country boasts that there have been no serious adverse events that have led to hospitalisation, disability nor death.”

The Health Ministry said it continues to provide the Directly Observed Treatment in an on-going effort to protect the public from the chronic debilitation caused by filariasis.

Eligible citizens are urged to participate.

Motorcyclist freed of causing reputed wife’s death – on DPP’s advice to withdraw charge AN East Ruimveldt man, who was accused of causing the death of his reputed wife in a motorcycle accident in 2016, was freed on Wednesday after the Director of Public Prosecutions advised that the

charge be withdrawn.

Steve Fiedtkou, 32, was before City Magistrate Fabayo Azore for causing the death of Shauna Rice on April 9, 2016 on Mandela Avenue while driving an unregistered motorcycle in a

dangerous manner.

According to reports, Rice was the pillion rider of the unlicensed Honda motorcycle when a car collided with it at Mandela Avenue and Avocado Street,

Steve Fiedtkou

Georgetown. Both she and Fiedtkou were thrown some distance during the collision, causing her to sustain severe head injuries.

R i c e w o u l d s u b s equently die of her injuries, but Fiedtkou was hospitalised with both legs broken,

and severe head trauma.

The couple were reportedly looking for their missing son at the time of the accident.

According to reports, the motorcyclists were not wearing helmets when the accident occurred and the bike had no lights.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday November 2, 2017

PM to make first donation -at official launch today of Salvation Army Christmas Kettles

THE Guyana Division of the Salvation Army will today usher in the spirit of Christmas in Guyana, with the official launch at 10:00hrs of its annual Christmas Kettles Appeal at the Georgetown Club on Camp Street.

Special guest speaker is Prime Minister Mr Moses Nagamoootoo, who will deliver the feature address.

There will also be brief remarks by Divisional Commander, Major Matignol Saint Lot and Chairman of the Salvation Army Advisory Board, Mr. Edward Boyer.

The programme will be spiced with the singing of carols, ushering in the festive season, led by Divisional

Director of Women’s Ministries, Major Mireille Saint Lot. There will also be entertainment by the Divisional Timbrellists and Salvation Army Divisional Songsters, followed by vocal selections from the Bishop’s High School choir.

Throughout the programme, there will be rich steel pan renditions by the Guyana Police Force Steel Band.

The highlight of the programme will be the official launch of the Christmas Appeal by Minister Nagamootoo, who will make the first donation. This gesture will be followed by donations from members of the diplomatic corps, the private sector

and other well-wishers.

The final item will be a skit by the Men’s Social Services Choir.

GIVE GENEROUSLY In the light of this season of ‘peace, goodwill and joy towards men’, the Salvation Army is urging persons to give generously to the kettles, which will be located at strategic points in the streets, beginning today.

One alternative way in which persons, including members of the private sector, can give is by way of the ‘Mail Appeal’, in that should they be in receipt of an appeal letter, they can take it to the bank specified by the SalBritish High Commissioner Mr. Gregg Quinn and members of the private sector making their donations to the Christmas Kettles back in 2015

vation Army, and using the account numbers provided, make their deposits.

Others so inclined may drop off their donations at Citadel Headquarters at South Road and Alexander Street.

The traditional ‘kettles’

are a symbol of the Army’s mantra, ‘Sharing is Caring’, and is a timely reminder that throughout the year, the Salvation Army engages in humanitarian acts of caring, through sharing, by literally reaching out and ministering to the needs of

thousands of challenged and less fortunate people in our midst.

Be assured that your kind donation, however big or small, can go a far way towards helping meet the needs of the Salvation Army’s year-round projects.

Marine traffic to resume at Harbour Bridge today THE Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC) will facilitate marine traffic from today after one of the hydraulic winches malfunctioned over the last weekend, according to General Manager Rawlston Adams.

After closing the bridge for seven hours on Saturday for the replacement of a pontoon at the retractor span, engineers discovered mechanical failures during the reconnection process.

It was discovered that one of the hydraulic winches was not holding pressure under load.

Adams said that they initially thought that the problem was with the gearbox, but after stripping it, they discovered that it was in working order. Further diagnostic tests revealed that the spline in the shaft of the barrel was damaged and had to be repaired. Adams noted that the spline was damaged because moisture was trapped in the barrel.

Adams, in a meeting with shippers, told them that the DHBC was now contemplating testing the remaining

The winch that was serviced and replaced at the DHBC (Rabindra Rooplall Photo)

three winches on the retractor span. He, however, noted that many factors have to be taken into consideration before they embark on the project.

The retractor span of the bridge comprises eight winches, four of which are small four-ton equipment, while the remaining four are 12 tons each. The faulty winch has been identified as the north-eastern 12-ton winch.

The bridge company did not have any replacements at hand, and as such it turned to two private entities, Industrial Fabrications Inc and EC Vieira Investments Ltd, for

assistance.

Worried representatives of SOL, Rubis, the Guyana Oil Company, and Bosai Bauxite as well as several other companies affected by the closure of the bridge to marine traffic, were at the emergency meeting Tuesday at the Peter’s Hall, East Bank Demerara office of the Harbour Bridge Corporation.

According to Adams, scheduling maintenance is not straightforward, and includes coordination on tide times, with considerations of the least impact on commuters and river traffic.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday November 2, 2017

‘GTT Night of Stars’ promoter counting his losses --after artistes renege on deal

SOME of Dancehall’s biggest names, Pamputtae, Gage and Q.Q, came to Guyana promising an unforgettable GTT ‘Night of Stars’ concert on Saturday at the National Park.

But, as fate would have it, the artistes never took the stage, leaving the promoter of the show, Seon Blades, crying foul and counting his millions of dollars in losses.

As part of their ‘Pinktober’ breast cancer awareness, the Guyana Telephone and Telephone Company (GTT) teamed up with Blades’ New Level Entertainment company to make the show a reality, but, in the end, it turned out to be a nightmare.

Pamputtae, Gage and Q.Q were headline acts for the show, which was supposed to have featured Jamaican Razor B and Guyanese dancehall sensation, ‘Lil Million’, but instead, after not receiving their agreed amounts as stipulated in their contracts, the artistes collectively protested and refused to leave the Tower Hotel.

Using their respective social media platforms, the artistes, more so Eveana Henry (‘Pamputtae’) and Kareem Dawkins (QQ) blasted the promoter for allegedly not living up to his end of the bargain, something that Blades denied in an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle yesterday.

“From start to end, when these artistes came into this country, my days were not normal; they stressed me out a lot. One time I took them to buy food at one restau-

rant, and when they finished eating, after the bill was like $40,000, they said they want KFC. I paid them their per diem and still I had to get food for them,” Blades said.

FALSE CLAIMS The artistes claimed to have never seen the promoters, but the day prior to the show, they were all present, along with Blades, for a press event hosted by GTT at their Robb and Camp Streets dealer store.

The artistes also claimed

complained about not having first-class tickets as agreed and stated in their contracts, but they shared videos on Instagram showing them being seated in Fly Jamaica’s First Class area, as attested to by Blades’ $1,103,960 receipt for their tickets with the airline.

Dawkins, as stated in his contract, agreed to perform for US$5,000 and had already received US$3,857.69 before arriving in Guyana, leaving Blades a balance of US$1,142.31 to pay.

Promoter Seon Blades

90% and 60% of the money, I would take the losses and give you guys whatever ticket money we have.

“QQ father started talking for everyone and said they’re not moving.

I told him, ‘I already paid more than you asked for in advance in the contract, so I don’t see a problem going to venue so the people could feel comfortable.’

“Gage is the only one who actually wanted to perform,” Blades stated, but explained the ‘Throat’ artiste

The headline acts for the show and other artistes at GTT’s Camp and Robb Streets store (Adrian Narine photo)

they were not featured on radio, since the promoters were unable to take them, but evidence showed them at Hits and Jams’ Lance Gibbs Street radio station.

In the video, which received thousands of views and shares, the artistes also

Henry, on the other hand, received almost US$1500 of her US$2500 contracted amount. Gage also collected over 60% of his fees, same as Razor B. But according to Blades, it is QQ’s father, Joseph Dawkins, who caused the

whole upheaval.

“During the night of the show,” Blades explained to the Guyana Chronicle, “I went back to the venue and told them that ticket sales were a little slow, and I want you guys to come to the venue.

“Since I already paid

was fearful of the backlash when he returned to Jamaica.

MONEY BACK? Blades still feels that the artistes should have given some of the money back, since he had paid more than 50% down and they didn’t

Crooks caught by SOCU must pay THE Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) says it will not defend anyone being investigated by the Special Organised Crimes Unit (SOCU) who is found culpable of any wrongdoing.

This is according to Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo who was at the time addressing reporters at a press conference at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, Church Street, Georgetown on Wednesday.

The Opposition Leader also suggested that the image of the anti-crime unit may have been tainted politically.

Jagdeo made the charge as he tied the

recent court appearance of top officials of the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) to SOCU’s “political agenda”.

He told reporters that the PPP is unaware of what SOCU’s work currently entails, noting that when the body was established, it was expected to support the Finance Intelligence Unit (FIU) to address anti-money laundering and other matters . He said it was supposed to be the enforcement arm of the FIU. “But let me make it clear, anytime there is any impartial or fair investigation… that implicate anyone in corrupt activities... they will

not be defended by the PPP,” Jagdeo said.

Eight directors of the GBTI were last Monday hauled before the court for failing to comply with a production order issued by acting Chief Justice, Roxane George-Wiltshire.

Their being placed before the courts is as a result of an ongoing SOCU investigation into the US$500M fraud at the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB).

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

deliver as promised.

“To me, it’s a breach of contract of some kind, because I paid them more than they asked for in advance, and they did not perform,” he said, adding: “I spoke to a lawyer, and he explained that I should’ve cancelled their tickets, but I didn’t do that because it was Sunday.

“I didn’t get on to anyone from Fly Jamaica, and they were leaving at 03:00am the Monday morning,” said Blades.

Patrons, after realising that the artistes were not coming to the venue, began to ‘bottle’ the stage, forcing the DJ to seek cover. Disgruntled fans also asked for their money back, but by then, everyone associated with the show had ‘dipped.’

“They robbed me,” Blades said. “When I checked my budget, it’s over G$5M I lost from this event; people saying I took GTT money and all these things.

“The first contract GTT and I made, they were supposed to purchase 3000 tickets at G$600 each, which would’ve taken it to $1.8M. “After GTT pulled in the Chronixx and Gospel show, they reduced that to 1000 tickets, which only took the money to $600,000.

“The artistes felt it was GTT show, but it was my show, and GTT was just a sponsor,” Blades explained.

Blades showed the Guyana Chronicle evidence of Razor B and Gage apologising and offering to do a show free of cost at a time of his, Blades,’ choosing.

-Jagdeo declares Shaw were all jointly charged and placed before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Eytle-McLean was charged in absentia, as she is currently out of the country on vacation.

The charge against the directors says that on or before August 29 at Georgetown, they failed to comply with a production order issued by acting Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire and served by a marshal of the High Court to produce certain named documents, within seven days, to SOCU head, Assistant Commissioner of Police Sydney James.

It is alleged that they contravened the order without reasonable cause.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday November 2, 2017

Four-man team for Caribbean cycle road race championships in Barbados -Selectees to pay own airfare

Briton John

THE Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) has selected a team of cyclists to represent the Golden Arrowhead at the Caribbean Road Racing billed for the Land of the Flying Fish (Barbados), but the selectees have to foot their individual airfares.

According to information received, the team comprises junior cyclists, Curtis Dey, Briton John and Nigel Duguid and juvenile Jonathan Ramsuchit.

GCF president Horrace Burrowes will accompany the team as coach, while Steve Ramsuchit will act as the manager.

Assistant Racing Secretary of the GCF, Joseph

Britton, told Chronicle Sport the four cyclists selected were asked by the Federation to secure funding for their airfare to Barbados as the Barbados Cycling Federation will fund their accommodation and meals while on the Island.

All four of the cyclists selected have since been able to secure their airfares and have already purchased their tickets.

The four cyclists will leave Guyana on Friday for Barbados and will go into competition on Saturday.

The juniors will contest a 100 kilometres road race, while Ramsuchit will compete in a 70 kilometres event.

John of Team United is

one of Guyana’s leading junior cyclist and only recently returned from Norway where he participated in the Junior World Championships. He is tremendous form at the moment but will need Dey and Dugid’s support if he is to find a place on the podium and judging from both Dey and Dugid’s form at the moment, John can surely do Guyana proud come Saturday.

Ramsuchit for his part, is currently the country’s top juvenile, but contesting a championship of such magnitude with no support can be very testing.

From back page

Scoreboard

ZIMBABWE 1st innings 326 West Indies 1st innings (overnight 374 for seven) K Brathwaite c Masakadza b Cremer 32 K Powell c Ervine b Mpofu 90 D Bishoo c & b Sikandar Raza 23 K Hope lbw b Sikandar Raza 1 S Hope b Sikandar Raza 40 R Chase lbw b Sikandar Raza 32 J Blackwood c Cremer b Sikandar Raza 5 +S Dowrich lbw b Chisoro 103 *J Holder b Chisoro 110 K Roach lbw b Chisoro 0 S Gabriel not out 5 Extras (b3, lb3, nb1) 7 TOTAL (all out, 178.2 overs) 448 Fall of wickets: 1-76 , 2-131, 3-135, 4-163, 5-219, 6-225, 7-230, 8-442, 9-443, 10-448.

Bowling: Mpofu 28-10-55-1,

Mire 5-2-5-0, Cremer 52-8161-1, Raza 48-12-99-5, Chisoro 41.2-9-113-3, Masakadza 4-1-9-0.

ZIMBABWE 2nd innings H Masakadza b Roach

5

S Mire lbw b Roach

0

C Ervine b Bishoo

22

B Taylor lbw Gabriel

10

P Moor not out

39

S Raza not out

58

Extras (b1, lb5)

6

TOTAL (4 wkts, 67 overs) 140 Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-8, 3-23, 4-46.

Bowling: Gabriel 13-6-16-1, Roach 12-7-14-2, Brathwaite 9-1-19-0, Holder 12-2-29-0, Bishoo 13-3-38-1, Chase 2-07-0, Blackwood 6-3-11-0.

Former Ghana and Ajax midfielder Yakubu dies

(REUTERS) - Former Ghana and Ajax defensive midfielder Abubakari Yakubu has died at the age of 35, the Ghanaian Football Association said on Wednesday.

The Ghana FA announced the news on Twitter but did not give the reason for his death. Multiple media reports said that Yakubu died in a hospital in the southern Ghanaian city of Tema on Tuesday.

“We’re sad to hear the death of former Ghana, Ajax and Vitesse midfielder Abu-

Former Ghana and Ajax midfielder Abubakari Yakubu

bakari Yakubu, our thoughts are with his family. may his soul RIP,” the Ghanian FA tweeted.

Yakubu won 16 caps for Ghana and helped his country qualify for the 2006 World Cup. However, he was not picked for the tournament’s finals in Germany.

A versatile player who slotted into defence when required, Yakubu won the Dutch league and cup double in 2002 and added another league title in 2004. He left Ajax for Vitesse Arnhem in 2004 after 89 appearances.

SA football boss Danny Jordaan denies raping Jennifer Ferguson SOUTH Africa's football boss Danny Jordaan, 66, has broken his silence to deny raping singer and ex-MP Jennifer Ferguson nearly 24 years ago.

Mr Jordaan rejected Mrs Ferguson's offer of mediation, saying the accusations must be dealt with in a court of law, his lawyer said.

Ms Ferguson alleges Mr Jordaan "overpowered" her and raped her in a hotel in Port Elizabeth city in 1994.

She said she was inspired to speak out by the #MeToo campaign on social media.

Ms Ferguson said the attack took place when she was "high and happy" following her unexpected nomination

by Nelson Mandela's African National Congress (ANC) party to serve in South Africa's first democratically elected parliament in 1994.

Now living in Sweden with her husband, Ms Ferguson said she wanted prominent South African cleric Paul Verryn to broker "mediation" between her and Mr Jordaan to achieve "restorative justice".

Mr Jordaan, however, rejected mediation, as it could be perceived as a "cover-up" with "one law for the powerful and another for the masses", his lawyer, Mamodupi Mohlala-Mulaudzi, said in a statement, adding her client had not commented up to now because of his "empathy with victims of gender-based violence".

Mr Jordaan, she continued, was innocent, and believed that the singer's allegations could "only be ventilated in a court of law, where the rights of all parties are protected".

In response, Ms Ferguson said she was "preparing for a course of action, the nature of which I will be disclosing in the near future".

She says she has spoken to two other women with similar allegations against Mr Jordaan since first publishing her account on her blog.

Ms Ferguson alleged that Mr Jordaan came to her hotel suite after she had given a performance at a dinner.

"He overpowered me and painfully raped me. It must have been over in about 20 seconds although it felt like a lifetime," she said. "He left immediately without saying a word."

Mr Jordaan, a prominent member of the ANC and president of the South African Football Association, was widely praised for spearheading South Africa's 2010 World Cup bid. It was the first time that the football tournament was played in Africa.

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday November 2, 2017

Louis’ Career-best 6-69 Skittles out Barbados Pride for 113 BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – A career-best spell from Jeremiah Louis set things up and the top-order batsmen carried Leeward Islands Hurricanes to an early lead against Barbados Pride in the Regional 4-Day Championship on Wednesday.

Louis grabbed 6-69 from 14.2 overs, as the Pride, sent in to bat on a helpful Kensington Oval pitch, were bowled out for a modest 113 in their first innings about 55 minutes before tea on the first day of their key second-round match.

Ashley Nurse, batting at nine, hit the top score of 45 for the Pride and Justin Greaves was the only other batsman to reach 20, as the Pride batting fell for their lowest total ever against the Hurricanes.

Veteran Gavin Tonge wreaked the early havoc, ending 3-5 from eight overs before Louis made mincemeat of the rest of the Pride

batting.

The batting, led by Akeem Saunders with 41, followed up the work of the bowlers, taking the Hurricanes to 116 for four in reply when bad light stopped play about 20 minutes past the scheduled close with four overs remaining to meet the daily quota.

Earlier, Mervyn Matthew made the early breakthrough, when he had left-handed opener Anthony Alleyne caught behind for one in the third over.

Tonge, quite possibly the most under-rated fast-medium bowler in the regional game, swung the gates over when he removed rookie batsman Aaron Jones, caught at mid-on for a duck, and left-hander Jonathan Carter, edging an ill-advised, loose drive to the ‘keeper, from the first two deliveries in his fifth over.

Louis got into the frame, when he bowled Pride captain Kevin Stoute with a

HURRICANES 1st Innings

S Moseley c Hughes b Tonge

1 C Hughes c Stoute b Clarke 13 K Carty c Nurse b Stoute

A Jones c Louis b Tonge

0

J Carter c wkpr Thomas b Tonge

0

*K Stoute b Louis

2

K Williams lbw b Louis

8 20

+M Rampersaud c Warde b Louis

0

A Nurse c Campbell b Louis

45

J Warrican b Louis

11

S Clarke not out

0

Extras (lb12, w1)

13

9 19

A Saunders c Moseley b Williams

41

*+D Thomas c Alleyne b Warrican 25 N Bonner not out

20

J Taylor not out

0

Extras (nb2)

2

TOTAL (4 wkts, 47 overs)

116

T Warde, M Matthew, J Louis, G Tonge, J Campbell to bat Fall of wickets: 1-12, 2-31, 3-78, 4-116 Bowling: Greaves 10-6-7-0; Clarke

8-3-15-1 (nb1); Stoute 8-4-14-1; Nurse TOTAL (all out, 36.2 overs) 113 6-0-41-0 (nb1); Warrican 10-3-26-1; Fall of wickets: 1-6, 2-15, 3-15, 4-18, 5-28, Williams 5-1-13-1 6-28, 7-34, 8-93, 9-108 Bowling: Matthew 14-3-27-1; Tonge 8-4-5- Position: Hurricanes trail by three with six first innings wickets standing 3; Louis 14.2-3-69-6 (w1)

Jeremiah Louis celebrates the dismissal of Kenroy Williams lbw. (CWI Media/Kerrie Eversley)

perfect, in-swinging yorker that spectacularly spread-eagled the stumps to leave the hosts 18 for four inside the first hour.

Tonge had left-hander opener Shayne Moseley caught at slip three overs later before Louis added the scalps of Kenroy Williams lbw for eight and Mario Rampersaud caught in the gully for a duck to sink the Pride to 55 for

seven at lunch.

After the interval, Nurse batted with typical aplomb, smashing seven fours and one six from 41 balls in three-quarters of an hour, sharing 59 for the eighth wicket with Greaves.

Louis had Nurse caught at short mid-wicket just before the Pride reached 100 and Greaves caught at second slip after they had passed the

Wins for Number 8, Bush Lot Secondary, Goed Fortuin and Patentia of their allotted 30 overs.

Wazim Inshan made a constructive 53 and Noel Deodat a solid unbeaten 50.

Number 8 Secondary won by 9 wickets.

In the other match played at Bush Lot ground, Bush Lot Secondary trashed Ash Secondary by 223 runs.

Batting first Bush lot Secondary rattled up a massive 267 for 7 in their allotted 30 overs. Adrian Samaroo slammed 109, with 19 fours and 1 six. Marvan Prashad and Lamesh Persaud contributed 37 and 31 respectively. Bowling for Ash Secondary, Saeed Baksh picked up 3 for 31.

In reply, Ash Secondary batsmen appeared somewhat overwhelmed by the mammoth task, as they seemingly sought to surpass Bush lot Secondary score with a flurry of aggressive stroke play.

However, their approach proved somewhat unstructured and reckless, as they inevitably crashed to 44 all out off 11.3 overs. Adrian Samaroo returned with the ball to take 2 for 3 off 2 overs and Lamesh Persaud

A Alleyne c wkpr Thomas b Matthew

J Greaves c Bonner b Louis

GCB/DMLAS/NSC/NSSCL……

THE 2017/2018 Guyana Cricket Board/ Demerara Mutual Life Assurance Society Limited/ National Sports Commission/National Secondary School Cricket League (GCB/DMLAS/NSC/NSSCL) continued with matches being played yesterday in West Berbice and on the West Bank of Demerara.

At the Bush lot ground in West Berbice, Number 8 Secondary beat Fort Wellington Secondary by 9 wickets. Fort Wellington won the toss and elected to bat first, but struggled against the Number 8 Secondary bowling, only managing to scrape 112 all out in 28.3 overs of their allotted 30 overs.

Number 8 Secondary bowler, Daniel Mosses produced a destructive spell to finish with the impressive figures of 4 for 19 from 6 overs. Budhram Lakram supported well with 2 for 6.

In reply, Number 8 Secondary displayed great levels of maturity with the bat, to reach 114 for the loss of just one wicket, off 15

Scoreboard

PRIDE 1st Innings

Wazim Rahaman grabbed five for 13.

2 for 12. Bush Lot Secondary won by 223 runs.

Over at the Bellevue ground, in West Demerara, Goed Fortuin won the toss against La Grange and took first strike, but could only manage 70 all out off 15 overs. Viraj Harris top scored with 25. Bowling for La Grange, Asif Sameer took 2 for 7 and Mark Adams 2 for 4.

In reply, La Grange found the victory target a great challenge, and eventually folded for a meagre 26.

Bowling for Goed Fortuin, Nick Adams grabbed 6 for 7. Goed Fortuin won by 44 runs.

In the other match played at the Bellevue ground, Patentia Secondary won the toss and elected to bat, posting a competitive score of 137 all out off 20 of their allotted 30 overs. Satesh Basdeo made 42 and Emmanuel Benn 26. Bowling for La Venture, Vishal John took 3-35, Prince Mc Farlen 2-24 and Edward Cox 2-2. In reply, La Venture could only manage to muster up 28 before being all out off a mere 8.1 overs. None of the batsmen reached double figures. Bowling for Patentia Secondary, Wazim Rahaman grabbed 5 for 13 and Chetram Rajroop 2 for 4. Patentia Secondary won by 109 runs.

Matches in the GCB/ DMLAS/NSC/NSSCL continue today in Georgetown. Freeburg Secondary will do battle with Central High School at MYO ground, St. Joseph High will oppose Queenstown Community High at GYO, while North Georgetown will compete with Tutorial High at the GNIC ground.

All matches start at 11:00 hrs.

milestone.

Louis brought the innings to a close, when he bowled Jomel Warrican for 11, spectacularly extracting the batsman’s middle-stump with a well-pitched yorker.

Shakeem Clarke, the son of late West Indies fast bowler Sylvester Clarke, grabbed an early scalp for the Pride, when he had left-handed opener Chesney Hughes caught at mid-off.

For around 45 minutes, Keacy Carty defied the Pride

attack with Saunders before he was caught at second slip off Stoute for 19.

Hurricanes captain Devon Thomas came to the crease and further tilted the balance in his side’s favour with a stand of 47 for the third wicket with Saunders, but fell to left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican caught at mid-off for 25.

Hurricanes were 78 for three and with more than 20 overs remaining in the day, the chase was on to get the lead.

Alli shines as Tottenham stun champions Real

LONDON (Reuters) Dele Alli condemned Champions League holders Real Madrid to a horrendous Wembley debut with two goals as Tottenham Hotspur reached the last 16 with a stunning 3-1 victory on Wednesday.

The 21-year-old England midfielder, making his first appearance in this year’s competition after serving a three-game ban, scored either side of halftime on a memorable night for Mauricio Pochettino’s team.

Christian Eriksen was also on target for Tottenham as they proved far superior to end Madrid’s 30-match unbeaten run in Champions League group play.

Cristiano Ronaldo replied for Zinedine Zidane’s side but it was in vain as Tottenham sealed a first win in six attempts against the Spanish champions who will face more criticism after falling eight points behind Barcelona in La Liga.

Tottenham lead Group H with 10 points with Real on seven, followed by Borussia Dortmund and Apoel Nicosia who have two each after a draw in Germany.

“We are starting to believe in our potential and quality,” Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino, whose side failed to negotiate the group phase last year, told reporters.

“This win makes us more visible and is something that everyone around Europe will have noticed.”

Twelve-times champions Real should still qualify but manager Zidane admitted his side were in a rut after the weekend’s defeat at Girona and now a chastening night at Wembley.

“It’s a hard defeat to take but it was against a team who played very well and deserved to win,” he said. “We were not able to come up with a response and we are not happy about it.”

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday November 2, 2017

Registration closes November 8 for Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ THE Meadowbrook Gardens Tarmac will serve as the battleground for the opening round of the playoffs section in the 2017 edition of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ football championship Georgetown Zone.

This information was disclosed by the coordinators of the annual championship. The event which is eagerly anticipated, is slated to kick-off on Saturday, November 11 at the Meadowbrook Facility with the first round of elimination matches. The registration timeline ends on Wednesday November 8th.

According to the coordinators, “The playoff matches will be staged at the Meadowbrook Gardens Tarmac and possibly also at

Playoffs set for November 11 the East Ruimveldt Community Centre, which is popularly known as California Square.”

The coordinators disclosed, “The reasons for taking the games to those venues is because we wanted to go back into the communities, which is core to the success of the tournament.

Meadowbrook in particular is a new village to the street football scene and in an effort to promote the sport, we want to take games to those areas. We need to diversify the tournament in order to attract new folks to the event, so taking the event to other new venues in the future is a possibility.”

Action in a recent Guinness Street football tournament

The coordinators further declared, “Teams have been very active in the registration period. We are on course for a record number of entrants which shows of

the growing interest and appeal of the tournament.”

According to the controllers of the event, forms can be uplifted at the Banks DIH Limited ‘Caesars Place’

Nothing will ever compare to playing for Guyana – Chris Bourne - Englishman eager to feature again for the Golden Jaguars

By Rawle Toney “MY commitment to Guyana National team is my first priority. I leave my job, my club and my family to play for Guyana, wherever in the World Guyana play, if selected, I am there for my country,” the words of 32-year-old Chris Bourne who is making known his commitment to the ‘Golden Jaguars’.

Bourne, after playing for Guyana during the country’s historic run in the 2014 World Cup campaign, failed to get a recall to the country’s senior national football team, though his position in the defensive midfield was not properly filled. His last game was against Costa Rica at the Guyana National Stadium where the Golden Jaguars went down 4 – 0.

Five years later, Bourne was recalled by Coach Wayne ‘Wiggy’ Dover for Guyana’s International Friendly against Martinique at the Mackenzie Sports Club, which ended in a scoreless draw.

“I was not a part of the squad for some time, I was just not selected. In Football these things happen, howev-

Chris Bourne

er frustrating times can be. I respect the decision to not be selected, but when my time comes back around I take it with both hands and I hope I have done that” Bourne told Chronicle Sport in an exclusive Interview yesterday.

“I was a late start in the World of football. I started out as a goal-keeper at the age of 12” Bourne said when asked about his entrance to the game and pointed out that he had signed his first professional contract with League One

Club, Southend United.

His father, Gary Bourne, who is Guyanese, was a professional football player at England’s Championship (second tier) Club, Millwall, and according to the young Bourne, his father, now at age 53, still plays the game.

In 2008, Bourne made his International debut, as he stated “I will never forget how my opportunity came up to play for Guyana. It was a very good man called Ivan Persaud; he came to my games and mentioned I could be a good fit to the Golden Jaguars and flew me to play (for) Guyana for my debut to face Cuba.”

He continued “It’s hard to rate something like this because there is nothing to compare it to, nothing will ever compare playing for Guyana; it is up there with anything I could ever dream of. It has added value to my career by teaching me a lot about how I can improve my game, which is priceless.”

Bourne further told Chronicle Sport that, as a player, his biggest achievement was last season, when he became the top club and

league goal-scorer, scoring 26 goals in 16 games, “I won player of the season also. For club, I played every minute of every game for Canvey Island FC in winning the Ryman Division 1.”

“For country, for me was scoring the winning and only goal against St Lucia in the Caribbean Cup; also being a part of the squad and making history for Guyana making it to the final stages in the World Cup qualifiers where we faced Mexico, El Salvador and Costa Rica. Amazing to be a part of” Bourne cheerfully stated.

“I would like to commit to sharing my experience with clubs in Guyana to hope I can give something back to the clubs, people and players and hope someone learns something from what I have learned and can then help take the National team to the next level.”

Meanwhile, for Bourne, he now hopes to be in Coach Dover’s travelling party when they make an historic Journey to the Asian continent to face Indonesia on November 25. Guyana will also play Trinidad at home on November 18.

Durban Street location. The registration document can also be uplifted from Referee Coordinator, Wayne Griffith on 697-7777.

With 16 teams already given automatic berths to the group round, the initial elimination tournament will be utilized to select the other 16 teams that will form the final 32 for the round-robin stage.

The confirmed venues for the main draw of the championship are Demerara Park, National Cultural Centre Tarmac, Burnham Basketball Court, Albouystown Tarmac and the East Ruim-

veldt Tarmac.

The official playing dates are November 22nd, 23rd, 25th, 30th, December 2nd, 7th, 9th, 14th, with the grand finale slated for Saturday 16th.

Winner of the overall event will walk-away with $500,000 and the championship trophy. They will also represent the region in the National Playoffs.

On the other hand, the runner-up will pocket $250,000 and the respective accolade.

Meanwhile, the third and fourth place finishers for the event will collect $200,000 and $100,000, respectively, and the corresponding trophies.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Thursday November 02, 2017) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Kyle Jarvis & Sean Williams (2) Peter Moor & Tendai Chisoro Today’s Quiz: (1) What was ZIM first innings total in the current second Test against the WI? (2) Who top-scored for ZIM in the first innings of the second Test of the current series against the WI? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

English Racing Tips Lingfield

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10:15 hrs Alamein

09:20 hrs Muffri’Ha

10:45 hrs Mercian Prince

09:50 hrs Gulliver 10:25 hrs Melodic Motion 10:55 hrs Diptych 11:30 hrs Circulation 12:00 hrs La Isla Bonita Sedgefield 09:00 hrs Crackdeloust 09:30 hrs Court Liability 10:35 hrs West Of The Edge 11:10 hrs Delusionofgrandeur 11:40 hrs Black Tulip

11:20 hrs Western Ryder 12:20 hrs Play The Ace Irish Racing Tips Clonmel 08:50 hrs Martello Park 09:25 hrs Sympa Des Flos

Vaal 08:55 hrs Hatfield Square 09:30 hrs Exclusively Trendy 10:05 hrs Celtic Lady 10:40 hrs Minnesota American Racing Tips Gulfstream Race 1 His Name Is Sue

11:00 hrs Shattered Love

Race 2 Planet Rock Race 3 Sound Values Race 4 Flying Girl Race 5 Huaquechula Race 6 Chovanes Race 7 Pillango Race 8 Truge

11:35 hrs Laid Back Luke

Race 9 Fast Moment

09:55 hrs Sunset Sadie 10:30 hrs Hollow Tree

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday November 2, 2017

Trophy Stall supports Guyana Softball Cup 7 TROPHY STALL has confirmed its support towards the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association’s (GFSCA) Guyana Softball Cup 7 which is set to bowl off on Friday at several venues in Georgetown.

Trophy Stall has donated the trophies for the finals of all four divisions.

The finals of all the categories will be held on Sunday from 10:00hrs at the Demerara Cricket Club ground, Queenstown.

Devi Sunich of Trophy Stall confirmed the sponsorship on Tuesday when she handed over the trophies to Vice-president of the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association, Jailall Deodass, in the presence of proprietor of the business entity, Ramesh Sunich, along with Ricky Deonarain and Wayne Jones of the

Devi Sunich of Trophy Stall presents the trophies to Vice-president of the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association, Jailall Deodass

GFSCA. The female 10/10 final is set for 10:00hrs, while the Well-Teen, Trophy Stall, Tropical Springs and Nauth Motor Spares Under-13 T20 final between Blairmont and GCC will follow soon after at 11:45hrs.

The Guyana Softball Cup 7 Masters final is billed for 15:00hrs with the Guyana Softball Cup 7 Open final set for 18:00hrs.

Admission is $1,000 while children under 14 years old will be admitted free. Spectators are asked to keep their half ticket, and listen for their numbers to be called, since many prizes are up for grabs, inclusive of three trips for the winner and a partner to three local resort (Aruwei, Mainstay and Arrowpoint.). In addition, spectators can win ten hampers.

Nexus, Palm Court support International Race of Champions NEXUS Machining and Fabrication Workshop and Palm Court are the latest two companies that have signed on to the International Race of Champions 2017.

The signature event of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC), which also hosts the final leg of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championships (CMRC), will take place on November 11 and 12.

Both companies handed over their sponsorships earlier in the week with Palm Court’s Sasha Lewis contending that the company is a long-time supporter of motor-racing.

Nexus, through their representative, Waren Bowling, also expressed their elation at being on board the event.

Meanwhile, a 27 race programme was unveiled last week which will encompass racing on both Saturday and Sunday, ac-

Sasha Lewis of Palm Court hands over sponsorship cheque to GMR&SC’s Surica Singh for the upcoming International Race of Champions

cording to the GMR&SC. The club has confirmed the participation of two professional drift cars from Trinidad and Tobago, as well as four SR-3 Radicals from Barbados, in addition to the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship(CMRC) competitors that are expected.

Warren Bowling of Nexus Machining and Fabrication Workshop hands over his sponsorship to Tina Morris of GMR&SC.

Saturday will be treated as just another race day, with adults being charged $1000 per entry and children 12 -18 being charged $500. On Sunday, adults will be charged $2000 and children 12-18, $1000.

Qualification will also be held on Saturday morning from 10:00hrs

with races beginning from 14:00rhrs. Scrutineering will take place on Thursday and Friday and before the qualification on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the club is organising weekend passes for those patrons desirous of viewing both days of action, as well as VIP passes.

Preparation fantastic ahead of Guyana’s premier golf tournament, says Hackett -Registration closes tomorrow

By Rajiv Bisnauth GUYANA’s Open golf tournament can be described as one of the most prestigious tournaments on the local golf calendar and according to Vice-president of the Lusignan Golf Club, Brian Hackett, preparation for the November 4 and 5 tournament is fantastic.

“Preparations are fantastic; the ground is in good shape; the greens are being prepared as we speak and is ready to play; the club house had a face lift, so we are pretty much ready and gear up to go,” Hackett said during an exclusive interview yesterday.

Meanwhile, organisers are anticipating approximately 100 local and foreign golfers during the two-day prestigious tournament, and according to Hackett, ten golfers each from Canada, USA and Suriname, and one each from Argentina and FiJi, have already confirmed their participation, with some already here getting acclimatised.

Hackett further expects golfers from Trinidad and Tobago and French Guiana before the registration closes tomorrow.

To add to those overseas competitors, close to 45 local golfers have already confirmed their involvement.

The LGC Vice-president added that while the LGC is using the tournament to once again aid in the sports tourism drive, as the event will draw a wide cross-section of golfers and supporters from various countries, a number of new dimensions will add to the excitement.

“We have a number of executive arrangements, VIP arrangements which were different than the previous years. We have the school competition which was not held before, and the whole presentation and makeup will be different,” he disclosed.

With regards to the tournament itself, Hackett said “The tournament is quite different, we had some changes in the last two years in the ladies format, but we are going back to the original format where the ladies will

Brian Hackett

play on the best gross for the championship and play on best net for the individual prizes, while in the male division, they will be judged from the best gross”.

The Guyana Open 2017 will feature 7-time Guyana Open Champion, Avinash Persaud, and 2-time Guyana Open Women’s Champion, Joaan Deo; both defending their respective titles against stiff competition.

In a thriller last year, Persaud finished with a total Gross of 149 and a Net aggregate of 145.

Deo defeated Shaunella Webster after recording a total Net 138 and a Gross of 180.

This year’s activities will also include special participation in an inaugural Guyana Open Putting Contest which will see Queen’s College, Bishops’ High and St. Rose’s High competing for the title.

The LGC is anticipating a large turnout of competitors on the nine-hole course, with keen rivalry in the Championship Flight (0-9 handicap), B Flight (10-18), C Flight (19-28) and Ladies Flight.

Tee-off time is 16:00hrs each day. Admission is free, and ‘early-bird’ fans will receive a free raffle ticket to win one of several gate prizes, compliments of the sponsors. To be eligible, fans must be in before 14:00hrs each day.

Another initiative taken by the LGC will see the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club displaying several race cars for fans to inspect and take closeup photographs.

Preparation fantastic ahead of Guyana’s premier golf tournament, says Hackett

Page 27

Ansa McAl confirms support for Guyana Softball Cup 7 ANSA McAl Trading, through its Stag Beer brand, has committed to being a major partner of this weekend’s Guyana Softball Cup 7, set for November 3-5.

At a simple function at its Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara, office on Tuesday, the company presented its sponsorship package to officials of the organising body--the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA).

Stag Beer Brand Manager, Lindon Henry, was on hand to make the presentation to officials of the GFSCA, including Jailall Deodass, Ricky Deonarain and Wayne Jones.

Henry said Ansa McAl Trading is delighted to once again partner with the GFSCA, noting that the organisation has been very proficient in executing the tournament every year. He also alluded to the body’s ability to consistently fill the ground on ‘Finals Day.’ The tournament, which will feature teams from Guyana, Canada, Florida and New York, will take place on November 3-5. It will involve teams competing in the Open and Masters categories.

On the final day, November 5, three lucky patrons and a partner each will have an opportunity to win trips

to local resorts--Arrowpoint, Aruwai and Baganara.

Action will bowl off at 10:00hrs with the female 10/10 final, followed by the final of the Under-13 20/20 hardball competition between Blairmont and GCC at 11:45hrs. The Masters final will start at 15:00hrs and the Open final at 18:00hrs.

The champion team in the Open category will receive $800,000, while winner of the Masters division is assured of $600,000. Player-of-the-Series in both categories will each receive a gold bat pendant, sponsored by Steve’s Jewellery.

Matches will be played at the Police, Guyana Defence Force, Demerara Cricket Club, Malteenoes and Georgetown Cricket Club grounds.

The tournament has received corporate support from Stag Beer, Rubis Guyana, Trophy Stall, Steve’s Jewellery, Clear Waters, Busta, Rohan Auto Spares, A&R Jewanram Printery, WJ Enterprise, Mike’s Pharmacy, Ramchand Auto Spares and Survival Group of Business.

In 2016, Speedboat XI pulled off a massive upset by dethroning defending champions, Regal AllStars to win the Open segment, while Stag Beer Brand Manager, Lindon Henry, presents the sponsorship to GFSCA’s Vice-president, Jailall Floodlights XI outplayed Fishermen XI to win the Masters category.

Deodass, while officials of the GFSCA, Ricky Deonarain and Wayne Jones look on.

Holder and Dowrich hundreds put Windies on course for series win

Jason Holder

CENTURIES from Shane Dowrich and Jason Holder put West Indies on course for a series win before Sikandar Raza continued his outstanding Test with an unbeaten half-century to give Zimbabwe slight hope on day four.

Wicketkeeper batsman Dowrich (103) scored a maiden Test hundred and captain Holder (110) his second in a stand of 212 for

the eighth wicket as the Windies were all out for 448 in reply to 326 in Bulawayo.

Not since 1908 had both a number eight and nine scored a century in the longest format before the Barbadian duo reached three figures on Wednesday and Zimbabwe were reduced to 46-4 in their second innings, Kemar Roach taking two early wickets.

Raza made 80 in the first innings before claiming a maiden five-wicket Test haul, and the all-rounder was 58 not out at stumps in an unbroken stand of 94 with Peter Moor (39) to hold up the Windies, giving Zimbabwe a slender lead of 18 heading into the final day of the two-match series.

Dowrich and Holder got the Windies out of the mire on day three after coming together at 230-7 and wicketkeeper Regis Chakabva spurned an early chance to end

a frustrating stand when he put Holder down off Graeme Cremer on 78 early on the penultimate day.The skipper capitalised by ending a two-and-a-half year wait for a Test hundred, raising his bat after driving Tendai Chisoro to the boundary, and Dowrich reached three figures for the first time at Test level in style by dispatching Cremer for six over long-off.

Chisoro (3-113) finally got the breakthrough when Dowrich was given out leg before and bowled Holder around his legs before removing Roach to end the innings.

Zimbabwe were in deep trouble on 8-2 at lunch after paceman Roach (2-14) struck in his first three overs, bowling Hamilton Masakadza when the first-innings centurion offered no shot to one that darted back in and snaring Solomon Mire leg before

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

Shane Dowrich

without scoring.

Shannon Gabriel got in on the act by trapping Brendan Taylor in front and Devendra Bishoo cleaned up Craig Ervine in his first over to leave Zimbabwe four down, but Raza and Moor edged Zimbabwe into a slender lead with a much-needed show of defiance.(Omnisport) Turn to page 24 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER, 2, 2017