Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 02 08 2016

From plantation to free nation No. 104631

TUESDAY AUGUST 2, 2016

Price: $80

(Vat Inclusive)

- President calls for preservation of four pillars for stronger society Page 3

These beautiful young dancers stole the hearts of thousands with their lively performance at the National Park on Monday (Adrian Narine photo. See others on centre pages)

Emancipation love

- APNU/AFC councillors bury hatchet at celebration Page

8

Man crushed by container truck Page 4

Boy dies in Number 63 Beach accident Page 4

Dead: Daniel Mootoosammy

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Emancipation: An ‘assertion of African pride’ - Prime Minister tells National Park gathering

By Clestine Juan THE National Park was on Monday transformed into a carnival of African styles and chic casual wear as hundreds of Guyanese thronged the location for the 178th anniversary celebrations of the abolition of slavery.

Every race, colour, class and creed was represented as folks joined in the Emancipation celebrations hosted by the African Cultural and

Development Association (ACDA).

Among those on stage was Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who deemed the gathering an “assertion of African pride”, and called on Guyanese to celebrate the day with pride and respect for the struggle that made everyone “free people in a free country”.

The Prime Minister, in quoting Bob Marley, said: “Emancipate yourself from mental slavery!” as

The Beterverwagting Majorettes in action at the National Park he urged those present to press forward in building a cohesive and unified nation, since Guyana is a diverse country.

Also gracing the event were Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes; former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, and several members of Parliament.

The sounds of drums pounding out African rhythms under expert handling of the Buxton Drummers added to the atmosphere of liberty and joy displayed by Guyanese and a number of foreigners

who joined in the historic celebrations. There were also cultural performances from many talented Guyanese, including the X-Factor Dance Group, National School of Dance, Mystique Dance Group, the Guyana Soiree Band, the Hebrew Family dancers and drummers, the Beterverwagting Majorettes, and many others.

Teenage pregnancy prevention was placed high on the agenda for this year’s celebration, and a Nigerian cultural group performed a short stage play on this social ill.

Various groups from around Guyana were dressed in flamboyant African wear, and others, who were stylishly casual for the occasion, were all focused on the cultural show despite the morning rain and the weather remaining partly cloudy for the rest of the day.

Several booths exhibited African culture, while others had displays of clothing, jewellery and ornaments. Food bars were also prevalent, with many selling traditional African foods such as conkie, black pudding, foo-foo and cookup rice.

The Nigerian group captivated the gathering with its lively stage performance

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 2, 2016

From plantation to free nation

3

- President calls for preservation of four pillars for stronger society

By Ravin Singh THE plantations which greeted African slaves when they were brought to British Guiana more than 200 years ago were transformed into a nation which now boasts a rich multi-ethnic composition, much to the credit of freed Africans.

One hundred and seventy-eight years later in one of the first villages bought by freed Africans – Plaisance - President David Granger stood before a congregation where he reflected on the contributions of Africans and the significance of Emancipation in Guyana.

Rain did little to dissuade the hundreds that gathered for the early-morning start of the Glory Light Tabernacle annual Emancipation Day Prayer and Breakfast.

The President arrived promptly at the church for the 07:30hrs start, soberly dressed in his plain green Dashiki which draped his neatly-pressed Khaki pants.

His outfit was complemented by a chocolate brown pair of shoes.

Underscoring the significance of Emancipation Day before residents of a community which was bought by 65 African slaves after they were freed, the President said that this was a day that marked the “deliverance from bondage” of over 200 years of enslavement.

He contended that this day is synonymous with determination, as African fore-parents were determined to build better lives for themselves and generations to come.

The President receives a token of appreciation from Pastor Jacqueline Yorrick of the Glory Light Tabernacle church

“Today is a day of departure; a departure from degradation, a departure from discrimination and a departure from domination” he said, injecting the biblical reference of Psalm 118:24 which states, “This is the day that the Lord has made, and we will give thanks and be glad.”

The Head-of-State, who is also a historian, noted that this day represents Guyana’s first national day, since it paved way for the immigration of Indentured labourers to Guyana. He explained that Emancipation is acknowledged and celebrated by all ethnic groups in Guyana because it represented the building of a platform for a free nation.

But gaining Emancipation was not the only goal of these “determined people” the President said, adding that after Emancipation, Africans embarked on a series of movements to transform the plantations for human habitation.

These movements, the President said, includes a labour movement, a Village Movement, a political movement and a cultural movement. In addition, he underscored the need to pay homage to the churches since these were the institutions that stood by the Africans during the “dark days of enslavement”.

But religious institutions did not support the Emancipation Movement in isolation. In fact, the President sought to pay tribute to those who fought for freedom, through the Berbice, Demerara and the Essequibo rebellions which all resulted in the loss of lives.

Shaped by these events, it is the Head-of-State’s belief that Guyana was taking form to become a single political, social and cultural unit.

“The Africans came and met plantations and left a nation.”

But this nation that was created, he said, was not created for Africans alone, but rather for all the people of Guyana.

And that is exactly what stands as testimony today. The President pointed to the fact that these villages which were bought by freed Africans are now multiethnic and have become integrated in nature. This integration, he contended, was because of Emancipation.

The Head-of-State also reflected on the fact that when these villages were built in colonial times, they were built on four pillars. Those, according to him, are the home, the church, the school and work.

As such, he pleaded with those in attendance to ensure that these pillars do not collapse.

“I plead with you brothers and sisters, not to shake these pillars, not to shake the pillars of this foundation. Don’t shake the home with your recklessness. Don’t shake the church with your disbelief. Don’t shake the school with your ignorance.

And don’t shake the farms with your laziness,” he said.

His lengthy, but insightful and refreshing speech, which was evidently well received, was succeeded by the presentation of a token of appreciation by the Church, on behalf of Pastor Jacqueline Yorrick.

The service was punctuated with cultural presentations which aroused the spiritual and cultural sentiments and seemingly invoked a sense of pride in those whose foreparents were a part of the struggle for freedom. Following this was the traditional sharing of breakfast which is usually a highly anticipated moment where many seize the opportunity to socialise.

President David Granger urges the congregation to preserve the pillars upon which villages are built

Some of the church members beautifully dressed in their traditional African wear

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Boy dies CJIA working to restore in Number check-in system 63 Beach accident A traditional August 1 beach outing turned tragic for a Yakusari, Black Bush polder family after a nineyear-old member died in an accident at the Number 63 Beach.

Dead is Daniel Mootoosammy of Lot 9 Yakusari, Black Bush Polder. The boy at the time was with his two elder brothers Simon 10, David, 11, and a cousin Mark Persaud.

According to reports, around 13:10hrs, a Jet Ski rode into the vicinity where the children were playing and after it passed the lad was not seen. An alarm was raised and about 30 minutes into a search,

Dead: Daniel Mootoosammy

he was found in an unconscious state, submerged face down in the water.

The child was rushed to the Skeldon Hospital where doctors tried frantically to

save his life, but to no avail.

A police source told the Guyana Chronicle that there was no physical evidence that the child was hit by the ski.

The boy’s sister Vanessa Permaul, 20, said she took the children for the outing and was eating at the time while keeping an eye on them as they play. “I did eating at the time when me see the Jet Ski pass and when me watch back after it gone me nah see Daniel so me rush to the water and start looking fuh he, when we find him, he did alive so we carry him to the hospital.”

The police have launched an investigation into the incident and have arrested the owner of the Jet Ski, who remains in custody assisting with investigations.

THE Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) said outage of Internet connectivity to airlines in Guyana via the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) is due to failure of the Americas 11 cable system near the shore of Martinique.

According to GTT in a release, the cable consortium has been working tirelessly to restore this service and

will continue to provide updates.

“GTT has redundant infrastructure and is working with the airline reservation management system, SITA to migrate to redundant routes,” the statement said.

According to the telephone giant, the Internet infrastructure is working well via the redundant paths.

Meanwhile, the Cheddi Jagan International Air-

port in a statement said it is working with stakeholders to ensure the Automated Airlines Check-in services are restored as soon as possible.

“The management of CJIAC will continue to work with its service providers to ensure that the Airline Check-in services are returned to normalcy in the fastest possible time,” the statement concluded.

Man crushed by container truck

A MAN, who is so far unidentified, lost his life after a container truck crushed his head Monday night at the junction of Avenue of the Republic and Croal Street, Georgetown.

The man, who is believed to be between 30-45 years old and of Indian descent, was wearing a blue jersey, short pants and white sneakers. A sky blue baseball cap was found next to his body.

When the Guyana Chronicle arrived on the scene, the body had already been transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital. The John Fernandes container truck involved in the accident was also removed to allow the free flow of traffic.

The accident reportedly occurred at about 19:00hrs.

According to eyewitnesses, the man was about to cross the road during heavy

traffic and failed to adhere to the ‘no crossing’ sign of the traffic signal and was pinned underneath the oncoming truck.

He was killed on the spot. His skull was crushed and his left foot was decapitated.

The body of the yet unidentified man is at the Georgetown Public Hospital mortuary and police investigations are ongoing.

DATE: 30/07/2016 30/07/2016

F 12 18 22 25 19 24 17

09

11

16

24

25

30/07/2016

02

04

05

30/07/2016

07

01

02

30/07/2016 02

03

04

06 09 11

16

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Thousands celebrate Emancipation African wear took centre stage, thus many persons made special effort to ensuring their outfits were as original as possible. The eye-catching, brightly printed and wonderfully designed outfits definitely added a fillip to the day’s atmosphere as persons leisurely strolled along the circuit of the National Park, which was lined with several booths promoting the African culture.

Many families were easily identifiable with their uniquely matching pieces, while several of the matching mother-and-daughter ensembles turned heads at the sheer cuteness of the sight.

Some patrons found this year’s hosting to be better Turn to page 7 ►

A section of the gathering at the National Park on Monday

GUYANESE from all walks of life trekked from near and far to flock the National Park on Monday as the nation celebrated

178 years of Emancipation.

Organised by the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA), the event also attracted a

few tourists who were eager to join in the celebrations.

Some were there for the cultural atmosphere and some were there for the food, but

most were there to see and be seen. Whatever the reason, people definitely turned out in their numbers to have a good time.

Venezuelan campaign passes first hurdle Venezuela’s national election council has announced its approval of the first step in an opposition campaign to recall President Nicolas Maduro.

It said the opposition had succeeded in gathering one per cent of voter signatures in all 24 of Venezuela’s states.

The move is the first part of the opposition’s push for an early end to President Maduro’s term in office.

In a further twist, the Supreme Court suspended opposition activity in the country’s Parliament.

It said activity would be frozen until three opposition members being investigated for vote-buying were removed.

Venezuela is going through a political and economic crisis, which has led to shortages of basic goods and looting.

The inflation rate is one of the highest in the world and there are long queues outside shops.

The election council said Mr Maduro’s opponents had cleared the threshold of obtaining 200,000 valid signatures on a petition demanding that the President faces a recall referendum.

The council did not set a date for the next stage of the lengthy recall process - when

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro

the opposition will need to collect four million signatures in just three days.

The opposition accuses Mr Maduro’s administration of mismanaging the economy.

Mr Maduro was elected in April 2013 and his term runs until 2019.

Correspondents say election council head Tibisay Lucena provided the President with a major fillip by stating that claims of widespread fraud in the opposition petition should be investigated.

Ms Lucena said the authorities had detected more than 1,000 apparently falsified signatures.

“The electoral authority will ask the state prosecutor’s office to investigate,” she said.

However she made clear

that 98 per cent out of about 408,000 signatures gathered by the opposition Democratic Unity (MUD) coalition - twice the minimum required in the initial phase - had been validated.

The Government made clear that it was determined not to allow a referendum this year.

It has initiated nearly 9,000 lawsuits around the country in an effort to try to halt the referendum push.

Correspondents say timing is vital because if President Maduro loses a referendum this year - as polls suggest he

will - a new presidential vote will be triggered, giving the opposition a chance to end 17 years of socialist rule.

But if the President loses a referendum next year, he would be replaced by his vice-president, effectively ensuring the socialist party remains in power until the next presidential election scheduled for 2018.

Opposition leaders want Ms Lucena immediately to announce a date for the collection of 20 per cent of signatures in order to trigger a referendum as soon as possible. (BBC)

6

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

Nation needs political and economic growth A COUNTRY’S evolution is not premised only on what happens within its borders, but is also influenced by activities within the international community. Growth and development -- human, technological and otherwise -- require adapting to the changes within and without our borders, in order to maintain our place among progressive nations.

When Guyana achieved nationhood in the 20th century, there began a process not only for it to be respected in the international community for its political leadership, but also to forge a nation out of diversity to advance our economic well-being, aiming towards self-sufficiency and competing in the external markets which were considered pivotal to growth and development.

A major aspect of the nation’s political leadership was our role in the liberation struggle of Southern Africa, which has earned the nation a place on the international stage. As a new nation, whose people emerged out of systems of domination -- slavery, indentureship and colonization -- sitting on the sideline in the presence of another system of oppression (apartheid) came at risk of being seen as isolationist, or supporting a competing world view that this form of domination was acceptable.

20th century Guyana saw a spirit of self-determination, led by the trade union and political parties with the support of the citizens. In the immediate post-independence period, a people led by the Government embarked on a programme to control the commanding heights of their economy. This took the approach of embracing the principle of cooperative socialism in making full use of our natural resources, harnessing the people’s ingenuity, and bringing value-added to primary products.

In the 1970s, increases in oil prices sent ripples through the global economy, and small and heavily oil-dependent societies like ours found it difficult to cushion the shock. In responding to this turn of events, Government intensified its self-sufficiency programme, making greater push and call to produce, eat and buy local. This saw emergence of value-added products such as rice, cassava and plantain flour; salted fish; local fruit preserves; pushing of the local manufacturing for export; improvement in the timber industry; assembling of radio, stereo, refrigerator and freezer, motor vehicle (tapir), bicycle (caloi); to name some.

Admittedly there were reservations in pursuing the self-sufficiency path; and in our hyper-racial society, political mileage was engendered. It was felt that items were being restricted to punish a section of society, even though Guyanese relied on the use of the same products in their various dishes; which by extension meant any decision impacted and affected all.

In the 21st century, the CARICOM Food Import Bill is

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Emancipation of enslaved Africans in Guyana Dear Editor,

THE TIME has again come to mark the abolition of slavery in Guyana.

This is the 182nd anniversary; it is many, many years since slavery was abolished in 1834, but I can remember well an old lady in my village who spoke to me, a boy in the 1950s, of seeing marks on her mother’s skin, inflicted when her mother was a girl, before the abolition of slavery.

For long periods, and in most places around the world, man has made slaves of his fellow man. Europeans made slaves of fellow Europeans; but this last period of widespread slavery, when Europeans took Africans as slaves -- often with the help of other Africans -- has been most pernicious, and its effects have been persistent.

This was the period of European takeover of the Western Hemisphere, the growth of trade, and the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. And Europeans, perhaps by then reluctant to make slaves of their own people, found it convenient to bring African slaves to the Caribbean and much of the Americas under cultivation.

The conditions that obtained within this period of slavery have rightly been decried as showing the lowest levels of man’s inhumanity to man. But the conditions under which slaves worked were much worse than those under which the majority of poor Europeans worked in those first dark and satanic

mines and mills.

Not for the African slaves of this period was there any widespread practice of freedom being granted for good works well done; and even when granted, even today, so many years after the abolition of slavery, all in the Western Hemisphere with African blood in their veins are being declared sons and daughters of slaves.

Not for them, though many times descended, is the anonymity of the Greek slave who was freed by his fellow Greek and immediately became anonymous among his fellow Greeks.

As one of the earliest sociologists wrote: “The institution of slavery has disgraced the race, and the physiological peculiarities of the race have perpetuated the disgrace.”

The sons and daughters of slaves must take the lead if this period of slavery is to become just another episode in the history of man. These brothers and sisters of slaves must not notice what might be habitual slights; many times these slights are not recognized as being slights and are not intended to so be. They must even more assume the concerns and the responsibilities of the former masters, which were no concerns of slaves. Perhaps they should steep themselves in the attitude of the “Old Salts”, those slaves who had been brought from Africa across the salt seas. They must escape the heritage of slavery by taking the lead in being one of the best brothers of the brotherhood

in excess of US$4 billion per year. Had Guyana pursued and stuck to the self-reliance trajectory, engaging in research and development, it would not only have reduced its bill, but would have been a significant supplier to its regional counterparts.

Outside of diverting scarce foreign resources to other more-needed areas, and earning same through exportation; employment and economic opportunities would have expanded for its citizens, impacting positively on the nation’s Human Development Index. Experts continue to express concerns about the region’s ability to sustain this Bill because of the poor quality of food imported and its impact on health and longevity. Guyana could have been a major source in ameliorating these issues.

To take an advantageous place in this century, Guyana needs to grow. Growth requires acceptance that none has the monopoly on knowledge, and rival or opponent -- past and present -- was/is capable of sound ideas and did/could do good things. Where these are evident, they should be embraced and, where necessary, adaptation made in keeping with the time.

Given the intractable politics and intolerance to alternative opinions, it is recognized that such aspirations may be seen as lofty, though the potentiality and possibilities such can bring for Guyana are not unrealistic.

of man.

Let us recognized that many fellow sons and daughters of slaves in the Western Hemisphere are earning and being granted widespread recognition: President Obama, the late Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, Michelle Obama, President David Granger, Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow. They are being the best that man can be, and reaching the highest heights that man can reach.

Cuffy, a slave, also fought for freedom. In 1763, the fight was long and many were killed. In 1834, Damon led 300 apprentice slaves in a quiet, peaceful demonstration held in the Trinity Parish Churchyard on the Essequibo Coast. The authorities arrested Damon and he was later hanged in Georgetown.

Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow was also a labour hero; he established the first trade union in Guyana, and marched many times in May Day demonstrations. His relentless struggles and demonstrations have bequeathed a rich legacy of gains for all categories of workers. His quick response and support to sugar workers from Diamond and Demerara sugar estates earned him the nickname of “Black Crosby”. In 1919, the first trade union -- the British Guiana Labour Union -- was formed by Critchlow. Later, he became known as the “father of trade unionism”.

Yours faithfully, MOHAMED KHAN

In the 21st century, as politicians continue to talk past each other; insult each other and treat the people with disrespect, the people remain the best demonstration of what working together can achieve, even though there are moments of conflict and polarisation.

It is a fact that during the election season there exist conflicts and avoidance of the political other. Equally, when the so-called silly season is over, most converge around common issues, to ensure their well-being. For instance, in the markets, though vendors of diverse backgrounds would compete for the attention of the same buyers, it is not unusual to see a vendor who does not have a particular item directing a buyer to another vendor who has it, or even going over to that vendor and getting the item for the buyer. Even as members of this group compete among themselves for the dollar, the camaraderie among them is informed by a common interest and sense that, in looking out for the other, the other will look out for the one; and this has been proven to their common interest.

Such experiences exemplify who we are as a people, yet this characteristic is lacking in our politics, outside of collective personal interest and social events. In the 21st century, the masses are demonstrating the type of behaviour they would like to see in their politicians, and the latter should pay heed.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Thousands celebrate...

Guyana Public Service Union

Message on the occasion of Emancipation Day 2016 THE Guyana Public Service Union wishes to extend its warmest wishes to Guyanese, across our country and wherever else they may reside in the diaspora, on the occasion of Emancipation Day 2016.

While naturally we set much store by the cultural rituals and ceremonies in which African Guyanese immerse themselves to commemorate Emancipation Day, we must remember as well what Emancipation Day means in terms of the contribution that African Guyanese, as a free people and as patriots, must continue to make in building a cohesive society out of many people, many cultures, many beliefs.

“Differences”, we must

remind ourselves, must not be thought of as being synonymous with “separateness”.

If physical manifestations mean that we cannot change who we are on the outside, African Guyanese, as much as any other race, must be animated by hearts that are open to the virtue of accommodation. We must gracefully and gratefully embrace the reality of our multi-ethnic, multi-cultural circumstance as a nation.

Simultaneously, we must, of course, celebrate the proud and wondrous heritage of African-ness. In the process, all Guyanese who share the same space must be encouraged to experience the generosity of spirit and the warmth that is second

nature to African Guyanese.

We must continue with determination and focus in pursuing the goals of our virtues and values, fearlessly but fairly. We must not permit any form of compromise or disrespect being displayed to our contribution to our national cause, nor our work and worth.

On the occasion of Emancipation Day, the Guyana Public Service Union wishes to extend its very best wishes for the creation of a strong and cohesive Guyana.

GUYANA PUBLIC SERVICE UNION 160 Regent & Shiv Chanderpaul Drive Bourda, Georgetown.

TRANSPARENT and TRUST-INSPIRING APPOINTMENTS Dear Editor, THE Stabroek News Editorial of 1st August commented interestingly on the need for transparent, trust-inspiring appointments, and removal of public service staff/officers and related topical issues.

Because this editorial resonates with my own professional interest in matters of human resource management, including proper selection, promotion and termination of staff and public service officers, I am inspired to add the following comments: ● Human Resource Management leaders, professionals and practitioners, who are typically responsible for the recruitment, selection and employment processes, must -- like the proverbial Ceasar’s wife -- be above suspicion of bias in matters of personal integrity; political, ethnic, gender and similar manifestations; especially given what the SN editorial referred to as “the

entrenched ethno-political polarization in the country, and the willingness of any number of politicians (including others) to exploit this. ● The entire selection process -- from wording of the vacancy advert to conduct of the interview and reference checks -- must be based on strict, unbiased professionalism and integrity. For example, and as I have written before, the wording of the Ad must not be a slavish, bureaucratic reproduction of the job description /job specification (which are typically written for a variety of purposes).

The Vacancy Ad must be a smart, concise distillation of the job description/specification, written in typical ‘marketing’ style and aimed at attracting a large enough pool of good, viable applicants, from among whom a competitive selection can be made. ● The screening/short-listing of ‘qualified’ candidates must also include consid-

eration of the peripheral factors identified in the first bullet point above. ● The other substantive steps in the selection process (eg: the choice of the selection panel, tests (especially for jobs requiring specific skills such as writing and IT skills), panel interviews, reference checks etc.) are less prone to bias, and can help to bolster the credibility and acceptability of the selection decision.

While all the above might be difficult to achieve at one go, the responsible HR Management staff must be aware and sensitive to their relevance and importance, while never losing sight of the primary focus of selecting the candidate who undoubtedly possesses the basic and paramount skills set, necessary experience, aptitude and competencies required for efficient and effective performance on the job.

NOWRANG PERSAUD

than the preceding years’ and sentiments were appropriately expressed by one particular supporter who had come all the way from Linden to be a part of the celebrations.

“To me,” she said, “this year looked like the best.

It’s great! I like the dancers, I like seeing the people all decked out in their African outfits [and] trying out the food. I just bought a cookup. I came all the way from Linden. I was hearing about it being advertised, so I came out to see what it’s like.”

According to Christian Sobers, who was part of the gathering, this year’s celebration showed more racial diversity that those in years gone by.

“This year is a little slower than usual, but it has a nice vibe. Like I see a lot more people in their cultural wear, I see a lot of foreigners here today. This year it’s a lot more balanced; when I came in I saw like a bunch of Indian people, some mixed people, and I don’t usually see that on Emancipation Day, when it’s usually just a lot of Black people coming out. So that was nice,” he said.

Aside from the booths, patrons were treated to a cultural show held earlier in the day on the circuit of the National Park instead of on the stage of the inner National Park Tarmac.

While the day’s activities went without much trouble for the earlier part of the day, as patrons began to pour in around 16:00 hrs,

many voiced dissatisfaction and angst over being denied entry to the Tarmac, where they were hoping to have a seat and picnic.

ACDA representative and coordinator for the event, Ayeesha Hinds, explained that security measures for the concert in which Jamaican artiste Luciano was scheduled to perform later that evening had caused the tarmac to be closed off.

“This here, the tarmac, was strictly for the Luciano show. The rules by the police are this: it’s a big show, and every single person entering the tarmac has to be checked for security reasons; so the police locked off this area,” Hinds explained.

Nonetheless, several persons had already earlier breached a barrier and made their way into the stands of

7 From page 5

the tarmac. Patrons outside were further enraged to learn that to enter the tarmac they had to purchase a $1000 concert ticket instead of the regular $500 ticket.

“They didn’t advertise it like that. On television it said $500 for adults, $100 for children and $1000 after 5 PM. I know what I saw, and ACDA needs to get their act together,” one irate patron said.

Several disappointed persons then chose to leave the day’s activities prematurely, and discouraged others from coming in.

“This was poor organizing. The stage small, small at the back, the ground soak; is sheer water. This is we day, this is we park and we getting harassed at the gate? This is nonsense!” another patron said.

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Emancipation love - APNU/AFC councillors bury hatchet at celebration

By Clifford Stanley President David Granger on Monday urged Region Five officials to “let bygones be bygones”, as he sought to put an end to the long rift between APNU+AFC councillors and Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal.

“Work together; let nothing impede the development of this beautiful Region,” the President appealed in an address to a large gathering at the basketball court at Ithaca, West Bank Berbice during Emancipation Day celebrations.

The crowd responded to these words with loud cheers; and cheered even louder when APNU Councillor Carol Joseph reached out to shake the hand of People’s Progressive Party/Civic Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal, indicating that the standoff, which started in January last, had come to an end.

Joseph was soon after simultaneously embraced by PPP Member of Parliament Harry Gill on the left and Chairman Ramphal on the right, in a gesture seeming to convey that ‘love was in the air’. The crowd again cheered

lustily.

President Granger’s intervention was greatly appreciated by all, since in a sense he was seen to be the aggrieved party in the matter that caused the conflict, and it was therefore felt that he would be the best person to bring the imbroglio to an end.

The camaraderie occurred amidst throbbing African drums and African folk dances being performed as the appetizing smells of conkie and other African delicacies filled the air.

The historic occasion was witnessed by Minister of Social Cohesion, Amna Ally; APNU/AFC Member of Parliament (MP) Jenny Wade; councillors of the Region 5 Regional Democratic Council, and adults and children from Ithaca and surrounding villages.

President Granger said that August 1st must be seen as an occasion for the entire nation, without distinction, to celebrate; since it is a day that brought Guyanese together to become a nation.

He also assured that his administration intends to be fully involved in achieving the objectives set by the Unit-

ed Nations (UN) International Decade for People of African Descent (2014-2024).

He told the gathering that Ithaca epitomises the Village Movement that was started by ex-slaves shortly after Emancipation 178 years ago.

“Whether Ithaca, Lichfield, Victoria, those early days marked the beginning of the Village Movement in our country,” he declared. He then pointed out that all the ethnic groups who came to Guyana because of the emancipation of slavery had, over time, become participants in the burgeoning Village Movement, and all the villages had been built and developed on four pillars, namely: the home, the church, the school and the farm.

“All our ethnic groups developed homes, churches or masjids or mandirs, and schools and farms…. Our forefathers wanted homes to start families. They wanted the church or mandir or masjid so they could benefit from spirituality and encourage good moral behaviour in the communities. They saw the importance of education for their children -- as a means of escaping from poverty; and they saw the

APNU/AFC Councillor Carol Joseph being embraced by PPP Member of Parliament Harry Gill (at left) and Region Five Chairman Vickchand Ramphal during the Ithaca Emancipation Day celebration importance of work.

“The villages were the cradles of Guyanese society for all…. They were conceived by our fore-parents as the home for the generations to come. This is what our forefathers did, and

Region Five Chairman Vickchand Ramphal greeting President David Granger on his arrival at the celebrations at Ithaca, WBB

that is what we must continue. These four pillars must never be neglected by our villages. Every child must go to school,” the President said.

He added: “The link with the churches, the mandirs and the masjids and the schools, which fostered spirituality and good moral behavior, must be re-established. Youths must strive to work as business people; as entrepreneurs. Let us never forget these four pillars of our villages.

“My brothers and sisters of Ithaca, if you shake these pillars of home, church, school and farm, the house will fall down! Keep your village firmly established on those four pillars, and work with them to improve the quality of life in the community and ensure that the sacrifices of your forefathers are not in vain.”

He then made some special remarks to Guyanese of African descent, assuring that the Government saw involvement in the United Nations (UN) International Decade for People of African descent as mandatory. “Africans are victims of the greatest crime against humanity. The harm that has been left by those whips and chains has left indelible scars in the entire Western Hemisphere. We in Guyana will try to fulfill those UN goals by 2024,

because we feel that if we do not, Guyanese of African origin will not achieve Emancipation.

“Emancipation is not something that happened 178 years ago; Emancipation is continuous. We have to keep ourselves working to keep from being enslaved; we have to keep ourselves focused on the objectives of our forefathers -- of building a strong nation,” the President said.

The three-hour-long programme included the distribution of bicycles to 20 students of Ithaca. The bicycles were donated by Immediate Past President of the Guyana Bahamas Association, Deavindra Jagroo.

Some 125 senior citizens of the village were given food hampers and sports equipment, and gears were handed over to the youth representative of the village.

Schoolchildren were given buttons with the words “Every child in school”, and green exercise books.

“Let us think about the future; about the children.

The future belongs to them, and let us deliver to them a region in a better situation than we found it,” President Granger urged the reconciled Region Five councillors.

Regional Executive Officer (REO) Ovid Morrison thanked all who helped to make the event a success.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Local show to tackle suicide, other social ills

By Navendra Seoraj A GROUP of young people have launched a television sitcom called ‘SPUR’ geared at dissuading persons from committing suicide and offering advice on how to combat other social ills in society.

The sitcom launched Saturday evening at the Loft Nightclub will be aired on local television in the coming weeks.

Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle, director and writer, Brandon Jones explained that SPUR will be shot in High Definition (HD), and would be the first of its kind to be aired locally.

The production will be based on local culture and will utilise dialect while serving as a motivational tool for persons burdened by social ills.

Meanwhile, considering that Guyana has one of the highest suicide rates in the world, the plot of the sitcom will focus on the negative effects of this problem and how it can be corrected.

“We hope to make the series a motivational tool that will teach and enlighten people on what they should and should not do… though it will focus profoundly on suicide, we will also touch on areas such as racism, domestic violence and other ills, while also adding a bit of humour to act,” Jones said.

In developing the plot, the team sought advice from elderly individuals in both rural and urban areas, who have experienced life on all levels, and were able to share pertinent information with them.

Audio producer Randy Lafleur also pointed out that they learnt a lot from the elderly individuals who were approached. He added that though they are not all experts in the particular areas, they are open to learning and gathering information which they intend to use in the series.

Lafleur said that the knowledge gained will allow them to find solutions which would be highlighted throughout the life of the show.

“None of us can be experts at suicide, but what we do know is people have tenancies to act positive and negative, so with what we have learnt, we will use it to teach you what to do and not to,” Lafleur said, as he indicated that there are a number of ways that suicide can be prevented.

Their intention is to highlight what can be done in the communities and at home.

Therefore, he said, with the use of television, they hope to reach the younger generation and by using entertainment, the team hopes to instill the message in a faster and more efficient way.

Meanwhile, Jones emphasised that they intend to promote scenic areas in Guyana, so scenes will be shot in areas such as Pomeroon, Black Bush Polder, Berbice and even the Kaietuer Falls. In this way, they hope to showcase the different aspects of Guyana’s diverse environment and culture.

Asked what inspired the team to pursue this initiative, the writer explained that he has been a part of the graphics industry for a while and decided to enter the filming industry with the hope of doing something that would impact society in a positive way.

The team, he said, consists of several talented persons such as dancers, comedians and other entertainers who have the potential to make the show a success.

“We have a strong team, but in order to remain strong we hope for the support of the public, who will spread the word about the show, as well as members of the business community, Non-Governmental Organisations, as well as governmental agencies,” the director said, as he indicated that people need to get involved to push the production forward.

9

One of the actors, Oneal Charles, also called on the public to support the show, noting that this has been a life-changing experience for him.

He related that growing up, he always had a passion for helping others.

Tuesday August 2nd, 2016 - 14:30 hrs Wednesday Auguat 3rd, 2016 - 05:00 hrs Thursday August 4th, 2016 - 05:00 hrs

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 2, 2016

ARIES - Your plans may need to be changed at the last-minute if unfulfilled commitments still require your undivided attention. Be as generous as possible when responding to the expectations of others, regardless of how inconvenient it is for you. Luckily, the playful Leo New Moon occurs in your 5th House of Spontaneity, giving you a chance to catch your breath from dealing with the larger issue of restoring balance to your life.

Instead of seeking alternate solutions, focus your energy on making the present moment meaningful for everyone involved.

TAURUS - You enjoy an ideal balance of enthusiasm and skill when the generous Leo New Moon triggers your 4th House of Domestic Conditions to bring joy, drama, and inspiration to your personal life. A smooth trine to reliable Saturn provides you with the tools you need to give substance to your new ideas. Brightening up your home and focusing on your family life motivate you to also act more creatively outside the house.

From small beginnings come great things.

GEMINI - Self-restraint may be a challenge when your restlessness provokes rash behaviour, but there’s too much at stake to prematurely risk your current position while pursuing castles in the air. The fixed Leo New Moon rattles your 3rd House of Communication, but plans can fall apart as grandiose declarations fail to live up to your expectations. New ideas that excite your mind also require careful consideration before you launch into a full-fledged campaign. Your ability to rally people to your cause is strong, but make sure the emotional cost is worth it.

CANCER - Make sure the foundation is solid before you commit to anyone’s brilliant plan; otherwise, you might wind up cleaning up someone else’s mess. The creative Leo New Moon falls in your 2nd House of Finances to help you cook up moneymaking ideas.

Luckily, you can combine the Lion’s bold behaviour with your strong organisational skills today. Your inner dedication and discipline ultimately reward you with greater income and a healthy sense of pride.

LEO - There are no easy answers to life’s complex questions now, yet, simply knowing this secret can alleviate much of your pressure. The courageous Leo New Moon may be the cosmic turning point you need. Many previously unrelated events appear to reach a confluence as the separate strands of reality are woven together to change the course of your life. Even if recent distractions were exciting at times, you haven’t progress toward your goals as much as you intended. Seize the moment because some opportunities don’t knock twice.

VIRGO - Connecting with your inner guidance and having faith in your vision of a brighter future are two keys to your personal growth. The expressive Leo New Moon energises your 12th House of Privacy, where its flames of creativity may be hidden from view. Nourish your hopes quietly, instead of advertising them too soon. Nevertheless, realising the need to delve into your own imagination enables you to discover how past experiences are still affecting your current choices. Your spiritual journey isn’t an easy one, but the possible ramifications of your metaphysical quest can be life-altering if you’re willing to do the work.

LIBRA - You are more eager than ever to engage in clever conversations or flirtatious behaviour today. But you might find yourself lost in a crowd as the dramatic Leo New Moon activates your 11th House of Social Networking. You may be quite rigid in your thinking today because Leo is a fixed sign. You don’t want to just go with the flow. You have an agenda in mind and are determined to stick to it, even if progress is temporarily slow. As journalist Jim Watkins wrote, “A river cuts through a rock not because of its power, but its persistence.”

SCORPIO - Your professional life receives a boost of energy when the expressive Leo New Moon highlights your 10th House of Career, perhaps earning you greater public recognition. You are willing to go the extra mile and can ensure the viability of your dream with careful research and planning. Setting your own standards of excellence, along with a sustainable pace, improves your chances of reaching the top of almost any mountain.

SAGITTARIUS - You are inspired to take more risks now -- perhaps seeking a more prestigious job or even starting a business on your own. The demonstrative Leo New Moon fuels your expansive 9th House of Future Vision, widening your horizons and revealing new opportunities to distinguish yourself in your chosen profession. You are not interested in mediocrity; you are motivated to succeed even when you face difficulties or setbacks. When it comes to your career, don’t take no for an answer.

CAPRICORN - Instead of seeking someone who always agrees with you, find a trustworthy partner who cares enough to tell you the unvarnished truth. You will need the honest feedback because the brassy Leo New Moon in your 8th House of Transformation pushes you to take bold steps forward in both your personal and professional relationships. A steady trine to workhorse Saturn supplies the initiative and dogged determination to build something that lasts. Success can’t be hurried; Rome wasn’t built in a day.

AQUARIUS - A reliable colleague shows you how to keep your passion flowing now without burning out. Fortunately, the audacious Leo New Moon blesses your 7th House of Partners, bringing a wave of self-confidence, reinforced by the support of friends and coworkers. The extravagant ideas of your allies and the originality of your own proposals gain credibility from a solid trine to realistic Saturn that provides the follow-through to turn your plans into reality. Thankfully, hard work is child’s play when you do it for a cause or project you fully believe in.

PISCES - There is a rare opportunity to share your idealism with your colleagues today, but without a solid plan your hopes are likely to go up in smoke. The Leo New Moon lands in your 6th House of Work and Service, sparking your enthusiasm for learning new skills or encouraging you to seek more fulfilling employment. A growing desire to express more creativity on the job can inspire you to take up a new hobby. Don’t be afraid of the power of your dreams; observe what magically floats into your awareness so you can integrate it into your everyday life.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Shaheed orphanages commission playfield, facilities

By Michel Outridge GUYANA’s cultural ambassador Terry Gajraj has been singled out, along with the Save Abee Foundation, for the outstanding contributions made towards building the playfield and facilities at the Shaheed Girls Orphanage at Oleander Gardens, East Coast Demerara.

Members of the Board of Management of the Orphanage acknowledged the contributions of the Save Abee Foundation along with those made by the Guyana Goldfields Inc. and the Association of Chinese Business Enterprises.

The facility was officially commissioned for usage at an impressive ceremony attended on Tuesday last by hundreds of persons from diverse backgrounds.

The Save Abee Foundation was represented by Terry Gajraj, who travelled to Guyana specifically for the opening, along with a large team from the Foundation, in Guyana to carry out a countrywide medical outreach.

Secretary of the Board, Hakeem Khan, in giving an overview of the project, stated: “…the creation of this playground is the first of four major goals set by the Board some years ago, and is the third to be achieved.”

He gave the other goals as “acquiring our own transportation for the children. Two years ago, with a duty free concession given to us by the (then) Ministry of Human Services, we fulfilled the dream of acquiring a bus to provide transportation for these children. Today we are among the very few such institutions to have our own transportation, and maybe the only one to have acquired same using our own funds. The best that we can do for our children is to give them the best opportunity for education.”

In her report, Board

Treasurer Raheema Rahaman said the opening of the playground was a “small but significant and historic event in the history of the Shaheed Boys & Girls Orphanages, and this is another addition to our numerous efforts to support those efforts in our society to mould a good society, giving every child an opportunity to excel at that which he or she is capable of.”

She informed: “The Shaheed Boys and Girls Orphanages were established in the 1950s as institutions to provide care, home and facilities for the orphans, vulnerable and destitute children of our community. They have remained legitimate institutions in the community for the provision of care, facilities and services to the orphans and vulnerable children of (mainly) the Muslim community.”

COMMITTED Speaking on behalf of Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence, Permanent Secretary Lorene Baird noted that “child rights are fundamental human rights.”

She said it was sad to know that many children are still neglected, abandoned and abused, but it is important to provide stronger support to the organizations which help.

Co-founder of the Save Abee Foundation, Asha Tillak, speaking on behalf of that entity, expressed gratitude to be a part of the project.

Ayanna Jean-Baptiste from the Guyana Goldfields Inc. (Aurora Goldmines Inc.) said her organization was happy to be a part of this historic event.

Jason Wong, representing the Association of Chinese Business Enterprises, said: “This kind of charitable work deserves everyone’s respect and aid.”

And Mohamed Raffik, of Raffik & Sons Contractors, who provided machinery and equipment,

spoke of his delight at the completion of the project, in which his company became involved from the initial stages several years ago.

Also speaking at the commissioning ceremony were Malcolm Harripaul of the Ministry of the Presidency; Pat Habibullah (Aunty Pat); and Terry Gajraj, who also provided some musical entertainment.

11

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Scenes from Emancipation Day c

This striking multiracial couple did not miss out on yesterday’s Emancipation Day celebrations (photo by Adrian Narine) Conkie anyone? Andrea Bino displays her array of the tasty condiment

That’s a wrap! Fashion designer Natasha David was offering head wraps at her booth Monday at the National Park

A patron checks out some of the displays at a booth

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 2, 2016

celebrations at the National Park

Traffic officer Constable George in his African Dashiki robe

A well-co-ordinated family ensemble

Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources Simona Broomes ( left) was also out enjoying the celebrations yesterday

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Cooperate, don’t confront - President Granger urges municipalities and regional councils

By Svetlana Marshall PRESIDENT David Granger is calling on the municipalities and regional councils to foster an environment of cooperation, rather than confrontation.

Since hosting of the historic Local Government Elections on March 18 this year, the Georgetown Mayor and City Council and the Region Five Democratic Council (RDC) have been marred by internal conflicts.

There appears to be a struggle for power ongoing between

City Mayor Patricia Chase Green and Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan. The division between the two, who represent the political alliance APNU+AFC, became visible with the announcement of the controversial parking meter project.

CONSULTATION Amid this internal bickering, the President is calling on local and regional leaders to unite.

“Cooperation, rather than confrontation; I think that is the

political culture that we are trying to instill and inculcate in Guyana. I lead a six-party coalition; it is based on consultation, it is based on cooperation, and the mood should permeate these councils,” President Granger said as he addressed the issue on his weekly televised show, Public Interest.

Just days ago, the President called on the Georgetown Mayor and City CounPresident cil to engage the citizens of David Granger Georgetown in consultation on critical matters, and advised them to avoid the escalation of an adversarial relationship between the council and the people.

The President made these comments even as he pledged not to interfere in the work of any of the councils across Guyana.

“Georgetown is a national capital, and not just any other municipality. It is the capital of the entire state, and there needs to be responsiveness on the part of the council to the central government’s interest [and] the national interest. I actually advised that every member of the council was responsible for a particular constituency, and they should visit their constituencies…

“My own view is that there should be greater consultation.

That is the message I had felt that I had transmitted to the mayor and councillors: that, in everything they did, they need to be assured of not necessarily compliance, but consultation with the stakeholders, whether it is the vendors or other people…,” the President had said.

He said that while it is understood that some changes are necessary for the development of the capital city and the lives of the residents, it is also imperative that consultations be held, so that citizens feel included, and their opinions taken into consideration.

“Vending is a legitimate economic activity, and if there needs to be changes in accordance with sanitary rules or safety rules, there should be consultations and adequate preparations for the vendors. Similarly, in other matters, now the matter of the parking meters has arisen and the matter of container tax, I would urge the Mayor and City Council to embark on a consultative process,” he said, while emphasizing that he would not interfere in municipal processes.

President Granger also reminded councillors that the return of local democracy in Guyana, after an absence of more than two decades, means that their re-election to office is entirely dependent on their performance over the next two and a half years, not their personality or party affiliation; and, as such, this should take this into consideration in every decision they make.

President Granger had, in June, also paid a visit to the city council and called on councillors to unite.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 2, 2016

15

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 2, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 2, 2016

17

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 2, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 2, 2016

19

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 2, 2016

WADA defends timing of Russia Chase Academy Head delighted... report after IOC criticism

By Karolos Grohmann RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (Reuters) -The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) yesterday defended the publication date of a damning report on doping in Russia, a day after the International Olympic Committee blamed it for the uncertainty surrounding Russian athletes at the Rio de Janeiro Games.

WADA's independent report, compiled by law professor Richard McLaren, was published on July 18, outlining systematic statebacked doping in Russia and triggering a series of sanctions only days before the start of the Brazil Olympics on August 5.

"WADA’s Executive Committee ... supported Professor McLaren’s independent mandate, which was to obtain evidence as quickly as possible in the interest of clean athletes," WADA chief Craig Reedie said in a statement.

"While it is destabilising in the lead-up to the Games, it is obvious, given the se-

riousness of the revelations that he uncovered, that they had to be published and acted upon without delay."

As a result, only one Russian track and field athlete has been cleared to compete while dozens of other Russians from different sports are banned from the Rio Games due to doping sanctions they have received in the past.

More than 250 Russian athletes from an original team of 387 have been cleared to compete but still await the green light this week from a three-member IOC panel that has the final say.

The IOC on Sunday said it was not responsible for this uncertainty, putting the blame squarely on WADA and its July release of the McLaren report.

"We are not responsible for the timing of the McLaren report, or for the fact different information that was offered to WADA a couple of years ago was not followed up," said IOC president Thomas Bach.

"We are not responsible for the supervision of doping

From back page

WADA chief Craig Reedie

IOC president Thomas Bach

laboratories. The IOC cannot be made responsible for the timing of the incidents we have to face now, a couple of days before the Games."

WADA had received information from whistleblowers a few years ago but did not act quickly.

This is not the first discord between the IOC and WADA even though Reedie is also a long-time IOC member.

WADA had demanded a blanket ban on Russian

athletes in Rio following the McLaren report. The call was supported by several national anti-doping agencies in the United States, Canada and Germany among others as well as by some athletes groups.

But the IOC allowed Russian athletes with spotless doping records and sufficient international drugs tests to compete, saying it would be unfair to punish clean athletes along with cheats.

Australia coach Lehmann extends contract to 2019 (REUTERS) - Darren Lehmann has extended his contact as Australia's head coach until 2019 to cover the World Cup and the Ashes series in England that year, the country's cricket board (CA) said yesterday.

The 46-year-old former left-handed batsman took on the role on the eve of the 2013 Ashes and despite losing 3-0 in England, he went on to guide the team to series wins over South Africa, England, India, New Zealand and West Indies.

He also won the 2015 World Cup on home soil with Australia, who currently top the ICC rankings in both Test and One-day international cricket.

Lehmann's contract was due to expire in June 2017.

"I am incredibly grateful for the support and faith the Cricket Australia Board and the players have put in me," Lehmann said in a statement from CA. "I absolutely love doing this job and as far as I am concerned, it is the best job in the world.

Australia cricket coach Darren Lehmann

"There is still a lot I would like to achieve in the time I have left and we have a lot of hard work ahead of us, especially with an upcoming Test series

in India and a home Ashes series.

"I don't just see my job as winning games of cricket. It's about continuing to grow the game from the grassroots up in Australia, and helping to grow the game worldwide."

Australia are trailing 1-0 in a threeTest series in Sri Lanka and face a daunting four-match series in India next year.

Cricket Australia said the contract extension would lend stability to the team leading into 2019.

"We wanted certainty and stability for the playing group with both the coach and assistant coach contracted as we build towards the Ashes series and the 2019 World Cup," said CA executive general manager Pat Howard.

"Darren has had great success in the role and he and the national selection panel deserve a huge amount of credit for taking a relatively young side to number one in the world in two of the three formats."

ticular football, ”We now hold the enviable distinction of being the first school to, simultaneously, hold the two major schools football titles - Milo Schools U-20 and Digicel Schools U-18 - and this is just four years after introducing the sport in the school. We have also won this year’s schools cricket and provided several athletes for the Junior CARIFTA team. They call us a sports school and we don’t mind.”

Chase also paid special mention of the input of coach Mills. “The coach did a fantastic job and was more than instrumental in guiding the side.”

The 1-0 victory was sweet revenge for last year’s loss at the same stage and ended the 4-year unbeaten run in the competition’s history by the Wismar/Christianburg Secondary and only their second defeat. Their

other conquerors being GTI who dismissed them in the inaugural final in 2011.

Chase is of the view that the time is ripe to explore other avenues in order to offer a better sports curriculum for schools, ”I think the time has come for us to seek help to structure comprehensive and developmental programmes for sports in schools.

“For example, go to Jamaica and see how it’s done and why they have been successful. We need technical expertise in each of the Regions so as to help nurture and hone talents. We should also explore getting scholarships for talented athletes to attend high schools in Jamaica where there are high quality programmes.”

Chase is of the strong view that Sports in schools need urgent attention and people who have a passion for sports.

SCOREBOARD WEST INDIES 1st innings 196 (J. Blackwood 62; R. Ashwin 5-52) India 1st innings (Overnight: 358-5) L. Rahul c Dowrich b Gabriel 158 S. Dhawan c Da. Bravo b Chase 27 C. Pujara run out (Chase) 46 V. Kohli c Chandrika b Chase 44 A. Rahane not out 108 R. Ashwin lbw b Bishoo 3 W. Saha lbw b Holder 47 A. Mishra c Chandrika b Chase 21 M. Shami b Chase 0 U. Yadav c Holder b Chase 19 Extras (b-8 lb-3 nb-10 w-6) 27 Total (for 9 wickets declared, 171.1 overs) 500 Fall of wickets: 1-87 S. Dhawan,2-208 C. Pujara,3-277 L. Rahul,4-310 V. Kohli,5-327 R. Ashwin,6-425 W. Saha,7-458 A. Mishra,8-458 M. Shami,9-500 U. Yadav Did not bat: I. Sharma Bowling: S. Gabriel 28 - 8 - 62 - 1(nb-7), M. Cummins 26.4 - 4 - 87 - 0(w-1), J. Holder 34.2 - 12 - 72 - 1(nb-2 w-1), R. Chase 36.1 - 4 - 121 – 5, D. Bishoo 35 - 5 - 107 – 1, K. Brathwaite 11 - 0 - 40 – 0.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Tuesday November 03, 2015) COMPLIMENTS OF: THE TROPHY STALL Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE 176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Zouks/Warriors/Tallawahs (2) Ronsford Beaton (Knight Riders)

Today’s Quiz: Who is the first Warriors player to win the Man of the Match Award in Hero CPL 2016?

(2) How many runs Hashim Amla scored in Hero CPL 2016?

(1)

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Kapil tips Kohli to break Brian Lara’s 400-run record INDIA legend Kapil Dev has tipped Virat Kohli to break West Indian cricketer Brian Lara's record of scoring 400 runs in a Test.

Kohli. who is the captain of India's Test team, recently scored his maiden double ton, when he smashed 200 against West Indies during their innings and 92-run win at Antigua.

Lara, who is one of the greatest batsmen in cricketing history, holds the world record for the highest individual score by a batsman, scoring 400* against England in 2004.

Dev, who is regarded as

Virat Kohli

one the greatest all-rounders of the game, led India to the 1983 World Cup win. He feels that if there is one per-

son who can break the record then it is the current Indian Test skipper.

"Mark my words. Virat Kohli will make 400 runs in a Test match. Remember I said this first. There has been tremendous improvement in Kohli.

Still I would say, at his age Sachin Tendulkar was more talented. But then he had that mental block. He would get to a hundred and then get into a rut. But Kohli is a type who will tear an attack apart," Kapil said as quoted by zeenews.

"With so many Test matches coming up this sea-

son (India will play 17 this season), I am sure Kohli will find the perfect pitch on which he could threaten the world record 401.

I know many pitches will be turners in the home season, but I am sure Kohli will get one or two perfect pitches. I am sure one day soon the record will be in danger," he added.

Kohli, who is 27 years old, has played 42 Test matches so far, scoring 3 194 runs at an average of 46.28 with 12 centuries to his name with a top score of 200.

2016 Junior Caribbean cycle championships

Local cyclists made to suffer in humid conditions in St Lucia IN the absence of someone to feed them with water and power drink/bar in humid conditions at the 2016 Junior Caribbean Cycling Championships in St Lucia over the past weekend, Guyana’s junior cyclists suffered throughout the 87.6km cycle road race on Sunday.

According to reports, from a field of 50 starters, only 37 cyclists from 20 countries completed the event which was held around a 12.4km circuit on Vieux Fort, Laborie Highway in St Lucia and comprised seven laps, totalling 87.4km.

Among the 37 finishers were Guyana’s four representatives in Christopher Cornelius who placed 16th in a time of two hours 21 minutes 32.69 seconds (2:21:32.69). Andrew Hicks finished 18th (2:21:89.46), Raphael Leung placed 19th (2:21:48.28) and Jornel Yearwood ended 28th (2:21:55.42).

The report went on to state that Yearwood was well positioned in the main pack of five, but because he was not being fed with water on a humid afternoon he started to cramp and was eventually sucked in and dropped by his rivals.

From information received, Cornelius, Leung and Hicks tried to protect Yearwood by keeping the main chasing pack under control, but that tactic failed as the three Guyanese in the chasing pack also had a hydration problem as there was no one to feed them despite there being the presence of neutral feeders on motorcycles, whose job it was to feed all cyclists regardless of which team

cles, the bottles when replenished were given to other cyclists.

The event was eventually won by Phaeton Collins (2:18:53.36) of Guadeloupe. Second was Martinique’s Jordan Plumbert (2:18:53.71).

One day earlier (Saturday) Collins had won the bronze medal in the time trial, while Plumbert was 11th.

Meanwhile, Guyana’s lone competitor in the five-lap race for juveniles, Zaman Khan on debut to the Regional competition placed 31st of 34 competitors. Khan was timed at 1:58:02.97.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Jabari Whiteman won the event in 1:41:01.83, while Sebastian Arcade of Martinique finished second in 1:41:01.83.

Arthur calls for return of Pakistan 'warriors' at Edgbaston MICKEY Arthur has demanded the return of Pakistan's Lord's "warriors" for the third Test against England at Edgbaston.

Pakistan secured a 75run victory at the Home of Cricket in the first of the four-match series, but were outplayed in all departments by the home side in the second contest at Old Trafford as England secured a 330-run win to level at 1-1.

The series now reaches a crucial juncture in Birmingham and Pakistan coach Arthur has called on his side to show a marked improvement after their capitulation in Manchester.

"We're going to have to raise our game considerably from Old Trafford, without a doubt," said Arthur ahead of the start of the third Test tomorrow.

"I was really disappointed with our performance at Old Trafford - really disappointed with the way we lost there.

"There are credible losses, and there are losses when you lie down and are steamrollered - Old Trafford was clearly that.

"I told the guys I thought we were warriors at Lord's.

We were completely the opposite at Old Trafford.

"We're doing everything we can to get us back on the right track, and I'm 100 per cent (sure) we will become the first ball tomorrow.

"We had some good, hard conversations around our performance. We were outstanding at Lord's, and very poor at Manchester. That's clearly not what we want.

We want to get the gap between good and bad a little bit closer."

Captain Alastair Cook

12:30 hrs Cape Shirt

Raphael Leung

they are representing.

The report pointed out that Guyana’s team coach Randolph Roberts fell ill with a headache and could not have been on hand to assist, while the team’s manager Marc Sonoram was mobile, but in a car provided by the St Lucian authorities and was not allowed to feed from the vehicle.

The report stated that even though the Guyanese wheelsmen handed their water bottles to the feeders on motorcy-

South Africa Racing Tips Durbanville 08:45 hrs Cardinal Call 09:20 hrs Shishangeni 09:55 hrs Captain Splendid 10:35 hrs Prince Of Eden English Racing Tips Salisbury 09:00 hrs Star Maker 09:30 hrs Plant Pot Power 10:00 hrs Poole Belle 10:30 hrs Labyrinth 11:00 hrs Ettie Hart 11:30 hrs Prince Of Cardamom 12:00 hrs Hereawi

Catterick 09:15 hrs Glitter Girl 09:45 hrs Gold Merlion 10:15 hrs Compton River 10:45 hrs Ingleby Hollow 11:15 hrs More Beau 11:45 hrs Silver Shuffle 12:15 hrs Coquine 12:45 hrs Baby Ballerina Nottingham 12:35 hrs Singing Sands 13:05 hrs Dream On Dreamer 13:35 hrs Straw Hat 14:05 hrs Lajatico 14:35 hrs Balance 15:05 hrs Arithmetic 15:35 hrs Midnight Mood

Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur

and Joe Root were in particularly fine form for England in Manchester, the duo putting on a century stand in both innings.

But Arthur suggested England are still vulnerable further down the order, and he wants to see Pakistan do more damage against the likes of James Vince and Gary Ballance, whose place in the Test team remains under threat.

"We see them (Cook and Root) as fundamental to England's batting," he added.

"I'm not discounting (Alex) Hales, but clearly Cook and Root are the beacon of England's batting at the moment.

"Vince and Ballance are quality players. But at this level confidence is such an important thing. They clearly know when they walk out to bat that they are playing for their Test places.

"So that provides another level of pressure. It's not just the opposition running in and bowling a cricket ball at you.

Suddenly that pressure is intensified as they're playing for their places as well.

"We feel if we can get into them with the new ball we've got a real good chance."

Irish Racing Tips Roscommon 12:40 hrs Birthplace 13:10 hrs Hallmark 13:40 hrs Echo Lady 14:10 hrs Jack Slade 14:40 hrs Italian Riviera 15:10 hrs Havana Dancer 15:40 hrs Chapelier American Racing Tips Philadelphia Park Race 1 Hooded Race 2 Sweet Galore Race 3 Mr. Jenney Race 4 Way to the Bank Race 5 Giroux Race 6 Super Fund Race 7 Chavanes Race 8 Tizcano Race 9 Dani’s Storm

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Rio opening ceremony to break with opulent traditions

By Karolos Grohmann

RIO DE JANEIRO, (Reuters)-The Rio de Janeiro Olympics opening ceremony on Friday will break with the recent tradition of large-scale and expensive shows, featuring a low-emissions cauldron and an "analogue" experience, executive producer Marco Balich said yesterday.

With four days to go until the first Games in South America get under way, Balich told Reuters the show at the Maracana stadium was tailored to the current economic conditions in the country.

An aerial view shows the Christ the Redeemer statue with the Maracana stadium, where the opening cermony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games will be held, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Reuters/Ricardo Moraes/Files)

"This is not an opulent event given the situation in Brazil," said Balich, who has

been involved in several past Games ceremonies, including the 2014 Sochi Winter

Olympics.

Brazil is suffering its worst recession since the 1930s with Games organisers struggling for cash and racing to finish venues and infrastructure projects days before the global showpiece event starts.

"It does not have the grandiosity of Beijing, the huge special effects of Athens, the eccentricity and technological skills of London.

It is an analogue opening ceremony," Balich said.

The show, expected to cost about half the $42 million spent by London in 2012, is based on the themes of sustainability, the Brazilian smile and "gambiarra", the ability to keep functioning with makeshift fixes.

"Brazil has the last big garden (the Amazon rainfor-

est) of the world. We need to take care of this garden and we tried to share this message, a message of hope," Balich said.

"It is a very contemporary ceremony. Even without special effects it talks to people about the future. In a very humble way. It is not a display of how good or modern Brazil is."

Opening ceremonies are among the best-kept secrets of the Games along with the final torchbearer who will light the cauldron.

That cauldron, however, will not be like past big structures with huge flames, visible for miles.

"It will be a low-emission cauldron as it would be an oxymoron to talk about sustainability and then burn massive amounts of gas,"

Balich said.

"It is a small burner with a kinetic sculpture."

While the real flame will only be accessible for Olympic stadium ticket holders, a smaller copy will be placed in a live site in central Rio for fans to take photos of.

Some 4,800 people will take part in the opening ceremony along with about 11,000 athletes, who will enter the stadium and, due to the lack of a track, will gather at the centre of the legendary football arena.

"The ceremony has a purpose," Balich said.

"Talking in a positive way in terms of sustainability.

Doing a dry celebration is not enough. The fact that we are taking position might not make everyone happy but that's what it is."

Leewards-Under19s trounce TT-Under19s snatch points against Windwards Guyana by six wickets Stories by Brij Parasnath REIGNING WICB Under-19 champs Guyana put up the most pathetic batting display in their first innings of their second round encounter against Leeward Islands. They were blown away for a paltry 42 and although they put up a gutsy display in the second, their efforts were not enough to stave off defeat by six wickets at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex in Kingstown, St Vincent and Grenadines yesterday.

In less than two days, Leewards have surprised everyone and moved ahead atop the standings with two consecutive victories after they had registered a sensational come-from-behind win over Windward Islands in their first round clash.

Scores: Guyana 42 (14.1 overs) and 162 (56.1 overs), Leewards 153 (65.5 overs) and 57 for 4 (22.2 overs).

For any team to be bowled out for a scoreline just above 100 runs is considered a failure but to be demolished for 42 in just 14.1 overs is totally unacceptable and is considered an undisciplined batting display by a team that comprises so many players who tasted success for the two consecutive years in 2014 and 2015 when Guyana celebrated as WICB Regional Under-19 back-toback champions.

At the close of play on

the first day, Leewards were 132 for the loss of seven wickets and had already established a lead of 90 runs which helped them to maintain the upper hand despite Guyana’s valiant fightback in the second innings.

Leewards closed their first innings at 153 in 65.5 overs yesterday with Camron Pennyfeather 48, Ross Powell 26, Tyrone Williams 17 and Mrinal Wadwha 15 being the main run-getters while Kheshram Seyhodan (19.5-732-6), skipper Paul (9-2-261) and Akenie Adams (18-534-2) and Malcolm Hubbard were Guyana’s successful bowlers.

Guyana lost two early wickets with Raymond Perez and Joshua Persaud dismissed for three (12 balls) and 0 (2 balls) respectively with only nine runs on the board after 4.1 overs.

Sharfane Rutherford carried the fight to the opposition with attacking shots and re-energised the Guyanese team.

He raced to 40 with four massive sixes and three fours off 31 balls before he departed at 61 (14.1 overs). He offered a catch to Javy Benjamin off Daniel Doram who struck a crucial double blow when he outfoxed skipper Keemo Paul with the very next ball and the Guyanese skipper walked away with a golden duck.

At 61 for 4 after 14.2 overs and eleven runs later,

opener Ronaldo Renee 20 (2x4, off 65 balls), who had shared a 52-run third-wicket partnership with Rutherford, was caught by Doram off Kofi James who prised out Akenie Adams (1 run, 10 balls) two balls later. Soon the score was 107 for 8 but national Under-17 captain Bhaskar Yadram fought doggedly and found a useful partner in Malcolm Hubbard who played sensibly and they cleared the 111-run deficit and provided some hope for a big recovery.

Together they fashioned a 55-run ninth-wicket stand that pushed the total to 162 when both Hubbard 35 (5x4, off 48 balls) and Yadram 37 (5x4, off 97 balls) were dismissed in quick succession and closed the innings after 56.1 overs.

Leewards lost three wickets for 17 runs but Kofi James 22 not out (2x6, and 1x4 off 58 balls) piloted them home to a comfortable six-wicket victory with more than a day and an hour to spare.

It was the most embarrassing defeat for Guyana against Leewards who will now fancy their chances to win the Regional Under-19 crown with the two victories secured in the first two rounds and only one more round to play before the start of the 50-overs tournament.

Paul (4-3-3-1), Rutherford (3-0-6-1) and Seyhodan (8-2-23-1) shared the Leewards’ wickets.

....Barbados set for outright win against Jamaica

Solid contributions from vice-captain Saiba Battoosingh (45 not out), Keagan Simmons (55), Dejourn Charles (40), skipper Kirstan Kallicharan (20) and Jonathan Bootan (27) enabled Trinidad and Tobago Under19s to secure first innings points in a gripping second round match against Windward Islands at the Park Hill playing field, St Vincent & Grenadines yesterday.

Having resumed at 70 runs for 4 wickets on their overnight position on the first day, Windward Islands posted 204 (57.1 overs) in their first innings while Trinidad and Tobago closed the second day’s play at 212 for 9 in 66 overs.

The fortunes fluctuated with Trinidad and Tobago gaining the upper-hand in the final stages after Windwards

number eight Othneil James produced a hurricane 82 that was embellished with eight mighty sixes and four fours off 53 balls and threatened to give his team a very challenging total after they were struggling at 128 for 8.

James and Darron Nedd (8 not out) featured in an 83-run ninth wicket stand provided much impetus to the Windwards team. Off-spinner Jonathan Bootan finished with four wickets for 31 runs and was supported by skipper Kallicharan (3 for 31) and quickie Jarlanie Seales (2 for 56).

T&T’s openers Keagan Simmons and Charles set the stage for the charge for first innings points with an enterprising 87-run stand for the first wicket. But they were in dire straits after they lost five wickets for an addition of 45 runs in 25.5 overs.

Charles 40 (1x6 and 5x4s off 47 balls) was first to go followed by Cephas Cooper who played cautiously and faced 16 balls before he was caught off Othneil Lewis for three runs to make it 94 for 2. Simmons (hit six fours off 101 balls for his 55) was dismissed at 112 while Kallicharan 20 (2x4s off 56 balls) and Bootan 27 (2x6s and 1x4 off 24 balls) shared useful

partnerships with Battoosingh who played responsibly and rallied the lower order to overhaul Windwards total.

In his undefeated knock, Batoosingh stroked four fours off 99 balls but more importantly he got the T&T team ahead of their opponents.

In the other match, Barbados took first innings points and is in strong position to push for outright victory against Jamaica at Sion Hill playing field.

Set a victory target of 178 runs, Jamaica lost two quick wickets for one run in their second innings and faces an uphill task to avoid defeat unless their other batsmen produce something special.

Scores at Soon Hill: Barbados 149 all out in 63.1 overs (Nicholas Kirton 42, Yvan Grant 24, Shem Watson 28, Joshua Bishop 30; Michael Frew 4 for 62, Brad Barnes 3 for 18, Andre Bailey 2 for 6) and 153 all out in 48.3 overs (Kirton 59, Kilano Brathwaite 22, Jeavor Royal 3 for 30, Frew 2 for 41, Barnes 2 for 32 and Javelle Green 2 for 23) versus Jamaica 125 all out in 55 overs (Jordane Hill 38, Barnes 25; Joshua Bishop 6 for 53, Dante Niles 2 for 25) and 1 run for 2 wickets in 2 overs.

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Coach Mills lauds clinical Chase … Back to the drawing board for Christianburg/Wismar

By Stephan Sookram TWENTY-FOUR hours after winning their inaugural Digicel National Schools Football Championships, Chase Academic Foundation’s head coach Vurlon Mills has lauded his side’s temperament during that tense final.

Chase, who won 1-0 through a Job Caesar’s free kick and ended the dynasty of four-time champions Christianburg/Wismar Secondary, stuck to their game plan according to Mills.

“This year they came out and everything that we had practised and everything that we have done throughout the season, we have seen it come to pass in the final. I think we stuck to our game plan in terms of how we were to play and the players executed that very well,” he said.

“Christianburg were the

Chase’s Kelsey Benjamin shrugs off a challenge from a Wismar/Christianburg player en route to his side’s Championship win. (Adrian Narine photo)

team to beat after winning it four times, in six finals,” the National player and coach continued while noting that

having followed the opposition’s progress, Sunday’s final was their best in the tournament.

He had words of encouragement for the lads of the Linden-based school, saying “Keep your heads up, keep

encouraging yourselves, keep (being) disciplined because there are some very good young talents in Christianburg. So stay together as a team and next year come stronger again.”

Captain of the Chase side, Jeremy Garrett spoke on behalf his charges saying, “It’s a great feeling winning this title today. The team came out, the guys played hard.

I really want to express my gratitude to my teammates.

Really and truly, I love how these guys played today and they encourage me to play again for Chase next year.”

“This win puts me ahead greatly (in my football career), said Job Caesar who scored the winning goal.

BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD FOR CHRISTIANBURG/ WISMAR Meanwhile the defeated four-time champions Christianburg/Wismar Secondary

are already in ‘analysis’ mode in an attempt to better their 2017 tournament campaign.

Coach Dellon Peters confirmed, “This is we now going back to the drawing board and trying to work things out and better things next year. Bettering it meaning winning the championship again because we made it to final six consecutive years and that’s unprecedented in all parts of the country and probably the Caribbean.”

He contended, however, that the foul which caused the free kick for the winning goal, was not in fact a foul but nonetheless he respected the referee’s decision.

“We love football, the school is a football-oriented school,” the coach admitted and they will return stronger in the next instalment.

GDF retain Andrew Lewis Guyana Olympic swim National Novices boxing title contingent departs for Rio … Republican Gym’s Joshua Joseph named Best Boxer AFTER accumulating the most points in three nights of boxing, defending champions Guyana Defence Force emerged winners of the second edition of the Guyana Boxing Association’s (GBA) Andrew Lewis National Novices Boxing Championships which concluded on Sunday evening at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

Though the GDF retained the Best Gym award,, the Republican Gym (REP) continued to show progress in the fistic art, as their welterweight boxer Joshua Joseph was adjudged the tournament’s Best Boxer, following a win in the semi-finals over his gym mate Bobby Hou-yen and an impressive knockout victory over Mark Blake (GDF) in Sunday night’s final.

The Republican Gym, following impressive wins and being runners-up in a number of weight divisions, were subsequently pronounced Runner-up Gym.

Youth boxer Duel Augustine of the Pocket Rocket Boxing Gym (PRBG) punched his way to a unanimous verdict over Michael Edwards of the Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF) and was eventually adjudged the Best Boxer in his category, while Akea Lamaizon (PRBG) turned in a brilliant performance to defeat Shonette McFarlane (GDF) in a female contest after the referee halted their 64kg bout at two minutes of the second round.

Rose Hall Jammers’ bantamweight boxer Julius Kesney also turned in an remarkable performance that earned him a TKO victory over John Phillips (GDF).

The boxers were engaged in a fair exchange during the initial stage of the bout until Kesney backed up his man in the blue corner and landed several jabs and crosses in both first and second rounds, connecting with a four-punch combination and after an eight-count, the referee quite wisely stopped

the contest at 44 secs into the second stanza.

In other results, Don Cumberbatch (GDF) scored a unanimous decision over his gym mate, Reez Jahurali to win the flyweight title while Jamal Brisport (GDF) outpunched his gym mate Triston Browne to be crowned the lightweight champion.

Colin Hinds (GDF) won his junior welterweight bout against his gym mate. Leon Semple while the middleweight champion is Geraldo Phillips (REP) who defeated Joshua Fraser (GDF).

Renaldo Niles was also in winners’ row and won the light heavyweight title on points from his gym mate, Marvin Williams. Brian Leitch (REP) then won his heavyweight bout on points over Ryan Roberts before the super heavyweight bout between Floyd Cato (GDF) and his gym mate, Renee Lewis, ended in a technical knockout in favour of Cato at 1:37 secs of the final round.

L-R Paul Mahaica, Jamila Sanmoogan and Hannibal Gaskin

GUYANA’S swim contingent departed for the 2016 Rio Olympics in Brazil yesterday. The contingent consists of Guyana national swimmers Jamila Sanmoogan, Hannibal Gaskin and Dolphin Swim Club coach Paul Mahaica.

Mahaica is a representative of the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA).

The two swimmers Sanmoogan and Gaskin did not qualify for the games but are going to the games with entries times slower than the qualifying mark.

The pair, however, are attending the games based on the universality places afforded by Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA); the governing body of swimming worldwide.

The universality place is a system, where a country’s swimmers who do not qualify for the Olympics with the required times can be sent to represent the country upon selection by their Olympic Association.

Hannibal and Jamila will be looking to take down their best times and make it to the semi-finals.

GASA president Ivan Persaud noted that they are the best swimmers in the country.

“Both Hannibal and Jamila had been highlighted since last year and the recent training of both swimmers with Jamila in Colombia and Hannibal in Ohio was in light of the Olympics,” stated Persaud.

After the Olympics, Jamila will return to Colombia to resume her swimming scholarship at the University of Sports in Cali, while Hannibal will return to Guyana.

Rain gives West Indies lifeline after Rahane century

Ajinkya Rahane struck his fifth Test century away from home and helped take India's lead over 300.

Scoreboard on page 20

›››

Roston Chase leads his team off the ground, after he picked up his first five-wicket haul.

(REUTERS)-The weather gods gave West Indies a lifeline in their quest to avoid defeat in the second Test against India when rain washed out the final session of day three in Kingston, Jamaica yesterday.

India built a first-innings lead of 304 runs before captain Virat Kohli declared at 500 for nine just before tea as light rain fell at Sabina Park.

But the showers persisted and the India bowlers did not get a chance to have a crack at the West

Indies top order.

Play is scheduled to resume 30 minutes early today at 9.30hrs local time (1430 GMT), but the forecast is for more rain, with a tropical wave heading towards the island.

India lead the four-Test series after winning the first match in Antigua last week.

Ajinkya Rahane scored his seventh Test century, and the third in four innings, compiling an unbeaten 108 off 237 balls. He made 127 and 100 not out against South Africa in

Delhi in December.

Rahane brought up his century with a somewhat lucky boundary when he edged off-spinner Roston Chase between the wicketkeeper and first slip.

"Everyone expected at some point he would up the tempo a bit, but he just played his natural role," said retired West Indies batting great Viv Richards of Rahane.

"It was a perfect example of what this guy is all about where batsmanship is concerned."

Richards added that although Rahane batted mostly conservatively, a towering six over cover demonstrated the quality to switch gears when necessary.

"That's a class shot. When he needs to up the tempo, he certainly looks like he does have the quality to get that done."

The West Indies bowlers stuck to their task well, keeping the India batsmen subdued for long periods.

It took the visitors 171 overs to compile their mammoth total as

they scored at less than three runs per over.

Chase (5-121) returned the best figures and was on a hat-trick after dismissing Amit Mishra (caught bat-pad for 21) and Mohammed Shami for a golden duck.

Captain Jason Holder got little reward for his efforts, conceding only 72 runs from 34.2 lively overs.He picked up only one wicket, his first of the series, when he trapped Wriddhiman Saha lbw for 47.

Chase Academy Head delighted, but calls for support By: Ras Wadada DIRECTOR/Principal of 2016 Digicel U-18 Schools Knockout Champions, Chase Academy, is delighted at the school’s success but is urging the support of Guyana so as to continue providing opportunities for less fortunate students.

“I am extremely happy and want to first give thanks to God without whose blessings this would not have been possible.

“Next I want to thank coach Vurlon Mills, the players and supporters

for their input throughout. I was always confident of the team winning this year since we had the better combination and the champions were much weaker than last year.

“What I am proud of is that 90 percent of our team is from underprivileged homes and thankfully Chase Academy offered them a second opportunity and they have delivered.

“Too often in our society these kids are cast aside with little hope for the future and more than often they fall prey to the ills of society.

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

“I am truly delighted at the victory but would welcome any Government or non-Governmental support to help sustain the school’s programmes,” explained Henry Chase.

“There is no other private school that does what we do at Chase for underprivileged kids. We have no source of assistance and how much longer I can continue only God knows,” Chase exclaimed.

Speaking to Chronicle Sport, the morning after Sunday night’s win, Chase boasted about the school’s continued success in sports, in parTurn to page 20 ►

TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2016