Guyana chronicle e paper 11 24 2017

GuySuCo to pay nurse $7.6M for wrongful dismissal

Page 5

No. 105106

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2017

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

70 investors eye GuySuCo

… Min Harmon assures of govt’s commitment to workers’ welfare

Cops charged with murder …woman tells Eastman: “your judgment coming and it won’t be nice

Desmond Trotman gets the nod Page 9

By Clestine Juan

…to replace Sandra Jones as GECOM commissioner

TWO serving members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) were on Thursday charged jointly with the murder of 64-year-old Godfrey Scipio called ‘Sagga’ a popular D’Urban Street, Georgetown businessman, who was killed in October outside of a city hotel.

Former ‘Best Cop’ Detective Corporal Derwin Eastman and Constable Jameson Williams, both attached to the Brickdam Police Station, appeared before City Magistrate Judy Latchman for the capital offence. The indictment alleged that the duo on October 12, at Sandy Place Kitty, murdered Scipio during the course of a robbery.

The allegation levelled Turn to page 3 ►

Page 3

Gov’t will remove obstacles to education Page 13

–President Granger

Corporal Derwin Eastman

Constable Jameson Williams

Former Minister Ali Baksh passes on

Page 11

Victoria man gets 12 years for murder

Page 10

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 24, 2017

FCPF engages North Pakaraimas communities in REDD+ talks

THE Project Execution Unit (PEU) of the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) Project is engaging more indigenous and forest-dependent communities on Reducing Emis-

sions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+).

The PEU ended a fourday outreach in the North Pakaraimas District on Wednesday at Kato Village, Region

Eight. It involved Toshaos and councillors of 19 villages of the North Pakaraimas District Council (NPDC) and regional officials.

Discussions were translated into the native Patamona language to build understanding and knowledge in order to ensure active audience participation in the discussions, a release from the PEU said.

The PEU team, which included members of the FCPF Project Steering Committee (PSC), explained REDD+ aims to conserve forest carbon stock, support the sustainable management of tropical forests, enhance forest carbon stocks and build communities’ resilience to climate change. Gender is-

FCPF Project Coordinator engages Mr.Clayton Hall (second from right)with Toshaos of North Pakaraimas Villages sues were discussed to promote women’s participation in REDD+.

Toshaos asked about in-

A section of the gathering at FCPF community engagement at Kato Village in Region Eight

digenous peoples’ role in REDD+ and benefits for their communities. The PEU emphasised the involvement of indigenous peoples in crafting REDD+ implementation strategy, policy and activities. They were assured that REDD+ consultations will capture the indigenous peoples’ views and recommendations. The materials and information will be disseminated in the native languages.

The first consultancies expected to start under the FCPF project are for Consultations and Stakeholders Engagement on REDD+ and Development of a Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM).

Others target the Development of a REDD+ Strategy and Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) and a National Survey on the Perception of REDD+. There is a specific consultancy too for Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) and indigenous and forest-dependent communities, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).

Similar FCPF engagements were previously held with communities in the North Rupununi District and Kanuku Mountains of Region Nine.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 24, 2017

70 investors eye GuySuCo … Min Harmon assures govt’s commitment to workers’ welfare

MINISTER of State, Joseph Harmon on Wednesday evening announced that the Government of Guyana has received more than 70 Expressions of Interest from investors who are interested in turning around the ailing sugar industry.

He said the administration is working to ensure that the sector remains viable and the livelihood of sugar workers are protected. Minister Harmon, who was at the time delivering the feature address at the opening of the New Amsterdam Town Week, commemorating the 126th Anniversary of the town, said government since assuming office, has been faced with the task of making tough decisions with regard to the future of the sugar industry.

According to him, every decision that the Government has made with regard to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (Guysuco) has been done, taking into consideration the interests of the sugar workers and the nation.

He noted that the way the sugar industry was previously managed resulted in severe haemorrhaging of resources

and as such, decisions had to be taken. “Your government made a decision after very, very careful analysis that the way in which the sugar industry was being managed, that it was not possible for the industry to remain poorly managed and to be haemorrhaging the way it was haemorrhaging, if it continued along that path. In 2017 we made a decision with respect to the current management of Guysuco that its capacity was only able to manage three of those estates and to produce a hundred and fifty tonnes of sugar every year. What that meant was that the other estates were now opened for diversification or for divestment,” he said.

The Minister of State said that Expressions of Interest have been received from numerous investors, from countries as far as Australia, who are interested in working with the Government to save the industry. “I will say this to you that in spite of all of the noise and confusion being made since this was made known, since the Government established a Special Purposes Unit for

that purpose, I can say to you, after the last month or so, we have had over seventy unsolicited bids or expressions of interest in the sugar industry of Guyana. We have had at least seventy and as I said on one occasion, the government of this country--your government--will always have your interest, the worker’s interest paramount, and so what has been happening is that all of those expressions of interest are interested in keeping the estates in sugar and so I want to say to you this afternoon, the decision of your government has been vindicated so far,” Minister Harmon said.

Minister Harmon said that the Special Projects Unit, which is tasked with the realignment of Guysuco, has received promising responses from the Guyana Agricultural Workers’ Union (GAWU) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE), expressing their desire to work with the Government to ensure that the industry remains viable.

On this note, the Minister of State said that sugar workers can look to a bright

Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon taking the salute from members of the Guyana Police Force during the march past future as the Government is prepared to do whatever it can to ensure that their livelihood and the industry are protected. “So New Amsterdam, brighter days are ahead, do not have any fear with what some of the people are saying that doom-days are here. Brighter days are ahead for us here and I am happy to say that last week the Special Purposes Unit received two letters--one from GAWU and

one from NACCIE, the Trade Unions that represent the sugar workers--and they said in that letter that they were happy with the direction in which things were going, that they look forward to working with the special purposes unit to ensure that we can make this thing work. We will continue to work with GAWU and NACCIE and we will continue to work with all of the people, all of the

stakeholders in the industry, to ensure that the welfare of the workers is paramount and I am confident that with the expressions of interest that we have received, that we are going to turn this thing around,” he said.

Meanwhile, Minister Harmon urged the Town Council, Regional administration and citizens to Turn to page 9 ►

Cops charged with murder ...

From page 1

against the cops stems from Aubrey Bobb, who is also charged and on remand for Scipio’s murder. Ranks from the police Major Crime Unit were able to arrest the two cops days after the alleged trigger man, Bobb, was placed on remand. Bobb is reported to have claimed that Eastman is the mastermind behind the businessman’s murder, and that he (Eastman) also went as far as to providing him (Bobb) with the gun to do the hit.

Attorney-at-law, Nigel Hughes in association with Eusi Anderson represented Eastman while Williams was represented by attorney, Dexter Todd. The attorneys asked the court to ensure their clients’ safety and security while on remand at the Lusignan Prison, as they expressed concerns about the policemen being placed among the general population who might hold grudges against them.

The magistrate, nevertheless, remanded the duo until

Former ‘Best Cop’ Detective Corporal Derwin Eastman December 5 and transferred the matter to the Chief Magistrate’s Court.

Meanwhile, there was high drama at the courthouse with Eastman’s relatives declaring that the policeman is innocent. His aunt and sister wept bitterly as the murder charge against him was being read in court. However, Williams’ mother accused Eastman of wrongfully involving

Constable Jameson Williams her son in his ‘nastiness’.

“Don’t worry with you… your judgment coming and it won’t be nice,” the woman declared, as Eastman was being taken into the court room.

The courtyard was crowded with spectators as news of the men being charged spread. “Jail Eastman! A lot of innocent people in prison because of him…From best cop to bad cop,” a man shout-

Ex-convict, Aubrey Bobb ed at Eastman.

According to information received, police managed to arrest Bobb a day after the shooting, and after reviewing the CCTV footage attached to the Kitty hotel where Scipio was shot and robbed. The gold jewellery that was reportedly stolen from Scipio, during the robbery, has not been recovered.

Scipio was shot once,

DEAD: Godfrey Scipio called ‘Sagga’ just after being attacked and robbed allegedly by Bobb outside of a Kitty hotel. He was reportedly leaving the hotel in the company of a female friend, and was about to enter his car which was parked in front of the building when he was accosted by Bobb. According to the Police, investigations revealed that the suspect “discharged a round hitting Scipio in the

abdomen, relieved him of his jewellery and escaped on foot in a northern direction.”

Scipio was rushed to a private city hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Reports indicate that the true motive for the killing of the popular businessman appears to be an execution instead of a robbery, as investigators discovered it may be linked to the recapture of notorious prison escapee, Mark Royden Durant, also known as Royden Williams and `Smallie’. Scipio was a popular vendor at the Berbice bus park and the prison escapee was caught in a minibus at Weldaad, West Coast Berbice, on October 9 after joining a minibus at the Berbice bus park.

Eastman turned himself in at CID Headquarters, Eve Leary, last week and that same day posted on his Facebook page, “Good Day all, God is in charge, all will be well, I am innocent of the allegation.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 24, 2017

Zimbabweans want new leader tackle corruption Emmerson Mnangagwa is to be sworn in as Zimbabwe's president, following the dramatic departure of Robert Mugabe after 37 years of authoritarian rule.

The former vice-president - who returned from exile on Wednesday - will be inaugurated at Harare's stadium. His dismissal this

month led the ruling Zanu-PF party and the army to intervene and force Mr Mugabe to quit. The opposition is urging Mr Mnangagwa, who has been part of the ruling elite, to end the "culture of corruption".

The news on Tuesday that 93-year-old Mr Mugabe was stepping down sparked wild celebrations across the country. It came in the form of a letter read out in parliament, abruptly halting impeachment proceedings against him. In it, Mr Mugabe said he was resigning to allow a smooth and peaceful transfer of power, and that his decision was voluntary.

Neither Mr Mugabe nor his wife Grace have been seen in public since Sunday, and their whereabouts are unknown. On Thursday,

Emmerson Mnangagwa

several reports suggested Mr Mugabe had been granted immunity from prosecution.

State TV said he would attend the inauguration. The ceremony will be at the 60,000-capacity National Sports Stadium in the capital, with organisers calling on Zimbabweans to come

and witness a "historic day".

Ahead of the swearing-in, Mr Mnangagwa urged Zimbabweans to "remain patient and peaceful and desist from any form of vengeful retribution.� He fled to South Africa two weeks ago - only to return home on Wednes-

day's to a hero's welcome.

Mr Mnangagwa pledged to create jobs in a country where some estimates say 90% of people are unemployed. "We want to grow our economy, we want peace, we want jobs, jobs, jobs," he told cheering crowds in Harare. Zimbabwe's main industrial index has slumped by 40% since last week's military intervention. The stock market has shed $6bn (ÂŁ4.5bn) in a week.

Analysts say the market is now correcting itself, optimistic of a change of economic policy under Mr Mnangagwa. However, the International Monetary Fund has warned that Zimbabwe must act quickly to dig its economy out of a hole and access international financial aid. On Thursday, Zimba-

bwe's main opposition MDC party called for deep-rooted political reform to dismantle the repressive apparatus that sustained Mr Mugabe's regime.

"As MDC, we are saying, after so many years of Zanu-PF misrule, the first thing that needs to be transformed is the culture.

The culture of violence, the culture of corruption. We need to change that culture," MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai said. "And for President Mnangagwa, he must realise that it is not an easy walk in the park."

It is unclear whether Zanu-PF will govern alone ahead of scheduled elections next year, or whether a coalition government of national unity that includes opposition groups will be formed. (BBC)

Friday November 24, 2017 - 8:30hrs Saturday November 25, 2017 - 9:00hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 24, 2017

GuySuCo to pay nurse $7.6M for wrongful dismissal

A WOMAN who was wrongfully dismissed by the Guyana Sugar Corporation back in 2014 was awarded some $7.6M by Justice Navindra Singh at the conclusion of a lawsuit at the Berbice High Court.

Justice Singh ruled in favour of dismissed nurse, Sarawattie Bepot, and awarded her a total sum of $7,610,896,a representation of the basic award of her salary from the date of dismissal to the date of judgment.

Further, Bepot was awarded a compensatory award, as she remained unemployed. The award was calculated at Begot’s salary for four years without an inclusion of a figure for allowances, so as to compensate for taxation and reduced by five percent to take into account the fact that the woman will be receiving a lump sum payment. This award is $4,030,858.00 (calculated as 5% of 88,396.00 X 48).The total award under these heads being $7,610,896.

In addition, the Judge ordered that all contributions made by the Plaintiff under the Defendant’s Contributory Pension Scheme and the Defendant’s Contributory

Medical Insurance Scheme be returned or repaid to her forthwith. It was further ordered that all of the above awards and repayments be paid together with interest at the rate of six percent per annum from June 13th 2014 to November 1st 2017 and four percent per annum thereafter, until fully paid. The cost to the Plaintiff is in the sum of $150,000.

The case was presented to the High Court for Judgement after Bepot, who was employed by GuySuCo since April 1, 2007 and assigned to work at the Blairmont Estate as a Staff Nurse, had her services terminated by the GuySuCo, via a letter dated June 13th 2014. The reasons given at the time were: Abusive behavior; insubordination; making untrue statement against a fellow employee and commission of an act striking at the foundation of employment contract.

However, Bepot claimed that the termination of her employment was unlawful, while her employer contended that she was dismissed for “serious misconduct consistent with her terms of employment and her contractual obligations to GuySuCo. The charges against the woman occurred between January 13th, 2014 and April 24th, 2014. GuySuCo, rep-

resented by Attorney at law Deena Panday pleaded the particulars of such serious misconduct being, on various occasions during the period stated, Bepot was abusive and insubordinate towards her supervisor, the Medex, while in the presence of members of the public”.

Further, Bepot changed the working hours of staff members without authority and without prior approval and, or permission of her supervisor, the Medex. It was also stated that Depot, who was represented by Messrs.

Arudranauth Goosai and Mursaline Bacchus, failed to carry out the duties she was required to undertake in the absence of the Medex, namely, providing medical care; refused to give assistance in the case of medical emergencies and failed to prepare charts for the Doctor,

duties within the scope of her contractual obligations.

Additionally, Bepot unlawfully destroyed the personal property of another member of the Defendant’s staff, and published and posted written defamatory messages and statements on the walls of the GuySuCo premises and libelled other employees to members of the public.

During the hearing, two witnesses testified for the Guyana Sugar Corporation, namely Human Resources Manager, Lalta Persaud, and Medex Corine Watts.

Suffice to say ,the Judge in his ruling noted that Mr. Persaud did not in any way assist the Court with respect to the serious misconduct that Bepot engaged in between January 13th 2014 and April 24th 2014 ,that was inconsistent with her terms of employment and her

contractual obligations to the Guyana Sugar Corporation, and which necessitated a summary dismissal; nor did his testimony substantiate the particulars of such misconduct pleaded at paragraph seven of the Defendant's Statement of Defence.

Further, Justice Singh observed that Medex Corine Watts’ evidence did not in any way substantiate the particulars of serious misconduct which was also pleaded in paragraph seven of the

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Defendant's Statement of Defence. Medex Watts testified that she made several complaints to the HR Manager, which was inconsistent with Mr. Persaud’s testimony.

This, coupled with the fact that Medex Watts’ testimony with respect to the purported incidents of misconduct was vague, led the Court to the conclusion that these incidents either did not take place or did not happen the way Medex Watts attempted to portray.

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Editorial Planning for development

NATIONAL planning emerges from a country’s national policy, and that policy is supported by programmes cutting across regions, and in some cases developed specifically to meet the needs of a respective region, town, community, or demographic.

In the past, Guyana, as a young nation, recruited planners with an array of skills, which included disciplines across the spectrum.

Such an approach was to ensure that when an idea emerges it fits into the national policy by meeting all the needs, be it culturally appropriate, economically feasible, and the benefit to be derived by the residents and group. Taking the approach of planning minimises the risk of ending up with projects that do not serve the community’s needs or meet acceptable standards of operating within the scope of a country’s limited resources. For instance, there are specific areas of concern/ interest to citizens, such as the acquisition of houses, potable water and reliable electricity.

Recent information from the Central Housing and Planning Authority revealed that a significant number of house lots assigned over considerable periods remain unoccupied.

Had Government taken the approach of engaging in in-depth thought and analysis into the distribution before action was taken, the nation would have been aware that while many are desperate to acquire their own home, for various reasons they could not build it. Some of these may include access to

financing and ability to finance a mortgage, absence of infrastructural framework and basic utilities in the designated areas, distance from work and the cost for transportation.

During the period when national planning comprised personnel with an array of social and technical disciplines, the nation benefited from structured housing development schemes that realised the emergence of areas such as North and South Ruimveldt, Festival City, and several others across the country. The benefit of this is that these areas were built with the objective of fostering communities and establishing new homesteads and economic opportunities.

The act of denuding the State Planning Commission and Secretariat of its planning role and skills opened the country to programmes that have not been well thought out, and delivered limited benefits to receiving communities and demographics. The agency was tasked the responsibility of examining ideas emerging from communities and the government, and advise both as to the feasibility, or absence thereof, of the project. It also performed the duty of continuous analyses of the strengths and weaknesses that emerged during implementation, which presented opportunity for minimising errors in future projects. In addition to the foregoing, there was also the coordinating of local programmes based on national policy.

This coordination included the Social Partners (Government, employers organisation and trade union) along with members from communities who were allowed input in conceptualising,

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 24, 2017

planning and development of programmes and projects.

The agency may not have been perfect, and overtime would have required improvement, as with every institution.

This is recognised and understood. That being said, there can be no denying that structures can better guide decision-making, given the reliance of evidence-based approaches/science and inclusivity that lead to making the best use of limited resources.

The absence of such an institution creates disjointed approach to planning, leading to hodgepodge decision-making and the wastage of resources. Society can recount several instances where decisions were made that resulted in wastage of resources, given that the projects were not properly conceptualised and executed.

Hodgepodge approaches also create opportunities to front massive corruption, as against a planning institution where systems are in place to ensure thorough examination from conceptualisation to implementation.

The world is becoming more complex, with competition among interests increasing as resources remain limited. In such an environment, in order to meet the diverse needs of the people and for development to take place, it requires doing so through structured and scientific approaches. As such, it may be necessary in this phase of the nation’s evolution to revisit the utility in establishing an appropriate national planning agency.

Saddening that we live in a society which is divided along racial lines

Dear Editor,

FORTUNATELY, Guyanese live in a democratic republic. Imperfect though it may be, one can only hope that our country continues to progress along a positive course towards realisation of democratic ideals.

Central to those ideals are the rights of association, self-expression and choice of our political representatives or leaders. Recent developments though, have caused me to question whether or not we as a people are being wise in the way that we exercise those rights. Here, I wish to cite two instances.

First, in the exercise of his own Constitutional privilege under Article 67 (1), President Granger addressed the 71st sitting of the 11th Parliament on November 2. As has been extensively reported, PPP Members of Parliament engaged in acts of protest inside the Chamber which included – in the words of Speaker Dr. Barton Scotland – “some members held placards and other bits of pa-

per bearing slogans; some with poor spelling and even poor grammar.” He said,” One of the placards displayed, alluded to democracy while another was in support of free speech.”

He said too, that those members who were engaged in the sitting protest were not at all embarrassed with their behaviour while being in a place of honour. The Speaker also said that the performance by those on the Opposition was unworthy of the National Assembly and served to heap disrespect on the “Honourable House.”

Further, the Speaker characterised the MPs’ actions as, irredeemable, intemperate and misguided, while pointing out that they were in contravention of the Standing Orders. Second, on November 14, Mr. Charles Ramson, a former PPP Member of Parliament, posted a photograph of a house on his Facebook page accompanied by the caption “The benevolent and honourable Granger building his mansion and his high fences to keep out the poor people who may

have supported him... all after just 2 years in office, but complained about a man who was 12 years a president. Bannas, I couldn't make this stuff up.”

It was later conclusively proven that Mr. Ramson did indeed make this stuff up, as the building was revealed to be a relatively modest, 32-year-old dwelling house, owned

by President Granger’s deceased brother. Mr. Ramson’s contention and innuendo were thus proven to be false.

Editor, the two examples of conduct that I cited were orchestrated by persons who represent close to 50% of Guyanese (according to results of the last general election). Those leaders have since issued no apology for their acts of disrespect and deception. They have offered no retraction or otherwise showed no remorse or evidence of embarrassment or shame. In fact, on the contrary, many of them appear to be proud.

Editor, it is a saddening fact that we live in a society which is divided along racial lines, and

that cleavage is reinforced by some self-serving politicians. One is even more disheartened by the fact that many citizens blindly support the actions of their elected representatives despite objective proof that those actions are unworthy of endorsement and should instead be condemned and denounced in the strongest manner. In other words, it is unfortunate that owing to irrational, unearned loyalty, supporters and enablers of political leaders who behave in ways which bring not only their offices but our country into disrepute and embarrass us on the international level, fail to hold those representatives to account. I hope that in our quiet moments, we can find it in our hearts to be honest with ourselves and admit that some of our leaders do not deserve our backing. I trust that as a result of that self-admission, we demand that those leaders either alter their behaviour or, we resolve to ensure that they are made to face the political consequences.

Regards Mark DaCosta

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 24, 2017

WPO renews fight against domestic violence Dear Editor THE Women’s Progressive Organization (WPO) joins Guyana and the rest of the world in observance of the ‘16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence’ campaign to challenge violence against women and girls. The campaign runs from 25 November--the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women-to December 10th , Human Rights Day. The theme for this year is “Leave No One Behind: End Violence against Women and Girls”.

As we commence this important campaign, we pay homage to the three Mirabel sisters of Guatemala who were murdered by the Trujillo regime on the 25 November, 1960. We take this opportunity to salute the women of Guatemala who were relentless in their

campaign internationally to expose the tyranny of the government and the murder of the three sisters who became the catalyst for change.

They were not only seen as a symbol of resistance, but also champions of freedom and justice. Their sacrifice was not in vain, since the United Nations (UN) has officially recognized this day.

The theme to end violence against women is becoming a top priority issue since statistics by the UN have revealed that 35% of women in the world have experienced physical and/ or sexual violence by a non-partner at some point in their lives. Some national studies show that 70% of women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime.

In Guyana, although the Domestic Violence Legislation was passed in 1996 and

support was given to areas including shelter, counselling and legal aid, there is still a high level of violence against women and girls occurring.

We recognise that not all cases are reported, but those that are in the public domain are frightening enough.

It is unclear whether the law, which was passed, is known in the various corners of the country or whether the agencies and institutions responsible for implementing the laws are following the prescribed processes and procedures required of them?

Are reports properly documented and are court orders enforced? Do citizens have access to services such as adequate shelters, counselling and legal aid? These are some of the important areas which must be addressed in an effort to not only promote awareness, but to also provide justice to those who have been violated.

Are there sexual assault prevention and response policies at City Constabulary?

Dear Editor, THE recent reports circulating in the press and social media about an act of paedophilia and of sexual abuse of a minor by a City Constable and then the council allowing this Constable to remain on the job for more than two months after, by those in authority at City Hall, reveals the shocking extent of abuse, cover-ups and hierarchical failings going on at the City Council.

In Guyana it is mandatory to report allegations and acts of child sexual abuse which has been deemed necessary in strengthening the child protection system in our country and the senior officials of the Georgetown Municipality had to know that. Notwithstanding, there is a legal principle holding that a person who is unaware of a law may not escape liability for violating that law, merely because one was unaware of its content.

The Mayor and the Town Clerk did not need to have proof that a child or young person was abused at one of the City Constabulary outposts in order to make a mandatory report.

Once a belief on reasonable grounds was formed as it was, they had a duty to call in the Ministry of Social

Protection and the national police.

Much harm which must have resulted from this abuse to the victim, including significant emotional trauma and physical injury. Could the Mayor and Town Clerk say what offer of assistance was made to the victim and his family?

Are there any sexual assault prevention and response programme, procedures and policies within the City Constabulary? How does one know whether there has been the engagement of other immoral acts of sexual, physical or psychological abuse of recruits and women by senior officers in the Constabulary?

This very Council covered up a vicious assault of a female constable a few months ago by a very senior officer who was drunk and who used his pistol to do so in Sophia. And what happened to him after he was arrested by the police?

He was rescued by senior officials of the Council and very soon after, promoted by the very Council.

The Mayor and Town Clerk need to be subjected to an investigation regarding abuse of authority and complicity in a sex crime, and if found guilty, dealt with condignly.

Regards Sambu Jacobus

We are aware that there is poor reporting by law enforcement officers, and recommend that this issue be addressed urgently. If this situation is not addressed promptly, more cases will be thrown out for want of proper prosecution. We call on the relevant agencies to consider increasing the penalties for breaching the Protection Order. We also

wish to propose that victims who do not wish to pursue prosecution against their perpetrators, should be both placed on a one-year bond and undergo mandatory counseling from a certified therapist. The WPO is of the firm view that the government should provide greater leadership and support to the areas raised above. They should foster

closer collaboration with the many groups who are already engaged in fighting violence against women and girls. The news of another woman or girl who becomes a victim is one too many.

Let us all do more in helping to reduce the scourge of violence in our society.

Regards Women Progressive Organisation

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 24, 2017

New edition tourism magazine launched … GTA to target diaspora for distribution

THE 16th Edition of the Explore Guyana 2018 Magazine was unveiled at the residence of British High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn Wednesday evening.

The event was organised by the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana

Being the largest ever published with a total of 112 pages, the magazine cover features a photograph of Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock and Prince Harry at the Kaieteur Falls during the prince’s 2016 visit.

Publisher of Explore

Winners of the Fourth Annual THAG Essay Competition, (From Left) Rawletta Barrow and Maryam Saeed Khan (THAG) in collaboration with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), and also saw the announcement of the Winners of the 2017 THAG Essay Competition.

Guyana, Lokesh Singh, said that it was the first time that the association was able to gather all stakeholders in the tourism industry for one cause. “It tells you that the

Tourism Industry is growing, our advertising support has been constant and we want to thank all of you who are in the industry that have supported this magazine over the years,” Singh commented The Ministry of Business and the GTA have both committed to assisting in the distribution of the magazine locally, as well as internationally to the Guyanese diaspora, with 35,000 free copies available for this venture.

Some of the copies are also being distributed at Guyana embassies in the US, UK and Caribbean, enabling agencies to better market Guyana, GTA Director (ag), Carla Chandra said.

Chandra also spoke on success of the launching of the magazine in the UK this year, during the World Travel Market (WTM) event. The chosen destination, she said, saw them gaining exposure and access to travel professionals, international journalists and persons seeking to visit new destinations. The digital version of the magazine will also be made available globally and will target niche groups such as nature adventurers and younger travelers.

For the first time, the magazine is divided by months, providing readers with an array of options to ‘explore’ based on the activities occurring at the time.

Encouraging Guyanese to improve the standards of their service in tourism was President of THAG, Andrea

de Caires. She stressed that the best marketing tool of any country is good service. “…Here, we need to up our game. Service is more important than anything else.

You can apologise for a lot of other things if your service is outstanding and if your welcome is strong,” De Caires implored.

The keynote remarks came from Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin, who said that it was possible for Guyana to become a leading green destination by the year 2025.“…and we must ensure that it does…by marketing our wonderful destination, by getting investors on board… by training our service providers to offer higher standards of service and by enforcing industry regulations.

This is certainly what we in the Ministry of Business have in mind.”

Meanwhile, the winners of the Primary and Secondary Schools categories of the Fourth Annual THAG Essay Competition under the theme, ‘Ten Things that make Guyana a unique place to visit’, were announced.

The two winners are: Rawletta Barrow from the Secondary category and Maryam Saeed Khan from the Primary category. Khan’s prize is a weekend for two at Arrowpoint and Dinner for two at Duke Lodge, while Barrow was prized with a weekend for two at Rewa Eco-Lodge.

The unveiling of the

CH&PA commences electrification programme FULFILLING its promise to the people of Guyana, the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) has commenced its approximately $745 million electrification project to some sixteen government-led communities across the country.

The CH&PA last week commenced the first phase of the project - planting poles in the communities of Farm and Barnwell on the East Bank of Demerara and Hope/ Experiment/ Baltyrock on the West Coast of Berbice. CH&PA’s Electrical Engineer, Davendra Ramnarine said on Thursday that most of

the materials have arrived in the country. It is hoped that work in both the Farm and Barnwell communities could be completed by the end of this year.

The electrical engineer and team took the Department of Public Information (DPI) on a tour of the Barnwell and Farm communities as well as the bonds where the materials are being stored. “So far, our line materials are here; whereas the transformers are stored at `Fix It’ depot and the cables are being stored at the `Laparkan’ bond,” Ramnarine told DPI. The schemes targeted under the CH&PA’s electri-

fication programme are Onderneeming, Region Two; Zeelugt and Lust-en-Rust in Region Three; Hope/Experiment and Baltyrock in Region Five; Kilcoy Chesney, Region Six; Bartica, Region Seven; and Peters Hall, Farm, Covent Garden, Diamond, Eccles, Barnwell, Paradise and Enmore in Region Four. “Work has commenced in terms of pole planting. That is our first phase and the second phase will be the stringing of the conductors. We expect to start that phase sometime next week and work will continue with a planned date of achieving some, if not all of those areas by the end of

2017 December,” he said.

According to Ramnarine, the project is a fourmonth contract, which was signed last week. He is optimistic that all 16 communities should be fully served by the end of March 2018. Back in September of 2016, Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Valerie Adams Patterson-Yearwood allocated some $900 million for the electrification project in housing communities for 2017.

Altogether, some 38,000 homes are expected to benefit from the service of the government’s housing unit. (DPI)

(From Left) Attorney-at-Law and Master of Ceremonies, Nigel Hughes and Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes.

Explore Guyana 2018 Magazine was done by Minister Gaskin, Andrea de Caires and Lokesh Singh. Framed versions of the magazine’s

cover were presented to the Minister and to President David Granger, which was accepted in his absence by Gaskin.

More emphasis on special needs education in 2018 – Min. Henry

THE Ministry of Education will next year develop its Special Education Needs Diagnostic and Assimilation Centre located at Turkeyen.

This is according to Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry during an exclusive interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI). The Ministry of Education will in 2018 outfit that facility with the requisite equipment and amenities to ensure that persons can benefit from early diagnostics. This will, in turn, give them a better chance of achieving their full potential, Minister Henry stated .

It was highlighted that the ministry will place focus on early childhood students, particularly nursery children, as well Grade One and Two children. The minister added that her ministry’s proposed 2018 budget has allocated funds, to develop a space in nursery schools, specifically tailored to address special needs children.

She explained that this initiative aims to provide the children, with an integrated educational environment.

“But what you (public) do need to understand is the particular issue, to address that issue so that you (public) can be fully integrated as far as possible in today’s mainstream education and this would require linkages with other sectors.”

Minister Henry noted that it is only through partnership with the other ministerial sectors will success be achieved. According to the minister, whilst more needs to be done for its special needs facilities in 2018, the move will have positive outcomes for those who access the services offered.

This intervention is in keeping with the government’s agenda, to provide access to education for all of Guyana’s children. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 24, 2017

Desmond Trotman gets the nod … to replace Sandra Jones as GECOM commissioner

By Svetlana Marshall

FORMER Member of Parliament and Working Peoples Alliance executive Desmond Trotman has been selected to replace Sandra Jones at the Guyana Elections Commission, a well placed source has confirmed.

Trotman will be sworn in shortly, the source added.

President David Granger’s decision to go with Trotman- a seasoned politician comes amid high

expectations from Alliance for Change (AFC) that its nominee-Trevor Williams would have gotten the nod.

With the passing of Commissioner Jones and with Local Government Elections months away, President Granger had requested that the six political parties that form the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Government submit nominees for the post.

AFC, a major stakehold-

er in the Coalition Government, was among the first to submit nominees. It had nominated Williams, a former Member of Parliament for the position, and as an alternate Beverly Alert. In an interview with Guyana Chronicle on Thursday, AFC Chairman Khemraj Ramjattan said after years of having no representative on the Commission, it is requesting that its member be appointed. “We’ve been over the years, asking that as a third party with

Investors lining up for sugar ...

Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon with awardees of the recently-held Reading Competition in observance of the town’s anniversary From page 3

work in a consensual, cooperative and collaborative way so that together they can move the town forward.

“It’s no point fighting them down, no point making life unhappy and unpleasant for you and our residents. Find ways of working together and you will see that your town and your residents will benefit. Involve the wide cross section of the community in your endeavours because no sector, no individual, no political party or institution has all the answers to the myriad challenges confronting New Amsterdam. It will be by combining your collective experiences, energy, talent and creativity that you will find the solutions to better the lives of all the residents of your town,” Minister Harmon said.

The celebration of Town Week, the

Minister said, is an opportunity to celebrate the Town’s heritage and history at the community level as well as to reminisce on those good things which have taken place in the town. “You therefore have every reason to celebrate and be proud of your history, to be proud of your heritage, to recognise and be appreciative of the struggles of your foreparents and to use that as a platform to plan for the future,” he said.

As the 2018 Local Government Elections approach, the Minister of State reminded the Town that the Government is committed to establishing and sustaining true local democracy in all municipalities and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) by giving them the autonomy to make the decisions for their respective communities and to give them the required resources to implement those.

(Ministry of the Presidency)

A section of the audience at the launch of the New Amsterdam Town Week

five seats, and then seven seats, asking that we have a member present as part of the three person team that comprises the opposition members, that hadn’t happened before but now with the death of Sandra, we asking that there be a member that we appoint,” Ramjattan told this newspaper. Ramjattan is also Guyana’s Second Third Vice President and Minister of Public Security.

Also on Thursday, WPA confirmed that it had submitted Trotman for the post. Executive Member of WPA, Dr. David Hinds had said that the party’s nominee has vast understanding of the electoral system. “We nominated someone who has a lot of experience in that area. He has been the WPA’s point person on matters relating to GECOM for over two decades,” Dr. Hinds told this newspaper.

He noted also that the party was pleased with the President’s decision to consult on the matter

WPA executive, Desmond Trotman before appointing a Commissioner. “The WPA is heartened that the President has consulted widely on this matter. This is part of what we have been struggling for,” he said. General Secretary of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Amna Ally confirmed that her party had also submitted a nominee for the post but declined to disclose the name of its nominee. The Constitution (Amendment) Act No. 2 of 2000 provides for the appointment of six (6) members of the Commission, in addition to a Chairman. Of the six members, three are appointed by the President

acting in his own deliberate judgment. The other three members are appointed by the President acting on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition after he has meaningfully consulted the non-governmental opposition parties represented in the National Assembly.

Vincent Alexander, Charles Corbin, Bibi Safora Shadick, Robeson Benn and Sase Gunraj are the current members of the Commission headed by the Chairman, Justice (Retired) James Patterson.

Jones died late Sunday evening after a period of illness. A distinguished consultant in Human Resources Management, Jones was last year awarded the Golden Arrow of Achievement (A.A.), the country’s fourth highest award for her long and effective service in the field of management consultancy.

In May 2012, President David Granger, then Leader of the Opposition, nominated Jones as Commissioner of GECOM following the death of former Deputy Mayor, Robert Williams.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 24, 2017

Victoria man gets 12 years for murder …tells judge ‘thanks”

By Michel Outridge Victoria, East Coast Demerara resident, Joshua Payne, was on Thursday jailed for 12 years after pleading guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter for killing a man back in 2012, at the Stabroek Market.

The sentence was handed down by Justice Brassington Reynolds to the 44-yearold Payne who told the judge “thanks.” Reports were that on December 19, 2012 Payne stabbed Kelvin Caines, 41, also known as ‘Reds,’ to death during a fight. Evidence provided in court by the prosecutor stated that on the day in question, around 16:00h an argument between the two men ensued and during a scuffle the accused pulled out a knife from his haversack and knifed Caines about his body.

Caines was stabbed in his left knee, right thigh and left arm-pit. Payne had escaped on foot while Caines was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Payne was subsequently arrested.

Justice Reynolds told the court that he considered several factors before he deducted five years for time served, and a further five years for Payne’s early plea of guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter.

However, the judge added two years having considered the aggravating features of the attack on the deceased. In his address to Payne, the judge said that the incident was an unfortunate and senseless one - taking of a life which is the country’s most valuable human resource. He said he could not ignore the arguments raised as the aggravating circumstances in the manner in which the offence was committed.

He related that consideration was given to Payne’s mental state and the court made steps to have him evaluated and Dr. Bhiro Harry

Joshua Payne

determined that he was fit to make a plea. The judge also noted Payne’s early plea to the lesser count of manslaughter; that he did not waste the court’s time and based on his assessment of the probation report that his life was one of delinquency owing largely to choices he had made. Justice Reynolds stated that it was Payne’s choice that he found himself on the streets instead of being in school.

The judge started his sentencing at a base of 20 years but deducted 10 years and added two years which brought the total to 12 years. He stated that the incident was unprovoked and rather suspected it was premeditated on Payne’s part. The judge said it was unfortunate that the accused had made reports to the police and no action was taken, but he took the law into his own hands and acted out that day by using a sharp and deadly instrument (knife) in which he used to inflict a series of wounds on the deceased.

Meanwhile, before the sentence was handed down Senior Probation Officer, Claudia Munroe told the court, that at age four Payne’s parents separated and he exited the school system earl y and worked as a labourer during which time he did odd jobs and livied on the streets. He had a previous conviction of robbery with violence and

was sentenced to one year imprisonment.

Munroe added that since the accused left his home village of Victoria, East Coast Demerara at age 11 years, his siblings said he was prone to violence and he often threatened them if they did not meet his demands. She noted that he spent most of his days on America Street with his father and was exposed to violence and drugs at an early age, thus he spent most of his adult life in jail. The accused and the deceased were not related and the former expressed remorse since he had acted in self-defence, Munroe said.

In his plea of mitigation, Defence Attorney, Keoma Griffith told the court that the deceased had taken advantage of the accused and also alluded to his expression of remorse, his difficulties in life – a broken home, early school drop-out and his exposure to a life of violence and drugs on the streets where he was a wanderer.

With these factors, Griffith asked the judge to temper mercy with justice.

However, in response State Prosecutor, Tiffany Lyken said that the accused was the aggressor and used a knife on the deceased and the post-mortem report stated that although there was one fatal wound the deceased was stabbed four times.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 24, 2017

Former Agriculture Minister Ali Baksh passes on

FORMER Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture and People’s Progressive Party (PPP) stalwart, Ali Baksh, has died.

Baksh passed away at his Lot 5, Cotton Field, home on the Essequibo Coast around 13:00hrs on Thursday. He was 70 years old.

“Patriotic” was the single word that came to her mind when his daughter, Registrar of Deeds, Azeena Baksh-Salconer reflected on his life.

From the tender age of 16, Baksh dedicated his life to serving the people of Guyana through the PPP. From 1992-2011, Baksh served as regional chairman for Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) before being elevated to Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture and PPP Member of Parliament in 2011.

His tenure as a Minister of Government and Member of Parliament ended in 2015 upon the prorogation of Parliament that year. He was also the supervisor of the PPP party office in Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast.

“Politics was his life,” Azeena Baksh-Salconer added, while noting that he was a people’s person. “He worked with the people, always put-

ting them first.”

In a statement, former President Donald Ramotar said it was with deep sadness that he learnt of the passing of his comrade and friend, Ali Baksh.

“Ali’s life spanned important periods of the history of Guyana. Barely out of childhood, Ali caught the vision of Cheddi Jagan and joined the struggle against colonialism and for independence. In the post-independence period, Ali joined the battle for democracy and social progress,” the former President recalled as he took stock of Baksh’s life.

According to Ramotar, Baksh’s intelligence and courage resulted in him moving up the PPP’s ladder.

“In 1992, with the return of democracy, he became the first democratically- elected chairman of Region Two. In that position, he distinguished himself as an able political leader and administrator. Under his leadership, Essequibo was transformed from being Cinderella in rags to Cinderella the princess,” the former President added.

Describing him as one of his closest friends, Ramotar, on behalf of his family, extended deepest sympathy

Late junior Agriculture Minister, Ali Baksh to his sorrowing wife and children.

“He will always be remembered as a stalwart, a fighter and champion of the workers and farmers. More particularly, the people of Essequibo. Rest in peace my comrade; the struggle which you dedicated your life to will continue until final victory,” Ramotar added.

Baksh is survived by his wife, Leeta Baksh, with whom he was married for 35 years. He was the father of Latchman Baldeo, Arifa Persaud – IT Manager at the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority; Azeena Baksh-Salconer – Registrar of Deeds; and Shereefa Toolsiram – Project Associate, Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs.

Ali Baksh will be laid to rest on Saturday.

A homegoing service will be held at his Lot 5 Cotton Field residence on the Essequibo Coast from 10:00hrs.

Mocha man on $1M bail for causing death charge FOUR months after 64-year-old Ingrid James was struck down and killed by a motorcar while crossing the Herstelling Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD), a 50-year-old man was on Thursday arraigned before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Businessman Cleveland Softleigh of Burnham Boulevard, Mocha, EBD, appeared before City Magistrate Judy Latchman for causing death by dangerous driving and was placed on $1M bail after denying the charge.

Particulars of the charge alleged that Softleigh, on July 29 at the eastern carriageway of the Herstelling Public Road, drove motorcar PKK 3251 in a manner

DEAD: Ingrid James dangerous to the public, causing the death of the elderly woman.

Attorney, Leslie Sobers represented Softleigh and made an application for reasonable bail. According to the facts read out in court by Police Prosecutor, Shawn Gonsalves, on the

day in question, around 20:20hrs the defendant was driving his motorcar south along the western side of the eastern carriageway at a fast rate. It is alleged that Softleigh’s car collided with the elderly woman as she was crossing the road and flung her some distance away onto the road. As a result, the left leg of the pedestrian was severed and she also sustained injuries to the head and body. She was taken to the Diamond Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

With no objection raised by the prosecutor, the magistrate released the businessman on bail and transferred the matter to Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan’s court for December 5.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 24, 2017

Cops should have been called in -- on teacher accused of sexual misconduct, says former TSC chair

By Svetlana Marshall FORMER Chairperson of the Teaching Service Commission (TSC), Leila Ramson said the Police should have been called in immediately by the Education Ministry to investigate the allegation of sexual misconduct and grooming of school-aged girls by Coen Jackson, an economics and business teacher attached to the Bishops’ High School.

Such was the case, when a 24-year-old teacher was accused of having an intimate relationship with a student of the Fort Wellington Secondary School back in 2010.

The teacher was charged with rape and placed before the court.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Thursday, Ramson from the onset acknowledged that Bishops’ High School is managed by a Board of Governors, and as such, the matter would not have been brought to the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) had it been constituted.

However, she said when such matters arose in the past, based on the seriousness of the allegations, the cases of sexual misconduct were handed over to the police.

Ramson considers the matter involving Jackson to be a serious one.

Though pleading his innocence, the economics and business teacher confessed that he is presently in an intimate relationship with a former student of the senior secondary school, and has had a similar relationship with another past student, both of whom are in their early 20s.

However, several past

students of the school have since spoken out against Jackson’s alleged conduct, noting that his behaviour spans his 15 years as a teacher.

During her tenure at the Teacher Service Commission (TSC), Ramson said there were not many cases of

Accused teacher Coen Jackson

sexual misconduct brought against teachers; however, when such matters were reported, they were either handed over to the police or investigated at the level of the Education Ministry, based on the magnitude of the allegation.

Assistance being sought to locate family of dead man

THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) is seeking the assistance of the public to locate the relatives of 59-year-old Deroop (only name given) of Ruimzeight, West Coast Demerara (WCD), whose body is at the Fort Wellington Hospital mortuary.

According to reports from the police, Deroop, who is of East Indian descent, was reportedly taken to the said hospital by an unknown female on October 5, 2017.

He was reportedly complaining of chest pains, having a cold and an abscess on the head. Deroop was admitted to the hospital but died on October 16, 2017.

It was explained that when cases of sexual misconduct are being investigated internally, the investigation triggered by the chief education officer (CEO) would be carried out by the Regional Administration, the Guyana Teachers Union and the Ministry of Education.

Dead: 59-year-old Deroop

Anyone with information that may lead to the location of his relatives is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 226-4585, 225-2700, 2320313, 333-3876, 333-2485, 333-2191, 333-2151, 2682343, 268-2329, 268-2328, 911, or the nearest police station.

“Based on the results of that investigation, a report would be sent to the Teaching Service Commission with recommendations and then the Teaching Service Commission’s Disciplinary Committee would conduct its own investigation,” Ramson

explained. The outcome of the investigation would determine whether the teacher would be suspended or expelled from the profession.

On Wednesday, Minister of Education Nicolette Henry told this newspaper that an internal and external process of investigation had commenced under the watch of CEO, Marcel Hutson.

She noted, however, the process must begin with a report after which Hutson is required to call in the Welfare Department of the Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA).

It is after Hutson meets with the Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA) officials that forensic interviews are conducted. Thereafter, a report will be made to Minister Henry.

NOT INSTANT COFFEE When contacted on Thursday, Jackson’s attorney, Jerome Khan said “Justice is not instant coffee” as alluded to the process of the investigation.

Stating from the onset that he is pleased with the process of the investigation being carried out by the Education Ministry, Khan said he believes that after gathering the requisite information from teachers, students and others involved in the ongoing case, that has gained the nation’s attention, his client would be called in by the Ministry’s officials to be interviewed before a determination is made on the way forward. In the meantime, Jackson has been sent on administrative leave pending the outcome of the case.

Emphasising that the matter is following the natural

course of justice, Khan said the rights of the victim (s) and the accused must be respected.

Marcel Hutson and was copied to Minister Henry; Khemraj Ramjattan, Vice-President and Minister of Public Se-

Former TSC Chair, Leila Ramson

Minister Henry said regardless of its nature, misconduct will not be tolerated, and such reports will be investigated according to established procedures.

“Anything considered outside of good discipline and good conduct will have to be dealt with by the Ministry, sexual and otherwise.

There are procedures to deal with these issues.”

Jackson’s alleged sexual misconduct and grooming of school-aged girls was made public following a complaint filed against him by Cultural Policy Advisor, Ministry of Social Cohesion, Ruel Johnson.

The letter of complaint was dispatched to the Chief Education Officer (CEO),

curity; Amna Ally, Minister of Social Protection; Volda Lawrence, Minister of Public Health; Basil Williams, Minister of Legal Affairs; and George Norton, Minister of Social Cohesion (Culture, Youth and Sport).

Back in 2012, TSC Disciplinary Committee had received 34 complaints about the behaviour of teachers who broke the teaching Code of Conduct.

Some had to be interdicted from duty and in extreme cases were dismissed. Some were found guilty of sexual misdemeanours including touching/fondling of students, child abuse, vulgar/ inappropriate behaviour in school, and inappropriate relationships with students.

Trial of murdered taxi driver set to begin A 12-member jury was on Thursday empanelled before Justice Brassington Reynolds in the Georgetown High Court, as the trial in the alleged murder of a Pegasus Hotel taxi driver in 2013 is set to begin.

On trial is Lorenzo Forde, who is being represented by Attorney-at-law Hewley Griffith in association with Rachael Bakker, while leading State’s case are Counsels Shawnette Austin, Lisa Cave and Tiffany Lyken.

Lyken in her opening statement said Forde’s indictment is that between December 27 and 28, 2013, in the County of Demerara, he reportedly murdered Rudranauth Jeeboo, in the

furtherance of a robbery.

The accused has pleaded not guilty and the matter is adjourned to November 27,

Lorenzo Forde at the Georgetown High Court on Thursday

2017 at 09:30hrs. A toral of 12 witnesses are expected to testify.

Jeeboo who was a taxi driver attached to Pegasus Hotel, lived at Lot 25 Craig Street and Avenue, Campbellville, Georgetown with his sister and other family members. He reportedly owned two cars but used one, anToyota Allion, HC 3521 to ply his trade.

Reports are that the deceased was last seen by relatives at about 19:15 hrs on December 27, 2013 when he left home for his place of work. However, when he failed to return home, at about 03:45hrs on December 28, 2013 his relatives called his cellphone but the calls went unanswered.

They subsequently

made checks for him at his place of work and at the hospital but saw no sign of him.

The following day, the body of the taxi driver with several injuries about the was discovered in a pile of garbage at Cane View Avenue, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

Investigators who checked the phone records of the deceased found that his cellular phone, which was stolen, was still in use and it was traced to the accused who was detained.

Jeeboo’s car was subs e q u e n t l y d i s c o v e re d about 10:30 hrs on December 28, 2013, abandoned at a road in Tucville Terrace with no number plates.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 24, 2017

Gov’t will remove impediments to education

13

- President Granger tells Kako residents PRESIDENT David Granger said that education is gateway to equality, which will pave the way for employment and empowerment.

Speaking during a visit to Kako Village in CuyuniMazaruni on Thursday he said that it is for this reason that his Administration has been placing so much emphasis on boosting teachers’ capacity and enhancing ed-

“If there is anything keeping children from school let us know and we will try to solve that problem,” he said. President Granger spoke of the importance of education in securing meaningful employment, noting that in this age of technology, people must advance their skills so that they can not only be employable but also be able to create employment for themselves and for others. Technology,

Beautiful faces! The children of Kako Village waiting to greet President David Granger

ucation delivery and access through increased budgetary allocations and the introduction of innovative programmes such as the Buses, Boats, Bicycles + Book and Breakfast (Five Bs) initiative.

The Head of State visited the Village to join the residents and students in celebrating the 29th anniversary of the Kako Primary School, where he told them that as President of Guyana, he is a partner in the development of their village and the country as a whole.

“We want to make sure that every child is given the best possible start in life.

If you cannot read, if you cannot write, if you cannot count, if you cannot spell then doors will be closed to you… Every Guyanese is equal and every Guyanese must be given equal opportunities and the way to achieve that equality, is through education. If we want to ensure that children have equal opportunities, we must ensure that they have equal access to education,” he said.

In this regard, he urged the Toshao, village councillors, members of the regional authority and residents to inform the Government of any impediments to access education so that urgent steps can be taken to remove them.

he said, can help them to venture into agro-processing, whereby they can process their ground provisions, fruits and vegetables and seek competitive markets in and out of the country rather than having to take their raw produce out of the village to sell risk spoilage and such disadvantages. The President said this is why the Government is working to ensure that communities like Kako get reliable energy supply, which is vital if residents are to move in the direction of agro-processing.

Kako Village is a beautifully maintained community, with well-manicured lawns and green spaces, testament to the care villagers take in their surroundings. In fact, President Granger dubbed Kako ‘the green village’. He reminded residents, particularly the children, of the importance of the environment and the need to ensure that it is sustainably managed.

“I want children to learn to protect the environment… each one of us has a duty,” he said.

The Head of State also urged the residents to ensure that they stay informed on what is happening in their country and what programmes and projects are being undertaken for their benefit. “We want you to

be educated and empowered. You must be able to exercise your rights as citizens by being fully informed,” he said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Public Affairs, Ms. Dawn Hastings-Williams who is a proud product of Kako Village and also attended the Kako Primary School, urged the children to keep studying and to ensure that they attend Turn to page 14

Early Christmas cheer! With the holiday season fast approaching, President David Granger distributed toys to the children of Kako

14

Prisoner allegedly threatens to kill President

Crime Chief (ag), Paul Williams

COMMISSIONER of Police David Ramnarine has confirmed that an inmate of the Lusignan Prison called the 911 emergency

hotline and threatened to kill President David Granger and officers of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

When questioned by members of the media about the call, Ramnarine said they have made significant progress in their investigations, but he could not comment any further.

Crime Chief (ag), Paul Williams said the call was made on Sunday. “A threat call came in and we are investigating it…I do not know the source but it was against the President and the Police Force,” said the crime chief.

He pointed out that they are investigating the matter

Police Commissioner (ag), David Ramnarine

carefully because it was an anonymous call. In April, reports surfaced in the media of an alleged plot to kill the Head-of-State. During

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 24, 2017

Alleged cow thief flees police

the said period, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon had disclosed that Cabinet and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) were aware of a reported threat made against President Granger’s life.

President David Granger had ordered a Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the alleged assassination plot against him. “Any plot or attempt to cause harm to his Excellency must be something that is in the public’s interest. So it is not a matter of not having confidence in any particular entity, but it is the right of the president to determine if he requires any deeper level of inquiry into any matter,” Minister Harmon explained.

POLICE are looking for a cattle farmer after 23 missing cows were found on his Backlands Savannah, Bloomfield Village, Corentyne, Berbice ranch on Monday.

The discovery was made after cattle farmer, Nandkishore Tagram of Number 62 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, lodged a stolen or strayed cattle report last Friday at the Number 62 Police Outpost.

The farmer, according to a police release, claimed that 40 heads of his cattle, including calves branded with his registered brand DON14, went missing after he left them to graze outside his ranch at the Number 62 Village Backlands.

Acting on information received last Sunday, two police ranks went to a ranch located in the Backlands Savannah of Bloomfield Village, Corentyne, but were prevented from gaining entry by the owner. The aim of the visit was to check to see if the missing animals were there.

The following day, a larger party of police returned to the ranch owned by the Letter Kenny Village, Corentyne resident and on arrival, he and some of his workers fled.

Some 23 missing cows, including three calves belonging to Tagram, were found and a 27-year-old of Tain Village, Corentyne, is in custody assisting with the investigation, the police release said.

As a fierce advocate for the environment, the President was happy to award Mr. Romario Hastings with a laptop computer for completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science from the University of Guyana.

The President and Minis-

ter Hastings-Williams handed over a quantity of equipment to the village, including a music system and sports gear and with the Christmas season fast approaching, they also distributed toys to the children of Kako. Regional Chairman of Region

Seven, Mr. Gordon Bradford and several other regional officials were also at the event, which culminated with the cutting of the ribbon to officially commission a new dining hall for the students of the school. (Ministry of the Presidency)

From page 13

Gov’t will remove... school regularly. She noted that the institution continues to churn out individuals, who have gone on to excel in various fields such as head teachers and health workers, serving not only Kako but other hinterland communities.

At today’s event, the President presented the Head Teacher, Ms. Stephanie Krammer-George with a Presidential Awards Shield on which the names of the school’s top students each year will be engraved. He also handed over a laptop

computer to the school.

Meanwhile, the school’s top National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) students for 2017, Ms. Tonya Krammer received the President’s Award for Excellence, which includes a shield, a laptop computer and a certificate.

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 24, 2017

Calls for radical reform in pre-trial justice … State spends $150M annually to upkeep remand prisoners

FOR years the local prison system has been overcrowded mainly because of a huge number of pre-trial detainees, but a recent study has recommended that the judiciary start utilising alternatives to relieve this burden.

The Ministry of Public Security as part of its Citizen Security Strengthening Programme had launched a study on the alternatives to incarceration for pre-trial detainees which was done by foreign consultant, Peter Pursglove. The findings of the study were presented

by Pursglove at the Grand Coastal Hotel on Thursday.

Prior to the presentation, Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan said there are many alternatives to pre-trial detention.

He, however, pointed out that they are not being utilised by the Judiciary. Some of the alternatives include community service; requiring offenders to attend class-

es and enter programmes relating to their offence which could prevent reoffending and so forth.

Ramjattan believes that the findings of the study will help with the restoration of the policies and practices of pre-trial justice. The minister said the study was earmarked for the judiciary and prison services because its purpose is to make pre-trial justice safer; fairer and more effective.

Detainees on remand account for 35 per cent of the local prison population.

Ramjattan said it costs the State $150 million to just feed that population yearly.

There are also additional costs associated with incarceration of those inmates.

“The high rate of remand makes a strong case for stakeholders to eliminate inappropriate use of pre-trial incarceration,” said Ramjattan.

It was noted that if the alternative methods of de-

Street Prison fire had revealed that the supporting agencies are failing in their supporting roles.

According to the findings, only seven prisoners per year have been released by the Parole Board and the Ministry of Public Health’s contribution has also been minimal, despite them having the authority to offer assistance to those who are ill.

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan (left) conversing with Pursglove at Grand Coastal Hotel. tention were utilised, the balance the rights of the population would have been accused even though the less. Some of the causes of law states that those who the high rate of remand pris- commit offences should not oners are the situation where be allowed into society. He prosecutors do not want to hopes that other associated grant bail; slow criminal jus- agencies can also play their tice process and insufficient role in ensuring that persons community-based sanctions are granted pre-trial justice. among others.

The findings of the The minister pointed Commission of Inquiry out that the judiciary must (COI) into the first Camp

CRIMINAL LAW REFORM In light of that, the minister said there is need for Criminal Law Reform and they (the ministry) has started the process. Pursglove indicated that part of the study also outlines the need for a more structured approach to addressing the longstanding challenge of overcrowding in the prison system. Like Minister Ramjattan, he agreed that there is need for a radical reform of the data collec-

tion process in the prison system. This, he said, will allow authorities to track each inmate throughout their prison life.

He said the absence of such information has sometimes resulted in innocent people languishing away in the prison system. “You have got to know who is in your prison and if he is there.

This is very important at a remand prison, you should be able to look at each remand prisoner and know exactly when he entered prison, when his next court appearance should be. There should be alarm bells that ring if someone is getting left behind in the system, you have to constantly monitor those in the system to ensure they go through their stages at the right time,” said the consultant.

He also recommended the establishment of a committee to undertake a comprehensive review of the criminal law system.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 24, 2017

Multitalented little beauty

Oshay Roberts can do it all

By Lisa Hamilton GUYANA’S first ever Miss Guyana Princess, eightyear-old Oshay Roberts, already has under her belt several moments of success and doesn’t plan to stop anytime soon.

Oshay, who is described as being quiet, observant, outgoing, creative and talented, on November 5 also copped trophies for Best gown, Best Talent and Best Presentation at the pageant.

Being the youngest in the competition did not faze the youngster as she sang Katy Perry’s ‘Roar’ during the Talent Segment and represented Princess Snow White, in a creative way, as a part of the activities.

“The talent piece was my best piece because when I was on stage, [during] a part of my song, everyone started to cheer and they started to sing with me,” little Oshay told The Buzz proudly.

Strong supporter and aunt of the young Oshay is well-known Soca artist, Melissa ‘Vanilla’ Roberts, who made the little lady and her parents aware of the pageant after being contacted by long-time friend and designer, Neilson Nurse.

Vanilla was pleased to reveal that her niece has a long streak of accomplishments, some of which are: Winner of the Miss Hopetown Junior Pageant 2016; Children’s Calypso Monarch Winner 2016; Region Five Champion Girl 2016 and the Children’s Mash Individual Costume Winner 2016.

The two have a playful competition ongoing to see

who will accumulate the most trophies, but with Oshay’s rapid and early rise to success, Vanilla is confident she will soon be overtaken.

However, amidst the pageantry successes, many persons are of the opinion that placing girls in pageants at young ages may contribute to psychological effects such as ill concepts of beauty and early sexualisation.

Vanilla, however, said that contrary to those beliefs, the pageant instead aided in exposing Oshay to valuable life lessons and several note-worthy individuals.

“It exposed her to newer things such as competing with older girls...it taught her dedication to rehearsals, opened her to meeting people who may one day support her endeavours and most importantly, she learned how not to behave if she lost a competition,” Vanilla said.

She is thankful for individuals like Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Eco Atlantic Investments, Miranda Thakur, who recently committed to sponsoring the youngster’s future ventures.

Additionally, being a dedicated ‘A’ student, Oshay was faced with the major dilemma of having to travel all the way from her hometown in Berbice to Georgetown in order to participate in preliminary rehearsals.

Nonetheless, Oshay said she received much support from her parents, Shenay Johnson and Alister Roberts, as well as teachers, friends and community members;

Oshay Roberts

but her shining example is Vanilla.

“I do have a role model and the role model is my aunt, Vanilla, because she is always doing well and she is always achieving in everything that she does,” Oshay said.

No one truly knows what’s next for the Miss Guyana Princess, but as she grows and explores her many options, Vanilla expressed her all-round support.

“For me, I’m the kind of person who believes in, ‘Be everything you want to be’, you shouldn’t limit yourself to any one particular thing…[I wish her] great things and successes, but the decision is left up to her the direction that she would want to go,” Vanilla said.

Oshay won the 2016 Children’s Calypso Monarch title

Little Oshay during an interview after winning the competition

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday November 24, 2017

THE LEGEND OF THE GRAPHIC NOVEL

… in the new entertainment industry of creative businesses...

ART as a language before the alphabet cannot be disputed. Much of what we know of the prehistoric world through the study of social Anthropology and Archaeology is told to us on interpretation and the science of carbon dating through the works of ancient artists. Knowledge that the Sahara was once fertile can be credited to estimated 8,000-year-old artworks on caves of tropical scenes with animals unknown to the Sahara. Other strange artworks are alluded to represent what is suggested as alien visitors or unidentified-mythical kind creatures on earth.

Art on the walls of caves and against the body of mountains and hills and etched on selective choice rocks span some 300,000 years of human history, with the oldest found so far, in Africa.

The drama of art heralding the comic book, the editorial cartoon and the graphic novel also began in Africa, in ancient Khemet [Egypt] from celebrating the propaganda art for the Pharaohs. It was only natural that the calibre of talent that produced the fresco and public art and design would shift to satirical commentary as revealed in the strip accompanying this article.

The ancient world was much unlike what 19th-century European pro colonist academia would concoct.

The ancient world traded in ideas, techniques and improved on new exchanges, to facilitate homegrown talent.

Because story telling is a natural human propensity, so it was easy for graphic storytelling to manifest across cultures and continents, limitations on expression were based on the open-mindedness and tolerance, or the opposing intolerance and fear of ruling hierarchies, be it from the throne or the temple. This was no different in the modern world and the propaganda of Roman adopted Christianity and the era of colonisation needed its graphic storytellers. There is no other artist whose storytelling graphic paintings have had such impact over centuries as a compelling force of mesmerising propaganda as that of Michelangelo’s incredible work of the divine, in the

Sistine Chapel 1475-1564.

No, it was not intended to be used as a tool of continuous indoctrination by the artist, it was a contract and he wasn’t on friendly terms with his contractors most of the time. But it was the tool utilised by the printmaking and book industry of the 19th and 20th centuries to define God and the divine along ethnic lines. And despite our analysis, we have to celebrate the man’s talent as well as the vision of the State and Church sponsors that made it happen, coupled with Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper, half the work in respect to our history, of creating the colonial, was visually done.

Cartoons and caricature art were integral as tools in every conflict since the advent of Newspapers and magazines. In both world wars and in the politics of British Guiana, I can remember those comic books given out by the United Force

during the 1960s about the evils of communism. Imagine no record with all the sources I have explored have an archive of those.

In 1978 in America the late Will Eisner’s ‘A Contract with God’ launched the graphic novel evolution of the comic book. This cartoonist had professed “Our era requires imagery: a visual, literary language to occupy the space between books and film.” Another celebration of the art form was the Maus comics by Art Spiegelman that described his parents’ experience in Auschwitz concentration camp. He won the prestigious Pulitzer Prize in 1992 for that work. On the local Guyana and Caribbean scene, the talents exist to develop an active graphic storytelling realm of its own, but unlike music, in the wider Caribbean that always had an active tourist audience to showcase with visiting exchange acts, it was easier for

active local acts to perform across waters.

Guyana and British Guiana were no different in relation to visiting acts and our own quality groups, but the musical story is for another time. Where illustrated storytelling was concerned, Guyana was ahead, whether with local editorial cartoons or comic book and strip productions they existed but never got the opportunity to expand the potential and become progressive businesses. Such talents as Rudy Seymour, Tyrone Doris, Gregory Shanks, Hubert Edwards stepped out into the field, other talents saw gloom with unreceptive authorities and drifted off.

The essential failure back then was the fixations of the local ‘Colonial’ who were the businessmen, politicians and educators. Their prejudices were constructed by the not so comical effective positioning of Comic Book and Comic Strip usage

during the just concluded second World War. And before that, locally with the maintaining of the ethnic bigotry in defining the local social strata and what stereotypical imagery what group must conform to, the further political uses of the comic book as a propaganda tool in the cold war confirmed those biases to envelop the comic book as a ‘serious’ must be well content censored creative medium. But regardless, the Graphic artists from my perspective have proven our point on the prolific potential of illustrated storytelling.

So far, even though Graphic novels, comic books, their educational and business potential pose a not typical but rather a new and complex business arena to Guyana, that is entangled in the limbo of an era not too grown up from its recent colony status. Two comic book publications were taken to the theatrical stage, ‘Shadow

of the Jaguar’ and ‘Legend of the Silk Cotton tree’.

No doubt other talents on realising that an accepting awareness exists toward embracing new lucrative creative career choices, will add to the emancipated vibrancy of a yet to be organised and conscientiously supported Cultural Industries.

Acknowledgement must be affixed to the post-Independence temperament of Forbes Burnham for the impetus behind existing graphic art talents, that argued for the replacement of imported heroic storytelling with local concepts and imagery. This of course was met with resistance and still is, but we live in a different technological world and for the few who have endured the test of time, the timidness of that early post-Independence challenge has worn off, and our talents have so far fulfilled our mandate.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 24, 2017

‘Vena did an amazing job ‘ ...Despite lack of country support - Miss World Guyana Organisation

THE Miss World Guyana Organisation (MWGO) says that a lack of support from the home front made it a very challenging year for Guyana at the international pageant, which saw a new format largely focused on country support.

However, the Organisation believes that despite this aspect,young Vena Mookram did the best she could and did Guyana proud.

The 67th edition of the Miss World Pageant came to a close last Saturday in Sanya , China, with India’s Manushi Chhillar, a medical student, taking the crown. Stephanie Hill of England and Andrea Meza of Mexico finished as runners-up.

“No, we did not achieve what we set out to acquire. I believe Vena did an amazing job in representing Guyana so well on the international stage. It was a world of experience for Vena.,” said MWGO franchise holder Natasha Martindale.

“I am proud of Vena

and her efforts. [She is] a remarkable young woman with a bright future ahead of her. Her reign is not over even though the Miss World competition is over.

Vena is still very much committed to her cause and her role as an ambassador; taking on the fight [against] diabetes by bringing awareness so as to prevent its escalation and encouraging our young people to live well and exercise in order to live healthy.”

This year saw some shakeup in the judging format of the Miss World pageant which combined some of the more traditional elements of the competition with a new and innovative series: the “Head to Head Challenge”.

There were also the usual “fast track challenges”, which included the Multimedia, Talent, Top Model, Sports and Beauty with a Purpose competitions, and saw the top performer in each competition being automatically placed in the top 40.

The head to head challenge was introduced much closer to the competition and caught many of the National Directors off guard.

This new format divided the contestants into 20 groups, with the public having to vote for their top choice in each category fol-

lowing a series of broadcasts of question and answer segments with the young ladies.

This called for a lot more country support and media involvement from the countries and supporters of each of the delegates.

This left Guyana at quite the disadvantage, where pageants are not as much of a

big a deal as they could be, and where support is often lacking, even when all you need to do is just click a like button.

“I am very concerned about this aspect,” Martindale explained.

“Support has always been our biggest and most challenging issue. We came about five percent short of beating Peru out of top 40. We were the lead coming into the head to head challenge but did not make it when it mattered.”

Martindale says that with the changing techniques, maybe it’s time to go back and re-think the marketing strategies of the MWGO. “I understand the views on pageantry today, an almost obsolete system which seems impossible to revive.

But our brand is different; what we have is a movement,” she asserted.

“I think now is the time for a different approach from a media relations perspective. Our team will now have to appeal to the media for help; get them to fall in love with our brand again; be as transparent as possible in getting them to understand the role we are undertaking - the need for our young women to get involved in programmes like ours which serve to build stronger values and empower our young women.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday November 24, 2017

It’s “Dinner & Retro Night” at The Vintage Wine and Cheese Lounge! Head out and enjoy a nostalgic environment with hits from the 70s & 80s! While indulging in some of the best cuisines!

Banks DIH will be hosting a festival called “The Relationship Festival” at the Scott Burg Community ground. There will be a variety of fun activities for the kids and family.

Showtime 16:00hrs. Live Music by Heatwave band and popular DJs lightening and sounds by cloud 9

Latin Heat Dancers Presents a BBQ and Salsa party at 65 Sandy Babb Street, Kitty.

Tickets $1,000. Starting time 17:00hrs.

This weekend has a lot of interesting events, if you don’t want to stay cooped up at home you need to get out and get your buzz on!

There’s a pretty big Mash band launch by GTT and Pulse Entertainment and it’s going down at the Giftland Mall parking lot. Since it’s about Mash, you just know you can expect a lot of soca buzz and as if it didn’t get any better there are going to be free drinks for everyone who buys a ticket, regardless of your ticket value.

There’s also a wet t-shirt competition over in Kitty at the World of Cocktails.

There will even be some latin and retro vibes in the mix. Well-known local designer Derek Moore is showcasing his latest collections at a fashion show on Sunday.

TODAY

The Strip Hookah Lounge presents “Marzville Live on the Strip” featuring a live performance from Barbados’ very own Marzville! Great music from the Cloud Nine DJs and Artistie Team, Marcus X-Bass and Assasin Sing! Admission: $2,000.

The Jamaican after work lime is on at the Tower suits Poolside! Enjoy authentic Jamaican cuisine and bucket specials on Red Stripe and Dragon Stout.

GTT’s Christmas millionaire next drawing is happening today in the Bartica Region, who will be the next winner? This is going to be very exciting.

For a cool and pleasurable atmosphere, you can head down to the Vintage Restaurant and Bar for an event called the “Jazz, Rhythm and Blues” this event will be on until December 2.

TOMORROW

Club 704 presents “Issa Vibe” featuring Walshy Fire of Major Lazor! You can’t afford to miss this! Music by DJ Energy, DJ Avalanche, and DJ Tallest! Doors open from 21:00hrs! Admission: $2,000.

The road to the GTT/Pulse Mash Band 2018 starts now! Be a part of an unforgettable band launch at the Giftland Mall Parking lot. Learn about their exciting packages and giveaways, and get the first look at the epic costume designs! Live performances by Soca Superstars Ravi B and 5 Star Akil along with Guyana’s very own Kwasi Ace! Music by DJ Ryan, DJ Energy, DJ Countri Boy, and Shizzle. FREE DRINKS for everyone! Tickets: $3,000, $2,000 (Early bird) tickets $2,000, $6,000 (stage front)!

A little dancing never hurt nobody! So head out for “Latin Night” at Club Privilege!

Get ready to salsa, bachata, merengue, reggaeton! And tequila special from 19:00hrs-21:00hrs and desperado bucket special from 21:00hrs- 00:00hrs! Admission: FREE

World of Cocktails presents “Wet fete: Wet T-shirt Competition”, a fundraiser for Potluck! The proceeds from this event will go toward purchasing items for Christmas Care Packages which include basic grooming and hygiene products! FREE Jell-O shots on entry!

Tickets: $1,000

SUNDAY

D’adlai Design’s presents “Fashion Extraordinary” at the Mirage Banquet Hall (Third and Albert Street)! A night of top fashions with the designs by Guyanese Designer Derek Moore! Show starts at 18:00hrs! Tickets: $3,500!

After the seawall hang out on Sunday you can head down to the one of the popular nightclubs, Blue Iguana where entertainment is at its best, great vibes and drinks specials.

This and every Sunday music by Stereo Sonic’s popular DJ magnum. Everyone free before 23:00hrs.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 24, 2017

Aussies fight back with two late wickets to restrict England

By Ian Ransom

BRISBANE, Australia (Reuters) - Australia fought back with two late wickets to restrict England to 196 for four and leave the Ashes series-opener delicately poised yesterday after the tourists’ unheralded batsmen threatened to dominate an intriguing first day.

Ashes debutants Mark Stoneman and James Vince had frustrated Australia’s vaunted pace attack with a 125-run partnership on a surprisingly slow Gabba wicket, but seamer Pat Cummins hauled the home side back into the game.

The young paceman broke the stand by bowling Stoneman for 53 in the last over before tea then returned to capture England captain Joe Root lbw for 15 in the final session.

In-between, off-spinner Nathan Lyon denied Vince a potentially career-defining century, with a brilliant piece of fielding, running him out for 83 after the batsman had put in nearly four hours of painstaking graft.

Rookie batsman Dawid Malan did well to negotiate a nervy finish and was 28 not out at stumps, with all-rounder Moeen Ali unbeaten on 13

England would have been buoyed by the performance of rookies Vince and Stoneman but tempered by the disappointment that neither could

With the high-pitched pre-series verbal battle out of the way, The Ashes got underway at a packed Gabba with England electing to bat first ©Getty Images

at the other end.

“I think it’s pretty evenly poised,” Cummins, who took 2-59 on his first day of Test cricket on home soil, told reporters.

“Obviously they batted the whole day but didn’t really get away from us.”

Having won the toss,

go on to a post bigger score.

Stoneman was bowled four balls short of the relief of tea, while Vince was out making a needless dash for a single.

Vince’s wicket seemed like a turning point and though Root dug in for 50 balls, he was out lbw by

a scorching delivery from Cummins, the wicket awarded after home captain Steve Smith demanded a review of Marais Erasmus’s not-out decision.

Australia lost a review in the final over trying to remove Malan lbw off paceman Mitchell Starc before play was halted due to poor light.

DROPPED CATCH Vince, England’s surprise selection at number three, brought up his maiden 50 in his eighth Test, having never before surpassed 42 in his previous seven matches.

“The first hour tomorrow will dictate how the rest of the day goes and if we can get through that without too much damage and Mo (Moeen) can score quickly, Jonny (Bairstow) has to come in,” Vince told reporters.

“The more overs their bowlers bowl then the easier the scoring will become.”

Stoneman raised his half-century with a streaky edge off Cummins, the ball falling short of second slip before racing off for two, leaving fielder Peter Handscomb pounding the turf in frustration.

Worse was to come for the hosts in the following over as recalled wicketkeeper Tim Paine, in his first Test for seven years, dropped Vince when he nicked Lyon behind on 68.

Not even the first-choice keeper for his home state Tasmania, Paine had taken state team mate Matthew Wade’s place in the Test squad in a controversial selection, and the miss saw his captain fling his head back in exasperation.

While the pitch started with a green tinge, Smith said he, too, would have batted first as his fast men laboured to extract pace and movement for much of the day.

The exception was a peach of a delivery from Starc in the morning which removed Alastair Cook for two, kissing the outside edge on the way to Handscomb in the slips.

Smith earlier confirmed opener David Warner and Shaun Marsh would play after they suffered neck and back strains in recent days.

SCOREBOARD

ENGLAND 1st innings A. Cook c Handscomb b Starc 2 M. Stoneman b Cummins 53 J. Vince run-out (N. Lyon) 83 J. Root lbw b Cummins 15 D. Malan not out 28 M. Ali not out 13 Extras: (b-1, nb-1) 2 Total: (for 4 wickets, 80.3 overs) 196 Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-127, 3-145, 4-163.

Bowling: M. Starc 19.3-4-45-1 (nb-1) J. Hazlewood 18-4-51-0, P. Cummins 19-6-59-2, N. Lyon 24-9-40-0.

ExxonMobil supports New Era Ent/Mohamed’s Enterprise Futsal Tournament … opens tonight at MSC Hard Court

THE fourth annual New Era Entertainment/ Mohamed’s Enterprise Futsal tournament will kick off tonight at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) hard court in Linden with six games from 21:30 hrs.

Following a marchpast of the 26 participating teams, Customs will take on Russians, followed by West Side Ballers against Hard Ball, Plantain All-Stars versus Bosai. Amelia’s Ward will battle Nut Man All-Stars, High Rollers will squareoff with Redline and in the night’s final game, NK’s Ballers face East

American Racing Tips Aqueduct Race 1 Our Whim Race 2 Parlapiano Race 3 Miss Mystique Race 4 Bobby G Race 5 Thirsty Bird Race 6 Swayed Race 7 Hail Race 8 Dalarna Race 9 Miss Sky Warrior Race10 Michael Wonderful English Racing Tips Catterick 08:20 hrs Manny Owens 08:50 hrs Oak Vintage 09:20 hrs Espoir De Teillee 09:50 hrs Thumb Stone Blues 10:25 hrs Parthenius 11:00 hrs Alzammaar 11:35 hrs Lough Ryn Ffos Las 09:10 hrs Apollo Creed 09:40 hrs Juge Et Parti 10:15 hrs A Bold Move 10:50 hrs Jennys Day 11:25 hrs Steel Native 12:00 hrs Al Dancer Ascot 09:30 hrs Settie Hill 10:05 hrs Mr One More 10:40 hrs Kilcrea Vale 11;15 hrs Marcilhac 11:50 hrs Peter The Mayo Man South Africa Racing Tips Fairview 08:35 hrs Queens Chapel 09:10 hrs Desert Wisdom 09:45 hrs Barbarella Nights 10:25 hrs Katies Jay 11:00 hrs Gogetthesheriff 11;35 hrs Tin Soldier Irish Racing Tips Dundalk 13:30 hrs Jenniechild 14:00 hrs Palvicini Run 14:30 hrs Captain Cullen 15:00 hrs Maysonette 15:30 hrs Teardrop Island 16:00 yhrs Elegant Drama 16:30 hrs It’s All For Luck

Side Jammers.

The winning team, after the conclusion of the tournament on December 26, will take home $500 000, second-placers $150 000, third-place finishers $50 000. Fourth-placers, however, will have to settle for a trophy.

Meanwhile, yesterday, ExxonMobil became the latest sponsor for Linden’s premier Futsal tournament, when they handed a cheque for an undisclosed amount to the organisers.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 24, 2017

GUYANA FOOTBALL FEDERATION INC. (GFF)

Extra Time GOLDEN JAGUARS’ SHORTLISTED SQUAD FOR INDONESIA INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY

The National Senior Men’s Team – the Golden Jaguars – will play an International Friendly against the Indonesian Senior Men’s team on Saturday, 25th November at the Patriot Chandrabaga Stadium, Bekasi, Indonesia.

The team departed Sunday and has been engaged in productive training sessions headed by Coach Wayne Dover and assisted by Charles Pollard.

Below is the shortlisted 19-man squad: DEFENDERS

TECHNICAL STAFF ¤ Wayne Dover Head Coach ¤ Charles Pollard Assistant Coach ¤ Lyndon France Physical Trainer

CECIL JACKMAN

CHRISTOPHER BOURNE

JAKE NEWTON

JELANI SMITH

JEREMY GARRETT

FORWARDS

¤ Eon DeVeira Goalkeeper Coach ¤ Denzil Hernandez Physio ¤ Trevor Burnett Kit Man ¤ Rawle Adams Operations Co-Ordinator Akel Clarke Goalkeeper

ANTHONY ABRAMS

DANIEL JODAH

DEVONTE SMALL

KELSEY BENJAMIN

SHAQUILLE AGARD

Andrew Durant Goalkeeper

MIDFIELDERS

ANTHONY BENFIELD

BRANDON BERESFORD

CURTEZ KELLMAN

DANIEL WILSON

DENZIL FORDYCE

DWAIN JACOBS

TRAYON BOBB

PRODUCED BY THE GUYANA FOOTBALL FEDERATION INC. (GFF) AND DESIGNED BY THE GUYANA CHRONICLE

For further Information or should you have questions/comments , please contact: General Secretary Guyana Football Federation (GFF) 17 Dadanawa Street, Section “K” Campbelville, Georgetown TEL: +1 592 227 8758 ext. 102 FAX: +1 592 225 2096

e-mail: gff@networksgy.com WEBSITE: www.gffonline.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/GuyanaFootballFederationInc INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/guyana_football_federation_inc/ SOUNDCLOUD: https://soundcloud.com/guyana-football-federation-inc LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guyana-football-federation-inc TWITTER: @GFF_Inc_

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 24, 2017

Mackeson `King of Domino’ nation-wide East Coast looking to finish in the top five at Nationals this year tournament officially launched … Tournament to start tomorrow in Linden, Essequibo, West Demerara and Bartica

(L-R) Rodwell Phillips (GNDF VP), Barbara Marshall (GNDF secretary), Mackeson Rep. Sean Abel and GNDF president Faye Joseph

WITH $1M up for grabs for the winners, the Mackeson ‘King of Domino’ competition will serve off tomorrow simultaneously in Linden, Essequibo, West Coast Demerara and Bartica. The organisers, the Guyana National Dominoes Federation (GNDF), are calling it one of the biggest dominoes tournaments to ever hit Guyana.

The nationwide tournament is expected to attract hundreds of dominoes teams.

Those desirous of cashing-in

on the lucrative prizes up for grabs, must pay a registration fee of $10 000. Upon registration, each team will receive one case of Mackeson.

Rodwell Phillips, vice-president of the GNDF, explained to reporters at yesterday’s launch, that the idea is to give teams a fair shot at the imminent first-place prize. As such, when a team is knocked out of its respective zone, the team can re-enter in another zone by simply paying another registration fee.

“For example, if a Bartica team lose in that zone, they can re-enter the competition in the Georgetown zone once it is done before the registration period closes,” Phillips explained.

“I must say thank you to Ansa McAl who are helping us to keep dominoes alive and well in Guyana,” said Faye Joseph, who sits at the helm of the GNDF. According to Sean Abel, Mackeson Brand representative, “We (Ansa McAl)

are very happy to be part of this tournament through the Mackeson brand. Also we have already made commitments for continued support of dominoes of Guyana through upcoming tournaments.”

The second-place finishers will receive $500 000 while third-placers will pocket $200 000. In addition there will be a most valuable player (MVP) prize along with Mackeson Promotions and giveaways each night.

Victory Valley Royals LABA League Champions

DESPITE losing their final game, Victory Valley Royals emerged winners of the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) Open Basketball League, which concluded Sunday night at the MSC hard court.

Half Mile Bulls played well to halt the winning streak (11) of the Royals as they staved off the challenge of the Victory Valley-based team to record an 87-79 victory.

Terrain Welch led all scorers with 39 points, while Michael Turner had 17 and Tahquille Johnson added 15.

For the Royals, Harold Adams netted 26 points and Yannick Tappin and Marlon Pollydore each had 17 points for the losers.

In the other game

LABA president Lawrence Simon (first from right) and LABA executive Tracey Liverpool pose with new Linden basketball champions Victory Valley Royals.

of the evening, Retrieve Raiders registered a 59-42 win over Block 22 Flames as Dauwin Lovell led their

scoring with 22 points and Cole Winter had 14.

The Flames’ best performers were Dave Hop-

kinson with 13 points while Rondel Fraser and Shawn Cameron each scored eight points.

By Tamica Garnett

COMING out with an improved cycling, and teachers’ team, East Coast Demerara (District 4) are hoping to finish somewhere in the top five this year, when all is said and done at the National Schools Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championships (Nationals), which will begin next week Monday in Georgetown.

The District ended eighth out of the 15 Districts last year, and head of the District, Raymond Daw, says that the aim is on progression.

“Our aim for this year is to finish in the top five.

Every year we’re looking to improve, so if we finished 8th last year, we’re looking to come between the top five this year. That’s our aim for this year because money is being invested in East Coast for us to be at Nationals and we have to look to get better every year,” Daw remarked.

The District, with a strong cycling team, finished third in the cycling competition last year. However it was in the swimming, teachers and track & field competitions that the team fell short.

Daw expects to see the team make some headway given that some amount of improvements have been made to the teachers’ team, as well as the track & field team, while the cycling team will be even stronger than they were last year.

“Our strongest area would be the children’s track and field where we have the full contingent, as well as the cycling, and teachers. Our only area of concern is our swimmers.

We’ve not been doing well in swimming for the last couple of years, but in everything else we are ready to compete in next week’s competition,” he said.

“We came third in cycling last year and we didn’t have a full team for cycling, and this year we have a full team; so we’re going to finish again among the top three again.”

The District will be taking the full complement of 110 persons to the Championships, noting that building the team was not that difficult as the East Coast saw full participation during the inter-schools level of the competition.

In the athletics sector, Daw, an athletics coach himself, said major strides were made to see that the selected athletes were working on their skills. While he could not get all 70 of the athletes to come together and train, they were divided into groups that would train in their respective areas within the District.

And there have been athletes who are showing promise.

“We have some quality people, they are seasoned campaigners, while they may not have been the standout persons. We have worked with them and they will come out and compete well. Currently we’re working in groups.

“Being an experienced coach myself I lend support, and we work in groups, some are working down in Buxton, some are working down in Golden Grove, there are some in Plaisance who would go to Georgetown to do their training, so we have been working on them,” he explained.

To add to their training the athletes will be brought together and taken to do a final training session over at the synthetic track of the National Track and Field Centre (NTFC) on the West Coast. So those athletes who have never competed on an all-weather track can get a feel of the facility prior to Monday’s start.

The Championships will open on Monday with the swimming at the National Aquatic Centre on the East Coast and the cycling competition at the National Park. The athletics competition will run from Tuesday to Friday and will be held at the NTFC, with the teachers’ competition running simultaneously at the same venue.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 24, 2017

Holder says Windies under no illusions about Black Caps threat CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (CMC) – Captain Jason Holder says West Indies are under no illusions about the massive threat posed by the powerful Black Caps side but stressed the Caribbean side would be looking to execute their game plan clinically, in the two-Test series starting here next month.

West Indies arrived here Tuesday to begin preparation for the rubber which will see them chase their first series win on New Zealand soil in 22 years.

Faced with a strong home side packed with the likes of Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor and Trent Boult, Holder said the Windies were very cognizant of the hosts’ strength.

“Those guys bring a wealth of experience. Kane has been one of the leading batsmen in Test cricket for a while and Ross similarly,” Holder told reporters here.

“So I think they will rely heavily on Ross and Kane, and obviously Tom Latham

will come to the fore – he has been doing pretty well for them and obviously their bowling attack will be led by Boult and (Tim) Southee.

their side, a lot of variation as well being left-handed, and different dimensions in terms of shorter-pitched bowling.

we’ve got the same.”

West Indies are coming off a 1-0 win over minnows Zimbabwe in a two-Test series in Bulawayo earlier this

Former Australian wicketkeeper Ian Healy with Shai Hope and Shane Dowrich at a training session

“Not missing out a guy like Neil Wagner, I think he brings a lot of quality to

“It’s going to be a good test, they’ve got some good players, some key players and

month – their first series win in three years.

However, they acquit-

ted themselves well against Pakistan in the Caribbean this year despite a 2-1 defeat in a three-Test series, and also managed to take a win off England in an identical series there during the summer.

Holder said the challenge before his side in the upcoming series would be to continue the development which had been taking place.

“I’m just asking the guys to remain focused on the process, that’s all I ask basically – everybody knowing their role and executing,” the all-rounder explained.

“I don’t want to get too caught up with the conditions.

Obviously (it is) a big factor but we’ve still got cricket to play and cricket is played on the field. I think if we back our skills and we prepare well, we put ourselves in a very good place to win this Test series.”

West Indies have become a settled squad in recent months, with an unchanged unit from the England tour heading to Zimbabwe. Se-

lectors made just one change for the current series, axing out-of-form Kyle Hope for prolific West Indies-A righthander Sunil Ambris.

Holder, who has led the side for two years now, said resisting the urge to chop and change had paid dividends.

“It’s a team we’ve had now for probably the last year-and-a-half – familiar faces. We’ve been trying to give guys the opportunity and an extended run,” he pointed out.

“That’s worked out pretty well for us in the last year.

We’ve been seeing some positive results and I think if we keep together for another year-and-a-half (to two years) … we will be in good stead for the next few years.”

West Indies face New Zealand-A in a three-day tour match starting tomorrow in Lincoln before taking on the senior side in the opening Test at the Basin Reserve in Wellington from December 1 to 5, and in the second Test at Seddon Park in Hamilton from December 9 to 13.

Golden Jaguars move one place up World Rankings Brazil striker Robinho given nine-year term for 2013 rape in Italy … Soca Warriors slip six places

Trinidad and Tobago attacker Levi Garcia (right) leaves Guyana captain Samuel Cox for dead during international friendly action at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva on November 14 2017. (Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)

GUYANA moved one place up the latest FIFA World Rankings, which were released yesterday by the football’s world governing body.

Having reached their highest ranking (86) in 2010, Guyana were ranked at 165 by FIFA in last month’s ranking and despite playing a number of International Friendlies this year, the results of those games failed to impact the rankings.

FIFA calculates its rankings using a formula that considers result, importance of match (whether friendly or competitive), strength of opponent and strength of confederation.

The South America confederation is ranked highest, followed closely by Europe while Africa, Asia, Oceania and North and Central America and the Caribbean are tied last.

Guyana will face Indonesia (160) tomorrow, at the Patriot

Chandrabhaga Stadium, in Bekasi, West Java in a game which was announced as an International Friendly by FIFA. Meanwhile, the Trinidad and Tobago National Senior Team slipped six spots after failing to win in the last international match window against Grenada and Guyana at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva.

The Soca Warriors are now 89th in the world - some five places lower than they were when Dennis Lawrence was appointed head coach in February - and ninth in CONCACAF, where they are behind regional outfits, Jamaica, Haiti and Curaçao.

Only one of Trinidad and Tobago’s last two outings were considered full internationals and counted towards the rankings though.

According to www.wired868. com, there has been debate as to which football body should

bear responsibility for failing to submit paperwork to FIFA for the friendly between Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana on November.

Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) general secretary Justin Latapy-George assured Wired868 that the host organisation did its job.

“The Grenada game received full sanctioning from FIFA,” said Latapy-George. “Guyana didn’t submit info in a timely manner (so that match) could only be played as a practice game. There was a challenge on their end in getting the full documentation to FIFA.” Whether a 1-1 home draw to Guyana - then ranked 165th in the world - would have benefited Trinidad and Tobago is another story.

Grenada, who drew 2-2 with the Warriors, dropped three places to 160th.

MILAN, Italy (Reuters) An Italian court sentenced former AC Milan and Brazil forward Robinho in absentia to nine years in prison, yesterday, after convicting him of taking part in a gang rape of an Albanian woman in 2013.

A Milan court ruled that Robinho and five other Brazilians assaulted the woman, who was 22 at the time, after plying her with alcohol in a discotheque. The whereabouts of Robinho’s five companions are not known, so their trials have been put on hold.

Robinho, 33, who currently plays with Atletico Mineiro in Brazil, pleaded

not guilty via his lawyer and never appeared at any of the court hearings in northern Italy.

“We would like to clarify that he has already defended himself against the accusations, affirming that he did not participate in the episode,” said a statement posted on Robinho’s Instagram feed.

“All legal measures are being taken.”

Robinho has a right to two appeals and Italy would only seek extradition once this legal process is exhausted, a legal source said. However, Brazil does not allow for the extradition of its own citizens, meaning he would

only risk arrest and deportation if he was stopped in a third country.

The Milan court ordered the victim receive 60 000 euros (£53 431.02) as compensation for her suffering.

Robinho has won 100 caps for Brazil, scoring 28 goals.

He began his career at Santos, where he starred in a side that won the league in 2002 and 2004. His dazzling performances won him a move to Real Madrid in 2005 but he stayed only three years at the Spanish giants before spending almost a decade bouncing between clubs in England, Italy, China and Brazil.

Four teams still in the running for Turbo football honours

THE battle is on for the Turbo Knockout Football title.

Four teams are still in the running to lift the trophy and grand prize.

Today’s semi-finals will see two teams move forward to the final hurdle with a chance to pocket half-a-million dollars.

The losers have to settle for half of that.

In the first of the two matches at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue, the Georgetown-based Camptown, who have largely surprised the rest of the field, will stand before Pouderoyen while the boys in blue battle Grove.

The city side Camptown will meet West Demerara’s Pouderoyen after which the

colossal clash between Police and Grove Hi Tech will take place.

Advancing through the detriment of Linden’s Silver Shattas, the Camptown side will have plenty to prove against an effervescent and improving Pouderoyen unit..

The West Dem side has shown over previous tournaments that they possess something special and whether this is their tournament remains to be seen.

What is known is that only one team can emerge from that fixture as champions and the prediction is a 2-1 scoreline in favour of Camptown.

The second match of the night is anyone’s game, since both Police and Grove have

produced hands-down some of the best football games of the tournament.

If there were to be odds, however, they would have to go to Police, considering that they had won their last tournament in convincing manner.

Still, upsets are nothing strange in football and one could very well be on the cards knowing the nature of the tournament.

The first semi-final is expected to kick off at 18:30hrs with the second commencing at 21:00 hrs.

The runners-up will receive $250 000. The thirdplace team will receive $125 000 and fourth-place finishers will have to settle for $75 000.

Holder says Windies under no illusions about BlackPSaee ge Caps threat 23

Jamaica-bound karters arrive ready for action Stefan Jeffrey points out possible braking zones to one of the young Guyanese karters.

(Stephan Sookram photo)

The Guyanese team prior to their departure from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri. Their flight was made largely possible through Fly Jamaica’s efforts. (Stephan Sookram photo)

(By Stephan Sookram in Jamaica, compliments of Fly Jamaica, Nexus Machinery and GT Motorsports) THE Guyanese team for this weekend’s Double Trouble karting event at the Palisadoes Go-Kart facility in Kingston Jamaica arrived ready and raring for action.

The six-member karting

team includes the Ten Pow siblings in Justin and Jeremy, Matthew Phang, Mikhail Persaud, Rayden Persaud and Elan Rahaman. They were upbeat yesterday morning upon arriving in the Reggae Isle.

They are accompanied by parents and coaches on their maiden karting voyage to Jamaica and their first order of business was to check out the

battlefield, located less than five minutes from the airport.

While significantly larger than the GT motorsport facilities, the Jamaican circuit features a more demanding layout and more corners.

However, the youngsters aren’t fazed by the circuit, having completed firstly a track walk of the 1200m facility which features 14 corners all

providing their own degree of difficulty.

After some late afternoon practice, Phang, who will be competing in the Senior Rotax class, disclosed the side’s readiness for tomorrow’s qualifying.

To Chronicle Sport, he said, “I think I can get down to the times of the seniors once I fix my handling. I missed my

GBA/Briso Promotions launch Boxing Night … ‘Sons of Champions’ boxing card

mark about three or four times in several corners.”

Rayden, Elan and Mikhail who compete in the Junior Rotax class were also optimistic having run their sessions late in the afternoon.

The young duo of Jeremy and Justin Ten Pow, who will run in the Mini and Macro Max classes also benefited from yesterday‘s session.

Qualification today begins at 10:00hrs and runs until 13:00hrs, after which practice sessions will take place.

Chief among the sponsors that made the event possible were Fly Jamaica who facilitated the travel of the team to Jamaica and other sponsors in Pure Racing, Cyril’s Taxi, BM Soat and GT Motorsports.

Brazil striker Robinho given nine-year term for 2013 rape in Italy See Page 23

In this Delano Williams’ photo, GBA president Steve Ninvalle (left) addresses members of the media at yesterday’s launch.

Sitting at Ninvalle’s left is boxing promoter Seon Bristol and at extreme right is Alex Murray.

THE Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), in collaboration with Briso Promotions yesterday launched a Boxing Night card labelled `Sons of Champions’ that is set for December 26 at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue, beginning at 19:00hrs.

According to GBA’s president Steve Ninvalle, boxing promoter and nephew of Guyana’s former Commonwealth welterweight champion, Kenny Bristol, last year proposed to stage such a card, but because the Guyana Boxing Board of Control had planned a professional card for the same date, the GBA decided

to abandon their plans.

With no professional card planned for this year’s Boxing Day, the GBA decided to take up Bristol on his promise to stage the event, hence the birth of the card.

Bristol, in brief remarks, said for many years he has been attending an annual Boxing Night card at the National Park as well as the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and it was always his intention to continue the trend of having a boxing card on the said date and today, it has come to fruition.

“I’m here to keep my promise,” the United Statesbased Guyanese promoter

stated, adding, “There are many sons of former champions that made Guyana proud over the years and I want to help showcase those former champions’ sons who I think will make Guyana proud.”.

Present at yesterday’s launch was Alex Murray, son of former Commonwealth champion Andrew Murray who died in an accident on the Linden Highway approximately 10 years ago.

Alex Murray is following in his father’s footsteps and will be on this year’s Boxing Night card.

The young Murray said since he was a youth, he wanted to be a boxer and was

inspired by his father. He thanked Bristol for giving him the opportunity to be a part of the December 26 event.

Ninvalle said amateur boxing in Guyana is on the rise and it will continue its upward trend and “hopefully, by 2020 or 2024, amateur boxing will give Guyana its first Olympic gold medal.

Ninvalle, however, noted that for Guyana to secure that elusive Olympic gold medal, Corporate Guyana needs to lend its support.

“I can say without contradiction, we (GBA) are the best sports association in Guyana,” Ninvalle declared.

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Robinho scored 28 goals in 100 games for Brazil

Elite League double-header for MSC ground today

MILEROCK Football Club, the newcomers for this season of the Elite League, will play their first home game of the Nation’s highest football league today at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) ground, when they face Victoria Kings in the second match of the double-header from 19:30hrs.

The opening game at 17:30hrs will feature Buxton United and first-timers Ann’s Grove United in the 10-team tournament which opened last Sunday at the Leonora Track and Field Facility.

On opening day, defending champions Guyana Defence (GDF) were held to a 1-1 draw by Western Tigers, and Fruta Conquerors edged New Amsterdam United 1-0.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2017