Guyana chronicle e paper 11 29 2017

Relief over scrapping of VAT on education Page 13

No. 105111

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2017

Price: $80 (VAT Inclusive)

PSC sees positives in budget

… hails proposed upgrade of Lethem airstrip

President honours 60 servicemen

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Soldiers parade on the Drill Square at Camp Ayanganna during a medal ceremony on Tuesday (Delano Williams photo)

US$20M to upgrade City Hall wages housing schemes bill at $112M …250 core houses, 200 single units to be built

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… King says late payments each month necessary

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Girl missing after abduction

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… other recalls horror of being kept a sex slave

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Private sector undertakes impact analysis of budget

… hails proposed upgrade of Lethem airstrip

By Svetlana Marshall THE private sector is presently conducting an impact analysis of the 2018 National Budget but even as their economists comb through the $267.1B financial proposal, there is a general consensus that the transformation of the Lethem airstrip into a regional hub and international aerodrome is a step in the right direction.

On Tuesday, one day after the Finance Minister Winston Jordan unveiled the estimates more than 20 representatives from the Private Sector, including those sitting at the helm of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) convened at the PSC Waterloo Street Head Office to discuss it.

Minutes after the hours-long meeting concluded, the PSC Chairman, Edward Boyer said the budget is being analysed. “We have people here who are economists, thorough people, they understand what they are doing and they are going to vet all and everything and see how it impacts the economy, see how it impacts businesses, and in general the country,” Boyer told the Guyana Chronicle.

At a glance, he said, there are some mea-

sures, projects and programmes that would undoubtedly benefit the people of Guyana and, simultaneous create an enabling economic environment. The transformation of the Lethem airstrip into a regional hub and international aerodrome is one such project.

Minister Jordan, in presenting the budget to the National Assembly, disclosed that the Government is negotiating with a multilateral donor to secure a US$15 million loan to finance a project for aerodrome and airstrip development across the hinterland. It is under that programme, the Lethem airstrip will be upgraded into a regional hub and international aerodrome, in order to receive flights originating from Brazil and other Latin American neighbours. “The development is a very, very positive (one),” the PSC Chairman stated.

Government’s decision to grant an amnesty to all delinquent taxpayers – corporate and individual was also given the thumbs up by the PSC. This amnesty will be in effect from January 1, 2018 through September 30, 2018.

Taxpayers who file and pay all principal taxes on or before June 30, 2018 will have all interest and penalties waived, while those who file and pay all principal taxes between July 01, 2018 and September 30, 2018 will have 50 percent of the interest and penalties waived, the Finance Minister had explained.

Private Sector Commission (PSC) Chairman Edward Boyer and GCCI President Deodat Indar discussing aspects of the 2018 budget at the PSC Waterloo Street Head Office GCCI President Deodat Indar, like Boyer, said that the budget is being critically analysed, noting that within two days, the Private Sector as a collective body would release a statement on its position.

“We have our economists who are looking at this budget at the moment,” he posited.

LACK OF JOB CREATION But at a glance, the GCCI President said that the budget lacks direction.

“We did not get a message from the broad direction from the budget, in terms of job creation, in terms of direction, in terms of incentive regime, taxation policy, we did not see the broad direction coming from the budget,” Indar said as he spoke on behalf of his fellow businessmen and women.

However, he said GCCI is pleased with the decision of the Government to remove the Value Added Tax (VAT) on Education and on finished products in the Logging Industry, in addition to reversing of the Tributors Tax from 20 per cent to 10 per cent. “We are happy about that,” Indar posited. During the budget consultation, GCCI had lobbied Government for the removal of VAT from finished products in the logging industry and from the inputs for rice operations, in addition to the reinstatement of the 10 per cent Tributors Tax against the 20 per cent imposed this

year. The GCCI is also calling on Government to reduce the Corporate Income Tax by 10 per cent from its current high of 35 per cent through a process of gradualism.

In addition to the removal of VAT from Education, and the reversing of the Tributors Tax, with effect from January 1, 2018, Government has proposed to exempt VAT from supply of logs and rough lumber to the sawmilling industry. According to the Finance Minister, this would improve the cash flow of operators in the industry by at least $80 million.

The GCCI President said too that the Private Sector has taken note of the proposals for the Tourism Industry. It is Government’s intention that in 2018, to have the Guiana Shield be promoted as a tourism product, in addition to the deepening of links between industry operatives and investors.

However, Indar like Boyer, expressed concerns for the ailing Sugar Industry, saying that the welfare of sugar workers must be protected. In the 2018 Budget, Government has proposed $6.3B for the Sugar Industry to support the reduced operations of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO).

That aside, Government has announced that the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) in 2018 is anticipated to rake in investments totaling $154 billion with some 5,725 jobs likely to be created.

US$20M to upgrade housing schemes

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 29, 2017

…250 core houses, 200 single units to be built

By Svetlana Marshall IN 2018 the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) will invest US$20M to develop infrastructure in several housing schemes while another US$10M has been set aside to build 250 core houses as it seeks to meet the needs of the poor and working class.

Citizens are also expected to benefit

Saul explained as he addressed reporters at CH&PA’s headquarters.

It was pointed out that in the Sophia-Cummings Lodge Area, 17 kilometres of road will be upgraded to asphaltic concrete. Infrastructural development is part of the second component of the CH&PA plan of action for 2018. In the second component, the CEO disclosed that a total of 250 core houses will be constructed in the housing schemes that span Ogle on the East Coast of Demerara to Golden Grove on the East Bank of Demerara in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), and La Partfaite Harmonie in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara). From that lot, 100 families from the Sophia-Cummings Lodge Community are in line to receive core houses.

“Each of these units cost approximately $4M, and those houses basically will be given free to deserving residents. Of course, there will be criteria that must be met,” Saul posited.

It was made clear, however, that though these core houses are intended

One of the single-flat duplexes that were built earlier this year. for the poor and working class, they will not be given to squatters. “Those who are squatting in Sophia would not benefit from core houses… here we are speaking about people who are living on regula-

CH&PA CEO Lelon Saul from millions of dollars in home-improvement subsidies. CH&PA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lelon Saul made the disclosure on Tuesday while detailing how the housing authority would utilise the US$30M loan that it is expected to receive from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The US$30M is expected to complement the $1.6B CH&PA currently has in its coffers. “The larger portion of that loan would go towards infrastructure development and this will result in infrastructure improvement in several CH&PA schemes that are located between Ogle on the East Coast of Demerara, then along the East Bank to Golden Grove and across the river to Parfaite Harmonie,”

Infrastructural development: construction of roads in progress at Perseverance, East Bank of Demerara

Three-bedroom houses that were under construction in September at Perseverance, East Bank of Demerara (File photo from September 2017)

rised lots, and those people who have legitimate house lots, but they are living in shacks. Those are the people who would benefit from the intervention,” the CEO further explained.

Also under the second component, the CH&PA will be disbursing millions of dollars in home-improvement subsidies.

Though Saul was unable to disclose the total number of subsidies that would be handed out in 2018, in the medium term, close to 2,000 persons would benefit from these subsidies. The criteria and guidelines for these subsidies will be published in the local newspapers. In 2018, CH&PA’s focus would also be on the construction of single units. The CEO explained that data coming out of a recently concluded survey, has shown a strong preference by applicants for single

units when compared to duplexes and condominiums.

“The preference is for single units. Of course, we would want our work here at CH&PA and our plans to be driven by data, it should be evidence-based. The preference for duplex, the preference for condominiums is very low among applicants,” the CEO explained.

As such, in an effort to meet the demands of the people, CH&PA is hoping to complete an additional 100 single units at Perseverance on the East Bank of Demerara in 2018. In Linden, Region 10, approximately 40 single units will be constructed while 20 will be erected on the West Coast of Berbice, 10 in Onderneeming on the Essequibo Coast and 20 in Onderneeming on the West Bank of Demerara. Currently, 80 units are available in Perseverance and interested citizens are invited to apply, Saul said.

In addition to the US$30M, 164 full house-replacement subsidies and 38 roof replacement subsidies are anticipated to be disbursed under the Hinterland Sustainable Housing Programme which has been allocated $240M in 2018.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan, in presenting the $267.1B National Budget for 2018, told the National Assembly that though faced with several challenges, CH&PA formulated and made available a number of housing solutions such as single houses, duplexes, and condominiums to the public. For 2017 CHPA piloted 6 duplexes, 2 elevated single-family houses; issued 2,116 land titles; regularised 322 squatters; and allotted 381 house lots.

With one month left before 2017 comes to an end, the housing authority is hoping to distribute in excess of 400 house lots that are currently available. However, preference is being given to applicants whose applications have been in the system since in the 1990s and early 2000s.

Currently, there are approximately 50, 000 applications in the system.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 29, 2017

N Korea launches new ballistic missile --US deems this latest aggression ‘a global threat’

NORTH Korea has fired its highest-ever intercontinental ballistic missile and poses a worldwide threat, US Secretary of Defence James Mattis has said.

Earlier, the Pentagon said the missile had flown for about 1,000km (620 miles) before falling into the Sea of Japan.

The launch, early on Tuesday, is the latest in a series that have raised international tensions.

North Korea’s last ballistic missile launch was in September and came days after its sixth nuclear test.

Mr Mattis was speaking at the White House as he briefed President Donald Trump and senior officials on the missile launch.

“It went higher, frankly, than any previous shots they have taken,” he said, adding that the North was building “ballistic missiles that threaten everywhere in the world”.

South Korean news agency, Yonhap, said that the missile was launched from

Pyongsong, in South Pyongan province.

Japanese government officials said the missile travelled for about 50 minutes, but did not fly over Japan, as some have done in the past.

President Trump was briefed while the missile was still in the air, the White House said. Afterwards he said: “We will take care of it.”

South Korea’s military said it had responded with a missile exercise of its own.

Condemnation of the launch was swift: * The Japanese government said they would “never accept North Korea’s continuous provocative behaviour”, and PM Shinzo Abe called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council. * The EU called the launch a “further unacceptable violation” of North Korea’s international obligations. * Britain’s ambassador to the UN called it “a reckless act”.

The North is thought to be focusing efforts on building long-range missiles with the potential of reaching the mainland continental US. Officials in Pyongyang said the first of the longer-range missiles it tested in July could hit “any part of the world”, but the US military called it an intermediate-range missile instead.

Its last nuclear test reportedly involved a miniaturised hydrogen bomb that could be loaded onto a long-range missile, raising tensions with the US even further.

Last week, President Tr u m p a n n o u n c e d t h a t the US was re-designating North Korea a state sponsor of terrorism because of its missile and nuclear programme.

The US imposed fresh sanctions against Pyongyang. The measures targeted North Korean shipping operations and Chinese companies that traded with the North. (BBC)

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Brexit: UK divorce bill offer ‘worth up to 55bn euros’

The UK has offered a larger potential “divorce bill” to the EU - which could be worth between 40bn and 55bn euros (£35bn-£49bn), the BBC understands.

BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg said the offer was communicated to Brussels after last week’s crucial cabinet meeting. There has been no final agreement on a number but the larger offer was given a “broad welcome” by Brussels, she said.

No 10 has played down reports agreement has already been reached. The amount of money the UK will pay as part of Brexit has been one of the main sticking points in the first round of negotiations with the EU. In September Theresa May suggested the UK was willing to pay about 20bn euros, and the EU has been calling for its offer to be increased. The UK is hoping to move on to talking about trade but the EU will only do this when it deems “sufficient progress” has been made on three areas - the so-called divorce bill, the rights of EU citizens in the UK after Brexit and the Irish border.

WHAT’S THE BILL FOR? The EU says the UK needs

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to settle its accounts before it leaves. It says the UK has made financial commitments that have to be settled as part of an overall withdrawal agreement. The UK accepts that it has some obligations. And it has promised not to leave any other country out of pocket in the current EU budget period from 2014-20.

But the devil is in the detail.

There are also issues like pensions for EU staff, and how the UK’s contribution to these is calculated for years to come, and the question of what happens to building projects that had funding agreed by all EU members including the UK but which will only begin construction after the UK has left. Large amounts of the EU’s budget are spent in two areas - agriculture and fisheries, and development of poorer areas. Projects include business start-ups, roads and railways, education and health programmes and many others.

calculated.

But both sides of the EU debate are already having their say, and neither sound very happy. The pro-Remain Open Britain group said the “colossal cost of Brexit” would be a “bitter pill to swallow” for voters.

UKIP MEP Mike Hookem said the reported bill was “an absolute outrage”, and “yet another capitulation” by the prime minister.

WHAT’S GOING ON BEHIND THE SCENES?

By Laura Kuenssberg, BBC political editor Both sides are discussing now whether the two key officials, Olly Robbins (the PM’s top Brexit adviser) on the UK side, and Sabine Weyand (Michel Barnier’s deputy) on the EU side can produce a joint paper, what’s been described to me as an “agreed truth”, before next Monday. The idea is that the negotiating rivals can come together to formalise what has been agreed so far, to write it down in black and white so that the conclusions of phase one can be closed, signed off, and by implication, not unpicked at a later stage in the future dramas of the second bit of the deal-making.

In the possible scenario that everyone likes it (and I’m not suggesting this is in any way a dead cert) the paper may be published at the end of this week potentially. The message from negotiators to the rest of the EU - this is where we agree that we have got to, up to you to agree whether, in political terms, that is progress enough. And remember while the decision to move on or not lies officially with the European Council, the 27 political leaders, they will act on the basis of what’s recommended by their negotiating team. So if the joint paper does emerge, it will be a big hint that moving on is nigh. (BBC)

WHAT’S HAPPENED NOW? Pressure is mounting to make progress on the Brexit talks before a crunch summit in mid-December, when EU leaders will decide if enough progress has been made on the first set of subjects - also including the Irish border and citizens’ rights - to open negotiations on a future trade deal between the EU and the UK. According to the Daily Telegraph and the Financial Times, agreement has now been reached between the two sets of negotiators on how the bill could be calculated.

Downing Street has played this down, with a source saying: “Negotiations are ongoing.

There is, as yet, no settlement.”

A spokesman for the EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier declined to comment. The BBC understands detailed conversations are still taking place on which specific components will be included in the final bill and how those components are

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Maduro makes military man PDVSA boss CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuelan leftist President Nicolas Maduro on Tuesday evening held a ceremony to swear in a military officer as the new head of state oil company, PDVSA in the presence of the military’s top brass and cheering

red-shirted oil workers.

In a surprise move, the unpopular Maduro on Sunday tapped Major General Manuel Quevedo to lead both PDVSA [PDVSA.UL] and the Oil Ministry, giving the already powerful military control of the OPEC nation’s

dominant industry.

“He’s a man of the people... And, most importantly, he’s honest!” said Maduro, as workers cheered and chanted that they wanted a “clean up in PDVSA!” after a series of corruption scandals.

Maduro also announced

he was naming Ysmel Serrano, the head of the trade and supply division, as vice-president of PDVSA, which oversees the world’s largest crude reserves. Maduro said he would seek to name the country’s former energy minister, Ali Rodriguez, as “honorary

president” of PDVSA. More military officers are set to be named to senior management posts as part of a shakeup the government says is aimed at fighting corruption, two company sources told Reuters on Monday.

Sources in the sector

also said Quevedo’s appointment could quicken a white-collar exodus from PDVSA, and worsen operational problems at a time when production has already tumbled to near 30-year lows of under two million barrels per day.

Venezuela, Haiti sign new bilateral deals Venezuelan president,” he said, alluding to Haiti’s support for Venezuelan independence leader, Simon Bolivar, who subsequently abolished slavery in the South American nation.

President Maduro, for his part, pledged his solidarity with the Caribbean island, which has been rocked by severe natural disasters in recent years.

“We will always be together, Haiti and Venezuela.

I ratify all of our support,

President Moise (left) being greeted by President Maduro on Monday

VENEZUELA’S President Nicolas Maduro and his Haitian counterpart, Jovenal Moise, held bilateral talks in Caracas on Monday where they signed fresh agreements in the areas of energy and agriculture.

Known as the Energy and Agriculture Cooperation Agreement, the deal will see Venezuela and Haiti deepen their collaboration in agricultural production as well as in joint infrastructure projects.

Further details have yet to be released.

Both leaders also reaffirmed their governments’ commitment to the PetroCaribe programme, which sees

Venezuela export oil to Haiti and other Caribbean and Central American nations at 40 per cent of the market cost, with the remainder payable via 25-year low-interest loans.

The trip marks President Moise’s first visit to Venezuela since taking office in February.

Speaking during a meeting at the Miraflores Presidential Palace, the Haitian

leader paid tribute to the historic bonds uniting the two countries.

“We have been in permanent partnership since the beginning of our history, and we thank the people and the

love, and solidarity [for the Haitian people],” he declared.

Under the leadership of former President Hugo Chavez and Maduro, the Venezuelan government has moved to strengthen ties with Haiti in recent years via PetroCaribe and other regional integration initiatives.

Between 2011 and 2014, Venezuela helped finance 234 projects in Haiti to the tune of US$1.2B. (venezuelanalysis.com)

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Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Diversity and development ANY casual observer looking in on Guyana may be inclined to think that the intolerance its citizens harbour towards each other -- more particularly among some within the leadership of society, across the spectrum -- is born of an irreversible and deep-seated hatred.

Yet, this could not be further from the truth; and dare it be said that in spite of historical conflicts, the evolution of this society, more particularly in the 20th century, has seen development influenced in significant measure by our diversity.

Our history shows diverse groups: race, class, rural/urban/hinterland, religion, descendants of the enslaver, enslaved and indentured, coming together as a common force to achieve our independence.

A major benefit of diversi-

ty is that each group has its unique characteristics, accompanied by perspective and strengths, which when combined can make the strong stronger and offset weaknesses. Those were the characteristics that bound the society in the years of resistance to the yoke of colonial bondage.

Unfortunately, it has become a fad to point fingers at the other for the state of affairs the country is in, or decline to accept the thoughts or input of another because it did not originate from you or your group, which deprives society of the benefit of diverse inputs. None has the monopoly on knowledge, and to believe otherwise is synonymous with having one’s head in the cloud and losing sight of the big picture.

Had the zero-sum approach taken to ‘the other’ in dealing with the na-

tion’s affairs not been so debilitating to the people, this attitude would have been laughable. In other societies, where leaders -- including those running for office and elected -tout the ability or commitment to work across the aisle as testimony to embracing diversity and being inclusive, it is to this society’s benefit should we work to make this a part of our lexicon and action.

The people continue to hold out hope that, should their leaders work together, irrespective of differences, it would improve security and standards of living across the board. A feature that distinguishes Guyanese is that almost all are descendants of groups that were marginalised and discriminated against.

It would be reasonable to assume that coming from shared common experiences of subjugation

-- notwithstanding the degree of severity inflicted on different groups -- such is enough for us to be respectful of the other and tap into the resources, talents and skills of all.

Contrary to the held view that working with others, including rival or opponent, constitutes weakness, it requires strength of character to acknowledge one does not know it all and cannot do it all, and diversity aids in reaching or accessing a wider pool of thought, talents and skills.

Where diversity is encouraged and seen as an important element in the country’s mosaic, such not only creates the sense of belonging, but stability and desire to want to give of one’s best, given vested input and interest. Looking around in society, the signs for inclusion and respect for one’s unique

history and ability are clear. That the wealth of this country not only lies within its bosom but in all the people who are equal stakeholders, all deserve to play their part. Though tempting it may be to settle past scores, perceived or real, or wanting to see the other fail, this zero-sum or intolerant approach to our fellow man is more reminiscent of the era when we were not free. Our collective well-being is intertwined, not separate.

We are six peoples,

some will say more.

Our diverse historical experiences, cultures, identities, talents, skills and interest are meant to blossom like a garden, where each plant, though different, lends t o n a t u re ’s b e a u t y, serves its unique purpose, and plays a role in protecting the ecosystem. The human species is no different. Guyanese must therefore seek to protect, deepen and strengthen our diversity, which is vital to our development.

Somwaru and company must resign from BCB Dear Editor,

Please permit me to voice my views on this most delicate subject.

In my 53 years of association with Berbice cricket, I have never heard of such depressingly shameful incidents involving the election of a President of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB). For the first time in its history an election of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) was conducted by two paid Directors of Cricket West Indies and a resigned president of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB). Incidents, if proven true should result in the immediate resignation of President D. Somwaru and his executives and also his resignation as President of the Guyana Umpires’ Council.

In addition, he should be made to answer to the court for his failure to follow the court’s instruction to conduct a free and fair election,

bearing in mind that he was already scheduled to appear on Friday, October 13th, 2017 at the said Court to answer a similar charge of failing to comply with the instructions of the Court.

Some of the allegations levelled are as follows: i. The election site was a new hotel in distant Corriverton, it was a waste of valuable funds and was intended to depress attendance. ii. The choice of a resigned President of the Guyana Cricket Board - in 2017 -, prior to the election and the production of a list of 18 signatures was fraudulent. This was still upheld after a member of the Police Sports Club pointed out that he signed because he was told that it was an attendance sheet. This objection would have made it 17 out of 34 representatives present, in which case Somwaru should have taken it to a vote, involving the 34 representatives, instead of

appointing Drubahadur as the Returning Officer. iii. The claim that numerous opposing clubs had paid no membership fee when the Board was non-functional since January 1st, 2016 and no demand was ever made for payment, contributed to the fact that only 12 of the 34 representatives voted in the elections. iv. Anand Senasie, Secretary and Anand Kalladeen, Treasurer of the Guyana Cricket Board who are also Directors of Cricket West Indies, and the candidate for president D. Somwaru were in the room giving instructions and aid to the Returning Officer, while opposing presidential candidate Hilbert Foster, his choice of Returning Officer, the media and others were barred from going up the elevator to the election by Godwin Allicock, a Somwaru supporter. v. The Returning Officer closed nominations for presi-

dent at the urging of the Secretary of the Guyana Cricket Board immediately after the nomination of Somwaru without asking for any other nomination, although Foster was about to be nominated. vi. Richard Roberts, Secretary of the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association was elected Vice President on Somwaru’s ticket without consultation or approval by him, and although he informed the Returning Officer that he was a Foster supporter and was not accepting the position, he was shocked to discover his name among those published in the newspapers as Vice President on the following day. He has written an article which was published on page 38 of the Kaieteur Newspaper publication of Wednesday October 11th 2017, under the caption ‘BCB Vice President declines post, says election was flawed’ vii. Several clubs were disenfranchised. In the case of

Mt. Sinai other persons were accepted as representatives and one now holds the position of Assistant Treasurer.

I am aware of who were the representatives of Mt. Sinai, because I was present on the 24 September, 2017 when they were elected. Mr. Christopher Jones Director of Sports was also present at this Community and Cricket Club election when he delivered cricket gear and visited their cricket ground.

It is rather revealing to note that the Secretary of the Guyana Cricket Board, who claims to have friends in high places, has been involved in some way or another in more than six cricket injunctions since 2011. It may be fair to ask: Is this the only way he can remain in office? Who pays the legal fees? Should this money be used for cricket development?

My simple advised to the new administration is to resign immediately and allow

a free and fair process to follow, without the interference of the Guyana Cricket Board and its paid Directors of Cricket West Indies.

Further, let the Demerara Cricket Board – non-functional since 2011 - be resuscitated with fair and free elections followed by elections of the Guyana Cricket Board, after a thorough audit. Is this what they are afraid of? Is this the reason why they would do anything to remain in office?

Thank you Yours faithfully MORTIMER GEORGE Former Secretary BCB

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Ramkarran’s statement is a call for division Dear Editor,

I REFER to Stabroek News columnist Ralph Ramkarran’s November 26, offing in which he said that the Alliance for Change (AFC) cabinet members of the Coalition Government should resign their ministerial posts, and serve as watchdog parliamentarians in order to bring about a fulfillment of campaign promises, particularly that

of constitutional reform, which he claims reluctance on the part of the current administration.

How telling–I expected the learned attorney and former speaker of the National Assembly to look at ways to heal Guyana’s old festering ethnic wounds which is the source of division. Instead, he is fanning the flames of division by resurrecting the old bogey of election rigging. It is my considered opinion that

Mr. Ramkarran’s statement is a call for division which is in keeping with the PPP’s old battle call of Aphaan Jaat.

There is no real interest in the development of Guyana.

However, Minister Khemraj Ramjattan who served alongside Ramkarran when both were PPP/C executives said, in response to the article that, “he is just pushing vacuous chatter and posited that Ramkarran’s assertions are not grounded in concretised

facts but personal views,” and rightly dismissed the assertions of the former People’s Progressive Party executive.

Under this government, people are free to express views without being shot in the streets, nor television stations shut down/threatened with closure or advertisements withheld and as Ramjattan rightly puts it, “This is a free country and more and more this government is going to ensure that free speech

be enjoyed by everybody, even those who can talk the very idiotic and the every insulting and offensive. We are going to allow the `chatterati’ to continue to chat and we are not going to block them.”

Editor, it is well known that when all else fails the call for Apan Jhaat, as seen in Jagdeo’s exhortation to their base in the run up to the 2015 election, becomes the clarion. These suggestions are merely to

break up the alliance that is keeping the corrupt PPP from regaining power. The Guyanese people do not want a group of white collar thugs who raided of the national purse and are responsible for the deaths of hundreds of people, murdered by state sanctioned death squads, running their affairs.

Regards EARL HAMILTON

Foreign company continues to Berbice cricket on the move? show disregard for Guyana Gov’t Dear Editor,

Dear Editor, T H E G u y a n a Tr a d e s Union Congress (GTUC) takes note of a conscious and proactive workforce employed at the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI), that is seeking to have their employer respect their right to enjoy benefits awarded to them by the Government through a decision made in 2016, to cease taxing overtime and all premium hours worked.

Bauxite workers fought for and achieved this benefit during the Desmond Hoyte government but it was since taken away by the Bharrat Jagdeo government, even as it was retained in the sugar industry. The fact that the David Granger/Moses Nagamootoo government has agreed to the returning of the benefit to the bauxite workers, marks a progressive step to restore equity in treatment for workers in the productive sector.

More than 40 workers have today (27th November, 2017) delivered a letter to BCGI management, calling for this benefit to be made payable by 30th November,or they would proceed on strike action. Copies of this letter were sent to the media, Ministry of Social Protection, and their union, the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GB&GWU).

GTUC calls on the BCGI management to honour the Government’s decision, and to meet with the workers’ representative. Arriving from the poll held on 3rd October, which saw the GB&GWU securing the workers’ confidence by

landslide, the union wrote management outlining a menu of measures, and seeking engagement. GTUC has been advised no response has been had to date.

Government can make investments attractive without having to see the transgressing of citizens/workers’ rights and the violating of the Constitution and Laws of Guyana. GTUC calls on the Government to recognise the workers’ grievance with this company, which it has part ownership of. BCGI’s contempt cuts against the grain of law and order, which the Government is the custodian of.

The fact that Minister Keith Scott wrote management earlier this month advising that mechanisms be put in place to return taxes deducted on overtime and all premium hours worked with effect from 1st October 2016, and management continues to ignore this directive sends a strong signal that BCGI is above the Government and the laws of our land. Who or what is empowering BCGI management to feel it can treat workers like this? It seems as though this company has its tentacles on Guyana and what does this say for the Guyanese people.

GTUC calls on the Government to honour the Constitution that establishes sovereignty over nation and its workers, and hold BCGI accountable for its deviant industrial relations practices that continue to infringe the laws of the land.

There is something troubling with Guyana’s relationship with BCGI that is allowing successive governments to allow the transgressing of

the rights of Guyanese labour and the violating of our laws. Guyanese need to take note. Next month will mark eight years of BCGI being allowed to flagrantly violate Section 23 (1) of the Trade Union Recognition Act by its refusal to treat with the GB&GWU, as required by law. This has been the parent company, RUSAL’s , behaviour wherever it does business around the world unless host country government stands up to it.

In light of what Guyanese are witnessing, GTUC calls for the Government of Guyana to ensure any future foreign investment has ensconced ironclad clauses that would respect the workers’ rights and the laws of the land. What is happening with BCGI is encouraging lawlessness in our society. Lawlessness and crime are not only at the grassroots level, where this class of people will be held accountable, but when organisations and people in power and positions are allowed to break the law and transgress the rights of the workers’ this is more dangerous for the well-being of the society.

Regards LINCOLN LEWIS General Secretary

PLEASE permit me to respond to an article in the November 15, 2017 edition of the Kaieteur News under the caption: “Non-playing clubs should not vote at elections, Berbice Cricket Board in good hands,” with the writer who signed as Berbice Cricket enthusiast ending his article by stating that the Berbice Cricket Board “is on the move.”

My immediate reaction was that these statements are misleading and untrue– “placing a fresh rose on a dead pig”-. Is the writer aware of the fact that 10 individuals are due to re-appear in court on December 18th, 2017 to answer charges that allege, that they failed to carry out the instructions of the court to conduct free and fair BCB elections and instead had an election which was allegedly rigged, among other charges?

Is he aware of all the incidents including the fact that the opposing presidential candidate and several clubs were allegedly disenfranchised?

These individuals are a resigned Guyana Cricket Board President, two paid directors

of Cricket West Indies who serve as secretary and treasurer respectively of the GCB, the recently-elected president of the BCB and six members of his executive committee.

In addition, the BCB has hastily organised a Second Division competition without sponsorship, with numerous teams excluded and those included are being asked to pay $ 20,000 each as umpiring fee.

The competition is in chaos.

In his article, the writer also alleged that the GUYMINE club has not played cricket for 30 years, a statement which leads me to believe that he may not have been in Berbice for at least 30 years, and may not be a Berbice cricket enthusiast as he claims.

His statement against Jainarine Hardeo, an individual of impeccable character who has

served both the BCB and the Berbice Umpires’ Association as an administrator since the 1970s, and was honoured by the same GCB in 2014, confirms my belief that he is out of touch with Berbice Cricket. It is crystal clear that ‘the administration of Berbice cricket is not in good hands and Berbice cricket is not on the move.’

What is even more amazing is the fact that whilst attaching us, he mentions the name of His Honour, the Judge in the cases, yet he was not bold enough to sign his name to his article.

Regards ALBERT SMITH Former Chairman, National and County Selection Committees National Coach Former Administrator BCB

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Girl, (12) missing after abduction … other recalls horror of being kept a sex slave

By Nafeeza Yahya

SEVERELY beaten, raped, and starved near to death, the last person she expected seeing was her father, accompanied by a policeman, coming through the door of the East Bank Berbice house where she’d been left while her captors went about their business.

And while she did not elaborate on how the rescue unfolded, she clearly recounted how, surviving on just bare tennis rolls and tea, she was held captive for about a month on what in her young 13-year-old mind appears to be a ‘ganja farm’ somewhere up the Berbice River, where she befriended a 12-year-old, who, like her, was made to do domestic chores by day, and play the wife to their captors at night.

As she speaks, there’s no mistaking the haunted look in her eyes at the mention of her young friend, who she feels is still being held against her will.

The whole sordid affair all came to

light recently when the mother of the still missing 12-year-old paid a visit to the office of the Prime Minister in Region 6, seeking their assistance in finding her after making several reports to the police to no avail.

The child reportedly left home on June 16 to run an errand at a nearby shop. It would be the last her parents and siblings would ever see or hear of her.

Her mother told the Guyana Chronicle that besides filing a missing person’s report with the police in Berbice, family members had also distributed flyers all across the County, in the hope that someone would recognise the child and come forward with information as to her wheresabout.

She said that about a month after her daughter had gone missing, the 13-year-old reached out to her, and what she had to tell her not only gave her goose bumps but moved her to tears.

THE MEETING “She ask if I know where my daughter at.

I said, ‘No, I am looking for her.’ She then tell me where she is, and that she is being beaten; forced to do things against her will,” the clearly distraught woman said, adding: “It’s been six months already; I never gave up on her. I am calling on the President, the Police, and all organisations who can help me find my daughter.

“I praying to get her home alive; I run to the police here almost every day for an update, but no help.”

Picking up the story from there, the 13-year-old told how she came to be kidnapped. She said that it was while she was at the New Amsterdam Market that she was approached by this strange woman, asking after her mother.

And while her story is a bit hazy, as far as the Guyana Chronicle could gather, the woman was somehow able to coerce her into accompanying her, by vehicle, to an unnamed village some distance away so she could get the $200 she ostensibly owed her father and give it to her. She even promised the child that she would take her safely back to the marketplace where she’d picked her up from.

The child said she began to panic when the journey seemed to be taking

longer than anticipated. She would become even more suspicious when they did finally arrive at their destination, there was a youngster, who had what appeared to a gun in his waist, waiting there on a motorcycle.

Things would get even more dicey, she said, when she asked what they were up to, as both parties immediately set upon her, slapping her around.

She would later learn that the boy was the woman’s son.

A SHORT RIDE After being forced to take a short ride on the motorcycle, the child said they finally stopped at a house with several other male occupants.

And possibly to prevent her from trying to escape, someone had the presence of mind to bound her, hands and feet.

But that was just the beginning, as the horrifying journey would continue late into the night with a long boat ride upriver. And when they did finally reach their destination, she was taken to a camp, where she saw the missing 12-year-old tied to a post. A closer look would reveal she had marks of violence about her body.

That night, she said, she lost her innocence, as both she and the 12-yearold were beaten into submission. She said they tried on many occasions to escape, but never succeeded.

Elderly care plan to improve quality of life for seniors THE government will be moving forward with development of the country’s first-ever strategic plan for Elderly Care in 2018.

The strategy aims to formulate related interventions to be undertaken in the medium term towards improving the quality of life for the elderly in Guyana.

During the 2018 budget presentation on Monday, Minister of Finance Winston Jordan said one of the areas on which his administration is particularly focused is the delivery of quality care to those residing in senior care homes.

It was revealed that the minimum standards for elderly residential care facilities were completed and enacted, this year. Of the 20 facilities in Guyana,

eight were evaluated while an additional two will be assessed before year-end.

Minister Jordan disclosed that drafting of crucial legislation to empower authorities to issue official licences and to enforce the standards in the care-homes will commence in 2018. In his report, the Finance Minister highlighted that the Palms Geriatric Home has been allocated $50 million for building repairs and the purchase of a wheelchair-accessible bus. Additionally, it was announced that the Ministry of Public Telecommunications will assist in piloting a mobile money programme for electronic payment of old age pension.

This aims to eliminate the need for the elderly to queue at post offices.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 29, 2017

‘We suffered long enough’

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… mayors welcome move to increase property rates

By Svetlana Marshall GOVERNMENT’S decision to valuate properties throughout the country will bring much-needed financial relief to the nine municipalities, with Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland declaring that they have suffered long enough with rock-bottom rates over the years.

For decades, municipalities across the country

Mayor of Georgetown Patricia Chase-Green have been advocating for the outdated land values to be addressed, pointing out that some home-owners are paying as little as $1000 on their properties.

“Government recognises that NDCs and municipalities must be financially self-sufficient, if they are to deliver and maintain quality public goods and services to their constituents and facilitate socio-economic development across their respective areas,” Finance Minister Winston Jordan told the National Assembly as he justified the need to valuate and re-value properties across the country.

Government, he said, is exploring the possibility of conducting a country-wide valuation exercise in 2018 to bring all property values up to date, so that NDCs and municipalities are equipped with appropriate revenue streams to deliver

their mandates.

In a statement, the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, which is headed by Mayor Patricia Chase-Green, said the valuation of properties would bring financial relief to its operations. “The Georgetown City Council has been finding it extremely difficult to deliver critical services in all local communities in a consistent and timely manner, due

entities,” the City Council pointed out.

The low rates on properties have resulted in the council being in a peculiar financial position. The Georgetown Council has been finding it “strenuous” to honour its obligations to employees, contractors and other suppliers of goods and services. According to the municipality, the move by central government would put the Georgetown municipality in a better

President of the Guyana Association of Municipalities (GAM) and Mayor of the Linden Town Council, Carwyn Holland

Mayor of Bartica Gifford Marshall

[to] serious financial constraints which is premised on a narrow revenue base,” the municipality said.

It was explained that the cleaning of drains, collection of refuse, provision of street lights, health care and allied services, maintenance of parks and gardens, and road repairs all fall under the remit of the Council. However, such works are sometimes stymied due to the lack of resources.

“In the past, the Council has stressed the need for valuation of properties, since this was not done for approximately two decades. Our records show that some property-owners are paying as low as $1,000 annually. And there are those who are paying residential for commercial

position to provide necessary services to the citizenry.

President of the Guyana Association of Municipalities (GAM) and Mayor of the Linden Town Council, Carwyn Holland, in a late-night interview with the Guyana Chronicle, said he is pleased with government’s consideration. Describing it as a blessing in disguise, Holland said, “This will be one means, and one way in which municipalities will be able to capture the unserved areas and to bring those persons into their fold.” “For an entire year you have persons with an acre of land and huge houses paying $800 and they are accessing municipal services, how could that possibly be, how could a municipality survive with those charges,” he added.

He said too that some

residents are more than willing to have their properties valuated and re-valuated for the payment of taxes, on the basis that they will be able to benefit from the services provided by the municipalities. However, Holland’s only concern is whether the Finance Ministry or the executing body has the human resources to carry out such an extensive exercise.

“The only thing would be prioritising. I don’t know how many officers they have to carry out this country exercise, that will be the question I will be asking,” the Linden Mayor said, while expressing the view that consideration should be given to municipalities that are in desper-

ate need of revenues.

Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall, told this newspaper that currently the rates being charged for properties are grossly undervalued It was pointed out that the average rate per property in Bartica is $2,600.00 per year. “This sum cannot support the work of our municipality. As a result, the work of the municipality is stifled because of lack of funding,” Marshall posited.

Like Holland, Marshall pointed out that the vital services offered by the municipalities are solid waste collection, maintenance of public spaces, maintenance of roads, the cleaning and clearing of alleyways and drains, but provision of

such has been a major challenge. “As a result, we welcome this initiative (Property valuation) which undoubtedly will significantly improve the capacity of the municipality. The hiring of qualified human resources and improved services will now become a reality,” the Bartica Mayor stated. However, he said residents, especially those residing in the new towns will have to be sensitised to the importance of rate-collection and the benefits to both residents and the local administration.

Additionally, he noted that enforcement will be key, since more that 50% of the residents do not pay their taxes.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Bureaucracy and victim-blaming

By Akola Thompson THE Ministry of Education has completed their investigation into Coen Jackson and has handed the case over to the police.

They have found the headmistress of Bishops’ High School guilty of breaching the regulations under the Education Act 39:01 section 35 “Inappropriate behaviour by teachers in school” which is liable to a

first warning. They made recommendations of an apology, Ministry provided counselling support and the Ministry provided training and support to teachers on how to deal with children on sexual issues.

I strongly believe that the head teacher should have been fired. That level of ignorance, anger and disbelief in matters of sexual allegations should never be a first response.

Any person who tells a group of adolescent

girls that they should have gone to the defence of a sexual predator and called them “slack,” and “very loose” with themselves, does not deserve to be protected by bureaucracy and I am glad to see BHS Alumni making calls for her to be placed on leave to facilitate investigations. At least now, Ellis and all the other teachers and head teachers like her, know that they cannot operate without being held accountable. They know now that they cannot slut shame and victim blame children into silence.

What I found lacking in the ministry’s response however, is the lack of institutional recommendations. The Bishops’ case is a microcosm of the realities of many other schools in which students are preyed upon.

The MOE needs to address and fix the systemic failures in their current framework and, ensure that appropriate systems are in place the next time something like this happens.

Let’s not fool ourselves, it will happen again.

This case has been particularly disturbing for me because of how widespread I know the problem to be. During my high school years, I had passed through five high schools due to frequent moving. In three of these high schools, it was common knowledge that teachers would sexually prey on their students. Back then, we did not have such fancy concepts as sexual predation though, we used to see it as a relationship. A relationship we were sure made us uncomfortable but which we still accepted as normal. How couldn’t we? The adults around us were aware of our friends who were involved sexually with their workmates and they said nothing.

So, our questions should not be why the victims or knowledgeable students did not come forward sooner (Even though in several instances they did seek justice.) Our question should be why the adults who were aware of what was occurring, allowed it to happen. Accounts from those knowledgeable of Jackson’s predatory behaviour, stated that students were warned upon entrance into the school, to stay away from him. Yet, they would have us believe that not one adult knew of Jackson’s preferences for grooming and abusing his position of trust, by targeting them before their 16th birthday and engaging in sexual relationships with them once they reached the age of consent. If no one gathers how slimy and manipulative this behaviour is, just know that before the age of consent was changed from 13 to 16, Jackson would begin his grooming of students at 12 years old. I’ve heard murmurings that there are four more predatory teachers like Jackson in Bishops, I hope they know that they cannot continue for long.

In a letter to Stabroek News, 23/11/2017 edition, two of the seven founders of Red

Thread and Help & Shelter, Karen de Souza and Andaiye spoke to Jackson’s case. In it, they advised adults on their “duty to listen to children who complain of sexual abuse.”

They further went on to note that a report was made to them “some months ago of a then unnamed teacher at Bishops,” of similar behaviour. It was only after the photograph of Jackson was published did they realise that Jackson was the same teacher whom the report to them had been made against.

An anonymous victim, recounting her experience with Jackson in NewsRoom, had said that he had allegedly groped her when she had gone to inquire about a School Based Assessment. “I wanted to go home, I wanted to shower. I still felt his hands on me. It’s not easy,” said the student.

I don’t feel the need to address Jackson’s press conference in depth. That conference was a disaster for him and I am almost thankful to his lawyers for allowing him to speak.

His bumbling monologue further implicated himself and for that, I am thankful. Since Jackson’s conference however, one of his victims broke her silence publicly and stated that while she had never considered herself a victim of anyone before, she has come to recognised Jackson as an alleged “sexual predator.” She admitted to suffering from depression as a teenager and as such, she was “an easy target.” She also rubbished Jackson’s claim that their relationship had only started after she was out of school. She said it began while she was still in school. The young woman’s account was heartbreaking.

What was even more heartbreaking was the fact that she felt the need to share parts of her story with the public that she did not seem quite ready to share. It is awful that we as a people feel entitled to the stories of victims.

Even in the act of baring her soul, she was still subject to comments that continued to trivialise both her experiences and the countless victims of Jackson.

For the victims and all the attempted victims of Coen Jackson and others like him, please know that there is a whole community out there that supports you. If you need counselling or other forms of help, there are several places where you can seek counselling support. I’ve compiled a small list of places that I’m aware of. You can call any one of these numbers and get the help you need. GRPA- 225-0739 GuyBow- 227-7830/ 6723483/ 6722536 ChildLink- 2317174/ 227 2023 Red Thread- 227-7010/ 223-6254 Help & Shelter- 225-4731/ 227-8353 Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination- 225-7283/ 6235155

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 29, 2017

New ferry for Parika-Mabaruma route … $500M upgrade for existing fleet

GOVERNMENT will be spending $1.1B to construct a new ocean-going passenger and cargo ferry, which will ply the Parika-Mabaruma route, while the sum of $500M has been budgeted for the rehabilitation of the existing fleet of vessels, Finance Minister Winston Jordan said.

He made the announcement during his budget presentation on Monday in the National Assembly, saying that Guyana’s economic fortune is premised in part on the speed with which efforts are made to modernise and expand the country’s infrastructure. “The need to invest in infrastructure for job creation, the expansion of industries and the growth of the private sector is paramount in a growing economy. As such, eliminating the infrastructure deficit, including linking our heavily populated coastland to our rich, arable and pristine hinterland communities, continues to guide investments in the sector,” he told

the National Assembly.

To this end the Finance Minister said too that the need for new, higher -capacity, fixed bridge across the Demerara River is evident, given the aging out of the existing bridge. The feasibility study for a new bridge has since been completed and calls for the Expressions of interest have been made.

The Government has since received 11 Expressions of Interests for the design, build, own, operate and transfer option for the new Demerara River Bridge.

According to a feasibility study conducted by LIEVENSE CSO, the new bridge is estimated to cost US$170M. BAM International of the Netherlands; Ballast Nedam of the Netherlands; AFCONS Infrastructure Ltd. of India; Coema Pais Landscaping Organisation and Services Limited of Brazil in partnership with Sanches Tripoloni Limited of Brazil; China Civil Engineering Corporation of China;

China Railway Major Bridge Engineering Group Company Limited and AVIC Intelligence Measurement Company of China in a joint venture; China Communication Construction Company Ltd., CITIC Construction Company Ltd. and China Railway 17 Euro Group Company Ltd. in a joint venture; China State Construction Engineering Corporation Ltd.; SINO Hydro Corporation Ltd of China; Puentes y Infraestructuras of Spain; Oas engenharia e construcao of Brazil ; and China TIESIJU Civil Engineering Group Co. Ltd. are the 11 companies that have submitted tenders.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson said his ministry is pleased with the submissions.

He said his government will work assiduously to ensure that the construction of the bridge is done soonest.

As it relates to the hinterland bridges, Jordan disclosed that along the George-

One of the existing ferries, MV Lady Northcote that normally plies the Georgetown to Port Kaituma, Region One, route town-Lethem gateway, a feasibility study and design is being done for a bridge across the Kurupukari River.

In this regard some $840.4M has been set aside in the budget to facilitate the structure along with other bridge improvement initiatives next year. Meanwhile, Minister Jordan noted that his administration is aware of the need to protect the country’s low-lying coastland and not-

ed that some $2.4B has been budgeted to improve the country’s sea defence. He pointed specifically to the construction and rehabilitation of sea defence structures to be done at Ruimzeigt/ Waller‘s Delight, DeWillem, Grove/Look Out, Pomeroon, Cottage (Mahaicony), and Uitvlugt.

Additionally, some $250M has been allocated in the 2018 budget for the ser-

vicing of riverine areas and utilising of under-exploited river ways to facilitate economic activity.

As such, the stellings at Bartica and Leguan will be upgraded next year, while an additional sum of $160M has been allocated to support the reconstruction of the Vreed-en-Hoop and Stabroek stellings, into modern water taxi terminals.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 29, 2017

City Hall wages bill at $112M … King says ‘staggering’ of payments each month necessary

THE administration of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC), headed

by Town Clerk Royston King, continues to refuse to do a ‘manpower audit’ at the municipality despite lamenting that revenues being garnered each month are not adequate to cover even the salaries bill.

The M&CC currently has more than 800 staff members and 250 pensioners, bringing the monthly payroll to $112M. At Monday’s statutory meeting, King reported that between $70 to 80M a month is being collected monthly in rates and taxes.

He gave this as the reason the municipality must continue to “stagger” payments to its workers each month.

While November salaries were due since last Friday, the M&CC only managed to pay scales 1 and 2 last Monday, and promised to pay the rest of workers by Friday.

King said the financial

situation is dire at the municipality, especially as the number of pensioners is increasing. He said City Hall also owes retroactive money to workers for two years.

Councillor Bishram Kuppen pointed out that the M&CC recently hired several additional recruits and questioned why the municipality would do so in view of the fact that employment money alone is more than what the municipality is taking in.

“Are we ever going to see the manpower audit presented to this council?

How are we going to know if people are gainfully employed here?” questioned Kuppen.

Just last week, scores of M&CC workers protested the non-payment of their October salaries, along with the practice by City Hall of deducting money monthly for the credit unions, National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), but not

Councillor Bishram Kuppen (second from left) questioned just when the city’s administration will present a manpower audit to the Council. pay them over to the differ- can, who laid flat on his back “We fed up of the same obligations to the Council. ent agencies. in front of City Hall’s gate, thing over and over” and This has resulted in a shortGuyana Local Govern- cheered on by many, had one worker said: “Courts fall in revenue collection. ment Officer Union Pres- chanted: “They touring and ringing down my phone all This shortfall has seident Wendy De Cunha, we hungry. We fed up. Bad the time; they even calling verely affected the Countold the Chronicle that the management. The town clerk my mother.” cil’s ability to provide non-remittances of the var- must go; put in someone fit Meanwhile, in an effort to critical services in sevious sums have been going and proper.” Other placards curb the financial crisis at the eral areas, including the on for some months now, bore the words: “Pay our municipality, a 100 per cent cleaning and desilting of resulting in the workers Credit Unions. We need amnesty on general rates is drains and canals, repair being unable to receive any loans”, “No money, no work”, being offered from November of roads, provision of benefits and obtain loans “We want money now” and 15 to December 15, 2017. street lights and payment from the unions. “That is “Respect your human resourc“Currently, more than of monthly remuneration unlawful,” she said. es assets, they are important.” 50 per cent of ratepayers to its staff,” City Hall said Councillor Sherod DunProtesters also chanted: have not honoured their in a statement.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Relief over scrapping of VAT on education

By Lisa Hamilton

INSTITUTIONS heads, teachers and students are grateful for the government’s change of heart after budget 2018 revealed that Value Added Tax (VAT) will no longer be charged on education services beginning January 1.

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordon, on Monday put forward the proposal in light of representations made by the public in opposition to the 14% tax on private school fees. The School of the Nations is believed to have played a key role in these representations. Protesting, writing letters to the media and delivering a petition signed by 14,000 individuals to the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of the Presidency are just some of the ways the institution fought back.

Spearheading these ventures were Student Council Leaders, Ryan Benschop and Othniel Lewis, who expressed relief that the work they put in finally paid off.

“It’s really uplifting and, for me, it

inspires patriotism,” Benschop said. “It doesn’t give me the sense that the government is just going to do something and I can’t say anything about it...something can actually happen from it…at least in this case, although it took a year, something was done.”

Lewis shared his colleague’s reaction, stating, “I honestly feel as though I can appreciate that they accepted that it might not have been fair, and the fact that they changed it, is something that I’m happy about and I’m just glad to see that through deliberation and through discussing an issue…we can, together, have a change that everybody wants.”

A step in the right direction and one which will help to push Guyana forward in its promotion of education is the school’s Academic Director, Taslikyah Stewart-Fox, take on the matter.

She highlighted the adverse effects of the 14% tax charge on the school’s Association of Business Executives (ABE) programme, which saw roughly 100 dropouts

Student Council Leaders, from left, Ryan Benschop and Othniel Lewis (Photos

by Delano Williams)

during the period. “The ABE programme consists of students that are mostly from modest backgrounds,” Stewart-Fox said.

“So to add an additional expense on them, when they’re really trying to further their education for the purpose of upgrading themselves, it was really difficult.

“We saw decline in the admissions for ABE, as well as current students...we had presented that evidence to the officials so we’re happy now that the decision has been reconsidered.”

The school’s expression of gratefulness, however, is not one that is easily digested by the Guyanese public. Many believe that students who attend private institutions are often times ‘better off’ and therefore should not object to the payment of these fees. These views are what both the Council and the Academic Director term as gross misconceptions. “If you’re here and you’re a part of the environment you’d recognise that it’s not because students have or come from a strong financial background,” Stewart-Fox stated. “It’s just parents making the sacrifice because they really want the best education for their children.”

She further pulled back the curtains to the realities of many parents who struggle daily to send their children to the school.

“You have persons who are taxi drivers and those who have a modest business that they’re trying to run, just to make that sacrifice to put their children through school.”

Her view on the matter was shared by Lewis who, instead, chose to highlight the plight of students who self-funded their education.

“There are individuals paying their own school fees, they don’t have parents backing them, they go to work and then they take that money that they earned and they invest in themselves and they come to ABE. So it’s not like they have anybody to depend on...” Lewis explained.

However, as the institution welcomes this adjustment in Budget 2018, these changes will see the government experiencing a potential revenue loss of $342 million.

This will not be taken lightly as the

Academic Director of School of the Nations, Taslikyah Stewart-Fox Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is expected to aid the government in ensuring that these private institutions become fully tax-compliant. During a press conference in March of this year, Jordan revealed that only 54 schools (57% of private schools in Guyana) were registered with the GRA and that the total tuition fees charged by the top eight of these private institutions exceed $2B annually.

Principal of the Marian Academy, Marie Harper, said the institution understands this and would gladly continue to comply with the payments of its taxes. “I have no problem...We have been abiding by the law...The government cannot run the country without money in their coffers.”

Harper also said that she was very happy that the government had decided to reconsider its decision, hence, making the ‘better life’ that they have been proposing, a reality.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 29, 2017

New legal aid programme to tackle wandering THE incarceration of children for petty offences such as wandering will be addressed when the government unveils a new legal aid programme next year.

The programme, which

will work on the defence of minors and non-violent offenders who are on pre-trial detention, is part of the government‘s efforts to streamline a budget that is more child-focused and

youth-friendly, Finance Minister, Winston Jordan said in a budget speech on Monday.

“It is not the wish of this administration to have children and youth incarcerated for petty offences, such as

wandering. To continue to do so would be to deprive this nation of the true potential of its rich human capital,” Jordan said. He added that by the end of 2018, the programme will commence work on the

over 500 cases of the aforementioned type, on assessing the sustainability of this pilot legal aid programme, and on providing capacity-building to non-governmental organisations that share a similar objective.

Jordan said the government’s work on the new legal aid programme, is all part of a broader vision, which seeks to reduce the burden on our prisons, allowing for a more people-focused, and an efficient justice system. It also allows for more effective use of our limited financial and human resources. Alongside the legal aid programme, the administration will be establishing a Law Reform Commission, in the new year, which will work on amending and modernising our legislation to cater for non-custodial sanctions for various types of offence, the finance minister noted.

Additionally, Jordan mentioned that Guyana is the first country in the Caribbean to have established a specialised court for sexual offences that is sensitive to the needs and circumstances of victims. This court, he said, will hear all indictable sexual offence cases, and will offer a rights-based approach, in recognition that victims tended to be re-victimised under the previous

format. As such, the court has been outfitted with protective screens and dedicated rooms, among other features.

To support the operations of the court, model guidelines for sexual offence cases were developed, taking into account international best practices for the management of such cases.

Jordan said too that the laying and passage of the Juvenile Justice Bill, which addresses diversionary options and access to legal aid for our children and youth, is anxiously awaited. In the meanwhile, the Bill is being costed so that its potential for additional financial responsibility or for savings to the taxpayer can be identified.

The finance minister also told the House that the current system that incarcerates a person for the usage of harmful substances will be re-examined. “Our people need our compassion and our help so that they can be rehabilitated and given the support they need to live healthy and productive lives. In 2018, we will be conducting a study on appropriate treatments for substance abuse, as a health issue within the criminal justice system.

This will inform our interaction with the judiciary, as we assist in developing policies to reduce over-reliance on imprisonment.

Probation services will also be strengthened to support this paradigm shift,” he said.

Post early for Christmas THE Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) is urging customers wanting to surprise relatives and friends overseas with a Christmas parcel in time for December 25, to post on or before December 7.

They’re also urging that those Christmas parcels intended for consignees living here be posted

by December 15.

Posting by the aforementioned dates, the GPOC says, will increase the guarantee of a timely delivery for the holidays.

They would also like to remind customers to ensure that items are correctly addressed, and that a return address is included.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Judge defers sentencing –– pending evaluation of accused’s sanity

JUSTICE James BovellDrakes on Monday deferred sentencing of prisoner Adrian McKenzie so as to allow government psychiatrist Dr. Bhiro Harry to pronounce on his sanity. As such, the trial will resume next Tuesday.

McKenzie had, through his attorney Maxwell McKay, previously pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter in the Georgetown High Court for the 2010 alleged murder of his 62-year-old mother, Ethel Andries.

According to reports, McKenzie was arrested by a posse of men from

his village, located about 65 miles south of Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Essequibo-Upper Takutu), less than 24 hours after he had allegedly beaten his mother to death with a hammer.

The bloodied hammer was recovered by the police at the crime scene.

The savage attack on his mother was reportedly triggered by her reprimanding him for assaulting his father. It is alleged that he also attempted to kill a teen female relative by cutting her throat with a knife.

Fortunately for her, the wound was superficial, so she was able to raise an alarm, at which point McK-

Diplomacy

CANADIAN Chargé D’affaires to Guyana, Jan Sheltinga (left) interacts with one of the participants of the Aspects of Guyana’s Economic Diplomacy-Trade Negotiations workshop.

The workshop, which is conducted by Ambassador Louis Poisson of the Canadian Executive Service Organisation (CESO), aims to provide representatives from several ministries, government agencies and the private sector with a wealth of information on trade agreements.

Adrian McKenzie enzie made a run for it into the surrounding bushes.

He was, however, cornered and handed over to the police by a group of village men who had mobilised horses and gone in search of him.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 29, 2017

BOSAI honours 64 students with bursaries

SIXTY-FOUR students were on Saturday honoured at BOSAI’s 11th Annual Bursary Awards at the Lichas Hall in the mining town of Linden.

Those awarded were the top performers at the National Grade Six Assessment and Caribbean Secondary Examination Council. The category under which they were awarded include: em-

ployees’ children top 10, Linden’s top 10 and National top 10. Renis Morian, Regional Chairman Region 10, encouraged the awardees to continue striving for excellence and to “let the sky be the limit.”

He also challenged the students to “guard against the negativity,” and to stay focused. Bosai General Manager, Eric Yu in who

Top CSEC performers smile proudly for the camera

Bosai General Manager, Eric Yu giving his remarks is very passionate about supporting education said his company currently has 600 Lindeners employed and hopes that someday he would be able to employ some of the recipients to Bosai Minerals Guyana Inc. or at Guyana Manganese Inc. Assistant Chief Education Officer Second, June-Ann Gonsalves in her remarks stated that the educational landscape has been changing over the past years. “These changes are aimed at providing greater opportunities for all of our students to maximize their potential.

We want to offer greater diversity and flexibility in our educational system.”

“I want to encourage parents, continue to support the recipients today,

let them go as far as they want to go and as far as they can” implored District Education Officer Sub-Region 2, Kean Adams.

According to Senior Personnel Officer, Truedel Marks, the programme has awarded over 500 students over the past years. She also pointed out that it is the largest company-sponsored bursary in the whole of Guyana where over $1.5 million in cash and prizes are awarded yearly.

The awards ceremony started in 2006 when only the employees’ children were recognized.

However, in 2007 the top achievers of Region 10 were drafted into the programme and in 2012 the nation’s best was added to the platform.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Rice production pegged at over 600,000 tonnes for 2017

RICE production is expected to increase as predicted by the end of the year, Minister of Finance Winston Jordan disclosed.

He said the industry will record an output of 602,087 tonnes for 2017.

This will represent a

12.7 percent increase as compared to output in 2016.

“This is due mainly to an additional 14,000 hectares planted for the 2017 spring crop and a further 74,481 hectares planted in the autumn crop,” Minister Jordan explained. The Finance

Stun guns to be in use this week –Town Clerk

TOWN Clerk Royston King made councillors laugh on Monday when he said that the two stun guns purchased for the municipal abattoir were at Laparkan Shipping Company. One month ago, he had said that they were in-transit.

City Hall’s administration headed by King continues to be pressed with questions about the stun guns in view of the inhumane manner in which animals are being slaughtered.

“Stop it Town Clerk!” responded Councillor Sherod Duncan to King’s remark that the guns are now at Laparkan. It was Councillor Khame Sharma who requested an update on the situation, reminding King that on the last occasion he had said the guns were in-transit. King subsequently promised that the guns will be in use before the end of this week.

In September, when councillors asked Deputy Town Clerk Sharon Harry-Munroe about the guns, she too had said they were in transit. In fact, she said one month before King had come to statutory and reported that the guns were in transit. Harry-Munroe had promised a full report on the matter, but none has come forward to date.

Mayor Patricia Chase-Green had some months ago called for the matter be dealt with urgently, as she described the manner in which the animals are slaughtered currently as “cruel and heartless.” She had even threatened disciplinary action against officers who are culpable. And, months later, Harry attempted to offer an explanation to the Council that while the gun had been procured, the ammunition still had to be obtained.

She had also caused some stir when she raised the issue of a second stun gun, which according to her, was on its way to Guyana.

The Guyana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) had said earlier this year that it was not satisfied with the manner in which the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is slaughtering animals. The mayor had said that should the GSPCA have reason to go out and protest this issue, those who are guilty will be disciplined.

By the end of July, it was the mayor who had remarked that the stun gun and ammunition should have been in place at the municipal abattoir, failing which disciplinary action would have been taken. To date, the abattoir continues to operate without stun guns.

The stun gun is used to render animals immobile or unconscious prior to slaughtering them at the abattoir, so that they do not feel as much pain.

Minister said that this anticipated increased output can be linked to the fact that there was an improvement in rice yields. In 2016, Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder had projected increased production output for the rice industry.

Back then, Minister Holder had explained that rice production declined significantly during 2016 due to severe El Nino weather conditions. He had also said that a number of farmers also exited the industry due to the loss of

the high-priced Venezuelan market. However, efforts by private millers and government to source new rice markets in 2017 have contributed to improved rice production. Minister Jordan said that “These developments stem from farmers’

renewed confidence in their ability to access new markets.

The recent attendance by the private sector at the Havana International Fair in Cuba helped to stimulate further investment in the industry.”

‘We’re proud of you’

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 29, 2017

… President honours 60 servicemen for dedication to country

By Rabindra Rooplall SIXTY ranks of the Joint Services received medals for their outstanding service to the country at a ceremony hosted at the Drill Square, Base Camp Ayanganna on Tuesday.

Twenty ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), 20 ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and 20 ranks of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) received medals from Commander-in-Chief, President David Granger who

pinned the medals onto the respective recipients. In attendance were Heads of the Joint Services, members of the diplomatic corps, retired military personnel and special invitees President Granger congratulated the awardees on behalf of the Guyana Government and the Defence Board. He said military officers from next month will be on duty day and night while the nation sleeps. “Every hour of the day and night, you and your comrades in

GDF Registered Nurse Valeo Griffith

uniform will be on duty somewhere in Guyana. We are proud of you, we are proud that you have selected to serve your nation and you have been selected to receive these awards,” the Head of State said.

Over the years, he said the Joint Services have kept Guyana safe and the awards are mere tokens and symbols of what a grateful nation has extended. “There is no way we can thank you enough for all that you do every day to keep this country safe…I urge that you cherish these awards, every army in the world recognises service of persons who have distinguished themselves through their long service, courage and exemplar,” President Granger said.

He urged the awardees to wear their medals with pride and show it to their children and siblings and to be an example of what service to the nation should be.

In an interview with GDF registered nurse, Valeo Griffith who has been working with the Medical Corps for almost 13 years, she said her unblemished record over the last 10 years has been recognised, and the medal will be a reminder and an inspiration for future goals. “I was involved in military and academic training. Being a nurse is quite interesting because we in the army do much more than the regular nurses, we also do combat nursing as well,” she said.

“Because of the fact that you’re exposed to different aspects of the army I would advise any ambitious person

Commander-in-Chief David Granger pins one of the medals onto a GDF officer at the medal presentation parade. (Delano Williams photo) who want [sic] to serve their country to join the GDF because there are many things that can be done.”

Sergeant Devindra Narine of the Logistics Training Division said he has served 14 years in the GDF and is thankful that his work has been recognised in the form of a medal. “This means a lot to me since I plan to dedicate my life to the force,” he said. He advised youngsters to join the GDF since there are many aspects of service to the country and military.

“The GDF is very adventurous and there is a lot of gain in experiences of life,”

Narine said.

The medals included: The Military Efficiency Medal – This medal is awarded to serving members of the GDF who have completed 10 years of continuous service, with good conduct and approved by the Chief of Staff following recommendation by the Medal Awards Committee.

The Border Defence Medal – This medal is awarded to serving members of the GDF and GPF who would have had cumulative on a border location, in excess of one year and approved by the Chief of Staff/

Commissioner of Police following the recommendations by the Medal Awards Committee.

The Long Service and Good Conduct Medal – This medal is awarded to serving members of the GPF who have completed 15 years of continuous service with good conduct, and approved by the Commissioner of Police following the recommendations by the Medal Awards Committee.

This medal is also awarded to serving members of the GFS who have served 20 years continuously with good conduct.

Guyanese among 55 rounded up by U.S. immigration

Sergeant Devindra Narine

A GUYANESE who was convicted of assault, criminal possession of a weapon and kidnapping is among the 55 foreign nationals arrested during a recently-concluded sixday operation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).

ERO deportation officers in New York targetted at-large criminal aliens, illegal re-entrants, and immigration fugitives during the operation which ran from Monday, Nov. 13 to Monday, Nov. 20.

Of those arrested, ICE had lodged detainers on 42 of the foreign nationals when they were in local law

enforcement custody, and they were all released without the detainers being honoured. Ten were immigration fugitives or were previously removed from the U.S. Some of the individuals arrested during the enforcement action will be presented for federal prosecution for re-entry after deportation, a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Those not being criminally prosecuted will be processed for removal from the country. Individuals who have outstanding orders of deportation, or who returned to the United States illegally after being deported, are subject to immediate removal from the country.

Last week’s arrestees (46 men and nine women) included nationals from 22 countries – Mexico (20); Jamaica (5), Ecuador (4), Honduras (3), Colombia (2), Dominican Republic (2), El Salvador (2), Guatemala (2), Yemen (2), Bangladesh (1), France (1), Guyana (1), Jordan (1), Nigeria (1), Poland (1), Romania (1), Slovakia (1), Spain (1), Trinidad (1), Yemen (1), Serbia (1), Egypt (1).

Although Kings and Queens counties accounted for the largest number of arrests during the operation, ERO deportation officers conducted enforcement actions in all boroughs of New York City, and Putnam and Westchester counties.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Town Clerk making –– Councillor us look bad Marks declares

COUNCILLOR Andrea Marks on Monday complained that the Town Clerk, Royston King was making her and fellow councillors look bad by making unilateral decisions regarding Christmas vending.

Marks claimed that she received complaints from vendors that they are being charged $2,500 and $3,500 to vend during the Christmas season at locations where vending is not normally permitted.

King responded that it is an administrative decision to allow this kind of vending, thus indicating that it is not necessary to bring this matter before the Council. He said vendors are charged per square foot for the space they occupy.

Councillor Marks then responded that King ought to let the vendors know that he is the one charging the fees and not the Council. “He is making us look bad out there.

I fed up of this thing; I will bring a motion,” she said.

Councillors had in the

past accused King of acting “independently” of the City Council.

Team Legacy councillors, for instance, had contended that the councillors were not being duly consulted or informed about important decisions being made by the City Hall administration, such as in the cases of the removal of the vendors from Stabroek Square, the demolition of the ‘Dread Shop’, and the new parking meters system, among other things.

“The Town Clerk continues to operate independently of the Council. Many times the members of the Council learn about decisions taken and executed by the Town Clerk from the press,” Team Legacy had said in a release.

“When questioned, we are told that these decisions were made by the previous council. However, we believe that even if decisions were made previously, the new Council should be able to, and must, review these decisions to determine if they align with the vision of the new council.

GNBA launches new user-friendly website

THE Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) has launched its new and improved website which is also user-friendly.

The upgraded website, the Authority says, is a convenient means of communication, the core objective of which is to assist stakeholders with the necessary and pertinent information regarding the acquisition of broadcast licences, industry information and the relevant laws and regulations crafted to effectively guide the local broadcasting industry, in keeping with international best practices.

According to a press release issued by the Authority, the website offers stakeholders the option of viewing and downloading the broadcasting guidelines for the management of broadcast content, and features the broadcasting Amendment Act 2017 and other related telecommunications and broadcasting legislation.

It also provides a special feedback option, which allows stakeholders to make inquiries relative to the services being provided. Notably, aspiring broadcasters can easily access the necessary forms when applying for a television, cable or radio licence, and other essential information required for the successful completion of their application.

The GNBA would however like to encourage all stakeholders to interact with its website and to utilise the features available.

The website is a work in progress and continues to be updated with information regarding the progressive work of the Authority and developments in the broadcasting industry.

GNBA advises stakeholders to look out for training materials in the foreseeable future, as they work assiduously towards the execution of their mandate to effectively regulate, supervise and develop the broadcast sector in Guyana.

The Uniform Resource Locator (URL) for GNBA’s website is: gnba.gov.gy

“We believe this goes against the purpose of Local Government Elections (LGE). We, the councillors, are the elected officials.

We have been elected by the people of our City, but our efforts to act on behalf of our constituents and the City are being stymied at almost every turn.”

Councillor Andrea Marks (seated second left)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Police, GRA to crack down on firecrackers

AS the Christmas season rapidly approaches, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) are cautioning individuals that the illegal use of explosives will see them facing the full force of the law.

Although numerous raids have been conducted by both parties in the past, the most recent being during the Diwali holiday, many Guyanese continue to disregard the ban on explosives. As such, Commander of ‘A’ Division, Marlon Chapman, said the Police Force will be utilising different strategies to daily combat the issue which continues to be a nuisance to man and beasts. “As commander of the ‘A’ Division I have some concerns about that and what I can tell you is this, the campaign will be intensified throughout the division because my belief is that everyone must have comfort, whether in the confines of their homes or not,” the Commander indicated.

While much of the operation plans cannot be exposed, Chapman was stern in stating that prosecution will be brought against those who are found in default.

He highlighted that while some found

Commander of ‘A’ Division, Marlon Chapman (photo by Delano Williams)

the explosives to be entertaining, they were simultaneously being inconsiderate of other parties involved. “They have to understand that those things...can cause problems especially in the animal world.

For example, horses when they hear the sound of those crackers they behave in a manner which can endanger persons...and likewise other animals,” the Commander expressed.

He also said, “A sick person might be in a house, or a vehicle or walking on the road and that explosion can cause that person to be more sick. It affects children... We have learn to be considerate to others as we would like for ourselves.”

The GRA, knowledgeable of its role in the matter, has stepped up enforcement activities at the country’s border locations to prevent the smuggling of firecrackers, squibs and other pyrotechnics.

This is according to Assistant Commissioner within the Law Enforcement Department, Jason Moore, who said that these items fall within section 218 of the Customs Act. “We would like the general public to know that it is unlawful and persons caught with these items or any other

uncustomed item (items for which no duty or tax was paid) will be prosecuted in accordance with the provision of the Customs Act,” Moore stated.

Since his management of ‘A’ Division, Chapman said that the police force has been receiving considerable support from the GRA. This, he is confident will steadily improve and continue throughout the season.

Both the GRA and the GPF believe that the level of seriousness demonstrated

by Guyanese on the issue leaves much to be desired. Moore highlighted that certain communities take it more seriously than others.

Chapman, however, encourages members of the public to speak up, and to be assured that those with information on the illegal use of explosives can be certain that their information will be treated with strict confidentially.

The Commander said that persons with information can contact the nearest police station, while the GRA advises the public to express their concerns on its intelligence hotline number: 2276060 extensions: 1201- 1204.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 29, 2017

ARIES Your reactions are strong and immediate today, but your unpremeditated behaviour can elicit undesirable consequences as the reckless Aries Moon squares ruthless Pluto in your 10th House of Career. You may find yourself locked in an argument with your boss or someone else who holds a powerful position. Your strength of conviction won’t likely be enough to assure your victory. Remember that you’re in it for the long haul and choosing your conflicts wisely may determine your success or failure. Sometimes it’s necessary to lose a battle to win the war.

TAURUS You have high hopes about deepening a friendship by revealing your previously unexpressed dreams. You’re eager to take a risk today and launch into a story about your spiritual explorations. However, you might stir up a hornets nest if your religious views or metaphysical assumptions are in conflict with the faith of others. It’s imperative to express your beliefs without imposing them on anyone else. Nevertheless, it’s difficult to find common ground if one person already knows the other one is wrong. Mutual respect is a cornerstone to a strong community.

GEMINI You think all is well in your social world at first glance today, but strange energies are floating in the atmosphere. Sharing your plans with a friend or associate seems like an innocent thing to do. However, your disclosure may not unfold the way you wish as emotions escalate. You could suddenly find yourself in the middle of a melodrama that has nothing to do with you. Unfortunately, a quick escape seems out of the question.

Although you didn’t break the vase, you still have to pick up the pieces.

CANCER It doesn’t necessarily feel comfortable, but you’re ready to step outside of your emotional safety zone today in order to get what you want. You might think that your willingness to put your feelings on the line will immediately bring you the respect and rewards you seek. But it appears as if an adversary is present every step of your way. Fortunately, the situation is not as dire as it seems and your concern only makes matters worse. Continue on your path, undeterred by the judgment of others. Confidence is contagious.

LEO You have big plans, but you may need to follow a long and winding road until you can start to execute them. Naturally, you are happiest when your dreams are manifesting like instant karma, but you’re willing to sit quietly in a holding pattern if you must.

Although you really dont like waiting for something that should already be yours, you’ll take delayed gratification over none at all. Irish Statesman Edmund Burke wrote, “Our patience will achieve more than our force”.

VIRGO Exploring the natural beauty in the shadows demands a certain strength of character, and you’re up for the excursion today. Unfortunately, someone with an axe to grind might single you out and try to discredit your work. But you are a force to be reckoned with when it comes to your integrity. Your survival instincts kick in when you feel threatened, especially now that the warrior Aries Moon squares unrelenting Pluto in your 5th House of Self-Expression. Lao Tzu wrote, “Respond intelligently even to unintelligent treatment”.

LIBRA People seem to change their minds at the drop of a hat today. You wish you could approve of their spontaneous behaviour, but it complicates your schedule. Naturally, you want to maintain a friendly connection, but not at the cost of turning your life inside out. Although you’re most often driven by your desire for peace and harmony, you could reach a breaking point now and say or do something you’ll soon wish you hadn’t. Gold medallist Jackie Joyner-Kersee said, “It’s better to look ahead and prepare, than to look back and regret”.

SCORPIO You feel the need for a sudden and complete overhaul of your daily routine because it’s no longer aligned with your goals. However, your transformation might require the intervention of supportive friends to assist you in morphing the old into the new.

Nevertheless, you still could run into resistance from someone who isn’t on board with your plan, but you can’t let that derail your progress. Thankfully, your persistence will be rewarded and the very same people who thwarted your efforts may turn into your biggest fans.

SAGITTARIUS You are on a creative rollercoaster today, making it necessary to ride the waves of production when they are flowing. However, unpredictable currents can knock you for a loop and stir up so much adrenaline that you can’t think straight. Instead of forcing your continued output, know when to take a break. Intermittent rest and relaxation periods throughout the day enable you to work your magic more effectively. John Muir wrote, “The power of imagination makes us infinite”.

CAPRICORN There are many separate issues that feed your anger these days and its challenging to leave your feelings unexpressed. Unfortunately, no one knows your needs unless you tell them. Keeping your thoughts to yourself doesn’t do anything to improve the current emotional imbalance. In fact, suppressed negativity just grows stronger when left to simmer. Carlos Castaneda wrote, “We either make ourselves miserable or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same”.

AQUARIUS You are growing increasingly restless day by day and are ready to do almost anything to alleviate the mounting pressure. However, the longer you can wait the better now, because your actions will likely set a whole new sequence of events into motion.

Although there’s no way of knowing in advance exactly what will happen once you speak your truth, your honesty and kindness will help to minimize any further conflict.

Transparency cultivates trust.

PISCES You might be concerned about the inconsistent behaviour of your friends today.

However, it’s not entirely clear whether or not your suspicions are based on the facts.

You may even feel like the entire world is against you now that paranoid Pluto forms a contentious square with the independent Aries Moon in your 2nd House of Self-Esteem. Surprisingly, the emotional landscape could dramatically shift in a moment’s notice, restoring your faith in others. Tim Fargo wrote, “Opportunity doesn’t make appointments, you have to be ready when it arrives”.

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World Cup 2018

American Racing Tips Aqueduct

Race 8 Beckers Causeway Race 9 Andretta

Race 1 Causeway Cutie Race 2 Elegant Jem Race 3 Call Me

Irish Racing Tips Punchestown

Race 4 Tizzelle

08:20 hrs Paloma Blue

Race 5 Tiz Supper

08:50 hrs Derrinross

Race 6 Tisbury

09:20 hrs Good To Flow

Race 7 Gift Box

09:50 hrs Bon Papa 10:25 hrs Woods Well 10:55 hrs Flemenstorm 11:30 hrs Caltex South Africa Racing Tips Vaal 08:20 hrs Matchmaker 08:55 hrs Rendezvous 09:30 hrs Big Parade 10:05 hrs Cathedral County 10:40 hrs Just A Jet 11:15 hrs Sess English Racing Tips Wolverhampton 08:15 hrs Gustavo Fring 08:45 hrs Fire Orchid 09:15 hrs Love Is Enough 09:45 hrs Ghanimah 10:20 hrs Seniority 10:50 hrs Spinning Melody 11:25 hrs Mr Strutter 11:55 hrs Skyva Wetherby 08:25 hrs Doctor Bartolo 09:25 hrs Jersey Bean 10:30 hrs Becky The Thatcher 11:05 hrs Harrisons Promise 11:35 hrs Belle Amis Hereford 08:35 hrs Sydney De Baune 09:05 hrs Court Liability 09:35 hrs The Last But One 10:10 hrs Plantagenet 10:40 hrs Undefined Beauty 11:15 hrs Comber Mill 11:45 hrs Peculiar Places

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Adelaide Oval quickest in Australia under lights - Lehmann DARREN Lehmann has told England to brace themselves for the fastest wicket in Australia under lights, in the day-night Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval.

England flew to South Australia licking their wounds after a crushing 10-wicket defeat in the opening match of the series on a Gabba pitch that was not as quick as usual.

James Anderson will be expected to come to the fore with a pink ball that should swing in the first day-night Ashes Test, which starts on Saturday.

Australia head coach Lehmann feels pacemen Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins will be excited at the prospect of bowling on a surface which he expects to offer plenty of bounce.

“It’s a fascinating Test

match, there’s a lot of talk about it’ll seam and it’ll swing,” Lehmann said yesterday.

night, so that’s going to be interesting, how it plays. “(Bowling short of a l e n g t h ) c e r t a i n l y h a s n ’t

Darren Lehmann says Australia will continue their ploy of dishing out the short stuff to England’s middle and lower order.

“The ball stays pretty good, but you can make runs if you play well as per normal. And it does quicken up at night - probably the fastest wicket around Australia at

Jumbo Jet’s Race of Champions horserace meet set for Sunday

… Over $6M in prize money on offer THE Rising Sun Turf Club will come alive on Sunday when the Jumbo Jet Racing Committee runs off its Annual Race of Champions eight-race meet at the club’s facility, West Coast Berbice, beginning at 13:00hrs.

With over $6M in prize money up for the taking, horse racing fans are in for a treat as some of Guyana’s top thoroughbreds will be on show with stable owners eyeing the top prize money on offer for each of the eight races.

The feature event will be for horses classified `C’ and Lower over a distance of 1200m which has on offer $1M for the winning stable. The second- to fourth-place finishers will earn $500 000, $250 000 and $125 000 respectively.

Other races listed for the day are a 1200m race for animals classified `F’ and Lower and `E’ non-winners for 2017. The winning stable will receive $400 000 and a trophy, while the other top two performers will be rewarded with $200 000 and $100 000 respectively.

There will also be a 1200m event for horses classified `H1 and `I’ with the winner earning $300 000.

The second- and third-place finishers will receive $150 000 and $75 000 respectively.

Three-year-old Guyana-bred and `H’ class horses that have not earned any prizes in their last two starts will also battle over 1200m with the winner collecting $250 000. The second-place finisher will receive $125 000, while the animal placing third will receive $62 000.

Two-year-old Guyana-bred horses as well as `J3’ animals who have not earned in their last two starts will contest a 1200m event for a first prize worth $240 000. The second- and third-place finishers will receive $120 000 and $60 000 respectively.

changed from four years ago.

It’s a bit different in Australia than England where grounds are smaller and you can’t really get away with it; on bigger grounds you can.

“So that’s one for us that we see as an advantage. They did it quite a lot to us as well.

It’s a ploy a lot of people do now. At the back end when the wicket quickened up and we could go after them a bit harder was helpful. That’s the blueprint, it’s no secret we’re going to attack their middle and lower order like that.

“You’re more comfortable in your preparation (with experience of playing day-night Tests); you know what you have to do to get ready. So the lead-in is a lot more normal for us than other teams having done it twice.

“This is the third time so we’re pretty comfortable where it sits. In terms of preparation and all that we’ll be fine, it’s just which team adapts better, I suppose.”

(Omnisport)

Upper Corentyne beat Skeldon Community Centre in thriller THE Berbice Cricket Board’s 50-overs first division competition resumed last weekend at the #73 Cricket Club ground in the Upper Corentyne Region with an intense matchup between Skeldon Community Centre and the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association teams.

Batting first under glorious sunshine, Upper Corentyne scored 198 all out in 37.1 overs in the match which was reduced to 45 overs. Lakeram Latchman top-scored with 57, Somdat Singh made 37, while Rishi Persaud and T. Ramotar contributed 23 and 20 respectively. Bowling for Skeldon Community Centre, S. Rash-

eed took 2-24, Jermaine Reid 3-48 in 8 overs, Sherwin Murray 2-50 in 9 overs, and A. Applesammy 1-45 in his 7 overs.

In reply, Skeldon Community Centre fell short of the total by 2 runs in a nailbiting finish. Skeldon scored 196 in 38.4 overs.

Jermaine Reid top-scored with 50, Christopher Jaundoo 37 and T. Ramdass 34.

Sherwin Murray made 27..

In their bowling, L. Latchman had figures of 2-29, Balram Persaud 2-27, T. Ramotar 1-20 and A. Hemchand 1-20.

First Division action continues at venues across the county this coming Sunday.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday November 29, 2017) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & the City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Seymour Nurse-258 (Christchurch, 1968/69) (2) Glen Turner-259 (Bourda, 1972) Today’s Quiz: (1) What are the best bowling figures in a Test innings

by a WI against NZ in Tests to date?

(2) What are the best bowling figures in a Test innings

by a NZ against WI in Tests to date?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

Bright sets new record in long jump, as Linden take early lead

By Tamica Garnett WITH expectations for the Linden athletes running high, several of them delivered yesterday at the National Track and Field Centre in Leonora, with Chantoba Bright topping the lot with her record-breaking leap in the Girls’ Under- 18 long jump finals, helping to propel Upper Demerara/ Kwakwani (District 10) to an early lead when competition in the National Schools Championships continued yesterday.

Over in the day’s 400m heats, Williams and Deshanna Skeete put out the best times in their respective heats, showing great promise for District 10 as they battle to defend their track and field competition title.

District 10 now stand ahead in the track and field competition with 87 points after 17 finals.

Just on their heels are the Corentyne (District 6) with 73 points.

Bright obliterated her own previous 5.47m record, which she set last year, after clearing 5.89m last night, as the competition continued under floodlights.

However, Bright was not the only one who set records yesterday. At least three other records toppled, starting with West Demerara’s Carl Williams 7.11m jump in the Boys’ Under-20 long jump. Williams erased the previous 6.90m record that was held by fellow Westsider Rickford Deane, when he covered the distance in 1991.

Yet another record was trumped by District 4’s Toyan Raymond in the Girls’ Under-20 long jump.

She jumped 5.73m, surpassing the 5.47m record set by Michelle Vaughn in 1996.

South Georgetown’s Wesley Tyndall clocked 54.50 seconds in the Boys’ 400m heats, to shave just milliseconds from Daniel Williams’ 54.9 seconds record that was set in 2013.

In the day’s 400m heats, Williams and Deshanna Skeete put out the best times of the day in their respective heats.

It was a day full of excitement, and upsets, but also a day of some serious disappointment, the biggest of which was suffered by North Georgetown (District 11) as they watched the Girls Under-18 400m go off without their star athlete, Kenisha Phillips.

Phillips, apparently, has withdrawn from the Championships citing injury - a major blow to the Georgetown team, who were already facing an uphill battle in trying to put together a fight against District 10.

South Georgetown (District 13) are currently at third with 66 points, but only just, as East Coast Demerara (District 4) stand just one point behind.

West Demerara (District 3) follow with 48 points, and in a surprising turn of events North West (District 1) have a healthy 47 points, on a day when the only finals completed were field events.

North West are not known to participate successfully in their field events for some time now, but 2017 is obviously the year for a change. West Coast Berbice (District 5) have 45 points.

This now leaves North Georgetown in eighth after 17 finals, with 40 points. North Georgetown share that position with Rupununi (District 9) who also have 40 points.

With 38 points Essequibo Coast/Pomeroon round out the top ten.

33

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 29, 2017

FIFA World Cup

Bermuda rugby sevens teams sent packing, Jamaica take title

Zabivaka is the official mascot for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

742 760 tickets sold before Russia 2018 draw FIFA has sold 742 760 match tickets in the first round of sales for the World Cup before Friday’s draw for the finals.

The majority of ticket applications came from host nation Russia with 47% from other countries.

Prices range from £79 for a second-round group match to £829 for the final. Russian residents have a special category with tickets starting at £17.

A second phase of sales will run from December 5

until January 31, 2018.

Fans from the United States, Brazil, Germany, China, Mexico, Israel, Argentina, Australia, and England are in the top 10 teams for most applications.

“We are very pleased with the results of the first sales phase,” FIFA’s head of ticketing Falk Eller said.

“They confirmed the great interest sparked by the World Cup in Russia - both at local and international level.”

Fans can submit their

applications via the FIFA website for the second round of sales.

The most expensive ticket for the 2018 World Cup final at £829 is a £151 increase on the equivalent ticket at the Brazil 2014 final in Rio de Janeiro.

There will also be a “last-minute” sales phase from April 18 to July 15, 2018, the day of the World Cup final.

The tournament begins on June 14 with Russia playing the opener at the Luzhni-

ki Stadium in Moscow.

The World Cup finals draw is on Friday, December 1 at Moscow’s State Kremlin Palace concert hall at 15:00hrs GMT. You can watch it live on BBC Two and the BBC Sport website and app, and listen on BBC Radio 5 live.

It will be hosted by former England striker and BBC Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker and Russian sports journalist Maria Komandnaya. (BBC Sport)

MEXICO CITY, (CMC) – The Bermuda men’s and women’s rugby sevens teams have missed out on qualifying for the Central American and Caribbean Games (CAC) in Barranquilla, Colombia, in April – three weeks after Bermuda’s women’s field hockey team also failed to win a CAC spot.

Bermuda’s men, who struggled at the previous CAC Games in Veracruz, Mexico, in 2014, losing all of their matches, required a top-four finish at the Rugby Americas North tournament in Mexico City at the weekend to reach the CAC Games.

They finished sixth after losing to Cayman Islands 21-14 in a fifth-place play-off match.

Coach Waisale Serevi’s side made a winning start to the competition, defeating Dominican Republic 19-14 in their opening pool B match at the Campo Marte venue on Saturday.

But they were then undone by a formidable Jamaica, losing 35-0 to a side who have already qualified for the Hong Kong Sevens in April, to finish second in pool B. The pool contenders then faced off against one another to determine the top-six place rankings on Sunday, with Bermuda drawing 19-19 against Guyana before their defeat

by Cayman.

It was Jamaica who claimed the tournament title after a close-fought 28-24 win over Guyana in the final, while host nation Mexico placed third with a 22-14 victory over Trinidad and Tobago.

The Bermuda women failed to trouble the scorers in any of their three games on the opening day. They lost 24-0 to Trinidad and Tobago, 34-0 to Jamaica and 40-0 to Dominican Republic.

Bermuda started the second day in a similar vein, losing 34-0 to Mexico. They did show signs of improvement against French Guiana, however, opening their scoring account in a 31-12 defeat before drawing 7-7 against Guyana in their final game.

Bermuda’s women, who have been competing at the tournament for the past five years, finished bottom of the seven-team round robin. The top four teams were Mexico, French Guiana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.

Bermuda’s women’s field hockey team missed out on a trip to Colombia when they finished fourth in the qualifiers held in Kingston, Jamaica earlier this month.

Ashwin: quickest bowler to 300 wickets in Test history IN only his 54th match, Ravichandra Ashwin became the quickest bowler to take 300 wickets in Test history.

His 4 for 63 in the second innings in Nagpur not only helped India wrap up their biggest win in the format, and but also meant he took over from Dennis Lillee (56 Tests) as the new record holder. Ashwin also beat Muttiah Muralitharan, who had been the fastest spinner to 300 wickets, by as many as four Tests.

Ashwin is only the eighth spinner in the world to achieve 300 Test wickets, following his countrymen Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh. Among all India bowlers, only four others have got to the landmark.

A telling measure of Ashwin’s effectiveness is that, among spinners, he required the fewest balls to get to 300 wickets. He edged Shane Warne out by a small matter of 477 overs. * Balls bowled at the end of the match in which the milestone was achieved Not surprisingly, Ashwin’s strike-rate is much better than those of other spinners at the end of the

Fewest deliveries* to 300 Test wickets among spinners:

BOWLER

TEAM INNS BOWLED BALLS*

R. Ashwin

IND

101

15636

Quickest bowlers to 300 Test wickets (time from debut)* BOWLER

Debut

MILESTONE ACHIEVED*

TIME

—

Shane Warne

02-Jan-98

02-Jan-92

6yrs, 0days

R Ashwin

24-Nov-17

06-Nov-11

6yrs, 18days

Shane Warne

AUS

116

18501

—

Muttiah Muralitharan

SL

91

18622

—

Ian Botham

09-Aug-84

28-Jul-77

7yrs, 12 days

Rangana Herath

SL

124

19367

—

Glenn McGrath

01-Dec-00

12-Nov-93

7yrs, 12 days

Harbhajan Singh

IND

132

19876

—

Stuart Broad

06-Aug-15

09-Dec-07

7yrs, 240 days

Anil Kumble

IND

116

20664

—

Daniel Vettori

NZ

152

22981

—

Lance Gibbs

WI

140

25830

—

Test in which they reached 300 wickets. In fact, among bowlers from the subcontinent only Waqar Younis has fared batter. Among all 31

players who have taken at least 300 wickets, only 10 had a better strike-rate at the end of the Test in which they raised the milestone.

* Strike-rate at the end of the match in which the milestone was achieved Ashwin made his Test debut in 2011 and has taken just over six years to get to 300 wickets, helped by

the increase in number of matches India have played in the last few years . That places him second only to Warne, who took exactly six years to get there.

Among India bowlers, Ka-

pil Dev was the quickest.

He took 8 years and 80 days. * From debut date to the start date of the match in which the milestone was achieved.

Best SRs for subcontient bowlers at 300 wickets*

BOWLER

TEAM

AVE

SR

Waqar Younis

PAK

R Ashwin

IND

Imran Khan

PAK

Wasim Akram

PAK

Kapil Dev

IND

Zaheer Khan

IND

Muttiah Muralitharan

SL

Rangana Herath

SL

Chaminda Vaas

SL

Harbhajan Singh

IND

Anil Kumble

IND

22.44 25.06 21.90 22.91 29.05 32.56 25.17 30.10 28.81 30.77 28.04

42.04 52.07 52.27 53.44 58.58 59.91 61.66 64.75 65.07 65.31 68.88

Ravichandra Ashwin became the quickest bowler in terms of matches played to take 300 Test wickets. Getty Images

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Police Football Club aiming to continue their winning ways ON Sunday December 3, the Guyana Police Force Football Club will be aiming to continue their rise like the phoenix to the top of the second division football heap locally, in the inaugural edition of the Turbo knock-out football tournament at the Ministry of Education ground on Carifesta Avenue, The Eve Leary-based side have been one of the most dominant teams outside of the Guyana Football Federation Elite League for the past year with an impressive consistency.

Police, after breaking the glass ceiling in the 2016 Major Cup Finals to take their first taste of gold, have been imperious since then, reaching six straight finals to be finally counted as one of the best in Georgetown and in the country.

The side’s only blemish has been their defeat to arch rivals Western Tigers, in the Georgetown Football Association GT Beer Tournament and the Limacol Tournament earlier this year.

Western have been their strongest barrier to the Georgetown supremacy, and it has been a ding-dong battle every time the two teams meet.

THE ‘COACH DWAYNE BOBB’ FACTOR Coach Bobb, who has been a guiding light to the Police team, clearing one road block after

The Police team in action against Pele in one of their preliminary matches another, led them to their first Finals after whipping Soesdyke The coach was quick to point the rank, it’s important to have title against Western Tigers in the for a chance to defend their out that “while the talent has al- a marshal in the midfield. He Mayor’s Cup title.

Mayor Cup at Tucville ground. ways been there, in order to nur- controls and manages player’s The coach then suffered ture it and make that jump from anxiety on the field to be able to TURBO KNOCK-OUT a setback when Western rethird place to first, he has had to capitalise on opportunities when TOURNAMENT bounded to take the GT Beer have a heavy hand on players to they arise to win matches.

Coach Bobb, speaking ahead develop self- discipline so as to Final beating the policemen.

However, the coach’s re- of their clash with Camptown in have the entire team working in POLICE X-FACTOR silience has proved that he’s no the Turbo Cup finals this coming harmony for continued success.’

Police, led by longtime naone-hit wonder, as the officers Sunday, says that dedication has Coach Bobb added that the tional player Dwayne Jacobs, have surged ahead to take Corona been his mantra since he was captaincy of Dwayne Jacobs have just returned from a stint Beer’s football tournaments after catapulted to the helm and he has cannot be underestimated be- with the Golden Jaguars who losing in the Limacol tournament. instilled that in the players. cause his experience and the played Trinidad and Indonesia He further went on to add calmness it brings to the team in friendly matches. Police have The Police have not let up in their pursuit to add more that ‘the ability of the players ensures that they remain set- been a force like none other. hardware to their cabinet, to quickly understand and tled and execute his plans for Jacobs’s command of his troops reaching the Turbo Knock- adapt has been instrumental victory. has been unmatched.

Out Football Final last Friday, to their achievements and that The coach mentioned that However, it’s been his abilbefore storming Linden on Sun- formula will not change now in because of the inexperience ity to finish when they needed day to reach the Mayor’s Cup the Turbo finals.’ and bouts of indiscipline within it most that has been partly

FIFA will not tolerate racism at 2018 World Cup - Infantino

(REUTERS) - FIFA president Gianni Infantino has said racism will not be tolerated at next year’s World Cup in Russia, adding that referees will have the power to stop or even abandon matches if discriminatory incidents take place.

Several players, including Brazil and former Zenit St Petersburg forward Hulk, have voiced concerns that racism could mar the tournament, saying such incidents are a regular feature of domestic league games in the country.

Infantino said in a video statement that anti-discrimination was a “high priority” for FIFA, and that the organisation would deal with offences firmly.

“We’ll make sure that no incidents will happen and ... we have for the first time in a World Cup the so-called, three-step procedure where a referee can stop a game or even abandon a game if there

are discriminatory or racist incidences,” he added.

“We will be very, very firm on that so we can expect fair play in Russia.”

ing the match referee’s attention to officiating mistakes or missed serious incidents, is already in use in the top-flight

FIFA president Gianni Infantino Infantino, who was elected FIFA president in February of last year, also said technology would play a big role at the tournament, although a final decision on using video assistant referees (VARs) would only be taken next year.

VAR, which involves officials watching the action remotely and draw-

leagues of Germany and Italy.

“I think it is absolutely normal that in 2018 we can explore and see how we can help the referee and the team to take the right decision,” Infantino said.

“So video assistant refereeing is a topic which will be decided in March of next year but the ex-

perience so far has been extremely positive to help the referee not to commit big mistakes which obviously as a human being he can do.”

Goal-line technology will be used during the World Cup, he added, having been used for the first time at the 2014 edition of the tournament in Brazil.

Russia is also caught up in a doping scandal, and Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Mutko yesterday downplayed the issue of doping among its soccer players, saying reports on them using performance-enhancing drugs were an attempt to discredit the country.

Infantino said robust testing procedures would ensure a fair tournament.

“Obviously all players in all teams will be tested in competition and out of competition by WADA-accredited laboratories and ... and fair play will reign in this respect,” he said.

responsible for his team’s ascension to the top.

An example of that was the Corona Beer final against the Georgetown Football Club where he scored a triple to dispose of the former Elite League side GFC. Jacobs and the policemen will be looking to replicate such a performance against Camptown Football Club.

In the ongoing Turbo Knockout Tournament they kicked off their campaign with a bang battering eagles in their opening fixtures 6-nil with Rawle Haynes coming to the fore with a hat-trick.

They then went on take a needle victory over Kuru-Kuru before comfortably defeating Grove Hi-Tech 3-2 to reach the finals.

The Police’s secret weapon has been their custodian Darius Frank, who has only conceded one goal so far in the tournament.

Rawle Haynes, who is the tournament’s leading goalscorer with five, will be another player that Police will rely on on Sunday to provide that ‘wow factor’ to come out victors.

The two teams will battle for a purse of half-a-million dollars and the bragging rights as the first Turbo Cup Knock-Out football champs.

Winners Connection to face-off with Police in Hamilton Green football final

… Teams to battle for $500 000 first prize UPPER Demerara Football Association (UDFA) side Winners Connection will face-off with Guyana Police Force (GPF) football team in the final of the Hamilton Green Knock-Out Cup tournament tomorrow evening at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground, Linden, from 20:00hrs.

Both teams secured their places in the final, which carries a first prize worth $500 000, and a trophy after comfortably defeating their respective opponents in the semi-finals last Sunday evening at the MSC ground.

Winners Connection defeated their Upper Demerara counterparts, Milerock 3-1, while Police brushed aside East Bank Demerara’s Soesdyke Falcons 5-1.

In the first game, Soesdyke Falcons opened the scoring through a Colin McLean 28th minute strike, but two minutes later, Police levelled the score as Shamar Fraser secured the equaliser and the score line remained unchanged at the end ol the first session.

Police then stamped their authority in the second session, finding the back of the opposition’s net four times through goals off the boots of Quincy Holder (47th min.), Rawle Haynes (66th), Stephen Ramsay (86th) and Philbert Moffat (89th).

In the other semi-final, Keon Sears netted a brace in the 21st and 35th minutes for Winners Connection, while his team mate Derrol Dainty scored in the 64th minute to give the team a 3-0 lead, but Kester Randolph pulled one back for Milerock in the 71st minute.

Milerock and Soesdyke Falcons will engage each other in the opening game tomorrow evening in the third-place playoff.

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Henry praises female rugby team’s performance in Mexico

By Rawle Toney THEODORE Henry, head coach of Guyana’s female Sevens rugby team, is showering his charges with praises following their showing at the just-concluded Rugby Americas North (RAN) in Mexico.

Henry led the Guyanese women back on the international stage after a hiatus of a few years, and according to the dreadlocks-wearing coach, despite Guyana not finishing in the top three of the championships, he’s satisfied and proud of the team’s performance.

“We managed to upset last year’s champions, who eventually brought third this year,” Henry said, speaking about Guyana’s 19-12 win over Jamaica in their opening game of the tournament.

“We went down in a nail-biter to Trinidad and Tobago (5-12) who are in the top three also, but then had a major blow with the injury of Abioce Heywood which totally devastated the team,” Henry explained.

Heywood suffered a concussion and was hos-

Guyana’s national female rugby team at the RAN 7s Championship in Mexico pitalised, as Henry explained, “Her absence was a severe blow to us and it was evident that a lot of players were physiologically affected by her injury which was evident on day two where we were only able to record a draw against a Bermudian (7-7) team that was no match

for us.”

“I’m very proud of the ladies overall for enduring the high altitude which affected them especially Cindy Fraser, our speedster who was not able to perform to her fullest potential because she is asthmatic,” said Henry.

Guyana narrowly lost

Jaguars look to extend dominance in CWI Four-day tournament

…Fifth round bowls off tomorrow

By Rajiv Bisnauth FRONT-RUNNERS and defending champions Guyana Jaguars will look to extend their dominance when Cricket West Indies (CWI) Professional Cricket League Regional 4-Day Tournament resumes tomorrow..

The Jaguars played outside of their home territory for the past three rounds, will resume home advantage against thirdplace leaders, Barbados Pride at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

Currently, the Jaguars sit on 64.8 points, 20.2 points ahead of second-placed Leeward Island Hurricanes (44.6), Barbados Pride (42.4), Trinidad and Tobago Red Force (41.8), Jamaica Scorpions (36.6) and Windward Islands Volcanoes (18.4) complete the points table after four rounds.

Complacency will be the only thing that Leon Johnson and company will have to resist, but the Jaguars have never given the impression that this is something which embeds itself in the way they operate.

They have won three of the four games in convincing fashion, and playing their next three games at home will definitely give them that additional motivation.

The Guyanese will be aiming for a fourth straight title, and according to manager/assistant coach of the Jaguars unit, Rayon Griffith, his charges have played some excellent cricket to date.

to eventual winners Mexico 12-17 in their encounter, but were hammered 66-0

by French Guiana. Henry is, however, adamant that “given all the factors that severely affected us, high altitude and Heywood’s injury, I thought we gave a good account of ourselves.”

FIFA unveils Yashin-themed poster for Russia’s 2018 World Cup

MOSCOW, Russia (Reuters) - FIFA presented the official poster for next year’s World Cup finals in Moscow yesterday, unveiling a vintage design of Soviet goalkeeping great Lev Yashin in flight.

People walk inside a metro train with the interior dedicated to the history of the FIFA World Cup, during an unveiling ceremony in Moscow, Russia November 28, 2017.

Inspired by the constructivist art movement, the poster shows Yashin, wearing a knee brace and his signature cap, leaping across to get a hand on an oversized ball featuring Russia’s landmass seen from space.

Orange rays emanate from the ball and the circle of green in the middle of the poster represents the pitches of the 12 tournament venues, FIFA said.

Left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul has been in fantastic form so far with the ball.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Mutko attends a ceremony unveiling the Official Poster for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia in Moscow, Russia on Tuesday.

The poster’s presen- an important icon and cel- 1966 and 1970. He is the tation comes three days ebrates the coming tour- only goalkeeper to have before the World Cup draw nament on Russian soil,” won the Ballon d‘Or award. takes place to determine FIFA Secretary General Russia is set to host the the match ups for the group Fatma Samoura said of the World Cup finals from stage. poster.

June 14 to July 15 in 12 “We are very proud of Yashin, who died in venues spread across 11 this beautiful landmark 1990, competed in four cities, including Moscow, asset that portrays such World Cups - 1958, 1962, St Petersburg and Sochi.

Speaking to Chronicle Sport yesterday, Griffith, the former Guyana fast bowler, is optimistic that the team will utilise home conditions to the fullest, adding that the Jaguars must not take the next three games lightly.

“We played some very good cricket so far, and the confidence among the players is high.

“Definitely we know our home turf…we have a good record at home, but haven’t said that can’t afford to be complacent at any point. We need to take one game at a time,” Griffith said.

The Jaguars have be a dominant force in both departments of the game since the inception of the League, but over the years, and especially this season, the opening slot has been the Jaguars’ main problem - an issue, Griffith is well aware of.

To this end, the 38-year-old is appealing for more consistency so that a better foundation can be laid for the rest of the batting unit.

Further, Griffith, who represented the country in 22 firstclass matches, indicated that the squad for the fifth round will be named today.

Tomorrow’s match starts at 09:30hrs and admission into the venue is free.

Other fifth round matches will see Leeward Islands Hurricanes host Trinidad & Tobago Red Force at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, while Jamaica Scorpions play host to Windward Islands Volcanoes at Sabina Park in Jamaica The tournament will again be contested under a round-robin format, featuring 10 rounds of matches, comprising five home and five away fixtures apiece, for each of the six franchises. The team to accumulate the most points will be declared the Champions.

Henry praises female rugby team’s performance in Mexico See Page 35

Bright sets new record in long jump, as Linden take early lead See Page 32

District 14’s Odessa France (right) battles it out against District 4’s Hanna Reid in the Girls’ Under-14 400m heats. (Samuel Maughn photo)

District 10’s Deshanna Skeete clocks the best performance in the Girls’ Under-16 400m heats.(Samuel Maughn photo)

District 10 Chantoba Bright sets a new 5.89m record in the Girls’ Under-18 long jump

Barbados to honour Sir Wes Hall with statue THE contributions of Sir Wes Hall to West Indies cricket and to cricket in Barbados are the stuff made of legends, and now that legend will be enshrined in a statue of the great man who turned 80 in September.

Sir Wes, said Chris DeCaires, committee member of the Sir Wes Hall 80th Committee, has “done a heck of a lot, so we wanted to do something that will be there for a long time, so the idea is to build a statute”.

Former Barbados and West Indies fast bowler Sir Wes Hall

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The size and location of the statue in Barbados is still to be decided and will depend on conversations with the artist set to build it.

“We are not just relying on Government; we started collecting money through fundraising activity and we have raised over $100 000.

But a statute is going to cost hundreds of thousands of dollars so we have got a lot of work still to do,” said DeCaires.

Sir Wes, loves the idea

of a statue but was quick to point out that he could never have achieved the things he did without great people around him.

“When a statue of one man is erected, you can bet your life that there were another 30 people helping him, so I am grateful for them. It is a good thought, and something that I never thought could be my lot,” said Sir Wes. (Sportsmax. com)

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2017