Guyana Chronicle E Paper 01 03 2016

GuyOil boss fired No. 104478

TUESDAY MARCH 1, 2016

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‘No more secrets, no more shame’

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- Region Five residents march against suicide

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A West Coast Berbice student holds up a placard bearing a poignant message during a march against suicide, Monday (Samuel Maughn photo)

25, 000 house Suspected

CANU defends unit Page 7 against drug baron’s accusations Page 5 lot applications - Says self-confessed dealer presently before court

pending

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- Unoccupied lots could be repossessed to fill needs

Sophia bandit 9 shot dead Page

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 1, 2016

‘No more secrets, no more shame’ - Region Five residents march against suicide

By Navendra Seoraj “YOU have a purpose, don’t do it” was the message that rang out on Monday as students, teachers, doctors and members of the Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice) Regional Democratic Council (RDC) turned out in full numbers in a march against suicide.

The march started at Onverwagt and concluded at Fort Wellington and throughout the journey, members of the procession chanted “Prevent suicide, no more secrets, no more shame” and “No more suicides, together we are strong”.

The marchers on their way also distributed posters. It was a lively atmosphere as positive music boomed from the speakers of an accompanying van, revving up the spirit of marchers and attracting the attention of persons nearby.

Guyana has an uncomfortably suicide rate and the Government has committed to doing all it can to meaningfully address the problem.

Monday’s march was another exercise to raise awareness of the plague which has consumed persons from all walks of life, both the well-off and the poor.

Several persons who spoke with the Guyana Chronicle hailed the march as progressive, contending that for the first time there is great unity in tackling the scourge.

They related that suicide is a sensitive matter and lauded the Region Five Administration for their innovation in getting

The vibrant crowd sang, chanted and danced during the march (Samuel Maughn photo) their message across.

One resident told this publication that “life is good, never give up, and never back down. We all have our strains but we must never forget that we are all here for a purpose, and there is no better feeling that conquering a challenge by coming out on top and knowing that you made it through with a fight.”

Region Five Chairman Vickchand Ramphal said the march was timely, pointing out in recent times, the number of suicide

cases in the region has been on the increase.

“This is the beginning of a series of activities which will be geared at targeting suicide prevention, which is expected to kick off very soon,” said Ramphal as he urged the gathering that suicide is not the way to escape their problems.

“All regions should adopt this approach and take a frontline move in battling suicide. The only way to tackle it is a unified and inclusionary approach by all members of society,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 1, 2016

GuyOil boss fired THE BOARD of Directors of the Guyana Oil Company Limited (GuyOil) has taken a decision to fire its Managing Director, Badrie Persaud, effective February 27.

A statement from the oil company noted that the Board along with the Forensic Auditor reviewed the findings of the forensic audit, undertaken by Nigel Hinds Financial Services, for the period November 01, 2011 to May 31, 2015.

According to GuyOil, the findings documented unauthorised and inimical actions taken by Persaud and as such, the Directors at its special Board Meeting on February 18 determined that “it could no longer have any confidence in Mr Persaud’s ability to execute the functions of Managing Director honestly, objectively and efficiently.”

Given the circumstances, the Board decided to terminate Persaud’s service, whose annual leave ended on February 27, with immediate effect and to pay him, in lieu of notice in accordance with the provisions of the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act. In July 2015, Persaud was sent on 210 days leave while the government continued its forensic audit of the stateowned company. Upon assuming office, the APNU+AFC government found that several persons allegedly fraudulently accessed fuel from the Guyana Oil Company through an arrangement set up by the former PPP administration. The allegations are that numerous private vehicles had received fuel from GuyOil under the tabs agencies like the National Sports Commission.

Badrie Persaud

Chairman of Guyoil, Lance Carberry when asked about this last year had said: “let me say this, GuyOil is a business and there are institutions that have credit accounts with GuyOil and those institutions have specific arrangements. If you have a credit account you have to identify the authorised signatory and in some cases you say which vehicles you are going to send to collect fuel so that the GuyOil station doesn’t have to determine who qualifies or who doesn’t qualify.”

He continued: “First of all the order must be signed by the appropriate signatory and secondly it would state which vehicle is coming, so that is the normal arrangement in terms of the supply of fuel on a credit basis and that still applies, and if there are discrepancies a forensic audit will find out and that audit is presently ongoing.”

However, according to reports persons were identified as having fraudulently accessed fuel from the GuyOil through an arrangement set up by the former administration. Government is continuing its investigation into the racket which has ensnared former government ministries - the Ministry of Home Affairs (now Ministry of Public Security), Ministry of Natural Resources (now a department of the Ministry of the Presidency) and the Ministry of Tourism. The allegations are that numerous private vehicles had received fuel from GuyOil under the tabs of such agencies like the National Sports Commission and the government has the names of persons who took fuel from the company as well as the cash amount attached.

Powering the hinterland -solar farms to be set up soon

By Alva Solomon AS MANY as 25 hinterland communities across Guyana could benefit from solar farm projects the government intends to roll out soon, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, said on Monday.

The solar farms are expected to channel power to key buildings, such as health centres, schools and police stations; and also provide electricity for community business ventures.

Under a previous project, some 20,000 solar panels have been distributed to individual homes in hinterland areas.

Funding for the solar farm projects has already been secured from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) as part of a US$5 million

Sustainable Energy Programme which started in 2014, Mr Horace Williams, head of the Hin-

Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson terland Electrification Project, told the Guyana Chronicle.

The solar farm projects form part of the government’s renewable energy drive, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Pat-

terson, told the Natural Resources Committee of the National Assembly on Monday. He said that as the government pursues its plans for the sector, solar and hydro-electricity projects are being considered.

As regards the plan for solar farms, he said communities will benefit depending on where they are located.

Opposition Parliamentarian Pauline Sukhai, who sits on the parliamentary committee, had questions about the stakeholders who will be overseeing the renewable energy projects for hinterland communities; and Minister Patterson said those would include the Ministry of Business, the Guyana Energy Agency, the Guyana Power and Light Inc., and members of the Natural Resources Committee.

Patterson said the pro-

cess is expected to get underway in April.

In response to a query from Sukhai, he made it clear that the intention is not to distribute individual solar panels to hinterland homes, but to set up solar farms that would distribute the power to various key sites.

As regards consideration for individual communities, he said that a body will be established to this effect. “We are setting up; there is a committee which has been set up to address certain criteria”, he said.

He said that body comprises the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, and the GEA. “The process is to keep consultations with relevant stakeholders to finalize the criteria,” he said.

Mr Williams, men-

tioned earlier, said a plan also has to be devised to ensure the sustainability of the solar farm projects.

In the case of the home systems, families would be required to pay $500 a month, and this would go into a revolving fund managed by village councils, which would be used to sustain the project, Wil-

liams stated.

Minister Patterson noted that the government has made submissions to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) to cover, at concessional financing, 50% of the cost of another project.

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Corentyne Action Plan needed GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 1, 2016

‒ says President; urges strong focus on education, empowerment and enterprise PRESIDENT David Granger has called on Corentyne stakeholders to develop an action plan to accelerate development in the region.

He said the plan should focus on education, empowerment and enterprise to achieve its objective.

The President issued the challenge to Corentyne stakeholders during his address to the Rotary Club of New Amsterdam’s World Understanding and Peace Dinner on Saturday.

“The Corentyne, together with NGOs [non-governmental organisations], regional administration and Central Government, (has) to develop a plan of action to bring together all stakeholders, civil society and governmental organisations; (and) most of all, the community.

“This plan should (be anchored) in the concept of regional peace and understanding, which we cel-

ebrate tonight…. We must reject the politics of division which stifles this region, dividing it. This region does not belong to any political party; it belongs to the residents, who must be able to share in its bounties,” the President declared.

The President stressed that an Action Plan for the Corentyne -- that is based on a shared vision and that enjoys shared responsibility -- will advance the region by leaps and bounds. But he noted that, for this to happen, Guyana needs a vibrant and educated work force. He contended that a strong economy must be built on a solid foundation of education.

The region, President Granger told his audience, needs scientists, engineers, and technologists to drive this envisioned development; and they must come from within the region.

“I am here because I’m

passionate about education…. Education lays the foundation which can break the cycle of poverty. Education is the gateway for opportunity, and opportunity is the stepping stone which brings social mobility. Social mobility is the pathway to prosperity, or what I call ‘the good life’.

“Children who do not go to school will have little chance of accessing these opportunities that will allow them to get out of the cycle of poverty,” the President predicted.

Aside from education, he said persons must be empowered to make decisions and take control.

The President noted that when people are disempowered, they do not have a sense of belonging. He referred to the difference it made in Georgetown when the Town Clerk who was imposed on the council was replaced by

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one elected by the council.

The President said his administration is empowering citizens, and the upcoming Local Government Elections will enable them to elect people of their choice to run their affairs in the community. “…if they don’t shape up, move them; but let our communities be cleaned, serene and safe…. But it is you, the citizens, residents; people (who) must take charge of your own affairs. So the empowerment which is given to you through the Constitution (is) now being facilitated in the form of Local Government Elections, so your organisations cannot remain divorced in governance and decision-making in your community,” the President said.

He also said that enterprise is key in the scheme of moulding successful communities.

The President called on

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the business community and residents to be more innovative and come up with fresh, brighter ideas to make their region a prosperous zone. “…you should be more entrepreneurial, the economy is not a Government economy; it comes from you -business persons, professionals, citizens and residents. I want to see a strong region, a region that has aerodromes, where people from neighbouring countries can fly in to do business; fly directly (into) the Corentyne to do business without having to go through Timehri and Ogle.

I want to see businessmen coming here to make deals….

I want to see your three towns as thriving business districts with factories, restaurants, supermarkets. I want to see your ports bring in ships from the Caribbean. This is my vision of East Berbice/ Corentyne….

“We want to ensure a

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President David Granger

level playing field so we can encourage persons from the Corentyne diaspora to come back here to invest their money. If the Corentyne prospers, the whole country will progress,” President Granger said.

The President concluded his presentation by calling for unity and a fresh start, as Guyana prepares to celebrate its 50th Independence Anniversary.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 1, 2016

CANU defends unit against drug baron’s accusations - Says self-confessed dealer presently before court

Self-confessed drug trafficker, Barry Dataram who accused the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) of corruption has raised the ire of the unit’s head James Singh who is urging citizens “to stand up, speak out, to have the tenacity to testify against the elements of the narcotic trade; and help the Unit make Guyana a safer place.”

“CANU, them is the most corrupted, rogue security force in this country. They are the biggest drug dealer this country has. The same drug that they seize, half of it goes back on the street,” Dataram stated in an interview on HGPTV Channel 67’s Nightly News.

Dataram reportedly said that he decided to go public with this information after CANU officers conducted a raid on his nephew’s house and removed $13 million; however they are only able to account for $10 million.

Full statement from CANU:

Guyana Defence Force refutes rape allegations The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) deployed a Board of Investigation (BOI) to Lethem on Thursday, February 18 to investigate the allegations of rape made by a female resident against the members of GDF stationed at Camp Kanuku, Lethem.

The BOI found no evidence to support that the allegations of rape occurred. However, the BOI was able to conclude that there were several breaches to the GDF’s Standard OpBrigadier General erating Procedures (SOPs), Mark Phillips as well as verify that some of the ranks under investigation physically assaulted a female in the vicinity of the Republic Bank, Lethem.

The Chief of Staff has since instructed, that corrective action be taken against the Ranks involved, and that the operational posture of the Ranks based at Camp Kanuku be redefined, so as to ensure that the cordial and harmonious relations with the residents of Lethem is maintained.

CANU vehemently denies all allegations of impropriety levelled against the Unit by the Dataram family.

The very Troy Dataram who now alleges impropriety on CANU’s Ranks’ behalf saw his concerns being investigated by a relevant body disconnected from CANU. CANU is now informed that the said Troy Dataram signed to a handwritten transcript of a lengthy interview conducted by the independent investigator in relation to the alleged missing three (3) million dollars. Without delving into the details of the ongoing investigation Troy Dataram without any assistance from Barry Dataram after pages of relating a particular story as to his ownership of twelve (12) million dollars borrowed from a cousin in Canada to purchase land in Guyana exclaimed much details to the effect that he was sorry that he lied to the investigator about the quantity of cash retrieved in the operation and instead that is was in fact nine (9) million Guyana Dollars FURTHER It must be noted that Barry Dataram’s trial for possession of a large quantity of cocaine concealed in Shrimp in 2015 in His Diamond abode has commenced in February 2016 in the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court and may be a source of much of the unease for Mr. Barry Dataram, hence his savagery against CANU. CANU on a positive note welcomes the frank confessions of Mr. Barry Dataram as to his involvement in the Narcotics Trade and would implore him and others like himself connected to the narcotic trade both small and large; mules and traffickers alike; to attend the nearest court , police station and or the CANU Head Quarters Georgetown to provide useful intelligence ( by way of sworn statement) in past and ongoing investigations and operations.

Barry Dataram

James Singh

CANU agrees with the general theme of this television station’s involvement in this matter to the effect: - That all law enforcement bodies should operate justly and within the confines of the law!

- That in this welcomed wave of change Guyanese should continue to adopt this apparently new stance of intolerance to white collar crime plaguing Guyana.

- That Guyanese must take a stand and end its mute attitude to the conducts of criminal elements witnessed daily!

CANU welcomes further public confessions of criminal elements. CANU urges the citizenry to stand up, speak out, to have the tenacity to testify against the elements of the narcotic trade; and help the Unit make Guyana a safer place!

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

Editorial: 227-5216; 227-5204 guyanachronicle.com wnigel10@hotmail.com gnnleditorial@gmail.com

Editorial

Learning from others ON THURSDAY, 25th February, Jamaica held its General Elections. Contrary to prediction -- including that of two University of the West Indies (UWI) research teams -- that the People’s National Party (PNP), led by former Prime Minister Mrs. Portia Simpson-Miller, would have been returned to office, the electorate gave that mandate to the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).

In 2011, the PNP won the seat of government by 42 seats compared to the JLP’s 21. This was reversed on Thursday, with the JLP, under prime minister-elect Mr. Andrew Michael Holness, winning 33 seats, compared to the PNP’s 30. The Jamaica Observer newspaper (26th February) credited the JLP’s improved showing “in part, by the work, appeal and determination of a bunch of new candidates plus the contribution of party stalwarts.”

It should be said that growth and development are continuous processes, which require admittance and willingness to engage in introspection, critique of self, and acceptance of such from others; along with being prepared to make the needed change to realise positive outcomes.

Having said this, there are some lessons Guyana can take away from the elections experiences of Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica, both of which were held in the last 12 months.

Notably, in both instances, results were declared within 24 hours of elections being held. In Guyana, our declaration of results takes days. This observation should not be seen as a condemnation of GECOM, which is doing yeoman service. However, taken in the right vein of constructive critique, Guyana admittedly has ways to go before we can get to this level. This may require institutional strengthening, such as logistical and technical improvement, which is hinged on policy direction, legal autonomy, and resources.

Guyanese are smart people who continue to distinguish themselves both on the domestic and international fronts, and there is nothing that cannot be achieved by us when our minds are invested.

Another positive feature of the elections by our CARICOM counterparts is the pace at which newly-elected governments move to establish the Cabinet, appoint ministers, and open the Parliament. Dr. Keith Rowley of Trinidad and Tobago, when his party, the People’s National Movement (PNM), had won the general elections in September 2015, had a Cabinet up and ready in less than five days.

While it is not known whether Dr. Rowley has set a new record in the Region, what it highlights, even to the casual observer, is that of a state of preparedness. This approach has transmitted a message that the PNM was not only expecting to win, but in the event that the party had won, it was ready to hit the

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 1, 2016

Trotman clarifies Parliamentary voting procedure Dear Editor, My attention was drawn to a story appearing on page 9 of your Monday, February 29, 2016 edition under the caption: "Nandlall plans to challenge 'even votes' bill passage", and I wish to address a few matters in response.

Firstly, the editorial comment contained in the story that "had a division been called for by the opposition where each vote would have had to be registered, the bill, which dealt with tax charges, would have failed as it required a majority" is surprising and wholly misinformed and erroneous.

The public needs to be reminded that because of the uniqueness of the 10th Parliament (and now the 11th with a razor-thin majority), a system was devised by the Speaker that introduced the ringing of a bell to alert members absent from the Chamber, but within the precincts of Parliament Buildings, that a division had been called and they were required within one (1) minute to enter the Chamber, and take their seats.

Hon. Member, Dr. Rupert Roopnarine, was in the Members' Lounge and would have responded immediately if the division was called for.

Therefore there was no likelihood whatsoever of the bill

being defeated.

Secondly, it is a well established Commonwealth parliamentary practice for the vote to be taken by an audible expression of "yea" or "nay" and for the presiding officer, the Speaker, to determine the vote by whether the "yeas" or "nays" were louder in their support of the measure before the House. On the evening of February 26, 2016, the Honourable Speaker made such a determination based on the response, and it was for the Opposition to exercise its right to challenge that determination at the time, and not after. Erskine May on Parliamentary Practice is quite clear that a decision of the House is like the "judgment of the Court" and cannot be reversed or rescinded; except by a specific motion brought to do so.

The parliamentary opposition has every right to approach the High Court if it wishes to, but the challenge will fail.

I am grateful for the opportunity of clarifying what the established practice on these matters is so that the populace will not be misled.

Sincerely, Hon. Raphael G. C. Trotman, M.P. Minister of Natural Resources

Janitorial services should have been advertised Dear Editor I HAVE noticed that a janitorial company by the name of Stain Masters is providing janitorial services to the Guyana Revenue Authority; which I think is a wise idea, since a professional cleaning company is a wise choice, apart from having the cleaners of the agency doing their part also.

What is puzzling to me is that this agency conducts -- for want of a better term -- “Government Business”, and as such, this janitorial company will be paid with taxpayers’ money.

So here is my question to the management and board of this agency: Why was there no advertisement for bids?

Why was this company handpicked?

My opinion is this contract to provide

janitorial services -- whether its daily, monthly etc. -- should have been advertised, since we are all looking for transparency and a level playing field.

Looking forward to a response, since, as a taxpayer, I would like to see fairness on how my tax dollars are spent.

Regards, CONCERNED CITIZEN

Prime Minister should walk the talk Dear Editor, PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo, in the October 23, 2015 edition of Kaieteur News, speaking about the salary increases for Government ministers, is quoted as saying: “We knew it was going to be unpopular, but that does not justify why we didn’t go to the bottom houses and the grassroots to explain why we want to make the necessary changes, and that we are not here for us but about you”.

During the 2016 Parliamentary

Budget Debates, according to the February 13, 2016 edition of the Stabroek News, the Prime Minister, referring to the closure of Wales factor, said: “I still believe that efforts should be made to undo what had happened; that is, that the workers were not told in a timely manner about the impending closure. I still believe that we need to have conversations with the workers and their families to explain what opportunities are opened up for them.”

It seems that the Prime Minister feels he is capable of exonerating

ground running from day one.

In our editorial, “Staffing the Foreign Service” (26th February), it was made known the importance of any new government being given the free rein to set its policies and agenda, having campaigned on a promise and programme of which the citizens expect execution. This is not unique to Guyana, but is a practice that is respected and accepted in Western societies.

The situation in Guyana -- where a new administration which has been in office for nine months is still not being given the free rein to charter its foreign policy and agenda, given that political appointees from the previous government are still installed -- is something that won’t happen elsewhere.

In this instance, it matters not whom the citizens have granted the privilege to serve. What matters is doing the right thing consistent with international custom and practice, which this State newspaper sees as important to Guyana’s image and reputation, at home and abroad.

Public service is a privilege, and where those who serve the public are expected to be honoured and humbled by the experience, something is amiss in Guyana, where it is being seen and wanted to be foisted on the nation that public service

the new Government, maybe with the use of words, from any blunder it commits as it pursues unpopular policies. Beyond words, the Prime Minister may want to meet with the irate sugar workers and farmers at the Wales location to convince them that the arbitrary, ill-thought-out decision to close is good for them, their dependents and their future welfare.

Yours truly, FREDRICK YUVRAJ

is an entitlement and inheritance not to cede.

Guyana is among the Most Developed Countries in CARICOM. This is a status that carries great responsibility, which includes setting standards for others to follow, and one which the country must bear with pride. In this it means that, where admittedly politics by its nature is competitive, Guyanese must not be among those competing for the race to the bottom. There are aspects of our politics and management of the State that require further growth and development if the nation is to move forward and take its place among progressive societies.

Towards this end, best practices of other countries can be examined and adopted. By this it does not mean discarding our unique identity as Guyanese, or subjecting ourselves to cultural imperialism. It means that the Government, which includes the Opposition, is willing, able and committed to embracing and executing practices that would improve efficiency and effectiveness at home; make it possible for Guyana to secure a competitive edge in the world’s economy; and hold its own on ethics on the world stage.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 1, 2016

Guyana ‘setting the stage’ for robust aviation sector – Minister Ferguson AS GUYANA strives to overcome its challenges in the aviation sector, Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, with responsibility for aviation, Annette Ferguson, has declared that the nation is setting the stage for a more robust sector.

She made this statement during the 17th Board of Directors’ meeting of the Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System (CASSOS) on Monday. This meeting will run until March 2.

In opening the meeting, according to a press release from the Public Infrastructure Ministry, Minister Ferguson said there is a shortage of technical skills in the Caribbean. Through CASSOS, countries with limited human resources are provided with an avenue to access key technical expertise to keep the aviation sector performing optimally, she said.

She stressed that Guyana is poised to significantly upgrade its aviation sector.

“In Guyana, we are setting

the stage for a robust aviation sector, one that plays a vital role in the national sustainable development of our country,” Minister Ferguson said.

She added, however, that there are challenges facing Guyana’s aviation sector, one of which is the country’s low level of compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). She also noted the need for adequate staffing to boost safety oversight.

“But I am confident that we will repair and develop our system,” Minister Ferguson said.

To this end, she explained that, in the 2016 National Budget, the Government of Guyana has made provision to support the ICAO Compliance Project, as well as to upgrade the country’s air navigation service through the implementation of the aeronautical surveillance service using ADS-B. “Guyana has made some strides in our efforts for regional aviation security integration and collaboration,” she added.

The minister deemed Guyana’s hosting of the CASSOS meeting as not only timely, but historic.

“The opportunity of hosting this meeting in Guyana is timely and is also an historic one, as this CASSOS 17th Board of Directors’ Meeting is the first official meeting in Guyana since CASSOS was formally launched in February of 2009 in the headquarters of the CARICOM [Caribbean Community] Secretariat,” Minister Ferguson said.

She said that CASSOS has chosen to come to Guyana at the right time, since the country is preparing for its 50th Independence Anniversary in May 2016.

She stressed that she understands the important work of CASSOS and its contributions to member countries and the aviation sector. “We are all working towards achieving the same goal of a safe and secure aviation sector, to preserve the impressive track record of air transport as the safest mode of transportation,” she emphasised.

Minister Ferguson expressed concern at the use of drones because of the safe-

Not Dr Seon Levius Dear Editor

MY NAME is Dr. Seon Levius. I am writing you regarding the publication of a letter in your newspaper of February 29, 2016, entitled “All is not lost at the Georgetown City Council.” It appears that this letter was published by a “Seon Levius.”

This person is NOT me. To the best of my knowledge, I am not aware of another “Seon Levius” in Guyana.

That said, kindly note that I have been residing in Barbados since 2009. My local address in Guyana, where my mother (Hyacinth Levius) resides, is 48 Norton Street, Lodge, Georgetown, Guyana.

I would be grateful if an identity disclaimer could be published indicating this difference.

Best regards, DR. SEON LEVIUS Mobile: 1 246-266-0730 Note: I have sent similar requests to Kaieteur News, Guyana Times, and Stabroek News

Submitting Life Certificates Dear Editor,

RETIRED public officers are required to submit Life Certificates for their pensions every three months. To assist such officers, I am suggesting that they be allowed to submit their Life Certificates every six months.

The NIS allows its pensioners to submit their Life Certificates every six months, and in the interest of the retired public officers, the Ministry of Finance should do the same to relieve them of having to present themselves to the Accountant General every three months.

Regards, V. BASDEO Retired Public Officer

ty threats they present, and urged CASSOS to urgently “develop rules and regulations which will be adopted by member states for implementation.”

“We must act swiftly and quickly,” she stressed, noting that last month a drone had come in close proximity of an airborne helicopter of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

CASSOS Chairman, Nari Williams-Singh, extended gratitude to Guyana and the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) for hosting the meeting. He revealed that, over the next few days, participants will engage in “intense but focused” discussions that seek to ensure

CASSOS states are compliant with ICAO standards.

“Our agenda over the next few days is very extensive, as we seek to collaborate and harmonise for the good of aviation in the region,” Williams-Singh said. He continued: “The areas of safety and security are paramount, as we take our mandate seriously as we embark on various activities in our individual member states, while maintaining that focus on collaboration and harmonisation.”

He also said that the growing issue of environmental protection should be an area of focus.

Besides Williams-Singh, other CASSOS representatives who were present for

the meeting included GCAA Chairman Lawrence London, along with GCAA Director General Chaitrani Heeralall.

Guyana signed on to the CASSOS Agreement on July 2, 2008, and is now one of fifteen in the region under the body. Other nations include Barbados, Jamaica, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands.

Guyana’s partnership with CASSOS is expected to raise the nation’s ICAO compliance, which currently stands at 44 percent.

The regional average stands above 70 percent.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday March 1, 2016

Targeting the hearing-impaired - First Lady meets Starkey Hearing Foundation

GUYANA’S First Lady Sandra Granger last Thursday held discussions with a representative of the Guyana Foundation, a team from Starkey Hearing Foundation and a representative from the Ministry of Health on strategies for the implementation of Starkey Hearing Foundation’s Community-based Hearing Healthcare programme here. The programme will target hearing-impaired patients in need. Starkey Hearing Foundation is a leading Global Hearing healthcare organization.

Anthony Autar, Managing Director of the Guyana Foundation; Derek T. Johnson, International Mission Liaison; Julia Lis, International Mission Liaison Contractor; Dr. Luqman Lawal, Manager: Research, Monitoring and Evaluation, all of the Starkey Hearing Foundation, and Dr Ruth Quaicoe, Head of Audiology in Guyana, based at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), met with the First Lady at her

State House office.

During the meeting, the First Lady said her participation in the programme was linked to her being patron of the Guyana Foundation. According to a press statement, Mrs. Granger said she “is very happy to work with bonafide organisations that are going to help the people of Guyana.”

While this is her first meeting with representatives of the Foundation, Mrs. Granger first met Co-Founder of Starkey Hearing Foundation, Tani Austin at the First Ladies Summit, during the 70th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in 2 New York, USA, last year, who had indicated an interest in bringing the programme to Guyana.

“Starkey Foundation’s programme provides hearing health and they are working with the Ministry of Health and other organisations to provide the gift of hearing to persons with hearing impairment particularly our children and senior citizens,” Mrs. Granger said.

Meanwhile, Autar said

that the Guyana Foundation, together with its partners, plans to implement the first phase of Starkey’s fourpart programme this year.

The four phases of the programme of Starkey Hearing Foundation include: Phase 1Patient identification, which involves conduction of community outreach to identify potential patients and provide primary ear care services and hearing screenings to identify potential hearing device candidates; Phase 2- a Hearing mission, where the hearing aids with custom earmolds and batteries are provided for beneficiaries; Phase 3- an AfterCare programme, where these recipients benefit from services such as repair and replacement of the hearing devices, batteries provision and additional counseling.

The last Phase, Phase 4 is the ultimate goal of the 3 previous phases. It focuses on mainstreaming hearing aid beneficiaries back into life; supporting them in participating schools while implementing speech and language

Starkey Hearing Foundation’s Manager for Research, Monitoring and Evaluation, Dr. Luqman Lawal; Starkey Hearing Foundation’s International Mission Liaison, Mr. Derek T. Johnson; First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger; Head of Audiology, Ministry of Health, Dr. Ruth Quaicoe; Guyana Foundation Managing Director, Mr. Anthony Autar; and Starkey Hearing Foundation’s International Mission Liaison Contractor, Ms. Julia Lis, at the Office of the First Lady. training for students who minate in improvement in create a local presence once have progressed to the level quality of life of patients. the program commences. of their hearing peers with the In an invited comment Dr. The long-term wish of overall goal of helping them Luqman Lawal, Starkey the Foundation is to help to connect with their com- Hearing Foundation’s Man- hearing-impaired people munities. Additionally, this ager: Research, Monitoring that can benefit from a phase also enables hearing and Evaluation, said that the hearing aid but cannot afaids recipients connect with Foundation came to Guyana ford a hearing aid in Guytheir families and the society to establish local partner- ana. The local presence will at large. ships for a community-based involve working with local These Phases are pieces hearing healthcare program partners to ensure sustainof jigsaw puzzles that cul- enabling the Foundation to ability of the programme.

Health care services must have no barriers - Norton

(From L-R) : Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, Colette Adams; PAHO/WHO Representative in Guyana, Dr. William Adu-Krow; Public Health Minister, Dr. George Norton; Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings; and Director of Regional Health Services, Dr. Kay Shako “UNPROFESSIONALISM will at no time be condoned,” Public Health Minister, Dr. George Norton said in his address to the Regional Health Officers and Programme Directors of the Ministry.

At the time, he was delivering remarks at Cara Lodge where a meeting was convened with the senior health officials from across the country. Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings; PAHO/ WHO Country Representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow; and Director of Regional Health Services, Dr. Kay Shako were also in attendance during the meeting yesterday.

Minister Norton said the delivery of acceptable, accessible, affordable, timely and appropriate healthcare services to the people of Guyana is of

great importance but unprofessionalism often stand in the way.

“Too often we see in the media, instances of unprofessionalism in the Public Healthcare System. One time is one time too many… Unprofessionalism will at no time be condoned by the Ministry of Public Health, and necessary measures will be taken in all instances to deal condignly with persons who behave in such a manner,” he stated clearly.

He said healthcare professionals must be equipped with the requisite knowledge and skills to deliver quality of health care services the country needs. As such, he encouraged them to continuously pursue medical education.

“I am personally an advocate for continuous higher education and as such, I pledge the Ministry of Public Health’s

support in any way possible in your pursuit of continuing medical education. It is in your best interest and the best interest of the Guyanese people to take full advantage of the opportunity presented to engage meaningfully with your regional Counterparts to improve the quality of regional health services.”

He said the Government is fully committed to working towards reaching the sustainable Development Goals which will set the foundation for a new development agenda.

Partners such as the Pan-American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation and the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) contribute significantly towards the efforts to improve the quality of healthcare in Guyana as well, he added.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 1, 2016

CH&PA gets innovative

9

- with ‘Jubilee’ payment plan

By Svetlana Marshall THE Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) is slashing 25% off the initial cost of house lots, but applicants must have first paid down 50% by May 1.

Minister within the Ministry of Communities, with responsibility for Housing, Ms Valerie Adams-Patterson, made this disclosure

yesterday. She said that the initiative, called the CH&PA 50/50 Payment Plan, is all part and parcel of a programme of activities the Ministry has planned for the 50th Independence Anniversary celebration.

She explained that once 50% of the initial cost of the house lot is paid by May 1, then 50% of the remainder would be deducted by the

Suspected Sophia bandit shot dead - family seeks justice

A Sophia resident was shot dead in the wee hours of Monday, after he allegedly attempted to rob a security guard and his sister in Campbellville, Georgetown.

Tw e n t y – y e a r – o l d Isaiah Marques was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital; and a police report detailed that at about 2:00 hrs on Monday, Carl Haynes, who is attached to a private security company, was walking along Second Street, Campbellville, ac- Dead: Isaiah Marques companied by his sister, Rayon Haynes (26), when they were accosted by a man armed with a firearm.

They resisted his demands, and the armed man pulled the trigger of his firearm, but the weapon jammed. Haynes then reportedly pulled out his service weapon and shot the perpetrator.

Police recovered an unlicensed .32 revolver from the scene, and investigations continue.

CRY FOR JUSTICE However, the young man’s relatives have given a different version of the incident. They claim he was murdered by the shooter following an old grievance over a woman.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that Marques had lived with relatives at 34 ‘B’ Field, Sophia and at Penny Lane in South Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

Information received indicates that he died from a single gunshot, which entered the upper left section of his forehead and exited at the back of his head.

In an interview with this newspaper, his aunt, Rosaline Marques, explained that her nephew, a father of one, was in the company of a friend when the incident occurred.

“He was shot point blank in front of the night club on Sheriff Street, and the shooter pointed the gun to his friend and others before getting away,” this aunt disclosed.

She claims that her nephew was shot wrongfully, and said the family wants justice from the relevant authorities, since she does not believe the version of the story that was disclosed by the police.

Housing Authority, on condition that the applicant completes payment by May 31.

As the minister further explained, “If you have an allocation, a house lot for $1M, and by May 1 you would have completed paying $500,000, which is 50%, you will have a 50% reduction on the balance. So you will have a discount of $250,000. I think that you cannot want anything better than that.”

She, however, cautioned that while the initiative is in keeping with the government’s intention of providing Guyanese with affordable house lots, this “Jubilee offer” does not apply to applicants whose house lots cost in excess of $3M; and it is not applicable to persons who have lots in the remigrant, industrial and commercial zones.

HOME IMPROVEMENT BONUS But all is not lost, as, in addition to the 50/50 Payment Plan, CH&PA will be giving 50 persons from across Guyana the sum of $300,000 each, so they could make some improvements to their homes. However, there is a slight catch in this initiative.

According to Minister Patterson, “It is a subsidy, and you must be living in one of our schemes to qualify.”

What this means, the minister said, is that the subsidy is not being provided for the purchase of household articles, but rather to execute repairs.

Telephone: 227-6141

She expanded on her explanation by stating that in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), for instance, four persons will receive the subsidy in each region; while in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), six persons will receive.

“In Region 4,” she said, “we will be giving 14 persons; and that will be spread within the three main areas: East Bank, Central Georgetown, and along the East Coast…”

In Regions Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), five persons will be selected from each region.

MORE GOOD NEWS But the good news does not end there, as, according to the minister, ‘Housing Solution’ is another initiative that will be rolled out ahead of the May 26 Independence Celebrations.

From July 24 to 31, CH&PA will launch its first ever ‘Housing Solution’ exhibition at the Perseverance Housing Scheme on the East Bank of Demerara. This will be done under the theme “Housing Solution 2016 and beyond”.

Currently, interested home developers are being encouraged to submit expressions of interest. “We are asking each home developer to do two sample houses:

Minister within the Ministry of Communities, with responsibility for Housing, Valerie Adams-Patterson, making the announcement at the CH&PA One low-cost and a middle-income house,” Minister Patterson disclosed.

At the entrance of the exhibition site, patrons will be given questionnaires, which will be used as a yardstick to determine the type of houses required by citizens in the

low- and middle-income categories.

Additionally, Minister Patterson said, the exhibition will provide land owners with the opportunity to source home developers for the construction of their homes.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 1, 2016

Rohee frets over LGE ‘issues’

THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has said it is fully prepared for the advance voting by members of the Disciplined Forces on March 8 in the Local Gov-

ernment Elections (LGE) polls but is concerned that several issues it had raised have not been addressed by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

Tuesday March 1st, 2016 - 09:30 hrs Wednesday March 2nd, 2016 - 11:00 hrs Thursday March 3rd, 2016 - 12:30 hrs

Speaking at the party’s weekly press briefing Monday, General Secretary Clement Rohee said the PPP is yet to receive the list of the members of the Disciplined Forces which was promised to be delivered on February 19.

According to Rohee, this commitment was made by GECOM’s Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally during a meeting with a PPP delegation and the Commission on February 9.

“It is now 10 days since this commitment was given to the PPP yet the commitment has not been fulfilled. This delay raises once again questions with respect to transparency and efficiency of GECOM who is responsible for supervising and conducting free and fair elections in Guyana,” said Rohee, reading from a prepared statement.

He noted that the non-provision of the list of voters who are members of the Disciplined Forces will make it difficult for the party to carry-out the necessary checks and verifications prior to March 8 in Local Authority Areas (LAAs) where PPP candidates will be contesting.

“The PPP wishes to remind that deprivation of the

PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee lists only serve to undermine confidence in the electoral process and can in the final analysis bring into question the credibility of the results of the elections,” Rohee said.

LGE concerns Meanwhile, he also reiterated the PPP’s concerns as it relates to assurances given to have representatives of the party accompanying the ballot boxes to the place of storage and other logistical arrangements.

“The party calls on GECOM to invite all contesting parties, individuals and groups to a comprehensive briefing session with GECOM officials where information will be provided with respect to the logistical and other arrangements related to the elections on March 8th and 18th 2016 respectively – a date and time for such a meeting needs be decided on quickly and communicated immediately to the parties, individuals and groups.”

In addition, the PPP said it is concerned that GECOM is allowing persons without ID Cards to vote.

“There appears to be a contradiction between what the law allows and what has been the practice. It makes absolutely no sense for a person to have been denied an ID card because he or she had no source document, particularly a Birth Certificate and, at the end of the day, having been subjected to a royal run-around only to be told that the ID Card is not necessary by law to allow the elector to cast his or her vote,” Rohee said.

The party is also concerned about the use of private residences as ballot/polling stations for the March 8 and 18 elections.

PPP fails to back up claims of misconduct against senior rank AFTER alleging that a senior police detective engaged in unprofessional conduct, People’s Progres-

sive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Executive Secretary Zulfikar Mustapha and General Secretary Clement Ro-

hee told Police on Monday that they had no evidence in this regard.

In a statement on its Facebook page, the PPP/C had called for an immediate investigation to be launched into the conduct of the detective. The party at the time claimed that there were audio and video recordings implicating the detective. In that statement, identity of the rank was disclosed.

But Police Headquarters, in a statement, said that when the ranks of the Office of Professional Responsibility visited Freedom House to interview party leaders, those leaders had nothing to substantiate their claims.

I n i t i a l l y, w h e n t h e issue first arose through a broadcast on TV Channel 67, News Reporter Travis Chase had also stated that he had nothing of evidential value to offer when approached by the police, Police Headquarters stated.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 1, 2016

25, 000 house lot applications pending - Unoccupied lots could be repossessed to fill needs

By Svetlana Marshall With some 25,000 persons waiting for a house lot, the Ministry of Communities is considering taking back lots from persons who have failed to build on theirs and pass it to persons who are in desperate need.

Of the areas where house lots were allocated, just 60% are occupied, and so the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) says repossession of house lots ought to be an option, espe-

Since taking office in January, Minister Patterson has spearheaded three outreaches in Linden, Lethem and New Amsterdam; however, due to the shortage of house lots in developed areas less than 200 allocations were made.

Though the Housing Authority was able to allocate approximately 100 house lots in Lethem and 36 in Linden, it was unable to allocate any in New Amsterdam.

According to Minister Patterson, New Amsterdam continues to be a major chal-

“(Repossession) is not a word some persons like to hear, but it is unfair if somebody is allocated a piece of land 10-20 years ago and they are not occupying it; then they need to give it up.” – Valerie Patterson, Minister with responsibility for housing. cially when there is a house lot deficit in areas where the demands are high.

“We do not have any land available in Region 10, and we do not have low income lots available in Region Four,” Minister within the Ministry of Communities with responsibility for Housing Valerie Adams-Patterson said during her inaugural press conference at CH&PA on Monday.

Also at the press conference were CH&PA Chief Executive Officer Myrna Pitt and the Director of Operations Denise Tudor-King.

lenge. She explained that Fort Ordinance is the only developing housing scheme in close proximity to New Amsterdam but there are no available house lots there.

“However, there are 589 vacant lots…these were allocated to persons in the past but they have not occupied them,” Minister Patterson pointed out, noting that alottees are being invited to return these house lots to the state.

However, she said in some cases CH&PA would have no other choice than to repossess unoccupied house lots that were allocated

Minister within the Ministry of Communities with responsibility for Housing Valerie Patterson and CH&PA CEO Myrna Pitt in discussions at Monday’s Press Conference. many years ago. “(Repossession) is not a word some persons like to hear, but it is unfair if somebody is allocated a piece of land 10-20 years ago and they are not occupying it; then they need to give it up. There are quite a lot of applicants in New Amsterdam awaiting allocation,” she pointed out.

The Director of Operations said though repossession is not the first option, it is an option that will be used if allottees fail to occupy their house lots within the specified time frame.

“Currently our occupancy level, looking at all of our schemes, it is just over 60% (and) in some schemes it is much higher. We have thousands of unoccupied lots

out….,” she said.

CH&PA is guided by a repossession policy that clearly outlines the steps to be taken if house lots are to be repossessed. Tudor-King explained that if someone was given three months to pay for a plot of land, and he or she failed to do so several years after, automatically, the Housing Authority would rescind the application.

However, she said if a person was given 18 months to take possession of a plot of land, the Housing Authority would invite that person to a meeting during which an agreement would be signed allowing for an extension.

“Should they fail to respond or start building on those lots, then we will have

to move to the next stage where we will recall the allocations but we must notify them,” she further explained.

“But the idea is not for us to repossess just like that but for us to be able to talk with them….give them the opportunity to occupy their house lots but once they would have failed to occupy, we will recall those lots,” she added.

Currently, the Housing Authority is in the process of finalizing the list with the names of the defaulters.

However, in 2015 it commenced the distribution of letters inviting defaulters to meet with the authority.

Minister Patterson, however, made it clear that persons who were allocated house lots in undeveloped

areas would not face similar fate, stating that lands in these areas would not be repossessed.

With thousands of applications in the system and the need for more land, she said CH&PA is also working assiduously to boost infrastructure development in areas where lands are available. “…we are working assiduously and in a systematic way to reduce the backlog.

What I have done and continue to do, in areas where we have available house lots we are pushing the allocations.”

She maintained that while there are lands available there is no infrastructure in place and as such the focus for 2016 would be on infrastructure development, paving the way for the development of low and middle income house lots.

Currently infrastructural works are ongoing in Linden, Bartica and on the East Bank of Demerara in areas such as Herstelling, Coven Garden, Eccles, Providence and Perseverance.

The Ministry of Communities will this year commence infrastructure works in Stewartville, Cummings Lodge and Prospect. However, these projects will not be completed until 2017.

Allottees in these areas who are unable to access their lands can request a reallocation if they do not wish to wait until 2016 to commence construction, according to Minister Patterson.

UK company eyes large-scale gold mining here

A UNITED Kingdom company has applied to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for environmental authorization to undertake a large scale gold mining operation on a tract of state lands in the Mazaruni and Cuyuni mining district.

According to the EPA, the company, Sun and Sand Mining and Minerals Resources (UK) Ltd, is interested in developing an open pit mine that involves cleaning of vegetation, removal of topsoil and extraction of hardrock, and construction of ancillary facilities, ground water wells,

underground fuel storage tank, and processing plant (gravitational methods). The company also wants to construct access roads within the concession and upgrading of exiting road.

The EPA said that in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act, No 11, 1996, an Environmental Impact Assessment is required for this large scale gold excavating project before any decision to approve or reject this proposed project is taken, since this develpoment may have significant impact on the environment.

Members of the public are invited to make written submis-

sions to the agency, setting out questions and matters which the Sun and Sand Mining Mineral Resources Ltd. are required to answer or consider in the Environmental Impact Assessment.

According to the summary of the project, the scope of the work starts with an open pit mine and has an expected mine life of over 85 years.

On its website, Sun & Sand Mining & Mineral Resources (UK) Ltd and Sun & Sand Mining Resources INC claims they have acquired half a dozen mines across Africa and Latin America.

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Free eye testing and spectacles for Mabaruma residents

A young Mabaruma resident being screened

by Optometrist Dr. Shannon Da Silva (Ministry of Public Health photo)

RESIDENTS of Region One in the Mabaruma District on Saturday benefitted from free eye test and spectacles as the Ministry of Public Health continues to collaborate with private

sector agencies in holding medical outreaches across Guyana.

Some 55 men, women and children were tested at the Mabaruma Regional Hospital for refractive errors and eye

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday March 1, 2016

diseases, the Ministry of Public Health said Monday.

Persons were diagnosed with various eye ailments, which varied from astigmatism, pterygium, glaucoma and cataract. The eye examinations were performed by Dr. Shannon Da Silva, an Optometrist attached to Da Silva’s Optical.

Dr. Da Silva encouraged residents to have their eyes tested on a regular basis.

She commended the Ministry of Public Health for their willingness to collaborate with private sector agencies that are eager to volunteer their services in the outlying areas of Guyana.

Public Health Minister, Hon. Dr. George Norton during his visit interacted with residents and explained the Ministry’s plans for the Region in keeping with A Mabaruma resident listens to Dr. Shannon Da Health Vision 2020.

Silva just after she had her eyes tested (Ministry He stated that proper of Public Health photo)

documentation was done for each patient and those diagnosed with eye diseases will receive specialist care as soon as possible.

Arrangements will be made for those persons to be brought to the City for surgeries at the Georgetown Public Hospital with the Ministry bearing the cost of travel and accommodation for such persons, Dr. Norton stated.

World Glaucoma Week will be observed from March 6-12, 2016 under the theme: “Check Your Eyes for Glaucoma.” The Ministry of Public Health will be collaborating with the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation and the Guyana Vision 2020 Committee to conduct free screening sessions during that week at the Georgetown Public Hospital, Eye Clinic from 12:00hrs to 15:00hrs. Appointments for free screening can be made at the Eye Clinic Clerical Desk from 9:00hrs to 14:00hrs before Monday 7th March or by email: gphcoph@yahoo. com.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 1, 2016

Allicock says gov’t will respect Indigenous people

M

INISTER of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Vice President Sydney Allicock, has told the 40th Annual Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering of Canada that the government here is committed to ensuring that the rights of Indigenous peoples are protected.

He delivered the feature address at the meeting on Sunday at Trent University in Peterborough, Canada.

The 2016 gathering, entitled “Rekindling the Fire: Reconciliation and the Way Forward”, honoured the recent historic release of the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, which redressed the legacy of residential schools in Canada and advanced the process of reconciliation.

According to a press release from Trent University, the three-day event featured workshops and cultural activities, and provided a forum for a large contingent of Canadian Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, including elders, students, faculty, and members of the local community, to explore their roles in the reconciliation process.

The release further noted that Minister Allicock was introduced by Dr. Suresh Narine, a Trent University alumnus from Guyana, who is now professor and director of the Trent Centre for Biomaterials Research.

Describing Mr. Allicock as the “father of tourism” in Guyana, Prof. Narine said, “His life has been a journey

of sharing Guyanese Indigenous people’s cultures with the rest of the world in an equitable and proud fashion.”

In his presentation, Mr. Allicock described his government’s commitment and reconciliatory approach to the necessary task of uniting all Guyanese peoples and building the country, the release stated.

The university quoted Minister Allicock as saying, “Our government vows to ensure that the Indigenous peoples of Guyana are treated with respect, and that our rights enshrined in national and international law are guaranteed. This is the principal aspect of healing and reconciliation for us.”

He said the goal of the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs is to fulfill President David Granger’s dream of one nation, and that it was a “strategically-positioned government ministry that cuts across all social and economic sectors, connects all administrative regions, and seeks to integrate Guyana’s Indigenous people with our mainstream population.”

He pointed out that, for the first time, there were four Indigenous members of Cabinet, and that he was the first such person to be appointed a Vice-President in Guyana.

In his closing remarks, Minister Allicock noted the commonality between the Indigenous peoples of Guyana and Canada, and called for everyone to work together to make a better world.

“Together we will be strong. Unity is strength,” he said.

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Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs and Vice President, Sydney Allicock [third from left], seen with officials of Trent University

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday March 1, 2016

Teenager remanded Accused of trafficking underage niece on ganja charge A TEENAGER was on Monday remanded to prison on a narcotics charge after he was allegedly caught at the City Magistrates’ Court attempting to transport marijuana to a prisoner in the lock-up.

The 17–year–old Georgetown resident pleaded not guilty to the charge of illegal possession of cannabis during his appearance before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

It is alleged that on February 26, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, he had in his possession 154 and a half grammes of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

His lawyer, Mark Conway, requested that the young man be released on reasonable bail on the grounds that he had an unblemished record and the fact that he had to attend school to study for his CSEC examination later this year.

However, Police Prosecutor Corporal Deniro Jones objected to bail on the grounds that the lawyer failed to raise any special reason for his client to be granted his pretrail liberty.

According to the prosecutor, on the day in question, the teenager arrived at the court’s lock-up under the pretense that he had brought meals for Dellon Henry, called ‘Nasty Man,’ who is on remand for murder and gun possession. Police Constable Sinclair checked the bag which the defendant had brought with three bottles inside, and he noticed that two of the bottles contained leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis.

It is alleged that the young man ran out of the court compound before he could have been apprehended. Officers gave chase, and caught him in the vicinity of Parliament Buildings, along Brickdam.

Bail was denied, and he was remanded and placed in the custody of a probation officer. He is due back in court on March 14.

A 43-YEAR-OLD businesswoman, accused of trafficking her underage niece to work in an interior nightclub, made her appearance before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan yesterday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Joyce Lawrence, of Plantation Grove, East Bank Demerara, was not required to plead to the three indictable charges, which included two counts of trafficking in persons and one of withholding an ID card.

Particulars of the first charge alleged that between December 12 and 14, 2014, at Samatta Point, Grove, she trafficked and transported her niece by means of a threat.

It was further alleged that between July 1 and December 12, 2014, at Makawau night club in Aishalton, South Rupununi, she trafficked her niece to the said place to work by means of threat.

It is also alleged that between December 1 and December 28, 2014, at Samatta Point, being the employer of the young lady, she unlawfully withheld her identification card.

H e r l a w y e r, E u c l i n Gomes, requested bail, noting that Lawrence is married and is a mother of three children. Gomes told the court that the incident was an “unfortunate situation”, since the young woman was brought to Lawrence’s home,

Accused, Joyce Lawrence which was deemed a disciplined household. He said his client only wanted what was best for her niece.

However, Prosecutor Corporal Deniro Jones revealed that, in 2014, the woman had taken her niece to work at Makawau Night Club without any parental consent. Jones further alleged that the young woman was enslaved in her aunt’s home, and had her identification card taken away.

According to the Prosecutor, the victim was discovered pregnant when she was found by police officers. She was taken away and placed into the custody of Social Protection, while officers conducted

their investigation.

Corporal Jones strongly objected to the woman being released on bail, based on the grounds of the seriousness, gravity and penalty attached to the charges.

The businesswoman was nevertheless placed on $250,000 bail on each of the trafficking charges, and $150,000 bail for withholding the ID card. The matter has been adjourned to May 30 and transferred to the Lethem Magistrate’s Court, while the offence, which was allegedly committed at Samatta Point, will be heard at the Providence Magistrate’s Court on March 23.

$2M in copper cables stolen, 2 held

TWO employees of the Mayor and City Council, who are accused of breaking into a storage bond and stealing a quantity of copper cables, have been granted bail yesterday in the sum of $100,000 each when they appeared before City Magistrate Fabayo Azore.

Devon Hubert, 30, of New Market Street, Georgetown; and Jamal McCray, of Water Street, were both jointly charged with breaking into Paul James’s storage bond at Holmes Street, on October 24 and 25, 2015, and carting off over $2M worth of copper cables.

Hubert and McCray both denied the allegation, while their lawyer Clyde Forde, contested for his clients to be released on reasonable

The M&CC duo accused of stealing copper cables bail, stressed that both men have no previous convictions or pending matters before the court.

The duo will make a next

court appearance on March 31, since Police Prosecutor Corporal Simone Payne indicated that the police file is still incomplete.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 1, 2016

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Infantino begins new FIFA job with friendly kickabout

… leaves matters such as salary for another day

By Brian Homewood ZURICH, Switzerland (Reuters) - Gianni Infantino began his new job as the boss of football's governing body FIFA with a friendly football match yesterday, leaving matters such as his own salary for another day.

"I know you can't believe it, but it's not (for the) money that I was candidate to become FIFA president,” he told reporters after a match with employees and guests.

The Swiss said he expected the bidding process for the 2026 World Cup, delayed by the wide-reaching corruption scandal that engulfed the organisation last year, to begin before FIFA holds its next congress in Mexico City in May. The 2018 and 2022 tournaments to be staged in Russia and Qatar must be the "best in history", he said.

Yesterday’s kickabout, played in freezing mist at FIFA headquarters, featured two seven-a-side matches involving employees and former professionals.

"Team Infantino" included former Portugal forward Luis Figo and former Italy defender Fabio Cannavaro.

Infantino, 45, wearing a No.9 shirt, ran around enthusiastically, but barely touched the ball.

"The hard work starts now, but I wanted to organise a football match with those who make the game what it is," Infantino said.

He said he had not discussed his salary following his election on Friday. The pay of his predecessor Sepp Blatter, suspended from football for six years, has never been made public.

The reforms voted in

by FIFA last week to help it put the corruption scandal behind it included one

on salaries being open to scrutiny.

Infantino appeared keen to get the ball rolling to pick a host for the 2026 World Cup. The process was supposed to have begun last year with a decision due in Kuala Lumpur next year.

"Definitely I think we need to launch the bidding process in the next couple of months, probably before the next Congress in May," Infantino said.

Under FIFA statutes that prevent the same continent from hosting the tournament twice in a row, it will not be staged in Asia.

"Concerning Qatar and Russia, the decisions were taken in 2010 by the executive committee, but since 2010 there has been speculation and allegations and noise.

"It's now necessary to organise the best World Cup in history in Russia in 2018 and in 2022 in Qatar," he said.

FIFA has been forced to investigate the decisions on the two tournaments, and an investigation is also under way by the Swiss attorney general's office.

The reforms passed on Friday include a separation of powers at FIFA, with a new Council due to replace the old executive committee and decide solely on strategic matters.

A separate general secretariat will run day-to-day operations and, crucially, make commercial decisions.

Infantino rejected the suggestion that he would enjoy less power than his predecessor, however.

"I wouldn't say I have limited powers," he said.

"I was elected on Friday to be the leader of FIFA. The leader is setting the tone; the leader will have to do some convincing work of course. It's not a dictatorship - it's a democracy, it's a participation."

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 1, 2016

CARICOM on the ball to dissolve the pitiful WICB THE recent decision of the Caribbean Heads of Government to dissolve the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) was inevitable, given the state of West Indies Cricket and the irresponsible attitude of an insensitive and grossly inefficient WICB directorate.

In any crisis, Government has a responsibility to intervene on behalf of its people towards the restoration of order, accountability, legality and respect.

Outstanding Caribbean personalities Pat Rosseau, Dr Rudy Webster, Tony Cozier, Colin Benjamin, Michael Holding, Brian Lara, PJ Patterson, Charles Wilkin, Dr Ralph Gonslaves, Dr Keith Mitchell, Dinnanath Ramnarine, together with the Stakeholders of Guyana Cricket have within recent times condemned the WICB’s poor administration of Caribbean cricket.

It is therefore imperative that the CARICOM Secretariat act expeditiously and decisively in this matter by: 1. Dissolving the WICB and appointing an interim management committee in its place.

2. Investigating the financial activities (income and expenditure) of the WICB and its affiliates over the past seven (7) years including salaries and other emoluments paid to Directors and disbursements to the Affiliates.

3. Ensuring free and fair elections within each of the six (6) affiliated territories

(there has been no legitimate elections of the Guyana Cricket Board over the past six (6) years).

4. The installation of a new and effective governance protocol with bona-fide representatives from the expected democratically-held elections participating in its design and implementation.

5. Instituting any other measures that they deem fit and necessary to restore competence and credibility at the Board level.

President Cameron’s claims that the recent sterling performance of our heroic U-19 Team is a manifestation of the WICB’s intense preparation programme could only be justified if he produces to the public the details of the programme to which he is referring. In my view the reality is totally the opposite whereby the youngsters and the team management must be the ones who should receive all accolades for their success.

And while our U-19 heroes have given us a glimpse of hope for the future, sustained stellar performances depend on a new order, and a new approach to our cricket administration. An “all hands on deck” policy is important and should include administrators, businessmen, past players, current cricketers and the public who all must work together with mutual respect for one another within a new governance protocol and introspective strategic plans. These plans must

Claude Raphael

include a comprehensive programme for ladies cricket at both the junior and senior levels The president and seventeen (17) directors of the current WICB must bear collective responsibility for the shambolic state in which West Indies cricket finds itself. This clique has virtually brought West Indies cricket to its knees through their arrogance, administrative incompetence and disdain for the people of the Caribbean. By popular demand they should be consigned to oblivion.

As a former player and cricket administrator with over forty (40) years’ experience, I am heartened by the bold position taken by CARICOM. Guyana continues to suffer immensely from pitiful cricket administration and the patent complicity of the WICB. Claude Raphael Former WICB Director Former GCB Executive

GABF ‘Road to Mecca...

inaugural edition, come up against the Amelia’s Ward Falcons in the final game of the day’s triple-header at 21:00hrs.

The tournament’s quarter-finals will be played on March 11, semi-finals of March 13, and final on Sat-

urday March 19.

Nigel Hinds, president of the GABF, said, “It is important that we keep the sport at a very high standard.

We’ve done so for both Mecca I and Mecca II, so we look forward to a competitive championship”.

From page 23

According to the GABF boss, “The plan is to make the championships bigger and better,” adding that the Federation is “committed to good halftime entertainment and entertainment during the two-minute breaks”.

21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Chandrika is ECC Cricketer-of-the-Year … Singh returns as president TEST opener Rajendra Chandrika was last Friday night awarded the Cricketer-of-the-Year award when the Everest Cricket Club (ECC) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and award ceremony at the club’s pavilion.

Other awardees included: Batsman-of-the-Year, First Division – Tagenarine Chanderpaul; Bowler-ofthe-Year, First Division – Troy Gonsalves; Batsmanof-the-Year, Second Division – Khemraj Ramdeen; Bowler-of-the-Year, Second Division – Javed Rasheed; Outstanding Youth Cricketer-of-the-Year – Akshaya Persaud; Batsman-of-theYear, Junior- Yeudistir Persaud; Bowler-of-the-Year, Junior – Zakarias Mootoo; Batsman-of-the-Year, Masters – Sahadeo Hardaiow and Bowler-of-the-Year, Masters – Johnny Azeez Meanwhile, the club newest Life Member Rajesh Singh has been elected to the club’s top post for the year 2016-17 following the AGM. The AGM, which was well attended in the club’s pavilion, started with matters

of the 2015/16 executives, including the adoption of the Minutes of the AGM of February 2015 and Reports from the Audited financial statement, secretary, club captain and president.

For his elevation on becoming a West Indies Test player, cricketer Rajendra Chandrika was announced as the club’s Honorary Life Member.

Outgoing president Stephen Lewis thanked the 2015/16 executives and membership for their support in what was described as a challenging year for the club. However, the club still managed an overall profit and saw the realisation of many projects, including the ‘Century Kitchen’, which is bearing the fruits of the club’s investment.

Lewis wished the new executives best of luck in carrying out the plans of the club, including the erection of permanent international floodlights. While Lewis will not be part of the 2016/17 Executive, he will remain a committed member of the club and will actively play any role to see the club’s

Some of the awardees pose with their trophies at the conclusion of the ECC award ceremony held last Friday night.

further development After the 2015/16 executives were dissolved by Returning Officer, Guyana Coast Guard Commander Orin Porter and the floor was opened to nominations for the 101-year-old club’s top post, Lewis immediately rose to nominate the 43-year-old Singh and the nomination was seconded by member Ishwar Singh.

Member Johnny Azeez then begged for nominations to be closed and it was sec-

onded by Avinash Prasad.

After Commander Porter announced that Rajesh Singh will be the new president for 2016/17, Lewis rose once again to propose that the slate of the new executives be taken en block. This was also seconded by Azeez.\ President Singh then rose to announce the slate of fellow executives that will serve until the next AGM, which is set for February 2017. Johnny Azeez (Senior vice-president), Kalyan Tiwari (Junior

vice-president), Carmachand Rambarran (secretary), Reuel Sumair (assistant secretary), Manichan Rai (treasurer), Anthony Rampersaud (assistant treasurer) and Saheed Mohamed (Club captain).

The Committee members are Rakesh Balgobin, Bhesham Persaud, Mitchell Caesar and Dwayne Adams. John Ramsingh was announced as the club’s Public Relations Officer.

This is the first time in the club’s history that such

a position has been made available.

Singh, who previously served as the club’s president for the periods 20082010 and 2012-13, was earlier in the evening announced as the club’s newest Life Member after being a financial and active club member for a minimum of 25 consecutive years. Singh joined the club as a teenager in 1990 and has had many successes both on and off the field.

Young female boxers punch through gender barriers in Pakistan KARACHI, Pakistan (Reuters) - In a dense and dusty neighbourhood in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi, eight young girls lined up against a cement wall, touching their hands to their faces in prayer before boxing practice began.

For the last six months, these athletes-in-the-making have been training at the Pak Shaheen Boxing Club in Lyari, a packed Karachi ward known more for its internecine gang warfare than for breaking glass ceilings.

During the week, a dozen girls, aged eight to 17, go to the club after school to practise their jabs, hooks and upper cuts for hours in the

Arisha, 9, punches Misbah during an exercise session at the first women's boxing coaching camp in Karachi, Pakistan, February 20, 2016. (Reuters/Akhtar Soomro)

hope of one day bringing a medal home to Pakistan.

"I have been training since I was a child," said Urooj Qambrani, 15. "Inshallah, I will become an international boxer. ... I will make Pakistan's name famous."

Pakistani women have been training as boxers in small numbers and competed in the South Asian Games last year, said Younis Qambrani, the coach who founded the club in 1992.

The growth of the sport for both men and women in Pakistan has been dogged by a lack of equipment and adequate facilities, but the situation is slowly improving, he said.

In Pakistan, a conservative Muslim society, women and girls face additional

obstacles - both from Taliban threats for going to school and also violence from family members, including socalled "honour killings" in which male relatives kill girls deemed to have brought shame to the family name.

In October, the Sindh Boxing Association organised a camp for female boxers in Karachi, the first time that a government-supported event for women in the sport was held in the country, according to media reports.

Some of the girls in Qambrani's family, who had taken up practising at home, participated in the camp, and came to Qambrani afterwards to ask why they couldn't train at his club as well.

"A number of girls were keen on training, but due to

social pressures, I had been avoiding the issue," Qambrani said.

"Last year a girl came to me, asking why girls couldn't train. I was moved when she said, 'No one teaches us how to defend ourselves,'" he said.

Since then, some of the girls have begun to participate in tournaments, at home in the ring in white track suits, head scarves and boxing gloves.

For Anum Qambrani, the coach's 17-year-old daughter, getting the chance to train formally in the club was nothing short of fulfilling her birthright.

"My two uncles are international boxers, and my father is a coach," she said.

"Boxing is in our blood."

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Windies hammer Guyana Cup Fever Zimbabwe in second billed for March 27 warm-up

By Rajiv Bisnauth

GUYANA’S largest horse-racing event, the Guyana Cup Fever, is billed for March 27 at the Rising Sun Turf Club.

Organised by the Jumbo Jet Auto Sales and Racing Stables, seven races are on the cards with over $8M in cash, trophies and other incentives up for grabs.

According to the provisional programme, the feature event is for horses classified A1 and Lower for a winning take of $1.2M and a combined purse of $2.2M over 1400 metres.

The F1 and Lower event has a winning total prize of $1.1M with the winner set to receive $600 000 and a trophy.

There is an event for West Indies-bred three-yearold animals, for a total prize of $750 000 and a top prize of $400 000 and a trophy.

The G2 and Lower event

The Guyana Cup Fever always attracts the country’s best horses as well as thousands of racing fans.

has a combined purse of $750 000 with the top stable will receive $400 000 and a trophy.

The Guyana-bred threeyear-olds will have their chance at competing for a total prize package of $575 000 and a trophy.

The event for H3 and Lower animals will be racing for a winning package of

$250 000 and a trophy.

The final race for animals classified J1 and Lower will be for a total purse of $200,000 Further the organising committee reserves the right to cancel/reframe any race mentioned above.

In the event less than five (5) horses are entered for any event the committee reserves

the right to cancel or reframe the said event or reduce the prize money after notifying the horse owners. Seven horses must start or no fourth prize will be paid.

The races will be held under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA).

Interested persons can contact Chandu Ramkissoon on 624-9063 or 232-0633, Irshad Mohamed on 664-1650, Fazal Habibulla on 6577010, Chattergoon Ramnauth on 337- 5311 or 697-1979 Campton Sancho on 6900569 and Rajendra ‘Jim-Jo’ Jagdeo on 618-7278.

Nazrudeen ‘Jumbo Jet’ Mohammed Jr. is the coordinator, and race time is 12:30hrs.

The Guyana Cup Fever is the brainchild of Jumbo Jet Auto Sales, and has become the largest horse-racing event since its inaugural staging eight years ago.

JOHNSON Charles enjoyed a return to some semblance of form with a match-winning knock, as West Indies beat Zimbabwe by 10 wickets to win their two-match T20 series, 2-0, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium last night.

The powerful opener smashed 92 not out from just 48 balls with six big sixes and 10 boundaries.

His opening partner An-

dre Fletcher made 56 not out off 35 balls with three sixes and five fours, on a good batting surface.

Windies motored to a victory target of 154 without loss after the Zimbaweans made 153-7 off 20 overs.

The best bowler was seamer Carlos Brathwaite with 3-23, helping to restrict the Zimbabweans after they had enjoyed a solid start.

Part of that start was Visu Sibanda's 64. Unfortunately for Zimbabwe, however, the only other batsman to provide Brathwaite with any resistance was Shikandar Raza, who made 23.

Dwayne Bravo continued to prove himself a thorn in the side of the Zimbabweans as well, bagging 2-11 in a spell that did much to restrict the Zimbabwe team.

Jerome Taylor was also in fine form, bagging 2-35 in the West Indies effort.

(Sportsmax.com)

lost wickets in a cluster to soon fall to 118 for 5. Merissa Aguilleira and Shemaine Campbelle offered the team some hope by adding 52 for the sixth wicket, but Aguilleira's wicket in the 43rd over left the lower order with too much to do, as West

Indies could muster only 200 for 8 from their 50 overs.

Masabata Klaas and Sune Luus snared two wickets apiece, while Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka and van Niekerk chipped in with one each. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Johnson Charles smashes 92 off just 48 balls.

Red Force beat Hurricanes Chetty, van Niekerk fifties set up SA win by nine wickets PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Rahkeem Cornwall’s half-century was in vain, as Leeward Islands Hurricanes went down to Trinidad and Tobago Red Force by nine wickets, on the final day of their eighth round contest here yesterday.

Resuming the day in a dodgy position on 147 for five at the National Cricket Centre, Hurricanes rallied to 287 all out in their second innings, largely due to Cornwall’s bold 65.

Orlando Peters stroked 39 while Jeremiah Louis hit a defiant unbeaten 32.

Leg-spinner Imran Khan was the main wicket-taker with four for 80 and was sup-

ported by part-time off-spinner Narsingh Deonarine (2-44) and left-arm spinner Yannic Cariah (2-48).

Set 107 for victory, Red Force wasted little time in racing to their target off 13.3 overs, with opener Evin Lewis smashing a quick-fire 56 off 41 deliveries.

He struck nine fours and a six and posted 97 for the first wicket with Barbadian Kyle Hope who carved out an unbeaten 34 off 36 deliveries with four fours and a six.

Cornwall had earlier proved the mainstay of the Hurricanes innings with his second half-century in as many games.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Tuesday November 03, 2015) COMPLIMENTS OF: THE TROPHY STALL Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE 176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) WI vs ENG, Barbados, 1974 (2) Roy Fredericks

Today’s Quiz: (1) How many WI have now played Test cricket?

(2) How many WI have now played ODI cricket?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Rahkeem Cornwall

All told, he counted seven fours and two sixes off 97 deliveries in 129 minutes at the crease.

He stretched his overnight sixth-wicket stand with Peters to 75 and then put on another 50 for the eighth wicket with Louis, who struck six fours and a six off 62 balls.

Cornwall was eighth out, lbw to Imran Khan, as Hurricanes lost their last three wickets for 21 runs.

With the victory, Red Force picked up 18 points to move into third place in the standing on 74 points while Hurricanes earned three points to remain bottom on 39 points.

TRISHA Chetty and Dane van Niekerk both stroked half-centuries, paving the way for South Africa Women's 35-run win against West Indies Women in East London. Victory was not of much significance, though, as West Indies had already sealed the three-match series having won the first two ODIs. South Africa, opting to bat first, compiled a score of 235 for 6, built on the back of two big partnerships. First, Chetty (55) and Mignon du Preez (43) added 72 for the second wicket, before Marizanne Kapp (39) and van Niekerk provided the innings’ late impetus by stringing together a 64run fifth-wicket stand. van Niekerk slammed 55 off 48 balls before being run-out.

West Indies, in reply, lost their opener Hayley Matthews early in the chase, but Shaquana Quintyne and Kyshona Knight led a recovery with a 57-run partnership for the second wicket.

However, just when they seemed steady, the visitors

NOTABLE DATES

EIGHTEEN-year-old Clifford Matthew Anderson (Cliff Anderson) won on points against Young Julius on March 12, 1940. Anderson had turned professional one month earlier and in his first fight drew with the same opponent.

Anderson would have his next six fights in Guyana before shifting to England for a long and eventful career.

The featherweight boxer was born in 1921 and started his professional career 18 years later. He had six fights in his first year as a pro.The gifted featherweight hung up gloves in 1953 with a record of 87 fights, 48 of which were victories and 11 draws.

In 1947 Anderson made two unsuccessful bids for the Commonwealth featherweight title. Both times he fought Al Phillips. On March 18, he lost by points to the Englishman. In the rematch four months later, the Guyanese was disqualified in round eight by referee Andrew Smith for illegal blows.

Born on October 1921, Anderson died in December 1998. The government renamed the National Sports Hall, Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in his honour.

He boxed a total of 603 rounds.

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Orville carts off COURTS Guyana 50-mile cycle road race in Berbice

NATIONAL cyclist Orville Hinds of Team Evolution returned a time of two hours 12 minutes 11 seconds in winning the COURTS Guyana-sponsored Independence 50Mile cycle road race which was staged in Berbice on Sunday.

Hinds dominated the entire race and together with Andrew Hicks of Trojan Cycle Club of Berbice, led the pack for almost the entire race.

Hinds and Hicks, along with Silvio Innis, broke from the pack from the time they were given the green flag

by Region Six Chairman David Armogan outside the COURTS office on Main Street, New Amsterdam.

Hicks took four of the eight sprint points, Hinds three and Innis one.

With six miles remaining in the race, Marlon ‘Fishy’ Williams (Team Gillette

Evolution), Shaquille Agard of Linden Bauxite Flyers Cycle Club, Christopher Griffith and Jeban and Romello Crawford broke away from the peloton and soon were on the heels of the leaders.

With three miles to go, it was a race of seven desperate riders. Hicks’ chain slipped off the gearwheel and he was out of contention. Williams finished second behind his teammate, while Agard was third.

Crawford who crossed the finish line fourth was given the fifth spot because he was assisted during the race. Griffith was fourth.

Innis rounded off the top six finishers.

Deeraj Garbarran won the junior category ahead of Hicks.

The cyclists after wheeling off from Main Street, battled to Nand Persaud Limited Complex on the Corentyne Coast before turning back to

Prize-winners of the various categories in the COURTS Guyana Independence 50-mile cycle road race strike a pose with COURTS Guyana New Amsterdam Branch manager Stanley McKenzie (extreme left).

finish at the place of origin.

The females and U-16 cyclists participated in a 10mile race from Fyrish Village and finished outside of COURTS New Amsterdam.

The first three female cyclists were Christine Matterson, Whitney Poyer and Shamika Teixeira finishing in that order.

Prior to the start of the

GABF ‘Road to Mecca III’ to bounce off on Friday

race, BMX riders competed in a 1.5-mile race from Marks Bridge to COURTS. The winners were Zamal Khan, Jason Cameron, Kevin Collins and Gemoore Daniels in that order.

Meanwhile, Curtis Dey and Clement Doris also received prizes as being the first two riders from Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC) to

cross the finish line.

Coach of the FACC, Randolph Roberts, in acknowledging that this was the third year that COURTS had sponsored the event, explained that it is normally held in observance of Guyana’s Republic anniversary, but because this year Guyana will be celebrating its 50th Independence anniversary, it

Petra/Milo Schools Football Tournament St Rose’s High, QueenSecondary, South Ruimreaches Round-of-16 stage stown veldt, Richard Ishmael, North

FLASHBACK! TGH Pacesetters celebrate after defeating Colts 85-76 to win last year’s ‘Road to Mecca’ National Championship at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

By Rawle Toney SIXTEEN of Guyana’s top basketball clubs will begin their quest to see who will be crowned National Champions, when the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation’s (GABF) third installation of their ‘Road to Mecca’ tournament bounces off on Friday.

The Cliff Anderson Sports Hall will be the battleground for local basketball’s marquee event which will see the winning club pocket $500 000, second-placers $250 000,

third-placers $150 000 and fourth-place finishers take home $100 000.

On the tournament’s opening night, last year’s finalists Colts will begin their journey to redemption when they play Block 22 Flames of Linden from 19:00hrs, while game two, which gets on the way from 21:00hrs, will feature an all-Linden affair when Half Mile Bulls meet the Amelia’s Ward Jets.

Three matches will be played on Saturday March 5, with Plaisance Guardians coming up against Republic

Bank Nets from 17:00hrs, followed by a clash between Berbice’s New Amsterdam Warriors and Linden’s Retrieve Raiders at 19:00hrs.

Friday’s final game brings together the University of Guyana (UG) Trojans and Pepsi Sonics.

Defending champions Trinity Grid Holding (TGH) Pacesetters’ quest to secure a title will see them face Eagles on Sunday, March 6 from 19:00hrs.

Victory Valley Royals play the Rockets at 17:00hrs, while Ravens, winners of the Turn to page 20 ►

was so named.

“When COURTS came to Guyana, cycling was the first sporting event that they got themselves in.” He also took the opportunity to call on the corporate business community in New Amsterdam to follow COURTS and support sports and more so cycling.

Manager of COURTS New Amsterdam, Stanley McKenzie, in brief remarks thanked all of the participants and noted that he was particularly pleased to see riders from Linden and Georgetown participating. He promised to make the event bigger next year when it will return to the COURTS Republic race.

Twenty-five riders participated in the main race.

Marketing Director of the company Pernell Cummings gave a guarantee that COURTS will partner with the FACC next year to have the event.

Part of the action last Sunday. (Adrian Narine photo)

THIS year’s Petra Organisation/Milo Schools football tournament has reached its Round-of-16 stage, after wrapping up preliminary matches last Sunday at the Ministry of Education ground on Carifesta Avenue.

The tournament, which is in its fourth year, will see the top 16 teams head into action on this weekend (March 5-6), before the quarter-finals on March 13, semi-finals on

March 17 and the grand final on Sunday March 20.

Defending champions Chase Academy, Dolphin Secondary, Lodge Secondary, Queen’s College, Christ Church Secondary, Bishops’ High, St John’s College, and Mae’s Secondary, all finished atop their respective groups.

With the exception of St John’s College, the aforementioned schools played undefeated in the Group Stage.

Ruimveldt, North Georgetown, Kingston and Tucville are the other eight teams.

Meanwhile, when the round-robin group stage concluded last Sunday, Mae’s, Queenstown and Freeburg ensured that they head into the knock-out phase of the tournament on a high note.

Despite finishing atop Group G, St John’s College were handed their first defeat of the tournament (3-0) by Queenstown who were the runners-up of the group.

Jermin Padmore (5th and 11th minutes) and Vickram Chandranand (53rd minute) were the goalscorers for Queenstown Secondary.

Mae’s, who ran riot in Group H, continued their fantastic run in this year’s event, with a 4-0 win over fellow qualifiers St Rose’s High.

Darshan Persaud scored a hat-trick (24th, 59th and 60th) and Alex Hopkinson netted his side’s fourth goal in the 44th minute.

Freeburg Secondary won their only game of the tournament via ‘walkover’, since their opposition, Charlestown Secondary, failed to show up. Both schools were eliminated from the competition. (Rawle Toney)

GABF ‘Road to Mecca III’ to bounce off on Friday 23

P.

Infantino begins new FIFA job with friendly kickabout

… leaves matters such as salary for another day

Story on page 19

›››

FIFA president Gianni Infantino (C) and his teammates pose for a photo after a FIFA Team Friendly Football Match at the FIFA headquarters yesterday in Zurich, Switzerland. (Photo by Philipp Schmidli/Getty Images)

‘Awo’ nets STAG Elite League’s first hat-trick in Alpha United win … Buxton United, Pele play to draw

By Rawle Toney VETERAN striker Anthony ‘Awo’ Abrams netted the STAG Elite League’s first hat-trick, as he propelled Alpha United to a 4-0 win over Monedderlust on Sunday evening at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC). That same night Pele FC and Buxton United played a goal-less draw.

Abrams, who rejoined Alpha United from League

Genesis’ winners and rivals Slingerz FC during the recent transfer window, opened his account just ten minutes into the game, and followed with goals in the 38th and 42nd minutes.

Dwight Peters converted Alpha United’s other goal, doing so in the 82nd minute. The win now takes the ‘Hammers’ to the top of the table (seven points) after three matches, just one point ahead of Slingerz FC (six)

who have only played two matches.

Meanwhile, in the night’s second match of the double-header, seventh place Buxton United held fourthplace Pele FC to a score-less draw, as both teams settled for shared points.

In fact, the East Coast Demerara should have won, given their countless goal-scoring chances, but Pele FC’s recently acquired goalkeeper Tevin Crawford ensured that his team kept a clean sheet and salvaged

a point after their unusual below-par performance.

Pele will have to do without their star player Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson for their next two league matches, since the forward was given a straight ‘red’ by referee Sherwin Moore in the closing minutes of the game for ‘unsportsmanlike’ play.

The STAG Elite League finale will return to the GFC ground on Friday March 4 with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) chasing their

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second win in three matches when they come up against the undefeated Fruta Conquerors from 18:30hrs.

Already signalling their intention to dominate the league with a 7-1 win over the GDF in their previous match, Slingerz FC will tackle GFC in the second match on Friday.

GFC, currently sixth on the eight-team table, are yet to secure a win, picking up a loss and a draw despite their good showing so far.

Anthony ‘Awo’ Abrams TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2016