Guyana chronicle e paper 02 06 2017

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Good move No. 104931

FRIDAY JUNE 2, 2017

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

… former Minister Robert Persaud, GHRA back eviction of Kaieteur miners

Guyana braces for heavy rains … gov’t assures all systems in place

Page 12

Page 3

‘Put up or shut up’ Page 9

…Gaskin tells private sector

100 % decrease in workplace deaths Page 2

GBTI opens ATM at Mon Repos Page 7

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GUYANA is expected to experience high-intensity rainfall over the next two days as forecast maps indicate a strong weather system heading towards the Atlantic coast.

Miner busted with ‘ganja’ in Bartica Page 5

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Six months jail for killing traffic cop

A LINDEN man who was charged with causing the death of a traffic rank by dangerous driving, was found guilty of the offence on Thursday and sentenced to six months imprisonment.

Ron Cole, of 215 Blueberry Hill, Linden, was

Ron Cole

slapped with the charge which stated that on April 11, 2017 at Eccles, East Bank Demerara, he drove his canter truck, GRR 9355 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Police Constable, Nakosi Kelvin La Fleur.

The matter was heard by city Magistrate Leron Daly.

In her decision, the magistrate stated that from the evidence presented by the prosecution, there is no nexus that Cole caused the death of traffic cop, La Fleur.

However, Magistrate Daly added that the prosecution proved that Cole was driving in a dangerous manner and a case of dangerous driving was made out against him. In her sentencing, the magistrate stated that she has considered the fact that

a life was lost and that Cole did not proceed with caution since the traffic was moving slowly. She added that the traffic rank was in front of Cole performing his duties at the time of the accident.

The magistrate ordered that Cole’s driver’s licence be be suspended for two years.

The court had heard that La Fleur was directing traffic at the time when he was struck down by the 40-year-old defendant.

The 25-year-old La Fleur, who was attached to the Providence Police Station at the time of his demise, succumbed to the injuries three days after the accident.

Reports indicated that the traffic rank was in the process of taking several schoolchildren across the road when he was struck by

Dead: Nakosi Kelvin La Fleur the Canter truck which was overtaking another vehicle.

Following the accident, La Fleur sustained injuries to both hands and a broken right leg.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday June 2, 2017

SOL Guyana sprucing up Shell retail network SOL Guyana Inc has confirmed that a number of its Shell-branded service stations are undergoing major renovation and not closure as some persons fear.

“We at SOL Guyana Inc would like to allay any fears or apprehensions that abound in the Guyana market. Indeed, the closure of specific stations at this time is intended to achieve two objectives. On the one hand, this measure is required to upgrade the visual identity of some of our stations to a more contemporary look and secondly, to upgrade our infrastructural safety standards to the highest in the industry,” the company said in a release.

“Our current work is ongoing and customers will see further activities on a phased basis throughout the Shell network, all designed to enhance our brand image and operate with the highest level safety standards. SOL Guyana Inc apologises for any inconvenience that the present works might have caused and look forward to serving customers with our improved facilities within the upcoming weeks and in the foreseeable future.”

Sol is a Shell licensee and uses the Shell trademark under licence.

100 % decrease in workplace deaths-Min Scott

MINISTER within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott, has told the Department of Public Information/Government Information Agency that the Occupational Safety and Health Unit within the Department of Labour has seen a 100 percent decrease in

workplace deaths, thus far for 2017.

Minister Scott noted that the improvement would have not been possible without the support of the employers. “We must thank the employers who have become conscious that it is in their interest not to have down time in terms of machin-

ery breaking down, in terms of workers having accidents and so,” explained Minister Scott. The minister noted that employers have been appreciative of the work of the department, and due to that, he added that they can see the results of their work and they have reduced radically the

accidents in the workplace.

“What we have also done is that any fatal accident that occurred, what we did was instantly investigated it so that today, I can tell you we are at a 100 percent in terms of investigation in any fatal accident in this country,” said Minister Scott.

Minister Scott added that the department under the supervision of Gwen King has been facilitating programmes for both employees and employers, making sure that they understand and comply with the rules that govern the unit.

“We have also been making sure that workers themselves

become much more conscious of accidents,” explained the Minister. Accidents can be predicted more or less using statistics and can also be prevented largely, he stated.

Minister Scott said he is proud of the officers that are a part of the department.

(DPI/GINA)

Good move

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday June 2, 2017

… former Minister Robert Persaud, GHRA back eviction of Kaieteur miners

SUNDAY’S arrest and seizure of equipment from several miners who operated within the Kaieteur National Park by the joint services and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) has been welcomed by the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) and former Minister of Natural Resources, Robert Persaud.

But the association in a statement also called on the powers that be to investigate thoroughly claims made by those arrested that they have paid and been given permission by the GGMC to operate in the area. “The GHRA welcomes the recent action to clear the Kaieteur Park of dredges and illegal mining, in the hope that this is the beginning of a systematic campaign (not a one-off public relations stunt) to force the mining industry to operate within a regime of law and order. Troubling complaints about mining in the area have been surfacing for some time.”

The Kaieteur National Park is the home of the majestic Kaieteur Falls, the largest single-drop water falls in the world. The park is a protected area and as such all aspects of its bio-diversity have to be maintained. However, the 21 miners, all of whom have been released and are to go before the Mahdia Magistrate’s Court where they will be charged on July 18, contend that they have done nothing wrong as they have receipts to show that payments were made to the GGMC for claims intended to facilitate mining in the Kaieteur National Park area.

One receipt seen by the Guyana Chronicle shows that George De Abreu paid $16,000 on January 5, 2017 for the “renewal of 16 G&PS claims namely ‘Sparkle, Sparkle #1-#4, Cash, Cash #1-#4, Troy, Troy #1-#5, located on September 7, 2016”. The most recent payment was made on May 15, 2017,

Michael McCormack, co-president of GHRA and all payment receipts were stamped by GGMC. But Commissioner of GGMC, Newell Dennison has made it clear that a payment receipt does not give an individual the right to mine on lands, and it is only a mining permit or licence which could empower individuals to legally conduct mining activities.

Dennison said that there is no way those receipts reflect that permission was granted by the Commission for persons to mine in the Kaieteur National Park. The GGMC head explained that when money is paid for a claim (land), a verification and research process is then conducted to ascertain whether the area is available and if it reaches the specifications for mining.

It is only after the require-

ments are satisfied that a permit or licence would be issued and noted that no payment receipt could have been issued for any area within the KNP as it is a protected area.

Toshao of Chenapau, Edward Mc Garrell , has since defended the miners, arguing that there is no clear boundary of the KNP, while Michael Mc Garrell also of Chenapau said the miners were nowhere close to the sign which indicates where the National Park is. Both the Kaieteur National Park Act and the regulations under the Mining Act of 2005 expressly forbid mining operations within the Park.

The GHRA applauded the prompt manner in which the law enforcement officials have acted on the matter but noted that the same alacrity is necessary in responding to the allegations made by the miners who were arrested, most of whom hail from Chenapau Village, Region 8.

“Similar alacrity from the Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) is also necessary in response to claims from the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) that some, at least, of those arrested have valid documents. The GHRA is calling for these operations to be carried out in a manner re-assuring to those concerned about the welfare of the affected Amerindian families.”

The Association made it clear that should the investigation reveal that invalid documents were issued to some of the miners or other irregularities encouraged by GGMC officials, that they too should be the “target of

similar condign action by higher authority. “Lack of transparency in GGMC operations is a constant aggravating feature of illegal mining activity,” the Association said in its statement.

Additionally, the body hopes that the intention of the political leadership are aligned with the United Nations Climate Change Convention principles which has been ratified by the APNU+AFC coalition government “and its actions are ushering in an era in which national resources such as forests, water and life in all its bio-diversity is replacing the primary understanding of them as commercial commodities.”

Moreover, the Association believes that the rush for access to new mining claims “by self-defined small miners” needs to be accompanied by assurances to the larger society relative to environmental guarantees. “For this reason, the GHRA believes the Government’s recent action is correct in resisting the powerful interests posturing as small miners, by denying them access to claims in areas which threaten the integrity of the Upper Demerara and Berbice rivers.”

The GHRA noted too that the transformation of ingrained attitudes into more respectful practices towards water in all its forms will be a major undertaking but noted that achieving such change is “neither inevitable nor a foregone conclusion as long as mining, as practised on any scale in Guyana, remains largely in-

compatible with a green economy, in whatever way that term is defined.”

The Association said it believes, based on reports that the severe flooding which affected hundreds of indigenous peoples in several communities within Regions 7 and 8 recently is linked to mining activities.

Former Minister of Natural Resources, Robert Persaud It said residents claim that rivers and creeks especially can no longer remove excessive volumes of water following years of accumulated debris from mining, haphazard clearing of bush and trees into the waterways and large deposits of tailings, sand and over-burden blocking the normal flow of the river currents. “Discarded oil drums, 5-gallon plastic bottles, discarded machinery, were specifically mentioned,” the statement added.

The GHRA said too that the impact of mining is evident in the discoloration and sluggishness of the larger rivers.The conditions of many creeks which feed into these rivers on which mining has been occurring for decades is reportedly worse but

less observable. “Residents have informed the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) that they believe the flooding to be a combination of excessive rainfall and the declining capacity of rivers to accommodate the volume of water.”

Respect the law Meanwhile, echoing similar sentiments in a facebook post, former Minister Robert Persaud who was the minister who piloted the Guyana Protected Areas Bill in July 2011, and oversaw the establishment of the Protected Areas Commission,said “it’s important for all to reflect on the intent, spirit and purpose of law that included the Kaieteur National Park as part of the National Protected Areas System.”

The former Minister said that there was “no contemplation of gold and diamond mining in the Park” and noted that a plan was developed, after consultations, for a widerange of economic activities for the associated/ affected population.” He believes that any attempt at mining in declared protected areas “has always been resisted given its inherent incompatibility with a declared protected area.”

“I recall a move by certain interests to have some type of gold mining in the Iwokrama area which was instantly and outrightly rejected. I encourage all to reflect on the Protected Areas Act and be reminded of its objectives in an effort to have a sober and objective discourse and debate on the matter,” said Persaud.

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GPHC confirms former chief of staff as DCEO

FORMER Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier George Lewis, has been appointed deputy chief executive officer (DCEO) of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

“He is suitably qualified and brings to the institution a wealth of knowledge and experience in management,” a statement from the GPHC on Thursday noted.

According to the statement, Brigadier Lewis holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Guyana in Public Management and a Master of Science Degree from Central Michigan University in Human Resource Management.

It was further noted that he possesses qualifications

Brigadier George Lewis

in Project Management and Conflict Resolution.

“GPHC takes this opportunity to welcome Brigadier George Lewis to be part of our team in providing quality health care,” the statement concluded.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday,June 2, 2017

Trump abandons global climate pact

…allies voice dismay President Donald Trump said on Thursday he would withdraw the United States from the landmark 2015 global agreement to fight climate change, a move that fulfilled a major campaign pledge but drew condemnation from U.S. allies and business leaders.

Trump, tapping into the “America First” message he used when he was elected president last year, said the Paris accord would undermine the U.S. economy, cost U.S. jobs, weaken American national sovereignty and put the country at a permanent disadvantage to the other countries of the world.

“We don’t want other leaders and other countries laughing at us anymore. And they won’t be,” Trump said. “The same nations asking us to stay in the agreement are the countries that have collectively cost America trillions of dollars through tough trade practices and in many cases lax contributions to our critical military alliance,” Trump added.

Supporters of the accord,

including some leading U.S. business figures, called Trump’s move a blow to international efforts to curb the warming of the planet that threatens far-reaching consequences for this century and beyond. Former Democratic President Barack Obama expressed regret over the pullout from a deal he was instrumental in brokering. “But even in the absence of American leadership; even as this administration joins a small handful of nations that reject the future; I’m confident that our states, cities, and businesses will step up and do even more to lead the way, and help protect for future generations the one planet we’ve got,” Obama added.

“Today’s decision is a setback for the environment and for the U.S.’s leadership position in the world,” Goldman Sachs Group Inc Chief Executive Lloyd Blankfein wrote on Twitter. Trump said his administration would begin negotiations either to re-enter the Paris accord or to have a new agreement “on terms that are

fair to the United States, its businesses, its workers, its people, its taxpayers.” He complained in particular about China’s terms under the agreement.

International leaders including the pope had pressed Trump not to abandon the accord.

Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron said in a rare joint statement the agreement could not be renegotiated and urged their allies to hasten efforts to combat climate change. They pledged to do more to help developing countries adapt. “While the U.S. decision is disheartening, we remain inspired by the growing momentum around the world to combat climate change and transition to clean growth economies,” said Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

With Trump’s action, the United States will walk away from nearly every other nation in the world on one of the pressing global issues of the 21st century. Syria and Nicaragua are the only other non-participants in the accord. The United States was one of 195 nations that agreed to the accord in Paris in December 2015. Under the pact, which was years in the making, countries both rich and poor committed to reducing emissions of so-called greenhouse gases generated by burning fossils fuels and blamed by sci-

entists for warming the planet.

“We’re getting out,” Trump said at a ceremony in the White House Rose Garden under sunny skies on a warm June day.

“I was elected to represent the citizens of Pittsburgh, not Paris,” the Republican president said.

GREEN CLIMATE FUND Trump said the United States would stop payments to the U.N. Green Climate Fund, in which rich countries committed billions of dollars to help developing countries deal with floods, droughts and other impacts from climate change. The White House said it would stick to U.N. rules for withdrawing from the pact. Those rules require a nation to wait three years from the date the pact gained legal force, Nov. 4, 2016, before formally seeking to leave. That country must then wait another year.

Tesla Inc CEO Elon Musk and Walt Disney CEO Robert Iger said they would leave White House advisory councils after Trump’s move. “Climate change is real.

Leaving Paris is not good for America or the world,” Musk said in a Twitter post. In an email to Apple employees, CEO Tim Cook expressed disappointment and said he spoke with Trump on Tuesday to try to persuade him to stay in the Paris accord. “It wasn’t enough,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 2, 2017

22 more financially literate

By Ravin Singh

TWENTY-TWO participants on Thursday graduated from a financial literacy and small business training programme which will be introduced to the hinterland regions in the coming months.

The six-week intensive training programme was hosted by the Office of the Presidential Advisor on Youth Empowerment.

The head of that office, Aubrey Norton, explained that as part of Government’s plan to develop the human resource in Guyana, particularly among youths, the programme was introduced.

The courses offered were in the areas of financial literacy, preparation of business plans, communication, budgeting and accounting procedures, among others.

According to Norton, human resource development remains critical to the overall development of Guyana. In this regard, he noted that there are only two ways an individual can be empowered, and that is by educating them for employment or educating them for entrepreneurship.

Norton, a former lecturer at the University of Guyana, encouraged the graduates to have a vision and be clear about where they want to go.

“You need to have a plan, learn to make good decisions based on what you have been taught, and cultivate good habits to be successful. Communication is also critical as you cannot be successful without knowing to communicate effectively,” he said.

Noting that no training programme can teach an individual everything, the presidential advisor offered that “the greatest training programme in life is practice.”

He explained to the participants that as they face reality, they must use the information they have

The 22 youths who graduated from the financial literacy and small business training programme organised by the Office of the Presidential Advisor on Youth Empowerment. Also in photo are facilitators of the programme, Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin (third right) and Presidential Advisor on Youth Empowerment, Aubrey Norton (fourth left)

retained to adapt to the real world since adaptation is necessary for success.

The participants were also encouraged to be involved in what Norton described as “inter-generational preparation,” whereby children are taught life’s lessons at a young age as opposed to waiting until they are adults to prepare them for adulthood.

“Don’t wait until your children reach your age to teach them.

We will do well if we could educate children as young as possible.

Knowledge is never too much. The only problem with knowledge is if it is not applied properly,” he shared.

It was also announced by the presidential advisor that the programme will be taken to the hinterland regions in an attempt to bridge the gap between that region and the coast and provide similar opportunities to individuals there.

Meanwhile, Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin, who also addressed the graduates, emphasised the importance of having formal training to be a competitive player in the world of business.

“To be successful in business, you need to

Miner busted with ‘ganja’ in Bartica A MINER of Samaroo Dam, Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara, was arrested with several taped parcels of compressed cannabis, weighing in excess of 1.2 kilograms.

The arrest was made on Thursday morning at about 10:15hrs on the 35-year-old man, minutes after he disembarked the ferry at the Bartica Stelling.

He has been charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking and will make an appearance at the Bartica Magistrates Court today.

Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin encouraging the graduates to pursue technological entrepreneurship, since that area holds limitless opportunities

understand the financial aspects of running a business and be able to plan months in advance,” he said.

Lauding the course content, the minister noted that there would be a need to understand the dynamics of the corporate world, in terms of knowing how to pay taxes, offsetting expenses and expanding one’s business.

“Understanding numbers help you to achieve your targets,” he said, while encouraging youths to venture into the world

of technology, which he contends, holds limitless possibilities.

“Do not be intimidated by technology. You should incorporate modern technology into anything you do. Technology increases competitiveness and anything that increases your competitiveness gives you an edge over your competitors.”

Further, the minister pointed out that in the 21st century, technical proficiency is one of the ingredients necessary for a successful business.

The marijuana which was found on the miner

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Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday,June 2, 2017

Public sector phantom workers THE report submitted last April by the Government-appointed education Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the public education system revealed the existence of ghost teachers on the Ministry of Education’s payroll. This malpractice Guyanese learnt about is proving not to be unique to this ministry, but may rather be prevalent across the public sector.

On Monday, the National Assembly Public Accounts Committee (PAC) had before it the Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Public Health answering questions about an alleged 101 phantom workers within the ministry.

According to the Auditor General’s Report, which formed the basis for the appearance, files have not been found for these employees for more than two years. Citizens must now ponder how many more hundreds are there, getting paid by the taxpayers, and are unaccounted for.

Phantom workers are an unusual occurrence in the public sector. Proper accounting, i.e. recording and financing, would capture these workers, have them regularised or weeded out of the system. The Education CoI made mention of not only phantom teachers on the payroll, but also phantom schools.

That the PPP/C Government held the reputation of having former ministers and political operatives on the State’s payroll who never actually worked, coupled with the preference for hiring contract workers, the atmosphere was fertile to sneak in phantom workers.

Permanent secretaries and departmental heads are appearing before the PAC, having to answer to the politicians who have been the architects of the mess. This is not only an embarrassing situation to the State, but also a grave offence to the taxpayers who are paying people for not being employed.

Former PPP/C minister within the Ministry of Finance, Juan Edghill’s pertinent questions to the PS at the PAC’s hearing are necessary to getting to the bottom of the phantom problem. At the same time, it is reasonable to ponder why when this Member of Parliament (MP) held the ministerial profile he and his government turned a blind eye to the malpractice.

The AG’s Report on the anomaly is not new. It was under Mr Edghill’s leadership that the malpractice was occurring and he would have been aware of it, intimately or otherwise. The acceptance and use of phantom workers under the PPP/C government should find reverse treatment by the APNU+AFC government. Giving money to the boys, girls and party from the State’s coffers is naked theft and a form of corruption which should be rigorously pursued and stamped out. Given our political culture, no PS or departmental head, without directives from or acquiescence of the political leadership, would have the courage to bankroll phantom workers. Budgets are developed through presentations from the regions and the central ministries. The permanent secretaries and regional heads during the budget preparation exercise would have had to justify their respective presentations be-

Region Five successfully moving forward Dear Editor, I HAVE noticed that over the past few weeks that several articles were published in the various letter columns of the print media, that are very disturbing and are far from the facts\ truth.

I do not believe that everyone can see eye to eye on various matters, but I know that everyone can see the same when it comes to projects\works that are being executed by the regional administration of Region Five.

It also seems that some just want to turn a blind eye on the developmental aspects and say what they want for personal elevation within their political party, no matter if it is far from the truth.

In all sectors, works are

being done to enhance the lives of the people in Region Five. Be it in Agriculture, Infrastructure, Health, Education, etc. It is very much evident to many, while some just ignore the facts and say what they want.

I have had the opportunity to visit the entire Region Five where works are ongoing and I am very much pleased with what’s happening in my region and to mention a few. School buildings are being repaired, RC tarmacs are being put in place, fences are being reconstructed, sanitary blocks are being rehabilitated and the environment is being enhanced, so as to make learning comfortable, etc.

Roads and streets are being done that were neglected for the past two decades or

so.

Rehabilitation to streets that was done by the former administration and which had decayed after just two years. Works are not being done in one area or for one race, but in various areas such as High dam, Good Faith Mahaicony, Paradise, Bush Lot, Bath, No.7, etc.

So when people have personal agendas and want to bring the region they live in down, they must state the facts. They must speak of the development that is taking place in just the first half of the year 2017. They must not do their dirty work of trying to ignore the truth for pay.

As a regional councillor on the government’s side, I can speak for all my fellow APNU+AFC RDC coun-

cillors when I say, we will fully support the works of the REO and his team, as long as we see development. In this case, we do fully support the administration.

So, when some are trying to say that development in the region cannot happen because the chairman and his team don’t want it,then they are fooling themselves because, without the inputs of those who want to be narrow minded against development, positive works will continue to happen in this region.

Region Five will continue to excel, no matter what the nay Sayers have to say.

We are working towards “Creating A Better Life For All In Region Five.”

Regards Abel Seetaram

fore the Ministry of Finance. Final decisions on allocation of human resources/workers and finances would have been made by the Minister of Finance and his team. Mr Edghill would have been among this team.

Recently, Mr Allan Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), while appearing before the PAC, apparently saw it necessary to remind Mr Edghill that he (Johnson) is a big man.

The statement was in reference to the MP’s treatment of him, who undoubtedly would have been aware that during the period under review, the present CEO had not been in charge. Reports of alleged malpractices at the GPHC were known during the PPP/C government, but nothing was done to hold anyone accountable.

The public servants appearing before the PAC are expected to be accounting for the period the PPP/C was in government. Where in Opposition it now seeks to feign ignorance of a malpractice it inflicted on society and finds its voice to correctly condemn, the APNU+AFC government has to be vigilant and not allow it to continue or be repeated. To do otherwise will not only go against proper public accounting practices, further the abuse of taxpayers’ money, but can become political fodder.

Private company operating Leguan Plantain Chip factory Dear Editor: PLEASE permit me space to respond to a letter carried in your newspaper, “Plantain chip factory at Leguan not feasible” (28/05/2017), in which the writer Charles Sohan predicts that the factory will be another “white elephant” and concludes that the project “has been born in the checkered development annals of the present Administration…”

I wish to inform the public, in particular Mr. Sohan, that this project actually began in 2014 and was conceived under the previous administration. The Ministry of Business having inherited it as an ongoing project, de-

cided to have it reviewed and then to complete it and put the factory in the hands of a private operator.

The project has since been completed and following public advertisements for expressions of interest, a selection process was undertaken and has resulted in the identification of a company to operate the factory under a lease agreement. I trust that this will clear up any misconceptions concerning the origin and the status of the Leguan plantain chip factory project.

Regards, Sherod Avery Duncan Communications Officer Ministry of Business

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 2, 2017

GBTI opens ATM at Mon Repos THE Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited (GBTI) Thursday commissioned an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) service at Mon Repos Public Road, East Coast Demerara, next to the market area.

This latest is the 24th of the company, which also plans to roll out Smart ATM machines in the future in keeping with technological developments.

GBTI has 12 branches and a head office in Guyana.

GBTI’s Corporate Secretary Shaleeza Shaw said Smart ATMs certainly add to the face-to-face and digi-

tal banking channels already available. Like most new banking technologies, they have the potential to make life a bit more convenient.

She said one of the main benefits is that the Smart ATM could be a decent alternative to visiting a bank branch, since a patron can change his/her password, receive deposits, and transfer money between accounts or clear cheques among other features.

Regent Street Branch Manager Roxanne Welcome-Europe said GBTI has a rich history in banking, and as such, has a solid

The new GBTI ATM opened at Mon Repos

foundation in the sector.

She said the bank has always been in the forefront

of application of banking technologies, “spearheading internally with the installa-

tion of computerised work stations to the introduction of Guyana’s first ATM in 1994, which was housed at our Water Street then main branch.”

She continued: “We are extremely proud of our network of 13 branches providing 21st century banking solutions and services to our valued customers in areas such as Port Kaituma, Lethem, Bartica, Providence and Port Mourant.

You would recognise that in many instances we stand solo in the provision of banking services in those areas.”

She also emphasised that

GBTI always considers the needs of its customers paramount in decision-making.

GBTI has 131 merchants housing over 175 point of sale terminals throughout the country and offers services such as online and mobile banking, night deposit and safe deposit services, Visa credit and debit cards, loans and advances from start up to commercial and even green loans.

The commissioning also had in attendance GBTI staff, Region Four Chairperson Genevieve Allen, Regional Executive Officer (REO) Pauline Lucas, teachers and students

Kaieteur News should apologise for its fake story

Dear Editor,

THE nation would recall that on the 9th day of May 2017, in a Kaieteur News headline stated, “Over 200 persons blacklisted from leaving Guyana – SOCU.” This information caused great concern, restlessness among our people, and was widely believed.

The article prompted my immediate action. As a citizen and a representative of the people, I wrote to the Commissioner of Police/ Chief Immigration Officer, to

determine the veracity of the article and to make available to the public the true information of this administration’s position and action on blacklisting. Significantly, after approximately two weeks and no reply from the Commissioner of Police/Chief Immigration Officer, I wrote to Justice Charles Ramson Snr (Rt’d), Commissioner of Information, requesting the names of the 200 persons blacklisted by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).

The Commissioner of Police via the Public Rela-

tions Officer of the Guyana Police Force subsequently issued a press release some three (3) weeks after the fact.

While we welcome the public statement from the Guyana Police Force that debunked the misinformation that emanated from Kaieteur News, stating that this is nothing but a fabrication, my question is why this press release was not issued sooner, since the publication (Kaieteur News) cited SOCU as their source.

The GPF press release suggested that SOCU has not blacklisted 200 persons from

leaving Guyana.

Therefore, the credibility of Kaieteur News is on the line. Is this public mischief?

Was this designed to achieve a political agenda or is this the modus operandi of Kaieteur News to publish ‘fake news’? Kaieteur News is now pressed to clarify to the public their source of information, or issue a public apology to the nation for providing misinformation and creating public panic.

We expect the Police Commissioner, a responsible constitutional office to be

forthright with the people of Guyana. This ‘switch and bait’ strategy that was employed and has proven to be ineffective has now been exposed and the nation can see the true nature of this particular media house as it relates to its sensational headlines and accompanying stories.

However, the Commissioner of Police has assured that the information requested by me has been dispatched to Justice Charles Ramson Snr (Rt’d), Commissioner of Information. I await Justice

Ramson’s formal reply.

More significantly, we are relieved that the constitutional rights and freedoms of citizens are not being trampled upon by this reported alleged illegal action by SOCU. We will continue to be on watch however as it relates to this matter, to ensure the rights of our people, as enshrined in the Constitution of Guyana are protected.

Regards, Bishop Juan A Edghill, PPP/C MP

Need for upgrade of nursing service Dear Editor RECENTLY, the media have been carrying debates and commentaries on several issues surrounding the education and training of aspirants in the critical field of nursing; major factors seem to include methodical aspects such as the formal academic attainment of students, the size of classes, teachers lacking the necessary ‘clinical’ preparation, teaching aids, computers etc. coupled with the usual ‘finger pointing’ to other persons, programmes and facilities so typical of our compatriots; it is interesting to note that one of the articles actually ended with the following alibi: “this is happening across the board ….there is certainly some weaknesses in the education system...the students

represent a microcosm of the society” My interest in this matter has been heightened by the fact that I have just spent a week at a Canadian hospital where I was able to observe and discuss the factors that facilitated the exceptionally high quality of ‘service excellence’ among all categories of staff with particular reference to the nursing and support staff (most of whom originate from the so-called third world like Guyana).

This phenomenon in and of itself was not surprising to me but in comparison with what obtains in Guyana (based on personal observation and anecdotal reports over the years by several individuals as well as the media), the contrast is considerable and calls for attention by the ‘practitioners

and authorities’ throughout Guyana’s medical services.

While extrinsic factors such as working conditions, compensation issues, recruitment, education/training etc are all relevant, my experience convinces me that the intrinsic factors of the individual staff attitude and behaviour are paramount.

I take this opportunity to emphasise (for credibility, not self-promotion which at this stage of my life is wholly unnecessary) the fact that my involvement in such matters is wide-ranging and long-lasting: For example, when I migrated to Canada in the 1970s, my first job was in the Human Resource Department of a world famous hospital in Ontario; my initial assignment was in job evaluation among the nursing and support staff with a

view to ‘resolving’ perceived compensation disparities/ inequities among this group of employees. During the exercises, the phenomenon that struck me most was the fact that neither the individual staff nor their staff association, akin to a Union, allowed whatever ‘grievances’ they might have had with the ‘employer’ to detract from their primary interest and attention to their patients.

My experiences since then underscored the importance of employers and employees and their representatives recognising that when it comes to customer-service/ patient-service kinds of employment, the intrinsic, individual attitudes/behaviours of employees trump all other considerations. In this regard, the focus of people responsible for developing future nursing and other employees

in related occupations must include as virtual pre-requisites, the essential underlying attitudinal and behavioural components.

Training per se is not a panacea but its effectiveness is enhanced by focused, need-based and differentiated approaches if not we risk incurring costly futility like the farmer who indiscriminately throw fertilizers or chemicals on barren soil; if the ‘students’ are not receptive through no fault of their own or because their needs were improperly diagnosed, no pre-determined ‘formula’ will produce beneficial results. Therefore, foci on “syllabus, methodology, teaching aids, classroom size etc will not make any difference if the ‘learning population’ is in discord with the objective and modality of the ‘training population’. In this regard,

unilateral focus on clinical nursing training tools at the virtual exclusion of empathy, attitude, behaviour of the students is counter-productive and wasteful; ask the average user of our medical services, the man-in-the-street, what he thinks of our medical services, what bothers him most: I believe the resounding response you will get is not lack of ‘technical’ knowledge, but absence of humane considerations, arrogance and disrespect for the due ‘rights’ of patients and their families.

What’s the point in having the technical/clinical knowledge when its application is frustrated by ‘trained staff’ who are as different from the proverbial ‘Florence Nightingale’ as chalk is to cheese!

Regards Nowrang Persaud

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday June 2, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday June 2, 2017

‘Put up or shut up’ … Gaskin says private sector should buy GuySuCo if they want it to survive

By Zena Henry OUTSPOKEN economist and Russia-trained attorney, Raymond Gaskin, has said that the private sector should pump money into the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) if they want it to survive, rather than just making statements for the government to delay transforming the industry.

Gaskin, who recently called for the immediate closure of designated sugar factories across the country, is of the opinion that the Private Sector Commission (PSC) can play a more meaningful role in helping to address local sugar industry woes.

In an invited comment, the former presidential advisor and financial analyst spoke specifically to the PSC’s call for government to “hold its hand” on the downsizing of the industry.

In a public missive just days ago, the major contention of the PSC was that some $10B in income would be removed if the estates are closed, lead-

ing to economic issues such as reduced consumer spending in communities, with greater negative effects on commerce. The PSC said too that as a major foreign exchange earner, closure of sugar estates will also negatively impact the availability of foreign exchange.

However, Gaskin who has kept a keen eye on the industry is adamant that government cannot continue to pump billions of dollars into a non-competitive sector. He in fact suggested that the government immediately close the estates designated in their ‘White Paper’ and commence industrial-type activities at the locations. This is where the PSC could be very useful.

“They should be encouraging the government to create industrial estates,” Gaskin pointed out, “manufacturing jobs and other types of production.” The economist repeated his idea that instead of completing 2017, the government should invest the billions expected to support the industry for the remainder of this year, in areas such as

the manufacturing of construction materials, processed foods and automotive activities among others. Gaskin said it is clear that the private sector is currently reluctant and even scared to invest, given the current climate, but they could partner with the government in helping with training and apprenticeship programmes for example. “If they (PSC) believe so much that the industry could be turned around, they could buy

Economist, Ramon Gaskin

it,” Gaskin charged.

The economist explained that according to a document in his possession sent to the Ministry of Agriculture by the PSC, ‘The brief on GuySuCo from the PSC’ dated February 24, 2017, they noted that poor management of the industry and poor yields were major contributors to the issues facing the industry. The PSC document, he continued, offered that GuySuCo’s management should be replaced, that yields should be improved, that the significant multi-billion dollar GuySuCo debt should be turned into a government loan at five percent interest and the infamous Skeldon plant debt be separated and negotiated between private investors for its purchase.

This Gaskin has nonetheless rubbished, saying that more intricate situations are being faced by the industry.

He pointed out that the almost 36percent cut in sugar prices by the European Union, the G$40B failed Skeldon plant, the $US75M used to repair

it and the more than 3000 strikes by the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) representing workers in the last 15 years have great roles to play in the current sugar dilemma.

“That is 200 strikes per annum. When they [workers] are out striking, the cane spoils,” and this has been happening even under the PPP, Gaskin related. He said too that it has been found that the relationship between GuySuCo and its workers is “acrimonious”, where workers don’t feel obligated to work “because the big man upstairs don’t treat we good,” while management appears to have little regard for the workers.

Gaskin said government cannot continue with its billions a month programme, “but it must have a plan for the people who will lose their jobs.” He said that once government goes ahead with closure, there should be a phased closure of estates instead of doing it all at once at yearend since, “the problem for government right now is

Chairman of the PSC, Edward Boyer what will happen to those people [workers],” Gaskin opined. Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder told the Guyana Chronicle earlier this month that the ministry and relevant stakeholders are working on a plan to address laid-off workers.

This, he said, would soon be made available. Initially, the Agriculture Ministry spoke of leasing land to workers for production of goods designated by the ministry and GuySuCo.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday June 2, 2017

Lethem plans dazzling town week … to feature fashion, rodeo, military air show and light-up festival THE Lethem municipality is gearing up for the first-ever Lethem Town Week that promises to be a breathtaking showpiece of the town’s magnificent tourism product.

Lethem Town Week is slated for October 15-21 and will culminate with an official ceremony headlined

by President David Granger, who will declare the border zone one of Guyana’s newest towns.

Chairman of the organising committee, Raymond Hunte, said the activities will thrill patrons of all ages and plans are in train to ensure that the week of events remains in the memories and on the tongues of visitors for a long time.

A hive of excitement is already building for the event that will commence with an interfaith service and athletic championships in the form of a road race and a cycle race, as well as a fitness walk.

But Hunte explained that the fitness walk will not be one usually associated with distance, but survival and endurance.

The participants will be required to trek through the savannah, climb hills, cross creeks and hike along rocky terrain.

A regional agricultural and commercial exhibition will also be mounted to showcase the local and agricultural produce of residents. According to the chairman, the event is open to small and large-scale farmers and artisans.

Hunte also touted a raffle, which he revealed will have a very attractive first prize for which tickets will

Members of the Lethem Town Week Planning Committee be sold countrywide. highlights of the event is motorcade. There will also the committee will also be “We will also be hav- a “Bold and Beautiful” be an illuminated buildings engaging the Brazilian miling a volleyball and 10/10 fashion show that will be competition, in which res- itary to conduct a fly-over cricket competition and open to boutiques, cloth- idential and business enti- airshow. we are thinking to incor- ing stores, local designers ties can get involved and Brazilian stores have porate some aspects of and businesses associated they will be judged for the already indicated their inrodeo with cowboys on with the fashion industry. brightest building,” Hunte terest in showcasing Porhorse backs,” the chair- The segments will cover explained. tuguese-made construction man stated. traditional, professional, The event planners materials. business, casual, sport and are hoping to attract joint The organisers are also evening categories. business ventures with working closely with tour COWBOY ESCORTS A spelling bee compe- airlines, hotels and tour guides to provide overland However, the rodeo daily tours to Boa Vista, feature has an exciting tition will also be part of operators. waterfalls and ranches. twist with the cowboys the town week of activities, Persons from as far as being used as escorts, tour with all the words selected MEET-AND-GREET guides, photo props and having specific significance “We will be speaking Manaus are expected to be chaperones for the town’s to the Upper Takutu/Upper to airline and bus services in attendance, as the comEssequibo region. numerous guests. and will be soliciting vol- mittee plans to arrange with The high school stu- unteers who are bilingual Brazilian bus operators to “Since this is a historic event, persons must be able dents will not be left out, as for a meet-and-greet at ferry their nationals to the to capture the moment to the committee is planning the points of entry, to border town.

They are engaging Air keep the photographs as a special debating compe- direct and guide everymemorabilia, so all photog- tition on, “The advantages one who enters Lethem,” Services Limited to ensure tours are available from raphers operating in Lethem and disadvantages of Let- Hunte said. will be given booths. We hem becoming a town.”

The planning team has Lethem to Kaieteur Falls “During that week, we already met with the Bra- as well as the commercial are also going to be doing town week novelties with will be celebrating Diwali zilian consul who has prom- banks, so money transfers mugs, hat, shirts, jerseys, (the festival of lights) and ised to arrange a number and other financial transrubber bands and stuff like in an effort to embrace of cultural items for the actions can be accommoour Hindu brothers and opening night. dated. that,” Hunte noted.

Hunte, a former teleA m o n g t h e o t h e r sisters, we have planned a According to Hunte,

communications executive with a military background and a wide array of experience in marketing, project management and event planning, gave the assurance that Lethem Town Week will be a cultural and entertainment extravaganza.

He believes that Lethem has a truly diverse combination of tourism products in the forms of waterfalls, mountains, savannahs, birds, fish,and flora and fauna that can captivate the attraction of every person.

In an invited comment, Lethem Mayor Carlton Beckles noted that he is confident of the ability of the committee tasked with staging an event that captures the social, economic, industrial, sport, religious and educational components.

Mayor Beckles stated that the event is expected to be an annual feature on the town’s calendar of activities.

“We intend to have a product of quality; a product of excellence to showcase the town of Lethem and the municipality will lend its full support to this venture, but all in all the council is looking forward to staging a successful town week.”

The executive members of the committee are Vice-Chairman Juanita Williams, Treasurer Leonard Zammett, Secretary Jennifer Moonsammy and Vice-Treasurer Sharla Hernandez. The other members are Ahrens Landry, Wendell Rohlehr, Theresa Torres and Yolanda Moffett.

New draft legislation for scrap-metal trade completed

MINISTER of Business, Dominic Gaskin will soon present to Cabinet the Draft S c r a p M e t a l Tr a d e Legislation. The minister said that consultations on the Legislation will commence soon, thereafter the necessary changes will be made and presented to Cabinet for approval, a

release from the Government Information Agency (GINA) said.

Minister Gaskin explained that Cabinet will examine the Draft Legislation to ensure that it is in keeping with the government policies and priorities and that the various concerns surrounding the Scrap Metal Industry are addressed.

He said that once approved and the consultation process completed, it will then move to Parliament for passage, after which President David Granger would assent to it and the legislation will become Law. In February Cabinet had granted approval for the limited restart of the Scrap Metal Trade; that

three- month period had just concluded, Minister Gaskin explained and that the Ministry has already begun to process some licences. Inspections have revealed that there is large buildup of scrap metal across Region Four which resulted from the trade being closed for the past 19 months. Hence, Cabinet

had approved the proposal from the Minister of Business to allow the export of the existing stock over a limited period of time.

Additionally, The Ministry of Business, in anticipation of the resumption of the scrap metal trade sought to streamline mechanisms with respect to trade and

licensing.

The Ministry also met with key stakeholders to discuss proposed changes to the operations of the industry.

The Scrap metal trade was suspended on June 15, 2015 due to the findings of a forensic audit of the Scrap Metal Unit (SMU) which monitors the trade.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday June 2, 2017

Sections of Puruni trail impassable

By Shauna Jemmott

NATIONAL Mining Syndicate (NMS) President, Renrick Solomon, is echoing a call for government to repair the Puruni trail to facilitate faster and more affordable transportation services into mining districts accessible through it.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that the trail is used as the main access road for hundreds of backdams within the Puruni/Mazaruni mining district.

According to Solomon, some sections of the trail are so bad they are impossible to traverse.

Several years ago, it was in a usable state. Minibuses worked the Bartica to Puruni route and individuals even travelled into the Puruni landing and even to Turtle Creek Mazaruni, using either their own cars or taxis.

Now only bush trucks and land cruisers traverse the area.

Solomon recalled that during a meeting with Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman,on March 29, the minister said road repairs would be done “shortly”

This Johann Earle photo shows a truck stuck along the roadway a few months ago at Kamaria, also in Region Seven along the Puruni road from tricts now also have to pay to the (Gross Domestic ProdIterballi to Pappyshow. more for fuel. uct) GDP of this country. We The trail has deteriorated He said the entire Upper pay a lot of royalties to the in recent years, placing a Mazaruni – from Kurupung GGMC, which are supposed heavier financial burden on to Apaiqua – also uses the to be for the purpose of enminers within the areas. Sol- trail for main access, as well hancing the mining industry. omon explained that more as the Makapa backdam.

Roads are very important to fuel is consumed by trucks In a letter to the Editor miners in gaining access to and land-cruisers and those published earlier this week, their work lands”. vehicles take longer than Secretary of the NMS, Leon The letter stated that usual to travel the route.

Moses, said the deplorable the trail is “one of the ma“Transportation cost goes state of the Puruni trail is jor roads” within the disup when the road is in that distressing to miners and the trict and is currently in a kind of state… usually (it) is slothful process in getting it deplorable state. $120,000 for a charter, now repaired is unacceptable. is $200, 000,” Solomon told In the letter, Moses said CLOSED OPERATIONS The Guyana Chronicle. he was expressing the “disThe writer said while Mining operators who tress and the plight of miners the national budget has purchase fuel within the dis- who contribute significantly already made accommo-

dations for the Puruni trail construction project, “at this point, many miners have closed their dredges because it is very expensive and impossible to access their work ground. The road is impassible, trucks are being covered in slush, bikes and cruisers cannot pass and people are being stranded”.

He added: “Miners do not know who is responsible for the repairs and maintenance of roads and bridges.

But at this moment, many of them need urgent attention. The syndicate body is appealing to the rightful authorities, to have these roads urgently dealt with because people’s lives are disrupted, vehicles are damaged and the journey that takes hours now takes days. This is a real nightmare and is unacceptable.”

Meanwhile, an article published in The Guyana Chronicle on March 14, 2017, noted that engineers had recently completed an assessment of an area, and several bridges and roadways linking Bartica and several other Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) mining

communities to Puruni will be repaired.

The article quoted Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson, as saying then, “a team just came out of the area this week; they were doing an assessment so as to repair them; they came out on Thursday,” Patterson said, adding that works will begin soon.

A truck driver along the trail had spoken to this publication in March.

“This situation is getting from bad to worse. I don’t know what it is going to take for the government to fix this road and these bridges; this is a disaster waiting to occur…. It would be nice to see the government taking action to fix this roadway, because miners have to use this road on a daily basis…

I really hope that the road is fixed soon, because any day now these roads could give away.”

The truck driver said many of the bridges along the route have become rotten, maybe due to the bad weather and what he deemed to be reckless use of the roadway and bridges.

Massive snake captured near school A SIX-foot camoudi was captured in a trench just outside the Vreed-en-Hoop Primary School, West Coast Demerara, on Thursday morning.

One observer told the Guyana Chronicle that the snake was more than six feet in length and it was in a stationary position owing to the size of its belly;it had apparently just eaten.

Another person said that students of the school would usually ‘lime’ on the school bridge and one of them looked over and saw the snake; he then went and informed a teacher.

A resident of the area who is said to be skilful in catching snakes, pulled the reptile by its neck out of the trench with his bare hands.

The snake is estimated to be over six feet in length

A resident pulling the snake from the trench with his bare hands

The snake was thought to be dead until someone threw a piece of wood on it

Reports are that persons who pluck and sell chickens nearby usually dump some of the waste into the trench.

The blood and other wastes from the chickens probably attracted the snake, another resident said.

Initially, the snake was thought to be dead until someone threw a piece of wood on it, causing the creature to move.

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Guyana braces for heavy rains

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday June 2, 2017

… gov’t assures all systems in place

By Alva Solomon GUYANA is expected to experience high-intensity rainfall over the next two days as forecast maps indicate a strong weather system heading towards the Atlantic coast.

According to a special weather bulletin issued by the Hydrometeorological Service /National Weather Watch Centre of the Ministry of Agriculture on Thursday afternoon, residents are urged to take all necessary precautions as heavy and continuous rainfall is expected over the a six to 36hour period.

Accumulated rainfall is expected between 40mm and 80mm over Regions Seven, Eight and Nine and in excess of 120 mm over

Regions One, Three, Four, Five, Six and 10, the bulletin stated.

In addition, periodic high-intensity rainfall is anticipated in Regions Two, Three, Four and Five.

Regions across Guyana will experience mostly overcast skies, while coastal and inland areas will experience continuous moderate to heavy rain and thundershowers, the Hydromet Office said.

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson

PREPARED Meanwhile, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), which has responsibilities for disaster management and risk reduction, is urging all citizens to be on alert even as Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson has

given the assurance that all systems have been activated to mitigate any possible flooding.

Given that the next low tide is expected to be at 04:30hrs followed by another period of low tide until 17:00hrs tomorrow, Minister Patterson said the risk of flooding will increase if there is intense rainfall during that period.

Minister Patterson said the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, the Ministry of Communities and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) have been communicating and working together to ensure that all pumps are activated to mitigate the effects of the heavy and continuous rainfall.

“We have been in contact so that the critical players can be aware of what is happening. We have contacted the City engineers and we have made an inspection at each and every pump. We have contacted GPL [Guyana Power and Light] to let them know that particularly Liliendaal has to remain powered. We have opened the Cofferdam in Kitty and we have contacted all sluice attendants to tell them to be alert so that they can close the sluices on time and open them on time and as soon as the first rain starts, we will start using our mechanical pumps right away,” Minister Patterson

Satellite image taken at 19:20 hrs on Thursday evening illustrates a weather system heading towards the Atlantic coast. said.

Additionally, as the flood watch continues, the CDC reminds citizens to take the precautionary measures.

The CDC is advising that before flooding occurs, persons must know the route to the nearest safe shelter; keep the First Aid Kit ready with extra medication for snakebite and diarrhoea; have a radio, torch and spare batteries nearby; have stocks of fresh water, dry food, candles, matchbox, kerosene, etc; and identify higher ground where people and animals can take shelter.

This year, the annual May/June rains are expected to be above normal. According to the Government Information Agency (GINA), Chief Hydrometeorological Officer, Dr Garvin Cummings, advised that the necessary precautionary measures be taken as the season unfolds.

Sections of the country

have already experienced the effects of the rainy season.

Several villages in Region Eight were inundated with as much as 25 feet of water late last month following persistent rainfall.

The conditions led to overtopping of waterways in the area, including the Potaro River and the Ireng River which lies on the border with Guyana and Brazil.

Villages in neighbouring Region Seven were also inundated, although not as severe as those in the Potaro/ Siparuni region.

Government along with several stakeholders have since operationalised flood- relief efforts in the affected villages. In addition, Cabinet earlier this year has green-lighted a sum of $150M for rehabilitation of drainage and irrigation channels in and around the capital city ahead of the May/June seasonal rains.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday June 2, 2017

‘Luminous Women’ illuminate special needs children

THE Luminous Women’s Group, in collaboration with Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel on Wednesday hosted the children of the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre and the Harold .B. Davis Special School at Princess Fun City for a

children and lauded their commitment to doing good deeds.

“I think this is a remarkable example of what is called corporate social responsibility and I would like to thank the management for coming up with this idea and

to collaborate with the Luminous Women’s Group to further encourage and make each child feel worthy. “ A s a c o m p a n y, w e would like to be more supportive through social projects in Guyana for not only disabled children or school

Some of the children from the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre and the Harold B. Davis Special School, who enjoyed a special day of fun at the Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel

This girl gives First Lady, Sandra Granger a ‘high five’ as she passes her on the carousel ride day of fun and relaxation.

First Lady Sandra Granger, who is also patron of the Luminous Women’s Group, expressed her satisfaction in having the Princess Hotel contribute to the happiness and well-being of the

for also signalling that they are interested in providing other entertainment for our senior citizens,” Granger said.

General Manager of the hotel, Huseyin Demirel said his organisation was pleased

children but also for the elderly and [those in] orphanages. We will continue to support more activities such as this as we strive towards providing a safer place for our children,” Demirel said.

Ingrid Fung, veteran

General Manager of the Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel Mr. Huseyin Demirel shares a warm moment with this girl during the fun day for special needs children

educator and member of the Luminous Women’s group, said that the idea to treat the children was suggested by one of their members, Rafeea Mc Wilfred, and that she readily agreed to it since it was seen as an opportunity to have the children interact in a more enjoyable environment.

“We are excited about this event. The children are

even more so thrilled and it is our pleasure to collaborate with the Princess Hotel on this venture,” Fung said.

Meanwhile, headteacher of the Harold B. Davis Special School, Harold Mangroo praised both organisations for the hospitality shown. “ We a r e e x t r e m e l y grateful for this gesture. We would not have been able

to do this on our own, this place was reserved for our children and we will always be thankful for it all,” Mangroo said.

The children were treated to a day filled with various games and rides at the fun park as well as lunch at the poolside.

(Ministry of the Presidency photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday June 2, 2017

ETI to host exhibition and fair THE Essequibo Technical Institute (ETI) situated in Anna Regina on the Essequibo Coast, is set to host its annual Technical Vocational and Educational Training (TVET) fair and exhibition. The event is scheduled for June 9, 2017 with an official opening ceremony at the Institute’s Auditorium, commencing at 10:00hrs.

According to Principal Michael Turner, it is the Institute’s 8th career fair and will seek to target 4th form and CXC students, business community, parents and other concerned citizens who are interested in gaining technical and

vocational training which he claimed is now the engine of growth globally.

He further stressed that it is an opportunity for participants to develop student knowledge, abilities and skills for the promotion and maintenance of values and standards necessary for personal and national development. It will also seek to provide school leavers with the necessary training so that they can contribute to the work force of agencies or be self-employed.

The Principal also disclosed that persons will also seek to decide on career opportunities, given

that there will be several booths on display from various organizations including ETI, which will target students deciding on the next move after their secondary education.

He also disclosed that the Institute will also have a promotion which will provide for a 20% reduction for persons registering on the day of the career.

Some of the entities that will participate include Anna Regina Fire Station, IPED, ICAN Technologies, Barama Company Ltd and MACORP. Additionally, ETI is the premier Technical and Vocational Institute in the region, and according to

Principal, Michael Turner Turner, the courses offered are vast and in keeping with the technological ad-

vancement of the country.

He listed some of the courses including electrical installation, metal work engineering, heavy duty equipment training, furniture making, small appliances and repairs, motor vehicle engine system, air conditioning and repairs, data operation, agricultural machinery and welding and commerce.

The Institute is also collaborating with other organisations whereby, students on completing two years of training and after graduation will become apprentices at the agencies and given a stipend.

The minimum age for students attending the In-

stitute during the day is 15 years while for those attending in the evening is 18 years. A Dormitory was also built on the campus and caters for students from the hinterland and other far reaching communities such as Wakenaam, Bartica, Leguan and the Pomeroon.

Those expected to grace the occasion includes Regional Chairman, Devanand Ramdat; Chairman of the Board of Governors, Dillip Singh; Assistant Chief Education Officer (Technical), Patrick Chinadu and representatives of the sister technical institutes. (Elroy Stephney)

SOCU seeks arrest warrant for fmr. GRDB accountant HEAD of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), Assistant Commissioner, Sydney James is scheduled to appear before the Georgetown Magistrates’ court on Monday June 5, 2017 to explain why an arrest warrant should be issued for former accountant of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), Peter

Ramcharran.

Ramcharran was responsible for ‘signing off’ on a number of questionable transactions that were traced to the six officials who were recently charged and others caught up in the GRDB probe.

On Thursday, five charges of falsification of accounts were filed and sworn to in court by an investigating rank.How-

ever, Ramcharran was not present in court since he reportedly fled the jurisdiction to Canada during SOCU’s investigation.

But SOCU’s Prosecutor, Patrice Henry explained to Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan on Thursday that the accused was informed about the court proceeding and was ordered to be present in court. The Magistrate

adjourned the matter until June 5, 2017 at 13:15hrs and ordered that the Head of SOCU be present at the next hearing to satisfy the court why an arrest warrant should be issued for Ramcharran.

The allegation was made against Ramcharran during SOCU’s investigation in which six former GRDB officials were charged and released on

$500,000 bail for failing to make a proper entry into a register of a company two week ago.

The six officials charged are former GRDB head, Madulall Ricky Ramraj; former General Manager, Jagnarine Singh; former GRDB board members Dharamkumar Seeraj, Badrie Persaud, PPP Parliamentarian Nigel Dharamlall and for-

mer Deputy Permanent Secretary (Finance) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Prema Roopnarine.

D u r i n g S O C U ’s investigation, Ramcharran was found to have falsified accounts at the GRBD totalling over $400M between the years 2011 to 2015, while being the accountant at the company.

(Clestine Juan)

Lindener jailed for narco trafficking DENNIS Brewster, 56, of Squatting Area Victory Valley, Wismar was on Wednesday sentenced to three years in prison for narcotics trafficking when he appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse, at the Linden Magistrate’s Court.

On September 27, 2016, about 07:15hrs, acting upon information received, ranks from Mackenzie Police Station went to the home of unemployed Dennis Brewster to conduct a search.

On arrival, he was seen coming out of his front door walking down the stairs with a bulky black plastic bag.

Upon seeing the ranks, he dropped the bag on the ground and attempted to escape. The ranks gave chase and he was apprehended. The bag was retrieved and upon examining its content, ranks discovered it contained 170 grams of cannabis.

Brewster was subsequently charged with trafficking in narcotics, to which he pleaded not guilty.

He made his first court appearance at the Wales Magistrate’s Court.

The matter was transferred to the Linden Magistrate Court and during the course of trial he was found guilty.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday June 2, 2017

Composters for city primary schools

By Telesha Ramnarine THE Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is sponsoring production of 28 composter bins that will be given to all public primary schools in Georgetown.

JICA Volunteer Takamasa Eda, through Senior Resident Officer Minoru Ito attached to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also came on board to grant the Solid Waste Management Department a laptop computer and a multifunctional printer.

Department Head Walter Narine, told the Guyana Chronicle at a simple handing- over ceremony that the materials for the bins have already been acquired and

production will commence shortly.

“We want to provide them [the schools] with bins; teach them how to do composting, and also give them the composter. So, all they need to do is throw their waste into the composter, give it a gentle turn, and within another six weeks, you have compost. If they do that every day, then they have the compost generating, and there is no cost to the school; we know how cash-strapped the schools are,” Narine had explained to the Chronicle in a previous interview.

The Mayor and City Council (M&CC) will be converting compost waste to fertiliser – an investment valued at $28M that is expected

Chinese charged for overstaying

TWO Chinese men were fined $30,000 each by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Thursday for overstaying their time in Guyana.

Zenyong Laing, 32, and Zebim Laing, 33, both of South Amelia’s Ward, Linden were recently arrested following a police raid at a logging site in Linden. The men were charged separately for the offence which read that between June 20, 2016 and May 30, 2017 in Georgetown, they failed to comply to the condition of a permit, which is to say that while being granted permission to stay in Guyana from March 19, 2016 to June 20, 2016 they overstayed their time.

Both defendants, with the aid of an interpreter, pleaded guilty to the charge and apologised to the court. Police Prosecutor, Arwin Moore told the court that on March 19, 2016, the two men arrived in Guyana legally via the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and were granted three months stay each.

However, on May 30, 2017, police carried out a raid on a logging site in Linden when it was discovered that the defendants overstayed their time and never applied for an extension to stay in the country.

The Magistrate ordered the men to pay a fine of $30,000 each or spend four weeks behind bars after which they shall be escorted to the nearest port of exit to be deported.

to generate approximately $87M on an annual basis.

“We can take the organic waste and teach them [the students] how to do composting at the school level.

Hopefully, this will help them to take the information home and do the same thing there,” Narine had said.

Meanwhile, with the arrival of 10 volunteers from JICA, Guyana continues to benefit from the expertise of senior Japanese professionals. The volunteers will be here until October.

They are working in the Ministries of Agriculture, Education, Communities, and Public Infrastructure as well as with the M&CC, Guyana Water Inc, Guyana Energy Agency and the Civil Aviation Authority, among other entities.

The volunteer programme, through which experts between the ages of 40 and 69 are able to contribute

JICA Volunteer Takamasa Eda (at centre) through Senior Resident Officer Minoru Ito (first from left), makes a presentation to Solid Waste Management Director Walter Narine and staff of the department their services, began dispatching senior professional volunteers with a range of skills to Guyana since 2008.

So far, 49 persons have served here with the recent arrivals forming the largest batch to come at the same

time.

In 2016, under the auspices of the JICA knowledge co-creation programme, 10 Guyanese were trained in environment conservancy, solid waste management and disaster management.

The volunteer programme is being implemented under the 2005 Agreement of Technical and International Cooperation signed by the Governments of Guyana and Japan.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday June 2, 2017

Jubilant seniors celebrate library’s milestone

By Shirley Thomas

L I B R A RY L i n k o n Wednesday celebrated its fifth anniversary with an evening of elegance which brought together dozens of jubilant and appreciative senior citizens.

The event was hosted

by Chief Librarian Emily King and staff and friends at the library’s conference room.

Special guest, First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger, brought the group special greetings and shared with them a message of encouragement, on this, their special day.

Also present was Mayor of Georgetown Patricia Chase-Green, whose presence the First Lady acknowledged, expressing appreciation, in the light of her busy work schedule.

The evening was char-

acterised by a ‘touch of class’ as renowned musicians in the likes of Bonnie Alves, Charmaine Blackman, and Young Bill Rogers set the tone for the delivery of a musical paradise.

It was quite a euphoric setting as Charmaine Blackman took to the podium and gracefully presented ‘Stand by Your Man’ and ‘Crazy for Loving You’ with sheer elegance, beauty of form, and the power to melt even the coldest of hearts.

Bonnie Alves, for his part, soulfully delivered nostalgic songs of yesteryear from Sammy Davis Jnr and Frank Sinatra, evoking pleasurable responses from sections of the appreciative gathering.

Young Bill Rogers ‘brought the house down’ with his “Only Had 15 cents’; ‘West Indian Weed

Woman’ and ‘One Sammy; Two Sammy’.

There was also story-telling by the famous Michael Khan, also known as ‘Ole Man Papee,’ who generated mirth and excitement among the audience, with his tales of ‘Brer Nancy’ and ‘Buru Tiger.’

Mrs. Sandra Granger, in addressing the gathering, congratulated the chief librarian and staff, as well as those who contributed to hosting the programme.

The First Lady noted that the day marks a very significant milestone in the library’s services, which focuses on keeping the seniors engaged and entertained through reading.

She was also elated on learning that the library lends music CDs as well.

She expressed the hope that in the near future,

Staff of the National Library greet and welcome First Lady Sandra Granger on her arrival at the National Library Conference Room for the Library Link’s fifth anniversary celebration on Tuesday

First Lady Sandra Granger at head table is flanked by Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen (at her right) and Chief Librarian Emily King (Adrian Narine photos)

Vocalist Charmaine Blackman regaling the gathering at the Library Link’s fifth anniversary celebration

the library will be able to embark upon making available audio books as well, so that those with failing sight can continue to enjoy the books they like through those books.

She concurred with the Chief Librarian Emily King that: “We are never too old to learn and never too old to experience new things.”

King added: “That it is one of the things that keep us engaged in life, because when we see so many things happening, we continue to feel a part of this society.”

Mrs. Granger commended the National Library for conceptualising the service, so that seniors can be able to benefit from it.

A section of the seniors gathered at the conference room for the anniversary celebration

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday June 2, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday,June 2, 2017

‘Adero’ a huge hit --As Timehri Film Festival opens to packed house MORAY House was brimming with patrons on Wednesday night as many Guyanese rushed to attend the opening night of the second annual Timehri Film Festival, which commenced with a showing of “Adero”, a film by former Merundoi scriptwriter Kojo McPherson.

The audience included the esteemed First Lady, Mrs Sandra Granger, as well as veteran broadcaster and Ministerial Advisor on Public Telecommunications, Mr Enrico Woolford.

“Adero” was among three other short films that gave a stirring start to the six days of film screenings. All of the films were written and or directed by persons with Guyanese roots. The other films were “See You Yesterday” by Stefon Britol; “Walk Good” by Karen Chapman; and “Ori Inu: In Search of Self” by Chelsea and Emann Odufu.

The night’s gripping films achieved their aims of leaving lasting impression with the audience.

“See You Yesterday”, a Spike Lee production, was a science fiction drama set in Brooklyn; it told the story of two teenagers going back in time to prevent a sibling from being gunned down by the police and

First Lady, Mrs Sandra Granger (right) poses a question to film director, Kojo McPherson (left) on Opening Night of the Timehri Film Festival

had a poignant ending.

The documentary, “Walk Good” followed the emotional true story of Carol Roache sharing the turmoil of dealing with losing all three of her children to gun violence, across a span of 12 years, told in just 12 minutes.

Meanwhile, “Adero”, a short film which won the 2015 Caribbean Film Project, is about a brooding 30-odd-year-old corporate drone on a quest to find his true identity; journeying through his dreams as much as in the physical world.

More than anything, the scenery of the warm savannah gives sets an encouraging setting for the film. McPherson describes the film as a personal piece.

“Travelling in the hinterland and just having a love for that environment, I feel very at home... [so] I wanted to do a story that celebrated the beauty of the landscape but also told a very personal story,” he said.

The film was particularly well received by the First Lady, who was among those who had

questions for McPherson during an interesting question-and-answer segment following the screenings.

WELL RECEIVED McPherson wasn’t sure just how well received the film would have been, but was bowled over by the immensely positive response that it garnered on Wednesday evening.

“It was great; I didn’t expect it because I was nervous about the film,” he later said, adding: “As a director, as an artiste,

you have the vision for what you want your art to be, and it doesn’t always turn out exactly the way you want it to.

“Plus, the story is a very unconventional one; it’s not something that you’re accustomed to seeing, so I was worried that people wouldn’t get it.

But it seems like they did. Well, even if people didn’t get it, at least they admired the scenery of the country, and how it was put together.”

Also warmed by the attendance and response was the festival’s organiser and co-founder of the Caribbean Film Academy, Romola Lucas.

“Adero” will again be shown at a screening at the Dutch Bottle on Sunday at 12pm. Over 30 films are a part of this year’s festival; and they all celebrate or speak to the Caribbean culture in one way or another, in keeping with the mandate of the Caribbean Film Academy to promote the Caribbean film industry.

Romola believes it is vital that Caribbean films be told worldwide.

“If we look in terms of global cinema,” she said, “we have Hollywood telling Hollywood stories; we have the Africans with Nollywood, telling their stories; you have Bollywood telling the Indian stories. But who’s telling the Caribbean

stories?

“We need to make our films to tell our stories; being able to take our stories and making them universal and relevant on a global scale is very important for our development. We have to learn to make films that someone anywhere would want to see, because they can relate to it, even though it is a Caribbean story.”

Romola, however, by no means wants it to end there.

While she wants to continue to exploit Guyana’s cultural connection to the Caribbean, she also wishes to see Guyana connect with the culture of our fellow South American neighbours.

“Guyana is one of those countries that is right on the border, so it’s in South America but it’s considered a part of the Caribbean,” she said, adding: “What we are showcasing are Caribbean films, but there’s a whole South American continent, that Guyana is a part of, that no one knows about; like I don’t know what life is like in Peru, or Argentina.

“So, the idea would be to somehow start showing films from South America as well, or even partner with the film festival that does that, and just find ways to bring content from different countries related to Guyana, in Guyana.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 2, 2017

Our supernatural nature OVER the past weeks, there has been a constant fervour over a group of pseudo-mystical practitioners advertising for, and benefitting from, the local patronage of superstitious citizenry.

These pandits, supposedly from India, as they have defined themselves to be, carried the most confusing and badly constructed ads for that genre of human activity.

They presented themselves, using TV ads like any other business, boasting a composition of imagery mainly of Hindu origin but appealing to every area of belief system familiar to the Guyanese population for every affliction of mental and physical origin.

That their badly constructed ads and unimpressive voice-overs could have attracted so much clientele does speak badly for our society, recognising that the symptoms of a declining social fabric is a rise in religious centres and pawnshops, seriously prevalent for the past eleven years, to be conservative.

It has been argued that the mystical aspect of our nature is wired into our system, from that first human dawn that we have no working recollection of, when we knelt, spear in hand, and looked to the sky in awe, craving answers to the eternal questions; questions like, How did we come to be? From whence did we come? Where do we go when we perish?

Religion is here to stay!

And while the political ‘isms’ may fade and religion morphs, the ‘Pandits’ have followed swiftly in the wake of the pornographic10 ‘Pope’ and both investing in similar vein with varied methods, but with a common result. Appalling to us, the witnessing public and some competitors, but not to the immortal sheep [in this case] who stood in line to be slaughtered, again and again.

The belief in Gods and religion, with all its rites and rituals, created our greatest civilisations: Khemet, Sumerian, Hindus, China, Stonehenge, Hebrew, Hellenic, Islam, “Obeah” and numerous other expressions,

even deviating expressions emerging from a common prototype.

Out of the logic of creation came the current expansion of the opposing concept of unintelligent design. In Guyana, we call everything that is outside of the Church and Temples “Obeah”, or spiritualists, wuk-man.

When I was much younger, we regarded Middle Road LaPenitence as the ‘wand’: To the east was ‘Mother Archer’, and to the west was ‘Mother Monica’.

SPIRIT WORLD

The belief in the spirit world as a means of resolving feuds and contentions and social obstacles transcend social status. We can find examples among great nations; mystical theories launched significant conflicts from ancient times to current. Alexander (The Great) of Macedonia considered himself a son of the African Creator God, Ammon-Ra, and requested to be buried near the site of the Oracle of Ammon in the Siwa Oasis, after fulfilling a quest that included conquering Persia.

The Kaiser of Germany

was possessed, and led by the English mystic, Houston Chamberlain [who professed to be chased by demons] into the First World War. Then there was Rasputin and the unfortunate Romanovs in Russia. And we can go back and forth and find references of mystics and their victims that we will not be able to explain convincingly, and will exceed the space of this column.

The most significant and compelling public incident of mysticism recorded in the then British Guiana is the Kathleen Fullerton- Lilawat-

tie incident at Stanleytown, New Amsterdam in 1949, where, upon the promise of hidden wealth and dreams of Dutch spirits, a ritual of murder was enacted, bungled, and the perpetrators arrested.

Kathleen Fullerton was the second woman to be hanged in our modern history; she was hung in 1950.

I featured this story in the graphic edition of ‘Legend of the Silk Cotton Tree’. Young Forbes Burnham represented Kathleen. A new publication by the talented writer, Stephanie Bowry, covered that tragic incident; that book

is on sale at Austin’s Book Store.

From a practical `interaction with belief systems, rites and rituals, 98% is tricks and skilful manipulation of such fears that exist in the consciousness of most of our species. Adding to the confusion of the mind that has struggled against superstition is the absence of the science to even explain how the explosion occurred that launched the sudden creation or evolution of a sophisticated civilisation like Kemet, as Egypt was known back then, who, like the Sumerians have accredited their knowledge pool to Kosmic origin shepherd gods. It’s as if we’re supposed to have some basic understanding of the nexus between science and mysticism, and the logic and language of the ancient concepts of origin and destiny to decipher the conmen of our day. One of the facts about magic is that there is a knowledge-base of herbal and other concoctions that can have an effect on the nervous system to produce the ‘stupidy man’. The rites and rituals are decoys that shroud an ancient science of poisons and mind subjective potions that diminish the victim’s reflexes. Until we can discuss the latter openly with students and import what they should know via locally created entertainment, they will remain vulnerable and not be able as adults to register how and what religion is; that spirituality is not an external component that someone else has a monopoly of, and must grant them access to, on condition, but is rather an understanding and culture that they have the capacity to diligently awaken, because it exists within us all, from birth.

To contradict that fact is to pose the question: Where does the young adult/ student begin to decipher that awareness against the swarm of twisted philosophical lures waiting as they step into our adult world.

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More than just her craft --‘Bow Jays’ Jenell Pierre to represent Guyana @ New York pageant IN Guyana, Jenell Pierre is well known for her hand crafted and extremely creative line of bow ties which she appropriately branded ‘Bow Jays’, but many might be surprised to find out that the young artist is more than just her craft. In fact, having migrated to the United States in 2016, Jenell will soon be representing her homeland at the upcoming Miss New York Continental Cultural Pageant, slated for June 10.

Jenell is among six Caribbean-American women vying for the crown, among them girls with Jamaican, Grenadian and Haitian roots.

In an interview with The Buzz, Jenell admitted that this is her first official pageant, if you don’t count those she participated in while at Church Camp. And she was encouraged to participate by her best friend, who also happens to be the reigning Miss New York Continental Cultural Queen.

“She thought it would be great for networking and building confidence.

Also, the organisation hosting the pageant is very resourceful,” Jenell said. “I am very honoured to represent my roots. I actually had to assert myself to claim the Miss Guyana name, because there are two Guyanese in the pageant. So the second delegate will represent a town [in Guyana].”

Of course, a pageant wouldn’t be a pageant without platforms, and Jenell has chosen ‘Entrepreneurship’ as hers, for obvious reasons.

“Anyone who knows me well enough would not be surprised; it is my passion, being a business owner of Bowjay, where me and my team produce handmade bow ties and other creative pieces,” she said.

Jenell said that the pageant also

come June 10, Jenell is certain that she will walk away with a rich amount of experience, and a new outlook on pageantry, even as she continues along her own path of promoting entrepreneurship among youth.

Jenell Pierre (Photo by Andrew Ross)

comes with the usual amenities for its participants, which include training in contracts, contracts, etiquette, modelling (runway vs. pageant), public speaking, and other exercises.

She added that the winner of the pageant will be given an opportunity to promote their platform, by providing them with the relevant resources. And it is this attribute that she believes is the best part of the pageant.

But the artist-turned-beauty queen admits that she is aware of naysayers who are skeptical about pageantry, believing that they objectify rather than empower women.

She admits, too, that before walking in a delegate’s shoes, she, too, held

this view. “But in this pageant, they have instituted two great items that most pageants, to my knowledge, do not have. The first is a buddy system, where you are paired with a fellow delegate for support and communication; and it may even develop into friendship. My buddy is Miss. Jamaica; we have become great friends, and we discuss many things, from pageant politics to personal issues. Second, there is a mentor system, where each delegate is paired with a committee member for guidance, questions and support.

This comes in handy when there are matters concerning the pageant that need clarification,” she said.

And so, regardless of the results

ABOUT THE PAGEANT The Miss New York Continental Cultural Pageant, formally known as the “Miss Caribbean-American Beauty Pageant”, was established in 2010. It is a feature of the Caribbean-American Cultural Group, Inc. (CACG) in collaboration with the School for Human Rights PTA at George W. Wingate Campus.

The pageant was renamed to capture all nationalities and cultures in the New York State area. The goal is to develop young women between the ages 17 and 24 to become role models, change agents, and leaders in their community.

Organisers believe that the pageant is particularly unique, as it is hosted in central Brooklyn, whereas other pageants focus on broader regions rather than specific communities. The success of Miss New York Continental Cultural Pageant, and CACG in particular, is due in large part to the generosity of local businesses, organisations and individuals.

Proceeds from the pageant supports scholarships for the School for Human Rights graduates. Pageant contestants will compete in three categories: Swimwear, Talent and Evening wear. These beautiful young ladies are from all over the Caribbean Islands and the New York area.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday,June 2, 2017

Come eat your way around the world

--At ICT int’l food festival next weekend

THE grounds of the Indian Monument Garden on Camp and Church Streets is set to be the venue of an International Food and Drink Tasting Festival on Saturday, June 10, from 17:00hrs.

Called a SWADISH, the event, which is being coordinated by the Indian Commemoration Trust (ICT), will feature a wide range of foods from around the globe, along with dances, music and videos highlighting the performing arts from the different cultures, among them Mexican, Indian, Chilean, Chinese, Brazilian, Surinamese, South African, Trinidadian and Guyanese.

The event will incorporate a chit system, whereby tickets costing $1500 and $500 will be returned to the ticket holder in the same quantity of chits.

The ICT invites everyone to come out and enjoy a rich mix of cultures from around the world through food, dance, and other cultural items.

‘Vincey’ artist in town

--to mount week-long exhibition here from Monday GUYANESE will have an opportunity to view the work of Vincentian multi-media artist, goldsmith and photographer Josette Norris at a one-week exhibition of paintings, conceptual art and jewellery to be mounted here from Monday.

The exhibition will be held at 160 Waterloo Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown, and feature a variety of artistic media, one- of-a-kind costume jewellery fashioned from indigenous material, copper, silver, nickel silver, brass, semi-precious stones and objets trouvés.

Featuring among the exhibits are tributes to Colin Garland (Jamaican/Australian artist), friend and former tutor of the exhibitor whilst she

was at the Jamaica School of Art (JSA), and a portrait of world-renowned jazz musician and poet, Vincentian Ellsworth “Shake” Keane.

Before studying, between 1980 and 1984, at the JSA (now the Edna Manley School of Art), Josette served as a Crafts Officer/Designer at the St. Vincent Craftsman, a government agency responsible for the development, promotion and marketing of local craft.

At art school, she majored in Goldsmithy, with subsidiaries in ceramics, sculpture, basic design, graphics and painting. She has a keen interest in documenting, in watercolour, old Vincentian houses and structures, all of which are available in print form in St. Vincent.

Some of her paintings, mainly in acrylic, adorn the walls of many business places and homes in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, while others

have been shown at exhibitions in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago (1984), UNESCO Paris (1999), and OAS, Washington, D.C., (2004).

At home in SVG, Josette has staged her own major multimedia exhibitions featuring photography, jewellery and watercolours in 1985 and 1997, along with minor shows of her jewellery, art and crafts in 2001 and 2002.

She illustrated the cover for the 2nd edition (2003) of Ruler in Hairouna, a classic novel on Caribbean politics, written by her friend, the late George C.H. Thomas.

Josette works from her studio at her home on Pembroke, St. Vincent, painting and producing one-of-a-kind jewellery and crafts under the trade name, Bijoux Josette.

She also makes and designs fashion jewellery for presentations staged by designer, Kimya Glasgow, her niece. Apart from her focus on painting and jewellery, she also dabbles in ceramics and graphics in her spare time, and is an avid photographer, doing

the occasional weddings and other significant celebrations.

Over the past few years, Josette has been a frequent visitor to Guyana, where her daughter, Samara Murphy, lives with her husband, Ronald Burch-Smith, and her grandson, Grayson.

The idea to stage an exhibition in Guyana came from her son-in-law, and grew out of her appreciation for the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Because of the fragile nature of her work, Josette asks that visitors do not bring children under the age of 13.

The exhibition is free, and open to the public from Monday, June 5 to Saturday, June 10 from 11:00hrs to 18:00hrs daily. Visitors can look forward to an exciting and rewarding experience.

For further information, please contact Ronald Burch-Smith: 661-4091.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 2, 2017

Lots to laugh about at the NCC tonite

THE nonstop laughter will fill the National Cultural Centre beginning from tonight, when Guyana’s biggest comedy show, Nothing To Laugh About, returns for its tenth season. And it sure looks like it’s gonna be another soldout year.

From the very inception, “Nothing To Laugh About” has proven to be a hit with the Guyanese public. And as the years go by, it has maintained it’s standing as one of the most widely attended shows.

According to producer, Lyndon ‘Jumbie’ Jones, tickets are already going fast, even though the show has been extended to be hosted for five nights.

Originally hosted at the Theatre Guild, the show was eventually moved to the NCC after that venue proved too small to hold the droves of Guyanese eager to see the show.

This year, the show will be under new directorship, with writer/director of the recently released Guyanese short film, ‘Adero’ coming

on board. He has promised, though, that it will be laugh filled show as always.

“I could tell you that this year is going to be a very sharp production; the punches are going to be rapid-fire,” Kojo said, adding: “Some favourite characters are returning: Officer Bribe and Sergeant Colleck-It, Credit & Radical.

And Chinese, of course.

“The Queen of Kings skit is very different this year; more satirical, but still with a lot of slapstick.”

Jones credited the show’s continued success to its quality lineup of comedians, as well as the creative input.

“From the time we started Part I, it was a hit; and people kind of looked forward to it every year,” Jones said.

“Since then, we’ve never looked back. And the show just keep improving all the time. I think it’s about how much flexibility we give to the cast. Every-

body is allowed to make an input; give a suggestion; share their opinion with us, and so we’re getting a broader perspective with that.

“We’re always serious about who’s our cast; it has to be the best-of-the-best in Guyanese actors and actresses,” he added.

This year’s cast includes: Michael Ignatius, Mark Luke Edwards, Gerard Gilkes, Chris Gopaul, as well as Jones himself, while the actresses include Lisa “Radika” Singh, Simone Persaud, and for the first year Marissa Morgan.

And the cast is by no means short of material to work with. Based on a series of short satirical skits, the material usually revolves around current issues, and prominent officials, political or otherwise, who have made the news in recent times.

“Over the years, people that make the news, they have been making it very easy for us, they’ve been serving it up on a platter,” Jones stated.

‘Dedication to Daddy’ for NCC June 18 A MUSICAL drama, “Dedication to Dad dy”, depicting the trials and triumphs of the Guyanese male, will be staged at the National Cultural Centre on June 18.

H & T Theatre Arts Group will be staging the Fathers’ Day cultural extravaganza under the directorship of Playwright/Director/ Producer Sheron Cadogan-Taylor, who has

promised that it will be a night to remember.

The drama will see performances by award-winning dramatists Mark Luke-Edwards, Nathaya Whaul, Sean Thompson, Simone Dowding, Sonia Yarde, and Paul Budnah.

Serenading the audience with their melodious voices would be Colin Ambrose, Barb a r a L e e , K e o n H e y-

wood, and Cleveland Hutson, while Makini Harry-Thompson will lend her voice in poetry.

In addition, the show will feature dance performances from Free Souls Dance Theatre and others.

Programme time is 20:00 hrs, and tickets costs $1,500. The producers have promised a spectacular show, with treats for all the fathers in attendance.

THIS weekend gets off to very funny start, thanks to satirical comedy, “Nothing to Laugh About”, on from tonight at the National Cultural Centre.

And the laughs continue throughout the weekend and even beyond, since the show ends on Monday.

Also running throughout the weekend and beyond will be the Timehri Film Festival, which got off to an encouraging start since Wednesday night!

Tower Suites are adding hookahs to their poolside lime this Friday, while DJ Akeem is having his birthday party on Saturday.

But the biggest focus of this weekend will be the UEFA Champions League final, which has been the talk of the town all week! If you’re not in the mood to stay home to watch the game, feel free to head down to the 704 Sports Bar! TODAY

The Timehri Film Festival (TFF) screenings continue at Moray House from 19:00hrs tonight with the films “Denis” and “Sugar”! Screenings continue throughout the weekend at varying locations!

Guyana, you have been waiting for it, and at last it’s here! “Nothing To Laugh About 10” is going down this weekend, and it all starts tonight at the National Cultural Centre!

Tickets: $2000 & $1500.

Tower Suites presents our “HOOCORONA FRIDAY - AFTERWORK LIME”!

Relax at the poolside while you enjoy Hookas for only $5,000, and Corona bucket specials: 6 Corona beers for only $3600, all night long!

Also get a free serving of wings, with a side of your choice, every time you purchase a bucket special, during the 5pm-7pm Happy Hours! You just can’t afford to miss this exciting night!

TOMORROW

The Timehri Film Festival continues at: Umana Yana, 10am to 3pm; Dutch Bottle Café, 1pm, 3pm, 6pm

DJ Akeem’s Birthnight Bash “New Level” is on at City Vibes Sports Bar and Lounge in Charlestown!

Party the night away at the Vintage Wine and Cheese Lounge, featuring DJ Doc, and enjoy cocktail specials all night long!

Catch the UEFA Champions League Finals in fine style at the 704 Sports Bar viewing party!

Enjoy specialty cocktails and drinks in a relaxed atmosphere, as you watch Juventus take on Real Madrid on the flat-screen, surrounded by great friends!

SUNDAY The Timehri Film Festival: Dutch Bottle Café: 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday June 2, 2017

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday June 2, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday June 2, 2017

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 2, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 2, 2017

GOA, Tourism Authority throw tangible support behind SA Jr Championships

By Tamica Garnett

THE Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) and Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) yesterday donated a combined $1.4M towards the hosting of the South American Junior Championships, which will be held this weekend in Guyana at the National Track and Field Centre in Leonora, on the West Coast of Demerara.

GOA vice-president Godfrey Munroe handed over a cheque for $1M,

while the GTA lived up to its promise to back the Championships by plugging $400 000 in the event.

The GTA’s sponsorship package was handed over by the director himself, Indranauth Haralsingh.

“We see this as a major sports tourism event and we’re happy to continue our support for events such as this which bring visitors to Guyana. We see this as potentially becoming bigger and positioning Guyana to host other such meets,” Haralsingh said

as he reflected on what the event means for Guyana.

“This means a lot for Guyana, this will create a lot of visibility for Guyana as a possible host destination for track and field meets, among other opportunities and potential for Guyana to host even swim meets, and other exciting events.”

This event comes just a few months after the GTA hosted a sports tourism seminar to shed light on Guyana’s immense potential to become a sports

destination, pledging its support behind any event that contributes to this initiative.

In speaking on behalf of the GOA, Munroe highlighted that the nature of the event being one that targets the development of young athletes made the GOA all the more enthused to throw support behind the project.

“Being a junior event it is of particular interest to the Association in ensuring that the focus is on the development of junior athletes

and this is one such development. It’s going to be a mega event and we want to congratulate the AAG for undertaking the hosting,” Munroe said.

This South American Junior Championships, which will be held from June 3 to 4, will be the biggest athletics meet that Guyana would have ever hosted.

Over 300 athletes from across the 13 nations in the South American Athletics Confederation (CONSUDATLE) are scheduled to

participate in the meet.

Athletes began arriving from Wednesday afternoon and will continue coming in until today.

Guyana will have a team of 50 athletes, the biggest contingent of Guyanese athletes to ever represent at any international meet.

Guyanese are encouraged to come out in their numbers and support their team. Tickets are available across the country for $500. The event will begin at 10:00hrs daily at the venue.

National U-15 squad leaves for SOUALIGA tournament in St.Martin

SIXTEEN members of the National U-15 team departed Guyana yesterday for St. Martin to participate in the ‘SOUALIGA’ Tournament, which runs from the 1st - 5th June, 2017.

The team consists of two goalkeepers, five defenders, five midfielders and four forwards from the following GFF-ScotiaBank Academy Training Centres (ATC) – East Coast (4); East Bank (1); Georgetown (5); Rupununi (3); Bartica (1); Berbice (1) and one player from Region 1. Please see below complete squad Technical Director, Ian Greenwood, said while the tournament in St. Martin will serve as preparation for the U15 CONCACAF tournament in August 2017, the long-term

goal is to enable the development of the players for the senior men’s national team in five years’ time.

Additionally, it will serve as part of the development process for coaches: “Engaging in consistent international tournaments and fixtures are vital as we look to instill the National Playing Philosophy into the players as part of their long-term player development.

Tournaments such as these are also being used as development tools for our coaches too as we look to implement the GFF National Coaching Philosophy.”

Following their creditable performance in the previous international fixture in French Guiana in December 2016, Greenwood is looking for an

improvement on the team’s performances and tactical understanding of the game: “The U15s know that with the launch of the ATC’s, we are consistently looking to improve and develop the playing squad on a national basis so they will need to be positive, express themselves and wear the badge with pride at all times.”

The squad, which was drawn from 25 players who were encamped from the 28th – 31st May in New Amsterdam, is headed by Bryan Joseph and will play their first game against Haiti today. The SOUALIGA Tournament will feature 10 territories including Anguilla, Barbados, Dominica, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Haiti, Martinique, St. Thomas and Tortola.

Woakes injury a concern for England, says Morgan LONDON, (Reuters)-England captain Eoin Morgan said the side injury suffered by all-rounder Chris Woakes was a major concern after his team crushed Bangladesh by eight wickets in the opening game of the Champions Trophy on Thursday.

Woakes bowled two overs before being forced off and Bangladesh racked up a competitive total of 305 for six before Joe Root’s 133 not out guided England to an easy victory.

“It is a worry when he (Woakes) goes off the field and can’t come back on and bowl,” Morgan told a news conference.

“He’s going to have a scan tonight. He’s obvi-

ously been very impressive for us over the last couple of years - and a mainstay, very reliable guy. He would definitely be a loss if he couldn’t play.”

Root also suffered an injury scare when he damaged his calf early in his innings but he made light of the problem to post his highest one-day international score.

“It’s all right - it looks like it’s just a bit of cramp,” Root said.

“I must not have eaten well enough this morning.

I don’t see it as too big an issue.”

Opener Alex Hales made 95 and Morgan’s 75 not out steered his team to victory with Root as England began their bid to

win a first global 50-over title.

“Obviously, Alex continued his form,” Morgan said.

“Joe, unbelievable, as usual, and it was nice for me to get some runs as well.”

BIG DISAPPOINTMENT The major disappointment for England was another failure for opener Jason Roy, who was caught at short fine leg for one to continue his poor run and intensify the calls for in-form Jonny Bairstow to replace him in the side.

Morgan, however, said Roy will keep his place in the team for England’s next match against New Zealand in Cardiff on Tuesday

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 2, 2017

GUYANA FOOTBALL FEDERATION INC. (GFF)

Extra Time

NATIONAL U-15 SQUAD DEPARTS FOR SOUALIGA TOURNAMENT – 16-Member Squad shortlisted

Sixteen (16) members of the National U-15 team departed Guyana on the 1st June for St. Martin to participate in the ‘SOUALIGA’ Tournament, which runs from the 1st - 5th June, 2017.

This follows encampment of a 25-member squad from the 28th – 31st May in New Amsterdam headed by Bryan Joseph and assisted by Challus Mc Kinnon.

The team consists of two goalkeepers, five defenders, five midfielders and four forwards from the following GFF-ScotiaBank Academy Training Centres (ATC) – East Coast (4); East Bank (1); Georgetown (5); Rupununi (3); Bartica (1); Berbice (1) and one player from Region 1.

GOALKEEPERS

TECHNICAL STAFF

Assistant Coach Challous Mc Kinnon

Head Coach Bryan Joseph

FORWARDS

Omari Glasgow

Goalkeeper Coach Eon DeVeira

Shawn Adonis

MIDFIELDERS

CAPTAIN

Oswin Fredericks

Joshua Braithwaite

DEFENDERS

Ken Salvador Orville Daniels

Okifi Patoir

Jermaine Padmore

Kevin Reddy

Tyrel Khan

Ronaldo Rodrigues

Troni Semple

Jermaine Garrett

Ravon Bayley

Wayne Da Silva

Marcus Wilson

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

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

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

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 2, 2017

Afghanistan scraps cricket ties with Pakistan after Kabul blast (REUTERS) - The cricket boards of Pakistan and Afghanistan have cancelled all proposed fixtures between the two countries following Wednesday’s truck bomb in Kabul.

The powerful bomb hidden in a sewage tanker exploded in the morning rush hour in the centre of the city, killing at least 80 people, wounding hundreds more and damaging embassy buildings in the Afghan capital’s unofficial ‘Green Zone’.

Afghanistan’s intelligence agency said the attack had been carried out by the Taliban-affiliated Haqqani network with

assistance from Pakistan.

Both countries regularly accuse each other of supporting militant groups operating across the border.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) released a statement in the wake of the attack saying “no agreement of friendly matches is possible between both parties.”

“In light of the findings of security services and calls by the Afghan nation, the ACB hereby cancel all kinds of cricket matches agreement with the Pakistan Cricket Board,” the statement added.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) rejected the ACB’s statement yester-

day, describing the allegations as “baseless” and “irresponsible” and accusing the rival board of “playing

The Afghanistan and Pakistan cricket boards had only last week agreed to hosting friendly matches later in the summer © Getty Images

Sehwag applies for India coaching job VIRENDER Sehwag, the former India batsman, has applied for the job of India coach, which will become vacant after Anil Kumble’s contract expires at the end of the ongoing Champions Trophy.

Kumble is an automatic entry in the application process, but his chances of another term appear slim after the India captain Virat Kohli expressed reservations about his coaching methods to the BCCI. The other applicants are former Australia all-rounder Tom Moody, former Pakistan coach Richard Pybus, former India medi-

Former India batsman Virender Sehwag

um pacer Dodda Ganesh, and former India A coach Lalchand Rajput, according to a PTI report.

The next India coach

Wichy Poo wins feature KMTC Independence horse race event ... Born to Dance lands a double

RIDDEN by Colin Ross and trained by Zahia Shariff, Wichy Poo of the Shariff Stable showed tremendous form last Sunday, as she swept the opposition aside to win the feature G3 and Lower race, when the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) staged its Independence horse race meet at its Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, Berbice facility.

Not to be overshadowed, Born to Dance of the Nurse Stable was in fine form also as he won the event for `L’ and Lower horses as well as the race for horses classified `K. The feature event saw Wichy Poo win from T&T of the Nand Pewrsaud Karibee Rice Stable.

Competing in the first race of the day, Born to Dance won from Dirt Man, Lucky Lucky and Something Special respectively.

Later in the day, Born to Dance reappeared for the event that was open to horses classified `K’ and won ahead of Irish Baby, Confusion and Big Man in Town respectively.

In other results from the day’s meet, De Rocket won the event for animals classified `J’ and Lower. Irish Baby was second and Red Region finished third.

Ground Gal was the winner of the race for horses classified `I3’ and Lower and Guyana-bred three-year-old horses. Puppy Tail placed second.

politics”.

“The PCB strongly rejects the baseless allegations levelled by Afghani-

will be chosen by Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman, who comprise the BCCI’s Cricket Advisory Committee.

Sehwag, who had a 14year international career, has no formal coaching experience apart from his team management roles with the Kings XI Punjab franchise in the 2015 and 2016 seasons of the IPL. In contrast, Moody has coached Sri Lanka, Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, and has had team management roles with English county Worcestershire and Melbourne Renegades in the BBL. Pybus has coached Pakistan twice, while Rajput is the present coach of Afghanistan. Ganesh has coached Goa for four years and is at present a selector for Karnataka in Indian domestic cricket.

(ESPN Cricinfo)

stan Cricket Board (ACB) in the wake of the tragic Kabul blast,” the PCB said on its website. (www.pcb. com.pk) “While our sympathies are with the victims and families affected by the tragedy, we reject the irresponsible statement made by the ACB and hereby announce the cancellation of the proposed series between the two countries.

“The informal understanding with ACB last weekend was strictly subject to conducive security conditions in Afghanistan and now stands cancelled because of continuing inse-

curity and instability there.

“It is also deeply regrettable that the ACB delegation in Pakistan was at pains to insist that politics should not impinge on cricket but has now turned around and is playing politics by laying the blame for its troubles and inadequacies on Pakistan.”

Afghanistan and Pakistan were provisionally scheduled to play a Twenty20 match in Kabul later this year, followed by a match in Pakistan. The countries were also supposed to face each other in a full series at a yet-to-be announced date.

French Open tennis

Wawrinka powers past Dolgopolov into third round

By Karolos Grohmann

PARIS, France (Reuters) - World number three Stan Wawrinka came out on top in his French Open slugfest with Ukraine’s Alexandr Dolgopolov, winning 6-4, 7-6(5), 7-5 yesterday to set up a third-round showdown with Italian maverick Fabio Fognini.

The 2015 French Open champion, who has yet to drop a set this week, may have won in three but it was tougher than it looked.

The unpredictable Dolgopolov, a former top-20 player, gave him a run for his money.

“He pushed me, he pressed me and I had to stay concentrated,” said Wawrinka. “It was a big game and the level was extremely high.

“I had to keep pushing back. I served well and that helped so I am satisfied,” said the Swiss, who fired 16 aces compared to the Ukrainian’s six.

Wawrinka and Dolgopolov broke each other once early in the first set and both players aggressively looked for quick winners with their rallies lasting an average of 2.8 shots.

But the 32-year-old

Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka celebrates during his second round match against Ukraine’s Alexandr Dolgopolov Reuters / Gonzalo Fuentes

Wawrinka, aiming to become only the third man in the professional era to win three or more slams after turning 30, squeezed in another break to snatch the first set with a fierce backhand down the line.

The pair traded blows in a finely balanced second set before taking it into a tiebreak, with Wawrinka again emerging victorious. He sealed the second set with an ace.

It was a similar story in the third set with both players pummelling each other until Wawrinka broke Dolgopolov a second time to clinch victory and deny the world number 89 his

first third-round spot in Paris since 2011.

Mercurial Fognini could be equally tricky and Wawrinka said he was not looking forward to playing him.

“He is unpredictable like Dolgopolov,” said the Swiss, one of 30 men over the age of 30 to have made the second round of the claycourt major - a professional era record. “It will be a dangerous match.”

Asked if he was looking forward to the thirdround encounter, Wawrinka said: “Not really. I don’t know anyone who likes to play that kind of player.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 2, 2017

Skipper Taylor says new approach critical for World Cup success BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – West Indies captain Stafanie Taylor says her side will need to make adjustments from the Twenty20 format if they are to be successful in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup. The Caribbean side clinched their first-ever World title last year when they won the T20 World Cup in India and will be one of the favourites in the 50-over version which runs from June 24 to July 23 in England.

Taylor said while winning the T20 World Cup had brought them to the fore, a different approach was now needed for the 50-over campaign.

“Winning the T20 World Cup would have boosted (respect),” the Jamaican told reporters here just hours before the squad left for England on Wednesday.

“We know that it’s not the T20 World Cup, it’s a different competition – 50 overs – where it is going to take time, not just 20 overs so I think we just need to apply ourselves.

“I’m very happy where we are at so hopefully we can build on that going into the

camp (in England).”

Beaten finalists in the last Cricket World Cup four years ago, the Windies Women face a tough road to the title this time around.

Rather than the group format of the last World Cup,

ing on South Africa on July 2.

They then face New Zealand (July 6), Sri Lanka (July 9), Pakistan (July 11) and hosts England (July 15).

Taylor said most teams have become stronger as a result of the ICC Women’s

West Indies captain Stafanie Taylor

which also featured a Super Six round, each of the eight teams will now play each other on a round-robin basis, with the top four qualifying for the semi-finals.

West Indies open against reigning champions Australia on June 26 and follow up with a tricky assignment against India three days later, before tak-

Championship, making the Windies title bid even more challenging.

“I think playing each team (in the Women’s Championship) would have helped.

You basically think it is a level playing field,” she explained.

“Australia are basically up there and I don’t think we are

very far from them. All teams are improving and I think we have improved. We know we still have some way to go but I am pretty much happy with where we are at.”

She added: “All the teams are good. Teams have improved over the last year or over the last two years so I think we just need to take each team at a time.”

The 15-member squad features four uncapped players – Reniece Boyce, Quiana Joseph, Akeira Peters and Felicia Walters – with seasoned campaigners like Britney Cooper and Stacy-Ann King being overlooked.

Taylor said the camp over the last week here had helped to integrate the new players into the squad.

“It’s four new players, players who have been playing at regional level and everyone knows everyone, so I don’t think it’s that hard,” she said.

“This four-day bonding camp was to get players together and get the gelling going … and I like how the camaraderie is going so I am pretty much confident going into the World Cup.”

Players will no longer be bullied - Sammy warns CWI FORMER West Indies captain Darren Sammy has advised regional governing body Cricket West Indies (CWI) to take note of increased player power and its impact on the modern game.

Player versus board disputes have been a regular feature on the regional cricketing landscape for several years, with many of the team’s biggest players finding themselves out of contention for selection at various points.

the world’s various lucrative T20 leagues and the international schedule. For the past couple of years some of the Caribbean’s best players have opted to take part in the T20 leagues as they have stood out as a good way to earn a living.

In response Cricket West Indies instituted a regulation which stated that players must take part in regional competitions before being selection for the West Indies team.

The rule, which is cur-

Former West Indies captain Darren Sammy

I n a d d i t i o n t o d i sciplinary issues a major bone of contention in recent times has stemmed from a conflict between

rently up for revision, has in the meantime left the team without several of its most experienced players for the Test and One

Day formats for several years.

Sammy believes the struggle is a part of the new landscape that has seen players shift their focus from simply looking to represent a region.

“Now players can see it’s not all about international cricket. When I grew up, the goal was to play for the West Indies and then maybe play county or league cricket in England,” said Sammy, who will serve as a pundit for OSN Television during the Champions Trophy.

“But now, if you don’t get into the Indian Premier League, you can get in the Bangladesh Premier League or the Pakistan Super League or the NatWest T20. South Africa and Afghanistan now have one, there’s also the Big Bash in Australia. There are so many opportunities to make a living,” he added.

“Cricket is changing. In this day and age, cricketers understand that they are the product and now boards can’t just boss them around anymore. It’s a different

age, a different era,” he warned.

“You only have to look at what’s happening in Australia (the dispute between players and the board). (Sportsmax)

Former national cyclist Jason Boyce giving back to the sport he loves PROFESSIONAL cycling is virtually non-existent in Essequibo despite periodic races that would be hosted in the county by the National Sports Commission (NSC).

However, Jason Boyce defied the challenges at home to become a proud cyclist and represented both his county and country. The soft-spoken 23-year-old hails from the village of Charity and attended the Charity Secondary School.

Boyce represented the sport for five years during which he excelled at the National Athletics Championship for Region 2 where cycling forms part of the range of physical activities.

Boyce began his formal cycling career by representing Team Foundation in Georgetown. He was then elevated to the national level by representing Guyana in the Caribbean Cycling League which was held in Guyana in 2012.

After exiting the sport he returned to Essequibo where he is now the lone cycling coach and has now dedicated his time towards coaching aspiring athletes.

He has since sought to encourage more youths from the County to love the sport and to build formal clubs that will sustain the viability and interest of cycling.

In this regard, Boyce is also appealing to the Government to provide the necessary facilities. He further appealed to the private sector to invest in the sport as well since he has acknowledged that the Region has tremendous potential and just needs the necessary

guidance and attention to succeed.

Only recently the Department of Education held a cycling competition and Boyce was impressed with the competitive nature of the cyclists as well as their speed, endurance and discipline.

Jason Boyce

He also observed during the race that there is need for better equipment including cycles, helmets and gloves.

These he said are extremely important for any cyclist to develop and systematically progress in the sport.

The dedicated coach’s advised aspiring cyclists in the Region to persevere, continue to train regularly and to love the sport. He is determined to reach out to every community and even within the Pomeroon River districts, spotting talent and nurturing them towards becoming professional cyclists.

It will certainly be a herculean task; but given his desire and commitment towards the sport, Essequibo may well produce another national cyclist in the near future. (Elroy Stephney)

Police to probe whereabouts of World Cup winner Garrincha's bone (REUTERS)-Brazilian police are to investigate the possible disappearance of the bones of Mane Garrincha, the legendary winger who died in 1983 but whose whereabouts have been shrouded in mystery since cemetery officials admitted they don't know where he is buried.

Rio de Janeiro police "have opened an inquiry to investigate whether the crime of violating a grave occurred", they said in a statement.

Garrincha, who was nicknamed 'The Joy of the People' for his brilliant performances, won World Cups in 1958 and 1962 alongside players such as Pele and Mario Zagallo.

He died aged 49 in 1983

Former Brazil legendary winger Mane Garrincha

after a long battle with alcoholism and was buried in his hometown cemetery in Mage, around 40 miles (65 km) from Rio. However, reports earlier this week said his body had been exhumed from one of the two family plots

that carry his name and a scandal has grown over the whereabouts of the beloved forward.

Local officials said they did not know if his bones were in one of the two graves and asked for permission to open them and take DNA samples to solve the mystery.

Police said they would investigate whether a crime was committed and warned that exhuming a body without the proper authorisation was punishable by up to three years in prison.

Garrincha played 60 times for Brazil and lost only once, but he was almost as famous for his colourful private life as for his brilliance on the field with Botafogo and the national side.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 2, 2017

Hobbling Root fires England to easy win over Bangladesh

By Ed Osmond LONDON, England (Reuters) - Joe Root shrugged off an ankle injury to hit a superb unbeaten 133 and lead England to a comfortable eight-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the opening Champions Trophy game at The Oval yesterday.

Alex Hales made 95 and captain Eoin Morgan 75 not out as hosts England overhauled their target of 306 with 16 balls to spare, the highest successful run-chase in the tournament’s history.

The day had started badly for England, bidding to win their first global 50-over trophy, when all-rounder Chris Woakes limped off due to a side strain after bowling two overs.

Tamim Iqbal struck a fluent 128 and shared a 166-run partnership with Mushfiqur Rahim to push Bangladesh to a competitive total of 305 for six.

Jason Roy’s wretched run continued when he was brilliantly caught at short fine leg for one but Root and Hales calmed England’s nerves with a second-wicket partnership of 159.

Hales was the chief aggressor but straight after

hitting a four and a six off consecutive balls from Sabbir Rahman he fell five runs short of his century, caught

he and Morgan were always in control of the chase in an unbroken partnership of 143.

Root posted his 10th one-

Joe Root celebrates his hundred against Bangladesh at The Oval, yesterday.

at deep mid-wicket.

Root, hobbling between the wickets, manoeuvred the ball around calmly and

day international century, off 115 deliveries, and hit one six and 11 fours in his highest score in this format

of the game.

Morgan had won the toss in sunny conditions and asked Bangladesh to bat, but Tamim and Soumya Sarkar carefully added 56 for the first wicket before the latter was caught on the cover point boundary for 28.

Imrul Kayes, on 19, was brilliantly caught by a diving Mark Wood at mid-on but Mushfiqur and Tamim gradually accelerated the scoring rate with crisp strokes around the ground to wild cheers from the pockets of flag-waving Bangladesh fans in a lively crowd.

Ben Stokes and Tamim were involved in a verbal altercation as tempers frayed but the left-hander reached his century off 124 balls, including two sixes and 11 fours.

Tamim skied Liam Plunkett to wicketkeeper Jos Buttler and Mushfiqur was caught in the deep for 79 off the next ball, allowing England to restrict the boundary flow in the closing overs and keep the Bangladesh total down.

Australia and New Zealand are the other teams in Group A with the top two advancing to the semi-finals.

Rookie Beaton focused on delivering against Afghanistan

BASSETERRE, St Kitts (CMC) – New boy Ronsford Beaton says he is thrilled with his call-up to senior Windies colours and is now focused on delivering in order to cement his spot in the squad.

The 24-year-old fast bowler, a former West Indies Under-19 player, was named in a 13-member side to face minnows Afghanistan in the three-match Twenty20 series bowling off at Warner Park here today.

“From a tender age playing cricket, representing West Indies was always my goal,” the Guyanese said.

“I remember the Under-19 World Cup in 2012 we had a discussion with our coach and he asked in seven years where did we see ourselves and I said I saw myself being a permanent fixture in the West Indies team.

“So now that I’m here, I’m looking to cement my place and to do that I have to go out there and perform to the best of my ability.”

Right-armer Beaton caught the eye in this year’s Regional Super50 one-day

Beaton was chosen primarily to add pace to the Windies attack and the right-armer said he was anxiously looking forward to fulfilling his role.

“The ball is coming out as I would like and as I ex-

Fast bowler Ronsford Beaton is eager to tie down his spot in the Windies side.

tournament, bowling with pace to take 14 wickets at an average of 20 for Guyana Jaguars.

According to chief selector Courtney Browne,

pect so it’s just a matter of me going into the game and executing my plans,” he said.

“I like the challenge of bowling in the power-play and at the death. My strength

is probably bowling fast yorkers so I will be trying to execute that as much as possible.”

Beaton has also played 33 first-class games and taken 64 wickets but did not play a single four-day game in the just concluded season after failing to land a contract with his native Guyana Jaguars.

He took 17 wickets from seven first-class games in the previous season.

Beaton, who took seven wickets for West Indies A on last year’s one-day tour of Sri Lanka, said he hoped the T20 selection would help him break into the other formats.

“I guess this is the first stepping stone in my career with the Windies so I’m just looking to make use of this opportunity and keep hitting at the door until it opens,” he stressed.

Annual Three-Stage Cycle Road Race ‘crashes into stumbling block’ THE National Sports Council, now known as the National Sports Commission (NSC), has featured Cycling on its calendar of events for the past 32 years, and the event was fully funded by both the National Sports Council and later by the National Sports Commission to the tune of almost $1M, but this year the activity seems to have ‘crashed into a stumbling block’.

According to reports, the current NSC is unable or unwilling to solely fund the activity which is a two-day one that has since been a part of Guyana’s Independence Anni-

Hassan Mohamed

versary celebrations.

The event, which is the brainchild of cycle coach/organiser Hassan Mohamed, was birthed in 1984 and thereafter blossomed to become Guyana’s premier cycling event, attracting international participation.

In 1984, the event was an upright one and was won by Bissoon Parbudeen. However, the following year, Guyana’s Errol McLean, representing a Surinamese club, won the event on the saddle of a racing bike.

Since then, there have been multiple winners of the gruelling event.

This event is one that is awaited by the best of Guyana’s wheelsmen, as it is a Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF)-sanctioned event for the past 32 years.

This year, however, the GCF probably decided that they have had enough of Mohamed directing the show, not only for the Independence event, but for all other cycle-related activities and as such, reduced thw power of his post as Racing Secretary of the Federation after three

decades.

Mohamed’s replacement, if there is one, is unknown at the moment, and according to sources close to the federation, Mohamed is not being invited to meetings being held by the federation, despite his vast knowledge of local cycling events and his experience on the international circuit.

Calls to the Federation’s secretary Maria Leung went unanswered for several days. But whoever the replacement is, if there is one, he/she has neither the know-how to coordinate an activity of such magnitude, nor the clout to get Corporate Guyana on board and this is the problem that is causing this year’s event to `stumble’.

It has been reported that the GCF approached the Sports Commission for full funding but the Sports Commission indicated that last year it met with the GCF and indicated that (NSC) will not be the sole sponsor the event and as such, proposed that the GCF seek Corporate Guyana’s sponsorship in order to successfully host the event.

According to the reports, earlier this year, the GCF once again wrote the Sports Commission seeking full sponsorship and the Commission again met with the GCF and reiterated its position.

The NSC enquired if the GCF approached the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) for funding, noting that cycling is an Olympic sport, to which the response was that the GCF did not approach the GOA. The NSC also enquired what corporate entity will be collaborating with the GCF to which it was reported that no corporate entity was approached.

Finally, the NSC asked about the financial status of the GCF and how much the Federation was prepared to contribute to the event and the response was zero dollars.

Following the meeting, the Request Committee of the NSC determined that unfortunately, the NSC was unable to support the event.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday June 03, 2017) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel; 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 15 matches (2) The Oval, London (June 18, 2017) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who were the captains involved in the first game of the ICC

Champions Trophy 2017?

(2) Who was declared Man of the Match in Game #1 in the

ICC Champions Trophy 2017?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 2, 2017

GCB/Hand-in-Hand Inter-county U-19 tournament

Perez, bowlers give Demerara comfortable win … Select U-17 through to final despite losing to Berbice by 70 runs

By Rajiv Bisnauth ESSEQUIBO were humbled by 214 runs by Demerara in the final preliminary round of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)/Hand-in-Hand Mutual Fire Insurance Company Limited-sponsored Under-19 Inter-County One-day tournament yesterday at the Guyana National Stadium.

The margin of victory was first reinforced by Raymond Perez’s sparkling century before the bowlers, led by left-arm spinner Keshram Seybodan, applied substantial pressure in a difficult run chase.

Set a daunting target after Demerara rattle up a formidable 300 all out in 49.3 overs, Essequibo were unable to mount a decent run chase as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals to eventually be bundled out for 86 in 24.4 overs.

Seybodan finished with 5-21, to be the most destructive bowler, after medium pacers Ronaldo Ali-Mohamed, (2-16), and as Dambuka Nqgando, (1-28), made early inroads. Off-spinner Richie Looknauth chipped in with 2-13 at the back end of the run chase.

Earlier, Perez led the hosts’ batting effort with an

entertaining 125 off just 131 balls, with 11 fours and three sixes.

Perez received admirable support from Ramnarine

merara had a shift in the batting order. Perez opened the innings with Garvin Boodwah after regular opener Bhaskar Yadram decided to

Raymond Perez (right) and Ramnarine Chetura share 177 for the second-wicket.

Chetura, who contributed a glittering 73, as the pair were untroubled for 32 overs by the visitors attack to put up a second-wicket partnership of 177 to lay a solid platform for the hosts.

The Essequibo bowling lacked penetration, and with a defensive mindset they allowed the duo to cash in superbly. Perez, in particular, paced his innings to perfection, first getting set during the initial stage before exploding.

Winning the toss and deciding to bat first, De-

drop himself down the order to allow his other teammates an opportunity to bat.

The pair gave the hosts a bustling start, adding 43 in eight overs before left-arm spinner Joel Fortune (3-47.) bowled Boodwah for 14.

Chetura joined Perez, and the duo displayed sublime form, matching each other stroke for stroke for most part of the partnership.

The right-handed pair was never really made to work hard for their runs as the drives, pulls and shots square

of the wicket were all played with generous abundance.

They brought up the 100-landmark in 16.5 overs before Perez reached his fifty off 68 balls, while Chetura got to his in 58 balls.

The visitors were not able to restrict the scoring rate as the duo continued to showed great temperament.

The 200-run mark came up in 36.4 overs before Perez went on to reach three figures in 119 balls.

However, a mix-up saw Chetura run-out, at 220-3.

Chetura innings spanned 82 balls, with five fours and two sixes. His dismissal triggered a collapse as Demerara lost their last eight wickets for 80 runs.

Joshua Jones (4-65), claimed the wickets of Ronaldo Ali Mohamed (2), Perez, Yadram (8) and Joshua Persaud (11). Fortune removed Richi Looknauth (4) and Stephon Wilson (7) while Lesley Allen (1-36) had the wicket of Keshram Seybodan (14).

Sagar Hatheramani was the other batsman dismissed, runout for 10.

Except for Kurt Lovell (27), the rest of the visitors’ top order could not blaze away, as Nqgando provided the first breakthrough when he had Mark Williams caught at the wicket for two,

at 8-1.

It soon became 47-5 when Ali-Mohamed removed Sachin Singh (0), and Stephan Campbell (9) while left-arm spinner Seybodan claimed the wickets of Mehandra Persaud (8), and Quentin Sampson (0), in the space of three balls in the

Left-arm spinner Keshram Seybodan

12th over.

Four overs later Seybodan had Lovell and Joshua Jones (0), off consecutive balls before Looknauth claimed the wicket of Fortune for ten.

Seybodan removed Beesham Moses (1) to complete his

five-wicket haul before Looknauth wrapped up the innings.

In the other final round game, played at the Everest Cricket Club ground; Berbice whipped the Select Under-17 team by 70 runs.

Batting first, Berbice were restricted to 155-9, with Junior Sinclair hitting an even 50. Sylius Tyndall (25), Adrian Sukwah (20) and Junior Sinclair (16) were the other batsmen to manage double figures.

Left-arm spinner Ashmead Nedd was the pick of the Select Under-17 bowlers, with four wickets.

In reply the Select Under-17 team were bowled out for 85 in 40.5 overs. Bowling for Berbice Deon Sinclair claimed 3-18, Karan Arjpaul grabbed 3-9, Kevin Sinclair 2-12. Javid Karim and Keith Simpson took one wicket each.

Meanwhile, Demerara, with two wins will meet the Select Under-17 in today’s final. Both Berbice and the Select Under-17 acquired one win each but the Select Under-17 secured .5 points more than Berbice. They ended on 10.7 points against Berbice on 10.2 points.

The game is billed for the Guyana National Stadium from 09:00hrs.

Six of the best complete FIFA Under-20 quarter-final line-up THE quarter-final line-up at FIFA U-20 World Cup Korea Republic 2017 was completed on a night of contrasts.

Two of the final trio booking their places did so via the slenderest of margins, while the other was attained with the most spectacular flourish.

Mexico were made to toil and labour against Senegal before, with the African side down to ten men being left, to rely on a late cameo from their leading marksman Ronaldo Cisneros.

Italy, meanwhile, had to batten down the hatches as France came on strong in trying to reclaim parity, only to see Gli Azzurini earn revenge for last year’s UEFA European U-19 Championship final loss.

USA rubber-stamped the last-eight schedule with an impressive display against New Zealand. Their youngest star, Josh Sargent, continued to make a name for himself as they matched their biggest-ever tournament win – earned against Turkey in 1993.

Mexico’s clash with Sen-

egal looked near-certain to be heading to extra-time.

Chances had been few and far

er Ronaldo Cisneros surprised many but, after Senegal’s Alioune Gueye saw red,

minutes the pair combined to score the crucial goal.

Riccardo Orsolini’s

certainly a strike that was royally approved by his Azzurrini teammates.

knee in the corner of the Cheonan pitch as the corner flag was touched to his shoulders in a celebratory accolade following the opening goal.

SARGENT STRIKES AGAIN While it may not have been his prettiest goal of Korea Republic 2017, Sargent’s deflection on Justen Glad’s effort is one that will go down in the history books.

With four in four games, the 17-year-old drew level with some prominent figures in USA’s footballing hierarchy in the shape of Jozy Altidore, Taylor Twellman and Eddie Johnson as the Stars and Stripes’ record U-20 World Cup scorer.

Can he be the one to breach Venezuela’s backline for the first time in the quarter-finals and claim that record for himself?

Huston Trusby of the USA celebrates after scoring. (Getty Images)

between, while any cutting edge that was on the field seemed distinctly blunt.

The exclusion of top scor-

coach Marco Ruiz brought him and Diego Aguilar into the action. Near-instant success followed as within ten

swept volley against France may not have put the European champions to the sword alone, but it was

So much so that Mattia Vitale chose to ceremonially knight the Juventus forward.

Orsolini went down on one

UP NEXT: Quarter-final lineup June 4: Venezuela-USA, Portugal-Uruguay June 5: Italy-Zambia, Mexico-England

Perez, bowlers give Demerara comfortable win

See page 31

GOA, Tourism Authority throw tangible support behind SA Jr Championships See page 25

GOA vice-president Godfrey Munroe (left) hands over the sponsorship cheque to AAG president Aubrey Hutson.

GTA director Indranauth Haralsingh presents the sponsorship cheque to the AAG president Aubrey Hutson.

Radford backs Windies to come good against Afghanistan Mills more than just Bolt – coach … but warns against complacency

BASSETERRE, St Kitts (CMC) – Batting coach Toby Radford has backed Windies power-hitters to come good against Afghanistan but has warned them against taking the minnows for granted in the threematch Twenty20 International series starting here today.

The Caribbean side boast the likes of global T20 stars Kieron Pollard, Marlon Samuels and Lendl Simmons and have already been tipped as heavy favourites to sweep the series against a side which still only have ICC Associate status.

However, Radford said Afghanistan possessed a dangerous spin attack and stressed the Windies needed to be careful in their approach.

“Watching Afghanistan play against the President’s XI in Tuesday’s tour match they’ve got a couple of very good spinners so their strength tends to be in their spin-bowling department; so clearly from a batting point of view I want us to play those spinners really well,” Radford said here.` “We’ve got a dynamic batting line-up and I think if it really fires then hopefully

we can see some fireworks and some really good performances but we certainly don’t take them (Afghanistan) lightly.

“They are a side that have improved a lot over the last couple of years and we’ve got to be fully

Radford said even though Windies were confident, it was important they still bat sensibly and not become reckless.

“When we played Pakistan recently on some of those spinning pitches it was quite tough picking the

Kieron Pollard

focused and play our best cricket.”

Windies are the reigning T20 World champions following their triumph in India last year but have been a shadow of themselves in recent outings, losing six of their last seven matches – all to Pakistan.

In contrast, the Afghan side are unbeaten in their last 11 T20 Internationals and were also good enough to inflict a humbling defeat on the Windies during last year’s T20 World Cup.

leg-spinner (Shadab Khan),” the Englishman said.

“They’ve got a very good leg-spinner (Rashid Khan) who tends to bowl a lot of googlies so playing straight, playing up and down the ground, rotating the strike, making sure you’re picking up singles will be important, and as soon as you get your bad balls then putting them away.”

He continued: “But I think not being reckless – building good partnerships;

everyone taking responsibility and playing to his full potential is critical because clearly we’ve got some world class players, players who have just come back from the IPL and if they play to their fullest, we should be posting some good scores.”

Windies will also look to the likes of opener Evin Lewis who has impressed in his nine T20Is with a hundred, a half-century, and Jason Mohammed whose prolific one-day form recently earned him a call-up to the T20 side.

Radford believes both players can play key roles during the upcoming series.

“Evin Lewis is a very explosive batter and we’ve seen him play some excellent innings already … so we know at his best he gets us off to a flier so we hope that’s how he’s going to play,” he explained.

“Jason Mohammed has had a couple of good innings in 50-overs cricket against England and recently against Pakistan has played spin especially well, so he can play a big part here.”

The first T20I bowls off today at Warner Park starting at 19:30hrs.

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… Looking to life after sprinter calls it quits

World’s fastest man Usain Bolt with his coach Glen Mills GLEN Mills coach of world’s fastest man Usain Bolt has been quick to point out that his career began well before the success of his star athlete and will not end with his retirement this summer.

In recent times the 63-year-old’s success has often been tied to the exploits of his phenomenal charge, who not only holds the title of the world’s fastest man with world records in the 100m and 200m, but also has become synonymous with the sport of track and field.

Although being at the top of the pyramid, the sprinter has, however, made it clear that he is set for an early retirement of sorts this summer, following the London World Championships.

Mills will resist the temptation to follow suit.

"My participation in the sport started before Bolt, and if the good Lord gives me

health and strength, it will not end with Bolt,” Mills told the Jamaica Gleaner.

“I have other athletes that need my attention. Bolt has had a fantastic career but I have built my own identity, it is not the only thing that has defined my career, so I will continue until my time comes," he added.

Mills, who began his coaching career in the 1970s in Jamaica, is also in charge of Yohan Blake the world’s second fastest man and was credited with the progress of Raymond Stewart another quality Jamaican sprinter who made waves in the late 1980s.

The coach who currently heads the Racers Track Club is an integral part of the organisation’s plans to build a new stadium which will serve as its new headquarters and training facility, in the next five years.

(Sportsmax) FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2017