Guyana Chronicle E-paper 11-11-2018

11th November, 2018

Free Inside

No.105455 Sunday, November 11, 2018

One of the many floats that were part of the 2018 Diwali Motorcade which is hosted annually by the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha. (Delano Williams Photo)

The Festival of Lights Diwali 2018

Integrity Commission flags defaulting public 14 officials PAGE

$513.3M worth in drugs 11 destroyed PAGE

Stay and serve Guyana

– speakers urge more than 1600 UG graduates PAGE

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–– Valedictorian: Women have made great strides but still face many challenges

A section of the gathering at the University of Guyana’s 52nd Convocation held at the National Cultural Centre on Saturday.

Inset is Valedictorian Shakti Persaud (Delano Williams photo)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 11, 2018

Eddy Grant, Yesu Persaud make ‘Class of 2018’ –– for historic 52nd UG Graduation Ceremony

By Michel Outridge EDDY Grant and Yesu Persaud, both revered in their respective fields of endeavour at home and abroad, on Saturday made a bit of history as the University of Guyana (UG) first-ever recipients of honorary doctorate degrees.

Grant, who made a name for himself internationally in entertainment; and Persaud, whose reputation in the field of business is legendary, were among the 351 persons who graduated that day during the first of the university’s three convocation ceremonies.

The other 349 graduates were from the Faculties of Agriculture and

Mr Eddy Grant being conferred with his Honorary Doctorate Degree (Photo by Delano Williams) Forestry; Earth and Envi- ically British sense of ronmental Sciences; and humour, he jocularly reEducation and Human- called that while growities. Valedictorian was ing up in his native PlaiShakti Persaud, who was sance on the lower East presented with the Pres- Coast, he had wanted ident’s Medal as Best nothing better than to become a doctor. And Graduating Student.

Grant’s conferral was here it is today, titular for ‘Excellence in Music or not, he is a doctor!

He also spoke glowand Civic Engagement’, while Persaud’s was for ingly of his 50 years of ‘Iconic Leadership in marriage to the love of his life; the woman who Business and Banking.’

Sporting his trade- gave him hope in times mark ‘Ringbang’ tam of despair.He seized the over his salt-and-pep- opportunity to encourage per ‘locs’, Grant told his fellow graduands to the packed-to-capac- continue furthering their ity National Cultural studies and build capaciCentre (NCC) audience ty as they go out into the that he owes it all to the world of work to shape woman in his life, with- their futures, since eduout whom he would not cation never stops.

Known also for his have been the man he is eloquence whenever today. called upon to speak, the DREAM COME TRUE See page 17 Known for his typ-

‘Make things work’

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 11, 2018

–– don’t live life in-transit, Bar Association President urges UG 2018 graduating class

By Svetlana Marshall THE University of Guyana Class of 2018 was challenged to transform Guyana when President of the Guyana Bar Association Kamal Ramkarran delivered the keynote address at the 52nd Convocation held on Saturday.

Ramkarran is an attorney-at-law and an alumnus of the Class of 1997. In his address to the graduands of the Faculty of Social Sciences and the School

take their country seriously, changes become evident as he urged them to “make things work.”

Alluding to the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Ivelaw Griffith, the Bar Association president said Professor Griffith has taken up the mantle to transform the country’s premier tertiary institution, because he believes there is a place for the university on the regional or even international platform.

President of the Guyana Bar Association Kamal Ramkarran delivering the keynote address during the third ceremony of the 52nd Convocation (Delano Williams photo) of Entrepreneurship and Business during the third ceremony of the 52nd Convocation, called on them to view Guyana as a place of opportunities.

“Try to think of Guyana as a real country, it may sound strange. Of course Guyana is a real country, but so many of us, too many of us dismiss it as a place where nothing works, nothing ever will. Why should this be so? Is it not up to all of us to make things work, to ensure that they work?

Too often we live our lives as though we were in transit here, waiting here on the way to somewhere else, on the way to the start of our great life,” he reasoned.

Ramkarran told the graduands that when people

“He didn’t just come here to run the university the way he came and found it, he transformed it.

Let us all take an example from him, and tomorrow we wouldn’t just go out and run Guyana or whatever we have influence over, the way it is being run. Let’s transform it,” Ramkarran urged them.

In another man’s country, “you will always be a foreigner,” he told them, while positing that they would be surprised to know how influential they can be right here in Guyana.

“When you do your work properly and consistently people will notice; and it is possible to make a real difference through what you would

have done,” he posited.

A MYTH Guyana, he said, can offer Guyanese a place to shine if they so desire, as he dispelled the notion that the only Guyanese remaining in Guyana are the ones who cannot go anywhere else.

Ramkarran said many Guyanese living here have received regional and international recognition. “This country of 750,000 people, the size of a small city in America, has given the world the Commonwealth Secretary-General Sir Shridath Ramphal, and a Judge at the International Court of Justice, Dr. Mohamed Shahabuddeen. They both spent the majority of their careers right here at Carmichael Street in the Attorney General’s Chambers where they moved up the ranks by diligence and hard work,” he pointed out.

Ramkarran also referred to former Judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Desiree Bernard and Dr. Patrick Gomes; Dr. Gomes went from being Guyana’s Ambassador to the European Union to be Secretary-General of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP).

On Saturday, 1,739 students graduated from the University of Guyana Turkeyen campus from the Faculties of Agriculture and Forestry, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Education and Humanities, Engineering and Technology, Health Sciences and Natural Sciences, Social Sciences and the School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation.

From that batch 471 students were from the Faculty of Social Sciences and 228 from the School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation. In fact, it was the first graduating class from the School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation.

Chancellor of the University of Guyana Professor Eon Nigel Harris presenting Valedictorian Shakti Persaud with a replica of her degree (Delano Williams photo) STEADFAST It was that school that norm.

IN PURSUIT produced the university’s “As a female joggling Despite the plethora valedictorian in the person a full-time job, and a deof Shakti Persaud, who gree, my journey has been of challenges, the Valescored a perfect Grade nothing short of being dictorian said she stayed Point Average (GPA) of challenging. I have done steadfast in pursuit of her 4.0. all-nighters and still man- goal, constantly reminding Persaud, in her address, age to show up to work herself of her personal said there were many chal- the next day...,” Persaud mantra – “work hard in silenges, and as a female, said, as she chronicled her lence, and let your success there were more than the four-year journey.

See page 5

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 11, 2018

US Mid-term elections 2018: Florida orders recount of votes

(BBC) Florida has ordered a machine recount of votes for state governor and senator following Tuesday’s closely fought mid-term elections, officials say.

Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner said that as unofficial results in both races had fallen within a margin of 0.5%, a recount was required by law.

The two ballots are among the most important yet to be decided.

US President Donald Trump responded to the news by accusing Democrats of trying to “steal” the elections.

The state’s Republican Governor Rick Scott, who is standing for the senate, also warned of electoral fraud, but neither he nor President Trump offered any evidence to back their claims.

The recounts are expected to take several days, but analysts say possible legal challenges mean it could take weeks for the winners to be

Sunday, November, 11, 2018 –– 5:30 hrs

confirmed.

What has happened in Florida?

In the race for Florida’s Senate seat, unofficial results revealed a gap of just 0.15% between the votes for incumbent Democrat Bill Nelson and Mr Scott.

Democrat Andrew Gillum had already conceded the state governorship, but Ron DeSantis’s lead for the Republicans later narrowed to 0.41%.

After the recount was announced, Mr Gillum said: “I am replacing my words of concession with an uncompromised and unapologetic call that we count every single vote.”

Mr DeSantis, however, insisted that the results were “clear and unambiguous, just as they were on election night”.

“It is important that everyone involved in the election process strictly adhere to the rule of law which is the foundation for our nation,” he added.

Mr Trump had earlier said there was “a lot of dishonesty” over contested votes.

Some candidates have already launched legal action. Mr Scott, who claimed victory on Tuesday, is suing officials over an election recount, while Mr Nelson is suing over uncounted ballots - and there have also been a number of protests outside the elections office.

Mr Scott called on sheriffs in every county to closely monitor the recount process, tweeting: “We will not let unethical liberals steal this election!

“It’s time Senator Nelson accepts these results and allows the state of Florida to move forward to a better future.”

What else did Mr Trump say?

Mr Trump told reporters on Friday, before leaving for Paris to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One, he believed that Mr Scott had clearly won the election.

The president said he would send his lawyers to Florida “to expose the fraud”, calling the Nelson campaign’s recount lawyer Marc Elias an election stealer.

Florida has a history with close elections. In 2000, George W Bush and Al Gore faced an impasse with the presidential vote hanging in the balance amid weeks of legal wrangling.

Mr Gore’s fate was finally sealed by a US Supreme Court

ruling that said in essence that time had run out for recounts in the crucial state, granting Mr Bush the presidency.

Which other races are still undecided?

In Georgia’s gubernatorial election, Democrat Stacey Abrams is refusing to concede in her race against Republican incumbent Brian Kemp.

Mr Kemp declared victory on Wednesday with a narrow lead but campaign officials for Ms Abrams have started a legal challenge to ensure all votes are counted.

Her supporters have claimed that issues such as ballot machines supplied without power cables and four-hour queues unfairly helped Mr Kemp.

On Saturday, Ms Abrams said many unreported votes still had to be counted, but Mr Kemp insisted the current tally made it impossible for him to lose, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution newspaper reported.

In Arizona, another tight senate race has yet to conclude between two US congresswomen - Republican Martha McSally and Democrat Kyrsten Sinema.

With mail-in votes still being counted, Ms McSally had widened her narrow lead to about 23,900 votes (1.17%)

by Saturday evening, US media reported.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 11, 2018

be your noise.”

Persaud said by no means is she the only one who faced these challenges, as she took a moment to recognise the women who attend university while having fulltime jobs and managing their families.

“From my experience, I know that women have to fight not just two times, but almost 10 times harder than men in their professions; and in academics, to prove themselves and achieve their ambitious goals and shatter the glass ceiling,” she said.

Persaud said Saturday’s convocation is a strong indication that women have what it takes, and they can go it all in “this man’s world.”

“We are proof that we can make the unusual efforts that are necessary to succeed.

We are proof of discipline, dedication, commitment and endurance. We are proof that the future is female,” the valedictorian said.

She acknowledged her mother, and late father, and two sisters, in addition to her wider support base, noting that she could not have done it alone.

Persaud was also presented the President’s Medal by Education Minister Dr. Nicolette Henry as the Best Graduating Bachelor’s Degree Student.

Acting Prime Minister Carl Greenidge presented the Prime Minister’s Award for the Best Graduating Student with a Degree in Public Management to Kester Edwards. He also presented the Prime Minister’s Medal to Mohameed Baksh – the Best Graduating Student in the School of Medicine. The Pro Chancellor’s Medal was presented to Texine Wonda Daw, the best graduating Law Student. A number of other awards were given out.

Notably, during the third ceremony for the 52nd Convocation, Laura George, a champion for Indigenous rights and pioneer of the Amerindian People’s Association was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree by the Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Eon Nigel Harris. Edmond (Eddy) Grant, Dr. Yesu Persaud and Jairaj (Jay) Sobhraj were also conferred with honorary doctorates.

From page 3

Chancellor of the University of Guyana Professor Eon Nigel Harris; Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith; and Registrar Nigel Gravesande presenting Laura George with an Honorary Doctorate Degree Certificate for her outstanding work in community development and advocacy (Delano Williams photo)

Chile’s Caravan of Death:

Ex-army chief Cheyre convicted for Pinochet-era crimes (BBC) A Chilean court has convicted the former army commander-in-chief of complicity in the deaths of 15 people following the 1973 military coup.

General Juan Emilio Cheyre was sentenced to three years and a day under house arrest.

He is the most senior figure to be held accountable so far for abuses carried out during the regime of General Augusto Pinochet.

The killings were carried out by the notorious “Caravan of Death”.

The Caravan of Death was a military unit sent by General Pinochet to remote Chilean areas to hunt down opposition activists.

Speaking outside the court on Friday, investigating judge Mario Carroza said the conviction of Cheyre - who was chief of the army between 2002 and 2006 - demonstrated the “egalitarian” justice

system that Chile now enjoys.

The incident for which Cheyre was convicted took place in the northern city of La Serena a month after the coup in September 1973.

He was a young officer in a regiment stationed at La Serena when the Caravan of Death arrived in the city and killed 15 left-wing activists.

The same court on Friday sentenced his then superior officer, Ariosto Lapostol, to 15 years in prison for the

killings.

The Caravan of Death landed by helicopter in 16 towns and cities and killed 97 people between 30 September and 22 October 1973, according to figures compiled by the NGO Memory and Justice.

Gen Pinochet said there would be no mercy for “extremists”, and was reportedly

annoyed by news that some commanders in provincial towns had been “soft” on political opponents.

General Pinochet had seized power from the democratically elected government of Salvador Allende.

He stepped down in 1990 but retained the post of commander-in-chief of the army

for another eight years.

An estimated 3,200 people were murdered and 28,000 tortured by agents of the state during his dictatorship. More than 1,000 people are still listed as missing.

General Pinochet died in 2006, aged 91, without ever standing trial.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 11, 2018

Democracy and continuous citizen participation

DESPITE massive education and information campaigns, the voter turnout at Guyana’s last local government elections (LGEs) in 2016 was fewer than half the number of eligible voters. Tomorrow Guyanese will again have the opportunity to elect their local representatives, as local democracy is once again renewed by LGEs as required by the constitution.

The strength of democracies though, is dependent on more than periodic renewal, although this is an essential factor. Real democracy requires that citizens and governments recognise the vital nature of the idea articulated in Article 9 of the constitution. The article states that, “Sovereignty belongs to the people who exercise it through their representatives and the democratic organs established by or under the Constitution.”

The role of government, therefore, is to hold elections, equally important-

ly, it is the patriotic duty and moral responsibility of citizens to participate in governance. While that participation includes voting, there are much wider, more diverse opportunities to perform other actions that positively contribute to the health and strength of the democratic systems of government. And all citizens should make maximal use of those opportunities to build stronger democratic institutions and increase the prospects of a better life for all.

Democracy in Guyana – rule by the people – takes the form of representative systems in the three tiers of government. Citizens are empowered by law to elect their leaders or representatives at the central, regional and neighbourhood levels. That right to choose leaders is one that had not always existed; people have fought and died for that right. Indeed, to this day, in some countries people have no such opportunity.

With that in mind, Guyanese should always exercise that right.

Beyond the right to vote, enshrined in Guyana’s constitution are numerous provisions which allow citizen participation. In fact, Article 13 expressly makes clear that citizen participation is the goal of our political system. It states, “The principal objective of the political system of the State is to establish an inclusionary democracy by providing increasing opportunities for the participation of citizens and their organisations in the management and decision-making processes of the State, with particular emphasis on those areas of decision-making that directly affect their well-being.”

As such, beyond the act of participation in the electoral process by voting, Guyanese should continuously play a part in governance; they should not just vote and then be mere spectators in

between elections.

American political scientist Larry Diamond wrote that, “Democracy consists of four key elements: a political system for choosing and replacing the government through free and fair elections; the active participation of the people in politics and civic life; protection of human rights and a rule of law, in which the laws and procedures apply equally to all citizens.”

Other experts agree that those elements are the defining characteristics of democracy. And even a glance at those findings makes clear that citizens must continuously be involved in governance processes, if democracy is to be maintained and protected. So, how may that be done?

According to the United States Center for Civic Education (USCCE), an informed populace is the foundation of effective citizen participation in democratic governance. People can make

good decisions only if they are informed. They should therefore seek out information, not only about the policy positions of candidates at election time, but citizens should work to stay up-todate with what their elected representatives are doing.

Informed citizens – who, without prejudice – can correctly assess the accuracy of information are most qualified to contribute to good governance.

The USCCE recommends that informed people involve themselves in the political process by voting; running for office; participating in political discussions; expressing their opinions in the media, thereby giving governments feedback; campaigning; serving in the armed forces; and being active in non-governmental organisations, among other similar activities.

Experts say that participating in the [political] processes that affect our own

lives is the only way to control our destinies. Political specialists say too, that deciding on how, and to what extent citizens should participate depends on the answers to three questions: what do citizens believe is the role of government? How important do citizens believe are their rights? And are citizens satisfied with the performance of their elected representatives?

As LGE day approaches, Guyanese may wish to ponder these ideas, question their own motives, and contemplate what type of future they want. Is it a future of prejudice-driven stagnation, or one of progress propelled by innovative, visionary ideas?

Guyanese may also wish, after LGEs are completed, to consider increasing their involvement in the workings of the political systems as those systems have the greatest impact on the quality of their lives.

The incredible opposition to empowerment of Guyana’s creative citizens MY colleague Freddie Kissoon’s article in the Sunday, November 4 edition of Kaieteur News is extremely puzzling. Puzzling because he has never written anything about the creative industry , much less from a first-person comment on copyright, which is a complex economic process; a process that requires a knowledge base learned from participation as a lawyer or artist involved in copyright issues. Freddie did

imply Bharrat Jagdeo as a reference source; the thing is that former President Jagdeo was trained in the Soviet bloc. Communism has always perceived the individualism of copyright as offensive, and neither of these gentlemen was ever a proponent of copyrights in the interest of the creative community of this nation.

The first six paragraphs of his column dealt with no copyright, Trademark or Patent issues. The

references to subsidies offered to their farmers by American and European governments further in the article also does not envelop copyright practices, but are subject to trade agreement arguments. The TRIPS agreement have so far evolved through several negotiations; we are already enveloped and subject to copyright restrictions from abroad. Should our manufacturing industry kickstart in the next few years, our

trademark capacity to trade must be intact; the world is not waiting on us, our problem is our lack of adequate expertise in corporate trade laws. Two books that I can recommend for study among us explorers are, ‘Protect or Plunder understanding IPRs’ by Vandana Shiva and ‘IPRs, the WTO and developing countries’, by Carlos M. Correa. Those explore the pros and cons and options, to quote Shiva “Indian medicines

are far cheaper that even those in industrialised countries and other developing countries like Pakistan and Indonesia. This is primarily because many developing countries like Pakistan have continued with the colonial 1911 Patent Act inherited from the British, which has maintained total dependence on imports with no development in indigenous capacity for production.” Again –“In 1977, the South African Turn to page 7

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 11, 2018

‘Ban wildlife trade to preserve our biodiversity’ – THAG President

British High Commissioner to Guyana Gregory Quinn

Publisher of the Magazine, Lokesh Singh

PRESIDENT of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) Mitra Ramkumar is calling for the ban on wild life trade and commercial hunting in Guyana, to preserve the country’s biodiversity.

Ramkumar made this statement on Friday evening at the Cara Lodge during the launch of Explore Guyana 2019, the nation's official tourist magazine, as part of Tourism Awareness Month.

“Recreational hunting, seasonal hunting every type of hunting is not part of our tourism.” he urged.

He added, that the meats of the animals are promoted as delicacies which are sold in many shops and restaurants in Guyana.

He stressed that human interference with biodiversity could have serious effects on the flora and fauna living there.

Over the recent years several

persons were charged and successfully prosecuted before the courts for attempting to smuggle birds and other small animals out of Guyana through the major airport to be sold abroad.

Ramkumar also called for the Guyana Zoo to be rebranded as a rescue centre, as he said “we do not want animals to be in captivity… that is not one of our tourism products.”

The cover of the Explore Guyana 2019 features a pale-throated sloth and baby.

That photograph was taken at Sloth Island Nature Resort on the Essequibo River.

Publisher of the magazine, Lokesh Singh, explained that over 35,000 copies of the magazine were printed. The 21st edition of the magazine was made from recycled paper and showcases Guyana’s flora, fauna, culture and tourism with 112 colour pages. The magazine is distributed free of cost in Guyana and overseas.

President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), Mitra Ramkumar

“We have stories that are written by locals and overseas persons visiting… We have featured the flora and fauna and in recent times the people of the country,” Singh said.

Singh explained that the cover photo on the magazine came through the courtesy of the Sloth Conservation Foundation (SolCo) and was taken by a photographer who camped out at the Sloth Island Nature Resort. There is also an article on the work of SolCo in the magazine.

He explained that the pale-throated sloth is clinging on for survival and is found in the deep remote jungle.

The magazine has content and photographs and also includes events planned throughout the year of 2019.

Also adding content to the publication was British High Commissioner to Guyana, Gregory Quinn with his

The Explore Guyana 2019 Magazine

article, ‘Three High Commissioners and a waterfall.’ In the article Quinn took the

The incredible opposition to ... government also passed a law to provide access to affordable medicines by using the provisions of compulsory licensing and parallel imports. The aim was to reduce the cost of treating HIV/AIDS by 50 to 90 per cent. With over 4 million Aids patients, the government action was a public health imperative. Yet, all the pharmaceutical giants mobilised to challenge the South African law.” South Africa changed their laws to purchase medications from countries such as Brazil and India, many of the big drug companies cut their costs to compromise.

Vandana Shiva emphasises the energies towards local content, rather than the laziness we are enveloped in.

The physiology of copyright constitutes licence, contracts, franchises, sale of rights that do not involve ‘the copyright’ production

rights, all based on the laws we craft. Eric Clapton did not steal “I shot the Sheriff” from Bob Marley, cover tunes work like this: you locate the publisher, serve them with proper notice and pay the statutary royalty rate. However, if the publisher has not copyrighted the song, it becomes ‘public domain’ and can be used by anyone without paying royalties. In an interview with Bob Marley in the book “Bob Marley Reggae King of the World”, Marley was asked “I noticed when “I Shot the Sheriff” came out, I heard your tune on [the black radio station] WBLS, but on the other stations I heard Eric Clapton’s. Why do you think that was? Marley replied “Well, people don’t know how to dance reggae, them don’t know where the beat drop.” Marley also spoke in that interview about the differenc-

es between contracts and agreements. With respect to comic books and other literary works mentioned and casually inferred in the article, the broad conclusion was completely clueless and self serving. I had in 2011 entered an MoU for development of a non-fiction graphic novel which manuscript and layout pencil pages I had begun and shelved with a NY entity. In late 2014 the contract was

signed, and the book digitally submitted. Within three months I received an email asking for amendments to the contract through his agent asking for extensions that would neutralise the contract, I rejected it. By the end of the contract year the publisher had failed to publish; I sent a letter warning on the 90-day contractual extension. He proceeded by using Staples or some other copy service to runoff some

British Commissioner of Barbados and Trinidad to the majestic Kaieteur Falls, which

he explained left a wonderful impression of Guyana imprinted on everyone’s mind.

From page 6

copies, then placed them on Amazon. I received via mail two of the contracted 12 copies; they were horribly done. I used a local lawyer, Leslie Sobers, to convey my concerns; the books were withdrawn from Amazon.

In due course the contract was cancelled and my work and copyright certificate are intact. I had other experiences that instructed me on the importance of copyright and an under-

standing of contracts. This lobby against copyright is not fuelled by knowledge of what it entails, but rather, contempt for the thousands of Guyana’s creative persons from a constituency with an aversion to paying people they would prefer to rob, who will be empowered and employed in cultural industries, from Science to the Arts.

Barry Braithwaite

Voting for village victory

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STRAIGHT CONTEST For these elections tomorrow, there is a straight contest in this NDC between the PPP and the Alliance For Change (AFC), the latter putting up candidates in all seven constituencies, for the first time.

The PPP has tried all types of tricks and terror tactics to scare away the young AFC candidates. They ripped their posters from posts in Whim and threatened them. In Zulfikar’s village, Bloomfield, an attempt was made to set fire to the house of a vibrant, young and combative female AFC candidate, who considers herself to be “fit and proper”

to be a councillor.

In that area, the opposition hysteria is not about the villages, and the condition of life of the villagers.

It is over party control of the villages. It is all about the party’s victory, not the victory of the villages.

dian activist, spearheaded a movement to woo sugar workers away from their PPP-controlled union. He failed. Another Indo-Guyanese, Seilo Baichan, previously tried and failed, and his Agricultural and Allied Workers Union (AAWU) was sent into oblivion.

In Whim, Dr. Veerasammy Ramayya (Edgar), a one-time pro-Hindu, ROAR backer, formed a group, styled, People Helping People (PHP) to oust the PPP from the Whim village council.

He won two seats, then he faded. He

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RACIAL CLEAVAGES “Party victory” in these villages has become a cover for ethnic, racial support. Ethnic mobilisation for partisan causes has become, sadly, part

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ODAY is the last lap in the 2018 local government race. Every voter wants to be a winner. So, every vote must count; every voter must decide whether he or she would cast the ballot tomorrow for a better village or town, or to get victory for his or her party. Will it be an X for the better candidate, the poor village; or for party victory?

Judged from the campaign rhetoric in Berbice, it seemed that the opposition leader has placed party before village. He boasted that at the 2016 elections, the PPP won 15 out of the 19 local government councils; his party also controls the Regional Democratic Council. The question that he did not answer is, how better off are the villages and the region under his party’s control?

The PPP tries to extend this control into ownership of certain villages, one of which is my birthplace, which is in the Whim-Bloomfield Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC). That emboldened his side-kick Zulfikar, a PPP Member of Parliament, to shout at me, “you can’t go back to Whim!”

Well, I will. Today.

I will join a March from Bloomfield and, afterwards, I will take part in a mini-rally in the Whim Middle Walk Street.

I will walk the familiar, once muddy dam of my childhood years, from Tara Shop to Anguya’s Turn, and even beyond Bamsingh’s Corner! And, again, I will remember Pa’s words: “Thoroughbreds don’t cry…”

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 11, 2018

GUYANA LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS

and parcel of Guyana’s contemporary political history.

This is true for both sides of the ethnic divide, except for relatively brief spells during the Rodney Revolt and the short-lived campaigns of the Patriotic Coalition for Democracy (PCD). The APNU+AFC coalition government has since symbolised multi-ethnic politics, but it has not broken the back of racial cleavages in the society. It could, over time; and the broadening of the base of ethnic cooperation.

We have many lessons from which we could learn from our history, about the failure to make a dent in ethnic/ political control. During the 1964 elections a popular and charismatic Indo-Guyanese, Balramsingh Rai, a self-styled “Rajput”, tried to poach in the PPP’s (then Jaganite) territory. His party was decimated. Ravi Dev, an In-

roamed and wandered for a while, then joined the AFC. He was disillusioned that the AFC was forming a coalition with “the PNC”, but stayed for a while before he fizzled into a bag of disaffection and disgruntlement.

Totally dejected, he has returned to worship at the ethnic altar of the PPP. POLITICAL BUTTERFLY Then the hitherto obscure and unheard of Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, returned from America for the 1992 elections. He vowed to destroy Dr. Cheddi Jagan and his communist PPP. A native of Albion, he childishly thought that he could win support in Berbice away from Dr. Jagan. He too was decimated. Some reports stated sarcastically that even his campaign manager did not vote for his Unit-

ed Republican Party, or some such obscure name at that time. He too roamed here and there and, like a political butterfly, he eventually landed in the PPP – but only after the death of Cheddi Jagan.

The phony scholars would not understand this malignant nature of the Guyanese political reality, and the bleak blemish that ethnic cleavages have cast on our politics. They should examine how inverse racism works, and how it could be used to infect even inner ethnic cohesion.

This is what is unfolding in the tiny fishing village, Whim.

VILLAGES BEFORE PARTIES I had hoped that the ethnic disease would not contaminate grassroots, community representation; that people would vote to improve their conditions in the villages and small towns.

I had seen local government politics as a reservoir from which the nation could draw fresh energy. Local councils could then become the training ground for new leaders, which would be the surest guarantee that our democracy will live, thrive, grow and develop.

Local democracy should be about our villages, not about our parties. Voters should look at all the candidates and select those who best represent their interests.

Tomorrow, voters could restore hope that they can run their own affairs.

They must vote for quality leadership; for candidates who either have the time or would find the time, to bring changes to the villages.

Tomorrow is not about party or ethnic victory. I would like to see people voting for village victory. They must vote for candidates they have assessed to be capable, honest and hard-working.

They should throw away the old hats.

Above all, I hope that people will vote for better roads, streets, cleaner drains and regular waste disposal; street lights and improved dams to cultivation areas. They should vote for better markets, community centres, playfields, schools, health centres and clean burial grounds.

Tomorrow, at the grassroots, reason and not race, should prevail.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 11, 2018

Understanding Energy...

Safety Systems

THE news last week that Caribbean Surgery Inc. (CSI) is partnering with the Canadian company, Safework Solutions to launch the Caribbean Safework Solutions Inc. (CSSI) has many Guyanese considering safety and its role in Guyana’s new oil-andgas industry.

According to Stabroek News, the company will be the first internationally-recognised health, safety and environmental firm in Guyana, and will focus on training programmes for those who want to work in the industry.

The oil-and-gas industry operates in some of the most difficult environments on earth, from deserts and jungles to the stormy frigid waters of the North Atlantic. Companies must be prepared to prevent, mitigate, and respond to accidents or natural disasters deep underwater, far offshore, and during hurricanes and

blizzards.

Safety is, therefore, a key concern for international oil-and-gas companies, impacting public perception, employee morale, the efficiency and productivity of their operations, and their financial bottom line. Many of today’s major oil producing firms have a decades-long tradition of implementing their own stringent safety measures to keep workers safe.

It’s important that companies continue to take workplace safety extremely seriously, and that governments continue to ensure they do.

International operators generally do so and, thankfully for Guyana, Exxon has a strong safety culture across its operations.

According to the company website, it has a comprehensive set of governing ideas on how safety should be incorporated throughout its business.

The ExxonMobil Operations Integrity Management System (OIMS) is an 11-part framework for examining and dealing with risk across different operations. This overarching process covers everything, from personnel and process safety to product stewardship, transportation, and emergency preparedness and preparation.

Since 2000, the company has reduced the rate of workforce “lost-time incident rates” by more than 80 per cent. This includes any type of injury that leads to a worker being off the job for any amount of time.

During that time, the company also won awards for environmental stewardship from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Gulf of Mexico Program, and for workplace safety from the U.S. National Safety Council.

Offshore oil extraction has its own partic-

ular set of challenges around worker safety and environmental stewardship due to the inherent challenges that come with operating in an open-ocean environment. As a result, offshore safety systems are particularly robust, and incorporate many layers of redundancy and emergency systems.

Strong safety practices also require extensive personnel training; that’s where companies like Safework or others come in. The company told reporters at its initial launch that its training programs will include things like hazardous materials protocols, and special skills for working in confined spaces.

The formation of this type of company, hopefully, signals to the world and to potential investors that Guyana’s emerging oil industry and local businesses are taking safety seriously.

Ruby Hunte is 96 not out!

NINETY-SIX-YEAR-OLD cricket lover Ruby Latesha Amanda Hunte, also known as Cousin Ruby, kicked off her birthday celebration with a surprise visit from the Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence.

Born on November 10, 1922, Hunte lives in First Street, Jonestown, Mahaica and is the mother of 10 children (five of whom are deceased), grandmother to 13, great-grandmother of 22 and the great-greatgrandmother to one.

The nonagenarian reflected on her life as a young schoolgirl attending the Mahaica Scot School as it was known then; it was

later renamed the Mahaica Primary School.

“My mother was so poor I didn’t get my full education, when I was in fifth standard to go over to sixth, I had to leave school…”

Ruby never shirked from work. Being the eldest of five children, after leaving school in 1938, she joined her grandmother and began working at the estate in Mahaica to support her family. Her work ethic continued later in life and following her marriage in 1951; she spent many years as a market vendor plying her trade in both Georgetown and Mahaica.

Ruby was also fond of a good party and found the time to enjoy herself. “When I was

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence with Ruby Latesha Amanda Hunte and members of her family

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence presents a gift to Ruby Latesha Amanda Hunte, 96 young, I used to like sport [party] and I liked vastly different from those back in her day. to dance; I went to many parties and had an She remarked that discipline and community enjoyable time,” she recalled. However, she involvement in a child’s development were noted “at this age, this is time for my grand- the key to raising respectful children. She children and my children. I worked hard to still maintains this standard. raise them.”

Minister Lawrence presented gifts and With the dedicated support of her chil- tokens to the 96-year-old, on behalf of herdren and family members, cousin Ruby self and President David Granger. remarked that she is not short of anything While in Mahaica, Minister Lawrence good. Apart from her love of cricket, she also paid a visit to 101-year-old Cecil Harnow enjoys long ‘gyaffs’ with her family, es- ris, who resides a short distance from Ruby pecially her grandchildren and great-grand- Hunte. children. Ruby loves sharing several ‘ole Harris boasts of his ability to speak time stories’ also about her life in Mahaica extensively about the history of villages when she was younger with them. such as Ann’s Grove and other commuCousin Ruby noted youths today are nities. (DPI)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 11, 2018

Fly Jamaica passenger eager to get home ... complains of still being in pain

“I AM in pain and just want to go home to my own hospital and doctors in Canada,” said Davanan Sukhram, a Canadian citizen and passenger onboard the Fly Jamaica plane which crash-landed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Friday.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle on Saturday, Sukhram, who usually uses the Fly Jamaica airline to visit Guyana while on vacation, said he did not know that the company had only one airline in operation.

The 55-year-old man lamented the fact that the airline has everyone contact details and many persons are yet to be contacted to know if they will be placed on another flight, or what they should do following the crash.

“They have not contacted me, they have my Canadian number and Guyana number; this is frustrating.

I am in a lot of pain and I just want to get out of here and see my own hospital and doctors in Canada; if necessary I’ll buy my own ticket and leave as soon as I can,” Sukhram, in pain, repeated.

According to him, since the crash, he has been experiencing pain in the neck, head, ribs and back.

“Many people were screaming in pain when this thing happened…. I intend to follow up with the company on compensation measures and I’ll also be speaking to my travel agent,” he said.

He explained that his four weeks’ vacation was over as he decided to leave Guyana when the accident occurred.

This aside, the Canadian citizen said on Saturday he

had sent someone to collect his luggage at the airport and the news was unpleasant.

“The airline should have contacted me and let me know what is going on; now I learned that my duty-free bag with my pouch with jewellery I bought and $US and Canadian currency have not been found,” he disclosed.

Officials, he said, informed his relatives that

Works being done at the site of the Fly Jamaica crash

Injured: Davanan Sukhram

they will be investigating his complaint and give a feedback when possible.

Following the accident, passengers have raised several questions regarding accommodation, refunds, not being contacted by Fly Jamaica, compensation and lack of arrangement in the event of a mishap.

When these matters were relayed to Fly Jamaica spokesman Carl Bowen, he requested the questions be emailed to him and noted a response will be provided to the media.

Bowen also said that a system is being used to deal with the situation.

As investigations continue, the site is being se-

cured by 12 ranks from the Guyana Defence Force and nine from the Guyana Police Force.

Fly Jamaica Flight No OJ 256 departed the Cheddi Jagan International Airport at 02:10hrs on Friday. At 02:21hrs, the pilot declared an emergency and requested to return. The flight landed at 02:53hrs; it landed on the extended runway and skidded off to a stop near the same location where Caribbean Airlines Flight 523 overran the runway on July 30, 2011.

On board were 120 passengers and eight crew members (six Guyanese, two Jamaicans). There were 35

Guyanese, one Trinidadian, 82 Canadians, one Pakistani and 11 American citizens onboard. There were no broken bones or other serious injuries reported; however, six passengers suffered minor injuries due to the impact to the back of the aircraft. They were rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre and later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Fly Jamaica has arranged for some passengers to travel to their original destinations via Caribbean Airlines on Saturday, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson said on Friday.

Several youths to set up businesses … after graduating from financial literacy programme

SEVENTEEN young people are now equipped with the necessary skills to go into the world of business after graduating from a financial literacy and small business training programme on Saturday.

The programme, which is organised by the Ministry of the Presidency’s Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport, lasted for six weeks and commenced with 31 participants.

With over 30 hours, the training programme focused on areas such as financial literacy, marketing, budgeting and the preparation of a business proposal.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony which was held at the National Racquet Centre, Senior Economic Empowerment Officer, Youth Empowerment Unit, Samuel Saul explained that only 17 persons completed the programme and graduated.

He noted that at the end of the pro-

gramme, the youths were tasked with making a business proposal for businesses such as a car wash, boutiques, bakery, document centre and also in the agriculture sector.

Saul said that the Government of Guyana is committed to empowering youths and to giving them a bright future.

Also speaking at the ceremony was Mr. Dikedemma Utoh, project manager of the Basic Needs Trust Fund office of Guyana who challenged the youths to keep pushing forward.

“You are not the same person as when you came in, you are now craving knowledge,” he said, as he charged the young people to continue to develop themselves by using the skill acquired through the training.

Several of the participants explained that the skill obtained from the training inspired them to become entrepreneurs and set up businesses in Guyana.

The graduates and facilitators of the Financial Literacy and Small Business Training Programme

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 11, 2018

Communities Ministry feels vindicated by High Court ruling

THE decision of High Court Judge Gino Persaud to dismiss the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) challenge to the creation of several Local Authority Areas (LAAs) has removed the threat that hovered over the 2018 Local Government Elections, the Ministry of Communities has said.

In an application filed in the High Court, Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Commissioner Bibi Shadick and her counsel Attorney Anil Nandlall had contended that Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan failed to identify by name, boundaries, and number of members, seven Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs). The court challenge was filed on the grounds that the said decision is “unlawful, illegal, and in violation of the Local Democratic Organs Act, Cap. 28:09.”

But, in handing down his ruling last Friday, Justice Persaud said the seven boundaries outlined by the applicant were established since 1990 and will continue to stand, unless a subsequent constitution orders that it be adjusted or amended. It was made clear that the Local Democratic Organs Act does not bar the minister from adjusting constituencies within NDCs. In a statement on Saturday, the Ministry of Communities said it welcomes the decision of the High Court, noting that it was the PPP/C’s intention to thwart the holding of the first consecutive Local Government

Elections in Guyana’s history. It added that the constitutional right to elect local leaders, denied by the PPP/C for 22 years, was yet again under threat.

“The PPP has demonstrated by its every action-both in government and now in opposition--that it sees no relevance for the system of local democracy and is misusing the LGEs process as a barometer for 2020 General and Regional Elections.

“It was this centralist and dictatorial approach which underpinned the PPP’s action of imposing 38 Interim Management Committees (IMCs) during its tenure instead of holding elections as constitutionally prescribed.

Democratically elected representatives of the people were replaced with handpicks amenable to the dictates of central government to manage the affairs of communities countrywide,” the Communities Ministry stated.

It is on this basis that the ministry views the ruling as a victory for local democracy and a validation of the new course of local government under the David Granger administration.

It noted that in keeping with the vision of President Granger to establish capital towns in each of the 10 regions, the four hinterland administrative centres namely, Mabaruma, Bartica, Lethem and Mahdia, were elevated to the status of townships.

“This policy is geared towards ensuring the devel-

Law enforcement agents destroy $513.3M worth of drugs LAW-enforcement agents destroyed $513.3 million in cocaine and marijuana on Saturday during a narcotic-disposal exercise on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

The order was given by Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan. The narcotics for disposal were escorted by armed security to a designated location on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway where it was destroyed.

The Guyana Police Force handed over 132kgs of cocaine along with 440kgs of cannabis valued at

Law enforcement used a cocaine test kit to ensure that all the items destroyed were indeed the actual drugs

The illegal narcotics being destroyed in a pit

$171.6M, while the Customs and Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) handed over 345kg 563 grams of cocaine and 554kg 538 grams of marijuana valued at $341.7M. The illegal substances were seized by anti-drug agents between 2013 and 2018.

opment of our hinterland regions and closing the gap in the conditions that exist between the coastland and hinterland regions. With the activation of the eight new NDCs, as challenged by Shadick, approximately 91 per cent of the electorate will now fall within LAAs, exclusive of Amerindian neighbourhoods,” the ministry explained.

It said while local government may lack the “glamour and high stake of national politics,” it is a very impactful, incredibly important part of the political dispensation of this country. It was pointed out that local government provides citizens access to improved public services and the opportunity to be involved in the task of managing and developing their areas and monitoring the delivery of those services.

“The ministry is vindicated that its efforts geared at rehabilitating and extending the system of local government are in accordance with the law,” the ministry said. It committed to redouble its efforts at fast-tracking government’s strategic embrace of decentralisation and people’s empowerment, with the aim of ensuring that each part of Guyana develops.

“We hold firm to the view that once provided with the necessary support and resources, people are best able to manage their affairs,” the ministry posited.

It added: “Now that the unrelenting attacks of “gerrymandering, tinkering, plot to undermine the PPP stakes at LGE, no consultation and even to damage local democracy” levelled by the PPP has been proven to be baseless, Guyanese are urged to seize this empowerment opportunity.”

The ministry is urging Guyanese to give the system of local democracy a chance to work and vote on Monday, November 12.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 11, 2018

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 11, 2018

Communities Ministry feels vindicated by High Court ruling

THE decision of High Court Judge Gino Persaud to dismiss the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) challenge to the creation of several Local Authority Areas (LAAs) has removed the threat that hovered over the 2018 Local Government Elections, the Ministry of Communities has said.

In an application filed in the High Court, Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Commissioner Bibi Shadick and her counsel Attorney Anil Nandlall had contended that Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan failed to identify by name, boundaries, and number of members, seven Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs). The court challenge was filed on the grounds that the said decision is “unlawful, illegal, and in violation of the Local Democratic Organs Act, Cap. 28:09.”

But, in handing down his ruling last Friday, Justice Persaud said the seven boundaries outlined by the applicant were established since 1990 and will continue

to stand, unless a subsequent constitution orders that it be adjusted or amended. It was made clear that the Local Democratic Organs Act does not bar the minister from adjusting constituencies within NDCs. In a statement on Saturday, the Ministry of Communities said it welcomes the decision of the High Court, noting that it was the PPP/C’s intention to thwart the holding of the first consecutive Local Government Elections in Guyana’s history. It added that the constitutional right to elect local leaders, denied by the PPP/C for 22 years, was yet again under threat.

“The PPP has demonstrated by its every action--both in government and now in opposition--that it sees no relevance for the system of local democracy and is misusing the LGEs process as a barometer for 2020 General and Regional Elections.

“It was this centralist and dictatorial approach which underpinned the PPP’s action of imposing 38 Interim Management Committees (IMCs) during its tenure instead of holding elections as consti-

tutionally prescribed. Democratically elected representatives of the people were replaced with handpicks amenable to the dictates of central government to manage the affairs of communities countrywide,” the Communities Ministry stated.

It is on this basis that the ministry views the ruling as a victory for local democracy and a validation of the new course of local government under the David Granger administration.

It noted that in keeping with the vision of President Granger to establish capital towns in each of the 10 regions, the four hinterland administrative centres namely, Mabaruma, Bartica, Lethem and Mahdia, were elevated to the status of townships.

“This policy is geared towards ensuring the development of our hinterland regions and closing the gap in the conditions that exist between the coastland and hinterland regions. With the activation of the eight new NDCs, as challenged by Shadick, approximately 91 per cent of the electorate will now fall within LAAs, exclusive of Amerindian neighbourhoods,” the ministry explained.

It said while local government may lack the “glamour and high stake of national politics,” it is a very impactful, incredibly important part of the political

dispensation of this country. It was pointed out that local government provides citizens access to improved public services and the opportunity to be involved in the task of managing and developing their areas and monitoring the delivery of those services.

“The ministry is vindicated that its efforts geared at rehabilitating and extending the system of local government are in accordance with the law,” the ministry said. It committed to redouble its efforts at fast-tracking government’s strategic embrace of decentralisation and people’s empowerment, with the aim of ensuring that each part of Guyana develops.

“We hold firm to the view that once provided with the necessary support and resources, people are best able to manage their affairs,” the ministry posited.

It added: “Now that the unrelenting attacks of “gerrymandering, tinkering, plot to undermine the PPP stakes at LGE, no consultation and even to damage local democracy” levelled by the PPP has been proven to be baseless, Guyanese are urged to seize this empowerment opportunity.”

The ministry is urging Guyanese to give the system of local democracy a chance to work and vote on Monday, November 12.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 11, 2018

Integrity Commission flags defaulting public officials –– Social Protection Minister Amna Ally to check on identified gov’t members

By Svetlana Marshall ACTING Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge said he will soon declare his assets and liabilities to the Integrity Commission.

The acting prime minister headed a list of 87 public officials who have failed to submit their declaration to the Integrity Commission in accordance with the Integrity Commission Act. The Office of the Integrity Commission pursuant to Section 19 of the Integrity Commission Act, in the form of a notice in the local newspaper on Saturday, published the names of 87 public officials who have failed to submit their declarations as of November 1, 2018.

According to the Integrity Commission Act, Part III – Financial Disclosure, Section 13, a person in public life, not being a member of the commission, is required to file a declaration with the commission.

Section 14 of the Act states that a person in public life who holds any money or property in trust for another person, for which the person

is not their immediate family, shall state in his or her declaration.

Section 15 (1) states: “A person in public life is required to disclose in his declaration, under section 12, such details in respect of the income, assets and liabilities of himself and those of his spouse and his children, as by the exercise of reasonable care should be known to him.”

Minister Greenidge, in a brief interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Saturday, committed to filing his declaration with the Integrity Commission.

Members of Parliament, including Minister of the Public Service, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine; Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence; Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson; and People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) MPs Priya Manickchand, Anil Nandlall, Dr. Frank Anthony and Dr. Jennifer Westford accounted for 41 of the named persons in public life who have failed to declare their assets and liabilities to the Integrity Commission.

Government Chief Whip

Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally

Amna Ally, who has filed her declaration with the Commission, on Saturday told the Guyana Chronicle that she will ascertain from government members what could have caused the delay in submissions.

“First of all I am going to check to see who are the people who have not submitted. I know we all had agreed

Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge

that we were going to submit to the Integrity Commission.

So I will enquire from them first of all why they have not submitted, and probably encourage them to do so,” Ally told this newspaper.

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland; Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Issacs; and the

PPP MP Dr Frank Anthony

Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly, Hermina Gilgeours, were among those publicly listed.

Section 19 of the Act states: “Where a person who is required to do so fails to file a declaration in accordance with this Act or to furnish particulars under section 18, the commission or the President, as the case

may be, shall publish the fact in the Gazette and in a daily newspaper.”

Permanent secretaries, deputy permanent secretaries, presidential advisers, mayors, deputy mayors and town clerks of the nine municipalities were also among those listed by the commission.

Diabetic Association hosts ‘Queen of Hearts Ball’ THE Guyana Diabetic Association is taking a different angle in its diabetes awareness campaign. This time the organisation will be hosting a grand Gala, titled the “Queen of Hearts Ball” at the Princess Ramada Hotel, on the East Bank of Demerara.

Speaking with the Department of Public Information (DPI) about the concept behind the event, President of the Guyana Diabetic Association (GDA) Glynis Beaton explained that the goal is to raise awareness of the lifestyle disease, with special attention on the family.

“We are celebrating family and diabetes; it is important that those who have family members that are diabetic realise that it is important to understand the theme.”

According to Beaton, the theme of the gala focuses on the family’s involvement in supporting persons with diabetes. Beaton added when a person is diagnosed with the condition, it can affect the entire family in many ways.

“The story, Alice in

President, Guyana Diabetic Association (GDA), Glynis Beaton

Wonderland is very much inclusive of the family… Alice wandered away, everybody helped to get her back” Beaton noted. Therefore, the role of the family in this regard is to ensure that they know more about the prevention, discovery and management of diabetes.

The Alice in Wonderland “Queen of Hearts Ball” is being hosted in aid of World

Diabetes Day which will be observed on November 14 and in support to diabetics and their families.

Tickets for the event are still available at a cost of $6000. Interested persons can contact Glynis Beaton on 600-1154. Her office is located at 106 Croal Street, Stabroek, Georgetown.

(DPI)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 11, 2018

World Bank assures support for Guyana –– as time for first-oil nears

PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo has held discussions with a high-level, five-member team from the World Bank visiting Guyana at the invitation of Finance Minister Winston Jordan.

The hour-long meeting at which Finance Minister Winston Jordan was present, took place on Friday, November 9 at the Prime Minister’s Office.

Led by Mexican-born Jorge Familiar, Regional Vice-President for Latin America and the Caribbean Region, the World Bank gave assurance of support for Guyana in capacity-building as the country prepares for first-oil.

The visit was part of an ongoing engagement with Guyana. Others members of the team include Regional Director Tahseen Sayed; Country Manager for Guyana and Jamaica, Galina Sotirova; Regional Programme Leader Abha Prasad; and operations officer Federico

Baechili.

Familiar shared the recent dismal experiences of a few regional states that depended on oil wealth, and stressed that Guyana would need solid governance systems to avoid pitfalls and to protect and beneficially spend anticipated revenues.

In welcoming the team to Guyana, Prime Minister Nagamootoo emphasised the efforts of the coalition government in promoting open, democratic, multi-party governance in Guyana and the mechanisms in place to combat sleaze by public officials and accountability for public property.

He explained the many innovations in the democratic architecture of Guyana over the past three years and invited the World Bank to partner with the government to strengthen these institutions and to build human capital to manage the new economy.

The prime minister, who was performing the functions of the President, referred to

Prime Minister Moses Nagamooto and Finance Minister Winston Jordan with members of the World Bank team (DPI photo) the Green Paper for a Natural Resources Fund, which was tabled in the National Assembly; and the crafting of a Green State Development Strategy, to provide a generational vision for the

future oil-producing Guyana.

He noted that the fund policy is underlined by stringent fiscal rules to guide the use of petroleum resources.

Tahseen Sayed remarked that towards this end, the

World Bank has approved a US$35 million development policy credit to better prepare the country to benefit from its oil-and-gas reserves, and to support Guyana’s effort to strengthen financial sector

development and fiscal management.

The World Bank team is expected to meet other key government officials and other stakeholders.

(DPI)

GMSA eager for lower energy cost

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By Rabindra Rooplall

THE Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) said the high cost of energy continues to affect its members.

It is hoped that with the coming of oil that this issue would be put to rest The issue was raised

by GMSA President, Shyam Nokta during the

of 2018, compared to 2.5% for the corresponding period in 2017.

“This growth,” Nokta said, “was led by continued efforts from the private sector, including our members. We should commend those active in the forestry sector, which saw an increase by 18.1%, primarily driven by the production of logs and roundwood.”

GMSA President Shyam Nokta delivering his address at the ceremony

organisation’s annual dinner and awards ceremony Thursday evening.

Said he: “One of the major challenges to manufacturing is energy; the high cost coupled with issues of stability and reliability has pushed many manufacturers off the grid and to self-generate.”

Yet for all this, he said, the economy continues to do reasonably well, since according to the mid-year financial report, it grew by 4.5 per cent during the first half

Underscoring that infrastructure and access proved to be key challenges to the sector in the first half of the year, Nokta said that the extended rainy season, coupled with the lack of maintenance rendered many key roads to the interior virtually impassable.

SEVERE CHALLENGES “This led to severe challenges in getting goods to hinterland locations overland, and

also affected the forestry and mining sectors in a major way,” he said, adding: “The recent proposed increase in tolls for the Berbice River Bridge has raised concerns in the manufacturing sector, since it would certainly result in increased commodity prices.

He said the GMSA is hoping, however, that Budget 2019 will be crafted in a such a way as to help the sector overcome its many challenges, and stimulate the economy to put the country back on track to a five per cent or more growth.

Noting that the GMSA has put forward a menu of some 50 measures for Budget 2019, Nokta said they cover broad areas such as Taxation, Access to Finance, Public Procurement, Energy, Standards and Regulations among others.

Sector-specific measures were also proposed covering Forestry and Wood Products, Agro-processing, Construction and Engineering and Services.

“We believe these measures, if considered,” Nokta said, “can help to provide a much- needed stimulus for the manufacturing and services sector and ultimately a stronger, economically diversified Guyana.”

OTHER INITIATIVES Noting that there are a number of other initiatives the association has taken to support its members, as well as a number of national processes they

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 11, 2018

Diekah’s Spices Rodiek-ah Defreitas receiving one of the evening’s awards from SPL’s Ramsay Ali (Photos by Delano Williams) are playing a key role in, Nokta said: “No doubt, these have helped to raise the profile of the GMSA; to spark renewed interest among existing members, and to encourage new members.

“I am pleased to say that in 2018 so far, we have welcomed 35 new members, bringing our total membership to 132 businesses, a first for the GMSA.” He said that on the oil and gas front, Guyana continues to receive international attention, and there is the movement of investors looking for opportunities here. Said he: “This is good for business and good for Guyana. We need to benefit from those who have experience and expertise in oil and gas.”

But for all this, he said there are still concerns within the business community that in this

new sector, local businesses could be vulnerable, or worse yet, not be part of the value chain in a meaningful way.

This has fuelled discussion on Local Content, with some advocating for legislation to ensure Guyanese businesses benefit.

“The GMSA shares the concerns that we need to have a strong local-content framework in place sooner than later, and with government playing its part in ensuring Local-Content Plans are implemented,” he said, adding: “We also believe there is the need to adopt a systematic approach and not be too prescriptive too early.

“Even as we push to ensure there is a framework to facilitate mutually beneficial partnering and joint ventures between foreign and local businesses, we, as Guy-

anese businesses, also need to raise the bar in terms of our preparedness for this new sector.”

He said that in the same way the GMSA had fruitful engagements and working relationships with several important stakeholders in 2018, they want to do even better in the coming year. “We want to advance this further, while being hopeful that we can see wider cooperation and collaboration among all major stakeholders: Government, the opposition, private sector, labour and civil society,” he said, adding: “We also want to advance mutually beneficial collaboration with our neigbouring countries. As members of the Single Market and Economy, it is only logical that we turn our eyes towards our sister CARICOM countries.”

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Eddy Grant, Yesu Persaud...

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 11, 2018

From page 2

internationally acclaimed businessman cum musician, said: “I have never seen myself as nothing; I am Number One, and there is no real education without experience. Your journey through life must be built on such.”

NO TIME FOR RACE Cutting to the chase, Persaud said it is about time we Guyanese work together to build our nation and cut the talk about race, since a country divided never wins.

He also talked a bit about the struggles he has endured over the years; from the time he left these shores to work and study abroad, to the time he returned and established the Institute of Private Enterprise Development

Limited (DDL).

Professor David Phoenix, Vice-Chancellor of London South Bank University, urged graduands to always root for change, no matter the risks; and to always take the long road to success. “Don’t follow the crowd and take the easy way out,” he said.

He also urged that they dream big, as in so doing they would realise their true potential to make a choice for real change in their lives.

BREAK WITH TRADITION Speaking on the University of Guyana’s decision to break with tradition and confer honorary doctorate degrees for the very first time in its 50-odd-year history, Vice-Chancellor Profes-

Mr Yesu Persaud being conferred with his Honorary Doctorate Degree on Saturday recommendation of the UG Academic Board, and unanimously agreed at its 2018 Annual Business Meeting on Thursday, November 8.

Commenting on the subject, the Chancellor Professor Nigel Harris said: “The recognition of individuals who have distinguished themselves through their diverse accomplishments and exemplary service with the award of honorary

degrees is a university tradition that dates to the middle ages.

“I share the delight of our University of Guyana in initiating these awards; it represents yet another step in the transformative growth of our university.”

The four recipients who were conferred with the Doctor of Letters (DLitt) degrees this year have all made their mark in their respective fields,

these being music, business, philanthropy and Indigenous rights.

The honorary doctorates were bestowed in accordance with the University of Guyana Act, Section 18 (e), which grants the university the legal authority “to confer Honorary Degrees and other distinctions; that is, provided that all degrees and other distinctions so conferred shall be con-

ferred and held subject to any provision which are or may be made in reference thereto by the university.”

Moreover, one of the powers of the Academic Board under Statute 15:2 (d) is “to make recommendation to the Council with respect to the award to any person of an Honorary Fellowship or Honorary Degree or title of Professor Emeritus.’’

Professor David Phoenix, Vice-Chancellor of London South Bank University being presented with a token of appreciation by UG Vice-Chancellor Professor Ivelaw Griffith (IPED) some 32 years ago and much later, the indigenous Demerara Bank Ltd. But in all that time, he said, he never forgot his roots; that he came from very humble beginnings and once lived in a ‘logie’, and rose from being a rat catcher on the sugar plantation, to chairman of one of the country’s leading beverage companies, Demerara Distillers

sor Ivelaw Griffith said: “This historic conferral is part of the renaissance pursuits of the university, which entails rebuilding and rebranding the university, central to which is celebrating exemplars of excellence in order to inspire young and not-so-young citizens.”

According to Professor Griffith, the decision was taken by the University Council, on the

A section of the graduands at the National Cultural Centre at the 52nd Convocation of UG

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 11, 2018

‘First Assemby’ bids fond farewell –– to fallen ‘Mighty Warrior’, Pastor Avril Langford

By Shirley Thomas

A SPIRITED Thanksgiving Service was held Thursday at the First Assembly of God Church (FAOG) on D’Urban Street, Wortmanville, in recognition and celebration of the life and work of the late Pastor Avril Gloria Langford.

Pastor Langford died on October 30, 2018, at age 78 after serving for more than 35 years as a pastor at First Assembly; during this time she fully committed herself to the glory and honour of the Lord and to winning countless souls for the kingdom.

She was a former board member and leader of the Deliverance Team at FAOG Wortmanville Fellowship; she also held key positions in the Women’s Ministry, the School Feeding Programme and was a Sunday school teacher for many years.

There were many glowing tributes in her honour during an Evening of Reflection on Wednesday, as well as a segment of tributes during the Thanksgiving Service on Thursday.

On one such occasion, she was aptly eulogised as “A Mighty Warrior for the Lord”, “A Phenomenal Woman” and a counsellor whose of life was worthy of emulation.

With amazing gifts of prophecy, healing and deliverance among other graces, Rev. Langford has left a legacy from which members of the congregation could benefit immensely, but never took the glory for herself.

She was also remembered as being a prayerful person; very humble and one whose life was a living example of sacrifice. “She has left a deep void that would be difficult to fill,” was the

consensus of the membership of the church and indeed by all those whose lives she had touched.

Down-to-earth, but one who was a stickler for discipline and was known to call a ‘spade a spade,’ were also some other adjectives used to describe Pastor Langford.

Among the persons offering tributes to the “Mighty Warrior” were: Rev. Dr. Murtland Massiah CCH, Senior Pastor of First Assembly of God Church; Pastor Gavin Walker, of the United States of America; Pastor Wilfred Assanah; Pastor Lorraine Cannings; Pastor Anthony Semple and many others, whose lives she had touched in diverse ways.

Pastor Langford is survived by her husband Patrick and their four children, several grandchildren and adopted children and other relatives and friends.

Firemen fingered in theft of plane victims valuables POLICE have launched an investigation into the alleged theft by fire service officials during their operation in the wee hours of Friday morning when a Fly Jamaica airline crashed on emergency landing at Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

Passengers reported that they lost passports, electronic devices and cash.

Reports indicate that almost a dozen persons from the fire department were ques-

tioned pertaining to devices and personal items allegedly stolen from the plane.

The pilot had reportedly told police that he was missing cash and electronic devices were left in the plane before the firefighters reached the scene. This was confirmed when one of the firemen upon being questioned rigorously returned some of the items.

Further inquiry revealed that more items were found at the Timehri Fire Station.

Law enforcement at the scene of the crash Friday morning.

Following the Thanksgiving Service her mortal remains were interred at Le Repentir Cemetery.

Pastor Avril Langford

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Goldfields commences development of underground mine GUYANA Goldfields Inc has commenced work at Aurora, Region Seven, to establish the first underground gold mine in Guyana.

The company announced that it had completed its first blast on a tunnel entrance at an area called Mad Kiss.

The contractor will

next reinforce the starting point of the entrance; he will then extend a decline tunnel which will allow vehicles and equipment to travel in and out of the

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 11, 2018

Work being done on the first underground mine in Guyana mine up to 200 metres, to fulfil the scope of the early-works phase.

Guyana Goldfields said it expects that the decline tunnel will provide access to all principal underground mining areas; these include some higher-grade zones in Mad Kiss and East Walcott that could potentially provide supplemental mill feed during the development period.

The ultimate plan in the coming months is to advance the exploration decline approximately 2,500 metres and thus provide a platform for further underground exploration and definition drilling The 200 metres decline is expected to be completed early next year.

“The blast is a key milestone marking the commencement of underground construction. The decline tunnel provides an ideal platform to potentially upgrade and expand the current underground resource and unlock the full potential of the Aurora deposit,” President and CEO Scott Caldwell said.

Caldwell had noted on a previous occasion that a higher quality of gold lies below the base of the Aurora Mines, but the company cannot expand the pit further because of the Cuyuni River; so the other option was to go underground.

This method, he added, would result in less disturbance to the environment.

Earlier this year, Guyana Goldfields Inc announced that gold produced at its Aurora Gold Mine for 2017 had totalled 160,500, finishing the year with its strongest quarter in the last quarter of the year since commencing operations in 2015.

“The fourth quarter [of

2017] was the strongest quarter for gold production in the company’s history, despite undergoing four scheduled down days in November for a mill liner change.

“The operational improvements and capital investments made throughout the year in the mining fleet, bulk emulsion delivery system, and logistics haulage fleet are yielding operational efficiencies, which are expected to translate to lower unit costs in the fourth quarter.

“To date, Aurora has proven to be a strong, high-grade asset with exceptional cash-flow generation. We look forward to continuing this strong performance into 2018 by delivering an improved mine plan that reduces overall capital and operating costs and further improves cash flows,” Caldwell stated.

Last month, Guyana Goldfields Inc announced that gold production for the third quarter from mining operations at its Aurora Gold Mine ended September 30, 2018.

It totalled approximately 40,980 ounces poured (41,247 ounces recovered) The company sold 41,200 ounces of gold at an average realised gold price of US$1,200 per ounce, generating gross third- quarter revenues of US$49.4 million.

According to Caldwell, the company underground operations are aimed at extracting more than two million ounces of the yellow metal.

Aurora has a total gold resource of 6.25 million ounces of gold in the measured and indicated categories, as well as an additional 1.79 million ounces of gold in the inferred category.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 11, 2018

Improving diets by reducing food loss, waste

WITH one in five deaths associated with poor-quality diets, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has launched a policy brief urging policy-makers to prioritise the reduction of food loss and waste as a way of improving people’s access to nutritious and healthy food.

The brief, Preventing nutrient loss and waste across the food system: Policy actions for high-quality diets, points out that poor-quality diets are now a greater public health threat than malaria, tuberculosis or measles. Meanwhile, approximately one third of all the food produced for human consumption never reaches the consumer’s plate or bowl.

The brief was prepared by the Global Panel on Agriculture and Food Systems for Nutrition in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO).

It notes how foods such as fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, dairy products, meats and seafood are rich in nutrients, but are also highly perishable and therefore susceptible to losses throughout the food system. The numbers are staggering: each year more than half of all the fruits and vegetables produced globally are lost or wasted.

A vital source of protein, around 25 per cent of all the meat produced - equivalent to 75 million cows - is not consumed.

Panel member and FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva, said: “To tackle all forms of malnutrition and promote healthy diets, we need to put in place food systems that increase the availability, affordability and consumption of fresh, nutrient-rich food for everyone. Taking specific actions to reduce the losses and waste of fresh and nutritious food is a fundamental part of this

effort.”

The brief proposes a series of policy actions across the entire food system, including: educating stakeholders; focusing on perishable foods; improving public and private infrastructure; encouraging innovation; and closing the data and knowledge gaps on food losses and waste.

Panel member and President of the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), Prof. Srinath K. Reddy, welcomed the brief, saying: “The Global Panel’s policy actions show how reducing food loss and waste could play a key role in improving the poor and inadequate diets that affect 3 billion people globally; and which are often responsible for persistent undernutrition, and also the rise of overweight and obesity and the associated increase in non-communicable diseases.”

FAO data indicates that in low-income countries food is mostly lost during harvesting, storage, processing and transportation; in high-income countries the problem is one of waste at retail and consumer levels. Together, they have a direct impact on the number of calories and nutrients that are actually available for consumption. The loss and waste of micronutrients is of particular concern given the direct impact on well-being, learning capacity and productivity. Globally, agriculture produces 22 percent more vitamin A than we require. However, after loss and waste, the amount available for human consumption is 11 per cent less than required. Reducing the loss and waste of nutritious foods could therefore yield substantial health benefits.

It would also deliver economic returns, as the value of food lost or wasted annually at the global level is estimated at $ 1 trillion.

Eating more of the

foods already produced would also prevent the waste of water, land and energy that went into their production.

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Foods such as fruits, vegetables and seeds are rich in nutrients, but are also highly perishable

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 11, 2018

Leicester held by Burnley on emotional return to King Power Stadium

By Marc Isaacs LONDON, England (Reuters) - Leicester City players and fans paid a fond tribute to Vichai Srivad-

stuck together.”

“It’s extraordinary the way the fans have come together. Leicester fans have been brilliant for us and we need them. It’s going to be

was my 100th game until yesterday. Then, it will be about my 70th birthday (at the start of December),” Warnock said. “But I don’t feel it and I feel really

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dhanaprabha yesterday before the team were held to a 0-0 draw in the Premier League by Burnley, in their first home game since the club owner’s death in a helicopter crash.

While it was naturally a day of high emotion at the King Power Stadium, elsewhere in England’s top flight Juan Foyth scored his first-ever goal for Spurs in their 1-0 win over Crystal Palace while there were big wins for struggling Cardiff City, who edged Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1, and Newcastle United, 2-1 winners over Bournemouth.

Leicester supporters and squad members, including injured England defender Harry Maguire, led a march from the city centre to the stadium where hundreds of team shirts, flags and banners were laid around the pitch.

Vichai’s son Aiyawatt and former Leicester managers Claudio Ranieri and Nigel Pearson were among the crowd, who observed a two-minute silence before kick-off.

After the match, Leicester midfielder Marc Albrighton said it had been one of the most difficult games of his career.

“This week has been hard. We went to Thailand and paid our respects to Vichai and his family,” Albrighton said.

“It is something we felt we wanted to do. It is a tough time for everyone but everyone has done his part. Every single person at this club has

a tough road. The lads are emotionally drained.

“Today was one of the hardest games I have ever played. It’s hard to focus.”

Leicester manager Claude Puel was proud of his players and praised their professionalism in handling the occasion.

“We were unlucky but I was proud of the players’ performance because they gave their best in this situation,” said Puel.

Foyth’s goal for Spurs came a week after his nightmare debut saw him concede two penalties in the 3-2 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The 20-year-old responded in the best possible way by producing a brave header to give fourth-placed Spurs, who are now level on points with Chelsea and Liverpool, their seventh successive win over Palace. Roy Hodgson’s side are experiencing their worst home start to a season for 21 years.

LATE WINNER Cardiff celebrated only their second league win of the season as Sol Bamba netted a dramatic stoppage-time winner to seal their win over 10-man Brighton.

Lewis Dunk fired Brighton ahead but Callum Paterson brought the home side level before Cardiff made the most of Dale Stephens’ first-half sending-off.

Bamba’s goal made it an anniversary to remember for manager Neil Warnock in his 100th game in charge.

“I didn’t even realise it

proud to be manager of this group.”

Newcastle recorded consecutive league wins for the first time since April as Salomon Rondon scored a brace in their win over Bournemouth to move out of the bottom three on to nine points.

Jefferson Lerma netted a goal back on the stroke of half-time but Eddie Howe’s sixth-placed side failed to find an equaliser and suffered a major injury blow when Adam Smith was carried off with suspected knee ligament damage.

Southampton striker Charlie Austin was left fuming with officials after they disallowed what he felt was a clear goal during the 1-1 draw with Watford which left the Saints still struggling on eight points.

Referee Simon Hooper believed, incorrectly, that the ball had gone in off Saints’ Maya Yoshida, who was offside. Southampton, leading at the time through a Manolo Gabbiadini goal, were then hit by a late Jose Holebas equaliser.

“It’s ridiculous; they shouldn’t be in the game.

We scored a perfectly good goal (at 1-0) that was ruled out for offside,” Austin told Sky Sports. “The officials cost us two points.

Huddersfield are still one from bottom in 19th place after drawing 1-1 with West Ham.

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St Pius are COURTS Pee Wee football champs!

A SECOND-HALF onslaught by St Pius Primary ensured that they lifted the COURTS Trophy yesterday when the curtain came down on the U-11 football tournament.

A 4-0 drubbing is what they inflicted on their opponents West Ruimveldt at the final whistle yesterday.

Both teams were on the offensive early, but the eventual champs were the ones who secured the first goal after a classic build-up finished with striker Kaden Wellington slotting home in the 9th minute.

Wellington netted another in the 20+3 with Dameion Welcome and Jerimiah Griffith each scoring, 4-1. Myron Pedro was on target for West Ruimveldt.

St Pius’ Kaden Wellington credited his team’s performance as great, while West Ruimveldt captain said, “We tried our best but in

football you lose some and you win some. We think we can come back strong.”

On the other hand, the third-place playoff between Mocha Arcadia and Tucville Primary went to a penalty shootout which the latter won.

In the individual awards, Tucville’s John Harry was recognised as the most promising player and Joshua Sharples of St Pius Primary was adjudged the best goalkeeper.

However, the fiercest battle came for the highest goals scorer award. Justin Alcindor of St Agnes, who finished the tournament on 14 goals and was awarded with a pair of cleats for his efforts However, the man-ofthe-moment was St Pius’ Kaden Wellington who ended on 15. The young man also walked away with the MVP award for the 2018 tournament.

GMR&SC Ignite race meet

Pole for Truelove, Jeffrey … Maloney cops SR3 pole THE Ignite race meet got off to a flying start yesterday with pole for Kristian Jeffrey and Team Mohamed’s Harry Truelove in the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship Group 4 and Superstock categories.

Jeffrey with a 33.3 seconds time was able to snag pole ahead of Barbados Mark Maloney (35.259) and Guyana’s Noel ‘Rupie Sewjattan (35.767).

“Still got some problems to work out but we are happy with pole,” Jeffrey said.

Meanwhile, Harry Truelove, who rides under the Team Mohamed’s Enterprise out-qualified his brother and current CMRC superstock leader Matt.

Harry’s 33.997 was not the fastest bike time of the day, however, with the team’s Richard Cooper riding the super sport bike posting a 33.592.

Matt clocked a 34.050 for second, with Steven Vieira posting a 34.866 and Matthew Vieira a 35.665.

In the Radical SR3 Caribbean Cup, Maloney

out-qualified Calvin Ming by eight-thousandth of a second with Stuart Maloney, Kristian Jeffrey and Mark Vieira in that order.

Group two has Marc Gill of Trinidad (38.271) starting on pole today with Shan Seejattan second by just one-tenth of a second and Chet Singh third.

Group three has Kristian Boodoosingh out of Trinidad (35.665) on pole, ahead of countryman Ronald Wortman and Rameez Mohamed.

Annand Ramchand has pole in the Choke Starlet Cup. In the first of three races today, Zalim Mohamed took the Street Cross class ahead of Rene Tucker and Shem Chattergoon while the Street Tuner Class was won by Raymond Seebarran ahead of Narine Dasrat and Vickey Persaud.

The final race of the afternoon, Mohamed Ahmed took the Street Tuner class ahead of Adrian Persaud and Seebarran.

Racing begins at 08:00hrs today..

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 11, 2018

Heroic Herath by the numbers

A statistical look back on the Test career of Sri Lanka’s retired - and remarkable - spinner THE career of Sri Lanka’s Rangana Herath might have ended in a surprise defeat, but it did little to take away from the record and reflections on one of the most successful spin bowlers in Test history.

Herath had announced prior to the series that the first Test against England in Galle would be his last, and the 40-year-old added three more wickets to end his overall tally at 433 from 93 Tests.

“It’s an emotional situation, but all in all everybody has to take a decision at the right time,” he said afterwards.

“I’m thankful for all those years that I have played, all the people behind me, especially teammates, Sri Lanka Cricket and I must thank every single person who’s behind me.

“It’s been a privilege and honour to play for my country, because in Sri Lanka we have 22 million people, so very few get the opportunity to play for Sri Lanka, so that’s a remarkable achievement and honour for any player.”

Here’s a look at some of the milestones and records achieved by the left-armer: 433: Test wickets by Herath - the most ever by a left-arm bowler and eighth-most overall.

233: Test wickets taken

by Herath after turning 35 – the most by any bowler in history.

398: Test wickets taken

by Herath after turning 30 – the most by any bowler in history.

1: Herath is the only leftarm spinner to take 400 Test wickets.

363: Test wickets for Herath this decade, behind

only England’s James Anderson (417) and the most by any spinner (Ravi Ashwin second, with 336).

2: Herath is Sri Lanka’s second leading Test wicket-taker, behind only the great Muthiah Muralitharan (795 wickets for Sri Lanka).

9: Herath’s tally of nine 10-wicket hauls in Tests is equal-third with New Zealand’s Sir Richard Hadlee in Test history, behind only Muralitharan (20) and Shane Warne (10).

5: Herath is one of just five bowlers in Test history to take a five-wicket haul in three consecutive innings on three separate occasions (also Muralitharan, Clarrie Grimmett, Sid Barnes, Imran Khan).

81: When Herath took 11-136 against Pakistan last year September, thethen 39-year-old became the oldest player to take a

Sri Lankan cricket team members carry Rangana Herath after his last Test.

10-wicket haul in Tests in 81 years, and the fifth-oldest ever.

2: Herath is just one of two Sri Lankans to have taken a Test hat-trick, having

Federer sees no reason to move ATP Finals from London

By Martyn Herman LONDON (Reuters) - Roger Federer would like the ATP Finals to remain in London beyond 2020 unless there is a compelling case to move the tournament.

The Swiss has won two of his record six titles at the event at London’s O2 Arena where the ATP’s prestigious season-ender has been playing to packed crowds since 2009.

Despite the popularity of the London venue with fans and players alike, the ATP announced in August that it was inviting bids from other host cities for 2021 onwards.

“I think if they stay (in London) it’s definitely a good choice,” the 37-year-old 20-times Grand Slam champion told a new conference on Friday as he prepared for his 16th appearance.

“I don’t know what the options are. But if the O2’s happy and the crowds keep flocking and coming to this venue and the Tour has a good deal, obviously why not stay here?

Roger Federer

“I don’t see a reason to change, unless there is somebody else, a city that really wants it badly and is willing to come in and really support the Tour in a major way for many years, like what we saw with Shanghai and also maybe with London in the beginning. It’s been a winning formula here.”

The ATP Finals, as it is now known, began in Tokyo in 1970 and spent six years on the road before a 13-year stint in New York and a six-year stay in Frankfurt before spells in Hanover, Lisbon, Sydney,

Houston and Shanghai.

It has since put down roots in London where a cumulative 2.3 million fans have flocked to the venue for the week-long event.

Novak Djokovic, who returns to the O2 as world number one, won the title in London from 2012-15, and while the venue has served him well, he believes a move away from London in 2021 must now be considered by the men’s Tour.

“I don’t want it to move from London, but I just feel the concept of this event is that it is one that travels,” the Serb told reporters. “It’s the biggest event the ATP owns, the eight best players in a unique round-robin system.

“I think this is a great opportunity to promote tennis all around the world. I just feel 10 years in one place is a bit too much. It’s not anything to do with London or the event.

“I’ve had phenomenal success here and I should be the last one to talk about moving it.”

done so against Australia in August 2016.

3: Herath is one of only three bowlers to have taken 100 Test wickets at one venue. He managed this in

his farewell Test at Galle.

Muralitharan (Galle, Kandy and SSC Colombo) and Anderson (Lord’s) are the other two.

Cricket World Cup: Apology for Ticketmaster mix-up CRICKET World Cup organisers have apologised after thousands of fans were mistakenly told they had got tickets in a ballot for next year’s tournament.

Ticketing partner Ticketmaster sent emails on Friday titled “Cricket World Cup 2019 - confirmation of payment” but more than 4 000 people were later informed the emails were sent in error.

Ticketmaster has said no money was taken from those affected.

The World Cup will be in England and Wales from May 30 to July 14.

“A number of CWC19 ticketing emails were sent out in error,” said a statement from organisers.

“Ticketmaster will contact any affected customers directly.

We apologise for any inconvenience or con-

The Cricket World Cup will take place in England and Wales next year from May 30 to July 14.

fusion.”

Ticketmaster also apologised for the email error.

Some fans posted on social media about their disappointment, saying they had already booked travel and accommodation.

World Cup organisers said 2.7 million tickets had been applied for and so far they have sold 450 000 of the 800 000 available.

Tickets to the tournament could be pur-

chased through a ballot process, in which buyers select matches they would like to see and are entered into a draw.

Fans are then contacted to be told whether they have been successful or not. In this case, some people said they were confused whether they had tickets or not, after previously being told they were unsuccessful. (BBC Sport)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 11, 2018

Harmanpreet Kaur, India ignite Women World T20 with plethora of records

By Brij Parasnath INDIA’S captain Harmanpreet Kaur stamped her attractive world-class batting style and, aided by a clinical and authoritative display, ignited the ICC Women World T20 with a plethora of records, as she registered her career-best and piloted her team to a new tournament’s highest team total, when they amassed 194 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs.

The forceful right-hander became India’s highest scorer and third player, after West Indies Deandra Dottin (112*) and Australia’s Meg Lanning (126); to score a World T20 century.

She entered her name indelibly into the record books with a magnificent match-winning 103 against the powerful New Zealand outfit, in the opening match of the 2018 Edition, at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence on Friday.

She was the chief architect of her team’s 34-run victory after the Kiwis were restricted to 160 for 9 in the allotment.

The 29-year-old Kaur’s footwork, timing and placement were impeccable and she collared the New Zealanders in impressive fashion to pilot India to a new World T20 highest score of 194 for 5 in their allotted 20

overs. She became India’s first World T20 International centurion and her superlative innings became the tenth overall triple-figure mark.

Despite her ill-health brought on by nervousness and a series of cramps in the stomach and abdomen areas, Kaur asserted her superiority over the Kiwis and disdainfully smashed the white ball with enough power and energy to clear boundary markers on eight occasions. She had both umpires doing extra work in the blazing sunshine that graced the South American venue.

Indisputably, it was one of the greatest exhibitions of power-hitting by a woman player in any format and some of her mighty sixes were bigger than her male counterparts ever struck at this venue or any international venue globally.

Kaur’s innings was embellished with eight huge sixes and seven delightful fours of 51 balls. Her first fifty took 33 balls and included four sixes and three fours; while the second fifty was rattled up off 15 balls; and added four more sixes and four boundaries in her historic march.

She was treated on field for the cramps, but like a lioness protecting her young cubs and her territory in the jungle, Kaur treated the millions of global TV audi-

Harmanpreet Kaur goes for the big one. (Getty Images)

ence, especially in her home country, and the 5,000-odd spectators at the ground, with a majestic batting display that set the tone for a memorable tournament in the Caribbean.

It was not surprising that she took on her opposite number Amy Satherwaite (NZ captain) and smashed her for two glorious sixes and a scintillating four off her only over, the 18th of the innings that yielded 18 runs.

The second of the sixes was smacked straight down the ground and unto the black sightscreen at the southern end of the ground. Later in this history-making knock, she stepped out of her crease and lofted one of the biggest maximum that sailed into stratosphere, as if it was Atlantic Ocean-bound. But it dropped high up among the middle rows of seats in

the red stand, situated at the north-western end of the ground.

Kaur, in her 21st World T20 match; bettered hers and India’s previous best of 77 in Women World T20 history.

She had notched that score against Bangladesh at Sylhet on March 30, 2014.

She became the ninth player to register a T20 International century and also went ahead of her illustrious teammate Mithali Raj whose 97 not out versus Malaysia in the first match of the Asia Cup at Kuala Lumpur on June 3, 2018 was the previous best by an Indian woman player in T20Is. She led by example and was well-supported by India’s rising teenage-star Jemimah Rodrigues who played one of the best cover-driven four at this venue,

which was specially built with the aid of the Indian government and their architects for the 2007 ICC World Cup. Rodrigues set the stage for the massive assault with her fluency and smart placements that unnerved the Kiwis, who seemed to have placed the Indians on the back foot after they prised out three quick wickets for only 40 runs in 5.4 overs.

In her debut outing at the highest level, she contributed a heart-warming and classy 59 that was studded with seven elegant boundaries off 45 deliveries and signalled that better days of what should be an illustrious international career for this ambitious youngster are ahead Kaur and her younger teammate restored respectability and together they forged a new Women World T20 as well as a new Women T20 Internationals fourth-wicket partnership that was worth 134 invaluable runs.

Rodrigues got her maiden World Cup fifty and contributed 48 runs to their new record partnership, while the dominant Kaur added 85 to that total, which bettered the previous World T20 mark of 91 between C. Brits and S. Benade of South Africa against New Zealand at Taunton on June 15, 2009.

Their 134 is now the second highest partnership for all wicket partnerships in World T20 tournaments, bettered only by the unbroken 163 for the first-wicket between Lizelle Lee and Dane Van Niekerk of South Africa against Pakistan at Sylhet on April 23, 2014.

Australia held the record for the previous highest Women World T20 team score of 191 for 4 versus Ireland at Sylhet on March 27, 2014.

India’s new-look ‘Blue Army’ are now the new holders with 194 for 5, which also forms part of the newly established Women World T20 match aggregate of 354 runs for 14 wickets (India 194 for 5 and New Zealand 160 for 9).

It surpassed the previous best of 333 for 9 between West Indies (175 for 5) and South Africa (158 for 4) at Basseterre on May 5, 2010.

Kaur and her team have started a glorious new chapter for Women World T20 cricket as a standalone international competition.

The belligerent and sparkling strokeplay of the 29-yearold Indian right-handed shotmaker creates and ushers in a new era and impetus for women cricketers to be respected and adored as world class entertainers in their own queendom.

Hamilton Green 9-a-side Inter-Ward/Village KO Cup resumes today THE venue is Den Amstel Community Centre ground and the event is the Hamilton Green 9-a-side Inter-Ward/Village KO Cup, which is set to resume today with twelve riveting matches, commencing at 15:00hrs.

According to coordinator Lennox Arthur, who is a former national player/ head coach, because it is the penultimate round, he expects the battle for prize moneys in excess of $700 000 will definitely provide fans with some exciting encounters. Teams will try to position themselves for final-day action, scheduled for November 24 at the same venue.

In the opening game at

15:00hrs, Sophia ‘A’ led by Joshua Kamal and Shemroy Arthur take on Stewartville, who will have in their lineup the likes of Gary Mingo, Stephon Gibson and Leon Whyte.

This encounter will be followed by the clash between Charlestown and Vergenoegen with the skilful Jamal Cozier and Keiron Solomon expected to lead their attack along with support from William Europe, while Vergenoegen’s quest for victory will depend on the services of Horace and Kerron Caines.

The Mahaica versus Agricola matchup should be another enthralling encounter with Kurt Roberts, Dellon Charles and

Eion Abel expected to lead the charge for the former, while Gordon Grant, Leon Moore and Collis Samuels look to secure Agricola’s chances of advancing.

Lucian Hercules, Seon Barron and Kevin Crawford will then look to lock up Central Mackenzie’s berth in the final round, while Quacy Blue, Curwin Williams and Traif Moses will aim to do the same for Liliendaal.

The next game will pit Sophia ‘B’ versus Plaisance and this encounter has all the hallmarks of producing fireworks with Ernie and Peter Smith and Jermaine Nedd expected to lead the former pursuit of victory, while Kevin Liverpool, Keon Kyte and Travis

Sophia ` A’ player Shemroy Arthur

Simon are the key to the latter’s search for a win.

In the feature game, hosts Den Amstel will rely heavily

on the display of Keswin Fraser, Malcolm Miggins and Anthony Benn to engineer a win, while the opposition De Kinderen’s hunt for an upset will depend on how well Colin Henry, Jaleel Samuels and Darrel Alexis play.

The first prize of $400 000 and championship trophy comes with the compliments of the Ministry of Citizenship, while the runners-up will be awarded $200 000 and trophy thanks to John Fernandes Ltd. The third- and fourthplace finishers will receive $60 000 and $40 000 respectively along with the Techno Mills and Courtney Benn Construction Services trophies in that order.

Top finishers will re-

ceive hampers, compliments of Ricks & Sari Industries, while the Highest Goals Scorer walks away with a Lazy Boy Chair courtesy of A.H&L Kissoon and a Dinette Set from China Trading.

The Most Valuable Player will be awarded a special prize from Techno Mills.

The other sponsors on board are: IPA, Alfro Alphonso, Sattaur Gafoor, Ansa McAl, Top Brandz Distributors, MACORP, Starr Computers, Cummings Electrical, Ready Mix, BK International and New Thriving Restaurant.

28

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 11, 2018

GFSCA congratulates teams, thanks sponsors for Guyana Softball Cup 8

Parika Defenders finish as first-time winners in the inaugural Legends Cup (for players 50 years plus).

Ariel Speedboat defended their open title for the second time.

THE GUYANA Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) is elated with the support it received for the Guyana Softball Cup 8, which was held October 2628 at various venues across Demerara.

Over 30 teams competed in the two-day competition, which had its grand finale at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground.

“The GFSCA takes the opportunity to congratulate Ariel Speedboat, who defended their title for the second time, Regal Masters and Parika Defenders for winning their respective categories and the Demerara Female team for defeating their Berbice counterparts,” a release stated.

The association also recognised the participation of

Heavy rainfall forces abandonment of opening St Lucia match GROS ISLET, St Lucia (CMC) – Persistent heavy showers forced the abandonment of the Group A contest of the ICC Women’s Twenty20 World Cup contest between England and Sri Lanka here yesterday.

The game was scheduled for a 16.00hrs start but match officials decided at 15.45hrs that no play would be possible, especially with the ground at the Darren Sammy Cricket Stadium under water.

A point for the no-result was awarded each team.

A weather system, which has dumped heavy rain across the country all week and especially over the last 48 hours, had put the match on doubt, so there was little surprise that the fixture was abandoned without a ball bowled.

Isolated thunderstorms have been forecast over the next 24 hours, with periods of rain expected to continue into the week.

Officials will be now sweating on the two Group A matches, scheduled for the Darren Sammy Cricket Stadium tomorrow, with England carded to take on Bangladesh at 16:00hrs and Sri Lanka to clash with South Africa at 20.00hrs.

Reigning World champions, West Indies, face South Africa at the same venue on Wednesday, in their second match of the tournament.

the teams from North America including for the first time, four from Canada (Ontario Masters, Royal Canadian Masters, Softball Cricket Canada, Ontario Softball Cricket League) along with NYSCL, NY Hustlers, SVC and SVC Spartans, Orlando Masters, Parika Defenders, Floodlights Masters and Floodlights Legends, Farm XI, Regal All Stars and Re-

gal Masters, Albion Masters, Tropical Springs, Fishermen Masters, Invaders Masters, Wellman, NY President’s Eleven, Narine Masters, Ariel Speedboat and Cotton Field Wild Oats.

The DCC, Malteenoes, Enmore, Ogle, Police, GNIC, YMCA, Transport Sports Club and MYO grounds came in for high praise, along with the ca-

terers, umpires and everyone who made the event a success.

The association was also heartened by the support they got from corporate Guyana.

STAG Beer, RUBiS Guyana, Clear Waters, A & R Jiwanram Printery, Ramchand Auto Spares, Trophy Stall, Steve’s Jewellery, Mike’s Pharmacy,

Survival Group of Business, Busta, Rohan Auto Spares and WJ Enterprise and new sponsors namely, Nandpersaud and Company under the Karibee rice brand, Windies Sports Bar of Toronto, Canada and Palm Court Restaurant and Bar on Main Street were all thanked through the release.

How Christine Sukhram won her ninth Guyana Open title

By Faizool Deo CHRISTINE Sukhram calmly walked up to the tee box at her first hole last Sunday morning. She drew out her trusted driver, addressed her ball, took a deep breath and swung.

It was going to be a trying day, one that would test her resolve and temperament.

And the day did just that.

The eventual winner was facing down the barrel of the gun after a below-average first day last Saturday. She was third, out of the top three female golfers in the country - a position that was strange for her in a gross competition at the Guyana Open Golf Tournament.

Sukhram had spent a considerable amount of time in the USA prior to the competition and had failed to re-adjust to the Lusignan Golf Course - but that was not the only factor.

Her competitors, Joaan Deo and Shanella Webster

- both had won the Guyana Open as a net competition, with handicap - had improved their game and were ready to challenge her on a level playing field.

Deo had led after the first day. She had broken her regular driver two days before, but the dry ground on Saturday had helped the ball to run, which resulted in her shooting an 85, two shots better than Webster, and four better than Sukhram.

Sunday was wet, which worked against Deo, since she could not get the distance. It undermined her game.

Sukhram, who had won the Open eight times prior to last weekend, did not fare well in the early holes on the final day, whereas Webster had a solid start.

The 29-year-old eventual winner told the Guyana Chronicle that she was forced to calm herself down.

She played each shot to its merit and tried to keep a

level head.

Soon it became a twoway race for the title, but Sukhram was still trailing.

She began chipping away at Webster, but with two holes to go she was still back by two shots.

The 17th hole on day two was the decider. Sukhram reached the edge of the green in her first shot, while her opponent overshot the green. Christine finished with a three to par the hole, while Webster ended with a five.

In the last hole, Webster showed resolve to bounce back with a par, but Sukhram also scored a par, which drew them even overall and a countback decided a winner.

The defending champion finished the final day with an 83, Webster with an 85 and Deo with a 92.

For Sukhram, her ninth Guyana Open title win was not only the most challenging of her career, but also the most important.

Christine Sukhram battles hard for her ninth Guyana Open title last weekend.

29

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 11, 2018

Root wants Taylor concerned about Windies batting despite win over Bangladesh England to build GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) – Captain Stafanie Taylor has concerns about West Indies’ batting, despite their convincing victory over Bangladesh in their opening match of the ICC Women’s Twenty20 World Cup here Friday night.

The hosts were held to

run win. “(It was) not the best of batting performances that we would like but it’s good that we came out in the second part and finished the game,” Taylor said afterwards.

“The shot selection wasn’t good and I have to give it to the Bangladeshis,

and for me going out there, I tried not to think about myself but tried to get a competitive total on the board.”

Sent in, the exciting opener pair of Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin fell cheaply in the space of two balls in the third over, leading to a slide that left

A crestfallen Natasha McLean looks on in disappointment following her dismissal in the Group A match against Bangladesh on Friday night. (Photo courtesy ICC Media)

106 for eight off their 20 overs on a slow, turning wicket at the Guyana National Stadium but rebounded to blow away Bangladesh for a record-low 46, to earn a 60-

I thought they bowled excellently.

“The opening pacer (Jahanara Alam) bowled really good and got some early wickets – crucial wickets –

West Indies tottering on 50 for five in the 13th over.

Knight, however, came to her side’s rescue with a counter-attacking 32 off 24 balls, posting a critical 37 for

the sixth wicket with Taylor whose 29 came from 44 deliveries.

“At a point I was talking to my partner and thinking we should try to get around 110-115, try to milk it and not think about boundaries,” Taylor explained about the partnership.

“Coming down to the end, hopefully we could go big because we can do that.”

West Indies have been installed in Group A of the tournament, and with looming battles against stronger sides like England, South Africa and Sri Lanka ahead, Taylor urged her batting group to lift their standards. “(We) definitely (need to improve) our batting. I know what we can do, we’re strong, we can hit boundaries at any time,” she said.

“I just believe in the middle there and at the top, we need to rotate the strike a bit. For me, I think it is about working it (the ball) around some more and finding the gaps.”

West Indies clash with South Africa in their second match of the tournament in St Lucia on Wednesday.

New GVF president Levi Nedd calls for national support LEVI NEDD has started his tenure as president of the Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) with an ambitious agenda, which hopefully can cement the sport as a top three in the future.

The long-serving volleyball administrator, who was voted in unopposed yesterday at the Guyana Olympic Association, told the Guyana Chronicle that he wants to see more persons involved, and that he intends to spread the sport to all corners of the country, especially in the interior.

“We are calling on the entire Guyana, on all persons who have touched a volleyball to support the cause.”

Nedd said that the intention is to take the game to the people. “We intend to reach out to nursery schools, secondary schools and University of Guyana.”

The former GVF

not improve.”

The 57-year-old said that the federation would look to have regular competitions and have teams prepared at all times and not only for competitions or for international meets.

New president of the Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) Levi Nedd (left), former president John Flores (right) and executive members Denise Miller and Rodney Fredericks.

vice-president added that the federation would also target the major faiths.

At the first meeting after the elections, Nedd, who is also president of the Berbice Volleyball Association, told the new executive that the aim is to make the federation vibrant.

He also promoted 10 hall-

marks, which he hopes can lift the body, among them accountability, integrity, effective communication, initiative and family.

Nedd said that the idea is to look at the technicalities of the game and to use initiates to improve it. “If you continue to use the same techniques, you will

THE OTHER MEMBERS At the elections of office-bearers, president and coach of the Castrol Volleyball Club, Rodney Fredericks, was voted in unopposed as vice-president, while Denise Miller was elected as secretary and Daniel Harricharan as treasurer. Current treasurer of the Demerara Volleyball Association, Ashley Bayley, was selected as assistant treasurer.

Nedd said that the federation would soon select a technical director and a general secretary.

on rare road win

England wicketkeeper Ben Foakes was named Man-of-theMatch after scoring a century in his maiden Test innings.

GALLE (Reuters) - England skipper Joe Root is hoping the drought-snapping Test victory over Sri Lanka on Friday will prove just the start of a run of success away from home for his team.

The 211-run victory was the first away win for England in 14 Tests going back more than two years, a first on the road under Root’s captaincy and only a fourth defeat for Sri Lanka at Galle in their last 14 matches at the venue.

“It’s not just us, like we’re the only side that struggles away from home, it’s across the board in Test cricket,” the 27-year-old batsman told reporters.

“That makes it even sweeter when you do come to a very difficult venue, like Galle, and manage to win.

“Hopefully we can build on this and it’s not just a one-off for us. We can go to Kandy with huge amounts of confidence and look to still improve and get better.”

Sri Lanka were disappointed not to give spin-bowling great Rangana Herath a win in his last match and have concerns over the fitness of captain Dinesh Chandimal, who suffered a groin strain during the match.

“Chandimal’s injury is a grade one tear, and it will take him 10 to 14 days to

recover, so it will be touch and go for the second Test match,” coach Chandika Hathurusingha said.

“We’ll wait and see how his body recovers before we make the call. If he is not 100 percent fit, he may not play. We have to look at a replacement or standby player for him.”

England wicketkeeper Ben Foakes was named Manof-the-Match after scoring a century in his maiden Test innings, which could leave the tourists with a selection headache of their own.

Regular gloveman Jonny Bairstow is expected to recover from an ankle injury and be available to play in the second match of the series starting in Kandy on Thursday.

While Foakes said he was happy just to have had the chance to play the longest format of the game for his country, Root said these were the kind of tough decisions any captain would want to have to make.

“We’ve some difficult selections ahead, which I’m not complaining about,” he said.

“It is going to be tough, but that’s what you want.

You want guys performing and to make those tough calls. Whether that’s leaving people out, keeping the same team, shuffling the pack slightly, we’ll have to wait and see.”

30

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 11, 2018

Windies play for pride today in final T20 against India CHENNAI, India (CMC) – West Indies have only pride to play for when they take on India in the final Twenty20 International of the three-match series here today, hoping to end an otherwise wretched tour on a high note.

The Carlos Brathwaiteled side has been little match for the powerful Indian juggernauts, losing the first match in Kolkata by five wickets before going under in the second in Lucknow by 71 runs.

Today’s match presents perhaps their best chance especially with India deciding to rest seamers Jasprit Bumrah and Umesh Yadav, along with excellent left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav who has terrorised the tourists in all formats during the series.

Ramdin, one of the few senior players in a squad otherwise short on experience said it was important for the Windies to pull out all the stops for the contest at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

“On this wicket, the side boundaries are a bit bigger and the Indians play spin quite well so it’s very important we bowl the right lengths on this wicket,” the former Test captain said.

“They have home advantage but we need to take some pride in ourselves to try and win one game.”

He added: “We’re disappointed. We’re the T20 champs and when we played our first game at Eden Gardens – we were expecting to do well but I don’t think we adapted to the wicket as well as we should have and we didn’t string any partnerships together.

“T20, as I said before, is momentum and partnerships and we couldn’t do that.

Kuldeep Yadav he played a major part in the Tests, One-day, and T20 series but the guys haven’t been able to pick him. I think he was basically one of the threats in the middle overs where we couldn’t really push on.”

None of the West Indies

Batting star Kieron Pollard has failed to fire over the past two years.

big guns has fired in the series, with Kieron Pollard perhaps being the most glaring failure. The Trinidadian has scores of 14 and six in his two innings, and averages a meagre 12 in his last 11 innings over the past two years.

Ramdin, who has 12 runs from two innings, said the Windies players needed to back their ability more if they

wanted to get results.

“It’s a very challenging and tough sport, especially when you play here in India,” he explained.

“Some of the guys had some success – young (Shai) Hope and (Shimron) Hetmyer – to transfer that from the 50 overs into the T20, they tried their best. It’s all about batting some more balls and I don’t think they gave them-

selves enough of a chance.

“T20 is a lot of balls – 120 balls – you take 10 or 12 balls to get set and I don’t think they’ve done that in this series. It’s all about backing yourself and having the self-confidence – that’s how T20 goes.

“You lose some, you win some but when you have momentum it helps and we didn’t have that momentum from the first game.”

West Indies did not travel with a number of their stars as superstar Chris Gayle made himself unavailable and Evin Lewis pulled out days before the series, while all-rounder Andre Russell and Sunil Narine were both injured.

Selectors opted for five debutants and several other players with few T20s inside the last two years, leaving the squad considerably weakened.

Ramdin said the absence of the experienced players had been a factor in the Windies sub-par performance in

the series.

“It’s difficult at this point in time to try and build a team. When you look at our T20 players, they’re in demand around the world and we’re suffering in that aspect. Some of our senior players didn’t turn up for this tour and that’s why we’re two-nil down in the T20 series.”

SQUADS: INDIA – Rohit Sharma (captain), Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Dinesh Karthik, Manish Pandey, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Krunal Pandya, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed, Shahbaz Nadeem, Siddarth Kaul.

WEST INDIES – Carlos Brathwaite (captain), Denesh Ramdin, Darren Bravo, Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer, Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran, Fabien Allen, Keemo Paul, Khary Pierre, Oshane Thomas, Sherfane Rutherford, Obed McCoy, Rovman Powell.

St Lucia WWT20 fixtures could be moved to Antigua to combat washout fears

By Melinda Farrell

THE International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering moving Women’s World T20 group games from St Lucia to Antigua because of heavy rains and a grim forecast for the next week.

The first St Lucia match of the tournament between

England and Sri Lanka was rained out and thunderstorms are forecast until at least next Wednesday.

The forecast in Guyana is, by contrast, fine and sunny. If more games in St Lucia are called off, the tournament - which is being played for the most part in separate groups on each island - would be vastly lop-

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday November 11, 2018) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1)

Lord’s, 2009

(2)

Chris Gayle & Mahendra Singh Dhoni

Today’s Quiz: (1) What was the result of the recent WI/ India T20 Int’l series?

(2) Who was declared Man of the Series in the recent WI/India T20 Int’l engagement?

sided in matches completed.

ESPNcricinfo understands that while no formal discussions have taken place with teams or the host boards, and while there has only been one game cancelled so far, the ICC is exploring the logistical issues involved in relocating at least part of the group stage to ensure matches.

Those logistic factors are significant and may be impossible to overcome.

Television broadcast equipment, including the main satellite, would have to be flown between the islands and that would necessitate a charter to guarantee it wouldn’t be held in customs.

The broadcasters would also

have to agree to changes in the schedule.

Other issues include teams accepting relocation, wickets in Antigua being prepared for extra games and cost of charter flights and availability of hotels.

While officials are not yet panicking and they remain hopeful the forecast will improve, ESPNcricinfo understands if the logistical problems could be easily resolved, the decision would be made sooner rather than later.

If all remaining matches in St Lucia were to be washed out, then England would still qualify for the knockouts by virtue of being second seeds in their group, behind West Indies,

who beat Bangladesh in the group’s opening fixture on Friday.

Ironically, relocation could end up counting against England, given that their second fixture, against Bangladesh tomorrow could come too soon to avoid another washout. If that were to happen, England would need to beat West Indies in their final group-stage match to reach the semi-finals.

Heather Knight, England captain, said that the Gros Islet outfield was the wettest she had ever encountered in her career, and gave a cautious welcome to the prospect of a relocation.

“If it meant we got the games in then potentially,”

Knight said. “It hasn’t stopped raining since we arrived. We are hopeful that it will stop raining but if that is an option, it is up to the ICC to decide obviously, not me.”

She was also critical of the lack of facilities available to her team, in the absence of any opportunity for middle practice.

“At some point we will get some cricket in, whether it is a five-over smash, and we’re going to have to be ready,” she said. “We are probably going to have to be slightly inventive to keep the girls going. Cricket is hard to play without facilities.”

Bellew suffers eighth-round defeat by Usyk in final fight TONY Bellew’s shot at becoming the first Briton to hold four world titles in a weight division ended in failure as Oleksandr Usyk produced a stunning finish in the eighth round at Manchester Arena.

The Ukrainian, initially cautious and behind on the cards, found rhythm around

the midway point and, after following a jab with a brutal left hook, he was already smiling as Bellew tried to get back to his feet, to no avail.

Usyk’s IBF, WBO, WBA and WBC world cruiserweight titles were safe, despite Bellew’s solid counter-punching early on, when the undefeated and undis-

puted champion struggled with the Briton’s movement.

Referee Terry O’Connor waved the bout off and while 35-year-old Bellew appeared dazed in the moments after, he quickly stated he had given “everything” he had.

It was a conclusive finish, befitting of a much-hyped champion, who is now ex-

pected to chase the glamour names of the heavyweight division.

“He is just so hard and so awkward. He is big and he overpowers you. I tried my best and he is probably the best cruiserweight that ever lived,” Bellew told BBC Radio 5 live. (BBC Sport)

31

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 11, 2018

Haynes: Make me Golden Jaguars captain West Indies coach Cox wins prestigious … The decision will ultimately rest with director of cricket Jimmy Adams and West Indies Ugo Ehiogu ‘Ones to Cricket Board chief executive Johnny Grave, and Haynes is desperate to be interviewed Watch’ Award

Desmond Haynes (left) and Gordon Greenidge (Credit: Getty Images)

WEST Indies great Desmond Haynes wants to be their new coach, and says he can be a father figure in the role.

He has received backing from his former team-mate and captain, the legendary Viv Richards.

Stuart Law is leaving the post to become Middlesex supremo next summer and West Indies will need a replacement ahead of the post-Christmas tour by England.

The decision will ultimately rest with director of cricket Jimmy Adams and CWI chief executive Johnny Grave, and Haynes is desperate to be interviewed.

Haynes, 62, was one of West Indies’ greatest openers. He scored 18 Test centuries and 17 in ODIs, forming a prolific partnership with his fellow Bajan Gordon Greenidge.

“I hope they will interview me,” he told The Cricketer. “I am not saying I can take West Indies back to No.1, but I think I can take us back into the world’s top four.

“I believe the head coach should be working more closely with the coaches in the territories, rather than just working with the players when they reach Test level.

The feeder system must be working smoothly, so that the players who arrive at Test level are ready. It is not good for them arriving at Test level and realising, ‘Oh, we are not fit enough’.

“The job is about management, it is about helping people work out situations – I can help people know how

to handle a situation, how to find the correct levels of concentration.

“I am not saying a coach has to be someone who has played Test cricket, or a lot of international cricket, but there must be a sense of match intelligence in the dressing room, so he can assist players as situations arise.”

Richards, 66, says he would support Haynes’ application. “I would love to see a Caribbean person in that position. We have had these overseas coaches, but I have not seen the benefit of that as yet. We have spent a fair bit of money on them, and we have not seen the progress you would expect.”

Among Law’s predecessors were his fellow Australians, Bennett King and John Dyson.

“I would love to give it to someone who has been close to the successes of the past, because I think the players are lacking that information,” Richards added.

“The players have squandered beautiful positions, and I think that is because they have lacked someone with a solid base of success and winning.

Desmond has been there, done that. He knows how to win!

“I won’t be singing my own praises, but if someone feels I can help ... the CWI has ignored players like me over the years.”

Richards was representing the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, while Haynes was with Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. at World Travel Market 2018. (The Cricketer)

SAMUEL Cox, captain of Guyana’s senior men’s national football team, Golden Jaguars, picked up the ‘Ones to Watch’ Award at the annual ‘The Football Black List’.

The prestigious Ones to Watch award, named after former Aston Villa defender and Tottenham Hotspurs U-23 coach Ugo Ehiogu, who collapse and died from cardiac arrest at the ‘Spurs’ training ground last year, seeks to recognise footballers aged under 30 years, whose current activities look set to springboard them onto even greater accomplishments in the near future.

People from all sectors of football, from Premier League managers to community coaches, gathered at the Village Underground in London’s East End to celebrate the achievements of this year’s Football

Black List.

Launched in 2008 by Leon Mann and Rodney Hinds, and supported by the Premier League for the third time, this unique event celebrates the contributions to the game of people from African and Caribbean backgrounds, a group underrepresented away from the pitch.

According to Cox, the award is in recognition for his work done, coaching at Premier League Club Tottenham Hotspur in their Academy & Foundation, along with work in the community, whilst still playing.

The Football Black List has become the most respected celebration of African and Caribbean achievement in the British game.

While more than 25 per cent of professional players in the UK are black, there is a worrying lack of repre-

Guyana’s Samuel Cox receives his Ugo Ehiogu ‘Ones to Watch’ Award at the Annual ‘The Football Black List’.

sentation in decision-making positions across all areas away from the pitch.

To help address this, and pay tribute to those in influential positions, the Football Black List shines a light on those who are inspiring the next generation to consider other roles in the sport.

The initiative, which has been supported by The FA, Premier League, Profes-

sional Footballers Association and anti-racism group Kick It Out, also provides an opportunity to reflect on how diverse the football industry is, to discuss the under-representation of people from African and Caribbean backgrounds, and, most importantly, how to address this issue.

GDF ready and prepared to defend title – Poole

FLASHBACK! GDF’s Terrence Poole receives the ‘Best Gym’ trophy from GBA president Steve Ninvalle at the conclusion of last year’s Terrence Alli National Open Championship. (Photo compliment: Kaieteur News)

By Rawle Toney WITH the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Terrence Alli National Open Championship set for December 16-18, last year’s overall winner, Guyana Defence Force (GDF), behind their coach Terrence Poole, are making it clear, that challenging them this time around will be no easy task.

Speaking to Chronicle Sport yesterday, Poole stated that his fighters are “prepared and ready to defend the title.

The guys are in high spirit, we’re training twice daily right now; so people could expect nothing but wins from GDF.” The Championship, according to the GBA president Steve Ninvalle, is a prerequisite for selection on the team to represent Guyana at the Caribbean Championship which will be held here from December 6-9.

“Everyone’s looking to be part of the Guyana team and to wear the Guyana colours and for GDF that means something, especially with the hosting held

in Guyana. That will make things very interesting at the tournament,” Poole reasoned.

Poole pointed to the likes of Colin ‘Superman’ Lewis, Devon Amsterdam and Julius Kensley, but noted that while the aforementioned fighters will be leading the GDF’s charges.

“There are other fighters who will step up for us, so once again, I like our chances. We are the defending champions and we will be the team to beat.”

“We’re underrating no

one,” Poole joked, while pointing to the fact that the GDF are usually challenged by the Republican Gym (fighters from the prisons).

“We know the Republican Gym will come at us as they usually do, but we are the GDF and they are the prisoners. Rose Hall Jammers have one of the top lightweight fighters in Jamal Eastman, so things will be interesting; but we will take the overall title,” Poole said.

With Rose Hall Jammers’ Joel Williamson turning professional, there will be a new champion in the lightweight division and Eastman seems the likely candidate to stake claim to the title.

Eastman is the nephew of ‘Battersea Bomber’ Howard Eastman and like his uncle, has quick hands.

At the Lennox Blackmoore National Intermediate Boxing Championships, Eastman stopped Andrew Griffith just one minute, 47 seconds (1:47) in the first round of their lightweight clash and showed off his hard-hitting skills.

St Pius are COURTS Pee Wee football champs! 25 PAGE

The Pee Wee 2018 champions, St Pius Primary

Mark Maloney out-qualifies Calvin Ming by eight-thousandth of a second

Team Mohamed’s Harry Truelove out-qualifies his brother Matt for the first time this season.

GMR&SC Ignite race meet

Pole for Truelove, Jeffrey … Maloney cops SR3 pole

Kristian Jeffrey took Group 4 pole (GTRidez photos)

PAGE

25

Mohamed Ahmad completes the first Sports Tuner class win yesterday

Golden Jaguars captain Cox wins prestigious Ugo Ehiogu ‘Ones to Watch’ Award 31 PAGE

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2018