Guyana chronicle e paper 11 03 2017

Teen killed in Albouystown accident Page 7

No. 105085

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2017

President lays

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

out Gov't agenda

–– to enhance business environment, strengthen good governance, protect sovereignty… 3P,5ag&e8s

President David Granger

Opposition ramps up protests

Pages 4&11

Looking impressive!

A passenger boarding bridge being installed at the CJIA (Photo courtesy of Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson) ONE of the passenger boarding bridges pected to be installed at the airport overtime. the airport’s acting Chief Executive Officer. is being installed, as well as the platform The CJIA noted this week that night operThe project entails the extension of the to accommodate the new structures as ations will resume at the airport today Friday, primary runway at the airport from 7,500 expansion works at the Cheddi Jagan In- November 3, 2017. to 10,800 feet. This is to accommodate the ternational Airport (CJIA) progress.

Operations were interrupted from Octo- BOEING 747-400 model aircraft.

The CJIA noted recently that the project ber 13, 2017, on specific days to facilitate the In addition, closed circuit television will see a transformation of the Timehri fa- amalgamation of the existing main runway to (CCTV) systems with approximately 300 cility. It will include a new arrival terminal a new taxiway, which when completed will cameras will be installed, as well as elevators building, two boarding bridges with the pro- be able to accommodate parking positions and escalators - two of each. vision to install additional bridges at a later for large aircraft.

Chinese firm China Harbour Engistage, increased duty-free shops, improved “The critical part of the merger is com- neering Company (CHEC) is executing parking facilities and a renovated departures’ pleted, and aircraft flight operations will the expansion project. In photograph is the terminal. be able to resume nightly operations from framework for the boarding bridge being Eight passenger boarding bridges are ex- 18:00hrs tomorrow,” said Andre Kellman, set up. (CJIA photo)

Patterson fends off Opposition criticisms

Page 11

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 3, 2017

New department to push security reform

By Ariana Gordon

GOVERNMENT has embarked on a process of reform and is revamping the national security architecture and will next year create a new department to accelerate reforming the sector, President David Granger has said.

He made the announcement during his address to the National Assembly on Thursday.

“Your Government, with the assistance of the Government of the United Kingdom, will establish a Department of Security Sector Reform (SSRAP), in the new financial year,” President Granger announced.

Since taking office in May 2015, President Granger indicated that it was his administration’s intention to have the SSRAP re-introduced.

Since then, a top United Kingdom military officer, Russell Combe, has arrived in Guyana to assist with the implementation of the SSRAP, which is part of a UK- funded initiative aimed at improving the security sector here.

The US$4.7B SSRAP

which began in 2007, was scrapped in 2009 after the British Government had requested to have oversight of the programme to ensure that there was ‘value for money’.

The former People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) administration had disagreed with the manner in which the British Government had wanted the programme to be run, and had stated that the British had sought to intrude upon Guyana’s sovereignty.

But, in its defence, the British Government said the Government of Guyana had submitted a different proposal which had focused on police modernization, rather than a holistic approach to reform as was originally requested. The British had intended to build a workable basis for improving national security while reducing crime in Guyana by 2011.

With the implementation of the SSRAP, President Granger believes that Guyana’s security sector will be significantly strengthened. He said that Guyana’s vast and porous borders have allowed for a number of illicit activities to take place.

Last September, the Pres-

ident pointed to the discovery of an illegal aircraft at Yupakari, Rupununi, Region Nine, and said with a strengthened Police Force, law enforcement officials would be in a better position to address such issues.

“It is very likely that that aircraft was involved in illegal activities… Guyana still does not have the capability to protect its long borders, and its vast hinterland from being penetrated by illegal aviators and this emphasises the need for security sector reform,” he stated.

President Granger, a former Brigadier of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has noted the need for there to be a stronger Police Force, one that is better equipped, with all tools necessary to function adequately. He noted that better pay is also important to reduce corruption among law enforcement officers.

“We know there is not only illegal migration, there is also the smuggling of narcotics, contraband, gun-running, trafficking-in-persons and these crimes are going to be stamped out with a more efficient Police Force…

the British involvement is essential to retraining the Police Force,” President Granger had stated.

ment scholarships come through the Ministry of Public Service,” she insisted.

More recently the con artist has allegedly been telling people that she can get visas for them. About the offer to get them visas, the First Lady made it clear:

“Only countries can issue visas to their respective countries.”

The woman who goes around with an assistant has already fleeced hapless victims of hundreds of thousands of dollars of their hard earned cash and has been called out by the press before.

FIGHTING DRUGS Additionally, in his address to the House on Thursday, the President said the Ministry of Public Security has promulgated a National Drug Strategy Master Plan (NDSMP) and established a National Anti-Narcotics Agency (NANA).

“The results are clearly and daily visible. The Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), now under NANA’s judicious management, has succeeded in seizing over 290 kg of cocaine, 65,000 kg of cannabis and 1,600 kg of heroin this year.”

Granger, a security expert, said his Government is also dismantling the trans-national narco-trafficking superstructure, noting that light aircrafts, believed to be associated with transnational narco-trafficking gangs, were seized by national law-enforcement agencies in the Rupununi Region.

He said the National Intelligence and Security Agen-

cy (NISA), is re-constructing district, regional and central information architecture to guide the operations of the security forces. The National Security Committee (NSC) keeps Cabinet informed of changes in the security landscape.

“The country’s archaic and dilapidated prisons are being refashioned to ensure safety and compliance with internationally acceptable standards.

“The Ministry of Public Security is retooling the Guyana Police Force in order to improve human safety and public security.

Horseback patrols are being mounted in Corentyne and in the Rupununi to reduce crime.”

STAFFING THE GPF Touching on the manpower needs of the Police Force, the head of state said these are being addressed, while adding that the Emergency Response System is being rehabilitated and expanded to an additional 52 stations.

“Police stations are being rehabilitated under the Citizen Security Strengthening Programme. The Guyana

First Lady calls out imposter again

FIRST Lady Sandra Granger has again lamented that there is a woman going around impersonating her, and telling people that she (the impersonator) is in a position to help them in various ways when it is not true.

Granger is urging the

public to beware: “If anyone claims to be the First Lady and claims she can get scholarships for them … don’t believe.

“Inform your friends and family that, the First Lady and her husband (President David Granger) have no scholarships to offer. All govern-

The First Lady also recalled that there is one woman who, in tears related that she had she sent the con woman $90,000 with the hope of her daughter and niece obtaining scholarships as promised, but that did not materialise.

Police Force will take delivery of several billion dollars worth of equipment donated by the People’s Republic of China to assist in law-enforcement.

“We shall continue to introduce reforms aimed at professionalising our security services and add equipment to improve their efficiency and effectiveness.”

QUALITY PUBLIC SERVICE The Guyanese leader told the House that timely delivery of quality public services requires a professional Public Service, one that is staffed by competent professionals.

To this end, he said, the Department of the Public Service of the Ministry of the Presidency is dedicated to ensuring the development of a professional Public Service.

He said the Public Service Staff Training College will serve as an institution which will provide training, at all levels of the Public Service, so that a professional corps of public servants will be available to deliver quality services to citizens.

First Lady Sandra Granger

3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 3, 2017

President lays out Gov’t legislative agenda –– to tackle corruption, enhance business environment, strengthen good governance…

By Ariana Gordon PRESIDENT David Granger has outlined his administration’s “vigorous legislative agenda” for the remainder of the year and 2018, as he addressed the National Assembly during the opening of the 71st Sitting of the 11th Parliament.

And though most of his address was inaudible as a result of loud heckling from a placard-bearing opposition, the head-of-state with support from the governing side of the House, outlined his government’s achievements and intentions.

During his 55-minute address, he told parliamentarians that the focus of the coalition government’s agenda will be focused mainly, but not exclusively, on six principal areas.

President Granger made it clear that his administration intends to finalise all bills which have been introduced into the National Assembly including: the Cybercrime Bill 2016, Food Safety Bill 2016, Civil Aviation Bill 2017, Constitutional Reform Consultative Commission Bill 2017, Petroleum Commission of Guyana Bill 2017 and the Animal Welfare Bill 2016.

He told the House that his administration intends to modernise and update existing legislation to align same with international best practices, and noted that the National Assembly will be asked to approve legislation to modernise defamation laws to include, among other things, defamation via online, or Internet sources of communication.

He said too that efforts will be made to strengthen anti-corruption legislation while stressing that “corruption is corrosive to the common good”.

“It subverts institutions, inflicts injustices and impairs good governance. Your Government intends, with your support, to enact legislation aimed at strengthening our anti-corruption effort,” said President Granger, who was for the most part of his presentation inaudible.

He pointed too, to the Protected Disclosures Bill 2017 which is intended to “combat corruption and other wrongdoings by encouraging and facilitating disclosures of improper conduct in the public and private sectors”.

“We will also amend the Integrity Commission Act to ensure the independence of the Integrity Commission,” he said.

CORRECTIONAL

SERVICE President Granger disclosed that the administration intends to table the Guyana Prison Service (Amendment) Bill which will allow the Guyana Prison Service to transition from “a primitive, punitive force, into a rehabilitative and correctional service”.

National Bureau of Standards (Amendment) Bill is aimed at promoting a modern framework to enhance the functionality of the Guyana National Bureau of Standard (GNBS), resulting in improvements in the quality of goods and services to consumers.

A Solid Waste Manage-

improved price recovery and increased gold declarations, the President added.

ENHANCING BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT Moreover, the APNU+AFC coalition government intends to work towards enhancing the business environment.

islation will be introduced to support the regulatory framework for Guyana’s incipient petroleum sector.

The Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Bill will replace the 1986 Act of the same name.

“A raft of regulations will also be made to support the emerging petroleum

President David Granger addresses the National Assembly on Thursday during the opening of the 71st Sitting of the 11th Parliament (Delano Williams) Additionally, the President said efforts will be made to improve the administration of justice through the passage of the Witness Protection Bill, which aims to provide for the establishment of a programme for the protection of certain witnesses and other persons.

He pointed to the Juvenile Justice Bill 2017, which he noted provides for the establishment of facilities for the custody, education and rehabilitation of juvenile offenders.

A Health Information Systems Bill will also be introduced to regulate electronic information storage and retrieval of personal and medical data.

It also is proposed to replace the Public Health Ordinance of 1934 with a Health Promotion and Protection Bill, the President disclosed.

That aside, he alluded to the “outdated Antibiotics Act of 1951” which will be upgraded to cover both medical and non-medical use of antibiotics. The Nurses and Midwifery Bill will replace the archaic Nurses and Midwifery Ordinance of 1951, he said, while noting that the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance will be repealed and the functions and licensing of pharmacies will be incorporated into the Food and Drug Acts.

Additionally, President Granger said, the Guyana

ment Bill will be laid to promote the modernisation of the regulatory framework for solid waste management, stated the head-of-state.

The institutional framework of the mining, telecommunications and business sectors will be enhanced, and in the case of mining, The Mining (Amendment) Bill will amend the Mining Act of 1989 so as provide for improved and sustainable management of the mining sector.

The passage of the Guyana Gold Board (Amendment) Bill is expected to improve the regulatory framework of the Guyana Gold Board and result in

President Granger said trade facilitation and the regulation of e-commerce are expected to be boosted by the passage of the Electronic Single Window System and E- Commerce Bill, and the Electronic Communications and Transactions Bill.

Continuing on the business front, President Granger said efforts will be made to improve the regulatory framework of economic sectors, and noted that leg-

industry,” he stated. The President stressed too, the importance of small businesses to the country’s development and emphasised that it will be highlighted through the amendments to the Small Business Act. The new legislation will allow for small businesses to benefit

from all types of government contracts.

Meanwhile, President Granger assured that his administration will ensure that Guyana complies with all international treaties and agreements it has signed on to. He told the House that Guyana has acceded to, and is a signatory to, a number of international agreements and conventions.

“Guyana is required to take legislative action to comply with our obligations under these agreements and conventions,” he stressed.

The head-of-state mentioned too, the Caricom Draft Model Consumer Protection Bill which is intended to promote consumer welfare and protection, while pointing to his Cabinet’s approval of Guyana’s accession to the 1951 United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, including its protocol of 1967. “This accession requires Guyana to enact legislation to treat with refugees,” he stated.

“Your Government, also, will be promulgating legislation to prevent the trafficking in weapons of mass destruction and to fulfill our obligations under international trade agreements, including those between Cariforum and the European Union,” said President Granger.

The APNU+AFC administration also intends to pursue regulations to fortify the country’s system of local government.

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 3, 2017

Jagdeo defends protest in Parliament

–– Nagamootoo says PPP stoops to new low

By Ariana Gordon

Friday November 03th, 04:00 - 14:30 hrs Saturday November 04th, 05:00 - 14:30 hrs Sunday November 05th, 05:30 hrs

PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo on Thursday slammed the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) for what he described as “disgraceful, awful and disgusting” behaviour during the opening session of the 71st Sitting of the 11th Parliament.

The prime minister referenced the Opposition’s protest in the form of loud chants and placards while President David Granger addressed the National Assembly.

The Opposition from all indications was protesting the President’s appointment of Justice James Patterson to the post of Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

The placards borne by Opposition Leader and for-

mer President Bharrat Jagdeo and his team, alleged that the coalition government by its appointment of Justice Patterson will rig the 2020 general elections.

Chants of “No more rigging”, “What about democracy”?, “untrustworthy” and “not fit and proper” among others flooded the Parliament Chambers as President David Granger with support from the governing side maintained his composure and outlined his administration’s achievements since taking office, as well as plans for the future.

In fact, President Granger, though inaudible for most of his fifty plus minutes speech, was resolute in pointing out the fact that the country’s economy has been prudently managed over the past 30 months, which allowed for moderate economic growth

Opposition Members of Parliament hold placards in protest as President David Granger addresses the National Assembly Thursday

of 3.1 per cent in 2015 and 3.3 per cent in 2016 despite unfavourable external environment.

He reminded that the coalition government has adopted measures to improve the living standards of workers and pointed to the increase in the minimum wage of public servants which has increased by 50 per cent or from $39,540 to $60,000, within the past 26 months.

The President noted the reduction of the income tax rate and increased income tax threshold by a minimum of 20 per cent, “measures which boosted our working people’s disposable income.”

Additionally, he noted that national competitiveness has been enhanced by the reduction of the corporation tax rate for manufacturing and non-commercial companies from 30 per cent to 27.5 per cent.

The Value-Added Tax (VAT) was reduced to 14 per cent and the VAT threshold increased from $10M to $15M. But as he continued to outline, his administration’s agenda before Parliamentarians, members of the diplomatic corps, the Joint Services and media, the PPP hurled unsavory comments towards him.

“Pay the teachers more”!

“More jobs for young people” to which at very few times, Speaker of the House Dr Barton Scotland used his gravel to ensure order was maintained.

But the sounding of the gravel was not sufficient to stop the determined Opposition who had in the past walked out when the President addressed the National Assembly.

However, notwithstanding what has been described by the Prime Minister as “political price” paid by the President to endure the ruckus, he believes that the Opposition Leader has attempted to turn the National Assembly into an arena of domestic terrorism with the hope of intimidating the President.

AWFUL AND DISGUSTING “I believe it was awful, disgraceful, it was disgusting. You see the leader of the

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo speaks to the media following the address by President David Granger, Thursday (Photo by Delano Williams) Opposition hiding behind a placard, reducing himself to the level of a placard bearer, a picketer in the National Assembly,” said Nagamootoo who recounted that the protests started as murmurs and gravitated to screams.

The prime minister reminded that it was Jagdeo who served as President of Guyana for 12 years and has resorted to such “immaturity”. “… his response was not a dignified response to the content of what the President had to say. His response was in a kind of a speculative, inventive, bizarre slogan that says ‘no more rigging’.

“Well, we are not dealing with elections this year, and of course Local Government Elections are next year and in 2020 the national elections.

All elections 2011, 2015— these have been declared to be free and fair and transparent and credible. This is what the international community has said; there is no issue of rigged elections in Guyana and to hide behind a slogan of rigged elections was infantile,” Prime Minister Nagamootoo, who is also leader of the House stated.

He said he did not expect much different from Jagdeo See page 5

DATE: DATE: 26/11/2016 01/11/2017 26/11/2016 02/11/2017

03 09 18 19 26 02 10 02 12 14 11 12 17 N O 11

06 03 13 11

14 18

21 21

24 22

26/11/2016 02/11/2017

04 0

07 6

03 8

26/11/2016 02/11/2017

05 7

04 1

01 4

26/11/2016 02/11/2017 02 02

09 03

10 04

11 06 13 09 14 10

18 14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 3, 2017

Jagdeo defends protest ... President praises Opposition’s support on border controversy From page 4

and noted that they would stop at nothing to distract the President.

“I think they were trying to provoke a response, that the Speaker would rule that they were disorderly, which they were, because they were disrupting the formal sitting of the National Assembly and be ordered out -- to claim victory … when put out of the National Assembly.”

Nagamootoo said too that it is his administration’s intention to outline to citizens what it has done and its plans for the future so that the trust placed in it will not be broken.

“I believe today was a tremendous day for politics in Guyana, it marks the introduction of new tactics in the House, a type of guerilla tactic of mixing protest with disorderly behaviour but of course, what else do you expect of an Opposition that has lost credibility, that has lost its government twice; the majority in 2011 and the authority in 2015- they are still in a mood of shock and they

behave that way,” declared the prime minister.

He stressed that while today’s demonstration was different from others, it served as an indication that “we have a job to do.”

“President Granger was elected to do a job and he has to do that job.”

Meanwhile, Jagdeo in a statement to the media after the end of Parliament criticised the President for what he considered to be lack of originality.

“I have said before that we could have expected another good life speech, opening up the interior, that the Forestry Commission’s job is to monitor the forests – useless things. He has not dealt with any of the major issues affecting Guyanese – the crime and how he will tackle the increase in crime; how he will tackle the increased loss of jobs in our economy; how he would tackle investments; in fact, he said we are attracting more investments now, when the reality is very different… he even talks about projects that were started

under the PPP (when he says) ‘we have just completed the four-lane road on the East Bank.

Does he not have anything original or relevant to say?”

The Opposition PPP has refused to listen to the President’s address in the National Assembly since the coalition government took office and according to Jagdeo, his party has “walked out in the past and not listened to the President, when there were other breaches of the Constitution.”

“But this breach (the unilateral appointment of a GECOM Chairman in violation of Constitutional provisions) was so egregious that just staying away was not adequate. We had to be here actively protesting the breach of the Constitution and the (undermining of) the rule of law.

Therefore, that is why we took this action – to highlight; not only to Guyana, but to the international community that was here, about how seriously we, and the country, view this matter.”

Members of Parliament from the governing side stand and applaud President David Granger after he completed his address to the National Assembly Thursday

By Ariana Gordon AMID the Opposition’s indication that it has boycotted the Guyana Border Commission in retaliation to President David Granger’s appointment of Justice (ret’d) James Patterson as Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), President David Granger has commended the “strong support” of the Opposition on the border controversy.

In his address to the National Assembly Thursday, the head-of-state said tremendous effort has been made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to have the border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela resolved peacefully.

“Your Government, ever mindful of our duty to secure our territorial integrity and protect national sovereignty, has been engaged in various, vigorous diplomatic initiatives.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the strong support of the Opposition over the past 30 months, has aimed these efforts at reaching a peaceful resolution to the territorial controversy which arose out of the contention by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela that the arbitral award of October 1899 was null.”

The President noted that the controversy was placed before the Secretary General of the United Nations (UN), in accordance with the Geneva Agreement of 1966. The matter was before former Secretary-General Ban ki Moon, and after he demitted office it was taken up by his successor Antonio Guterres The President has since met Guterres

on September 25, in New York and his Personal Representative, Dag Halvor Nylander on April 11 in Georgetown.

“The Minister of Foreign Affairs has met the UNSG’s Personal Representative on several occasions. We are engaged, at present, in a renewed Good Offices process,” said the President, who expressed confidence that the “common commitment of the Government and Opposition will eventuate in strong national support for a juridical settlement of this controversy which has impaired the development of our nation”.

Meanwhile, the foreign ministers of Guyana and Venezuela met in New York on October 28 and 29 to discuss the border controversy between their two countries and agreed to meet again to continue discussions on the controversy and explore options for a resolution.

The personal representative of the Secretary-General, Dag Nylander, facilitated discussions, organised within the framework of the Good Offices mandate entrusted to the Secretary-General under the Geneva Agreement of 1966.

The foreign ministers and their delegations exchanged views on issues related to the controversy with the aim of exploring options for a full agreement for its resolution.

They also reaffirmed their commitment to the Good Offices process and reiterated that their Governments will remain actively engaged with the personal representative, a note from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Monday.

5

6

Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 3, 2017

New calibre of prison officers needed

THE disciplined services as the name implies, are very important collective of strategic parts that together are charged with the grave responsibility of protecting the nation from harm. Comprising of the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Police Force, The Guyana Prison Service, and the Guyana Fire Service, these institutions are about men and women, sworn to the loyalty of their country, but primarily to perform functions in keeping with the particular service institution with which they are associated.

The Guyana Prison Service has the responsibility of ensuring the safe-keeping of those who are entrusted into its custody for infringements of the law, both of minor and serious breaches.

Without any debate, this is a most critical undertaking as it is about having to administrate on a daily basis, round the clock, a type of person whose conduct has been deemed not the type that makes him/her fit to remain within the lanes of society. And since we know why, it must not detain us here; except that the role of those within this particular institution - the prison/warder/officer will be looked at.

Officers appointed to this service are demanded to be disciplined, of high integrity and, above all, honesty, among the many attributes that are necessary for such function. Most important is the fact that they are also part of the core correctional process of which rehabilitation is key for the inmate or prisoner, towards his/her post-custody life.

Unfortunately, The Guyana Prison Service which was once noted for its very efficient service of administration over those in its custody has fallen to levels, several rungs.

For the last two decades, what started as the intermittent incident of a prison warden, being intercepted while attempting to smuggle contraband into the nation’s penal system, has

now assumed alarming proportions. The most recent case was that of a warden, caught with almost a dozen smart phones, and a large quantity of marijuana at the country’s maximum security prison at Mazaruni, which reveals the pervasiveness of the problem.

This incident which became common at what used to be the Camp Street prison, has been replicated at other penal centres, and explains why, despite frequent security searches, even larger quantities of such goods are being found.

Contraband is a category of articles that inmates are forbidden to have because of their status. Any legitimate item allowed is a privilege, and not a right. Certainly, marijuana and cocaine, and the cell phone would be top of the list that would definitely be denied.

It is said that since a prison environment is known to be highly stressed, inmates do not need such stimulants for calming of anxieties, whatever such may be. The same goes for inmates, who endeavour to communicate with relatives and others and therefore feel the need to have cell phones.

We reiterate that these are prohibited items, but this situation continues to be exploited by both wardens and officers, who have been making a bright dollar, by selling phones to inmates. There are also reported schemes where both officer and warden, often combine to force inmates to sell narcotics on their behalf. This is the current reality of the Guyana Prison Service, and is just a microcosm of the total challenges that have emerged, particularly within the last decade.

Because of the popularity of marijuana as a cheap substance, there is a ready market within our prison system. In fact, it is known that drug use is a common fact in the world’s prison system, even though it creates future problems within system.

Since prison wardens and officers are tasked with being

part of the correctional regime, they are directly hindering that process when they offer narcotic substances to inmates.

First of all, the addicts will continue to be addicts, rather than being rehabilitated, thus overcoming their problem.

Additionally, there will also be the definite case of new drug converts, who will return to society with a habit that usually spell more problems for them and the society, rather than solutions. Many of these persons are most likely to return to prison at some time in the future.

These are rogue elements that are continuously creating future problems for the very institution which they serve.

Like the drug sellers throughout our society, these wardens/ officers are adding to society’s social ills by acts which are illegal and criminal in nature.

But the Prison Service, much to its credit, should be commended for its proactive system of some staff being vigilant, even when any of their ranks are involved. This has facilitated many a warden being prosecuted and made to serve prison terms. However it augurs well in the efforts to combat this serious breach that threatens to undermine the national penal system.

We recommend that the time has come when a new calibre of prison officers should be considered for recruitment, if there is going to be any meaning to prison reform efforts. By a new calibre, we mean professionals, such as social workers, sociologists, criminal psychologists, and criminologists to better manage our prisons.

Our political leadership is letting us down Dear Editor,

FORMER President Donald Ramotar is saying “Guyanese of all political views must join the fight to promote integrity in public life” (SN, 2nd November, 2017), yet he is unprepared to hold himself to the same standard he is asking of the society.

At the click of a mouse or the picking up of the telephone he would have verified the information that GECOM Chairman Justice James Patterson served as Chief Justice in Grenada, and help bring sobriety and integrity to the public discourse. But the refusal to do so or decision to continue perpetuating a lie brings into question his commitment of what he is asking of us.

The initial contention with this appointment was that President Granger did so in contravention of the Guyana Constitution. The PPP/C, who is championing this view, has since

taken the matter to court which is the right place to resolve an issue of this nature. However, as the days proceed society is being led to believe this is much more than the alleged concern for a violation of the constitution but more than that of attempts to engage in defamation and character assassination of the appointee, to the extent where discriminatory thinking and lies are driving the narrative.

Whether Patterson was acting or confirmed as Chief Justice, he performed the duties, and has earned the right to place it in his résumé. The same principle applies for those who had or are acting as Chief Justice, Chancellor, or any position in this society. Further, according to paragraph two of Article 161 (2), used to appoint this Chairman, the requirement is that of a Judge. Were this requirement not met then there would have been justifiable reason to ques-

tion qualification as required in this instance.

The PPP and others are engaging in destructive and divisive politics in the effort to condition the society to think Local Government, General and Regional Elections under the Patterson’s chairmanship will be rigged, and for this reason democracy comes under threat.

Society needs to recall though the PPP claimed the 2015 Elections were rigged and called for the removal of Chairman Steve Surujbally whom they implicitly accused of the act, the same party when it secured the majority of neighbourhood democratic councils at the Local Government Elections did not damn him.

Accepting selective recall and screaming of rigged elections should the PPP win any seat or majority/plurality in the local, general and regional elections those who are crying wolf

should expect society not to accept these results.

This is how asinine the discourse has now become. There is no God-given right to any political party, race, or individual to govern this country. Each has equal chance under the Constitution and the privilege to be elected and serve must be earned and respected.

Let me too address the matter of Minster Joe Harmon, who in responding to Christopher Ram’s resignation from government positions claimed that he held no significant position. Ram is significant and anything he does he would bring significance to it. You may not agree with him all the time but it cannot be denied that he has played a significant role in society. Whether right or wrong, accurate or inaccurate, he has made a contribution to an understanding of the social, economic and political reality in Guyana

over decades.

Further, it cannot be said that Ram is not significant to government, when this is a man influencing public opinion and causing people to see and perceive and therefore act, and has struggled against successive administrations. One can disagree with or fault an argument he may make from time to time, but that does not deny his contribution to society in so far as he has been able to influence public opinion, and also his perspective in bringing about good governance.

All labour is significant, including the garbage collector who keeps the environment clean and the gravedigger who is tasked with the responsibility of properly disposing of man’s earthly remains.

Our political leadership is letting us down. Too much time is being spent on seeking to defame or insult others, engage in non-cooperation, un-necessary

pomp and ceremony, and doing little or nothing constructive to weld this nation together by treating every individual and group with respect and dignity; once that should be applied we would see the enabling environment created for equal opportunities, protection of rights and freedoms, growth and development.

Constitutional commissions are yet to be established, groups are being alienated from the management and decision-making processes on matters that affect their well-being, the National Assembly (nation’s highest decision-making forum) is almost comatose, as hopelessness and despair as to a bright future continue to overwhelm the ordinary man and woman.

Sanity and integrity must be restored to public discourse.

Yours truly, Earl Hamilton

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 3, 2017

Jasoda Ramlagan to ‘represent’

--as Guyana’s first ever ‘Miss Model of the World’ contestant FOR the first time in history, Guyana will be sending a representative to the Miss Model of the World contest, which will be hosting its 29th edition in Shenzhen, China on November 25.

And the lucky lady, who hails from the ‘Cinderella County’, is none other than Ms Jasoda Ramlagan.

Just about two weeks ago, the 21-year-old got her confirmation letter from the Miss Model of the World Organisation, giving her the nod to be Guyana’s representative at the contest.

Though she was skeptical when she was first approached to represent Guyana, the five-foot-eleven beauty was just head over heels when she found out she had been confirmed as a contestant.

“I couldn’t believe it! I was shocked!” Jasoda said.

“I can’t believe I’m going to China! I am so excited about this trip! I’m going to make the most of it, and do what I can to represent Guyana.”

Though not that well known, the Miss Model of the World is a decades old, international modeling contest, originating in 1988 in Turkey with approximately 40 countries participating.

Over the years, the numbers have increased, with 70 contestants taking part last year when the event was won by Finland’s Anna Merimaa. In 2004, the title was won by Trinidad’s Aqiyla Gomez.

Though the competition will be somewhat like a pageant, with conventional segments such as the evening gown, swimsuit and Q&A, it’s still very much different as it focuses largely on the

could fit the part.

“It wasn’t that easy; we had to send a few delegates’ ‘info’ to the Miss Model of the World and they selected her,” he said, adding: “Because they are paying the hotel and air fare, you have to pass the requirements. If when your delegate reaches China and she doesn’t measure up, they will send her back.

“I had up a post on Facebook looking for a young lady to be part of this competition.

And after I submitted the two young ladies, and they were rejected, I approached Jasoda and had her come in to see me. I’m so happy that they accepted her.”

And now Moore is busy training Ramlagan, as he prepares her for the road ahead.

Teen killed in Albouystown accident

girls and their modelling skills, with catwalk and photoshoot capabilities playing a part.

The top five finishers in the contest will be awarded modelling contracts, and promoted to work all across Europe.

To even be considered as a contestant, hopefuls must meet rigid height and age requirements.

Surprisingly, Jasoda has not really had that much runway experience in Guyana, with last year’s Guyana Fashion Week being the first time she really modelled before a large crowd, outside of another small stint back in 2014, when she did a small-time show for former Miss Uni-

verse Guyana, Niketa Barker.

She’s been mostly involved as a photoshoot model, doing a lot of work with local designer, Quinton Pearson.

Nonetheless, Jasoda has attracted the interests of several modelling agencies, and was approached by both of Guyana’s top modelling agencies, Traits Model Management, and Image Model Management, among others, to join their team.

However, living in Essequibo, she finds it difficult and has always declined.

Most recently, she was in Traits Model Management’s “Strut II: Live the Runway” fashion show last Wednesday night.

Renowned pageant trainer, Derek Moore, is coordinating the Guyana end of things for the local franchise holder, UK-based Guyanese, Ken Chung.

Moore shared with The Buzz that it was not easy finding a young lady to attend for Guyana.

Prior to Ramlagan, two other young ladies whose names were previously submitted were already rejected by the Miss Model of the World Organisation, and Derek realised he really needed to find a young lady who

A West Ruimveldt teenager lost his life on Thursday after the motorcycle he was riding crashed into a pickup at Barr and James Street Albouystown, Georgetown.

Dead is Ronaldo Jaundoo, 19, called “Beetle” of Lot 589 West Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

Initial investigations revealed that motor pickup GVV 8249, driven by a 47-year-old man, was proceeding north on Barr Street while motorcycle CH 9086 ridden by Jaundoo was proceeding east on the northern side of James Street, when they collided.

Jaundoo was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where he was pronounced

Dead: Ronaldo Jaundoo

dead on arrival. A breathalyser test was administered on the driver and no alcohol was found.

The driver is in custody assisting police with their investigation.

Relatives of the deceased are calling on the police to conduct a proper investigation and for justice to take its course.

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 3, 2017

Cooperative Republic of Guyana

Address of His Excellency Brigadier David Granger President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana at the opening of the 71st Sitting of the 11th Parliament (2017.11.02)

I

THE COMMON GOOD

T is my honour, in the exercise of my privilege enshrined in the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana at Article 67 (1), to address you today as I have done before, at every new session of the National Assembly. The Constitution states: The President may, at any time, attend and address the National Assembly.

Having opened the 11th Parliament on 10th June 2015, I addressed the National Assembly on 22nd October 2015 and again on 13th October 2016 at the start of the 17th and 43rd sittings, respectively. I do so again today, 2nd November 2017, at the start of the 71st sitting. I addressed the National Assembly, also, on the special occasion of our national jubilee on 14th January 2016.

The Constitution, at Article 50, designates Parliament, the President and the Cabinet as “the supreme organs of democratic power.”

Parliament’s deliberations and decisions should be aimed at exercising sovereignty for the common good.

It is altogether fitting, therefore, that the elected representatives of our people in this National Assembly should be informed of the state of the Nation and of economic plan and legislative agenda for the new financial year and the future. All parties assembled in this honourable house bear responsibility to the Nation. They are obliged to participate meaningfully in its deliberations in order to be better able to discuss, debate and decide on programmes to be adopted for the common good.

The Constitution, at Article 65 (1), enjoins Parliament to: “…make laws for the peace, order and good government of Guyana.” The Nation continues to consolidate this happy state of comity which it has enjoyed over the past thirty months.

A multi-party coalition assumed office and ushered in an opportunity for consensus-based politics. This form of government wrested the Nation from the vice of divisive and destructive winner-takes-all politics and laid the basis for a system of inclusionary democracy – the form of governance prescribed by the Constitution, at Article 13.

That is the form that seeks cooperation for the ‘common good’ rather than one that fosters confrontation and chaos.

PATRIMONY Your Government, ever mindful of our duty to secure our territorial integrity and protect national sovereignty, has been engaged in various, vigorous diplomatic initiatives.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the strong support of the Opposition over the past 30 months, has aimed these efforts at reaching a peaceful resolution to the territorial controversy which arose out of the contention

by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela that the arbitral award of October 1899 was null.

The controversy was placed before the Secretary General of the United Nations, in accordance with the Geneva Agreement of 1966. Mr Ban ki Moon demitted the UN secretary-generalship since my address to the National Assembly last year. He delegated responsibility for continuing the process to his successor, Mr Antonio Guterres. I met the incumbent UN Secretary General on 25th September in New York and his Personal Representative on 11th April in Georgetown.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs has met the UNSG’s Personal Representative on several occasions. We are engaged, at present, in a renewed Good Offices process. We are confident that the common commitment of the Government and Opposition will eventuate in strong national support for a juridical settlement of this controversy which has impaired the development of our Nation.

Guyana’s natural resources are also part of our patrimony. We must protect and sustainably manage these resources.

The institutional capacity and the adoption of an appropriate legislative and regulatory framework for the sustainable management of the Nation’s natural resource sector, including the emergent petroleum sector, are being strengthened through the efforts of the Ministry of Natural Resources.

The Ministry will deploy a Corps of Wardens to enforce laws, regulations and codes of practice in the mining and forestry sectors.

The capacity of the Petroleum Department, which was established this year, is to be strengthened.

The Ministry, at the policy level, is aligning the mining sector with our national ‘green’ development agenda. It is promoting biodiversity-friendly practices, low-impact prospecting, the use [of] efficient technologies and the phasing-out of mercury use in the gold-mining sector.

The Forestry Plan and Policy has been revised in order to place greater emphasis on the management of the forests’ multiple, down-stream goods and services. The Guyana Forestry Commission monitors deforestation and forest carbon change. It has been promoting the utilization of less-used local timber, in the construction sector.

The petroleum industry will become another pole of economic diversification. The oil and gas sector is going to provide resources to transform the country’s development.

We intend to align that transformation with the objectives of Guyana’s ‘green’ development agenda.

Your Government is seeking the best advice and laying optional plans for the development of the petroleum industry, including the establishment of a Sovereign Wealth Fund. We have tabled the Petroleum Commission of Guyana Bill.

The Ministry of Natural Resources is

President David Granger preparing a suite of other legislation and regulations to support the development of the incipient petroleum industry.

Consultations will continue on these draft documents, including the Petroleum Act, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety Regulations and Local Content Policy.

THE ECONOMIC SECTOR The Nation’s economy has been prudently managed over the past 30 months.

This has allowed for moderate economic growth of 3.1 per cent in 2015 and 3.3 per cent in 2016, despite the unfavourable external environment. Gold was the main contributor to this growth, with 712,707 ounces being produced last year, the highest in our country’s history.

Economic growth would not have been possible without the achievement of macroeconomic stability. The Ministry of Finance has acted to create a favourable environment for business development, to protect investments, to moderate inflation and to maintain a stable exchange rate.

Your Government adopted measures to improve the living standards of workers. The minimum wage of public servants increased by over 50 per cent, or from $39,540 to $60,000, within the past 26 months.

We reduced the income-tax rate and increased the income tax threshold by a minimum of 20 per cent – measures which boosted our working people’s disposable income.

National competitiveness has been enhanced by the reduction of the corporation tax rate for manufacturing and non-commercial companies from 30 per cent to 27.5 per cent. The Value-Added Tax (VAT) was reduced to 14 per cent and the VAT threshold increased from $10M to $15M. Intensifying the focus on food security under the theme “food for all” – the slogan inscribed on the iconic 1970 ‘Cuffy Dol-

lar’ – the Ministry of Agriculture has been building a more resilient agricultural sector.

It has supported the production of traditional crops, diversified production and improved agricultural infrastructure.

Investment in agricultural infrastructure has been effected through the rehabilitation of major farm-to-market roads in the Essequibo Islands, West Demerara, Demerara-Mahaica and Mahaica-Berbice Regions. These investments have reduced post-harvest losses and led to lower commodity prices.

‘Water harvesting’ is being promoted in the Rupununi Region in order to ensure that adequate amounts of water are available during the long dry season. Farmers are benefiting from improvements in drainage through the installation of pumps in the main agricultural regions – Pomeroon-Supenaam, Demerara-Mahaica, and East Berbice-Corentyne.

Hinterland agriculture is being catalysed and diversified through increased adoption of agro-processing. Your Government is promoting the cultivation of spices in the Barima-Waini Region, tomato production in the Potaro-Siparuni Region and cashew and peanuts in the Rupununi (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) Region. We are promoting agro-processing as a means of increasing production and farm earnings and of generating employment.

Your Government will continue to support the traditional sectors of the economy, particularly the sugar industry. We have provided G$ 31 B in financial support to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) in order to protect the livelihood of workers and to arrest the corporation’s financial haemorrhaging.

The sugar industry is being consolidated; it is not being closed. We will explore all options in the new financial year, 2018, to ensure a viable industry, mindful of its impact on the Nation’s rural economy and its residents.

Measures have been taken to improve the business environment. These include reducing the processing time for investment agreements; implementing a trusted-trader programme, establishing business registration hubs in the Potaro-Siparuni and the Rupununi (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) Regions.

The Ministry of Business has been working to improve national economic competitiveness. The national ‘green’ development strategy will promote a range of options aimed at providing reliable and renewable energy – a key measure for improving competitiveness.

Your Government has been promoting increased investment, improving the business environment, increasing value-added production and exports and developing Turn to page 9 ►

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 3, 2017 ►

From page 8

the tourism sector. The Guyana Office for Investment has facilitated, since May 2015, 240 investment projects valued at G$187 B. The tourism sector continues to show promise with a 14 per cent increase in tourist arrivals between 2014 and 2016.

We also are rebalancing the economy, horizontally, through our support of the micro-, small- and medium-scale enterprise sector, mindful of its tremendous potential to generate local employment. Loans and grants have been issued under the Hinterland Employment Youth Scheme (HEYS), the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN), the Micro- and Small-Enterprise Development (MSED), the Sustainable Livelihoods and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED), the Women of Worth (WOW) initiative and the People of Worth Entrepreneurial Resources (POWER) initiative.

Two new business incubators are also being developed at Belvedere in the East Berbice-Corentyne Region and Lethem in the Rupununi at a cost of G$263 M to further boost small business development and stimulate job creation. Your Government has issued 2,727 loans and grants valued at more than $825 M for small business development and its concomitant multiplier effect on job creation.

The enactment of the Telecommunications Act 2016 and the Public Utilities Commission (Amendment) Act will provide greater impetus to the liberalisation and regulation of telecommunications. The Ministry of Public Telecommunications has been strengthening the regulatory framework of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector, digitizing education and establishing ICT hubs.

The Cyril Potter College of Education, the Carnegie School of Home Economics and 88 schools are among the educational institutions connected to the national network.

Nine thousand laptop computers have been distributed under the One Laptop per Teacher Programme, launched on World Teachers’ Day on 5th October 2016.

The Ministry of Public Telecommunications is collaborating with the University of Guyana to expand the University’s Campus Area Network (CAN). It expects to commission a Centre of Excellence in Information Technology at the Turkeyen campus in February 2018.

Communities that have been provided with free internet access at schools and key strategic locations include Aishalton, Annai, Bartica, Bamia, Baramita Iwokrama, Lethem, Linden, Mabaruma, Mahdia, Masekenari, Matthew’s Ridge, Orealla, Paramakatoi, Port Kaituma, Santa Rosa and Waramadong.

More communities are scheduled for early implementation in financial year 2018.

The Ministry of Public Telecommunications, also, has established 53 ICT community hubs across the country and facilitated ICT sector investment. This will further boost the competitiveness of firms and accelerate the delivery of ICT-related services.

The country’s transportation network of aerodromes, bridges, roads, stellings and wharves has been improved. The Iwokrama aerodrome has been lengthened from 762 metres to 1219 metres. More than 30 hinterland aerodromes have been rehabilitated and maintained. The Ministry of Public Infrastructure has completed the first phase of the upgrading of the Bartica Town stelling.

The four-lane extension of the East Bank Demerara Public Road has been completed.

Village roads, extending over 100 km, have been constructed or repaired, including laying asphaltic cement pavements at Leguan, Lusignan and Victoria.

The country’s first pedestrian overpasses have been installed across the East Bank De-

merara Public Road.

The new capital towns – Bartica, Lethem and Mabaruma – and other hinterland communities have benefitted from the repair of 801.2 km of roads. The rehabilitation of the Vreed-en-Hoop to Parika road is being completed. Urban roads, extending over 58.3 km in Georgetown and the capital towns of Linden and New Amsterdam, were repaired.

Your Government has fortified the Nation’s climate adaptation infrastructure.

Flooding in our National capital has been reduced as a result of the dredging of major drainage canals and repairs to sluices and pumps. Sea defences, extending 92 km along our coastline, were bolstered while the sea defence structures between Kingston and Ogle have been rehabilitated.

Your Government has also addressed the Nation’s power-generation needs. New power-generation sets, with a combined capacity of 14.2 megawatts, were procured for the towns of Anna Regina and Bartica and for Canefield.

Solar energy systems, with a combined output of 3.35 megawatts have been installed at various locations including Mabaruma Town.

THE GOVERNANCE SECTOR Your Government has been most diligent in fortifying the rule of law.

The Ministry of Legal Affairs has strengthened the financial regulatory framework in order to insulate our economy from the proceeds of illicit activities.

The promulgation of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Act 2015 and the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (No. 2) Act 2015 provide greater safeguards and stronger enforcement, all aimed at ensuring the integrity of our country’s financial system.

Your Government has strengthened the country’s legal administrative system.

The commissioning of a new, modern and improved headquarters of the Deeds and Commercial registries is aimed at preserving, protecting and promoting property rights.

The support for the establishment of a Family Court will enhance the system of justice. The creation of the Upper Demerara Magisterial District brings judicial services closer to the people and reduces inconvenience.

Your Government has re-established and made appointments to institutions decreed by our Constitution. A Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission and an Ombudsman were appointed. Acting appointments were made to the highest judicial posts.

A Public Procurement Commission has been established; the Public Service Appellate Tribunal, re-established; and the Judicial Service reconstituted. These appointments manifest your Government’s commitment to abide, at all times, with the Constitution.

Your Government has restored the people’s participation in local decision-making.

Local government elections were reinstated after your Government piloted the passage of the Local Government (Amendment) Act 2015, the Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Act 2015, the Municipal and District Councils and the Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Act 2015.

This legislation allowed for the historic holding of local government elections on 18th March 2016. The establishment of three new towns – Bartica, Lethem, Mabaruma – further solidified our system of local democracy.

The creation of new capital towns is driving the decentralization of development, moving authority away from the centre and placing power directly in the hands of the people.

Your Government, over the past 30 months, has begun the process of incubating the development potential of our regions.

We have been ensuring that our regions are developed on the basis of ‘action plans’ which are crafted collaboratively by the regions themselves and which involve the main stakeholders.

The Ministry of Communities, in this regard, has established a National Regional Development Consultative Committee (NRDCC) to promote collaboration, cooperation and consultation within and between regions.

Plans of Action for Regional Development (PARDs) are being developed for each region.

Regional Agricultural and Commercial Expositions (RACE) are catalyzing agriculture and agro-processing. Twelve neighborhood democratic councils, so far, have developed local area action plans (LAP).

Your Government’s housing policy is focused on affordable housing solutions to low-income workers and state employees. It promotes a holistic approach to community development through the provision of recreational, educational and sports facilities in addition to basic infrastructure services such as electricity, telephones, roads, solid waste disposal and pure water supply.

Work has commenced on the first batch of duplexes in the rural housing programme.

We are expanding the Hinterland Housing Programme. Houses have been constructed at Sebai, Whitewater, Kwatamang and Massara.

The provision of water and sanitation services must become an entitlement of every citizen. We have expanded the provision of water to unserved communities and improved the quality of service. The commencement of the Water Supply and Sanitation Improvement Programme (WSSIP) will benefit more than 50,000 consumers through the construction of three new water treatment plants at Uitvlugt, Diamond and Sheet Anchor.

The social sector Your Government is committed to working with the Guyana Teachers’ Union to solve problems and to improve the conditions in the public education system under which students have to attend school and teachers study, work and live.

The Ministry of Education, over the past 30 months, conducted a commission of inquiry to better comprehend the challenges affecting the system.

Teachers are the foundation of any educational system. Improvements in educational attainment require investments in teachers’ training. Your Government has trained 668 teachers over the past two years. The number of trained teachers, in our schools, has increased over the past two years and now stands at 77 per cent.

Your Government has embarked on a policy of ‘Every-Child-in-School (ECIS)’ with the objective of improving access to schools, improving attendance at schools, improving educational attainment and reducing the incidence of dropouts from primary and secondary schools.

The ECIS policy has been supported by the Presidential initiative under which 21 school buses, 10 school boats and hundreds of bicycles have been distributed to support children’s attendance at school, thereby, saving parents millions of dollars every month to augment household incomes.

The Ministry has been providing school meals as another way of encouraging increasing attendance and improving classroom performance. The hot meals programme was extended, over the past two years, from 110 to 172 schools and from serving 16,000 students to now serving 23, 392 students. The breakfast programme now serves 119 schools and 14,161 students in three administrative regions. It will be extended to other regions in financial year 2018.

Your Government has also boosted ICT within our schools. All 112 secondary schools now possess computer laboratories and enjoy access to the internet. Tablets have been dis-

tributed to 2010 students and 109 teachers in pilot schools in four administrative regions.

The Ministry of Social Protection has been in the forefront of efforts to empower individuals, families and communities, to reduce poverty, to eliminate sexual and interpersonal violence, to protect children from neglect and abuse and to assist the vulnerable in society.

The Ministry continues to make interventions to address social problems such as drug abuse, suicide, teenage pregnancy, school drop outs, rape and incest and to protect our children.

The Ministry has assumed responsibility for the New Opportunity Corps in keeping with the government’s thrust to offer ‘protection’ rather than punishment for students of that institution.

The Sustainable Livelihood Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) initiative, administered by the Ministry, aims at economically empowering vulnerable young people. SLED has funded more than 20 projects, so far, including a sheep-rearing project in Nappi in the Rupununi Region.

Old age pensions have increased by almost 45 per cent over the past 30 months, moving from $13,125 to $19,000 per month, benefitting more than 50,000 older citizens.

Public assistance has increased by more than 27 per cent and now stands at $7,500 per month.

The Ministry of Public Health has been working to provide accessible and quality health care to all Guyanese, to prevent, reduce and treat the spread of communicable and non-communicable diseases, to promote physical and mental health and to ensure food safety.

The past 30 months have witnessed the upgrading of the physical infrastructure of hospitals and health clinics, the provision of medical equipment and the deployment of medical personnel across the regions.

Preventive health care has been a priority of the Ministry. Mass campaigns to prevent filaria and cervical cancer have been launched. Medical outreaches have brought health care directly to citizens. The passage of the Tobacco Control Act 2017 is aimed at protecting present and future generations from the harmful effects of tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke.

A modern laboratory for testing food and food products is being established to ensure food safety. A telemedicine initiative, utilizing ICT to diagnose and treat persons in remote areas will be implemented in five regions in financial year 2018.

The Ministry of Social Cohesion, in pursuit of the common good, continued to realise the vision of a Nation in which “diversities are embraced”, differences respected and “conflicts resolved”. We have developed a national strategic plan to foster greater social harmony.

The designation of Chinese Arrival Day, Indian Arrival Day, Portuguese Arrival Day and Stephen Campbell Day and the observance of other historic events that are of significance in our multi-cultural society attest to our respect for diversity.

These observances should not be ignored.

They should be used to educate children and promote respect for each other’s cultures and to appreciate, rather than deprecate, the Nation’s diversity.

Your Government’s promotion of diversity and inclusivity is intended to ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging to our unique society.

The Ministry of Citizenship has improved the reach, quality and administration of passport, immigration, birth, marriage and death registration services. We have reduced the processing times for the Turn to page 10 ►

Address of His Excellency ...

10

► From page 9

issuance of passports; the long lines outside our passport offices have disappeared and the service is being systematically decentralized to Linden, New Amsterdam and other capital towns.

The security and integrity of birth records will be improved by digitization. It will facilitate an improved service to the public as records will no longer need to be manually retrieved. Your Government’s intention is, eventually, to assign a single, unique identification number for every citizen from birth to death.

The Ministry of Citizenship has also assumed responsibility for remigration services, from a building, relevantly renamed ‘Stephen Campbell House’ in honour of the nation’s first indigenous parliamentarian.

The reduction of economic and social disparities between the coastland and the hinterland and between social groups is necessary to the promotion of greater inclusivity and equality.

Your Government, in August 2015, proposed to the National Toshao’s Council, a ten-point plan to promote identity, inclusivity and prosperity for Guyana’s indigenous peoples. We are empowering the National Toshao’s Council by providing land for the construction of its headquarters The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs has been supporting the development of Guyana’s 215 indigenous communities.

These communities are being encouraged to craft Village Improvement Plans to guide their development.

They have benefitted from a range of community-support initiatives, including Presidential grants, the distribution of school uniforms, the construction of community centres and the provision of all-terrain vehicles (ATV), boats and outboard engines.

The security forces are gradually recovering from the damage and demoralisation caused during the ‘Troubles’ of the early years of this century.

Your Government has embarked on a process of reform and is revamping the national security architecture. Your Govern-

ment, with the assistance of the Government of the United Kingdom, will establish a Department of Security Sector Reform, in the new financial year.

The Ministry of Public Security has promulgated a National Drug Strategy Master Plan (NDSMP) and established a National Anti-Narcotics Agency (NANA). The results are clearly and daily visible. The Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), now under NANA’s judicious management, has succeeded in seizing over 290 kg of cocaine, 65,000 kg of cannabis and 1,600 kg of heroin this year.

Your Government is dismantling the trans-national narco-trafficking superstructure. Light aircraft, believed to be associated with transnational narco-trafficking gangs, were seized by national law-enforcement agencies in the Rupununi Region.

The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) is re-constructing district, regional and central information architecture to guide the operations of the security forces.

The National Security Committee (NSC) keeps Cabinet informed of changes in the security landscape.

The country’s archaic and dilapidated prisons are being refashioned to ensure safety and compliance with internationally acceptable standards.

The Ministry of Public Security is retooling the Guyana Police Force in order to improve human safety and public security.

Horseback patrols are being mounted in Corentyne and in the Rupununi to reduce crime.

The manpower needs of the Force are being addressed. The Emergency Response System is being rehabilitated and expanded to an additional 52 stations. Police stations are being rehabilitated under the Citizen Security Strengthening Programme. The Guyana Police Force will take delivery of several billion dollars worth of equipment donated by the People’s Republic of China to assist in law-enforcement.

We shall continue to introduce reforms aimed at professionalizing our security ser-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 3, 2017 vices and add equipment to improve their efficiency and effectiveness.

The timely delivery of quality public services requires a professional Public Service, one that is staffed by competent professionals. The Department of the Public Service of the Ministry of the Presidency is dedicated to ensuring the development of a professional Public Service.

The Public Service Staff Training College will serve as an institution which will provide training, at all levels of the Public Service, so that a professional corps of public servants will be available to deliver quality services to citizens.

LEGISLATIVE AGENDA 2018 Your Government will pursue, through this Assembly, a vigorous legislative agenda for the remainder of this year and in 2018. The focus [of]this agenda will be mainly, but not exclusively, on six principal areas.

We shall aim, first, at finalizing Bills which have already been introduced into the National Assembly. We shall proceed with the further stages of a number of Bills which are already before the House for consideration, some of which are before Select Committees. These include the Cybercrime Bill 2016; Food Safety Bill 2016; Civil Aviation Bill 2017; Constitutional Reform Consultative Commission Bill 2017; Petroleum Commission of Guyana Bill 2017 and the Animal Welfare Bill 2016.

Second, we shall strengthen anti-corruption legislation. Corruption is corrosive to the common good. It subverts institutions, inflicts injustices and impairs good governance. Your Government intends, with your support, to enact legislation aimed at strengthening our anti-corruption effort. We also shall pursue regulations intended to fortify our system of local government.

The Protected Disclosures Bill 2017 is intended to “combat corruption and other wrongdoings by encouraging and facilitating disclosures of improper conduct in the public and private sectors…” We will also amend the Integrity Commission Act to ensure the independence of the Integrity Commission.

Third, your Government aims at modernizing and updating existing legislation to align it with international best practices. The National Assembly will be asked to approve legislation to modernize our defamation laws to include, inter alia, defamation via online/ internet sources of communication.

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (Amendment) Bill will promote a modern framework to enhance the functionality of the Guyana National Bureau of Standards resulting, thereby, in improvements in the quality of goods and services to consumers. A Solid Waste Management Bill will be laid to promote the modernization of the regulatory framework for solid waste management.

The outdated Antibiotics Act of 1951 will be upgraded to cover both medical and non-medical use of antibiotics. The Nurses and Midwifery Bill will replace the archaic Nurses and Midwifery Ordinance of 1951.

The Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance will be repealed and the functions and licensing of Pharmacies will be incorporated into the Food and Drug Acts.

A Health Information Systems Bill will be introduced to regulate electronic information storage and retrieval of personal and medical data. It also is proposed to replace the Public Health Ordinance of 1934 with a Health Promotion and Protection Bill.

Fourth, your Government aims, also, at improving justice administration. The justice administration system will be improved with the passage of the Witness Protection Bill which will provide for the establishment of a programme for the protection of certain witnesses and other persons and to provide

for related matters” and the Juvenile Justice Bill 2017 which will make provision for the establishment of facilities for the custody, education and rehabilitation of juvenile offenders.

The Guyana Prison Service (Amendment) Bill will allow the Guyana Prison Service to transition from a primitive, punitive force into a rehabilitative and correctional service.

We will be improving also the regulatory framework of our economic sectors.

Legislation will be introduced to support the regulatory framework for Guyana’s incipient petroleum sector. The Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Bill will replace the 1986 Act of the same name. A raft of regulations will also be made to support the emerging petroleum industry.

The institutional framework of the mining, telecommunications and business sectors will be enhanced. The Mining (Amendment) Bill will amend the Mining Act of 1989 so as [to] provide for improved and sustainable management of the mining sector. The passage of the Guyana Gold Board (Amendment) Bill is expected to improve the regulatory framework of the Guyana Gold Board and result in improved price recovery and increased gold declarations.

Your Government will continue to work towards enhancing the business environment. Trade facilitation and the regulation of e-commerce are expected to be boosted by the passage of the Electronic Single Window System and E- Commerce Bill and the Electronic Communications and Transactions Bill.

The importance of small businesses to Guyana’s development will be emphasized by amendments to the Small Business Act which will allow for small businesses to benefit from all types of government contracts.

The Cooperative Republic of Guyana is obliged to ensure compliance with international treaties and agreements. Guyana has acceded to, and is a signatory to, a number of international agreements and conventions.

Guyana is required to take legislative action to comply with our obligations under these agreements and conventions.

The Caricom Draft Model Consumer Protection Bill is intended to promote consumer welfare and protection. Cabinet has approved of Guyana’s accession to the 1951 United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, including its protocol of 1967. This accession requires Guyana to enact legislation to treat with refugees.

Your Government, also, will be promulgating legislation to prevent the trafficking in weapons of mass destruction and to fulfill our obligations under international trade agreements, including those between Cariforum and the European Union.

OUR COMMON HOME We share a common home, Guyana.

We yearn for a common destiny, the ‘good life’. Ours is a Nation in transition to becoming a ‘green’ state. We established the Department of the Environment on 1st October 2016 to coordinate and regulate the national effort in this thrust.

We have begun to place emphasis on the preservation of our biodiversity and the protection of the environment. Our protected area system will be expanded by an additional two million hectares. We are placing emphasis on ecotourism and eco-educational tourism. Government buildings, increasingly, are going to be powered by alternative sources of energy, as part of our renewable energy agenda.

Guyana is a beautiful, blissful and bountiful country. Let us now, next year and in the future work together to protect and preserve the ‘green state’ for generations to come. ?

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 3, 2017

Patterson fends off Opposition criticisms

By Ariana Gordon

NEWLY-appointed Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairman, Justice (ret’d) James Patterson has dismissed the Opposition People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) assertions that he was selected by President David Granger because of his party affiliation.

In fact, Justice Patterson made it clear that he is not a member of any political party and used the analogy: “I use to have a cat named Tabby. If

Tabby goes in the oven and gets seven children, you’d call them bread? It is absurd and the minds of those who conceive it got to be exactly that.”

The PPP has accused the retired judge of being a member of the People’s National Congress (PNC) simply because he was a pallbearer for former President, Hugh Desmond Hoyte.

Justice Patterson who was present on Thursday during the opening session of the 71st Sitting of the National Assembly, endured

PPP stages protest in front Parliament SCORES of People’s Progressive Party (PPP) supporters turned out in front of Parliament building on Thursday to protest President David Granger’s appointment of retired Judge, Justice James Patterson as Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

The President, who was scheduled to address the Parliament, was greeted by protestors and PPP parliamentarians who chanted that the President’s “unilateral” appointment is an attempt to rig the upcoming elections.

President Granger made the appointment following a meeting with the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, on October 20, 2017 when he informed the latter

Officers look on as the protestors express their message behind the barriers (Samuel Maughn photo) of his disapproval of a third list of nominees which was submitted to him.

The President reportedly resorted to the proviso in the Constitution under Article 161: 2 which allowed him to act independently and appoint a person of the judicial category to be chairman of the elections body.

Jagdeo while on the protest line said he still believes that the President’s appointment was unconstitutional and illegal.

He pointed out that the PPP is cognisant of their court case but they intend to raise awareness of their belief by slowly escalating their protest actions.

“We have explained what our non-cooperation means… we are going to draw attention to the illegal action of the President and we have already started doing so with the diplomatic community… this will highlight how strongly we feel about value, freedom and democracy,” said Jagdeo.

protests by the Opposition Members of Parliament, who has accused the government of appointing him to rig the 2020 national elections.

Noting that such ruckus is not uncharacteristic of parliamentarians in other jurisdictions, the retired judge called for some degree of civility so that the country’s business can go on.

During Thursday’s address by President David Granger, the opposition Members of Parliament held placards which among other things said “No more rigging”.

“You can’t be timid if you go into politics; that sort of thing happens,” he stated while noting that he believes

that despite criticisms by the Opposition over his appointment, that President Granger was properly advised.

“The President has been properly advised… he has his own intelligence, his attorney general… a lot of interpretation of law is common sense… reading and seeing what the sentence structure states,” Justice Patterson explained.

Asked whether he believes his appointment was constitutional, Justice Patterson declined to comment.

Meanwhile, when asked to clarify whether he served as Chief Justice in Grenada, Justice Patterson said he served as acting Chief Justice, noting that it was a ‘slip

of the pen’ when he compiled his résumé. The PPP has accused Patterson of falsifying his résumé, noting that he never served as Chief Justice in the Spice Isle.

“I have been appointed as the acting Chief Justice; my résumé which I fashioned, having not done one for about 40 years, omitted the acting. If that’s the source of bother to them, and they know otherwise that’s no concern of mine. That’s a fact that they can’t erase,” he declared.

He considered the omission a Lapsus calami or a slip of the pen. That aside, the GECOM chairman said he is settling in well and has been doing lots of reading to

11

Guyana Elections Commission Chairman,Justice (ret’d) James Patterson acquaint himself.

He is to meet with former GECOM chair, Dr Steve Surujbally, today.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 3, 2017

ASL aircraft crashes at Chenapau airstrip

AN Air Services Limited (ASL) Britten-Norman Islander aircraft - bearing registration number 8R-GER crashed at the Chenapau airstrip on Wednesday.

The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has since launched an investigation to ascertain the circumstances that led to the crash.

Reports say the accident occurred at approximate-

ly 15:30hrs on November 1, 2017 and preliminary reports indicate that the aircraft was en route from Mahdia to Chenapau when a mechanical problem developed in a section of the wheel causing it to swerve off the runway upon landing.

There are no reports of injuries or fatalities; however, the carriage section of the aircraft was badly

damaged.

February last an ASL Cessna 206 aircraft crashed on landing at the Kurupung airstrip, Cuyuni/Mazaruni.

The crash happened at Kurupung Bottom.

The pilot Chris King, a local businessman, sustained a broken hip and other injuries after the aircraft bearing registration 8R-CNK flipped on landing.

The ASL Britten-Norman Islander aircraft 8R-GER (JetPhotos)

Bartica businessman found with illegal pistol POLICE have arrested a 45-year-old businessman of Bartica, Region Seven, after an unlicensed .32 pistol was found on his person during a search at Falls

Top Armu, Bartica.

A release said that police acting on information, went to the shop and conducted a search on the suspect and found the pistol in his posses-

sion. Charges are expected to be laid soon.

Meanwhile, police from “F” Division (Lethem and other Interior Locations) who were on mobile patrol about

23:00hrs on Wednesday at Armu Backdam, Bartica, attempted to stop a motorcycle driven by a male suspect who subsequently dropped a black haversack and escaped.

Police said initial investigations revealed that six transparent wrapped plastic parcels of cannabis sativa were found and amounted to 3.28kilograms.

A road service licence with registration number CG 9942 was also discovered. Investigations are continuing

The unlicensed .32 Pistol found by police

Man shot over motorcycle argument

The man who was shot during the argument on Thursday

POLICE are investigating a shooting incident which occurred at around 09:30hrs on Thursday at ‘E’ Field Cummings Park, East Coast Demerara.

The suspect only known as “Gaza” is being sought.

Reports indicate that two males, one armed with a handgun, had an argument over a motorcycle, during which the suspect discharged several rounds at the 25 years old victim of Big Yard, Tucville, Georgetown.

The victim is currently a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital in a stable condition.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 3, 2017

One jailed, another granted bail –– for same stolen cell-phone

A 21-year-old man who robbed a 15-year-old secondary school student was on Thursday sentenced to two months’ jail by Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Kerry Sears, of Farmers Field, Sophia confessed that on October 28 at Aubrey Barker Road, he robbed the 15-year-old of a cell-phone valued

Mickhel Garraway, the receiver (out front), and Kerry Sears on their way to court on Thursday $19,900 while using personal violence against the youngster.

According to reports, the teen had just exited Royal Castle on Aubrey Barker Road when he was confronted by Sears, who choked him and took away his cell-phone before escaping. The matter was reported to the police and Sears was arrested.

In his defence, Sears told the court, “All I tell the youth man when I rob he was, ‘Friend, right now time hard, so give me that phone.’” He also begged the magistrate to see with him; to be lenient.

But Police Prosecutor Arwin Moore told the court that Sears is wanted for similar matters at the Ruimveldt and Brickdam Police Stations.

As such, the Chief Magistrate had no alternative but to sentence him.

Meanwhile, the 19-year-old Royal Castle security guard, Mickhel Garraway, to whom he sold the phone was charged for receiving stolen property.

Garraway denied knowing at time Sears sold him the phone, this being on November 1, that it was stolen or unlawfully obtained.

According to Garraway, he had borrowed the phone from Sears to make a call, but that he didn’t wait around for him to give it back when he was done with it.

Police Prosecutor Moore made no objection to bail, but requested the conditions be attached to ensure the defendant reappears in court.

The Chief Magistrate released Garraway on $30,000 bail and adjourned the matter until November 9.

13

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 3, 2017

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 3, 2017

Taxi driver recounts daring escape –– after bandits hijacked his car

QUICK thinking and the will to survive probably saved the life of a taxi driver when he was hijacked, robbed and shot at gunpoint on October 27, 2017 at about 11:45hrs at Coldingen Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara.

Vaidan Madray called “Ryan” of Non Pareil, East Coast Demerara, a taxi driver who plies his trade from the Coldingen Turn, told Guyana Chronicle that he is very grateful to be alive given the fact he was shot at close range.

The 28-year-old said he was parked at the road corner at Coldingen when a route 44 minibus stopped and three men clad in what appeared to be “work clothes” with cement and long boots and bags exited.

They requested a taxi to go over Coldingen Railway Embankment and since the men did not seem suspicious, given their work attire, Madray took on the task.

The group said they were going to a cream house over the ‘line’ and upon arrival there one of the men tried calling someone via a cellphone but got no answer.

At this point, Madray said he grew suspicious and turned around the car.

But the man seated in the front seat put his car in ‘park’ and then it occurred to him that this was a robbery and he has to act quickly.

Madray exited the car and pulled a screwdriver in his defence but another man from

the back seat exited the car and pulled a gun at him.

The father of two related that he hit the gun out of the bandit’s hand and a shot was discharged which struck him in the left scrotum and exited on the right side thigh.

Bleeding, Madray recalled he ran to the Railway Embankment and flagged down passing vehicles and it was a while before a taxi stopped

intact and without the car remote, the vehicle was unable to drive after the engine was shut-off.

“If I didn’t think quickly and exited the car, I would have probably been dead, since I realised the men were up to no good. I was able to escape, although shot, because I felt they would have killed me and strip my car,” he said.

Madray is still paying a

The injured Vaidan Madray recovering at home (Photo by Michel Outridge) and took him to Vigilance Police Station where he was issued a medical form and went to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

The following day whilst still hospitalised, he received a call from the police stating that they found his car HC 7334 abandoned at Madewini on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway.

The car was retrieved and later handed over to him minus the floor mats, spare wheel, jack, a tablet and two cell phones.

His music system was

monthly installment for the car which he acquired 11 months ago and is recovering at home.

He does not have a choice but to return to work as a taxi driver when he is fit to do so in an effort to pay his bills and support his family.

On another note, Madray is of the opinion that the two men who were nabbed by the police during a failed hijacking of a taxi driver at Diamond, East Bank Demerara recently may be two of the three men who hijacked him.

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 3, 2017

Parole Board releases about seven prisoners per year –– CoI report OVER the past 10 years, an average of seven prisoners per year has been released by the Parole Board, according to the 2016 findings of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the Camp Street Prison disturbance and deaths.

A total of 17 inmates were killed and several others injured throughout the Camp Street jail riots during March 2-4, 2016.

According to the report released from Parliament Thursday , even the Public Health Ministry which has the power to demand the release prisoners on health grounds, offer minimal support despite a sizeable component of mentally ill, HIV-positive and drug substance addicted prisoners being incarcerated.

The CoI report noted that

The Camp Street Prison in the aftermath of the riots and deaths the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) revealed that 60 per cent of prisoners live in indescribably harsh conditions although they have not been found guilty of any crime.

“Prisoners spend most of their day in spaces which are occupied by three, four and five times more people than they intended to accommodate. Roaches, centipede, lice

and rats flourish, blocked toilet areas in cells overflow,” the CoI report stated.

These remand prisoners; the report noted are the responsibility of the judiciary

and not the Prison Service, which has no discretion to refuse to take them.

Additionally, the commission learnt that other agencies with statutory responsibilities to support the prison system failed even as lawyers are rarely seen in the prison assisting remand prisoner with a speedy trial.

“On the other hand, recidivism has apparently increased by over 100 per cent indicating not only a waste of taxpayers’ dollars but also the need for a more comprehensive and structured partnership within the wider justice system,” the findings stated.

It costs $485,000 to maintain one prisoner per year or $1,329 a day. The Georgetown Prison housed 979 at the time of the prison riot; this was 84 per cent

over the maximum capacity it was designed to hold.

The custodial staff to manage the entire prison at that time was 38 warders.

“Overcrowding is the result of weakness in the administration of justice which remains unaddressed by the judiciary and magistracy… the judiciary has not taken steps or has not publicised steps it may have taken with respect to addressing the severity of back-log of remand cases,” the CoI stressed.

Meanwhile, the report stated that the prisoners that set fires and resisted efforts by the GPS to extinguish the flames created a condition where it was not possible to unlock cell doors.

“Unpalatable as it is to assign blame to the dead, some of them at least, along with a number of survivors must be assigned the immediate responsibility for the deaths that occurred,” the CoI report stated.

‘Penitence’ man granted reasonable bail –– for alleged theft of security cameras

AN East La Penitence man, who allegedly stole two security cameras from a Bourda business place, was on Thursday charged and released on $20,000 bail

by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Ryan Edwards, 29, denied that on October 29 at North Road, Bourda he stole two security cameras valued $90,000 property of Elvis Parkinson.

Police prosecutor Arwin Moore made no objection to bail being granted to Edwards.

The Chief Magistrate released Edwards on $20,000 bail and adjourned the matter until November 8.

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 3, 2017

Texting, cell calls blamed –– as 92 traffic deaths recorded thus far in the year

NINETY-TWO persons have died in 79 fatal accidents thus far for the year and texting and cell calls have been attributed as one of the many causes, Traffic Chief Dion Moore said.

Moore said as of Tuesday, there have been 20 per cent decrease in fatal accidents and a 16 per cent decrease in deaths.

“One death is too many and there is need for persons to start taking charge of their own lives,” he said while speaking at the launch of the Guyana National Road Safety Month of Activities 2017 at the Ministry of Public Security Boardroom, Brickdam on Tuesday.

In attendance was GNRSC Coordinator Ramona Doorgen, Superintendent of Police Owen Trotz, Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRSC) representative Pauline Thompson, Hand in Hand Insurance representatives and Vice Chairman of the West Demerara Road Safety Association, Shahab Hack.

Under the theme “Making the road safer for everyone starts with you, observe, think, drive, a second is all it takes to save a life,” the GNRSC launched its month

GNRSC Coordinator Ramona Doorgen and Traffic Chief Dion Moore handed over a car seat to Road Safety Council volunteer Mikoowanyah Yosef-Yisrael and his daughter as part of the campaign to educate society on the laws of child restraint (Delano Williams Photo) of activities Wednesday in Berbice.

The traffic chief said the attitudes of persons using the roadways are of great importance since many accidents are a result of poor choices.

He explained that the construction of the pedestrian overpasses will help in reducing accidents at busy intersections.

Works on the East Bank Demerara (EBD) pedestrian overpasses at Houston, Peter’s Hall, Eccles and Diamond, East Bank Demerara continue to move apace.

Superintendent Moore said for the month of activities, more ranks will be dispatched for enforcement, vehicular patrols and educating the public.

Jailed, fined for Alleged ‘ganja’ trafficking fraudster A 39-YEAR-OLD South Sophia man was on Thursday sentenced to three years imprisonment, along with a fine of $57,000, by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for trafficking cannabis.

Kenneth Bovell, a landscaper, confessed that on November 1 at Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, he had 38 grams of cannabis in his possession for the Kenneth Bovell purpose of trafficking.

According to reports, around 18:05hrs on the day in question, ranks carrying out a raid on Lama Avenue intercepted Bovell and searched him.

During a search of a black plastic bag Bovell had in his hand, 35 small Ziplock bags of suspected cannabis was found inside.

The unrepresented man told the court that he had earlier bought the weed to make a tea with it for his nephew who suffers from asthma and is currently hospitalised.

The magistrate, after considering Bovell’s early guilty plea, handed down her sentence.

put on bail

A 29-YEAR-OLD barber from Mahdia was on Thursday released on $100,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for fraud.

Keshan Chew denied that on August 25 at Mahdia he received $750,000 on account of Elton Hamilton but fraudulently converted the monies to his own use and benefits.

With no objection raised by Police Prosecutor Arwin Moore, the magistrate released Chew on bail, and transferred his matter to the Mahdia Magistrate Court for January 16, 2017.

“Making the road safer for everyone starts with you.

In order for the roads to be safe it involves you, lets us observe, think, drive since it only takes one second to save a life,” Moore underscored.

He said many times drivers blame accidents on the conditions of the roadways, but regardless of the state of the thoroughfares, drivers must drive in accordance with the conditions of the roads.

“If it’s raining you cannot drive at the same speed as when the road is dry, speeding is the results of most accidents,” he noted, adding: “Every accident leaves someone in distress; drivers must exercise care, caution, courteous, consideration and common sense.”

GNRSC Coordinator Ramona Doorgen said the

White Knight Campaign will also be in full effect and she is encouraging President David Granger, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and other senior member of society to come out in support of the activities to educate society on the seriousness of road safety.

Superintendent of Police Owen Trotz also said the White Knight Campaign will be held in Berbice, Linden, Georgetown, Essequibo and Lethem.

West Demerara Road Safety Association Vice Chairman Shahab Hack said the association holds road safety activities throughout the year and there is need for corporate support to further assist in the works of the GNRSC in its public awareness campaign.

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 3, 2017

Rockstone again rises to the occasion --with a turnout of well over 2000 for annual Fish Festival

By Naomi Marshall THE Rockstone Tourism Association last weekend played host to yet another amazing and adventurous Fish Festival, which saw more than 2000 or so persons from all across the country descending on Rockstone, some 14 miles from Linden, for a fun-filled two days of angling.

The festival included boat tours to Golden Beach and Gluck Island, fishing competitions, cooking competitions, road races, nature trails, camping, music, meals, beverages and much more.

The event was declared open by Member of Parliament, Mr Audwin Rutherford on Sunday morning.

Seizing the opportunity, as a born Lindener, to sell Rockstone as a possible tourism destination, Rutherford said: “This is a unique area; it is special. There is no other location in Guyana and in Region 10 that is so ideal for a fish festival.

“This is a feeding area for fish. The idea is for people to come not only today but other days during the year.”

President of the Rockstone Tourism Association, Ms Lynette Benn, told the Guyana Chronicle that while it was a bit on the quiet side on Saturday, things really began to heat up on Sunday, with persons coming by the droves from all corners to participate in the long list of activities the organisers had in store for them.

“Today, Sunday, the main events... the fish cooking, the fish catching, fish deboning, roast fish, baked fish... It’s strictly about fish here in Rockstone,” she said, adding: “We do have a large crowd, even though the day is pretty young.

“I can assure you that by this afternoon, especially the crew from Linden, they are going to come out in their masses.”

GT POSSE Richard Marsumali came all the way from Georgetown, along with nine others in two vehicles to be a part of the festival.

“We came up here this morning,” he said. “It’s nice; it’s my first time up here; I’m enjoying it so far.

“We didn’t catch anything,

A group of men enjoying the afternoon sun as they fished in the Essequibo River, just off Rockstone

Ms Lynette Benn, President of the Rockstone Tourism Association

but it’s still fun and enjoyable to have somewhere you can enjoy in Guyana, in another location.

“So, all in all, it’s fun; the sun is warm.”

Second-timer, Jason Marcello of West Coast Demerara

students can analyze them.”

Ravi Persaud (left) of Amelia’s Ward, who had the largest single catch of the day. With him, at right, is boat captain, Ray Peters from Rockstone, who took him to the Essequibo River to make the catch

SUNSET As the sun started setting, participants of the fishing competition began to bring in their catches onshore, drawing a crowd that was excited to see how they’d fared.

Mackenzie High Principal, Mr Haslyn Small and his Geography class

is a fisherman by trade, but was a bit disappointed when nothing seemed to be pulling on his rod after 45 minutes. “How I’m feeling right now, not so good. I ain’t catch nothing yet! Nothing seems to be biting at the moment,” Marcello said, adding that all he and his friends were really interested in was having a bit of fun.

“The excitement of just reeling in something; whatever it is; anything,” he said.

Ronald Barns, who has been living abroad but has been back home in Linden

three years now, said it was his first time at the fish festival and it’s very entertaining. But they must fix the road.

Not only did persons attend the festival for the fun and excitement, but also for educational purposes.

Mackenzie High School Principal, Mr Haslyn Small brought out 26 of his Geography students to the event.

“This is a part of the Geography CSEC SBA 2018, and I’m looking at some factors that influence the fish festival here at Rockstone,” Mr Small said.

“We’re looking at the leisure activities; the infrastructure. When you come in, you would have seen the state of the road and so on; that can be a factor that can cause it to discourage people from coming in here.

“We also have the beautiful building there; that is the guest house. Then we have all these activities like the fish catching.

“So, all these activities help to promote the development of the Rockstone Fish Festival; we want to look at them and to see how best the

One contestant by the name of ‘Fish-pro’ caught a number of lukanani fish after several hours with his boat being stationed somewhere around Gluck Island.

“This is lukanani; people in foreign does call it peacock bass. I always enjoy coming Rockstone,” ‘Fish-pro’ said.

Another contestant named Ravi Persuad of Amelia’s Ward, Linden noted that Sunday was a wonderful day; a day he would not have trade for anything.

“As you can see,” he said,

“I catch some nice fish and stuff like that; I wouldn’t trade it for nothing.

“This is my second fish festival. Fish festival is a great festival; everybody should come participate, be a part of the festival and stuff like that.

It’s a great thing.”

MP Rutherford noted that this year’s festival might not have been the biggest he’s ever seen, but it was surely a celebration.

According to Ms. Benn, preparations for the Fish Festival consisted of the upgrading of the Guest House, which was in a deplorable state, and freshening up the washroom facility.

She said that whatever profits the organisation would have made from the festival this year will go towards the execution of a number of developmental projects.

“The plans we have for this year is that we want to do is strictly putting up about three to four log cabins, because that was the demand,” she said, adding: “If we had cabins, I don’t think we would have been able to take off the crowd from this year.

“Rockstone is focusing on accommodating for eco-tourism.”

The first festival was organised in September 2006, and sold more than a thousand tickets. The event is usually held over two days, namely Saturday and Sunday.

The Rockstone Tourism Association was founded on December 21, 2006.

19

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 3, 2017

We lose those we cannot replace

--because the infinite does not procrastinate LAST week we lost Clarence Young, founder of the Phoenix Recovery Project. I did not know that this facility existed until December 2013, when a close relation of mine developed an addiction, and friends pointed me in the direction of Clarence’s facility.

On meeting Clarence, it was as if I had known him for a long time. I pondered how we had never met before, because he knew many of the people that I knew who had contributed to the cocaine scourge in Guyana, and those of their victims who had died of both cocaine and marijuana overdose from the late 70s to the early 80s.

He knew players residing here and overseas, yet we never met before that day in early 2014. Clarence had much more to contribute; his vast knowledge of the metamorphosis that occurs with addiction equipped me with the insight into addiction, clarifying that my instincts were right all along, though I was a voice in the wilderness back then, when the bag-wearing Rasta movement with its philosophy of heights and Biblical interpretations of Haile Selassie with its Lion lore gripped a generation. All those brethren, and some of the sisteren from back then, were gone by the late eighties.

In the early nineties, cocaine had begun to infest our population. So, with camera and art, I decided to tell this demonic tale of addictive substances from my experiences as a witness to death and dismantled lives.

CLOSE ENCOUNTER One of the closest and most traumatic experiences was an incident I had one night outside a dance in West Ruimveldt, where a brief tantalize led to a confrontation between myself and ‘Sharky’.

It started as a fist fight.

Then he smashed a beer bottle and began slashing at me. I was cut, but did not realise it as we struggled. He ran from the corner, and Eric alerted me that I was bleeding. I did not immediately, in the following weeks, seek to attack Sharky, as I had had a run-in with his elder brother, Michael, over the matter.

I waited for forgetfulness to step-in, but the next thing I knew, he had left the country for the USA. A few years later,

‘Sweet Drink’, a West Ruimveldt resident told me Sharky was back, so I decided to go look for him to settle our score.

I had ignored Sweet Drink’s warning that “When yuh see ‘e, yuh nah gon wan do he notten.” I did confront Sharky by the Vendors Arcade, on the western side of the old Guyana Stores bond.

There was a roti shop nearby.

I recognised him and stared at him in disbelief. He was in his bare briefs. No pants, no Clarks, nothing. His tee-shirt was covered with human faeces, no doubt his own.

He looked at me and said, “Red Man, buy meh two dhall puri nah.” I placed the implement I had walked with in the umbrella next to the roti shop [I would leave it right there!] and bought him the puri.

Another deportee who was looking on explained what had happened to him overseas, and also to a few others we knew.

I stayed in that location long after what Sharky had become left.

I was also told that drugs was a quick way to real money, but what I saw Sharky become erased all the hype I was fed. This was my first visual experience with the human devastation of cocaine addiction, and I have hated it since then. This was in the early eighties.

IN MEH FACE By 2013, addiction stood at my door; was in my home.

And then I met Clarence Young, and began a lively friendship with him and his team. Clarence came here from Trinidad to fulfil a promise to Mrs Nathalie Stephenson to start a drug recovery programme in 1995. This work he began at Charlotte and Albert Streets, thence to Amia Avenue and then to Prasad’s Hospital and the Salvation Army.

He even took the programme to West End Gym in Tiger Bay, then to Hadfield Street, to Plaisance on the East Coast.

In 2006, he opened the Phoenix Recovery Project at Mon Repos on the East Coast. Clarence opened my eyes to the nature of the drug addict; showing me that a separate personality evolves.

A living lie removes all empathy; deception, psychotic bursts of violence, theft and complete misery engulfs the family, many of whom, un-

aware of these impediments, are attempting with love and bravery to rescue a relative from addiction. Even the ‘rehab’ can only work when the affected wants to change his self-inflicted condition. Addiction is initiated by choice, and can lead to serious paranoid mental defects and to real and imagined physical ailments, but it all begins with choice.

RESCU MISSION I had conceived of RESCU in 2012 with all the photographs and art work I had de-

veloped. RESCU is a data-dispersing group, intended to compete with the drug selling propaganda that pervades our communities unchallenged by any State action.

RESCU came into being in 2014, with the support of the ACDA Steering Committee, and official support from the then Acting Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Dr Paloma Mohammed and a few others.

But it was with the help of Clarence Young that I was able to chart an additional course of literature to provide insights to

the background of the hype, and to the dangers of synthetic marijuana and the pills now used by our young people, and known as ‘De Cool tings’ .

Clarence passed before I could take him to see a friend in Albouystown who is haunted by his past drug usage, and is in the strangest mental place I’ve ever witnessed, trying this and that health supplement, inflicting shadows upon himself while forgetting to ‘Live’.

There is no one formula to the interaction with addiction; counselling, religion, all meth-

ods must be explored. The human mind, when afflicted, is a tremendous challenge to repair, because we humans know so little of the neurological world and its external currents.

Clarence had much more to give, but the infinite determines while we procrastinate. However, it is not how long we live, but rather what our life meant.

And Clarence Young has touched many positively; his life meant something truly significant.

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 3, 2017

‘Strut II’ lives up to expectation --as Glenn, Madray and Small-Sonaram deliver

MWANZA Glenn may have had the most striking collection of the night, but it was Randy Madray with his dramatic display of his “Between the Lines” collection that left a lasting impression as it brought the curtains down on Traits Model Management’s “Strut II: Live the Runway” fashion show on Wednesday evening at the Marriott Hotel.

The night opened with Sidney Francois’ “Things Above” playing appetizer to an evening where many of the eight bright young designers wowed and dazzled the almost packed-out house.

Though they begged for a prompt 19:00hrs start, the organisers had a 40-minute late start as the Guyanese crowd trickled in at their own sweet time. Those who showed up

Pieces “From Lady to Dam” by Mwanza Glenn

on time, however, enjoyed the free time to catch some of photographers flash, patronise the

bar, or at least nit-pick about the high-end prices of the drinks (It’s Marriott! What did you

expect!).

They were no complimentary drinks. Of course, in all fairness, with VIP at the cheap price of $6000, none should’ve been expected.

It was obvious many patrons went all-out with their wardrobes, bringing their top notch fancy ‘dan-dans’. Of course there were those fashion eccentrics who were bent on going over the top, defying sophistication, though they definitely achieved their aim of being conspicuous.

Nonetheless, there hardly seemed to be anyone in the crowd whose outfit was as breathtaking as those that graced the stage for another memorable TMM show.

Mercifully, at least 50 per cent of the patrons were already seated by the show’s start, while most latecomers were polite enough not to strut around for seats while the show was in progress. But, of course, there were the exceptions.

Madray’s was the last and the most, with 30 pieces in his first ever ready-to-wear collection, that was most theatrically showcased, coming to a cinematic close with his final piece, a wedding dress and veil, being strutted by TMM model, Xameira Kippins.

Opening the second half of the show was another dramatic display by Glenn, with his line “Lady to Dam” that truly told a story of evolution, as the pieces developed from intelligent evening wear to stunningly glitzy dresses that only the brave dare don as model after model came out with showstopper after showstopper pieces.

Earlier, Francois’ line had a subtle start, but only got better as it moved on. In a backstage interview after he showcased, Francois shared with The Buzz how his love for nature and belief in God inspired the collection, which had 15 pieces, including a few showstoppers towards the end.

By the time Olympia Sonaram’s “Curves” collection

Model Nkechi Vaughn in a showstopper piece from Sidney Francois’ “Things Above” collection (Photos by Delano Williams)

Designer Randy Madray and model Xamiera Kippins in a piece from “Between the Lines”

came around, the third for the night, things definitely started to sizzle, as the body-baring outfits continuously evoked applause from the audience.

A veteran costume designer, Sonaram drew inspiration for the intricate pieces from her work with wire in the bodices of all the outfits.

There was another entertaining moment as Quinton Pearson’s swimsuit line was showcased during the live performance of Guyanese rapper,

Remar, who serenaded the ladies as they had a fun time about the stage.

All in all, the people over at Traits were very satisfied with what they were able to put together, and are sure patrons felt the same way.

“I think it really lived up to expectations,” said TMM Co-founder, Oronde George.

“We wanted to put together a seamless show; well executed, well organised, and I think we did that.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 3, 2017

It’s official!

21

--the ‘Biebs’, Selena Gomez are back (US Weekly) Three years after calling it quits for what seemed like the final time, Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez are giving their romance another chance.

A source exclusively confirms to Us Weekly that the pop stars are officially dating again after Selena’s split from The Weeknd.

“Selena and Justin are back together,” the insider reveals. “Selena and The Weeknd just fizzled and ended amicably; it wasn’t dramatic, and it wasn’t about Justin. But Selena always had feelings for Justin.

Her friends want her to be cautious, because she has been in such a good

THIS weekend it’s going to be all about the high school fairs going on over at QC and St Joseph High, which are shaping up to be the place to be if you’re wondering what to do.

Both are on Saturday, start earlier in the afternoon, and are expected to be great, clean fun for the entire family. And both venues are going for the cheap-and-sweet price of just $300.

However, the QC fair carries a fashion show component later in the evening, which has a separate ticket price of $700.

Saturday night will see an all-black-themed party at Palm Court, so don your darkest-of-dark outfit and head out.

For that Sunday buzz, you might consider heading over to Club Blue Iguana, which is now the new venue for Marvelous Sundays.

Tonight, though, there’s that big Travis Greene gospel concert that has been all the buzz for some time now.

TODAY

After all the waiting, it’s finally here! Hope is Rising presents “Celebration of Life: Mega Concert”, featuring Grammy-winning gospel artiste Travis Greene, alongside Guyana’s Saiku Andrews, Samuel Medas and so many more at the National Stadium!

It’s set to be a grand event to celebrate the reduction of suicide in Guyana. and the push to reduce violence and poverty.

TOMORROW

We all know “What Happens in the Party Stays In The Party”! So come out and party with Bliss Point Entertainment at the Blue Martini, featuring live performances by Kwasi Ace, Kady Kish, Krissy and many more!

Doors open from 20:00hrs until? Tickets: $2000.

Queen’s College presents the biggest and baddest fair of the year, called “Rock N’ Come In” at the QC compound, featuring a grand fashion show and disco.

There will be Plinko, Spin the Wheel, basketball games, BBQ, horsecart rides, horror house and so, so much more!

Music by Crown Vibes Sound Company and DJ Energy! Tickets: $300.

St Joseph High School PTA presents, “Da Real Fair of the Year” at the school’s compound on Woolford Avenue.

Live performances by Kwasi Ace and Euphoria Dance Crew! Activities include face painting, games, and a fashion show! Look out for Fusion Sound System! Tickets: $300.

Get ready for “Seansation Black”, the all-black party of 2017 at Palm Court!

It’s the one night dedicated to those who love to step out and slay, fashion and black!

Once you go black, there’s no turning back!

SUNDAY

Marvellous Sundays have a new location at Club Blue Iguana, and if you missed it last Sunday, then you missed one of the best Sunday night parties in a long time!

But, don’t despair! You can catch it this Sunday when it continues with the same great vibes, drink specials, and DJs! Music by Stereo Sonic, Determined Family and DJ Energy the Party King!

Everyone FREE before 23:00hrs!

place post-surgery.”

Bieber, 23, and Gomez, 25, were first spotted reuniting at her house in the Studio City neighbourhood of Los Angeles in late October, just days before Us confirmed that she and The Weeknd, 27, separated after nearly 10 months of dating.

“Justin and Selena recently started speaking,” a source close to Gomez exclusively told Us at the time. “They realised it was time to grow past their history and move on.

“They’ve grown up a lot in the past couple of years, and are mature about the situation.”

It wasn’t long before the “Pur-

pose” crooner tried to sweep the Disney alum off her feet once again.

“Justin really wants to get back with Selena,” a second insider previously told Us, while another noted that the couple rekindled their friendship after her kidney transplant earlier this year. “He has been texting her nonstop, and hangs out with her whenever he can.”

Bieber and Gomez dated on and off from 2011 to 2014 before their latest reunion. During their time apart, he was linked to Sofia Richie, Paola Paulin, Hailey Baldwin and Kourtney Kardashian, among others.

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 3, 2017

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 3, 2017

23

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 3, 2017

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 3, 2017

25

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 3, 2017

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 3, 2017

GCC name strong 14-man squad for U-13 final THE Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) has announced a strong 14-man squad to contest the final of the Well-Teen, Trophy Stall, Tropical Springs and Nauth Motor Spares Under-13 T20 cricket

tournament.

GCC will face Blairmont Cricket Club from 11:45hrs on Sunday at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground.

The 14-man squad will be

captained by Zachary Jodah, with Rivaldo Phillips the Vice-captain.

The remainder of the squad reads: Sanjay Persaud, Tallius Lovell, Rahul Singh, Mitra Dhanraj, Yohance Angoy, Aryan Persaud,

Zimbabwe salvage draw...

and successfully reviewed after he was given out leg before on 72 when Kemar Roach (2-37) thought he had his man.

Chakabva struck Bishoo

for a couple of boundaries in an over as Zimbabwe went to lunch on 199-6, but West Indies were scenting victory when Holder removed Raza’s

off stump with the new ball after the all-rounder had batted five hours and faced 203 delivery in another superb knock.

Holder ought to have had

SCOREBOARD ZIMBABWE 1st innings 326 (H. Masakadza 147, S. Raza 80, P. Moor 52) West Indies 1st innings 448 (J. Holder 110, S. Dowrich 103, K. Powell 90; S. Raza 5-99) Zimbabwe 2nd innings (Overnight: 140-4) H. Masakadza b Roach 5 S. Mire lbw b Roach 0 C. Ervine b Bishoo 22 B. Taylor lbw b

Gabriel 10 P. Moor c S. Hope b Gabriel 42 S. Raza b Holder 89 M. Waller c Blackwood b Bishoo 15 R. Chakabva not out 71 G. Cremer not out 28 Extras (b-10 lb-8 nb-1) 19 Total (for 7 wickets, 144 overs) 301 Fall of wickets: 1-5 H. Masakadza,2-8 S. Mire,3-23 B.

Taylor,4-46 C. Ervine,5-144 P. Moor,6-172 M. Waller,7-210 S. Raza Did not bat: T. Chisoro, C. Mpofu Bowling: S. Gabriel 21 - 7 34 - 2(nb-1),K. Roach 22 - 10 - 37 - 2 K. Brathwaite 17 - 2 - 44 – 0, J. Holder 22 - 7 - 42 - 1 D. Bishoo 34 - 7 - 74 – 2, R. Chase 17 -

Guyana Softball Cup 7...

From Backpage

will be played along with the semi- finals.

On the final day, November 5, 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 In 2016, Speedboat XI pulled off a massive upset by dethroning defending champions Regal All-Stars to win the Open segment, while Floodlights XI outplayed Fishermen XI to win the Masters category.

US legend Michael Johnson advised...

From Backpage

sorts looking Bolt had to settle for bronze behind longtime American rival Justin Gatlin and rising star Christian Coleman.

There was also a disaster in the final race itself, a 4x100m relay, which saw the runner pull up midway down the final stretch on the anchor leg for Jamaica after sustaining a hamstring tear.

American Racing Tips Delmar Race 1 Silent Bird Race 2 Ritzy A.P. Race 3 City Of Light Race 4 Ismelucky Race 5 Hard Aces Race 6 September Race 7 Mor Spirit Race 8 Meldelssohn Race 9 Stellar Wind South Africa Racing Tips Fairview 08:25 hrs Trees Of Green 09:00 hrs Kingston Warren

“I spoke to Usain and advised him to stop after Rio,” Johnson said while speaking on Indian television show ‘Royal Stag Barrel Select Perfect Strokes’. He went on to imply that Bolt’s ability to hit peak stride likely came down to a matter of motivation.

“I think after winning

09:35 hrs Boxley 10:10 hrs Fritz Nobis 10:45 hrs Vanda Irish Racing Tips Down Royal 08:40 hrs Poli Roi 09:15 hrs Mystic Theatre 09:50 hrs Melon 10:25 hrs Swingbridge 11:00 hrs Midnight Escape 11:35 hrs Elusive Ivy 12:10 hrs Felix Desjy English Racing Tips Uttoxeter 09:00 hrs Passing Call

double gold medals (100m and 200m) in three editions of Olympics and also winning World Championship, I don’t think you have a lot of motivation left. It is very difficult to win double gold medal in successive editions of Olympics and that too thrice.”(Sportsmax) 09:35 hrs Clondaw Native 10:10 hrs Maid Of Tuscany 10:45 hrs River Wylde 11:20 hrs Stonemadforspeed 11:55 hrs Maid Of Milan Newmarket 08:35 hrs Plunger 09:10 hrs Tomahawk Kid 09:45 hrs Izzy Bizu 10:20 hrs Consequences 11:30 hrs Nelson’s Touch 12:05 hrs Salt Whistle Bay Wetherby 08:50 hrs Alfie’s Choice 10:35 hrs Guitar Pete 11:10 hrs Cornborough 11:45 hrs Planet Nine

Akash Tiwari, Darius Andrews, Menelik Halley, Joshua Thomas, Afzal Koolander and Johash Charles. The coaches are; Neil Dhanraj and Peter Persaud while the Manager is Richard Jodah.

From Backpage

two in two when Cremer gloved a short delivery behind first ball, but umpire Simon Fry was unmoved and Chakabva celebrated a hard-earned half-century after striking one of his five boundaries, the pair taking their stand to 91 before the captains shook hands.(Omnisport).

GVF to send teams to French Guiana for Tri-Nation U-20 championships THE Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) has selected a male and female team to represent Guyana this weekend at a Tri-Nation tournament slated for French Guiana from tomorrow.

According to information received, the GVF received an invitation from the French Guiana Volleyball Federation to be a part of the Tri-Nation series which also includes Suriname.

Since receiving the in-

vitation, the GVF’s Selection Committee headed by former national captain and current national coach, Levi Nedd, has put together a squad of male and female players who underwent intensive training in Georgetown and was expected to leave yesterday for French Guiana.

Both the male and females wrapped up their preparation at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 3, 2017

Enmore bowlers defend 103 to win T20 Cricket Festival A large, colourful and vibrant crowd couldn’t ask for a better Sunday evening last as Enmore Community Centre Cricket Club (ECCCC) produced a clinical bowling effort to stun Strathavon in the final of the club’s anniversary T20 Cricket Festival.

Playing at the Enmore Community Centre ground, ECCCC bowlers stoutly defended a total of 103 made in 17.2 overs, by dismissing Strathavon for a paltry 57 with two overs to spare.

The 46-run victory for ECCCC meant the Bheemraj Ramkelawan-led side had exacted revenge on Strathavon, who won a T20 final between the two sides in 2016 at the Fairfield ground.

The victory was perfect for the occasion, as it was the first time in the club’s history that floodlight hardball cricket was being played at the venue.

Ramkelawan called correctly at the toss and swiftly decided to take first strike, a decision that paid immediate dividends as ECCCC raced to 44 off the first five overs.

Openers Ramkelawan (21) and Imran Hassan (14) were particularly severe on anything remotely loose, giving their

team a flying start.

However, with both falling in quick succession, the innings went into decline, and had it not been for a quick-fire 22 from Navindra Gobin down the order ECCCC faced the danger of being dismissed for a double-figure total.

Kevin Latiff and Naresh Samaroo bagged 3-17 and 3-19 respectively for Strathavon, whose batsmen were harbouring thoughts of an early night with such a small target to chase.

The difficulty with batting under the light however, didn’t escape Strathavon and their batsmen made a mess of a run-chase that never really got started. Wickets tumbled like rolling pins in the face of some disciplined bowling from the ECCCC bowlers, led by spinner Christopher Surat, who claimed 3-10 off four overs.

Satesh Jainarine kept a stranglehold on proceedings, conceding just six runs from his four overs and also claiming two wickets. For his superb bowling effort, Surat was named Man-ofthe-Match.

Strathavon had earlier qualified for the final following a 117-run whipping of Helena Number One and Two in the

The winning Enmore Community Centre Cricket Club (ECCCC) team

opening match of the day.

Batting first, Strathavon took full advantage of a superb batting wicket and lightning fast outfield to pile up 205-4 from the allotted 20 overs.

The nature of the pitch was demonstrated by the high number of sixes in the innings- 12 in total.

Skipper Gobindram Hemraj, the elder brother of Guyana Jaguars batsman Chandrapaul Hemraj,

led the way with a classy innings of 61, the left-hander cracking six fours and two sixes.

Sewchand Budhu bludgeoned five maximums in a shot-filled 55, while opener Richard Chatura contributed 34 (3x4s, 2x6s). Ganesh Sugrim (22) and Zaki Salim (18*) did the finishing touches towards the back-end of the

innings.

K. Seedyal took 2-31 for Helena Number One and Two, who just couldn’t find momentum in the run-chase, falling for 88 in 19 overs. Mohan Ronald, who was eventually named Man-of-the-Match, was outstanding with the ball, claiming 5-18 from four overs.

R. Ramkission made 20 and J. Persaud 19.

In the other game of the day, Lower East Coast outplayed Upper East Coast by 61 runs in a 15-over contest. Man-of-theMatch Ryan Hemraj smashed a belligerent 52 (5x6s, 2x4s) to set up Lower East Coast’s total of 186-6, with Sunil Singh chipping in with 35 (3x4s, 2x6s), J. Wilson (26*) and C. McPherson (22).

Ferron Kadir took 2-17 for Upper East Coast, who finished on 125-3 at the completion of the overs. D. Persaud made 43 (3x4s, 3x6s) and M. Bameswari 32 (4x6s), while S. Budhu had 2-11 off three overs.

Regrettably, the other planned game between Enmore Masters and Everest Masters had to be called off due to unforeseen circumstances. Funds garnered from the event will go towards cricket development at ECCCC and the club’s upcoming trip to Trinidad and Tobago.

The event was sponsored

by Rajin Auto Paint, Nexa Autocolor, R.Kissoon Construction Service, Motor Trend Auto Spares and Repairs, Radesh Furniture Est. D&E Tent Rental, Trophy Stall, Cone Island, Banks DIH, SE Auto Sales and Auto Spares, Cricket Zone USA and Young Takers Sound System.

SCA likely to get two additional playing facilities …president describes 2017 as memorable and defining year

By Frederick Halley

TORONTO, Canada Over the past two seasons, the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) has been severely handicapped with the unavailability of the Ellesmere playing facility, which consists of three playing fields.

This is due mainly to infrastructural works being carried out at the venue by the Toronto City Council officials and the likelihood of the SCA getting the use of the grounds for the 2018 seeming very remote.

However, through the efforts of Councillor Jim Karygiannis of Scarborough-Agincourt, efforts are in train to allocate two new playing fields, adjacent to each other in the Scarborough area.

Karygiannis made the disclosure at last Saturday night’s 37th annual presentation and gala, held at the Eastown Banquet Hall, Scarborough.

Karygiannis’ announcement was greeted with loud applause from those present at the impressive ceremony.

Representatives from both the council and the SCA are scheduled to visit the site in

Member of Parliament, Salma Zahid, hands over her congratulatory message to SCA president Shiv Persaud in the presence of other members of the executive.

the near future to check on the feasibility.

Meanwhile, in his message delivered at the function, Karygiannis applauded the hard that had gone on into making the event possible.

In extending his greetings, he pointed out that “one of Toronto’s greatest strengths is our diversity, which helps us achieve great things when we come together with our international partners.”

Member of Parliament for Scarborough Centre, Salma

Zahid, who was also present at the occasion, posited that “your efforts are admirable and a credit to our community.”

SCA president, Guyanese-born, Shiv Persaud, described 2017 as “a memorable and defining year in which the association underwent several changes to enhance the level of competition, providing a pathway for our players to achieve provincial and national opportunities to further their cricketing career and ad-

vance our use of innovative technology.”

Persaud said the SCA was fortunate to experience unimaginable weather in September which led the way for keenly a contested finals and a larger than normal spectator turnout. For example, our Elite final between Hawaiian Arctic and Highland Creek “A”,was a true test of grit and character, in what was a fierce battle on a scorching hot day that saw Highland Creek “A” emerging victorious.

“As a result, spectators were treated to sublime batting and bowling performances.

Highland Creek went on to have a record year in the SCA, by also claiming the Premier Championship crown and runner-up in the T20 final, thus becoming only the first club to accomplish such a feat in a single season.”

The SCA president also disclosed that the association became a member of Cricket Ontario, the Provincial Sports Organisation for Cricket in Ontario and a body recognised by Cricket Canada, the National Sports Organisation for Cricket in Canada.

“This was a step taken to ensure our players, especially the women and juniors were being recognised at the highest level possible. As such we had eight players who represented SCA at the Cricket Ontario Central T20 competition and six players at the Junior level.

We are anxiously expecting the planning and development meetings for the women players as we move forward to 2018.”

Commenting on the new initiative undertaken by some teams, Persaud point-

ed out that “we understand that technology is improving to allow for real time scoring, comprehensive record keeping and for establishing a presence on social media.

As such, we had games for the first time in the association that was being scored live online and available for a wider platform of supporters to follow. Although we have experienced positive feedback, this is still an area that we continue to work on diligently as there are improvements to be made.”

Persaud also applauded the generous sponsors who he said continued to make a positive impact for the sport of cricket and building stronger communities through their philantrophic contributions. “We are optimistic that our planned initiatives for achieving funding will help us to make a larger impact in the Scarborough community.”

“As we reflect on 2017, there are many areas that we have started planning and exploring to build on our successes in 2018. For example, exploring the possibility of having lights at Ashtonbee and running our T20 competition across the Canada Day long weekend. We are delighted to be celebrating this special evening with you and do look forward to welcoming you back in 2018.”

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 3, 2017

Tonge’s six for 21 helps Hurricanes destroy Pride by an innings BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – Gavin Tonge proved there was life left in the old man yet with an incisive spell of fast-medium, swing bowling that catapulted Leeward Islands Hurricanes to a stunning, innings-and-four-run victory over Barbados Pride in the Digicel 4-Day Championship on Thursday.

Tonge collected 6-21 from 12 overs, finishing with match figures of 9-26, as the Pride were bowled out for 116 in their second innings about 50 minutes before the scheduled close on the second day of their second-round match at Kensington Oval.

Ashley Nurse hit eight fours and three sixes in the top score of 67 from 71 balls in 1 ¾ hours stay at the crease and was the only Pride batsman that reached 20.

Jeremiah Louis, the Playerof-the-Match for a memorable all-round performance, formalised the result for the Hurricanes, when he had Nurse caught at long-off to end with 3-43 from 10.3 overs – and match figures of 9-112 to follow up a crucial first-innings half-century earlier in the day.

The result meant that the Hurricanes gained 19.8 points and the home team earned a meagre 3.6.

It was the Hurricanes’ first victory over the Pride at the West Indies first-class level in eight years, when they won by an innings and five runs at the North Stars Cricket Ground in Barbados’ most northerly parish of St. Lucy.

Also, it was the Hurricanes’ eighth victory ever over the same opponents, whom they have only ever beaten once in the Leewards.

Tonge’s performance fol-

lowed a rearguard led by Louis that gave the Hurricanes a 120run, first-innings lead, when they were bowled out for 233 around 20 minutes past the scheduled lunch interval.

Louis, the Hurricanes first-day bowling hero, gathered 62 from 109 balls in close to two hours to lead the way with the bat for the visitors.

He added 50 for the last wicket with Jason Campbell to frustrate the Pride, after the Hurricanes slumped to 183 for nine and looked in danger of being dismissed for less than 200.

Part-time off-spinner Kenroy Williams collected a career-best 5-50 from 20 overs to be the pick of the Pride’s bowlers. Shakeem Clarke supported with 2-15 from 8.1 overs.

Forced to use a makeshift opener, due to Shayne Moseley being struck on the helmet when fielding, Pride captain Kevin Stoute chose to partner Anthony Alleyne.

The experiment lasted just 22 balls before Tonge had Stoute caught behind for four in the fourth over of the innings.

Tonge has been playing at the West Indies first-class level for close to two decades and on a helpful pitch, the brittle Pride batting was no match, as his next three wickets all came through catches to either his captain Devon Thomas, the Hurricanes wicketkeeper, or second slip fielder Nkrumah Bonner.

Pride crashed to 18 for five, but Nurse and Moseley stemmed the fall of wickets for just over an hour, putting on 61 for the sixth

Gavin Tonge

Moseley was however, needlessly run out for 15 before Louis and Tonge carved up the rest of the batting with mean, purposeful bowling.

Louis for close to an hour, forcing the home team to take the second new ball which Stoute, bowling medium-fast, strangely shared with Nurse, bowling off-spin.

floodgates were flung open and Williams, in the main, worked his way through the Hurricanes batting.

Campbell came to the crease and frustrated the Pride with

Hurricanes host Guyana Jaguars at Warner Park in St. Kitts in the next round of matches, which features Jamaica Scorpions against the Pride at Sabina Park in Jamaica.

wicket.

Starting the day on 116 for four, the Hurricanes suffered a setback to their plans, when Bonner gave a return catch to Williams after adding eight to his overnight 20.

After this experiment failed miserably, Shakeem Clarke was handed the new ball and had Campbell caught in the slips for 18, fending a short ball to After his dismissal, the bring the innings to a close.

Sri Lanka `A’ defy Cottrell, Hodge to clinch tense one-day victory KINGSTON, Jamaica, (CMC) – Hometown boy Sheldon Cottrell followed up a half-century from Montcin Hodge with a destructive spell of left-arm fast bowling, but Sri Lanka “A” defied them to clinch a two-wicket victory over West Indies “A” in the first One-day match on Wednesday.

Cottrell grabbed 4-44 from his allotted 10 overs to lead the Windies “A” bowling, as the Sri Lankans successfully chased 177 for victory under the lights at Sabina Park to take a 1-0 lead in three-match series.

Amila Aponsu formalised the result for Sri Lanka “A”,

when he hit the only six of the visitors’ innings with 12 balls remaining.

Leeward Islands Hurricanes opener Hodge anchored the West Indies “A” batting with 54 from 69 balls and Rahkeem Cornwall made 37 to get them to a respectable total off 176 in 48.4 overs following a batting collapse.

Aponsu was the most successful Sri Lankan bowlers with 3-34 from 10 overs, fellow left-arm spinner Malinda Pushpakumara took 2-34 from 10 overs and Chamika Karunaratne bagged 2-36 from seven overs.

Ronsford Beaton

grabbed an early scalp for Windies “A”, when he removed Sandun Weerakkody in the second over of the chase, but Cottrell put the Sri Lankans under further pressure removing Roshen Silva and Dhananjaya De Silva cheaply before the end of the first Power Play.

Cottrell and off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall continued to make inroads into the Sri Lanka “A” batting, leaving them 126 for seven in the 38th over.

But the Windies “A” met stiff resistance from the visitors’ lower-order with Shehan Jayasuriya, not out on 31, rallying with Pushpakumara and Aponsu to add

55 and take them over the finish line.

Earlier, Windies “A” failed to build on an opening stand of 67 between Hodge and left-handed hometown boy John Campbell.

After Campbell gave Pushpakumara a return catch in the 19th over, there was little substance from the rest of the batting with Cornwall being the only other batsman to pass 20.

The series continues today with the pivotal second match again under the lights at this venue before they return to the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Complex on Sunday for the series finale.

GFA’s/Stag Premier League continues tonight with double-header FOURTH round action in the Georgetown Football Association’s (GFA)/Stag Premium League commences tonight at the Georgetown Football Club, ground, Bourda with a double-header that will see Black Pearl facing Riddim Squad and Beacons tackling Police.

The feature game from 20:30hrs is expected to be keenly contested as underdogs Beacons will be looking to pull all stops to get past the League’s points leaders, Police, in order to improve their points’ standing.

The Police team has nine points after three consecutive victories and a goal difference of plus nine while Beacons has five points from a win and a draw after three matches.

They have a goal difference of plus two.

In their quest for a victory, Beacons will be pinning their hopes on strikers Devon Bowen, who scored a 25th and 45th minutes brace against Black Pearl on the opening day of the tournament, and Quacy McAulay who scored a 32nd and 50th minute double in the same match when Beacons secured a 4-1 victory.

Support for Bowen and

McAulay should be forthcoming from Kean Douglas who scored a goal in a 1-1 drawn game against Northern Rangers in a 3rd round fixture.

Police for their part will hope their marksmen continue their fine form in order to maintain their points’ lead.

A lot will depend on Rawle Haynes, Kester Dundas and Shemar Fraser.

To date, Haynes is the tournament’s leading goal scorer with four goals to his name from three matches.

Haynes netted a 80th and 85th minute brace in his team’s 3-0 win against Flamingo in a 2nd round fixture and another double in the 24th and 48th minutes in Police’s 3rd round game against Black Pearl.

Dundas has two goals to his name; one against Riddim Squad and another versus Black Pearl, while Fraser scored one against Riddim Squad and another against Flamingo.

For the opening game tomorrow, Riddim Squad who is 4th in the points table with six points and a minus one goal difference, should get past Black Pearl who has two points and a minus seven-goal difference.

Berbice school students to contest 30-mile cycle road race on Sunday

---In preparation for National Schools Championships STUDENSTS attending schools in East Berbice will on Sunday get an opportunity to test their stamina and skills as the Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC) will be coordinating a 30-mile cycle road race beginning at 10:00hrs.

According to FACC’s coach Randolph Roberts, every year the cyclists from the Region’s schools would participate in a `Track Attack’ cycle meet, but this year, he decided to change the activity to give the cyclists who would be representing the region at this year’s Guyana Teachers Union/Ministry of Education National Schools Track and Field, Cycling and Swimming Championships, an opportunity to compete on the road since there are a number of road races at the championships.

Cyclists from GTU’s

District Five (Corentyne) and Six (New Amsterdam/ Canje) will pedal off from in front Vishal and Sons Sawmill, Crabwood Creek and proceed to Number 52 Bridge before turning back to finish at the place of origin.

The Under-14 and female competitors will ride from Number 66 Bridge to the finish line at Vishal and Sons Sawmill, while the BMX cyclists will pedal from Dean Business Establishment to the same finish line.

Prizes will be awarded to the first six finishers in the 30-mile event as well as to the first three females and the first four in the boys under-14 age group.

The first three BMX riders 9-12 years old as well as the first three BMX cyclists 6-9 years old will also receive prizes.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 3, 2017

King’s Residence Inn, Ticket Master shift gear for International Race of Champions

TICKET Master and King’s Residence Inn have both kicked the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC)’s International Race of Champions into overdrive.

The two companies have joined the party ahead of the event, which also forms the basis for the final leg of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championships (CMRC).

Luciana D’andrade, Ticket Master’s representative and Ralph Persaud who represented King’s Residence Inn were both elated to hand over sponsorship for the event.

The both indicated that they were sold on the concept of both Radical demonstration and drift exhibitions, both of which will take place over the two-day racing event.

Meanwhile, a 27-race

Ralph Persaud (right) hands over his sponsorship cheque to Tina Morris of GMR&SC for the International Race of Champions 2017.

programme was unveiled recently which will en-

compass racing on both Saturday and Sunday,

Luciana Dandrade, Ticket Master’s representative (left) hands over sponsorship cheque to Tina Morris of GMR&SC.

according to the GMR&SC.

Mahaica, Camptown complete quarter-final line-up

By Stephan Sookram MAHAICA Determinators and Camptown FC are the final two teams to advance to the next round of the Turbo knockout football tournament.

The earlier drizzles could not hamper the games of the evening at the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta Avenue, where the final two quarterfinal matches would take place.

In the first game, the Mahaica side were in no playful mood against their opponents, Winners Connection of Linden, winning 3-0. The Linden-based side, one of the older units in this encounter, was banking on their experience but the youth and pace of the

Part of the action between Camptown FC and Buxton Stars. (Delano Williams Photo)

East Coast side were the deciding factors.

Eion Abel’s 23rd minute strike gave the East Coast side the lead as Ozese Hally (44 th) would score the

side’s second goal. Winners connection had no answer as the half ended.

Curt Adams in the 53rd would be the side’s third scorer as they completed

the evening in fine style and moved into the next round of the competition.

In the second game, Camptown FC was also victorious over Buxton Stars via a 2-0 margin.

It was Ozeal Small who scored the first via a splendid effort from just over 25 yards out; beating the flailing arms of the keeper who could do nothing to stop the rocket that had locked onto the top right corner.

Small would add his and the team’s second goal in the 84 th minute as the team moved into the next round.

The tournament continues next Wednesday when Police will play Kuru Kuru while Pele will play Grove Hi-Tech

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.

On Saturday adults will be charged $1000 per entry and children 12 -18 will pay $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 14:00hrs. 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.

Lions Club of Bel Air / Clear Waters host big Domino event THE Lions Club of Bel Air Den located at Enachu Street, Bel Air will be a hive of activity when the club, in collaboration with Clear Waters, hosts a big domino competition this weekend.

According to a source from the club, teams from all across the country are invited to compete for prize monies worth in excess of $500,000.

The source added that the winning team will receive $250,000

and trophy, while the second and third placed finishers will take home $140,000 and $60,000 along with trophies, respectively. The Most Valuable Player will be awarded $10,000.

Registration is $15,000 per team and closes at 13:00hrs. All the Guyana National Domino Federation rules will be in effect and teams are reminded that no form of indiscipline will be tolerated.

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 3, 2017

Rutherford snatches six for 32 to rock Volcanoes for 151

ISLET, St Lucia, (CMC) - Teenaged seamer Sherfane Rutherford snatched a six-wicket haul to put Guyana Jaguars in command of their second round match in the Regional four-day championship against Windward Islands Volcanoes here Thursday.

The 19-year-old, playing in only his third first class match, finished with six for 32 as Volcanoes, sent in at the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground, were bundled out for 151 on the opening day of the contest.

Kavem Hodge topscored with 48 to provide the only real resistance as the right-arm Rutherford scythed through the innings for career-best figures.

In reply, Jaguars ended the day on 117 for four, only 34 runs adrift of first innings lead, heading into Friday’s day two.

Chandrapaul Hemraj has so far top-scored with 50 while West Indies A batsman Vishaul Singh was unbeaten on 33.

Pacer Sherman Lewis has picked up two for 30.

Seamer Sherfane Rutherford finished with six for 32.

Earlier, Volanoes were in early trouble when they lost their top three with just 38 runs on the board as pacer Keemo Paul (2-28) struck twice with the new ball.

Hodge then anchored two small partnerships to

revive the Volcanoes innings. First, he put on 36 for the fourth wicket with former Test batsman Kirk Edwards, who made 24, before adding a further 44 for the fifth wicket with wicketkeeker Gian Benjamin (24).

Edwards, who faced 47 balls and struck one four, became Rutherford’s first victim when he was bowled in the fourth over before lunch, as Volcanoes went to the interval on 88 for four.

Unbeaten on 26 at the break, Hodge carried the fight for his side afterwards in an innings lasting 61 deliveries and including five fours and a six.

When he fell inside the first hour after lunch, caught at the wicket off left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul, Benjamin added 22 for the fifth wicket with Shane Shillingford (6) before the innings went into decline as Rutherford grabbed the last five wickets to fall for just 21 runs.

In reply, Jaguars plunged to 22 for three as Lewis grabbed two early wickets to leave the threetime reigning champions in disarray.

However, Hemraj combined with Vishaul in a 66-run stand to stabilise the innings and deny Volcanoes any further immediate success.

Hemraj faced 69 balls

SCOREBOARD

VOLCANOES 1st innings D Smith c Johnson b Paul 12 *T Theophile c Rutherford b Shepherd 0 RCatocwkpBramblebPaul4 K Edwards b Rutherford 24 K Hodge c wkp Bramble b Permaul 48 +G Benjamin c wkp Bramble b Rutherford 24 S Shillingford c wkp Bramble b Rutherford 6 A Alexander c Johnson b Rutherford 12 R Jordan b Rutherford 4 S Lewis lbw b Rutherford 0 O McCoy not out 0 Extras (b5, lb8, w3, nb1) 17 TOTAL (allout, 50.4overs) 151 Fall of wickets: 1-6, 2-34, 3-38, 4-74, 5-108, 6-130, 7-131, 8-141, 9-143, 10-151.

Bowling: Joseph 10-2-26-0, Shepherd 11-3-28-1, Paul 102-28-2, Rutherford 10.5-1-32-6, Permaul 9-2-24-1.

and counted five fours and a six while fellow left-hander Vishaul has notched three boundaries in a patient 74ball knock.

Off-spinner Shilling-

JAGUARS 1st innings T Chanderpaul c McCoy b Lewis 1 R Chandrika c Jordan b Lewis 0 C Hemraj c Benjamin b Shillingford 50 *L Johnson c Benjamin b McCoy 7 V Singh not out 34 +A Bramble not out 13 Extras (b1, lb1, w8, nb2) 12 TOTAL (4wkts,34.3overs)117 To bat: K Joseph, K Paul, R Shepherd, V Permaul, S Rutherford.

Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-6, 3-33, 4-88.

Bowling: Lewis 8-0-31-2, McCoy 6-2-16-1, Jordan 6-0-31-0, Shillingford 9.3-2-24-1, Alexander 5-0-13-0.

Position: Jaguars trail by 34 runs with six wickets remaining.

ford accounted for Hemraj deep in the final session but Anthony Bramble, unbeaten on 13 not out, helped Vishaul steer Jaguars safely to the close.

King, Allen rescue Scorpions with half-centuries TAROUBA, Trinidad, (CMC) - Fine, unbeaten half-centuries from Brandon King and Fabian Allen pulled Jamaica Scorpions out of trouble on the opening day of their second match against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force here Thursday.

Sent in, the visitors were tottering on 44 for three before recovering to reach 246

for four at the close at the Brian Lara Stadium.

King was unbeaten on 91 at the close and partnered by the equally enterprising all-rounder Allen who was 80 not out.

Speedster Roshon Primus has been the best bowler with two for 41.

In the maiden first class match at the newly-constructed venue, the hosts made the

early running as Garth Garvey (1), Assad Fudadin (18) and Trevon Griffith (21) all perished cheaply.

The revival began when King and captain Paul Palmer (21) put on 41 for the fourth wicket, a partnership which saw Scorpions to lunch on 80 for three.

When Palmer fell seven balls following the resumption, Allen joined King in a

brilliant 161-run, fifth wicket partnership to dominate the remainder of the day.

The right-handed King has so far struck 11 fours in a 241-ball innings to mark his third first class half-century while Allen has faced 133 deliveries and counted nine fours in registering his fourth fifty in only his sixth first class match.

GSSF hands over sports equipment to GPF/TSU DIRECTORS of the Guyana Sport Shooting Federation (G.S.S.F.) paid a courtesy call on Assistant Commissioner of Police – Operations, Clifton Hicken at his Eve Leary office recently, and made a donation of sports equipment.

Also present at the meeting were Officer-in-Charge of the Tactical Services Unit (T.S.U.), Deputy Superintendent Guy Nurse and GSSF Directors, Dr. Pravesh Harry and Trevor Bassoo.

The G.S.S.F, since its incorporation in 2014, has shared a cordial relationship with the Guyana Police Force and more specifically the Tactical Services Unit. The

donation of sports equipment in the form of basketballs and footballs, is just one gesture

of the G.S.S.F.’s intent to continue lending support to the GPF.

(L-R) Asst. Commissioner, Operations, Clifton Hicken; GSSF Directors, Dr Pravesh Harry and Trevor Bassoo, and Deputy Superintendent Guy Nurse.

G.S.S.F.’s Director Dr. Pravesh Harry indicated that the donation is a response to an earlier conversation between representatives of both entities, and that GSSF will continue to be a friend of the Guyana Police Force and contribute to its initiatives. Director Bassoo also commended the force for its initiative to use sports to build camaraderie amongst its officers.

Nurse, speaking on behalf of the TSU, expressed gratitude for the sports equipment and wished GSSF the best in its endeavours as he looks forward to strengthening relationship.

SCOREBOARD SCORPIONS 1st innings T Griffith c Nicholson b Charles 21 G Garvey c Jangoo b Primus 1 A Fudadin lbw b Webster 18 B King not out 91 *P Palmer lbw b Primus 21 F Allen not out 80 Extras (b9, lb3, w1, nb1 14

TOTAL (4 wkts, 83.1 overs) 246 Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-40, 3-44, 4-85.

To bat: J Dawes, D Green, D Sewell, D Bulli, +R Morrison.

Bowling: Richards 8-126-0, Primus 13-4-41-2, Charles 15-3-41-1, Webster 5-0-17-1, Imran Khan 21-461-0, Pierre 21.1-5-48-0.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

COMPLIMENTS OF: THE TROPHY STALL Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE 176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1)326 runs (2)Hamilton Masakadza-147 Today’s Quiz: (1)Who took most wickets for the WI in the first

innings of the second Test in the recent series against ZIM? (2)Who bowled most overs for the WI in the first innings?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Rutherford snatches six for 32 to rock Volcanoes for 151 See Page 31

Zimbabwe salvage draw to deny Windies whitewash

Skipper Jason Holder receives the series trophy after the second and final Test against Zimbabwe ended in a draw.

Leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo claimed man-of-theSeries for taking 13 wickets at an average of 26.15

Guyana Softball Cup 7 bowls off today with 22 matches

WEST Indies sealed a first Test series victory in three years but half-centuries from man of the match Sikandar Raza and Regis Chakabva salvaged a draw for Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club.

The Windies look destined for a 2-0 whitewash when Zimbabwe were reduced to 46-4 on day four – trailing by 76 – but all-rounder Raza (89) and Regis Chakabva (71 not out) dug in to end the hosts’ 10-match Test losing streak in Bulawayo.

Raza joined Jacques Kallis as just the second player to score 80 or more in both innings and claim a five-wicket haul, dropping anchor to frustrate the tourists with support from dogged wicketkeeper Chakabva as they batted out the final day to finish on 301-7.

Graeme Cremer (28no) had a stroke of luck when he gloved Jason Holder behind first ball but was given not out with the Windies out of reviews, and the Zimbabwe skipper was twice fortunate not to go leg before as he saw out almost 50 overs in a defiant stand with Chakabva.

Holder was still able to celebrate his maiden Test series success as captain, West Indies’ triumphing in a series for the first time since beating Bangladesh in 2014.

Peter Moor (42) added only three runs to his overnight total before he prodded a Shannon Gabriel delivery to Shai Hope in the gully in the second over of the day and Zimbabwe were leading by only 50 on 172-6 when Devendra Bishoo (2-72) removed Malcolm Waller.

Zimbabwe’s hopes of setting anything like a challenging target rested with Raza, who continued to tick along in an assured innings and successfully reviewed after he was given out leg before on Turm to Page 27

US legend Michael Johnson advised Bolt to end career after Rio Olympics

Double world record holder Usain Bolt Flashback! Speedboat XI won the Open segment last year.

GUYANA Softball Cup 7 bowls off today with 22 matches at five venues across Georgetown from 09:30hrs in both the Open

and Masters Categories.

Matches will be played at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground, Georgetown Cricket Club ground, Po-

lice, Malteenoes and GDF grounds.

The second round of 11 matches will start at 13:30hrs at the same ven-

ues.

On Saturday, the final set of preliminary games

Turn to Page 27

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

UNITED STATES quarter mile legend Michael Johnson has revealed that he advised recently retired sprint star Usain Bolt to end his career after the high of the 2016 Rio Olympics.

The 31-year-old double world record holder did even-

tually call time on his career following this summer’s London World Championships, but things did not go to plan for the sprinter’s swansong.

In the final individual race of his career, an out of Turn to Page 27

FRIDAY,NOVEMBER, 3 , 2017