Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 11-02-2018

FRIDAY 2nd November, 2018

No.105446

Known bandit killed in shootout with cops

– accomplice on the run 04 PAGE

ERC 02 calls for ‘clean LGEs’ PAGE

11 years without a lease … Ramotar admits CJRCI occupied Red House without a lease 03 … confirms Jagdeo rejected applications thrice … says his signature was not required to validate agreement PAGE

… says a campaign free of hate, racial incitement is most desirable

Arson attempt on home of 05 AFC woman PAGE

QC wins Dharmic Sabha’s Rangoli 07 Competition PAGE

Winners of this year’s National Inter-school Rangoli Competition, Queen’s College

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ERC calls for ‘clean LGEs’

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 2, 2018

… says a campaign free of hate, racial incitement is most desirable

THE Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has called on all Guyanese to conduct themselves with respect and show great tolerance during the campaign for the

upcoming Local Government Elections.

Local Government Elections will be held on November 12. In a message, the ERC said campaigning for elections

is a natural and integral part of the process for the purpose of bringing awareness to programmes and polices of those who seek these public offices. “These campaigns,

Chairman of ERC, Bishop John Smith whether through public meetings or personal interactions, in addition to its primary objective of awareness, unfortunately hold the potential for statements which are counterproductive to the fostering of harmony to be enunciated,” the ERC said.

“If that potential were to be realised, then the challenges it can pose to our society, as what regrettably obtained in the past, need no explanation or convincing. It is in this context that the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), with a constitutional mandate for the promotion of harmony and good relations, as agreed by the various political parties within our country’s Parliament, seeks your assistance for you to do your part and

to encourage all to keep the campaigns and other interactions, including social media, free of any utterance which can impact negatively on national harmony and good relations amongst Guyanese.”

The ERC said many citizens, either from parliamentary and other political parties, independent groups or as individual candidates, are engaged in the process to become elected representatives within the various municipalities and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils, while thousands of others will be executing their constitutional and democratic right to vote for those of their choice.

According to the body guided by lessons on elections from the country’s history, it believes that the assistance sought from “you is extremely important given it’s a task it cannot accomplish on its own. Among other things, a campaign free of hate, racial and all other forms of incitement is most desirable and essential to the efforts of building and sustaining a cohesive nation with a common destiny,” the ERC said.

“The promotion of harmony, while constitutionally mandated to the ERC, is a vital process

that requires the efforts of all of us. The chairman, commissioner and staff of the ERC encourage that the campaign, the electoral procedures on November 12 and the period following be proliferated with respect and tolerance in a demonstration to ourselves and others that while we will disagree in the process, it is not a reason for hostility through hatred.” “Let us together use this opportunity and challenge ourselves to remove whatever barriers of togetherness and humanity that confront us as we endeavor collectively to promote harmony, unity and good relations.

Elections must not be a process that divides us.

Let us also use this opportunity to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood and to make foremost the welfare of this land that is home to all of us; our Guyana.

The ERC takes this opportunity to extend best wishes to all the candidates who continue to dedicate their time to becoming representatives of the various constituencies; to all the staff and volunteers involved in the process and to you whether you are eligible to cast a ballot or not.

Peace, during and after the process is in the hands of all of us.”

11 years without a lease

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 2, 2018

… Ramotar admits CJRCI occupied Red House without a lease … confirms Jagdeo rejected applications thrice … says his signature was not required to validate agreement

By Svetlana Marshall FORMER President Donald Ramotar, while dodging the question of whether Bharrat Jagdeo had rejected three applications for the leasing of Red House to the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre Incorporated (CJRCI) as president, admitted in the High Court that CJRCI had occupied the historic building in the absence of a valid lease.

The former Guyanese President, who served from November 2011May, 2015, was grilled in the High Court as he was being cross-examined by the Attorney General Basil Williams on Thursday in a case brought against the present government over its decision to revoke the purported 99-year lease from CJRCI. In the matter being presided by Acting Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire, Ramotar, in the presence of his attorney, Anil Nandlall, confirmed his sworn affidavit dated January 30, 2017 and maintained that he approved the 99-year lease of the Red House, situated in High Street Kingston, to the CJRCI. The immediate past

President told the court that after the CJRCI was incorporated as a not-forprofit company in 2000 by himself – a founding member, and the late former President Janet Jagan, and her daughter Nadira Jagan-Brancier, he explored the possibility of entering into a lease agreement with the government to access the Red House. It was explained that it was the intention of the founding members to establish a library and research facility to showcase the work of the late President, Cheddi Jagan.

According to Ramotar, at the time, he was unaware that the Red House falls under the purview of National Trust of Guyana.

Jogging the memory of the former President with supporting evidence, the attorney general asked him to confirm, one, whether the Red House Lease Agreement was signed on March 30, 2012. Ramotar responded in the positive.

It was at this stage that the attorney general sought to question the former President on the Chairman of the Management Committee of the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre Incorporated (CJRCI), Hydar Ally, but was met with objection

by Nandlall.

Nandlall, in his client’s defence, told the court that the witness was appearing in the capacity of former President but even before he could have concluded his statement, the chief justice made it clear that Ramotar inserted himself into the matter when he tendered a sworn affidavit.

Nandlall, at the start of the hearing, had raised the issue of presidential immunity but was reminded that the former President was not charged or sued but rather is simply a witness in the matter.

The chief justice also cautioned the attorney general about his line of questioning, stating that he cannot question Ramotar on information provided to the Court by Ally.

Adjusting his question, the attorney general asked Ramotar whether the Cheddi Jagan Research Institute in 2000 took possession of the Red House, though there was no finalised lease agreement.

Ramotar, while responding in the positive, said though there was no lease agreement in place between 2000 and 2011; approval had been granted to occupy the Red House.

“I am not aware of what

Former President Donald Ramotar on his way to be cross examined in the High Court by the Attorney General, Basil Williams. In this photo, he is accompanied by his attorney, Anil Nandlall (Photos by Samuel Maughn)

is stated in the court document but I am aware that they (CJRCI) entered (Red House) before the lease,” Ramotar told the Court while adding that he could not recall the exact date.

Jogging his memory again in the process, the attorney general then grilled the former President on an application made to the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys on May 2, 2006 for the lease of the Red House. Ramotar had filed the application on behalf of the centre. Though confirming his signature on the application, Ramotar told the Court that he was not involved in the day to day running of the institute.

Interjecting again, Nandlall objected to the line of questioning put to the witness, noting that the issue at hand was the validity of the 2012 lease, and not the undertakings of the research institute prior to 2012.

Fielding another round of questions from the attorney general, who attempted to ascertain whether the then President, Bharrat Jagdeo, in 2006 had rejected CJRCI’s application, Ramotar maintained that the institute had gotten permission to occupy the Red House. “What I can say is that the institute was there with permission but I cannot say why Mr. Jagdeo did not sign the lease,” he said while adding that “I don’t know if that is disapproval but he did not sign.”

A second application to lease the Red House was made in 2010 but as in the case of the first application, it was not sanctioned by then President, Jagdeo. On January 11, 2011, a third application was filed. The attorney general repeatedly suggested to Ramotar that his predecessor had refused to sanction the applications.

“I don’t know that he disapproved….I will say that he did not sign. I don’t know that he disapproved,” Ramotar repeatedly said, in his response to the questions put to him.

In November, 2011 the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) had once again won the General and Regional Elections, and Ramotar was elected President.

The attorney general put to

Attorney General Basil Williams entering the court room on Thursday at the High Court Ramotar that as President, rebuttal, argued that the following in the footsteps of legislation speaks to “sancJagdeo, he did not sign the tion” but does mandate a lease, though it was grant- written signature or a writed by the Guyana Lands ten approval. and Surveys Commission The lease entered by (GLSC) on March 30, 2012. the then Commissioner Responding in the neg- of Lands and Survey on ative, Ramotar explained behalf of the Government he approved the applica- of Guyana, and by Ralph tion by the CJRCI for the Ramkarran, S.C., on behalf leasing of the Red House of the CJRCI, was issued when it was brought to him under Section 10 of the along with several other Lands Department Act, applications by the then Chapter 59:01 for property commissioner of lands. with a duration of 99 years, “I did not go looking commencing on January 1, for the application,” the 2012 at an annual rental of former President told the $12,000 for the first three Court. He noted too that years, and with the proviso though he did not sign that the government could onto the application, he revise the annual rent payhad given his approval. able at the end of every “I didn’t sign the approv- three years. al,” Ramotar maintained The Red House is eswhile explaining that he tablished in The National had sanctioned the applica- Trust of Guyana Monution by instructing the then ments Register as a Public Commissioner of Lands Building/National Monuand Survey to approve it. ment/Heritage Site.

In summing up his arOn Thursday, the atguments, the attorney gen- torney general was aceral maintained that the companied by a battery Red House lease agree- of lawyers including the ment was initiated without Solicitor General, Kim the approval of either the Kyte-Thomas. The current President of the Day or The Commissioner of Lands National Trust of Guyana, and Surveys, Trevor Benn which is in contravention was present along with his of Section 10 of the Lands legal team.

Department Act Chapter The High Court will 59:01, rendering it void. make its final ruling on Nandlall, however, in his December 17, 2018.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 2, 2018

Known bandit killed in shootout with cops --accomplice on the run

By Leroy Smith MELROY Solomon, also known as ‘Souse Mouth’, 27, of Agricola, East Bank Demerara, was on Thursday shot and killed by the police in Mahaicony.

The incident occurred during a shootout with a party of policemen on two occasions as he and an ac-

complice tried to escape after robbing a taxi driver and hijacking his vehicle.

Reports are that around 11:30hrs on Thursday, Solomon and another man went to Vick’s Taxi Service at Foulis, East Coast Demerara, where they accosted 19-yearold taxi driver, Chetran Sitaldin and relieved him of his personal belongings and The front and rear of the stolen vehicle which is now impounded at the Mahaicony Police Station

Thursday, November 2, 2018

the Toyota 212 motorcar he was driving with registration plate PMM 9044.

Sources say that the police, after receiving word of the robbery, immediately set up several roadblocks along the way, having learnt that the bandits were headed in an easterly direction in the stolen vehicle.

And as the bandits approached the roadblock at New Road, Mahaicony, they tried to ram an unmarked police vehicle from behind and opened fire on the ranks inside it.

They somehow managed to escape unscathed, with the police in hot pursuit, and turned into a community street leading to a backdam.

They, however, encountered a section of road they could not go beyond, and ditching the vehicle, the men fled on foot.

Word is that while fleeing, the suspects came upon a young farmer tending his cattle, and pointing their gun at him, ordered that he take them deeper into the backdam to a location that would allow them to exit the area safely.

The young farmer reportedly did as told, and when

01:00 hrs - 13:30 hrs

the suspects were satisfied they had put some distance between themselves and the police, they joined a vehicle and under the guise of regular passengers, attempted to exit the area.

But unknowing to them, the police were still hot on their trail and had already set up a roadblock in the area.

With nowhere to run now, seeing that they were in unfamiliar territory, the bandits decided to brazen it out when the police stopped the vehicle, and the one with the gun opened fire on the police who returned fire, killing him in the process. The other bandit managed to escape.

The police are said to be conducting an intense search of the area to locate the other bandit.

Commander Calvin Brutus, who spoke with the Guyana Chronicle at the Mahaicony Police Station, indicated that the dead bandit is a known character, and was in the past charged for similar offences, which matters are still engaging the attention of the courts.

The police also managed to recover one firearm and a number of spent shells.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 2, 2018

Arson attempt on home of AFC woman

Rashrie Permaul’s Lot 25 Bloomfield, East Berbice home

A WOMAN is fearful for her life and that of her family after an attempted arson on her Lot 25 Bloomfield, East Berbice home on Wednesday.

Rashrie Permaul, an Alliance For Change (AFC), Local Government Election (LGE) candidate, told Guyana Chronicle that she was in the bottom-flat of her home having a snack at around 21:45hrs when she noticed a ball of flame emanating from the eastern side of the house.

She recalled at first, smell-

ing a high aroma of lit cigarette but paid no attention. However, moments later, she saw blazing flames.

Reports are the fire was set on a cardboard box and placed on a side wall of the house.

Investigation later revealed two wooden posts soaked in kerosene.

“I got up and run upstairs to my daughter and woke her up and from the upstairs window we saw the fire blazing and dogs were barking in the backyard.”

Autopsy finds...

Baramita woman was manually strangled --beaten in the head

AN autopsy conducted on Thursday on the remains of 23-year-old Ruthina Thomas of Baramita, North West District, has given as the cause of death asphyxiation due to manual strangulation, compounded by blunt trauma to head.

Thomas’ lifeless body was discovered at an empty house along the Baramita Airstrip earlier this week, and according to residents, she was sexually assaulted prior to her demise.

A suspect has reportedly been arrested in connection with her murder.

The fire was quickly put out and no damage was reported.

Permaul called the police and relatives who responded and made several checks around the premises. A kerosene bottle was recovered as possible evidence in the arson attempt. Permaul shares the home with her young daughters, ages 15 and seven, along with her medically-ill father.

Meanwhile, police have arrested one Safraz Beekham of Letter Kenny Village in relation to the alleged arson attempt.

Beekham, in October filed an application in the High Court against the AFC and GECOM contending that he and 49 others were misled by the AFC into signing as nominators on the AFC’s list of candidates for the November 12 Local Government Elections (LGE).

As such, his application was intended to quash GECOM’s decision to refuse to withdraw, remove, or delete

The area of the house where the fire was set

the applicant’s name and the names of 49 other electors that appeared on the AFC’s list of nominators.

However, his application was dismissed by Justice Navendra Singh who said there was no evidence of fraud, trickery or threat, and as such there was no basis to ask the chief elections officer to ‘strike out’ the names of the nominators from the AFC’s lists of candidates.

His decision to dismiss the case was done after reviewing a police report of an investigation into the claims

by Beekham.

Meanwhile, Permaul informed the Guyana Chronicle that Beekham on several occasions used threatening language towards her because of her affiliation with the AFC. “He called my landline phone a couple different times and threaten my daughters when I was on TV. Then another time he called and spoke with me saying I am doing stupidness for the AFC people

them and he would take a wood and hit me in my head and kill me,” Permaul said.

The 35-year-old mother related that the incidents were promptly reported to the police.

The AFC, in a release, called on the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Fire Service to investigate and apprehend those responsible for the criminal act.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 2, 2018

Education and the 5Bs programme

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AST Wednesday, more than 50 bicycles were distributed by government to students within the Mabaruma sub-district in the Barima-Waini region. That activity is part of President David Granger’s highly successful 5Bs initiative which began in 2015, and continues across the country.

The initiative is intended to increase school-attendance, particularly in Guyana’s hinterland regions. The success of the programme is significant because improved attendance translates into better educated students. And with better education comes a greater chance at a satisfying, productive, and happy life.

The 5Bs stand for boats, buses, bicycles, breakfast and books. The initiative was launched by the president after His Excellency visited the Pomeroon three years ago. During his interactions with residents, the president learned that there was often a high cost of transportation for children to get to and from school; many families simply could not afford it.

Additionally, because of widespread and extreme poverty, many parents could not afford to purchase the books needed by their children.

Even more saddening; many children stayed home because their families could not afford proper meals. The president decided to take action by introducing the programme to distribute the 5Bs directly to households and communities across Guyana; beginning in Pomeroon-Supenaam. As a result, the riverine communities within that region were

among the first to benefit from the initiative with the delivery of three boats that transport children to and from school along the Pomeroon River.

Following this, residents of the East Berbice-Corentyne region benefitted from the commissioning of a 50-seater bus, even as President Granger continued to spread his message of the importance of education to empowering the children to take charge of their country, becoming business owners and informed decision-makers. Later, the newly commissioned town of Bartica received its first bus and 30 bicycles. At the handing-over ceremony in Bartica, the president said, “One of the reasons there is so much poverty is because there is so much inequality.

Once the child of a rich man and the child of a poor man have the same education, they have the chance to be equal and then they have a better opportunity at employment and making sure that you have a good life.”

Many other areas have benefitted through this initiative so far, including Kuru Kururu, which received a bus and the riverine communities of Moraikobai on the Mahaicony River, Baracara Village in the East Berbice-Corentyne region and Linden in the Upper Demerara-Berbice region which benefitted from boats. Interestingly, shortly after the president announced and launched the programme, the private business community became involved. As a result of their ongoing donations, the 5Bs programme continues to gain momentum, and all of Guyana’s regions are now fully

involved and included.

First Lady Sandra Granger has also played an active role in the programme, having received a number of donations herself. The First Lady has participated in several commissioning ceremonies in various communities, including in the Barima-Waini region, Lethem in the Upper Takutu- Upper Essequibo region, Mahdia in the Potaro-Siparuni region, and the Mahaica-Berbice and East Berbice-Corentyne regions.

To date, 1,405 bicycles, 10 boats, and 29 busses have been handed over to students and communities across Guyana’s regions. The breakfast and books aspects of the programme have also been introduced in numerous schools.

The Ministry of Education reports that the programme has been a phenomenal success, as all of the communities which have received boats, buses, bicycles, breakfast or books have had a notable improvement in school attendance.

At the handing-over ceremony in Mabaruma last Wednesday, Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, remarked that “It is our aim to assist these students in accessing education because it is the key to success in everything we do. This access to a quality education will allow our children to become visionary leaders and entrepreneurs and will enable them to use the rich resources that are available right at our fingertips in a progressive and productive way.”

South Rupununi Toshaos repudiates Peter Persaud Dear Editor,

WE, the Toshaos of the deep south communities in the South Rupununi, are writing to refute the baseless allegations made by one Peter Persaud in the Kaieteur News (06.10.2018).

Most of us Toshaos have never heard of this person, so for him to claim to speak on our behalf is fantasy on his part. Most of our people do not know who this man is or what he does. He has no standing or authority to speak on our behalf.

First, we supported the SRDC press release, because we all agreed we were not properly consulted during the ESIA process for [the] Marudi Mountain Mining Project and our rights were not properly catered for in the draft document. This is not to express any personal feelings about the Romanex Company, but to say that when it comes to our lands and territory, we want our rights to be respected at every stage of the process. It is outrageous and false to claim that we have not supported the press release issued by the SRDC when it was us, after several meetings on the draft ESIA, who decided on a course of action that included issuing a press statement.

Second, we the Toshaos and Councillors of the villages in the deep South Rupununi support the SRDC as a legally constituted institution under the Amerindian Act. The SRDC represents the 21 villages and satellite communities of the South Rupununi. Like our past leaders, we see strength and support by coming together to deal with common issues and plan strategically for our district. Our past leaders have struggled hard to establish this body and we will not tolerate Perter Persaud to make outrageous and baseless claims on our behalf.

Third, we support Toshao Nicholas Fredericks as the chairman of the SRDC and also as Chairperson of the National Toshaos Council. We vehemently reject and object to Peter Persaud’s accusation that Toshao Fredericks was acting unprofessionally.

These accusations are baseless, inflammatory and outright slanderous. This we will not take lightly. Toshao Fredericks has shown strong leadership and direction for South Rupununi and also for Indigenous peoples throughout Guyana. He has been in the forefront fighting for the rights of our people, unlike Peter Persaud, who seems quite easily influenced by disruptive political forces. Peter Persaud can do much good for himself by

…stand behind new NTC chair

borrowing a page from Toshao Nicholas Fredericks’ work and applying some of it if he truly wants to work for indigenous peoples. Other than that, he will continue to be that empty barrel who makes much useless noise with very little action and commitment to show.

We respectfully ask that this so-claimed indigenous peoples’ representative desist from making such baseless statements about us in the press. Instead of publicly ridiculing and attacking our leaders and the SRDC, Mr. Persaud, as a self-appointed indigenous advocate, can show some much-needed common sense and appreciation for our struggles and lend support for our efforts to protect our rights.

Finally, we reiterate our position and stand united by the statements we made in the SRDC press release. We will continue to work with the EPA and the Government of Guyana for the recognition of our rights and proper development of all 21 South Rupununi villages and communities.

Regards South Rupununi Toshaos

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 2, 2018

QC wins Dharmic Sabha’s Rangoli Competition

Students from New Campbellville Secondary creating their Rangoli piece

THE Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS) hosted the biggest ever National Inter-schools’ Rangoli Competition on Thursday at the Dharmic Kendra, Prashad Nagar.

Rangoli is an art form, in which patterns are created on the floor or the ground, using materials such as coloured rice, dry flour, coloured sand or flower petals.

It is used for decorative purposes, particularly during special observances. The competition was hosted ahead of the Hindu festival of lights, Diwali, which will be observed on Tuesday, November 6.

“For the festival of Diwali, we have introduced this because we see it as a good way to foster team spirit, have children and young people learn about each other’s culture and to also foster unity,” GHDS President Dr. Vindhya Persaud said.

According to her, each year the schools’ competition just keeps getting bigger and better and more persons are participating each year.

This year, there were 22 teams participating in the national competition held on Thursday at the Dharmic Kendra, Prashad Nagar. Other competitions were held countrywide, according to Dr Persaud, through the Sabha’s various prants.

Queen’s College managed to retain their first place position from last year while the School of the Nations copped second place. The St. Joseph’s High placed third while Bishops’ High and Marian Academy tied for the fourth place.

The GHDS will be hosting countrywide motorcades from November 2-5, 2018.

Students of the Kingston High School working on their Rangoli

Students of the School of the Nations designing their Rangoli

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 2, 2018

Army pledges to effect continuous change

--in interest of safeguarding nation’s integrity

By M Margaret Burke THE Guyana Defence Force (GDF) celebrated its 53rd anniversary with a church service at their Base Camp Ayanganna auditorium on Thursday, under the theme, ‘Effective transformation for total national defence’.

The service, which commenced with the arrival of the Chief-of-Staff, was witnessed by representatives of all the Disciplined Services as well as other officials and special invitees.

And as the Colour Party slow marched, they presented the ‘colour’ to the Force’s Chaplain, who placed it at the altar to the beautiful rendition of the hymn, ‘Praise God from whom all blessings flow’. The service continued with lusty praise and worship by the GDF and Joint Services Choir, amidst renditions of other hymns such as ‘Great is Thy Faithfulness’, followed by a reading of the Scriptures

by Sergeant Abigail Mentore, and another song, ‘Bind us together’, this time by the GDF quintet.

There was then a second reading of the Scriptures by GDF Lieutenant Neil Asregadoo, which was followed by prayers from Pandit Dhanesh Prashad, Mohamed Zabid Ally and Reverend Jacob Corbin.

And in the midst of all the worship and praise, Acting Chief of Staff, Colonel Trevor Bowman, MSM, rose to address the audience.

‘YES, WE CAN!’ Taking his cue from the theme of the event, which speaks to the army’s ongoing evolution, Colonel Bowman said: “I salute you all, and I thank God for keeping this organisation intact in the face of many challenges.

“Indeed, the Force needs to, and will continue its transformation in order to be effective in this changing and contemporary environment.

“Our national security strategy demands that we employ all instruments of national form in an integrated way to meet Guyana’s challenges.

“We must confirm by thinking that we have the ‘Yes, we can’ mentality, for if our lives can conceive it and we believe it, then we can achieve it with the right attitude.”

He said that over the past 53 years, the GDF has given, and will continue to give, unwavering service to the State, and that in the course of giving steadfast service, the lives of its members need to be properly taken care of.

Therefore, the Force will make every effort to improve the quality of life for all of its members at every level.

Colonel Bowman told the gathering that those members

Invitees at the service

of the Force who are far away from base can testify to the improvements they have seen throughout the length and breadth of the country to make their employment more comfortable, and this, he said, will only continue to get better.

THE RIGHT INTERVENTIONS He noted that as part of his responsibility, visits will be made to all the Force’s locations and bases, so as to get firsthand information in order to ensure that the right interventions are being made towards the upgrading of lives for all.

“The Force remains committed to investing in the education of its ranks at all levels,” Colonel Bowman said.

“We will continue to push to have each soldier equipped with a trade skill, which will allow you to improve your economic potential of earning legitimately, and also making a greater contribution towards nation-building, whether you are in or out of uniform,” he added.

Urging ranks to make full use of whatever education programmes the GDF has to offer, he was particularly emphatic about the benefits to be derived from being multi-lingual and taking up such languages as Spanish and Portuguese.

As to the subject of welfare and social support, Colonel Bowman said no effort will be spared to see that members are adequately taken care of in this regard, as it only serves to make them more resilient and their families that much stronger.

But by the same token, he said, the Force fully expects some sense of loyalty in return.

“As the Force commits towards improvement for you,” Colonel Bowman said, “you must be committed to give back in return. To this end, I expect that your service to the nation would be characterised by honesty, integrity, fearlessness and selflessness.

ZERO TOLERANCE “Too often there are reports of dishonesty amongst our ranks, but there remains zero-tolerance. And I urge those who are not stealing to not remain silent; those ranks who are associated with robbery, rape, abuse and other ills must be separated from us.

“It must bother us when they are within our Force and find refuge in our barracks.”

He told ranks that they should also pay attention to what they put Online; to think about whether it breaches the Force’s values and standards. And if it does, then they should not post such matters, and urged the ranks to ensure high standard of discipline at all times.

Their commitment to serve, he said, must also be a

Colonel Trevor Bowman, MSM, Acting Chief-of-Staff, delivering his address at the service on Thursday

commitment to exhibiting a good understanding of the environment around them.

And in an apparent reference to Guyana being on the verge of becoming an oil-producing nation, Colonel Bowman said that at this important juncture of our country’s history, ranks must therefore be prepared for any eventuality.

He said that it’s primarily on that score that the GDF has seen it fit to increase its ranks by some 780, in its quest to meet the challenges of the changing environment.

In closing, Colonel Bowman said: “Your commitment to serve must also include to neither abuse the power entrusted to you as members of the GDF; always put your country first, and resolve to defend it with your life, if necessary.

“Continue to be in partnership and friendship, such as those we have with our sister services, the University of Guyana and other progressive stakeholders in civil society.”

Colonel (Ret’d) Wilbert Lee, who delivered the sermon, reinforced a lot of what was said by Colonel Bowman, and urged that the GDF establish a mentoring programme. He stated that based on his observation, having served in the GDF for 36 years, the Force could do well with having such a programme, which will serve to help many young members of staff, as well as establish a ‘connect’ between the young and not-so-young staff of the army.

Members of the Joint Services Choir (Photos by Delano Williams)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 2, 2018

10 companies bid for Enmore, Skeldon, Rose Hall Estates --Florida company with Middle East links bids for all 3

By Svetlana Marshall A US registered company in Florida with links to the Middle East has submitted bids for the Enmore, Skeldon and Rose Hall Estates which have been earmarked for privatisation.

According to PricewaterhouseCoopers (Jamaica) Managing Director, Wilfred Baghaloo, the Florida company was among a total of 10 bids submitted to the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) for the privatisation of the stateowned estates.

that the process was observed

by PwC, representatives from the Auditor-General’s Office and members of the Special Purpose Unit (SPU)’s Steering Committee.

Baghaloo, while declining to disclose how many companies have actually bidded to privatise the three estates and their names, would only tell reporters that a single international company participated in the process, and its country of origin. The other companies, he said, are from Guyana and within the region.

PwC, the international financial services provider se-

SPU Privatisation Specialist, Shawn Persaud (Photos by Samuel Maughn)

At a news conference at NICIL’s Camp Street, Georgetown office, Baghaloo said that the bidding process, which was opened in July of this year, was closed on Wednesday at 16:00hrs following an extensive period of advertisements locally, regionally, and internationally.

“Upon opening the boxes containing the bids, we can confirm that we received several bids for the various estates,” Baghaloo said, adding

lected to conduct the valuation of all assets under the control of Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) in addition to providing other advisory and financial services, has committed to making public the names of the companies today.

Baghaloo said PwC will shortly commence the process of analyzing the huge quantum of data contained in many of the bids. “Our first set is to ensure the bids comply with the instructions provided in the

Information Memorandum,” the Jamaican national posited.

The Information Memorandum was sold to bidders at a cost of US$1000, and gives potential bidders automatic access to three virtual data rooms that contained information and data about all three estates. A total of 12 Information Memorandums were sold, but only 10 bids were submitted.

Baghaloo said that at a meeting in September with potential bidders, he had explained that a technical proposal carries 70 per cent of the score, while the remaining 30 per cent focusses on the price or valuation and the economics to the country.

The criteria for the technical proposal includes information on the financial capacity of the bidder, their experience in the sugar industry, quality of corporate governance, quality of management, extension programmes for cane farmers, timing of attaining full capacity, quality of development plan and the development plan and linkages with and support of other industries within the country.

BEST POSSIBLE DEALS Noting that it is important for the government to secure the best possible deals, Baghaloo said: “The primary objective of the government is to get a qualified, experienced, competent and well-structured proposal to operate the factories for the foreseeable future and that is why the technical component is more weighted in the scoring process.”

Before bidding for the threes estates, the bidders were informed that the estates must remain in the “cane industry”,

though not necessarily the sugar industry.

“As you know,” Baghaloo said, “cane is a grass; it is a big grass, and so you can use the cane for many things: Cosmetics, molasses, liquid sugar, bagasse, energy, co-generation plants...

“But we want it to remain in the cane industry, because we want the lands to remain in some form of agriculture.”

Weighing in on the matter, SPU Privatisation Specialist, Shawn Persaud explained that it is the government’s intention to have the ex-sugar workers incorporated into the privatisation arrangement, hence the requirement to remain within the cane industry was put in place.

At the time of that September meeting, 14 potential bidders from Trinidad, Canada and Guyana had met with the privatisation team led by Baghaloo at the Guyana Marriott.

It was during that meeting, which brought into play critical elements of the Information Memorandum, that the potential bidders raised a number of concerns, including regulations needed to ensure fair competition with the government, the functionality of the factories, and access to markets currently served by GuySuCo. As the PwC man explained: “The industry has been primarily government-owned and what we are doing is privatising a part of the industry.

“So there are six factories; three remain with the government and three we are trying to hand to the private sector.

“So the private sector’s natural concern is: How am I going to compete with government? How we will compete with government in terms of access to market? How will

Arson attempt at AFC’s Whim LGE candidate’s home THE Alliance For Change said it is alarmed and horrified by the reports that an arson attempt was made on the home of one of its party’s Local Government Elections candidates, Ms. Rashree Permaul of Bloomfield village, in the Whim/Bloomfield Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).

At approximately 21:45hrs on Wednesday evening, Ms. Permaul was alerted to flames emanating from a fire which was set in a box placed next to the wall of the lower flat of her home. The fire was put out quickly enough to prevent any major damage to the home. It was later discovered that a pillar of the home located close to the fire was doused in what appeared to be kerosene.

The AFC said Ms. Permaul lives in the home with her two children and bed-ridden father. The AFC views this as a terror attack on Ms. Permaul, the lives of her children,

her father and her home. “This act is consistent with the old political tactics of fear which is resorted to by certain political entities. The AFC is relieved that Ms. Permaul and her family members are safe and condemns this ghastly attempt to destroy her property and threaten her life and the lives of her family.”

The AFC calls on the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Fire Service to fully investigate this criminal act and apprehend the arsonist(s). “It is now evident that the campaign of threats and terror against the AFC activists, about which the party complained, has been taken to another level with this attempted arson.

The resort to violence by political thugs and hooligans will not intimidate party fighters who are now more determined to work for change in this particular NDC,” the AFC said.

PwC (Jamaica) Managing Director, Wilfred Baghaloo

we compete with government in terms of access to cane variety?”

He noted, too, that the bidders were also concerned with the functionality of the factories, as in whether they were being asked to buy scrap metal as opposed to a potential growing concern.

Baghaloo pointed out, too, that when the bidding process was opened, none of the factories were in operation, but that Enmore and Skeldon were subsequently re-opened to showcase their functionality.

PLEASING RESPONSE Notwithstanding the concerns raised and the request to extend the bidding process, Baghaloo said that PwC is pleased with the response. He noted that within seven days, the first review of the bid documents will

be completed.

“The second step is to analyze the bids in accordance to the Evaluation Criteria as outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding. Part of analyzing the process may require clarification meetings and questions,” he explained.

Once that is completed, he said PricewaterhouseCoopers, no later than 30 days, will make recommendations to the Steering Committee and NICIL, which latter company will in turn then make the necessary recommendations to Cabinet.

“It should be noted, as stated in the Information Memorandum, that the government does not have to accept any offer or bids. Which means the government may choose to reopen the process should it be deemed necessary,” Baghaloo stated.

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‘Transcend barriers’

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 2, 2018

–– Prime minister urges President’s College 2018 graduating class

From left: Minister of Education Nicolette Henry, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and his wife Sita Nagamootoo with the graduates of President’s College (DPI photo)

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo addressing the graduating class (DPI photo)

GRADUATES of President’s College Class of 2018 were on Thursday evening challenged “to transcend barriers”.

This charge was made

knowledge in a faster time and Guyana will no longer be seen as the mendicant of the world… we have a unique country and we need talented educated people to take it to that new higher stage of devel-

by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who is currently performing the duties of President, as he was delivering the main address at the institution’s

28th graduation exercise.

He advised the graduating class “to stay focused” as the world is changing fast and noted that with the developing oil and gas

Graduates of President’s College Class of 2018 (DPI photo)

Overseas-based Guyanese professor robbed

OVERSEAS-based Guyanese Krishna Persaud was robbed of his gold bracelet near the Stabroek Bus Park on Wednesday.

Persaud told Guyana Chronicle that he visited Guyana to check on friends and family and to conduct some business. While walking by the Stabroek Bus Park area with a friend, he related that

a man came up to him and snatched the bracelet off of his hand.

He proceeded to chase after the perpetrator and a policeman soon joined the chase; however, the robber made good his escape with the item.

The matter was reported at the Brickdam Police Station, where the officers assured Persaud that they will try their

best to locate the robber.

The loss of the bracelet, however, was not what mattered the most to him.

Persaud, who was Professor at the City University of New York and Manager of New York University School of Medicine said, “I am very disappointed to visit my country and be treated in this manner.”

East Bank motorcade billed for Saturday

THE Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, East Bank Demerara Praant annual Diwali Motorcade and Cultural show is billed for 19:00hrs on Saturday at the Diamond Market Tarmac, Diamond New Housing Scheme.

According to a release, the motorcade leaves Timeh-

ri and Providence respectively at 17:00hrs to assemble at G3 building for the first phase of the judging at 18:00hrs.

More than 15 floats have so far confirmed participation in the East Bank Demerara leg of the motorcade, the Sabha said, and noted that other attractions include the

Dax New Generation Band, to be supported by Travellers Sound System.

There will also be performances from the Nachgana Dance Academy, artistes from various mandirs and a special appearance by Miss India-Guyana 2018.

Admission is free and no alcohol is allowed.

industry, opportunities will be presented.

“Today, I issue a challenge to you, to aim at helping to realise what we may have taken centuries to accomplish. You could do so, driven by

opment.”

Prime Minister Nagamootoo also congratulated the students on their achievements and reminded them to make their parents proud.

(DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 2, 2018

City customers illegally reconnecting water service

APPROXIMATELY 60 per cent of a sample population of 700 Georgetown customers have illegally reconnected their water service after being disconnected for overdue

balances, the Guyana Water Inc. said.

This revelation comes on the heels of a survey conducted by GWI in October, 2018. The survey revealed that these

customers, the majority of whom are domestic customers, would have illegally reconnected their service over the past several months.

As a result, the utility

Mr. Nicholas Dawalat - Revenue Manager, Georgetown

GWI workers disconnecting an illegal connection in Georgetown

has intensified its disconnection and service removal campaign across the capital city, with a particular focus on those customers who have illegally reconnected their service.

GWI’s Revenue Manager for Georgetown, Mr. Nicholas Dawalat, explained that the company is currently in the Queenstown area and is planning to venture out to the various wards in Georgetown such as Stabroek, Albertown, and Charlestown.

According to him, illegal reconnections result in a reduced level of service to customers, loss in revenue and contamination in the lines, which compromises the quality of water provided to customers.

He further added that the company’s loss in revenue also affects its ability to purchase chemicals to treat water to ensure that the quality meets World Health Organisation (WHO) standards, as well as its ability to pay its workers.

Mr. Dawalat highlighted that disconnections and service removals are

GWI’s last resorts, after their numerous attempts to reach out to customers proved futile. Customers are given 28 days after their bill is due to clear their balance or the option to take advantage of the utility’s wallet-friendly payment plans.

If they fail to do so, their service is disconnected and they are given an additional 28 days to pay their reconnection fee before their service is removed. The cost for reconnection for domestic customers is $7,500 and $16,000 for commercial customers, whereas the replacement fee for both categories is $20,000.

The revenue manager took the opportunity to point out that GWI targets all categories of indebted customers, irrespective of whether they are domestic or commercial.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 2, 2018

Jagdeo blasts failed PPP Jagdeo wishes President Granger good health $1.3B fibre optic cable OPPOSITION Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday admitted that the G$1.3B fibre optic cable project which the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) government undertook while in office was a failure.

Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday at the Office of the Opposition Leader on Church Street, Jagdeo, who has been criticising the current government over the past several months regarding public spending, said that the fibre optic project was poorly planned.

“It was a failure, the design parameters were all wrong,” Jagdeo said. He was at time responding to a question regarding the current government’s Information Technology Communication (ICT) projects across the country. Jagdeo said the plan of the previous government was to ensure that several aspects of its ICT plans were implemented in stages. These included connectivity across Guyana. He said the previous government was planning to give new companies the right to bring in fibre optic projects as he noted that Guyana needed more fibre

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo connectivity to terminate within her territory.

As he continued, Jagdeo said the PPP government sought to build the cable from Brazil but he noted that it was not properly planned. “It was a big problem,” he said. “Our end game was total connectivity, lay fibres all across Guyana, bring in more fibres,” he said, noting the plan was to connect all state institutions and move into an e-governance mode.

The APNU+AFC administration scrapped the project citing the huge sums required to resuscitate the project which was being supervised by Alexi Ramotar, the son of former President

Donald Ramotar.

Minister Hughes said in October 2017 that the former administration wasted millions of dollars on the project. She said several entities including the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) and government did a study and it was documented that it made no sense to spend money to resuscitate the project.

The government has been undertaking several initiatives to develop the ICT sector here. Recently, Minister Hughes joined Finance Minister Winston Jordan and Chinese Ambassador Cui Jianchen late last month to sign the Concessional Loan Agreement with the China EXIM Bank to start the National Broadband project. The Ministry of Public Telecommunications noted that the project is considered the first major project in the government’s Green State initiative and it is also a vehicle by which many of government’s commitments to the nation will be fulfilled.

“It will bridge the information accessibility gap between the Hinterland and Coastland,” the ministry said.

OPPOSITION Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo has wished President David Granger good health following the Head of state’s departure for a medical check-up in Cuba.

Jagdeo at his weekly press conference on Thursday at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition , said, “I want to wish the president best of health, I hope that everything goes fine in Cuba with him and that he comes back in good health.”

President Granger departed Guyana on Tuesday along with First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger. He will undergo medical examination in Cuba to investigate symptoms that surfaced recently.

In a televised interview conducted by the Ministry of the Presidency at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, President Granger disclosed that although he was given a clean bill of health last May when he visited Trinidad and Tobago for his annual medical examination, there were recent developments. “So at that time I was given literally a clean bill of health and I came back and continued my work.

President David Granger and First Lady Sandra Granger prior to their departure for Cuba on Tuesday. (MoTP photo) The public knows about it, it was reported.”

The Head of State, however, said within a few weeks he started noticing some symptoms which were cause for concern. “After the symptoms didn’t go away I decided to journey to Trinidad and Tobago, which I did last

Monday, to revisit the tests which were done in May, and at the time they discovered some symptoms which needed further investigation,” he explained.

On that basis, President Granger made arrangements to travel to Cuba to further investigate his health.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 2, 2018

GCAA officers attend training to develop National Air Navigation Plan

A ONE-WEEK training to aid in the development of a National Air Navigation Plan (N-ANP) was conducted by experts from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) South American (SAM) Region for Officers from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority’s (GCAA’s) Air Navigation Services (ANS) and Aviation Safety Regulations Directorates (ASR), along with stakeholders from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, the Hydro Meteorological Services responsible for Aeronautical Meteorology, and the Eugene F. Correia International Airport.

In a release, GCAA said the experts; Jorge Armoa, responsible for Aeronautical Information Management & Meteorology (SAM AIM/ MET) and Fernando Hermoza, who holds responsibility for Air Traffic Management & Search and Rescue (SAM ATM/SAR), conducted the training from October 2226, 2018 at the Air Navigation Services Control Tower Conference room at Timehri.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Director General of the GCAA, Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Egbert Field, welcomed the team from ICAO and encouraged the participants to maximise the opportunity in working together with the technical support and guidance from the ICAO facilitators to develop the Guyana’s National Air Navigation Plan.

Col. Field also stressed that the rapid development of the aviation sector will support the economic growth, air connectivity and wellbeing of Guyanese. He said that the development of this plan is key to guide the policy and decision makers with information for critical capital investment in air navigation infrastructure which will guarantee global interoperability.

The five-day workshop

saw participants engaging in information gathering, discussing and developing SWOT analysis for Aeronautical Information Management (AIM), Aeronautical Meteorology (AeroMET) and Air Traffic Management (ATM), and presenting the relevant chapters with key objectives that will form part of the draft N-ANP. The National-Air Navigation Plan (N-ANP) is a live document which contain details of facilities – infrastructure, services and procedures necessary for air navigation. It is a planning tool outlining the responsibilities of a state and the requirements related to the facilities and services to be implemented by the State over a 10-15 year period. It is also used to monitor and measure the efforts made by the State and forms the basis for the rights of those services rendered. The N-ANP will guide decision makers (policy and finance) on capital resources allocation and ensure that the State plan is harmonised with the South American Regional Performance Based Implementation Plan (SAM PBIP), the Global Air Navigation Plan (GANP) and aligned with Aviation System Block Upgrade (ASBU) methodology.

Several aspects of the N-ANP are already in the implementation stage, including Guyana’s Automatic Dependence Surveillance -Broadcast (ADS-B) project, Performance Based Navigation, and interconnection of digital network systems. The N-ANP will form part of the Civil Aviation Master Plan (CAMP).

The draft N-ANP is expected by the end of the first quarter of 2019.

Following the presentations by various groups, the facilitators deemed the course a success with excellent participation from the Guyanese.

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GCAA’s Director General flanked by ICAO representatives and participants of the National Air Navigation Plan workshop

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 2, 2018

Drug trade was false prop to ailing economy–– Min. Ramjattan

THE impact of the narcotics trade under the People’s Progressive Party rule was felt across the economy and resulted in its distortion, Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan has said.

Ramjattan made the comments in an interview with the Department of Public Information. “There is no doubt that the parallel, dark side of the economy under the last administration caused a bulging of the economy, in the sense of people having lots of money on the streets. The bubble had to burst, especially with a principled administration that wanted now to bring that to a halt,” Ramjattan said.

The minister noted that the flood of various types of currencies that entered Guyana, “had to be halted, and it was going to be halted the minute we started catching major drug criminals.” Instructions have gone out to the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) and police officers for them to “bring in the big fish, follow the trail!”

He added that some investigations entail a long process, “you just don’t jump on them with the small amounts. Do the surveillance and they have been doing a wonderful job” “That is how people like ‘Big head’ got caught. That is certainly going to make a big dent into illegal foreign currency coming into the country”. The minister stressed that the government did not want the country’s citizens to be indulging in cocaine and being a major drug transhipment point.

Nothing distorts an economy like drugs money, he emphasised. The absence of the drug-fuelled parallel economy will enable a better picture to be painted about Guyana’s true economic performance, Minister Ramjattan posited, “As to where we must plug our priorities for job creation and all of that.” He further noted that illegal drugs and the attendant cash flows tend to distort the economy and the government will be unable to make proper fiscal

Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan assessments, “When they say the economy is bad, it is bad because we are getting the drug lords, because we are doing good, principled things.” The Public Security Minister warned, “Expect a lot more arrests!”

On Wednesday, Finance Minister Winston Jordan reiterated similar claims that drug money had helped prop-up the economy under the PPP. Jordan, in responding to a Stabroek News editorial piece criticising the current government’s administrative capacity, had stated that much of the government’s current struggles come as a result of the shortcomings of the previous administration.

He expounded that, among other things, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) left behind a “deformed and broken economy”, one which the present administration must now work to fix.

On Wednesday at a press conference, Jordan revealed the sources of his stance on the issue, stating: “Before, I said that there were two or three studies done by Professor Clive Thomas. The evidence had been produced

by Professor Clive Thomas. Before I even said it in 2012, a similar statement was made by a high-level official of the PPP and it’s there; it’s reported in a number of newspapers. I went back, I researched it, and it’s on the internet. The name of the individual is there on the internet and everything.”

In continuing, the Finance Minister reiterated his position on the matter, confidently saying: “I will tell you this much, where the economy is today is proof, positive, that the economy was being run by drugs, by significant input from drugs.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 2, 2018

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32 Guyanese to receive mental health training

By Vishani Ragobeer

PROFESSIONALS from the United Kingdom (UK) will commence training of 32 Guyanese in Regions Two and Three in Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help curb mental health issues that affect persons in those regions.

This training is being made possible by the Guyana Foundation and its founder, Supriya Singh.

Singh related that through work done with the Guyana Foundation, it was noticed that there is a “dire situation” around mental health in the country, and more specifically in Regions Two and Three.

“What we thought was that if the foundation is to really make a difference in the region, then we could position people in each village, no matter how remote it is, with this type of professional knowledge to arrest the situation,” Singh said.

Five professionals accredited by the lead organisation for CBT in the UK and Ireland: the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) will commence the training on November 1 at the West Demerara Hospital before moving to Essequibo.

The workshop in Essequibo will target persons from Moruca, Wakapou, Wakenaam, Leguan, and other areas, the founder noted.

The therapists will engage in a four-day workshop which is an intensive course to become CBT therapists. Afterwards, the BABCP will accredit these persons and they will have access to the professionals in the UK, should they encounter a case they cannot handle or should they need to use research materials to understand a situation they cannot cope with in Guyana.

“The professional linkage will be there with this group,” Singh highlighted.

Through the founda-

Founder of the Guyana Foundation Supriya Singh tion’s, ‘Sunrise centres’, persons can get free counselling, six days a week and benefit from other programmes. Though the foundation has been raising awareness about mental health, Singh said it needs more professional psychologists and psychiatrists to provide assistance.

With this in mind, she reached out to Dr. Krish Nauth, the lead trainer with the UK group here and who is of Guyanese heritage, to remedy the situation. Dr. Nauth gathered other key mental health practitioners in the UK and brought them to Guyana under the umbrella of the Guyana Foundation.

While the team will only be training persons in the two regions, the team also engaged persons in Georgetown about anxiety management and depression at a session held at the New Thriving Chinese Restaurant. They also did television and radio programmes.

Singh noted that before the team departs, she would like to organise a session with some members of the Police Force to mentor officers and edify them on basic issues like mental health, depression and anxiety.

“It’s something we need to pay serious attention to and blanket the country with treatment, as far as we can,” she said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 2, 2018

Man dies in ECD accident

POLICE are investigating an accident which resulted in the death of a 37-year-old man of Felicity Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara.

Dead is Reaz Nazir, 37, a father of one and foreman attached to Courtney Benn Construction Company. The accident occurred around 06:30hrs on Wednesday on the Felici-

ty Railway Embankment, ECD, and involved motorcar PVV7987, which was driven by a 50-year-old resident of Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown.

According to the police, investigations disclosed that the vehicle was proceeding east along the northern carriageway of the road within the prescribed speed limit,

when it was alleged by the driver that the pedestrian, who was standing on the northern parapet, suddenly ran into the path of the vehicle and they collided. Nazir was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he received medical attention and was admitted.

He succumbed about 16:20hrs on Wednesday.

The man’s wife, Farina Karim, told the Guyana Chronicle that her husband had just left home for work when he was struck down. She said the man was talking to someone and was standing at the side of the road when he was struck down. The woman said her husband sustained mainly head injuries.

She questioned how

Reaz Nazir the police knew that the driver was driving within the prescribed speed limit without any evidence.

Police said a post-mortem examination is scheduled for Friday.

The driver, who passed a breathalyzer test, is in police custody assisting with investigations.

Lusignan prison escapee recaptured PRISON escapee Dextroy Pollard was recaptured on Thursday at Free and Easy Village, West Bank Demerara, by a civic-minded citizen.

According to a police release, the man was promptly handed over to the police at the Wales Police Station. The Guyana Police Force publicly commended the individual for “his brave and courageous action,” which the force said is testimony that it is gaining the public’s trust. It encouraged others to assist in the apprehension of those still at large.

Last month, murder accused Travis Evans, age 23 of ‘C’ Field Sophia, Georgetown, Sudesh Dyal, 23, who was remanded for breaking and entering, larceny and escaping from lawful custody and Pollard, 29, of Wales Village, who was also remanded for breaking and entering and larceny, escaped from the Lusignan Prison.

Evans was later recaptured at Soesdyke while Dyal remains on the run.

Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels, said that the prison warders who were on duty have been placed under close arrest and it was likely that the police have taken the same action for its officers who were on duty.

Paul Goriah, who escaped from the Lusignan Prison, and Cobena Stephens called “OJ”, who escaped from the Georgetown Prison during destructive prison riot on July 9, 2017, are also on the run.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 2, 2018

New boat, over 50 bicycles handed over to students of Mabaruma

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–– Under President Granger’s Five-Bs programme

OVER fifty bicycles and a boat were handed over to students residing in far-flung and riverine communities within the Mabaruma sub-District on Wednesday.

This brings a total of 1,405 bicycles and 10 boats handed over to students across the country thus far, under President David Granger Five-Bs programme (boats, bicycles, buses, breakfasts and books).

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, Mayor of Mabaruma, Henry Smith and Regional Executive Officer (REO), Leslie Wilburg, attended the presentation ceremony. In his remarks, Minister Allicock explained that the five-Bs initiative was in response to the needs identified

The boat distributed to the students of Mabaruma

Director of Sport, Christopher Jones along with the students and their bicycles

The bicycles distributed to the students of Mabaruma

by the people of Region One and Guyana as a whole.

“It is our aim to assist these students in accessing education because it is the key to success in everything we do. This access to a quality education will allow our children to become visionary leaders and entrepreneurs and will enable them to use the rich resources that are available right at our fingertips in a progressive and productive way.”

Minister Allicock urged the students to take care of

the bicycles. Director of Sports, Christopher Jones, who provided an overview of the Five-Bs programme, reminded that the initiative was launched in 2015 by President David Granger on his birth anniversary. Jones said that the programme is part of the government’s vision of ensuring all of Guyana’s school-aged children have access to quality education regardless of their location. “The transformational development happening in Mabaruma is a testimony to the government’s vision for this country.”

He said Mabaruma can boast of having paved roads, a modern Kumaka market, a green space, a spice factory, solar farm, a radio station and a fire station among other significant achievements. “This process will continue,” Jones said, adding that in terms of development, the Mabaruma municipality is leading the way.

On October 09, Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally commissioned a David ‘G’ School Bus in the East Canje Berbice, bringing a total of 29 buses commissioned across the country thus far.

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Drive and determination

Making his fashion designing dreams a reality

By Gibron Rahim

F

ASHION is an art form. Those who pursue it need to be passionate and determined to fulfil their dreams of being among the best in the world. Guyana is fortunate to have numerous talented fashion designers. Our designers display dedication and perseverance, combined with hard work. Among them is Jason Shurland.

On entering Jason’s studio, it is not difficult to be struck by the attention to detail that has gone into its design. It is decorated in shades of gold, a colour he told the Pepperpot Magazine he is partial to. Designing his studio has been one of the highlights of his career he said. He noted that he spent the entire first half of this year on the project.

Most of the beadwork and fittings for his designs is done in his studio while garment construction is done elsewhere. “This is one of the greatest things I have achieved because I’ve wanted my own space for a very long time.”

Trained and certified as a chef, Jason has five years of experience working at the United States Embassy in Georgetown. Afterwards, he worked freelance for a full year. “And now I’m trying to get fully into fashion, putting my mind to it,” he explained. He acknowledged that balancing both careers had been hectic with him having to reserve his weekends for designing. Presently, “Fashion is full-time right now for this period of time that I’m in.”

The fact that fashion has currently taken centre stage in his life does not mean that Jason has no love for his work as a chef, however. “I just love both, I can’t pick or choose which one.”

Jason’s love for fashion and design was present even back in his high school days. He recalled cutting and fixing his clothes the way he wanted them. Those early days gave him experience which he is still build-

Jason Shurland (All photos courtesy of Jason Shurland)

Marva Langevine, one of Jason’s clients, wearing one of his designs

Marva Langevine collecting her Queen’s Young Leaders Award from Queen Elizabeth II while wearing one of Jason’s designs

ing on. He related, “I feel as though I still need more building and there’s always room for more marketing and stuff into the industry to get your name more out there.”

Guyana’s unique culture can inspire and influence the work of our fashion designers. One of the distinctive features of Guyana’s fashion is hand beading. “I think we’re kind of unique when it comes to that area,” said Jason. He pointed out that there are many others besides him who do hand beading. He most often creates custom-made, oneof-a-kind gowns for his clients. “We go through the whole process of what you actually like, what you actually want, the fit of it,” he related. “I know my clients individually.” This allows the resulting pieces to meet his clients’ needs and requirements.

Limited fabric choices is one of the challenges facing fashion designers in Guyana. Hand beading plays a role in mitigating this issue.

“In order for your work to actually stand out we look and turn to hand beading,” Jason explained, “to get our work to be unique, to have a certain flair [and] to have a certain style.” In addition, most of the time Jason brings in fabrics from overseas, allowing him to create truly unique pieces.

He noted too that, since more designers have been coming on the scene and are shopping for fabrics, local fabric sellers have presently started bringing in a wide variety of laces as well as solid fabrics and floral prints.

Even though Jason’s pieces are designed to meet his clients’ specifications, he still ensures that his distinctive style shines through. “You have to have that good one-on-one relationship with your client,” he pointed out, ensuring that there is clear and open communication. He said that clients most often come to him with just ideas of what they want. He uses those ideas as a base from

which he builds the resulting designs.

Another of the challenges of working in fashion is the level of competitiveness that sometimes exists. Jason noted that the competition can be taken too far sometimes. “It’s not a competition between anybody, everybody speaks for themselves with their work,” he stated emphatically. It is up to the client, he said, to decide which designer they want to work with to meet their needs. “It’s not about being the best,” said Jason. “It’s about growing, building [and] giving quality work that could reach an international standard.”

That is the way Jason looks at the matter. “I’m always looking for things to make my work better.” He added, “I think there’s a whole lot of room for everyone.”

Jason believes that there is always room for improvement. There are always opportunities to

improve the quality of one’s work and improve its standard he said. Remaining stuck at one standard all the time implies that the work being done lacks passion. “I [design] because I really love fashion, I have loved fashion since in high school,” Jason said firmly.

He noted that people around him have seen his growth as a designer from when he started to where he is currently. His work has labels and tags, in addition to his distinctive style.

Fashion can for a certainty be used to make a statement. Indeed, one of Jason’s first pieces was a swimsuit made out of coins that he made for Jamzone years ago. “Sonia Noel has always been bringing fashion forward and bringing a cause with it,” he said. He recalled one Guyana Fashion Week where breast cancer awareness was a theme. “[Fashion] really speaks a lot about yourself and your type of style.” He noted that he personally loves to dress uniquely. “I don’t really like to wear clothing that everybody has,” he elaborated.

“I’m very unique and very outstanding, I’m not afraid to wear colours.”

It is important to dream and to work toward those dreams. “If you don’t dream there will never be a reality,” said Jason. He pointed out that being a fashion designer was once just a vision he had in his mind.

He recalled that his friend Meleesa Payne was the one who encouraged him to take part in Guyana Fashion Week back in 2010. “From that whole vision that I had, with a dream in my mind, that I want to be a fashion designer look where I’m at right now.” No matter the nature of the dream, he said, “At the end of the day you have to take it and make it a reality for yourself.” He added, “Once you have that drive and the position to go after what you actually want then you could have anything you want after

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 2, 2018

Living with copyright, learning a new experience

I

MAGINE you acquired big money-new money through some illegal method-and your social status protected you so far, or your money is legal,now you want to invest, to make stress less money and to socially look good as a legitimate businessman with all the conspicuous trappings.

paid that much attention to the business anyway, so you don’t know what your options are much less how your readymade media syndicate business could be managed legally. The fact is you have got to now pay attention.

One of the first things with copyright legislation is that the rewards for viola-

Copyright laws are not to be feared, as long as it’s managed locally by people who understand what needs to be done to prepare procedures to both enforce and empower. There’s no doubt that there must be time periods of consideration, of leniency based on the acute economic factor that businesses,

pact of copyright to integrate as an economic tool, the government’s participation must be involved outside of the customary political norms.

Copyright will require a legal and practical economic bureau that will be able to explore, awake and re-educate the ‘Rip Van Winkle’ bureaucratic customs that

ers, creative persons in the design of industrial and domestic tools, equipment and items, artists, designers, writers, musicians, jewellery designers, fashion/clothing and accessory designers, poets, culinary formulas, lawyers, and anyone with a workable original idea, and of course,the above and

we spoke. The persons who steal copyrighted material want to benefit 100 per cent.

I explained to a photocopy shop official that many of the items that he was violating could be licensed to his entity for production, if he were to embrace that direction. I saw him sometime later

You open a TV and radio station and a movie and music sales and rental with the latest and the top shows and music. You are assured that you can always download music and movies, your only business expense is the right software and CD/DVD burners, a printer and cheap CDs and DVDs. With the local talent, you buy one CD and burn 500 for your store and play the music on your radio without worry. Who cares and what can they do?

Everybody is doing it,so?

Suddenly Guyana joins the rest of the world and is proposing a Bill on copyright legislation. You’re angry. You’re not sure what this means. You’ve never

tions in the courts will have to correspond to CARICOM ceilings, which could mean that the sum will be attractive enough that a financially-strapped businessman in the US will be enticed to pay eager notice to his trademark. You have to on your downtown business. Lawyers here are going to verify that you have the money in the bank and who owns the real estate, then take you to court, whether you withdraw the cash from your account.

They will then come for the real estate on value. The same applies to the creative person locally, who equipped with his copyright certificate will feel justified to take an offender to the courts.

especially in the music and movie retail areas, were paying taxes while selling pirate goods, thus, state-endorsed piracy, because any other effort would have meant going out of business.

The path to copyright legislation is inevitable if businesses within the cultural industries framework are to be allowed to exist,and new economic blocks have to be developed, if Guyana is to expand its expertise - oil or no oil. Software restrictions already exist, as there are limitations to how much one can exploit software that is illegitimate in the search for tutorials that require certification. Like every other economic block, for the im-

will pose a hindrance to the local research and development applications, relevant to guiding the awareness and relationship of the ‘Human Right’ of copyright. In the initial stage it might be necessary to engage a recommended source, versed and connected to entities in the first world that would be necessary to be in collaboration. For the process, re-empowering must be phased out in economic practices in the normalising towards copyright.

Again, who do copyright benefits involve and include? To be direct I must itemise a short list; architects, engineers, playwrights, furniture design-

their families and the merchants who sell whatever is produced- in fact - all of us. Copyright is intended to allow and encourage the soul that the muse whispers to, to create and add something to our senses and to be allowed to have that creation protected.

I have a friend who is in the craft business. Every piece of work that he labours to bring into existence is quickly reproduced by other craft sellers. The same goes for a jeweller friend who has abandoned his trade because of bad reproductions of every original piece he has produced.

He now builds desks and benches up to the last time

and he told me that his boss didn’t want to do anything like that, since it would have a cost factor attached to it. In closing, recently at the lecture

by Dr. Abiola Inniss at the National Library on Thursday, October 25, a young officer attached to the GPF band gave a display of legal logic: “If you create a chair and someone stole it, isn’t it a criminal offence, so what’s the difference with copyright that involves a created work like a song? I too agree copyright charges should not be civil matters.

These offences should now and always be criminal offences.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 2, 2018

Second time’s the charm for Shoshanna Ramdeen

W

HEN 22-year-old Shoshanna Ramdeem took part in the Miss India Guyana 2017 and didn’t manage to place among the top contestants, she was crushed, but though beaten, she was not destroyed.

She could not get thoughts of the pageant out of her head, she knew she could’ve done better; she was determined to do better.

When the Miss India Guyana 2018 call for delegates was published, there was no question about it, she had to try again.

“I was so depressed. All I wanted to do was a photoshoot and everything that comes with a pageant because my mind wasn’t settled. I wanted more; I wanted to work hard and be strong.

I’m very delighted that I won,” she recalled of the aftermath of the 2017 pageant.

“I knew I could have done better so I came back this year with all the dedication and commitment.”

And that dedication and commitment came to fruition when last Saturday, as the Miss India Guyana pageant was hosted at the Marriott Hotel, Ramdeen found herself to be the last beauty standing on the stage when the curtains came down.

Notwithstanding how determined she was to see it through, it was still a moment of shock for Ramdeen as her name was called, when the queen was announced.

“I was like ‘Oh my God, I did it!’ then I said ‘thank you, Lord!’ I felt so happy, words can’t even compensate,” gushed the third year-medical student, who will now go on to represent Guyana at the Miss India Worldwide 2018 Pageant, this December, in the United States of America.

Ramdeen’s natural talent, her involvement in community service, strong faith and humility make her a true embodiment of a rounded queen.

An avid reader, this 22 year old draws much of her inspiration from writers who convey real experiences, by presenting true accounts of their challenges and reveal how they overcame them. She believes that one is not necessarily born with courage, but rather, one is born with potential.

When Shoshanna is not at her home in Tuschen with her

Medical student Shoshanna Ramdeen (centre) is Miss India Guyana 2018. First runner-up was Maya Persaud (left) and second runner-up was Oma Singh (Miss India Guyana photo)

mom and sibling, you may find her volunteering with NGOs, dancing or socialising with her friends. She describes herself as a selfless, driven, committed individual; traits she acquired while a student at the Zeeburg Secondary School.

Gabrielle Union blasted for Gwen Stefani Halloween tribute

I

t seemed innocent enough when actress Gabrielle Union decided to dress up like her musical idol, Gwen Stefani, for Halloween. However, despite the fact that Stefani loved the tribute, many moronic white racists blew up Twitter as they accused Union of “whiteface.”

To commemorate both the Halloween holiday weekend and her 46th birthday, the “Mary Jane” star channeled her inner Stefani, the former lead singer of the rock group ‘No Doubt’. Union even shot a clip of herself rocking to the band’s classic hit, “Just A Girl.”

When Union tagged Stefani on Instagram, Stefani conveyed her ecstasy in her response: “@gabunion obviously this made me soooooo happy!! Gx” Despite the mutual love-fest between Union and Stefani, many white Twitter users accused Union of “reverse racism.” Laughably and erroneously, these persons claim that it’s a double standard that former “Today” host Megyn Kelly was fired from her daytime talk show for her blackface remarks, while Union’s costume was clearly an example of what they are calling “whiteface.”

“So didn’t Megyn Kelly just get fired for

saying blackface and whiteface were okay if you were dressing up as a person?” asked one confused poster.

“So it’s ok for Gabrielle Union to dress as Gwen Stefani a white girl? But it’s not ok for Megyn Kelly to dress as Diana Ross?” a proud MAGA supporter wrote, tagging GMA’s Twitter account directly. “Can I just say double standard and pure racism towards Megyn Kelly?”

But others believe that these accusers missed the glaring fact that Union wore no complexion-altering makeup and just draped herself in a Stefani-type outfit and a wig.

Some folks with common sense came to Union’s defense by stating the obvious: that Megyn Kelly actually endorsed “blackface” while Gabrielle Union simply imitated her musical idol without using any makeup to appear white.

“Did you not listen to the context of why Megyn Kelly got canned and why Gabby paying tribute to Gwen in this fashion is SO far different?” responded one follower.

The appeal to these accusers’ common sense was futile and fell on deaf ears as the heated debate about Union’s costume roared on social media unabated.

After completing her formative education, this aspiring medical practitioner entered the gates of the Greenheart Medical University where she peruses medicine and is currently in her third year.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 2, 2018

KIM KARDASHIAN-WEST APOLOGISES FOR USING R-WORD

K

I

T’S time for the weekend again, people!

There a few big events going off this weekend including one that wants to help you celebrate the best you.

So don’t stay cooped up at home.

Today Do you love to fete and have a good time? Well, head down to District Ultra Lounge tonight.

Pulse Entertainment and HJ present “Carnival Friday”. Bacchanal, Soca, wine and fun. Music by DJ Ryan and DJ Shizzle Ladies free before 22:00hrs. Admission: $2,000

Tomorrow Are you truly living your best life? Well, come out to Palm Court celebrate all your great achievements together with friends and family.

Future Entertainment and Entertainer Shizzle present “Living My Best Life”, a night to appreciate all the finest things in life and live our best lives. Best vibes by Gully Ras, Selector Diamond, Dj Energy, Seen Up, Dj Akelo, Selector Big Papa, Selector Biggs, Selector Carl, Dj King Keev, Dj Shizzle & Dj Juggler This Saturday Ricardo is back From NYC! District Ultra Lounge presents Ultra Saturday Special edition: Ricardo Lima from New York City.

Buy four tequila and get one free. Music by official resident DJ, DJ Country Boy. Ladies free before 21:00hrs

Sunday The Georgetown Club presents “Breakfast In Paris” a French country style Sunday Brunch!

Tickets are $3,000 for the non-alcoholic option and $5,000 for unlimited Mimosas.

Sundays were meant for the 70s & 80s! The Vintage Wine Bar, Restaurant & Lounge presents “Dinner and 70s and 80s music” 704 Sports Bar presents “Pizza and Beer” buy one pitcher of draft beer and one 10” pizza and another pitcher of beer free and a serving of chicken tenders at half price.

im has apologised for using the word, telling us, “I want to apologise for what I said in a recent video post that is inappropriate and insensitive to the special needs community. I try to learn from my mistakes and this is one of those times. Please know that my intention is always pure, and in this case, it was a mistake. I’m sorry.” Another huge star has offended the special needs community -- this time, it’s Kim Kardashian West who used the r-word to insult Halloween party guests who couldn’t guess her costume.

Kim dressed up as Pam Anderson to attend Kendall Jenner’s Halloween bash Wednesday night -- but was jokingly irritated when she quizzed guests about her costume and they couldn’t figure it out.

But, in a video Kim posted -- and has since deleted -- on Instagram to her 120 MILLION followers, Kim used the word “r******d” to describe guests who were too dumb to decipher her Halloween character.

Of course, the problem ... tons of special needs groups have spoken out

about the dangers of using the r-word because it essentially uses a serious condition as an insult.

In fact, earlier this week, Shaun White issued an apology after dressing as a special needs character from the movie “Tropic Thunder” for a Halloween party.

Bottom line -- special needs people are not punchlines, insults or Halloween costumes and people like Kim and Shaun should be more understanding.

Kim deleted the video off her IG page, but the internet backlash was immediate. Some comments about the clip ... “@KimKardashian using the R word on her IG story from yesterday is disgusting. And I really liked her.

Watched, followed, bought shit, spent like three grand on her game. My brother is an ANGEL sent from Heaven and if you use it generally, you use it ALL THE TIME. Done.”

“It’s 2018, we don’t say the r word anymore.”

“Ughh @KimKardashian saying the R word in her IG story made me cringe.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 2, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 2, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 2, 2018

Guyana to open CONCACAF U-20 Championships today against Guatemala

By Rawle Toney WITH spots at the FIFA U-20 World Cup and the 2019 Pan American Games on the line, Guyana will kick off their campaign today in the CONCACAF U-20 Championship in Bradenton, Florida, USA, against Guatemala from 10:30hrs.

Head coach Wayne Dover selected Johnathan Vaughn (GK), Jamaine Cumberbatch (GK), Michael Luke, Nixon Robertson, Lionel Holder, Kwai Marsh-Brown, Jeremy Garrett (captain), Cecil Jackman, Ryan Hackett, Job Caesar, Jalen Case, Kelsey Benjamin, Nicholas Mc Arthur, Hudson Hazlewood, Ryan Dowding, Raushan Ritch, Bevan

Baker, Thair Britton, Leon Richardson and Chris Macey, for what he has called a ‘perfect blend’ of talent from his local and overseas pool of players.

Prior to the team’s departure Dover, speaking about the team’s selection, reasoned that “we know Jeremy Garrett for his sterling performance throughout the years; Bevan is a young and upcoming talent who has shown consistent performances in this year’s college season”.

“Marsh-Brown is coming from Arsenal’s Youth Academy and is currently playing for Bolton Wanderers in the English set-up, so more than likely he should bring a level of professionalism to the team.

Luke is a towering attacking-minded player and

Hazelwood will definitely add strength and dynamism to the team while Britton, who has been part of the national programme before, will add firepower to the front line,” Dover said.

He added that for the Guyana team, who will be captained by Jeremy Garrett, discipline on match day is key to success, since “during the past six weeks of preparation, we gave it our best to enable the team a chance to compete, win games and possibly progress to the next level.

“In the modern game of football, every team stand a chance to qualify, based on who are more disciplined on match day and make fewer mistakes. We are going to be optimistic and try our best to focus throughout the tournament.”

Garrett, who is currently on a football scholarship at the Louisiana State University (LSU) Eunice, had told Chronicle Sport that he was looking forward to wearing the captain’s ban at the tournament, and “playing here in the US helps me to sharpen my awareness, since the games are being played at a reasonably high intensity, which also forces my technique right up there, not forgetting my fitness. Overall the stint here in the US is paying off.”

Following their opening game against Guatemala, Guyana will clash with the Cayman Islands on November 6, and will face Curacao on November 8 before closing their group stage against El Salvador on November 10.

Vieira, King in battle for Caribbean and local titles AN all-out war is what is expected when the flag drops for group four action on November 10 and 11 at the South Dakota Circuit.

The Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) stages the Ignite race meet, which will be the final leg of the Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC) and the two veterans are the front runners for the class.

At the Caribbean level, Vieira leads with 95 points after two rounds of action.

Two firsts and a second place finish for Vieira in Trinidad, coupled with one first, one second and one DNF result in Barbados, habe him ahead of the pack.

He has 95 points while King has 67 points (one third, one fourth and one DNF in Trinidad) and one first, a third and a DNF in Barbados.

CAMS driver Quinlan Lall is the only real threat that the duo face, as he has 62 points from one round.

His car is expected for the meet as well.

However, Vieira will have to contend with Kristian Jeffrey who. while he does not have a chance at the championship, can make the battle closer than it needs to be.

Throw in Mark Maloney from Barbados and Faizool Madan and the Audi TT that holds the lap record here and there is bound to be an epic battle that will come down to the wire.

On the local scene, only one round has been completed so far with Vieira lead-

ing again with 61 points to King’s 50. While this battle is closer, Vieira’s form on the local scene has been red hot and it will take a clean sweep from Andrew to change the titles.

The November race meet will feature groups 1-4 action as well as CHOKE Starlet Cup, Miracle Optical Street Tuner, Sports Tuner and both CMRC and local Superstocks race as well as a 125cc lightweight class and a street cross class.

All systems in place for BCB’s Dave Martins fund-raising concert APART from some minor arrangements, all major plans are in place for a successful Cricket Development Concert, to be hosted by the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) tomorrow.

The concert will feature Guyanese international singing icon, the legendary Dave Martins of the popular Tradewinds band. The concert will be held in the compound of the New Amsterdam Technical Institute from 20:00hrs. Several wellknown Berbician artistes will be supporting Martins, who will perform for an hour.

The concert was made possible by Guyanese international cricket commentator Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira, who had paid a four-day working trip to Berbice in July, as a special guest of the vibrant and visionary BCB. Perreira was very impressed by the hard work and visionary plans of the Hilbert

Foster-led administration and committed himself to assisting the BCB’s fund-raising efforts.

Foster noted that with the Board committing itself to hosting a record 22 tournaments at all levels along with dozens of off-the-field projects, the Board was in a tight spot financially.

Additionally, the BCB has monthly bills for office rental, administration and cleaning stipends, GPL and GTT bills, stationery, photocopying, internet payment, transportation also a huge umpiring bill to ensure that all of its 22 tournaments are properly run.

The BCB provides umpires for all First Division matches while umpires are provided from the quarter-finals of every junior and second division tournaments.

Foster disclosed that all funds raised from the Dave Martins concert would be

used for future development of Berbice Cricket at the grassroots level and to cover administrative expenses.

The BCB has received financial assistance from Ansa McAl (Guy) Ltd and Baron Food Inc, based in St Lucia.

Several local artistes would provide additional entertainment while the nine delegates of the Ms Berbice will make guest appearances during the show.

The BCB today will be hosting a live call-in television programme on NCN CH15, where lucky Berbicians would be given an opportunity to win tickets.

Foster assured members of the Berbice public that all the entertainment would be family-friendly and as such parents can bring along their children.

Entrance fee to enter the venue is just $1 000.

West Demerara clinch Super Over thriller against Essequibo … Wins also for Upper Corentyne, ECD and Lower Corentyne

By Rajiv Bisnauth WHILE the GCB must be commended for the initiative taken, the lack of key personnel in the ongoing Franchise League Under-17 T20 tournament could be seen as a retrograde step with regard to the development of female cricket at the grassroots level.

The games, played at the Enterprise ground yesterday, were again without standard umpiring as well as a match referee. To this end, the coaches were forced to do both on- and off-the-field duties as umpires.

Meanwhile, West Demerara defeated Essequibo in a super over after the match ended in a thrilling tie. Needing six to win in the super over, West Demerara finished the game with a ball to spare with all ten wickets in hand, after both teams finished on 126 in regulation time.

Prior to the game between Essequibo and West Demerara, it was decided by both teams that wide delivery will be given as two runs and as a legal delivery.

Winning the toss and deciding to bat first, West Demerara opening batters, Jamaica Simon and Devika Boodenlall added 62 for the first wicket, but it was a partnership dominated by wides.

Simon (15) and Boodenlall (9), contributed 20 runs off the bat with wides a healthy 42 runs. However, when the stand was broken, the West Demerara team lost half their side, at 98-5. Varuni Pitamber and Keshana Boodenlall remained unbeaten on six and ten respectively, when the innings expired at 126-5.

Lalitha Patterson, Lisa Charles, Divine Ross and Onicia Stoby were the wicket-takers for Essequibo.

The game went into Super Over after Essequibo made heavy weather of the modest 127-run chase, with Analeisia D’Aguiar and Lisa Charles unbeaten at the end on 20 and 19 respectively.

Ariana Buckan claimed 4-22 and 1-6 in the super over, to be adjudged player-of-the-match.

Scores from the other matches are as follows: In another match over at Enterprise, East Bank won the toss and choose to field first. East Coast scored 112-6 from their allotted 20 overs. National Under-19 player Sarah Amin top-scored with 23 not out, while Shamya Daniel was the destructive bowler who grabbed 3-26. She was well supported by Christain Ramdial, Hemwattie Mohabir and Africa Gentle who took one wicket each.

East Bank in response failed to reach their target as they fell for 47-9 in 15.1 overs. No batter got past five runs, Shazana Majeed grabbed 3-8 while she was well-supported by Shamika Edwards and Sarah Amin who picked up two wickets for 10 and 8 runs respectively. East Coast won by 65 runs.

Meanwhile in the first encounter over at Bush Lot, Upper Corentyne, winning the toss, elected to field first. Georgetown scored 96-6 in a reduced 15 overs match. Emalissa Whyte once again top-scored with 13. Shanaya Fraser was the most successful bowler grabbing 2-15. She was supported by Karina Burnett and Shanese Leitch who took one wicket each.

In reply, Upper Corentyne raced to 99-5 from their 15 overs with Shanaya Fraser top-scoring with 17 while support was gained from Alika Williams with 13, Tabita Allen and Alita Phillips took two wickets for 16 and 17 respectively.

Their effort was not enough to take their team to victory.

Upper Corentyne won by five wickets.

In the other game at Bush Lot, Lower Corentyne won the toss and elected to take first strike, scoring a massive 161-8 from 20 overs. National Under-19 player Lafona Gilgeous top-scored with 56, while she was supported by Navinena Ramnauth with 28. Tia Issac was the most instrumental bowler grabbing 4-20 while Tamara George picked up 2-43. West Berbice in reply, managed only 111 all out from 18 overs, Tia Issac scoring 20 and Tamara George with 11. Bowling for Lower Corentyne, national Under-19 player Lofana Gilgeous picked up 3-19. Lower Corentyne won by 50 runs.

Action continues today when Lower Corentyne take on Essequibo and West Berbice face Upper Corentyne at Bush Lot ground. At DCC, East Coast battle against West Demerara and Georgetown confront East Bank.

Matches will start at 09:00hrs.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 2, 2018

Peever bows to pressure, resigns as Cricket Australia chairman

By Ian Ransom MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - David Peever resigned as Cricket Australia chairman yesterday, after three days of mounting pressure, triggered by the

release of a scathing review of the board’s governance and culture.

Peever, who was reelected last week for a second threeyear term, would be replaced by deputy chairman Earl Eddings for the interim period

until a permanent appointment could be made, CA said in a statement.

Former Rio Tinto executive Peever ultimately proved the architect of his downfall, having commissioned the independent review following

David Peever was reelected last week for a second three-year term.

a ball-tampering scandal in March that plunged Australian cricket into disgrace.

The Longstaff report, submitted to CA weeks ago but not released until after Peever’s second term was secured, found the board partially culpable for the events in Cape Town, which led to bans for former captain Steve Smith and batsmen David Warner and Cameron Bancroft.

The report also described CA as “arrogant” and “controlling” in its dealings with stakeholders, and of nurturing a culture of “winning without counting the costs”.

Eddings thanked Peever for his service.

“He has played a pivotal role in the elevation of women’s cricket and the significant growth in attendance and participation,” he said in the statement.

“The board is keenly aware that we have a way to go to earn back the trust of the cricket community. We and the executive team are determined to make cricket stronger.”

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A CA spokesman said it would decide on the process and a timetable for the appointment of a new chairman early next week.

CA board director and former Australia captain Mark Taylor is heavily backed to take on the permanent role, having already been endorsed by a slew of the country’s cricket luminaries.

SEASON OF CHANGE Peever’s resignation continues a tumultuous season of change in Australian cricket since the ball-tampering scandal.

Former Australia head coach Darren Lehmann stepped down to be replaced

by Justin Langer in May, while long-serving CEO James Sutherland vacated his post to a deputy in Kevin Roberts.

Days before the release of the Longstaff report, high performance boss Pat Howard announced he would step down from his role in 2019, a year earlier than contracted.

Peever had also hoped to prolong his stay and tried to

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ride out the storm with a series of media interviews after the report’s release on Monday, including one in which he described the ball-tampering incident as a “hiccup”.

But having been in charge of an organisation that doled out heavy punishments to Smith, Warner and Bancroft, his refusal to be held accountable for the findings in the review angered former players and pundits.

Former Australia captain Ian Chappell labelled CA’s leadership a “joke”, while the board’s former boss Malcolm Speed said the game deserved better.

Despite some on-field successes and the delivery of a record broadcasting deal earlier this year, Peever’s three-year tenure was marked by an acrimonious pay dispute and a major breakdown in relations with players.

Last year, he and Roberts spearheaded a fruitless push to tear up a revenue-sharing deal that had been in place for 20 years.

The Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) on Tuesday called on CA to immediately lift the bans on Smith, Warner and Bancroft in light of the Longstaff report.

“I’d like to thank David for his service to Australian cricket,” ACA president Greg Dyer said.

“Dedicating six years to the board of Cricket Australia is a demonstration of his commitment to the game.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 2, 2018

OSCL makes contribution to Prabhu Sharan Orphanage THE Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL), like it did in 2016 and 2017, has once again made a monetary contribution to a children’s convalescent home in Guyana.

This time around, the beneficiary was the Prabhu Sharan Orphanage, situated at North Housing Scheme, Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara.

On Tuesday, OSCL vice-president Terry Mathura and secretary Frederick Halley, who were in Guyana for the Prime Minister’s Softball Cup, run by the Georgetown Softball Cricket League

and the eighth edition of the Guyana Softball Cup, organised by the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA), paid a courtesy call at the institution where they interacted with the staff and children.

Caretaker of the convalescent home, Damyant Abrahim expressed heartfelt thanks to the OSCL for its contribution.

Apart from the donation from the league, personal contributions were also made by its president Albert Ramcharran and vice-president Mathura.

Avinash Persaud

By Rajiv Bisnauth

DEFENDING male champion Avinash Persaud feels that a positive mental ap-

By Joe Chapman

Here, vice-president Mathura hands over the cash to Abrahim in the presence of some children of the home. Secretary Frederick Halley is at extreme left.

Gross of 149, but emphasised that this year’s tournament will be very challenging, taking into consideration the number of good players around.

Despite the challenges he anticipates, Persaud remains optimistic. He pointed out during the exclusive interview that the venue is his home turf, adding that once he does the basics, and plays within his game limits, success will come his way.

To this end, he has intensified his training, with the view of reaching peak touch when the two-day event begins.

As usual, golfers from Guyana, North America and the Caribbean will compete against one another, in what

will be a highly competitive two-day tournament.

The LGC is using the tournament to once again aid in the sports tourism drive, as the event will draw a wide cross-section of golfers and supporters from various countries.

The LGC is anticipating a large turnout of competitors on the nine-hole course, with heated rivalry in the Championship Flight (0-9 handicap), B Flight (10-18), C Flight (1928) and Ladies Flight.

On the distaff side, Christine Sukhram is the defending champion.

Nurse set to miss rest of India tour with shoulder injury

ASHLEY Nurse, the Windies off-spinner, has been ruled out of the remainder of the India tour with a pectoral muscle injury. Jason Holder, the Windies captain, confirmed the development while mentioning the personnel changes at the toss of the fifth ODI in Thiruvananthapuram.

Nurse will now miss the forthcoming three-match T20I series as well, as a result of the

shoulder injury he sustained during the fourth game in Mumbai.

“He is ruled out for the entire tour. I wish him well.

Hopefully, he can recover quickly for the next tour,” Holder said.

Nurse, who has bagged five wickets and scored 55 runs in the series so far, was named Player-of-the-Match in Windies’ only win on the tour so far in Pune.

Double for Drakes, Primo as Eagles United down Shattas 4-1

… Net Rockers edge Winners 1-0

Persaud intensifies training to defend Guyana Open title proach will be the key to doing well at the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) premier golf tournament, the Guyana Open, which is billed for November 3-4 at the Lusignan Golf Course.

The 27-year-old, who enjoys the sport to its fullest, claimed his eighth Guyana Open title last year and intends to reach the same heights again, but acknowledged that the task will not be that easy.

“I’m excited. It’s a venue that obviously holds good memories for me. Hopefully, I can defend my title with ease,” said the Lusignan resident.

In a thriller last year, Persaud finished with a total

UDFA GTT 2017/18 Football League..

In the following game, he was seen clutching his left shoulder after bowling a couple of overs in the fourth game. He also went back to the pavilion to receive treatment after the 10th over. However, he returned to bowl another spell and finished with figures of 1 for 57 from eight overs. (Cricbuzz,com)

Ashley Nurse

CURRENT joint points-leaders Eagles United and Net Rockers continued their winning ways with separate wins, their fifth straight, as play resumed in the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA)-run 2017/18 GTT Senior League, Wednesday night at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground.

Eagles United made it five out of five wins in the nine-team championship for 15 points as their forwards Colwyn Drakes and Kellon Primo netted doubles in the emphatic 4-1 win over Silver Shattas.

Clarence Huggins netted the lone goal for the Net Rockers, who are unbeaten from five starts. They won 1-0 over Winners Connection.

Playing the first game of the night, Eagles took the lead early when Drakes netted in the 3rd minute then thumped in his brace five minutes later, to put Shattas under pressure.

His teammate Kellon Primo then added to the miseries of Shattas when he nudged home their third goal in the 23rd minute and ended the first half in a dominant position 3-0.

Primo then scored his second goal of the night - his fourth for Eagles United - in the 77th minute as Damian Williams got a consolation goal for Shattas in the 89th minute.

The second game was more competitive with Net Rockers getting the sole goal through Clarence Huggins in the first half from a 28th minute strike.

That 1-0 advantage at halftime remained to the end of regulation play, as the Rockers are also leading with 15 points from five wins and no defeats, but are second, based on goal difference with Eagles United who have a 13 to six goal advantage .

Winners Connection have played five games, won three and lost their second against Net Rockers, who are fourth with nine points while Shattas have four points from five games played, with one win, one draw and three losses.

Tonight Rockers could take the lead when they face Blueberry Hill at 19:00hrs while the other game is between Amelia’s Ward Panthers and Topp XX. On Sunday, two more matches are scheduled for the Mackenzie Sports Club ground with Botofago facing Silver Shattas in game one and Hi Stars take on Eagles United in the second.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 2, 2018

Hikers trump GCC in Division 1 clash as GTT National Indoor Championships continues THE PEPSI Hikers and Bounty GCC put on the most entertaining show of the tournament so far when the two male first division teams clashed in their pool round match on Wednesday evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall for the GTT National Indoor Hockey Championships.

The GBTI GCC Tigers meanwhile continued their dominance of the first division ladies’ competition with their second convincing win in as many matches, this time over Old Fort Team 2.1.2.

The Bingo Spartans realised their first win of the ladies’ first division competition over Saints and duplicated their effort with a second division win over the Old Fort Goal Chasers.

GCC Vintage dominated Antonio’s Hickers in the veterans division while Old Fort Top Form remained in top form with their second win of the men’s second division competition with a victory over SHC Silencers.

In the exciting men’s matchup, which was the final game for the evening, the patient spectators were treated to an exhilarating battle between the defending Champs Bounty GCC and the side with the most titles to their name, the Pepsi Hikers.

Three minutes into a blistering start, Hikers midfielder Jamarj Assanah showed his class by weaving through the GCC defence and slipped a reverse pass to the waiting Robert France for the deflection goal.

Less than one minute later Aroydy Branford scored

a second for the Hikers then France returned five minutes later to score his second, to all but bury GCC by the half with a 3-0 score line.

It seemed like GCC had all but packed up their traps to head home when Branford scored in the opening minute of the second half, but four unanswered goals made it too much of an advantage to overcome.

The Bounty boys, however, found some light through the storm clouds of despair as captain Dwayne Scott slammed home a low hard penalty corner shot in the 23rd minute then a second in similar fashion eight minutes later. GCC seemed bolstered by their goals and grew in confidence as the tiring Hikers saw their grip on the match begin to slip.

An explosive drive down the right flank, finishing with a thundering shot high into the far corner of goal by Mark Sargeant, brought the crowd to their feet and GCC within one goal of a remarkable comeback.

While the final seven minutes of play saw end-toend action, no further goals were scored and the Hikers escaped with a 4-3 victory in a hard-fought match of great performances by both teams.

The ladies’ first division match between the GBTI GCC Tigers and Old Fort 2.1.2 showed some promise in the early stages, as Old Fort held off the defending champions for eleven minutes before striker Shebiki Baptiste scored from the right side of goal.

Trisha Woodroffe added

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday November 02, 2018) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Kapil Dev-5/43 (vs AUST, Nottingham, 1983) (2) Vanburn Holder-5/50 (vs ENG, Birmingham, 1976) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who is the first Indian to claim a wicket with his very first ball in ODIs? (2) Which WI was the first to pick up a wicket with his very first ball in ODI cricket?

Trisha Woodroffe of GBTI GCC Tigers controls the ball against Boshani Kaladeen of Old Fort 2.1.2.

a second field goal by the half and Old Fort, despite being down 0-2 still seemed to have some fight and determination to spring a surprise.

The second half belonged to Sonia Jardine and GBTI GCC Tigers, as she blasted home a penalty corner and two field goals to give GCC a comfortable 5-0 victory.

Young Abosaide Cadogan was unstoppable when her Bingo Spartans faced off

against Saints in the other ladies’ first division fixture of the evening. Cadogan scored a match-leading hattrick for the Spartans while speedy striker Charlia Webb was the only other player to score the lone goal for Saints. The 3-1 win was the first victory in first division for newcomers Bingo Spartans.

The GCC Vintage shot into the lead against Antonio’s Hickers with three

goals in as many minutes and never relinquished their lead. While the Hickers managed four goals of their own, they were unable to catch GCC who ended with a 7-4 victory.

The Spartans got the better of Old Fort Goal Chasers by 2-0 in their second division matchup while Old Fort Top Form defeated the SHC Silencers by 3-1 in the lone men’s second division game

of the evening.

Results are as follows: MEN Division 1 PEPSI Hikers edged Bounty GCC by 4–3. Robert France 2, Aroydy Branford 2; Bounty GCC – Dwayne Scott 2, Mark Sargeant 1 WOMEN Division 1 GBTI GCC Tigers trounced Old Fort Team 2.1.2 by 5-0. GBTI GCC Tigers – Sonia Jardine 3, Shebiki Baptiste 1, Trisha Woodroffe 1 BINGO GCC Spartans beat Saints 3-1. Abosaide Cadogan 3. Saints – Charlia Webb -1.

MEN Division 2 Old Fort Top Form overcame SHC Silencers 3-1.

Warren Williams 2, Omar Hopkinson 1; SHC Silencers - Parmanand Dindial 1 WOMEN Division 2 BINGO GCC Spartans blanked Old Fort Goal Chasers 2-0. Abosaide Cadogan 1, Haley Carpenter 1 Over-35 Division GCC Vintage thrashed Antonio’s Hickers by 7-4.

Kevin Spencer 3, Alan Fernandes 2, Andrew Xavier 1, Devin Hooper 1. Antonio’s Hickers – Devin Munroe 3, Maria Munroe 1 Matches continue at 17:00hrs throughout the week with the finals to be contested on Sunday November 4.

Jamaica chief tips Bolt for call-up, if he adds ‘flair’ to game USAIN Bolt could force his way into Jamaica’s national team if he adds “a little bit of skill” and impresses while playing for a club side, according to the country’s Football Federation president Michael Ricketts.

The eight-time Olympic gold medallist and world-record-holder over 100 and 200 metres has long held a desire to make a permanent switch to football and began training with A-League side Central Coast Mariners in August.

His association with the Mariners saw him make appearances in friendly matches, while the club even offered him a full-time contract.

That deal was reportedly turned down, with Mariners boss Mike Mulvey claiming

negotiations were “ongoing” despite Bolt now being absent from training.

However, Ricketts – who wants him to represent a Jamaican club – has given Bolt a reason to not give up on his dream, with international recognition seemingly within reach.

“I am a little disappointed that Usain hasn’t signed up with a Jamaican club,” he told ESPN. “That would give us a chance to see a lot more of him. If he shows he’s good enough to make the Jamaican team then he will be called up, but we are following his progress - we are watching him closely.

“The coach will make a decision, but we would love to see him in a serious, real match situation. We are hopeful because Usain

Jamaica could give Usain Bolt an international call-up before long, but their Football Federation president wants to see improvements.

would certainly be a crowd puller. If he turns up in a Jamaican outfit then a lot of people would want to turn up and watch Usain Bolt play football.

“Usain has a special attribute in his speed. If he can add a little bit of skill, some flair, he could supplement this Jamaican team. The players would certainly welcome someone like Usain.

I have had informal discussions with some of them and they are excited at the prospect of playing with Usain.

“If he can make the transition from being a superstar on the track to being a good enough football player, then we will certainly call him up.

“We are currently in a competition - the Nations League. After the Nations League, we go into the Gold Cup. By then we will have had a chance to look at him and we’ll be in a position to make a decision.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 2, 2018

India romp to 3-1 series win after Windies collapse for 104 THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, India (CMC) – The West Indies produced their worst batting performance against India in a One Day International to hand the home side an emphatic nine-wicket win and help them wrap up the five-match series 3-1 at Greenfield Stadium here yesterday.

In what was scheduled to be a day/night contest, India wrapped up the match well before dark after dismissing the Windies for 104 in 31.5 overs.

It was the visitors’ lowest-ever ODI score against India.

The home side, led by a brisk half-century from the in-form Rohit Sharma and an unbeaten knock of 33 from captain Virat Kohli, motored to 105 for one in 14.5 overs, to wrap up the contest even before the scheduled break.

The lone hiccup in the run chase came in the first over when Shikhar Dhawan lost his wicket, his inside edge crashing into middle stump off the bowling of Oshane Thomas to leave India 6 for one.

Thomas was unlucky not to have dismissed Kohli when he was just eight, as captain Jason Holder put

down a regulation catch at first slip.

The Indian captain then showed his appreciation for the lifeline off the very next ball by thumping Thomas through cover for four.

Luck wasn’t on Thomas’ side, as the burly fast bowler also had Sharma caught behind off a no-ball.

After that, Sharma adapted a no-nonsense mood driving Thomas back over his head for six and then pulling Holder’s first ball of the 11th over to the boundary to bring up the 50-run partnership. He followed that up by lifting him over midwicket for six – his 200th in ODIs- off the next ball as they rushed to 62-1.

Keemo Paul was dispatched for consecutive boundaries by Sharma, who eventually brought up his 50 off 52 balls to record his 37th ODI half-century.

Sharma was on the rampage now and he belted Devendra Bishoo for six over long off, before Kohli joined in by cutting the leg-spinner behind point for four as the score moved to 103 for one.

Sharma then fittingly ended the match with a single to long-on two balls later.

Members of the Indian cricket team celebrate with the winners’ trophy after their victory over West Indies in their fifth and last one-day international in Thiruvananthapuram,

However, the outcome had virtually been decided long before then, thanks mainly to another inept showing with the bat by the West Indies and a four-wicket haul from spinner Ravindra Jadeja.

While only three Windies batsmen managed to score in double figures, Jadeja accounted for key dismissals in the middle and lower orders to ensure the visitors would not recover from their horrific start.

The visitors never recovered from the early losses of Kieran Powell (0) and Shai Hope (0) which saw them slump to 2-2.

Powell’s loose drive off a wide delivery from Bhuvneshwar Kumar ended in the gloves of wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, while Hope was bowled after he played on attempting an expansive cover drive off Jasprit Bumrah.

A brief 34-run stand between Rovman Powell and Marlon Samuels

had looked set to put the Windies back on track before Samuels chipped Jadeja to cover to give Virat Kohli the easiest of catches.

Shimron Hetmyer only scored nine before he became Jadeja’s second wicket, adjudged leg-before-wicket after a review. Powell followed four runs later, pulling Khaleel Ahmed’s short ball straight into the hands of square leg as the Windies fell to 57 for five.

Scoreboard WEST INDIES innings K. Powell c Dhoni b Kumar 0 R. Powell c Dhawan b Ahmed 16 S. Hope b Bumrah 0 M Samuels c Kohli b Jadeja 24 S. Hetmyer lbw b Jadeja 9 J. Holder c Jadhav b Ahmed 25 F. Allen c Jadhav b Bumrah 4 K. Paul c Rayudu b Yadav 5 D. Bishoo not out 8 K. Roach c Jadhav b Jadeja 5 O. Thomas lbw b Jadeja 0 Extras: (lb-1, w-6) 7 Total: (all out, 31.5 overs) 104 Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-2, 3- 36, 4-53, 5-57, 6-66, 7-87, 8-94, 9-103.

Bowling: Kumar 4-1-11-1, Bumrah 6-1-11-2, Ahmed 7-1-29-2, Jadeja 9.5-1-34-4, Yadav 5-1-18-1.

INDIA innings R. Sharma not out 63 S. Dhawan b Thomas 4 V. Kohli not out 33 Extras: (lb-1, nb-1) 2 Total: (1 wkt, 14.5 overs) 105 Fall of wickets: 1-6.

Bowling: Roach 5-2-13-0, Thomas 4-0-33-1, Paul 2-0-22-0, Holder 1-0-15-0, Bishoo 1.5-0-16-0, Allen 1-0-5-0.

Player-of-the-Series: Rohit Sharma.

Man-of-the-Series: Virat Kohli.

Captain Jason Holder tried his best to revive his team’s innings, but once he fell for the top score of 25, his mistimed drive off Ahmed only making it as far as mid-off, the writing was on the wall.

The wickets of Keemo Paul (5), Kemar Roach (5) and Oshane Thomas for a duck followed soon after, as the Windies folded meekly.

Jadeja was the pick of the bowlers ending with 4-34 while there were two wickets apiece for Bumrah (2-11) and Ahmed (2-29).

BCB launches Da Silva Motor Spares U-13 Inter-club tournament

BCB president Hilbert Foster receives the sponsorship from Flavio Da Silva.

THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), in its continuing drive to promote cricket at all levels in the Ancient County, last Thursday launched an Under-13 Inter-club cricket tournament.

The tournament will be the fifth junior cricket tournament to be organised by the BCB in 2018.

This follows Mike’s Pharmacy Under-15, Ramnaresh Sarwan Under-17, New York Business Group Under-19 and Elizabeth Styles Under-21 tournaments.

President of the BCB, Hilbert Foster, stated that the promise has been fulfilled in less than eight months, since the board had raised over $8M in cash and kind after taking over an account with just $42 000.

The tournament involves eight teams divided into two zones. Zone A consists of Blairmont Community Centre Cricket Club, Achievers Cricket Club, Tucber Park Cricket Club and Rose Hall Canje Cricket Club while No. 19 Kendall’s Union Cricket Club, Albion Community Centre Cricket Club, Rose Hall Town Poonai’s Pharmacy and Port Mourant Cricket Club, make up Zone B. The top two teams from each zone will advance to the semifinals. The first innings will be restricted to 25 overs. The tournament is open to players born on or after September 1, 2005.

Foster expressed confidence that the tournament will be a huge success and will serve as a nursery for the county’s Under-15 tournament.

The Berbice Cricket Board, he proudly stated, is unmatched across Guyana, in terms of organising

tournaments for its members and noted that all the other cricket boards in the country collectively cannot match the BCB on and off the cricket field.

He expressed gratitude to General Manager of the Da Silva Motor Spares for investing in Berbice cricket and expressed confidence that the relationship will be a long-term one.

Da Silva praised the outstanding work of the BCB. The businessman, who is an ardent cricket fan, also committed himself to establishing a working relationship with the board as it strives to develop every potential talent.

The BCB will also like to express thanks to its former president Anil Beharry and Ricky ‘4R’ Deonarine for the roles they played in obtaining the sponsorship. The board is expected to successfully complete over 20 cricket tournaments at all levels for the year.

Foster further stated that Berbice cricket is on the move again with the game being played at every level and in every village/township across the county.

The tournament bowls off tomorrow with four matches: Tucber Park Cricket Club host Rose Hall Canje Cricket Club, Achievers Cricket Club play Blairmont Community Centre Cricket Club at Bush Lot, Rose Hall Town Poonai Pharmacy oppose Kendall’s Union Cricket Club at Kendall’s Union and Albion host Port Mourant Cricket Club.

Guyana to open CONCACAF U-20 Championships today against Guatemala 31 PAGE

Some members of Guyana’s National U-20 team upon arrival in Florida for the CONCACAF U-20 Championships

Vieira, King in battle for Caribbean and local titles 31 PAGE

Mark Vieira (RX8) and Andrew King (RX7) are set to lock horns for the Caribbean Group 4 title

India romp to 3-1 series win after Windies collapse for 104 PAGE

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All systems in place for BCB’s Dave Martins fund-raising concert 31

Guyana’s international singing icon Dave Martins

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2018