Mounted police deployed in Black Bush Polder Page 12
The future of sugar No. 104723
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2016
Price: $80
(VAT Inclusive)
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-Cabinet gets brief on current status of GuySuCo’s operations Bartica massacre trial…
Second man 4 pleads guilty to manslaughter Billions needed to fix housing 9 Page
‘Stop abusing your wives’ Page
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…estimated cost for 10,000 duplexes pegged at $100B
Young father found dead 19 on roadway Page
Leguan gets 22 paved roads for first time ... Lewis tells soldiers Page
A soldier carries the flag of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) while other ranks march along during a church service to mark the 51st Anniversary of the GDF on Tuesday. Brigadier George could be seen at right in the front row (GDF photo)
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 2, 2016
Lewis to soldiers: ‘Stop abusing your wives’
NEW Chief-of-staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier, George Lewis on Tuesday told his charges that the force must be a credit to this nation and that their every act must be above reproach, even as he railed against spousal and other forms of domestic abuse by the men and women in uniform. Lewis made the remarks in his first address as the military chief at the GDF’s 51 Anniversary, which was marked with a church service held at its headquarters, Camp Ayanganna. “We must remember that this is an honourable profession, one which others in the wider society look to for guidance. Consequently, our conduct must be honourable, at all times. No longer must we see ourselves because we are wearing uniforms as being above the law of this land. We must comply with those laws,” Lewis charged his officers and other ranks. “Officers and ranks who make the decision to break the laws of Guyana, who violate the Defence Regulation and who generally commit acts of civil disobedience must be prepared to face the consequences for their actions. Simply put if you commit the crime be prepared to face the penalty,” the army chief said. He reminded the soldiers that there are rules governing the usage of our roads and that they must follow
A section of the audience at the GDF’s 51st Anniversary church service on Tuesday them. “Stop speeding; stop refusing the instructions of the policemen and women. Stop abusing your spouses and children; stop stealing particularly cellular phones and generally stop your deviant behaviour since those acts bring the Force into disrepute,” Brigadier Lewis exhorted. He continued: ”my advice to all is to go and find that little green covered book called values and standards. Each one of us was issued with one. Study it from cover to cover and follow it slavishly and we will not go wrong.” The GDF had in the past attracted unsavoury characters and only late last year, 27-year-old Lance Corporal Aaron Eastman was charged, along with three others, for possession of arms and ammunition. Eastman and the three other men were, in December 2015, nabbed in
a car on Regent Street with a sawn-off shotgun and a revolver with matching ammunition. At time of the arrest, the soldier was illegally absent from work, having abandoned his post; and was driving around with suspicious characters. He was caught wearing an overcoat over his uniform, and was driving the car with a shotgun under the seat. The other weapon was found under the other front passenger seat. Eastman was enlisted in the GPF on April 10, 2006. WHAT KIND OF DEFENCE FORCE Lewis told the gathering that a key question which must asked and answered at this juncture of the military’s development is: “what kind of Defence Force do we intend to build for the future?”
“I believe we have to look far ahead into the future in order to determine our present actions as what we do today will influence our tomorrow. I see us developing into a Force that continues to enjoy the supreme confidence of the people of this country. By that I mean the mere mention of our name should engender respect from our citizens, civil society and that of the government. We must work to earn that respect through good conduct and professional behaviour.” The army chief said to determine if they will earn and continue to earn this respect, “we must first look at ourselves. We must look at the way we execute our duties, the values we uphold, the customs we practice and always strive for best practice. It was cases of ill-discipline that resulted in ranks being charged for traffic offences. It was cases of ill-discipline that resulted in spousal abuse and it was cases of integrity that caused
ranks to steal. I believe that the fundamental ingredient of discipline is regimentation. If we fail to regiment ourselves then by extension, we will contribute to serious ill-discipline in the Force. Therefore the reemphasising of regimentation and issues surrounding regimentation must be paramount.” COURT MARTIALS Brigadier Lewis said officers too often at Court Martials and summary trial of ranks discover that soldiers absconded because their commanders failed them by not listening and addressing their concerns. Why? Simply because they were too busy. Busy doing what I cannot say. I say to commanders, today, stop being busy looking after yourselves and start focusing on looking after your subordinates. It is not only our duty to do so but we are being paid to do so.” Lewis said the GDF needs to cultivate a more humanistic
command and management climate. “No longer can we only focus merely on the soldier within our military family but now, more than ever, we must focus and promote better relations with the families of our officers and ranks and between those families and ourselves. We must be convinced that strong families will produce a stronger Guyana Defence Force.” He said the family must also include civilian counterparts and veterans. “We must take better care of them. We must tell ourselves that it is our duty to put a human face to our military life and courageously turn from a male-centred organisation to one that is inclusive of our families. I did not get here without, firstly, the support of my deceased parents and later my wife and children. For they all made sacrifices for me. The same exist for each and every officers and ranks in this Force. So let us support the building of stronger families.” Tuesday’s event also coincided with National Defence Day, which was declared last year by President David Granger. Lewis used the occasion to thank those past and present members of the organisation “for your service, for choosing to lay down your lives for the protection of others in a similar way that Christ gave his life for our sins.” He urged soldiers to use the church service to do some reflection and introspection. “It a time when we must examine our past, deliberate on the present and chart our course for the future. We must ask ourselves, what does it mean to be 51 years old?” Lewis said he was truly honoured to be at the helm of the Guyana Defence Force at this significant juncture, but cautioned that with change, there is always the difficult task, for some, of adjusting to new management and leadership styles and oftentimes objectives. “Let me assure you that you have nothing to fear from the new leadership once you do your jobs professionally and make positive contributions towards the achievement of our mission.”
The future of sugar
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 2, 2016
-Cabinet gets brief on current status of GuySuCo’s operations
WITH its operations teetering due to a significant shortfall in production and revenues, members of the Board of Directors and management of GuySuCo briefed Cabinet on Tuesday on the current status of the corporation, which is seeking $18B to stay afloat next year. In a statement the Ministry of the Presidency said that members of the Board of Directors of the corporation Tuesday engaged President David Granger and Cabinet members on the current status of operations at the organisation, as well as future plans. Cabinet is being held at the Guyana Defence Force officers’ Mess to facilitate repair work at the Ministry of the Presidency. “Cabinet was treated to a full presentation by Chief Executive Officer of GuySuCo, Mr. Errol Hanoman and Chairman of the Board, Professor Clive Thomas. At the close of the presentation, President Granger said that the report will be thoroughly examined and discussed at Cabinet in an effort to make a determination on the industry, which will be beneficial to all concerned,” the MOTP statement said. The Stabroek News reported earlier this week that as of October 22, sugar production for the second crop was 70,574 tonnes, just over half of the revised target of 137,764 tonnes. The corporation experienced also a poor first crop of 56,821 tonnes- some 23,000 tonnes lower than its target of 80,270 tonnes. Only last week The National Assembly approved an additional $2B for the cash-strapped entity which
Members of the Board of Directors of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) engaged President David Granger and Cabinet members yesterday on the current status of operations at the organisation, as well as future plans has already received $9B in subventions for the year. The amount was listed on the third supplementary financial paper for the year, and was approved by the Committee of Supply after much debate. In 2015, the corporation had received $12B in subsidies from the government and after receiving $9B in this year’s budget, GuySuCo asked the government for an additional $3.5B. Of this amount, $2B was approved last Thursday evening in the House. The corporation has also projected a cash deficit in 2017 and will be seeking a cash injection of $18.5B for 2017 from the government if the status quo remains. How-
Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) Mr. Errol Hanoman, briefing Cabinet on the operations of the corporation ever, during consideration of the $2B, Opposition Member of Parliament, Needkumar,
requested Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder to detail the breakdown of the alloca-
tion. Holder explained that the said sum represents an additional subsidy to meet routine expenditure related to the production of the sugar second crop. The minister also explained that the $2B is an addition to the subsidies given to GuySuCo in the 2016 Budget, given the negative impacts of the El Nino phenomenon. Opposition MP, Komal Chand, also asked the minister to lay over in the House documentation detailing the breakdown of the $2B. According to the minister, the breakdown includes: $1.2B for wages, $160M for fuel, $464M for fertiliser and $176M for creditors, of which
$30M per week is going to private cane farmers. After listing the breakdown of how the $2B will be expended, the minister committed to making the documents available to the Opposition MP. The sum, which was included on a supplementary financial paper detailing expenditure of $9.5B, was then approved, unopposed, by the Committee of Supply. In September, GuySuco said it told the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union for the second time in exactly one month that it could not afford to pay increased wages, salaries and allowances for 2016.
Labourer committed for murder of Cuban national LAWRENCE Rowe, 37, of Parker Street, Providence has been committed to stand trial in the High Court for the murder of Cuban National, Joel Perez Laffita, whose body was found on the roadway at Providence, East Bank Demerara on March 8.
He appeared before city magistrate Leron Daly on Tuesday and was committed when the Preliminary Inquiry ended in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. The matter was prosecuted by Police Corporal Bharat Mangru. On April 5, Rowe appeared before Chief Mag-
istrate Ann McLennan and was charged for the indictable offence which alleged that he murdered Joel Perez Laffita during the course of a robbery. Laffita, 47, was discovered dead during the wee hours of March 8 on the Providence Public Road, and it was sus-
Lawrence Rowe
pected that he was shot during a robbery attempt. He had been last seen alive around 8.30pm on March 7 when he disembarked a ship which arrived from Trinidad and Tobago. Providence residents had recalled seeing a person, dressed
in a hoodie, riding up to Laffita moments after they heard the sound of a loud explosion, suspected to be a gunshot. The suspect then rode away. Laffita had in his possession a small quantity of cash, which was found intact.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 2, 2016
Burundi cyclists, motorists to pay for parking cycle, to $60 for a big lorry. Buses, the main mode of transport in the city of about five million people, would have to pay about $6 a month. T h e B B C ’s G i l d a s Yihundimpundu, in the city, says that many people fear that the fees will have a knock-on effect, and the prices of goods will rise. This is despite the fact that many residents battle to survive in a city where the
average salary of a working person is about $80, he adds. The European Union suspended direct financial aid to the government in March, saying it had not done enough to achieve stability. EU aid to Burundi for 2014-2020 was estimated to be $470M, according to the Reuters news agency. More than 400 people were killed, and 250,000 fled to neighbouring states
following Mr Nkurunziza’s decision in April 2015 to run for a third term. He won an election later that year, rejecting opposition claims that the poll had been rigged. Last month, the government said Burundi was pulling out of the International Criminal Court (ICC), six months after the court’s prosecutor said she would investigate violence in the country. (BBC)
Burundi cyclists protesting the proposed parking fees
CYCLISTS and motorists in Burundi’s capital, Bujumbura are being forced to pay parking fees for the first time. This is the latest move by the government to raise money, after Western donors cut aid to the poor Central
African state. They were angry with President Pierre Nkurunziza for deciding last year to extend his decade-long rule, and cracking down on protesters. The government has also scrapped free scholarships
for university students. It says they will have to repay tuition costs when they start working. In the terms of a directive issued by city officials, monthly parking fees in Bujumbura would range from around $2 (£1.60) for a bi-
Brazil grotto collapses, kills 10
- during All Saints’ Day mass A GROTTO has collapsed in Brazil, killing at least 10 people celebrating a religious event, police say. Part of the roof caved in at the Casa da Pedro grotto near the city of Santa Maria in Tocantins state in central Brazil. It was unclear what caused the incident.
About 50 worshippers were in the grotto at the time. At least four other people were injured. The worshippers were leaving candles, and praying to mark All Saints’ Day. Part of the roof collapsed suddenly, burying many of the worshippers
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and causing panic. Fire department’s Lt. Edvaldo Gomes Araujo told Associated Press that all the bodies and the injured had now been removed. Santa Maria is located about 1,200 miles (2,000km) north-west of Rio de Janeiro. (BBC)
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 2, 2016
Bartica massacre trial…
Second man pleads guilty to manslaughter By Michel Outridge CLEBERT Reece, called “Chi-Chi”, on Tuesday pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter for the 2008 Bartica Massacre before Justice Roxane George. In her opening address, State Prosecutor Diana Kaulesar told the court that on the day of the massacre, Reece, who faces 12 counts of murder, was forcefully recruited by one “Sad Man”. She said that it was because “Sad Man” phoned Reece and threatened to kill his family that he went into a car at East La Penitence with four men. The driver of the vehicle, she said, had a handgun, while the other men had AK-47 weapons. Kaulesar further told the court that the car took Reece to the Parika Bus Park, just off the Stabroek Market, where he met two men, with whom he travelled to Parika by bus. She related that when the accused got to Parika, he got a boat and the two men put two drums of gasoline on it; that done, he drove the boat from Parika to an old wharf at Tiger Bay, where he left it in the care of a woman and returned to his family. Kaulesar stated that after “Sad Man” called the accused again, he went with co-accused Dennis Williams to Tiger Bay, where he boarded the boat and
drove it to East Coast Demerara. Upon mooring the boat there, he was joined by seven men, and together they set off for Georgetown. That was on February 16, 2008. ENGINE TROUBLE But when the boat was in the vicinity of Eve Leary, the prosecutor told the court, the engine went dead, and “Sad Man”, probably thinking it was Reece’s fault, put an AK-47 to his back and began swearing at him. At that point, she said, another man, called “Magic”, told “Sad Man” to go easy on the accused, since they needed him to repair the engine. Kaulesar said that having repaired the boat’s engine, the accused took it to an island just before Bartica, where the seven men he’d picked up on the East Coast disembarked, while he went back to Tiger Bay. On arrival at Tiger Bay, she said, Reece met a man and a woman, and together they went and purchased food, after which they emptied the drums and bought more fuel. The State Prosecutor said that the man at reference, who was subsequently identified as “White Boy”, placed a big black bag in the boat, and when the tide rose, they set off for the island where the accused had dropped off the seven.
She said that on the way there, “White Boy” took out an AK-47, two soldier’s bullet proof vests, a .45 handgun and a soldier’s uniform. On arrival at the island, where “White Boy” was joined by his seven confederates, Kaulesar said, the boat again developed engine trouble, so they decided to rest there for the night. READY TO ROLL She told the court that at around 18:30hrs the next day (February 17, 2008), the group, armed to the teeth and dressed in army camouflage suits and uniforms, departed for Bartica. On arrival there, she said, the accused would remain on the boat with three other accomplices while the others disembarked. Soon after, he heard gunshots; and sometime thereafter, the men who’d gotten off the boat returned, carrying a pump-action gun, handguns and two safes. Kaulesar had told the court on Monday that in the presence of the accused, “Sad Man”, also known as “Fine Man”, had shot five men behind their heads on the Bartica Stelling. She’d said, too, that the accused had also heard that they had killed seven other persons. She said that after the incident, the accused drove the boat to Sherima, and after crossing, he moored
the boat, and the men placed the articles in a four-runner jeep while he poured gas into the boat and set it adrift. Kaulesar said they then travelled by land to a campsite, where the safes were opened and found to have contained money and several ounces of gold. She related that the accused and the other men were each given six ounces of gold; three months after, he made a run for it. CAUGHT! Kaulesar told the court that the day after he made his escape, he saw Dennis Williams and two friends, and together they went to buy food. The next day he was arrested in a car with a friend called “Randy”. He was picked out during an identification parade on May 27, 2008. He will return to the High Court before Justice Roxane George on December 16, 2016 for a probation report, followed by sentencing. The accused is being represented by defence attorney Madan Kissoon. Meanwhile, a 12-member jury was on Tuesday empanelled for the trial of three of the accused: Mark Royden, called ‘Durant Williams’; Dennis Williams, aka “Anaconda”; and Roger Simon, before Justice Roxane George. That trial starts today at 09:00hrs.
Procurement commission to meet on Thursday THE newly appointed members of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) will meet with the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Thursday to iron out administrative issues, according to the PAC Chairman Irfaan Ali. During that meeting it is expected that the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Commission will be elected to head the five member body which includes Emily Dodson, Carol Corbin, Sukrishnalall Pasha, Ivor Burnette English and Dr Nanda Gopaul. English is the former Head of the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD); Pasha served as chairman of the Small Business Council; Corbin was Programme Manager at Caricom Secretariat; Gopaul served as the Minister of Labour and Dodson is an experienced attorney–at-law. In an interview with Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday, Surkrishnalall confirmed that the meeting is set for Thursday. He said too that during the meeting at Public Buildings, it is likely that the location of the secretariat will be disclosed. The meeting will be held close to one week after President David Granger swore in the Commissioners at the Ministry of the Presidency. Article 212W of the Constitution of Guyana speaks to the establishment of the PPC aimed at monitoring public procurement and the procedure in order to ensure that the procurement of goods, services and execution of works are conducted in a fair, equitable, transparent competitive and cost-effective manner, according to the law and policy guidelines, as determined by the National Assembly. The Commission is an independent body which must consist of five members who are experienced and have the expertise in procurement, legal, financial and administrative matters. The aforesaid members were appointed by President Granger following nominations made by the Public Accounts Committee and approved by at least two-thirds of the elected members of the National Assembly. The operationalisation of the PPC will effectively end Cabinet’s role in the award of multi-million dollar contracts. The amended Constitution which paved the way for the PPC some 14 years ago, allows for the dismantling of the Bid Protest Committee and reducing the responsibilities of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board.
Teachers ready for ICT push THE One Laptop Per Teacher (OLPT) initiative is just another tier in Government’s push to contextualise and implement teachers’ professional development in Information Communication Technology (ICT) in education. ICT Coordinator in the Ministry of Education, Marcia Thomas, in a recent interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA), explained that teachers were, for years, being trained to use the laptop and to harness other ICT tools to effectively support high quality teaching and learning in schools. Today, therefore, when persons ask if teachers are
ready for the OLPT project, Thomas said, the answer is in the affirmative. “Yes! Because we have been doing continuous training of teachers, preparing them for this,” she said. Thomas explained that this training process started in 2009 with collaboration among the following entities: the ICT Unit in the Ministry of Education; the Commonwealth of Learning (COL); the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO); and Microsoft, the American Multinational Technology. The COL is an intergovernmental organisation created by Commonwealth
Heads of Government to promote the development and sharing of open learning and distance education knowledge, resources and technologies. When the Ministry first started the training, “people said that the teachers do not have computers, why are you bringing them to NCERD (National Center for Educational Resource Development) to train them in the laboratories?” Thomas explained. “But we were training then, waiting for this kind of project (One Laptop per Teacher) to happen,” she said. In 2009, recognising that the local teachers were not trained or up-to-date on the use of ICT, the Ministry
of Education contracted local experts in ICT from the University of Guyana (UG), and sought permission from Microsoft to use materials for them to create the first set of training manuals for the Basic Computer Literacy level. Once the manuals were completed, 23 master trainers were trained in the delivery of the content. These master trainers were senior IT teachers from the secondary level, with degrees in computer science from UG and a Trained Teachers’ Certificate from the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE). Thomas pointed out that these 23 trainers successfully conducted train-
ing of teachers in their respective regions, resulting in over 7,000 out of a targeted 12,000 teachers being trained in basic computer literacy. Thomas further explained that, in 2011, the Ministry embarked on the second tier of the training -- to deepen the knowledge of those that excelled in the first tier of training. The ICT Coordinator explained that 200 out of the original 7,000 teachers trained in the first tier were targeted in lessons that sought to integrate and apply ICT, such as PowerPoint, into the lessons in the classroom. The teachers were also trained to create apps, Thomas said.
These interventions have not only prepared the teachers for the OLPT project, but the concentrated effort has, over time, seen improvement in the Secondary School Examinations of ICT and Electronic Document Preparation Management (EDPM) move from just about 20 percent to approximately 85 percent. The master trainers are now involved in a master class to become ICT experts. Today, the ministry is seeking to build on the advantage gained in its ICT professional strategy for its teachers, and is now embarking on a third tier of professional training. (GINA)
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Editor-In-Chief
Nigel Williams Editor
Godfrey Wray
Editorial: 227-5216; 227-5204 guyanachronicle.com wnigel10@hotmail.com gnnleditorial@gmail.com
Editorial
Developing the economy in the regions GUYANA has ten administrative regions, each of which has its line of demarcation, strength in agriculture, natural resources, and respective cultures among the people. The regional system was shaped by a vision to advance the self-determination of the people by using the resources available within each region for the people’s benefit. A lot of thought and planning went into demarcating the regional boundaries, among them being consideration given to the topography of the country as to its high points and how the water from the rain will flow, which river or stream it will drain into, and where and how it will be managed. The regional system started in 1980. With Government having made a decision, guided by the aforesaid elements, the task of realising the development of the regions rests with the central and regional administrations working together to put systems in place for the region’s development. Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, made known in January that Government would produce a Development Action Plan for each region. President David Granger has also made a push for each region to have its own flag. Both of these developments symbolise that the nation can move further in achieving Articles 75 and 76 of the Guyana Constitution to bring about the prescribed autonomy in the regions. The pursuit of development of each region by its people is a positive response to Article 13 of the Constitution, which requires inclusionary democracy in the participation of the citizens, their respective organisations, and groups. The initial vision to strengthen the regional system allowed for each region to have the authority to raise its own taxes, make its own laws, and have its own police force. It was also envisioned that the taxes garnered from, for example mining and forestry, would have been shared between central government and the government of the region that produced the products. This vision of economic
GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 2, 2016
Some questions for the IAC Dear Editor, PLEASE permit me to share my views on the recent hot topic of the day by the People’s Progressive Party and its associates. That is: the recent decision by the APNU+AFC government to take its cabinet meetings to Camp Ayanganna -- headquarters of the Guyana Defence Force. A letter was published in the Kaieteur News of Saturday, October 29th, 2016 under the caption “IAC calls for a new location for Cabinet meetings”. To my surprise, the IAC (Indian Action Committee) said they are shocked and extremely disappointed that the GoG has taken such a decision to use the GDF headquarters. First of all, before I address the so-called IAC letter, let me ask what is this IAC really. Because the writer, who claims to be the secretary, said that they were made to understand that a large section of the Guyanese public is very concerned, therefore, here are a few questions for this group: Were any public interviews or polls done? And if so, who are the ones that were involved in carrying out such? Which race was it done mostly with? Was it done in all the regions, or a few that were handpicked? Was
the information provided earlier before the same was carried out? When was it done\carried out? The IAC said it was disappointed at such a decision by the Government. Why are they disappointed? It seems that the IAC is upset that the GoG did not opt to use its own Conference Rooms within the various ministries. This would have allowed for them to have a ‘crease’ to the happenings at the cabinet meetings, so that the information can be leaked to their head group. The writer went on to say that the population is very concerned at the militarisation of the Government and its agencies. Well, the IAC needs to answer the questions above, because the GoG and its agencies are not militarized, to my knowledge. Moreover, if it were so, then some of the former ministers and officials would have already been spending their vacations on a daily basis under guards at a correctional facility in Guyana. The writer said the GoG needs to quickly change the venue on context of stability that is acceptable to all the people of Guyana. The IAC must answer if there is instability amongst the people of Guyana. If yes, since when? Or are this IAC and its allies trying to create instability in Guyana?
self-determination would have placed each region in a position to have its budget developed based on the taxes it raised, and not having to depend on central government to determine which project would be funded. This independence would also preclude central government from using budgetary allocation as a weapon to punish some regions and reward others, as this nation has seen. Economic independence would allow the regions to engage in improvement in public infrastructure such as roads, and lifting the aesthetics of the community. This would remove the pressure from Central Government to have to attend to nearly every issue that arises in the region, and allow for more time to be spent on macro issues like developing national policies, such as in healthcare, education, internal and border securities, national laws, immigration and so forth. Strengthening the regional system would also encourage intra-regional trade and competition among regions, which would attract business and investment, and allow for growth and development and boosting of international trade. The people and resources are the wealth of the region, and where there are lucrative opportunities for employment and economic development, people
If the answers to the questions above cannot be given by this so-called IAC, then they need to stop fabricating stories to gain attention. The so-called IAC needs to do what is within its mandate, and stop fuelling problems and fear among the Guyanese people. The GDF belongs to Guyana. IAC needs to understand that there are people of all races, religions, sex and status in the GDF. So for them (IAC) to join with the PPP to discriminate against the GDF is very bad, especially for the people they are representing. We all know that the Arthur Chung International Conference Centre would have been ideal, but it’s under repair. The PPP came out and condemned the move by the Government to change the venue and mostly to use the GDF headquarters. Why? Let me answer: We all know that if cabinet were to use any of the ministry boardrooms, it would not have been secure and confidential. In every ministry, the PPP has its contacts that pass information on a daily basis. That is why the PPP is so upset about using the GDF headquarters. The way the PPP and its associates are behaving, it’s like the GDF is a foreign agency and the GoG should not have used
their space. We shouldn’t be surprised at the statements coming from the PPP, because over the years they were dictators against peace, and they were corrupt. The PPP corrupted every Government agency in Guyana. That is why Clement Rohee and his cabal formed the Community Policing Groups (CPGs) and Neighbourhood Policing, because the CPGs were empowered to stamp out opposition members from the villages, and the Neighbourhood police (who are based at the police stations) will take back information to the PPP officials. Under the PPP, the police were taking instructions as to who must be charged and who cannot be charged. We all know of the story of former Assistant Commissioner Mr. Paul Slowe. We know of the story of the current Commissioner of Police (ag), Mr. David Ramnarine, with the PPP. I can go on, but that’s a little teaser for all to wonder. What has the PPP done for the armed forces? What has the PPP done to those bright minds in the armed forces? Regards, ABEL SEETARAM APNU+AFC Regional Councillor Region 5
would gravitate. In 1990 a bill to develop regional government was tabled in the National Assembly by then PNC Minister of Regional Development Jeffrey Thomas. Among the issues in that bill was the intent to pursue the establishment of a system in which revenues garnered from the region would be shared on a percentage basis between central and regional governments. This bill was tabled but never debated. There is a belief it never moved further because some Members of Parliament on both the government and opposition sides were uncomfortable in allowing the regions such political and economic autonomy. Thirty-six years after the regional system was established, efforts by the PNC, 10 years into the system, to bring a bill to the National Assembly to develop the regional system, and for the 23 years the PPP/C was in office, nothing has been done to strengthen the regional system consistent with what is outlined in the Constitution. Though it was necessary at the establishment of the regional system to have Government provide needed support with an eye to weaning, that the system still remains at its initial stage shows that the much needed change has not come to this tier of Government.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 2, 2016
PPC commissioners must resist lobbyists Dear Editor, THIS country has been stagnated for the last 50 years because of bad leadership from our two main political parties –- the PPP and the PNC. We have watched grudgingly as many other countries with far less resources surged ahead of us. That is why the United Republican Party (URP) would like to take this rare opportunity to applaud both the Coalition and the PPP for the patriotic foresight in setting up, approving, and instituting the Public Procurement Commission. For years, corruption within the Government entities ran amok as politicians used billions from
the Consolidated Funds to enrich themselves, families and cronies. Contracts were awarded based on kickbacks and the promise of illegal residual benefits; and shabby work was them done by the contractors, with no process for redress because bribes were paid to well-placed officials to mitigate any accountability. Politicians and government officials built lavish homes and businesses. Many travelled the world on expensive vacations and acquired state-of-theart vehicles, all because of access to a broken procurement system that allowed them to steal tax payers’ money and get away with it. Contractors botched many of the jobs, even
leaving some unfinished. Billions were squandered during the absence of a functioning PPC. Hopefully, with the functioning of the PPC, all the financial abuses, skullduggery, and breaches of contract would come to an end. It is expected that Guyana would now get value for its money. However, the mettle of the commissioners will now be tested. Those who understand and benefited for the illicit gains of a broken system will seek to perpetuate the brokenness of the system. The commissioners would therefore be approached and offered bribes and kickbacks akin to what obtained before. There will be those who would stop at nothing in order to illegally and cockishly enrich themselves. The commissioners should be
very vigilant and wary of these unpatriotic folks. The URP has long held the view that the PPP and its associates have been enriching themselves through the public treasury, hence the prolonged reluctance to set up the PPC. In his remarks concerning establishment of the PPC, President David Granger said that his “administration is committed to ensuring greater vigilance and scrutiny of infrastructural projects and awarding of contracts, to eliminate opportunities for corruption and cronyism at all levels.” We applaud the President in this regard. DR. VISHNU BANDHU Leader, URP
IAC calls for restoration of ERC –– following swearing in of PPC Dear Editor, THE Indian Action Committee (IAC) wishes to congratulate and commend President Granger for swearing in the members of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC), which he said he would do by the end of October 2016. The IAC also wishes to congratulate the newly sworn-in members of the PPC: Ms. Carol Corbin, accountant; Ms. Emily Dodson, attorney-at-law; Mr. Ivor English, engineer; Dr. Nanda Kishore Gopaul PhD, veteran trade unionist; and Mr. Sukrishnalall Pasha, University of Guyana lecturer. The IAC wishes them well in their endeavours, and hopes that a level playing field can be established in the field of competitive bidding for projects that are required to transform Guyana and deliver benefits to all of its citizens, so that better living standards can be realized. The IAC is encouraged by this timely action, and calls upon President Granger to restore the Ethnic Relations Commission, which he said he would do during this current sitting of Parliament. Regards, SAIRA ALLI Secretary Indian Action Committee
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LEGUAN UNLEASHED
GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 2, 2016
–– new roads pave way for good life
IT WAS way back in the 1980s, and I was only a young boy at the time, but I remember the day well; one does not tend to relinquish memories
of these sorts of life’s events. It was a blustery Saturday morning during the August school holidays. My grandfather was making a business trip
to the big island in the big river, and he took along a cousin and I on what was at that time the biggest adventure of our young lives.
We left our home village of Vergenoegen on the East Bank of the Essequibo and headed to Parika, where we boarded an early morning ferry to the sprawling island of Leguan. We had known of Leguan. For years, we had yearned to visit. Us boys, in the afternoons after seawall cricket was wrapped up, would sit on the Vergenoegen foreshore and gaze in wonderment at this green expanse of land sitting majestically in the grand Essequibo. As the sun set, it would fade into the darkness, only the flicker of a few lamps visible until it emerged again at morning light. The tales of the big island were tall and engrossing. Men from the village would speak of the thrills of catching bundaree crabs at Dauntless, Leguan’s outermost point where the Atlantic Ocean waters would mingle with the Essequibo flow. Stories of the size and volume of crabs caught fascinated us boys, not yet wise to the ways of men of the sea, and stories of the one that got away fascinated us as well. Leguan, though, remained embedded in our minds as a place of mystery and appeal. All of us village boys longed to visit. We had even contemplated swimming across at low tide, but good sense prevailed. And so, on this particular Saturday, Uncle Hassan’s two grandsons were by his side and on their way. The lustre and mystique of the island diminished somewhat upon arrival. Our hosts met us at the stelling with a muddy tractor which was our mode of transportation for the day-long visit, which was primarily to allow my grandfather to inspect some machinery parts which he had been interested in procuring. The tractor made practical sense in view of the condition of the roads, which were more akin to dams. There were craters the size of small houses, and substantial breakages which took skill and guts to manoeuvre without toppling. 30 YEARS OF NEGLECT 2016 makes it almost 30 years since my first visit, encountering those challenging conditions of life in Leguan. Whatever the reason for the neglect, the change of government in 1992 and the ensuing 23 years did not prove to have much improved this aspect of life on the island. Patches and bits and pieces of roads were done over the past two decades. A mile or two here and there, three or four bits in total on an island with about 17 miles of roads. Residents complained about shoddy and substandard work then; that the
roads done would quickly deteriorate. Leguan residents felt neglected for too many years. Come 2016, the situation is changing dramatically. A massive road surfacing project is ongoing on the island, and thus far about 50% of the roads have been paved. The Ministry of Public Infrastructure’s mobile asphalt plant is on the island, and is being worked around the clock to bring relief to the plight of the long suffering residents of Leguan. These roads are transformative. Leguan’s economy is agriculture-based, and improved roads would allow farmers to better transport their produce to the stelling for crossing to the bustling Parika Market; and to West Coast Demerara, Georgetown, and East Coast Demerara markets as well. It would shorten the travel time for produce, but would also improve the comfort of road users on the island. TOURISM OPPORTUNITIES However, beyond the immediate and obvious benefits, asphalt roads in Leguan would now allow the island to explore tourism opportunities which can result in jobs and enhanced economic activities. With a dramatically improved road network, Guyanese and overseas visitors would be more inclined to visit. This can redound to the benefit of islanders through the creation of tour-guide jobs. Transportation services on the island would benefit; as would restaurants, bars and shops, along with cash crop farmers, whose supplies are likely to be in greater demand in order to prepare cooked meals for island visitors. The chain effect of development from as seemingly a simple development as road improvement can have far-reaching and life-changing impacts. DEVELOPMENT WITHOUT POLITICAL STRINGS There is also a political dimension to this development, which cannot be ignored. It is a public fact that the people of Leguan voted resoundingly for the opposi-
tion PPP. In the 2015 General and Regional Elections, there were eight polling stations on the island. In each of those polling stations the PPP trounced the APNU+AFC Coalition handsomely. Individual polling station results were the likes of 85 votes to 202; zero votes to 47; 33 votes to 279; 49 votes to 225. This was the general pattern of the electoral results. Conditioned over many years by certain political forces to believe that development in Leguan can only happen under one administration, the people of Leguan are seeing a different, and perhaps to many surprising, reality. Rather than Leguan being neglected under the Coalition Government, it has benefited from being prioritized. That speaks to the new thrust of development without political strings, and a mindset that national development must be for all, not some. There is in Guyana a new reality which espouses that national development must not be tied to political support or used as a carrot for votes. The people must never again be persecuted through neglect of services and infrastructural development because of how they choose to vote. DEVELOPMENT FOR ALL Development, quite simply, must be for all Guyanese, regardless of which party is in government. The Coalition Government has set a standard which the public must guard zealously. The example of the development being prioritized in Leguan under the Coalition Government must be held as a shining example that partisanship must be divorced from national development at all levels. A new day is upon us, and it has been 30 years or so in the making. I look forward to visiting Leguan sometime soon, and seeing with mine own eyes how far the island has come along. Columnist note: The paving of the Leguan road network is being funded through a 2016 budgetary allocation of $2.5B for the development of roads nationwide.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 2, 2016
Billions needed to fix housing … estimated cost for 10,000 duplexes pegged at $100B
CHAIRMAN of the Central Housing and Planning Authority, Hamilton Green says it will cost roughly $100B to build 10,000 duplex housing units- government’s preferred method of dealing with the demand for houselots here. Back in September Government had announced that it was redeploying land previously identified for the 1000 homes project, to the construction of apartment buildings, duplexes and condominiums. When questioned about the decision to discontinue the 1000 homes project, Minister within the Ministry of Communities with responsibility for Housing, Valerie Adams-Patterson had said a major contributory factor to the decision is the number of applicants and the fact that there are no available house lots. “We have recognised that one family per house lot with approximately 23,000 applications within the system is not possible for the government, not even in the next five years. … so we have decided that with the land that we have, we can accommodate more families if we provide housing units instead of a house lot, especially given that only about fifty-five percent of lots allocated has been occupied,” Patterson was quoted as telling the Government Information Agency (GINA). “This Government is not going to continue that 1000 home project in its current form. In our refocusing, we are looking at apartment buildings, duplexes, condominiums, three and four levels. From our design,
the condo will have eight apartments on each floor, so we do two bedrooms and three bedrooms,” the minister said. The 1000 homes project, also known as the Turnkey project, was officially launched at Providence in 2014. However, despite being allocated, several of the almost 50 completed houses remain unoccupied because of poor construction and finishing coupled with structural faults. Meanwhile, in a statement on Tuesday Green said that with respect to Government’s housing programme, any view or dialogue needed to put into context the period prior to May 2015, that is, the period over the last 20 years (1995-2015). The former Georgetown Mayor said the current Administration inherited an overly ambitious programme that sought to provide a serviced houselot to anyone desirous of acquiring one and latterly the provision turnkey units. Green said in the execution of the programme, many housing areas were developed amounting to a total of 66,124 lots. To date, he said 28,220 (45%) of those lots that were divested are still unoccupied. “This situation was further exacerbated during the 2011-2015 period. During this period, of the 38 housing areas developed, which yielded 20,015 lots, 16,273 of these remain unoccupied, representing more than 80%. When this scenario takes account of a projected GY$60 billion that is needed to complete the 380 housing and regularised squatting areas that were
under intervention during the last 20 years, it shows that this approach was unsustainable. The question can be asked as to why the programme continued along the same path and still there is a backlog of 25,000 applicants in the system.” According to Green in seeking answers to this critical question, the administration has recognised that the model adopted was not working and it was more of just land divestment rather than seeking to improve quality of life, since the numerous housing areas are still plagued with incomplete and inadequate infrastructure and lack of the necessary social facilities and services. “In light of these challenges, households were burdened with the prospect of accessing financing and the challenges associated with undertaking their own construction. This model was definitely not aiming for the good life,” the CH&PA chairman said. Green said the administration has recently conceptualised a new model to improve the housing delivery system to address the backlog of 25,000 applicants, particularly the 17,851 who can be classified as low income households. “This new model seeks to move beyond the provision of serviced lots to create livable and wholesome communities through the provision of full infrastructure; the necessary social facilities and services and the supply of housing units. The new model will also address the issue of reduction in infrastructure cost, since it
Chairman of the CH&PA, Hamilton Green
seeks to increase density. The programme also promotes inclusivity and good planning practices, since it focuses on improving the living conditions of both coastal dwellers and hinterland Indigenous households.” Green said too that the programme incorporates an urban renewal component to restore and beautify open spaces/reserves through the relocation and re-settlement of squatters living under disastrous and unsafe conditions to livable and wholesome communities. The projected cost of construction
of approximately 50% of the 10,000 housing units (apartments and duplexes), inclusive of infrastructural works is GYD$50 billion (USD$250 million). To this must be factored-in the GYD$60 billion needed for completion of infrastructure in existing schemes. “This is the challenge that the administration is faced with to bring coherence to a housing programme that provides solutions or shelter as opposed to sale of houselots,” Green said.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 2, 2016
Teenage pregnancy: Cause and effect By Akola Thompson DEFINED by the Segen Medical Dictionary as pregnancy of a female from ages thirteen to nineteen, before reaching a level of emotional, physical and psychological maturity, teenage pregnancy is a fairly common occurrence globally, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) approximating that 16 million women between the ages of 15 and 19 give birth each year. This amounts to 11% of all births worldwide. Guyana, according to the State of the World Population 2013 Report, has the second highest teenage pregnancy rate within the Caribbean and South America, behind Dominica. The question that should be asked is: Why are our rates so high? And while there is no one reason, there are several which should garner some concern. HFLE PROGRAMME Currently, within the education system, there exists an unrealistic position of abstinence only when it comes to sex education. In Guyana, there is the Health Family Life Education (HFLE) programme policy that has been accepted since 2001. H o w e v e r, t h e p r o gramme itself was not implemented until 2006; and even then, it was in very few schools, and the teaching was not up to date, given factors such as unqualified teachers and counsellors and abstinence-only supporters within the education system. As a result, many students were, and still are, not aware of the contraceptive measures they can employ. We see how the contributing effect of lack of proper sex education can lead to teen pregnancy, and how this in turn can lead to a draining of resources from the country’s
coffers through things such as health care, foster care, and lost tax revenues, which according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), can be due to “lower educational attainment and income among teen mothers.” While no correlative data exists here, this undoubtedly has a role to play in Guyana’s high teen pregnancy rates, which in turn put a strain on the country’s healthcare system. For example, in 2015, Minister of Health, Dr. George Norton, stated that teenage pregnancies contributed significantly to Guyana’s high mortality rate. CERVICAL CANCER Advances in research on data of women’s health have identified early teenage sex, which can result in pregnancy, as being a contributor to the rising rates of cervical cancer. This is of particular importance when considering that the Ministry of Health, in 2014, listed Guyana as having the third highest rate of cervical cancer in the Western Hemisphere. Then of course there exists the factor of poverty. Poverty has both a causal relationship with teenage pregnancy and a consequential relationship. With limited job opportunities, a teenage mother may not be able to provide for her child’s basic needs. As a result, there will be considerable absence of investments in developmental needs, which can lead to the occurrence of inter-generational poverty. According to a United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) 2010 Report, children born into a life of poverty are 42% more likely to remain in the same economic circumstances when they get older. Inter-generational poverty
would, of course, have an effect on the country’s economic stability, as the country would be losing tax revenues that would otherwise have been gained. EFFECT ON ECONOMY How teenage pregnancy can affect the economy is important, when one considers that it often has a long-term effect upon a woman’s long-term health. Additionally, the existence of this issue has resulted in an increase in technical knowledge in related areas via support from external agencies. The UNICEF-funded 2009 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), for example, has revealed that early childbearing, particularly among teenagers, has had negative socio-economic and socio-cultural consequences, such as early school dropouts, given the difficulty in managing child-rearing with education, work and other pressures. These reports all point to the common conclusion that poverty has a large role to play in the rate of teen pregnancy, as, due to their not being able to afford it, many young women would not be able to access healthcare services and treatments such as contraceptives and abortions, even if they are aware of them. Of course there are also other contributing factors, one being culture. The UNICEF, in collaboration with the Government of Guyana, had recently carried out a research on teenage pregnancy here, which found that one in every five Amerindian girls between the ages of 15 and 19 was a mother, as was one in every four girls who lived in poor homes. The numbers for those in a higher financial bracket is one in every 10.
The analysis, carried out in 2015/2016, found that, on the whole, approximately 15% of girls between the ages of 15 and 19 had begun child bearing, and that prevalence is dependent on the area the girl lives, her ethnicity, and her poverty status. For example, recognising the issue has resulted in inter-departmental social initiatives that not only impact the direct effect
of teenage pregnancy, but also corollary issues. For example, the Ministry of Education, in partnership with the Child Protection Agency of the Ministry of Social Security, is in the process of developing a programme to help adolescent girls stay in school, even after they would have given birth. The Ministry of Health has also put in place many services to help young
teen mothers take care of not only their offspring, but also their own health and contraceptive concerns. These initiatives would, if successful, help to negate some of the dysfunctional effects teenage pregnancy has upon the society; as education levels would rise, and as such, job opportunities would be opened and economic stability would be improved.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 2, 2016
Min. Gaskin willing to discuss crime concerns with PSC
SUBJECT Minister Dominic Gaskin has said the Private Sector Commission (PSC) is yet to formally engage the Ministry of Business (MoB) on the issue of crime and security, although its members are standing by the concerns they recently articulated in the press. “As Minister of Business, if the private sector is saying that crime is a concern, it concerns me. I am concerned,” Minister Gaskin told Guyana Chronicle in a recent interview. Saying he is cognisant that the Public Security Ministry (PSM) is working to further reduce the incidence of violent crime in the country, Minister Gaskin said, “I, unfortunately, think that we are reacting to newspaper reports; and I think (that) while the private sector has to react to something, I think it is more useful to have a discussion about a particular set of data, or figures, or information…,” he posited. He said that once the impact of crime on the pri-
vate sector is clearly identified and measured, the key stakeholders would be better able to put effective solutions in place. Minister Gaskin also said he looks forward to discussing the issue of crime formally with the Private Sector Commission. “I would welcome a discussion on this. I think it is very important that we have such a discussion. I don’t think that discussion should take place in the media, and I am not saying that the private sector shouldn’t voice their concerns in public, but I am saying that the solutions are not going to come through the back-and-forth in the media,” he posited. The PSC, last Friday, expressed concern that the crime situation in the country was escalating, and called on President David Granger to intervene. The business umbrella body said Government should acknowledge publicly “that we have a problem with crime in Guyana”, noting that it is the only way “we can start to address the issue once
all parties can acknowledge that a problem persists, and start demanding collaboration across the board.” The PSC also wants the President, his ministers and all stakeholders to send a strong signal to criminals that crime will no longer be tolerated. “We would like to encourage all stakeholders, including the Government, police, judiciary and civil society, to review the sentencing of persons charged with armed and violent robberies, to ensure that these charges are not subject to bail and that they are subject to appropriate sentencing, which should be handed down by all magistrates. In this light, we believe a collaborative approach is needed,” the organisation proposed. Additionally, the PSC has said it wants to see President Granger, the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, publicly give the orders “for our men and women in uniform to bring some order and control with respect to these criminal gangs and individuals terrorising the Guyanese com-
munity.” The PSC has said that while it commends Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan and Police Commissioner (ag) David Ramnarine for the recent reduction in serious crime, “our country nevertheless remains unprotected from
guns flowing across our borders into the hands of violent criminals virtually without restraint. Our country remains with a Police Force which is inadequately staffed, insufficiently trained, and underequipped to meet the challenge. Our citizens are trau-
matised by fear of almost every day having a gun pointed at them with criminal intent. Our businesses, our banks, our tourism industry and our everyday lives are under threat. This is not the good life. It is time that our President intervenes.”
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 2, 2016
Mounted police deployed in Black Bush Polder
IN an effort to reduce crime, the Guyana Police Force launched a mounted patrol branch in ‘B’ Division at the Mibicuri Police Station in Black Bush Polder, East Berbice, Corentyne on Tuesday. It will include four well-trained horses from the Force’s mounted branch, along with their handlers being posted at the Mibicuri Station to patrol the vast backlands within the Black Bush area. At the official launching, ‘B’ Division Commander, Kevin Adonis said while the mounted branch was in the pipeline of the Guyana Police Force for some time,
the launch was expedited since the need is greater in the area. “This is another step forward for the Guyana Police Force. We have recognised the need to bring the mounted branch here because of the depth of the backlands within Mibicuri. Only recently residents assisted police ranks to apprehend a murder accused using their horses so we recognized this and decided to move forward and launch our mounted branch here,” the Commander said. He explained that the ranks will be stationed at the Mibicuri Police Station and will be interchanged regu-
Mounted police have been deployed in the backlands of Black Bush Polder to help beat back criminals larly with other ranks. The Commander further noted that other
areas in ‘B’ Division will also have mounted patrols as the program expands throughout the country. “This is the government’s plan to ensure security for all residents and soon you can expect other areas across the region and country to
have more mounted patrols.” The Black Bush Polders are noted for their vast agricultural produce where lands are utilised from the public road all the way down to the Canje creek. Most of the access dams are earthen and are impassable to vehi-
cles; as such the mounted patrol will provide much needed protection and service to the residents who farm in the remote backlands. The backlands are a popular choice for criminal elements who are hiding from law enforcement officials.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 2, 2016
Guyanese businesses upbeat at Havana trade fair By Wesley Kirton
SOME 12 CARICOM member states including Guyana, Belize, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Barbados and several OECS countries are among the 75 nations represented at the 34th Havana International Fair (FIHAV 2016) which opened in Cuba on Monday. The impressive display of booths mounted by CARICOM member states were a hive of activity on the opening day with Cuban and other business executives from participating countries showing strong interest in the products and services offered by participating Caribbean private sector companies and government agencies. Some 15 country delegations are headed at ministerial level, including Guyana
and Trinidad and Tobago which are each represented by their Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin and Trade Minister Paula Gopie Scoon. The fair features a number of business sessions including an inaugural business forum that will address Cuba’s foreign capital business opportunities portfolio and another on the Mariel Special Development Zone. Additionally, a number of matchmaker meetings are already taking place between and among companies with interest in a range of sectors including tourism, energy, agriculture, manufacturing, electronics and communications. The government ministers from Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago were also involved Monday in bilateral meetings with their counterparts from Cuba and other
participating countries. Guyana’s Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin said in an invited comment that representatives of his country’s private sector are looking for markets for a variety of products including rice, pasta, condiments, fish, confectionaries and rum, in addition to examining multi-destination tourism that could facilitate visitors to Cuba going on to Guyana. Gerry Gouveia, chief executive officer of the Roraima Airways Group of Companies in Guyana says that the Havana Fair has provided his company to pursue discussions with the Cuban authorities about introducing additional direct air links between Guyana and Cuba. “There will also be discussions about the setting up of a joint commission between the Private Sector Commis-
The Guyana delegation being met on arrival at the Jose Marti International Airport by Ambassador Halim Majeed
Guyana’s Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin with Guyana’s Ambassador to Cuba Halim Majeed on arrival at the formal opening of FIHAV 2016 on Monday morning sion of Guyana and the Cuban Chamber of Commerce for the purpose of further strengthening commercial relations between the two countries,” Gouveia, who is heading the Guyanese private
sector delegation, disclosed. Last Friday the Private Sector Commission said at a news conference that the delegation will use the event to expand the horizons of their businesses
while seeking exposure for what Guyana has to offer to not just Cuba, but the rest of the world. Last year alone, the fair brought together 1000 companies drawn from 70 countries.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 2, 2016
Guyana looks to carve out niche in agro-tourism
THE Ministry of Tourism is seeking to craft a policy to boost agriculture tourism, and create awareness of the sector’s importance, Director General of Tourism, Donald Sinclair has said. Sinclair explained that at the recently held coconut festival, it was realised that there is vast potential for agriculture tourism in Guyana, especially through coconut-based products. He said it was then the initiative was submitted. The tourism policy will set out what agriculture tourism means, and the ways in which Guyana can grow its potential in this regard. This, Sinclair said, would require collaboration among the
Ministry of Agriculture, agricultural stakeholders, and tourism entities and other stakeholders and agencies. Sinclair told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that agriculture tourism will provide a market for small and large farmers to sell their produce. He added that there is an abundance of produce that can be used to promote the sector. “Agriculture tourism is not limited to coconuts; it has a wide range of applications; it basically means generating tourism experiences and generating tourism revenues from agricultural products including rice, sugar, coconuts, and, participating in festivals,” Sinclair explained. Sinclair added that
agriculture tourism has a wide application that moves from the farm to visiting factories, festivals and agricultural heritage sites. The Director General emphasised the need for the initiative, noting that it is also a means of generating income. “In several other countries, this kind of synergy and collaboration between the stakeholders in agriculture and the stakeholders in tourism is a lot more pronounced, so it is necessary for us to do the same, so that we can successfully achieve agriculture,” Sinclair explained. The Pomeroon, Region Two and Canje, Region Six areas were cited by Sinclair among sites that can be used to promote
Local coconut oil that can be used in promoting agriculture tourism agriculture tourism. The official is urging hinterland communities to get involved, noting that they are the basis for the overall development of local tourism. “Tourism presents the Indigenous communities an opportunity to build a labour-intensive indigenous industry which would
benefit local communities. Indigenous persons could be trained as guides, since they have an unrivalled knowledge of the local terrain and its natural resources. Further, they are more likely to remain in these areas in the long-term than the average coastlander,” Sinclair explained.
The Tourism Ministry had also stated it would be intensifying efforts in 2017 to improve and make diaspora tourism more sophisticated. This, coupled with agriculture tourism is aimed at the overall enhancement of the country’s economy. (GINA)
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 2, 2016
China’s repairs to conference -Min. centre part of agreement Hughes AFTER 10 years of continuous use, the Arthur Chung Conference Centre will undergo extensive repairs internally and externally but not at the expense of tax payers. In a statement, the Public Telecommunications Ministry disclosed that the repairs will be facilitated using a grant aid from the Government of the People’s Republic of China through the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation. The current arrangement is similar to the one that resulted in the construction of the facility between 2004 and 2006. Guyana’s only financial contribution is the provision of security services on site, the Ministry pointed
out. According to the Public Telecommunications Ministry, the rehabilitative works are necessary. “After ten (10) years of continuous use, wear and tear coupled with the vagaries of natural elements, including shifting foundations and saline breezes from the close-by Atlantic Ocean, took a toll on sections of the ACCC. The concrete stairways and upper level floors and ceilings are cracked in some places. On the ground floor, the foundation and walls are also showing widening cracks. Many of the three-inch thick ceramic floor tiles have come loose as a result of structural movement
and undulation,” the Ministry pointed out. In addition to the structural works, the ACCC’s back-up power generating system that stopped working some years ago will be replaced, as well as the entry gates, the fire alarm and first response systems, the driveway and much of the plumbing, the Ministry added. It was explained that there are indications that the heavy flow of traffic in the Liliendaal area may not have been factored into the design specifications ten years ago. “In any case, continued use of the center, as is, for any purpose, is tantamount to courting the high probability of accidents and physical in-
juries,” the Ministry stated. From December 1, 2016, the Arthur Chung Conference Center will be closed for approximately eighteen (18) months. This schedule was crafted by the signatories to the agreements surrounding the donation and maintenance of the Conference Center. “We regret the inconvenience this closure will cause to the many organisations that utilise this facility on a regular basis. In the same vein, the Government of Guyana again expresses our gratitude to the Government and people of China for their most generous donation,” the Ministry said.
West Berbice man to stand trial for rape –– another gets three years for cannabis
SIXTY-SEVEN-year-old Ramdehal Ramcharan, also known as “Baltan”, of Blairmont # 2 Settlement, West Bank Berbice, was on Tuesday committed by Blairmont Magistrate Rhondell Weever to stand trial for the rape of a child under the age of 16; an act he is alleged to have committed on a 12-year-old Blairmont girl at sometime between March 20th and April 16th last. Led by Police Prosecutor Corporal Raquel Mars, six witnesses -- including the child, her mother and other relatives -- testified for the prosecution. At the end of their testimonies, Magistrate Weever ruled that a prima facie case had been made against Ramcharan, and committed him to stand trial at the next sitting of the Berbice High Court. He was granted bail in the sum of $250,000 pending trial. CANNABIS CONVICTION And Magistrate Weever has sentenced 48-year-old Seon Isaacs of Hopetown Village, West Coast Berbice to three years’ imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to being in possession of eight grams of marijuana. Police Prosecutor Raquel Mars told the court that on October 28th last, police, acting on information received, visited and searched Isaacs’ residence, where they found the narcotics hidden in a pot in the home. He was thus arrested and subsequently charged.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 2, 2016
Victorians open major confab tomorrow
… organisers concerned about swollen rank of unemployed, alienated youths AMID a swollen rank of alienated and unemployed youth Victorians will on Thursday open their annual con-
ference with heavy focus on reexamining historical wrongs endured and carving out a plan to spur economic develop-
ment. The East Coast Demerara community is the first village bought by freed slaves. The con-
ference or Indaba as is called will commence Thursday under the theme “Reconstruction” and will conclude four days later on the evening of the inaugural observance of a National Day of Villages. In a statement organisers said the Indaba Planning Committee shifted the event that is usually held during Emancipation Week as a way of acknowledgement of President David Granger ’s foresight and the significant symbolic decision to designate November 7 – National Day of Villages. “The Indaba Committee is in harmony with the breadth of the Head of State’s designation of the observance as it honours and celebrates the pioneering contributions of all villages and acknowledges the continuing pivotal role of villages in the economic, social, and political life of Guyana,” the statement said, adding that ”we also view the selection of the date of November 7 as a posthumous honorific bestowal on our Ancestors–the 83 Proprietors who daringly purchased Plantation Northbrook and emerged a local government code for the management of the village they named after Queen Victoria.” Further, organisers complimented the Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan for his role in ensuring that the local government election was conducted “and we are hopeful that under his leadership the issues that have festered over time will be resolved.” According to the organisers while it is constitutional and it is necessary, “we recognise that the election by itself alone is not sufficient for lifting the villages that have sunken into unimaginable despair due to policy neglect and economic stagnation. The necessary local government election is by itself inadequate for combating the rising ills that continue to beset these communities. We therefore look forward to future economic initiatives that are significant enough to contribute to needed village reconstruction.” The statement noted
that while Victoria takes its place in the constellation of villages in Guyana it must certainly be recognised as the Sirius in that constellation both for its single act that spawned the Village Movement and hastened the modernisation and transformation of British Guiana, and
Justice JoAnn Barlow will deliver the main address at the Indaba for the creativity and ingenuity in demonstrating that an alternative social and economic system that was not dependent on the degradation man and did not thrive on the exploitation of humans was quite possible. Accordingly, the statement said, the weighty word “Reconstruction” has been selected as the theme of this Indaba as a reminder that “our addition to the stock of wealth bequeathed to us by our ancestors is the best form of homage we can pay to them. Consequently, the four philosophical pillars upon which the village was constructed – Spirituality, Education, Co-operativism, and Community - will be excavated and refurbished and focused upon as we believe that the fundamental values remain relevant.” HISTORICAL WRONGS When the conference opens on Thursday villagers will re-examine the historical wrongs endured without succumbing to the psychology of victimhood, as parallel to the hellish experiences are the noble achievements, organizer said. “That a people who have endured the long night of enslavement
should arise victorious and without excusable bitterness and just vendetta and establish a school that our children may learn to read their Bibles and learn to fear Almighty God, displays a morality that exceeded that of their oppressors.” Villager, Honourable Madam Justice JoAnn Barlow will deliver the main address at the Indaba and she is expected to identify the restraining bounds imposed in the past and to show how in spite of those constraints villagers abounded and recorded enviable achievements. The Indaba Committee believes that the present generation needs to be much more resilient in hardship and thereby record comparable achievements as our fore-parents. “This observation is made cognisant that more teachers and lawyers and doctors are emerging from the village population but conscious that the ranks of the unpurposeful, alienated, and unemployed have also swollen.” At the opening ceremony the village pennant will be hoisted for the first time after the Golden Arrowhead is raised, the national pledge is repeated, and the national anthem is sung, organiers said. The Village Pennant bears the symbol of the Proprietors making the Purchase of Plantation Northbrook for 30,000 Guilders in November 1839. REWORKING FARMING In considering the Village Economy, Villager Hugh Saul will lead a workshop on Revitalizing & Reworking of Farming in Victoria. The traditional Village economy upon which Victoria built its past successes has been severely affected by changes in the local economy and is struggling to find a niche in the changed economic circumstances. Earlier villagers will consider the intersection of agriculture and climate change in an effort to minimise their contributions to See page 17
Victorians open ...
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 2, 2016
From page 16
environmental degradation. Ras Leon Saul who wrote and directed “Legend of Victoria” for the country’s jubilee celebrations will screen and discuss the dramatic presentation which is a re-enactment of the early years of the village and the resourceful ways it dealt with economic sabotage and other forms of pressure from the planter class, with little support from the colonial administration. The high point of this Indaba will be playing host to President David Granger when he addresses the National Day of Villages observance on the morning of November 7. In inviting the Head of State, the Indaba Committee
reasoned that it is most becoming that the President speaks to the nation from the perch of Plantation Northbrook. We remain convinced after 177 years, that both the boldness of spirit and the spirit of compromise, evidenced in our fore-parents in their setting aside past grievances, remain germane to the building a better country. We have therefore invited Ministers of Government and Members of Parliament to participate with us in the hope that that very spirit may be contagious and imbue us all. UNVEIL STAMPS In the National Day of Villages programme the eldest active member of the community will unveil two stamps
depicting the exodus of formerly enslaved persons from the plantations and the purchase of the first village by formerly enslaved persons. Additionally, the Committee has now received the approval of the Minister of Education for school bells to be rung at 11:30am on the National Day of Villages and for the interruption of instruction to briefly focus on the significance of villages to national development both historic and current. The Ministry of Education has also accepted a proposal for small groups of students from schools between Ann’s Grove and Paradise, East Coast Demerara to be part of the first National Day of
Villages observance at Victoria. “It is remembered that the purchasers of plantation Northbrook resided on estates within
that latitude.” According to the programme, the President is schedule to conclude his address a few minutes before 11:30am at which time Church bells in Victoria and environs will peal and schools bells will ring in a symbolic acknowledgement of the role of villages in the country’s progress.
Indaba 2016 will conclude on the evening of National Day of Villages. Victorians will undertake a tramp throughout the village in the afternoon of the National Day of Villages and will converge at the Southern section of the village where the closing Indaba ceremony will take place.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 2, 2016
Army chief warns against abuse of trainees
CHIEF-OF-STAFF of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier George Lewis, has warned against the abuse of trainees, declaring on Thursday that the practice would not be tolerated by the military. Two soldiers were, in 2006, charged with the death of Officer Cadet Amar Ra-
jcumar, who was then undergoing training at Camp Stephenson, Timehri. Christopher Harmon and Kurt Trotman were charged with allegedly murdering the soldier. Reports were that Rajcumar, who had joined the GDF nine days prior to his death, collapsed after a training session. A post-mor-
tem later found, among other things, that he died from a blow to the head. An army training officer was dismissed in 2007 after he allegedly abused recruits while they were undergoing training at Tacama. One of those recruits was a pregnant female. In a press statement issued back then, the GDF
had said that investigation had confirmed instances of excessive punishment administered by over-enthusiastic training instructors. Following that incident, the GDF had said that it was committed to providing at Tacama and its other training facilities a safe environment for high-intensity training for recruits, officer cadets and members of the Force. Addressing soldiers at a church service to mark the GDF’s 51st Anniversary, Brigadier Lewis stressed it was desirable to have an environment of mutual respect, wherein trainees are treated humanely and with respect, and they, in turn, respect their instructors. “No abuse of trainees will be accepted. I emphasise: no abuse of trainees will be accepted. Further, in the training environment, we must work from one common doctrine to support our operations, and we must conform to the relevant tactics, techniques and procedures. Change is necessary, and this is the time for change,” Lewis charged. “I say all of this to you because I believe that the officer and rank that we will see in the future GDF will be a replica of what we teach him or her today in their formative years. I also believe that to
develop a defence force that is professional and highly respected in the future, we who serve today must change our thinking and attitudes in the training environment, and implement those measures necessary for change,” he declared.
STRONGER TIES Lewis further stated that the GDF cannot divorce itself from the society. “Our very existence requires an integrated presence with society. Therefore, the future Guyana Defence Force must forge stronger ties and bonds of friendship with the civil society, with governmental departments, and with our former members, our veterans. We must embrace our veterans, since we will all soon become veterans; and here I wish to applaud the efforts of the Guyana Veterans Legion for its attempts at bettering the lives of veterans; and the Veterans Commission, chaired by Colonel Desmond Roberts, which is currently examining issues surrounding veterans. I wish you both every success in your endeavours,” he said. RESERVE Touching on the resuscitation of the Guyana
Peoples Militia, Lewis reminded his soldiers that the organisation was resuscitated by a Presidential Directive last year, and in the coming years will be actively involved in recruitment to supplement the regular Force. “Our national economy cannot sustain a large regular military Force. So, like Israel, we must build a strong Militia so that it can supplement the regular Forces during times of need. I exhort all Guyanese to see it as your national duty to join the Guyana Peoples Militia and play your part in Guyana’s defence,” Lewis pleaded. The army chief said soldiers must be clear and unwavering in their pursuit to maintain secure borders and a safe living environment for all Guyanese. “We who serve today must define what our best practices are, and adhere resolutely to those practices. These are exciting times for the Force. We must be in step with the policies of the Guyana Defence Board, and at the same time (be) one step ahead of our competitors for the same resources so necessary for the Force’s continued existence.”
$33M in law books donated to UG THE University of Guyana (UG), Department of law has been boosted following the donation of 244 law books by the Government of Canada, under the Improved Access to Justice in the Caribbean project (IMPACT Justice). Regional Project Director of IMPACT Justice, Professor Velma Newton explained that the University of Guyana was selected from among other Universi-
of Canada, IMPACT Justice Projects for its hearty contribution. He revealed that a sum of approximately GYD$33 million was invested on the 244 law books, stating that the University of Guyana will place much value on this genuine contribution. Students of the University of Guyana, particularly those in the Law Programme are expected to benefit greatly from these
High Commissioner of Canada to Guyana, Pierre Giroux handing over law books to Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith surrounded by staff and students of law of the University of Guyana ties in the West Indies (UWI) in Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad to be recipients of the law books. She added that the University of Guyana has a better organised library, as well as trained staff, who she believes will maintain and take proper care of the books donated. UG Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith expressed gratitude on behalf of the University to the Government
books. Impact Justice is a five-year regional justice sector reform project which is being implemented from within the Caribbean Law Institute Centre at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus. The Project has as its ultimate outcome, enhanced access to justice benefiting men, women, youth and businesses in 13 CARICOM Member States.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 2, 2016
Young father found dead on roadway
FAIYAZ Narinedatt, a 26-year-old father of two, was discovered dead on the #70 Public Road, Upper Corentyne, East Berbice at around 03:30hrs on Tuesday. The marks of violence found on the body have led relatives to believe that he was murdered and his body was placed on the roadway to make his death appear to be due to an accident. An uncle, Chandradat Datt, said he received a call informing that there had been an accident and advising that a body was on the roadway. He said he went to the scene and found the body lying face down on the roadway, so he turned it over to see who it was and whether the person was still alive. To his surprise, he saw that it was his nephew. He said he noticed what appeared to be tyre marks on the roadway where the body was found, but he does not believe a
vehicle had run over his nephew; as, based on where the tyre tracks stopped, the dead man’s head would have been crushed. “When me go me see the body still a bleed, abbie turn him and recognise that he ah me brother son. Me check fuh see if he still living, and me cover am wid wan sheet. When me watch fuh see what happen, me see wan tyre impression like it reverse weh the blood deh… it deh like a car reverse, but if he been run over ah boy head, he head and body would a damage up… No car na run over me brother son!” Datt said that, upon closer examination of the body, he saw several scratches and bruises that appeared to have been inflicted by someone. This prompted him to start investigating, and he learnt that his nephew had been at a party hosted by an overseas-based Guyanese.
GNRSC to launch ‘White Knight’ campaign to tackle road fatalities THE Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRSC) will launch its ‘White Knight Campaign’ on November 5, as part of its efforts to reduce the high road fatality rate. Coordinator of the GNRSC, Ramona Doorgen speaking to the Government Information Agency at the launch of Road Safety Awareness Month, today at Parliament Square, explained that the campaign will see the setting up of roadblocks where breathalyser tests will be done on all drivers. “We will be advertising this campaign beforehand, telling persons that we will be having road blocks at these points. The idea of this campaign is to let people refuse to go and drink that night or reduce Coordinator of the Guy- the number of persons ana National Road Safety driving on the roadway Council (GNRSC), drunk,” Doorgen told GINA. Ramona Doorgen In ‘A’ Division alone, there have been 36 road fatalities for the year. Driving under the influence and speeding are the leading causes of road fatalities across the country. The White Knight campaign will work in tandem with the Ministry of Public Security, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the private sector to facilitate the road blocks, Doorgen explained. Doorgen added that the GNRSC will be measuring the effectiveness of the campaign. “We’re going to be measuring to see how many deaths occurred during and after (this period). If there were no deaths, then we will propose to the ministry to continue to have these road blocks,” Doorgen said. The campaign will be carried out for four nights in November, which is designated Road Safety Awareness Month. November is one of the deadliest months for road fatalities, the GNRSC official noted. Operation Safeway was launched in September by the GPF to address the climbing road fatality rate across the country. (GINA)
Dead: Faiyaz Narinedatt
That party was ongoing for the past three days, with Monday being its biggest day, and with proceedings being kept in the street a short distance away. He said that upon arrival there, he noticed several broken pickets scattered around, but he was told by police ranks that he could not stick around, and so he had to leave the premises. Datt is adamant that his nephew had been the victim of a homicide, and that efforts are being made to cover
up the act by blaming his death on an accident. Meanwhile, the mother of Narinedatt said she had last seen her only child at about midday on Monday, when he left, asking if she was okay and promising to return shortly. She said he had ridden off on a bicycle with a friend, and she had seen him later in the afternoon standing on the roadway. She said she had heard him come in at about 20:00hrs, and he had been
on his cellphone. He left shortly afterward. She said she does not know what to think, since the body was found on the road but there are marks of violence that are not consistent with an accident. Narinedatt leaves to mourn a two-year-old son and a six-month-old daughter, as well as his wife, who is overseas with the baby. The police are investigating the matter, and a post mortem is expected to be performed soon.
Calls for investigation
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 2, 2016
––more than 50 per cent of cancer patients come from hinterland regions
By Tajeram Mohabir ADRIAN Andres of the beautiful indigenous village of Kato, Region Eight, is a happy child who enjoys playing football, cricket and Nintendo games; but all is not well with him. Just over a year ago, his mother Antonia Andrews noticed that, strangely, he began
that “Adrian was reducing in size and was listless in his action”, the mother told Guyana Chronicle that initially she thought it was a sickness that comes and goes away, only to realise that the condition of her last child was getting from bad to worse. It was at this point that young Adrian was taken to the Kato Cottage Hospital for
“At the time I did not know what to do or where to go, and I believe God listened to my prayers. It was not long after (that) a team of doctors visited the village, and I took him to them. They did several tests on him, and sent the samples to Georgetown to be tested. I had hope, but my spirit dampened when the results came back,” she said.
with chronic leukemia may not notice any symptoms before the condition is diagnosed with a blood test. Symptoms of leukemia include fevers, night sweats, and swollen lymph nodes that are typically not painful or tender. Fatigue, weight loss, and bone or joint pain are other potential symptoms. Soon after being diag-
A PA G o v e r n a n c e a n d Rights Coordinator, Laura George
Dr. Latoya Gooding
Antonia Andrews
Adrian Andrews
to eat less and became weak, with no improvement in his condition. Around the same time, his teachers also reported to her that Adrian, during classes, appeared dazed and was unable to concentrate. “I became worried,” Antonia, who has eight other children, said. Pointing out
a medical checkup, and after a series of tests, he was found to be free of malaria, a disease his mother Antonia thought he had. She was at a loss, and not long after, Adrian’s teachers advised her to keep him home and make every effort to diagnose his illness.
Young Adrian, who was forced to drop out of school due to illness, was diagnosed with leukemia. According to medical authorities, leukemia is a group of different cancers of the blood cells. Leukemia can be acute or chronic, and people
who treats Adrian, related that he is just one of an increasing number of cases of childhood cancer she has been treating in the past year. “For the past year, 11 children (have been) diagnosed with cancer. These are testicular cancer, leukemia (9 cases) and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer that starts in cells called lymphocytes, which are part of the body’s immune system. Only one case has been diagnosed with this form of cancer,” Dr. Gooding said. She also disclosed that during this time, four of the children died, including the one with testicular cancer, which is very rare in children. Dr. Gooding, who works in the Oncology Department at the Georgetown Public Hospital, revealed that of the 11 children diagnosed, six are from the hinterland regions. “These are diagnosed cases. There are probably many others in the hinterland regions with cancer who do not know they have it. I have even received reports of children dying from cancer-like conditions there. This is a situation
due to mining and cancer in the hinterland regions needs investigation, as it may not be far-fetched. Residents in the hinterland regions use water from the rivers and other channels to do household chores such as cooking and washing, apart from Drinking and bathing in it. According to Dr. Gooding, chemicals from mining operations getting into the waterways is a cause for concern, and the situation is exacerbated when communities use those water channels for drinking and cooking. “I am very much aware that our waterways are highly compromised today, and we have not undertaken any study, even an informal one, on the health implications it has on residents,” George said. She also noted that the water in the rivers is often not potable. “A walk into Micobie and you will see the Potaro River…the Mazaruni River… the communities of Ominaik/Kambaru, Jawalla, Quebanang, and Kamarang -- the water they use is so
Women and children bathing in the Barama River (Laura George photo) nosed, Adrian, accompanied by his mother, was flown to the city to be treated at the Georgetown Public Hospital. Antonia, who for the time being is a resident at the Amerindian Hostel at Princess Street, Georgetown, told the Guyana Chronicle that less than a year after starting chemotherapy, her son has regained weight and appears healthy. A few months ago he was discharged from hospital, but still goes there for checkups and treatment. When the Guyana Chronicle visited him at the hostel, he was seen wearing a mask and playing a Nintendo game. The mask, his mother said, protects him from new infections. “I am very happy to see him in better shape,” she told this publication. ONE OF SEVERAL CASES Dr. Latoya Gooding,
the Ministry of Public Health needs to investigate. So much attention is placed on breast cancer and cervical cancer, but little or no attention is placed on childhood cancer and cancer in the hinterland region,” the Cuban-trained doctor said, also pointing out that more than 50 per cent of adults diagnosed with cancer are from the remote mining areas of Guyana. SUSPECTED NEXUS While there has been no study to ascertain the cause(s) of cancer in these parts of Guyana, Dr. Gooding believes that pollution of waterways due to mining is a primary cause. Laura George of the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) told the Guyana Chronicle that the suspected link between water pollution
dirty. The Barama River that is used by residents at Kariako, Kokerite and Chinese Landing…and they are forced to go to the tributaries of these rivers to get drinking water,” George told this publication as she reiterated her call for an investigation into the suspected link between water pollution due to mining and cancer in the hinterland regions. The suspected link, Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr Karen Cummings, said, is an issue she is hearing for the first time, but she noted that it would be investigated. She called on hinterland residents to do regular checkups at health centres in their communities, pointing out that the Ministry of Public Health is placing strong attention on raising awareness of cancer and building a healthy population.
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Guyanese to the bone
GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 2, 2016
By Ravin Singh
EVEN with the existence of cultural assimilation within the Caribbean region, a group of Guyanese who live in the small island of Jamaica have managed to preserve Guyana’s unique culture in that country, while striving to create a positive impact on small communities. The birth of the Jamaican-based Guyanese group
gether and decided to host an Old Years’ night party. Out of that party, Wilkinson-Eytle said enough funds were left back for the group to open a bank account. The name ‘Guyana-Jamaica Cultural Link’ was then agreed upon by the group. And since that development, she said the group has functioned as an organised body in Jamaica, with a humanitarian arm.
together, and within one month, they were able to host a brunch, where they raised over $1M Jamaican (US$7800). “It was amazing how people donated; Jamaicans as well as Guyanese,” she said, adding that “We just had to pick up the phone and say ‘look we’re having an event, can you donate?’ and people donated willingly.” The money was then taken and channeled to Guy-
Some of the members of the Guyana-Jamaica Cultural Link during one of their medical and legal outreach in 2014 in Jamaica Medical services being provided to Jamaicans by members of the Guyana-Jamaica Cultural Link during a medical outreach ‘Guyana-Jamaica Cultural Link’ dates back to 1992, current President of the association, Sarah Wilkinson-Etyle told the Guyana Chronicle. “I came here in 1992 and there was always a group of Guyanese that would always get together. At the time there wasn’t a very active Consul. Somebody used to do some work but it wasn’t very active,” she said. Later that year, the same group of Guyanese got to-
She noted that when Guyana was faced with the 2005 floods, it was a very emotional time for the group due to the fact that they were hearing and seeing their Guyanese brothers and sisters face extremely challenging situations. “It was a very emotional period for us because we were hearing all these things that were happening. There were people who wanted to help.” As such, the group got
ana via the Salvation Army, which used it to purchase mattresses for Guyanese in need. And while that was one of the major events, the group’s president said that they continue to make attempts to contribute meaningfully to rural communities that are in need of help. One such programme is a medical and legal outreach which is held about twice a year in Jamaica. Wilkinson-Etyle said during these outreach, young
Guyanese doctors and lawyers who reside in Jamaica offer assistance to people in these communities who are not fortunate to pay for professional services. With a membership of between 60 to 100 persons, the President of the Guyana-Jamaica Cultural Link boasted that aside from humanitarian support, the group has successfully preserved aspects of Guyana’s culture in an environment that is culturally rich. For instance, she said that during the Easter Holidays, the group would travel to the countryside where they would have kite-flying as
is traditionally practiced in Guyana. During the Christmas holidays, she said that they would host cultural events and prepare popular Guyanese dishes. Additionally, during Guyana’s observance of its Republic and Independence anniversaries, events are also held in Jamaica by the group. She said that one year, they hosted an art exhibition. “We found Guyanese artists who are in Jamaica and some people who had works of art from Guyana and put those on exhibition just to celebrate our two national days. And of
course, we have Guyanese foods at all of our events because when you call two or three Guyanese together, they mention food,” the president said. She said although most of the persons in the group have lived out of Guyana for a number of years, they still remain very patriotic and take pride in representing their country well. To this end, she noted that what has been observed is an increased number of Guyanese students studying at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona, which has boosted membership of the group.
‘CanGo’ medical team arrives ––begins two-week outreach in Regions 1 & 2
A TEAM of 22 medical practitioners from the Canada-Guyana Mission (CanGo) has begun a two-week medical outreach in Regions One (Barima-Waini) and Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam). The multi-disciplinary team will focus primarily on family medicine and health awareness in various aspects; it consists of a pediatrician, psychiatrist, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, and a speech language pathologist who will be working with patients who have developmental disorders and mental issues at the Oscar Joseph District Hospital in Charity; the Kumaka District Hospital in Santa
Rosa; the Kabakaburi Health Post; and the Karawab Health Post in the Pomeroon River. The team also consists of a family physician, a dentist, gynaecologist, audiologist, pulmonologist, pharmacist and nurses. The audiologist will be holding audiology clinics in Santa Rosa and Waramuri, while the gynaecologist will run tests for cervical cancer and sexually transmitted diseases on women in the various villages. PUBLIC AWARENESS The team will roll out a massive public awareness programme in each
area of focus, with the aid of flyers on such health matters as the management of high blood pressure, controlling diabetes, proper nutrition and dental care. Medications will be administered free of cost, and supplemented by follow-up care at the nearest health facility in the respective regions. Some of the executive members on Friday paid a courtesy call on Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton, who commended the team for what they are doing and said he is extremely grateful to them for wanting to serve the people of Guy-
Some members of the visiting medical team with Health Minister, Dr George Norton (centre). They are from left, Mr Conrad Joseph, Ms Yvonne Triesman (President), Ms Patricia Stoll and Ms Marleen Joseph ana, especially in the remote areas. The Canada-Guyana Outreach Mission is a registered non-profit organ-
isation dedicated to providing health care to the under-privileged. Its mission is to promote healthcare in de-
veloping countries by providing confidential, compassionate and supportive medical services to the general population.
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Ministers attend social development conference MINISTER of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence and Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma are representing Guyana at the Eighth Ministerial
vide ministers and decision-makers a space to discuss social policy experiences and identify answers to the region’s new challenges. The ministers delivered a joint presen-
Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence and Junior Finance Minister, Jaipaul Sharma at the conference Forum for Development in Latin America and the Caribbean being held the Dominican Republic. The two-day Santo Domingo meeting began on Monday to pro-
tation on Guyana’s situation on the first day of the conference, inclusive of Government’s effort to boost socio-economic development, a release from the Ministry of Social
Protection said. United Nations Development Administrator, Helen Clark noted that the Ministerial Forum will address three aspects of the challenges by countries. They will look at how countries in the region are looking beyond Gross Domestic Product when measuring development progress; exchange experiences of how countries are taking on board the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; and take stock of current social protection efforts in the region and of the dynamics of current poverty reduction approaches. Ministers Lawrence and Sharma will also participate in the First Meeting of the Presiding Officers of the Regional Conference on Social Development in Latin America and the Caribbean while in the Dominican Republic.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 2, 2016
Leguan gets paved roads for first time LEGUAN, Region Three residents, for the first time, are benefitting from asphaltic roads. Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson said the road works are about 60 percent completed. “I have my mobile asphalt plant up there, and a full team of workers, and we should be completed within a week or two. We’re doing as much as possible hopefully, the entire Leguan…” the Minister explained. Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that despite the many challenges experienced, work is moving apace on the roads. Minister Ferguson said that during the execution of works, the mobile asphalt plant had stopped generating asphalt for a few days, disrupting the pace of work. “…we were able to have that rectified, so it’s currently up and running and the team
Works are ongoing to pave all the roads in Leguan from the Special Projects Unit within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure is continuing all the necessary works,” Minister Ferguson said. Minister Patterson expressed pleasure that her ministry is bringing relief to the residents of the agricultural community. The Ministry of Public Infrastructure has been constructing, rehabilitating, and maintain-
ing roads and bridges in Regions 1 to 6 and 10. In the 2015 budget, $509M and $570M were awarded under the miscellaneous and urban roads programme, respectively. All works are expected to be completed in the second half of 2016. For 2016, $1.4B was allocated for miscellaneous roads and $1.1B for urban roads. (GINA)
GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 2, 2016
Man hit in the back in shoot-out with cops
AN INCAPACITATED Mark Anthony arrived at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts Tuesday on a hospital stretcher to be charged in connection with the recent shootout with police after he allegedly robbed a man in Laing Avenue. Anthony was discharged from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where he was admitted after being shot in his back and is now paralyzed from the injuries. City Magistrate Dylan Bess, because of the seriousness of Anthony injuries, went downstairs to the prisoners’ holding area where the accused lay motionless in his stretcher surrounded by his attorney, Clyde Forde and other relatives.
The first charge stated that Anthony on September 26 at Laing Avenue, Georgetown while being armed with a gun robbed Tevin Williams of two cellular phones valued $67,000. It is further alleged that on the same day, he discharged a loaded firearm at Police Officer Roger Pilgrim with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm. He was not required to plea to the indictable charge since the Administration of Justice Act was not applied. Anthony was also charged for having an unlicensed .38 revolver with three live rounds and a spent shell. He pleaded not guilty this charge. Attorney Forde had strongly protested for his
Man charged with wounding drinking partner LINTAN Lucas appeared before City Magistrate Leron Daly McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court Tuesday charged with unlawful wounding. According to the charge, Lucas unlawfully and maliciously wounded Randy Smith causing him grievous bodily harm. The incident is alleged to have occurred on October 26, at Kwebanna Village, North West Maruca and the unrepresented Lucas pleaded not guilty to the charge. Police Prosecutor, Corporal Bharat Mangru strongly opposed the accused being released on bail since he is was not from Georgetown and the offence had occurred in the North West District. Lacus was remanded to prison and the matter transferred to the Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan for November 10. According to reports, on the day in question both the virtual complainant (VC) and the accused were at a shop in Kewebanna Village consuming alcohol when an argument ensued. Lucas became annoyed; picked up the VC and slammed him to the ground. Smith sustained serious head injuries and was rushed to the hospital.
Security guard sentenced to 9 mths for break and enter A 56-YEAR-OLD security guard was on Tuesday sentenced to nine months in prison by Magistrate Dylan Bess after he admitted to breaking into his employer’s storage bond and carting off several items. Osmond Hussain of Agricola accepted the charge which stated that between December 1, 2015 and September 29, 2016 while being inside the storage bond of Rabindranath Rampersaud he stole a quantity of vinolay, taps, brooms and a generator – total value $194,000. According to reports Hussain was hired as a security guard by Rampersaud to watch over his storage bond, leaving the accused alone in the building. On December 1, 2015 the businessman secured his premises and left but when bond-checks were made on September 29, 2016 the items were missing. The matters was reported to the police and based upon investigations ranks went to Hussain’s home where the stolen items were discovered. The Magistrate in sentencing the accused considered his guilty plea and the fact that he seemed remorseful. However Bess told him “The court cannot encourage your actions,” before passing his ruling.
client’s release based upon the serious injuries received. Nevertheless, Magistrate Bess remanded Anthony until November 15 for statements. According to reports, on the day in question, Officer Pilgrim along with other officers were in his car travelling along West Front Road when they were confronted by the accused who discharged his gun at them. One of the bullets hit Officer Pilgrim and the officers returned fire hitting the accused’s back. The wounded officer managed to disarm Anthony and then he discovered the stolen cellphones and the unlicensed gun and ammunition.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 2, 2016
Karunaratne ton helps Unbeaten Sri Lanka build huge lead Brathwaite, (REUTERS)-Dimuth Karunaratne scored a century as Sri Lanka extended their lead over Zimbabwe to 411 runs
play was called off around 15 minutes ahead of the scheduled close. Karunaratne, the most experienced bats-
His 94-run partnership with Dhananjaya de Silva for the fifth wicket lifted Sri Lanka from 117-4. De Silva was the last Sri Lankan wicket to fall, caught for 64 off the bowling of debutant Carl Mumba who has taken 4-50 in the second innings. Sri Lanka are likely to declare early on the fi-
nal day to give themselves time to bowl the hosts out. Zimbabwe scored 373 in their first innings and will have high hopes of surviving the day and securing a draw in their 100th test since their first against India in 1992. The African side have lost their last six Tests.
SCORE BOARD Dimuth Karunaratne followed up his first-innings halfcentury with 110.
before rain and bad light ended play on the fourth day of the first Test yesterday. Sri Lanka had moved on to 247 for six when
man in an injury-hampered line-up, survived an early drop to score 110 before being caught and bowled by Chris Mpofu just before tea.
SRI LANKA 1st innings 537 (U. Tharanga 110no, K. Perera 110, K. Silva 94, D. Karunaratne 56, A. Gunaratne 54; G. Cremer 4-142) Zimbabwe 1st innings 373 (G. Cremer 102no, P. Moor 79) Sri Lanka 2nd innings (Overnight: 5-0) D. Karunaratne c & b Mpofu 110 K. Silva b Mumba 7 K. Perera c H. Masakadza b Waller 17 K. Mendis c Cremer b Mumba 19 U. Tharanga c Moor b Mumba 1 D. de Silva c Waller b Mumba 64 A. Gunaratne not out 16 D. Perera not out 1 Extras: (b-6 lb-5 nb-1) 12 Total: (for 6 wickets, 61.5 overs) 247 Fall of wickets: 1-17 K. Silva,2-72 K. Perera,3-111 K. Mendis,4-117 U. Tharanga,5-211 D. Karunaratne,6-241 D. de Silva To bat: R. Herath, S. Lakmal, L. Kumara Bowling:C. Mpofu 16 - 2 - 42 – 1, G. Cremer 14 - 0 - 67 - 0(nb-1), C. Mumba 11.5 - 2 - 50 – 4,D. Tiripano 8 - 0 - 33 – 0, M. Waller 5 - 0 - 17 – 1, S. Williams 1 - 0 - 5 – 0, H. Masakadza 6 - 1 - 22 – 0.
Almandin wins Melbourne Cup thriller By Ian Ransom MELBOURNE,(Reuters)-German import Almandin won a thrilling sprint to the line to claim the A$6.2 million ($4.75 million) Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse yesterday. Roared on by a festive crowd of more than 100,000 people, Almandin emerged at the final turn to haul in Heartbreak City by a neck at the end of the grueling twomile handicap. It gave local businessman Lloyd Williams a record fifth Melbourne Cup as an owner and jockey Kerrin McEvoy his second trumph after his win on Brew in 2000. T h e s e v e n - y e a r- o l d gelding’s Australian trainer Robert Hickmott also claimed his second Cup in its 156th running, having prepared 2012 winner Green Moon. “Jeez, he traveled well,” McEvoy said from the saddle, having timed the 11-1 shot’s run to perfection. “How lucky am I, mate? The elation is just unreal.
Jockey Kerrin McEvoy (L), riding the horse Almandin, wins the Melbourne Cup ahead of second-placed Heartbreak City at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Australia, November 1, 2016. AAP/Joe Castro/via REUTERS
“Just a dream, mate, to win my second Cup. It’s just a dream come true. I love these staying races, I love the Melbourne Cup.” McEvoy set a record for the longest gap between Cup wins for a jockey and his triumph came less than a week before his wife Cathy Payne, the sister of last year’s winning jockey Michelle Payne, was due to have their fourth child. “Cathy’s at home, love you guys, hope you didn’t
cheer too loudly and the baby popped out,” the 36-year-old said. Heartbreak City, ridden by Hong Kong-based Brazilian Joao Moreira, was a gallant runner-up after leaping from barrier 23. Trained by Irishman Tony Martin, the seven-yearold gelding was the first to bolt for the line and all but captured Australia’s richest horse racing prize before conceding at the line. “He didn’t break my
heart, he tried 120 percent,” said Moreira. “I’m very proud of the horse. If you look at him you wouldn’t think he was that good, but when he went at the end he showed what he was capable of. “From the 50 (meter mark), I knew my horse was getting weak, he started getting tired, and the other one had a little bit left and he got me at the line.” Favourite Hartnell finished third, continuing the frustrations of the powerful Godolphin stable which had five entrants in the field of 24. Godolphin, owned by Emirati Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, have tried in vain to win a Melbourne Cup since 1998, but managed only three runner-up finishes. The stable’s British stayer Qewy was fourth, while Jameka, the sole locally bred entrant, disappointed in 15th place, having started second favorite after winning the prestigious Caulfield Cup last month.
Holder ... From back page
succession before wiping out their deficit of 56, Holder (3-10 from nine overs) leading by example in a spell of admirable accuracy and hostility. Things could have been even better for West Indies had Shannon Gabriel not over-stepped when inducing an edge to slip from Sarfraz Ahmed, who duly reached stumps unbeaten on 19 alongside Azhar Ali (45 not out). Having resumed five shy of three figures, Brathwaite brought up his fifth Test hundred in Tuesday’s first over, but saw Holder depart when the skipper was bowled for 16 shouldering arms to Mohammad Amir. Devendra Bishoo went on to provide fine support to the centurion, a battling ninth-wicket stand of 60 enough to earn West Indies a handy first-innings advantage. The gritty Brathwaite survived a scare on 121 when an edge off Mohammad Nawaz was dropped by wicketkeeper Sarfraz. It was not until the afternoon session that Pakistan finally dismissed the tourists, Wahab Riaz (5-88) completing only his second five-wicket haul in Tests by having Bishoo (27) and Gabriel (0) caught behind either side of Alzarri Joseph (6) chipping tamely to cover. The hosts took tea in an encouraging position on 32 without loss, only to then collapse as Holder hit his stride, claiming three wickets in as many individual overs. Sami Aslam (17) and Asad Shafiq (0) were both bounced out by the all-rounder, who drew catches from fine-leg and gully respectively, before Younis Khan was strangled down the leg side without scoring. Pakistan were still eight runs in arrears when captain Misbah threw his wicket away, holing out to deep backward square-leg off Roston Chase. Azhar and Sarfraz dug in to see out the remainder of the day, although the latter received a let-off on nine when he fended a Gabriel bouncer to slip, only for a no-ball to be called.(Omnisport)
SCOREBOARD `PAKISTAN 1st innings 281 (S. Aslam 74, Misbah-ul-Haq 53, Y. Khan 51, S. Ahmed 51; D. Bishoo 4-77) West Indies 1st innings (Overnight: 244-6) K. Brathwaite not out 142 L. Johnson lbw b Riaz 1 Da. Bravo c Amir b Babar 11 M. Samuels lbw b Shah 0 J. Blackwood c Shafiq b Amir 23 R. Chase c Y. Khan b Amir 50 S. Dowrich b Riaz 47 J. Holder b Amir 16 D. Bishoo c S. Ahmed b Riaz 27 A. Joseph c Shah b Riaz 6 S. Gabriel c S. Ahmed b Riaz 0 Extras (lb-6 nb-8) 14 Total (all out, 115.4 overs) 337 Fall of wickets: 1-6 L. Johnson,2-32 Da. Bravo,3-38 M. Samuels,4-68 J. Blackwood,5-151 R. Chase,6-234 S. Dowrich,7-263 J. Holder,8-323 D. Bishoo,9-333 A. Joseph,10-337 S. Gabriel Bowling: M. Amir 25 - 5 - 71 - 3(nb-5),W. Riaz 26.4 - 1 - 88 - 5(nb-3), Y. Shah 26 - 2 - 80 – 1, Z. Babar 21 - 3 - 56 – 1, M. Nawaz 11 - 2 - 20 – 0, Az. Ali 6 - 0 - 16 – 0. PAKISTAN 2nd innings S. Aslam c Joseph b Holder 17 Az. Ali not out 45 A. Shafiq c Da. Bravo b Holder 0 Y. Khan c Dowrich b Holder 0 Misbah-ul-Haq c Bishoo b Chase 4 S. Ahmed not out 19 Extras (nb-2) 2 Total (for 4 wickets, 39 overs) 87 Fall of wickets: 1-37 S. Aslam,2-41 A. Shafiq,3-41 Y. Khan,4-48 Misbahul-Haq To bat: M. Nawaz, W. Riaz, Y. Shah, M. Amir, Z. Babar Bowling: S. Gabriel 8 - 1 - 14 - 0(nb-2),A. Joseph 6 - 1 - 16 – 0, J. Holder 9 - 4 - 10 – 3, K. Brathwaite 1 - 0 - 5 – 0, R. Chase 13 - 1 - 39 – 1, D. Bishoo 2 - 0 - 3 – 0.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 2, 2016
George wins COURTS Golf Tournament THE Lusignan Golf Club was host to the annual COURTS Golf Tournament, wherein international and local golfers battled it out last Sunday. Despite being shifted from Saturday to Sunday due to Diwali celebrations, competition was stiff and golfers got an opportunity to warm up for the International Invitational Open Golf tournament scheduled to be held from Friday to Sunday this weekend. The tournament was played on the Open Medal Play System, and featured
Best Net, Best Gross, and Nearest to the Pin categories. Winners in the Best Net category were as follows: 1st - Peyton George (62/25); 2nd - Maurice Solomon (65/25); 3rd – (teenager) Laksmana Ramroop (68/24) (playing from the Ladies Tee-boxes); and 4th - Rabindranath Persaud (70/22). The Best Gross (72) was won by Avinash Persaud, and Nearest to The Pin (7’) was won by Brij Bissessar. Other golfers whose respective net plays were noteworthy included Avi-
nash Persaud (70/2) and Aleem Hussain (70/16) - who tied with R. Persaud for 4th but lost to him on the ‘back-9 countback’. Jaipaul Suknanan (71/8); Patrick Prashad (71/9); Mike Gayadin (71/12); and Patanjalee Persaud (71/17) also performed well. Another spectacular event of the day was a “Hole-in-One” played superbly by Troy Cadogan on Hole 8. According to winner Peyton George, “I have not won a tournament since the Guyana Open of 2013, when
Huge wins for Pitbulls, Vintage and Hikers at GTT Hockey Championships
THE GTT National Indoor Hockey Championships got underway on Monday evening at the National Gymnasium with six great matches. In the first game, second division teams GCC Pitbulls and Phoenix squared off in an apparently one-sided match. The Pitbulls dominated throughout, making the final tally 11 – 1 in their favour. The barrage of goals came from the sticks of Junior Nationals Kareem McKenzie, Shaquille Leung, Medroy Scotland and former Junior National Trevon Smith; scoring goals of five, three, two and one respectively. Rafael Robinson was Phoenix’s lone goal scorer. GCC’s Manager, Kevin Spencer, seemed very satisfied at his team’s performance at the end of the match. The next Second Division match of the evening took place between Old Fort Supersonics and Hikers. After a slow start, things started to heat up when Old Fort’s Orin Singh scored the first goal of the match in the 12th minute. Three minutes later, Shomere Garnett of the Hikers responded with a field goal of his own, which made the half-time score one apiece. In the last half, however, Old Fort Supersonics picked up the pace and landed three more goals, mere seconds apart in one instance, bring their final score to four goals. Hikers only added one more
goal to their count, sealing their defeat. The third game was a veteran bout between Antonio’s Hickers and GCC Vintage. Critics called it a massacre, as GCC demolished the defenses of the Hickers to secure a 6 – 1 victory. James Mentore capitalized on a counter-attack in the first minute of play for Antonio’s Hickers; but after that goal, GCC Vintage showed their prowess, with Devin Hooper as their main man. He added two goals to the reckoning in the second half, as his team coasted to a comfortable victory. Gabriella Xavier, GCC Vintage’s Manager, was extremely elated with her team’s output for that match. Match number four was a clash of the ladies, as GCC Spartans met Old Fort Lady Bugs. It was another slow starting game, although it was not void of valiant attempts at goal scoring. The first goal of the evening that the Spartans managed to edge in was an FC by Carina Moller. No other goals were scored in the first half, but the second half saw more action, as Moller successfully scored a PC to bring her team’s total to two. Romichelle Brummel of the Lady Bugs scored two back-to-back goals shortly after to even up the odds. However, neither team could effectively penetrate its opponent’s defenses, and the score at the end-of-game buzzer stood at 2-2.
The fifth match saw First Division teams Old Fort Ravers go against Saints in a heated match. No goals were scored in the first half, but not for lack of trying from either side. In the second half, though, the Ravers came out swinging, and scored goals through Robert Brummel, Deheron Wilkinson, and the Simon brothers adding one each. Saints fared decently with two goals of their own, but it was in vain, as the Ravers safeguarded their win. The final bout of the evening occurred between the Pepsi Hikers and GCC Bounty, both First Division squads. This match was a blowout of exceptional proportions, as the Pepsi Hikers sealed a 7-2 victory over a seemingly dysfunctional GCC Bounty. Robert France was the leading scorer for the Hikers with four goals, while Randy Hope, Aroydy Brandford and Andrew Stewart added one each respectively. GCC Bounty’s Mark Sergeant and Kevin Spencer gave their team two goals, but their heroic contributions were insignificant in comparison. Both teams are known for their skill and focus, but last evening the Hikers seemed to have more of both. The tournament continues until November 6. This round-robin segment will see winning teams being awarded points to determine who will make it to the semi-finals, and ultimately the finals.
The winners posing in this photo are, from left: Avinash Persaud, Laksmana Ramroop, Peyton George,v Rabindranath Persaud, Maurice Solomon, Brij Bissessar and club president Oncar Ramroop
I won the Best Net in my category”. He added that he had a performance drop due to a two-year absence from the sport. He also added: “I have not so far been able
to use my Driver with the proficiency I had before, so I ended up playing superbly with my 3-Wood instead of my Driver for this competition.” He said that his play was all around good.
Lusignan Golf Club president, Oncar Ramroop, praised the COURTS tournament, now in its tenth year, for its commitment to Golf in Guyana.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 2, 2016
Guardiola cheer as Man City floor old club Barca
(REUTERS)-Coach Pep Guardiola was left thrilled after Manchester City revived their Champions League bid by beating his old club Barcelona 3-1 in a gloriously open Group C encounter at the Etihad Stadium yesterday. Ilkay Guendogan scored twice and Kevin De Bruyne netted a superb free kick in a magnificent display from the home side that ended Barcelona’s 100 percent record and made handsome amends for City’s 4-0 drubbing at the Nou Camp two weeks ago. Guardiola’s men now
Manchester, England - Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan celebrates scoring their third goal with team mates. Reuters / Darren Staples
have seven points from four matches, two behind leaders Barca. Borussia Moenchengladbach are on four points
after drawing 1-1 with bottom club Celtic. City’s victory looked unlikely when Lionel Messi fol-
lowed up his hat-trick in the game at the Nou Camp with a dazzling opener on the counter attack in the 21st minute and Barca were in control before Guendogan cashed in on a Sergi Roberto mistake. In a game peppered with fine attacking and dubious defending, City then ran Barca ragged as the exceptional De Bruyne netted in the 51st minute before helping set up Guendogan’s second after 74. City’s best Champions League night left Barca frustrated as they failed to gain the win that would have sealed their place in the knockout stages for a 13th successive season. The home side’s big night started brightly as Raheem Sterling appeared to be brought
down in the box by Samuel Umtiti only to be booked, harshly perhaps, for diving. Then, in a devastating counter attack initiated by Javier Mascherano when he broke up a City thrust in his own box, Messi found Neymar on the left before marauding down the field to latch on to the Brazilian’s pass and claim his 90th Champions League goal. Barca looked poised to take over, threatening a second goal until Sergi Roberto stroked a pass carelessly across his own defensive line, allowing Sergio Aguero to intercept and feed Sterling who crossed for Guendogan to tap the ball in. Barca should have equalised when a stray back pass from John Stones led to Andre
Gomes hitting the bar when it seemed easier to score. City, though, earned reward for their domination and some wayward defending by the visitors when De Bruyne’s pass cut them apart and set up Jesus Navas to whip in the cross that eventually fell to Germany midfielder Guendogan who hammered his fourth goal in two games. A poor touch from Sterling stopped him putting City ahead at the start of the second half but they did not have to wait long to go ahead as De Bruyne’s free kick dipped over the wall and beat the despairing dive of Marc-Andre ter Stegen. De Bruyne came close to adding to the lead as the hosts flooded forward.
Mourinho hit with second misconduct charge
(REUTERS)-Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has been charged with misconduct for comments made t o t h e re f e re e d u r i n g last weekend’s Premier League match against Burnley, the FA said yesterday. Mourinho was sent to
the stands by referee Mark Clattenburg for the second half of the 0-0 draw at Old Trafford on Saturday after reportedly complaining about a penalty decision that did not go United’s way. “It is alleged that in or around the tunnel area at halftime he used abusive
(REUTERS)-Germany’s record goalscorer Miroslav Klose is starting a traineeship with the national team as the retired striker looks to kick off his coaching career, the German Football Association said yesterday. Klose, who helped his country win the 2014 World Cup and became the alltime top scorer at the tournament with 16 goals, ended his playing career last season at Lazio. “He will undergoing an individual training and trainee programme with the clear aim of starting a coaching career,” the FA said in a statement. The 38-year-old, who also played for Kaiserslautern, Bayern Munich and Werder Bremen, is Germany’s leading scorer with 71 goals in 137 matches. “In the past months the
thought has matured in me to remain on the pitch with the perspective of the coach,” Klose said. “I would like to thank (Germany coach) Joachim Loew and (sports director) Hansi Flick for the chance to
and/or insulting words towards a Match Official,” the FA said. Mourinho was also charged with misconduct by the FA last week for comments he made about referee Anthony Taylor ahead of United’s P re m i e r L e a g u e g a m e against Liverpool.
World Cup winner Klose starts Germany traineeship
Miroslav Klose
sharpen my perspective in a practical environment.” He will be part of Germany’s coaching team for their World Cup qualifier in San Marino and a friendly against Italy this month.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 2, 2016
Australia out for revenge against confident Proteas Kagiso Rabada (REUTERS)-In an era of Australia, like most other top Test cricket where home nations, have had plenty of advantage is proving all experience of losing series in but decisive, Australia’s recent years and not just in three-match series against the longest form of the game. South Africa offers the rare While the 3-0 drubbing prospect of a genuinely in Sri Lanka in September even contest. that lost them The series starts to- the number one morrow in Perth, where test ranking just reinforced South Africa ruined Ricky the notion that Australia’s Ponting’s farewell with a big batsmen cannot play spin win to clinch the 2012 series very well, the recent 5-0 - the last Australia lost on ODI whitewash in South home soil. Africa was an historic huOn the road, however, miliation.
Local hopes of revenge rest on the return of rested frontline pace bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, even if the latter is not yet firing on all cylinders after suffering a nasty gash to his leg in training last month. Australia’s batting rarely fails to fire on home soil and, even in a side rebuilding after a string of retirements, runs can be expected right through the order from pugnacious opener David Warner to obdurate tailender Nathan Lyon. South Africa, in the absence of the injured AB de Villiers, will be more reliant on Hashim Amla and Faf du Plessis but they have quality in the area history suggests is key for tourists in Australia - pace bowling. Dale Steyn spearheads a five-strong unit featuring the experience of Vernan Philander and Morne Morkel, the enthusiasm of Kyle Abbott, and the raw pace of 21-yearold Kagiso Rabada, South Africa’s cricketer of the year.
‘PLAY THE AUSTRALIAN WAY’
Steyn played on the successful tours of 2008 and 2012 and believes the Proteas have arrived without the inferiority complex that past tourists have brought to Australia. “I think the guys who are on their first test tour of Australia are coming here with a good feeling because the other guys who have come here before have done well,” the 33-year-old said. “It’s not that feeling where in the past when we came here we had our tails between our legs, we are coming here with good history. The boys are comfortable and ready to go.” South Africa’s success in Australia is often put down to their comfort on the hard local tracks, which can be similar to those at home, but they could face some unfamiliar conditions this year. The WACA served up a
Brathwaite becomes fifth Windies batsman to carry his bat through a Test innings
By Bharath Seervi 5 Number of West Indies batsmen who have carried their bat through a Test innings. Kraigg Brathwaite
were by Zimbabwe players. There were five instances of batsmen doing this against Pakistan in 1990s but Brathwaite is only the second since 2000. The
instances for about three-anda-half years between January 2011 and August 2015. 13 Before this match, West Indies had failed to take a lead in 13 consecutive
the second Pakistan player from any batting position to get two pairs in a year after Shabbir Ahmed in 2005. 2 Instances of Pakistan’s top-four batsmen aggregating four ducks in a Test. The only previous instance was also in Sharjah, in 2002-03, against Australia. In this match, Shafiq got a pair, Azhar Ali scored zero in the first innings and Younis Khan in the second. This was Younis’ fourth duck in the UAE, and his third in Sharjah. 2 Pakistan’s 281 in this Test was the second smallest total in a completed Test innings to include four individual fifty-plus scores. New Zealand had scored only 275 in an innings inclusive of four fifties against Pakistan in Hamilton in 2010-11.
became the fifth. The only other West Indies batsman to carry his bat in the last 20 years was Chris Gayle, against Australia at Adelaide Oval in 2009-10. The three instances prior to Gayle were all by Desmond Haynes, between 1986 and 1993. Frank Worrell (1957) and Conrad Hunte (165) were the other two to achieve this feat. 9 Instances of batsmen carrying their bat against Pakistan - the second-most against any side. Three of the last four instances against Pakistan, before Brathwaite,
team against which this has happened the most is England (13 times), and the least is against Sri Lanka (twice). 1 Only one of the previous six instances of West Indies batsmen carrying their bat have resulted in wins - Haynes (143*) against Pakistan in Port of Spain in 1992-93. Overall, only 13 of the previous 50 instances have resulted in wins. 3 Batsmen who have carried their bat in the last 14 months. Dean Elgar and Cheteshwar Pujara did this last year. There were no such
Tests when batting second. In those matches, they conceded an average lead of 204. In away matches, when batting second, in matches excluding Bangladesh, the last time West Indies took a lead was way back in 2006 in Multan. 3 Number of top-order batsman (Nos. 1 to 6) to bag two pairs in a year - Asad Shafiq became the third. The previous two were: Mohinder Amarnath in 1983 and Mark Waugh in 1992. Both Amarnath and Waugh had got those pairs in the same series, unlike Shafiq. Shafiq is only
2 Five-wicket hauls for Wahab Riaz. This is his 20th Test. His first five-for was against England at The Oval in 2010 on his debut, and the second came in this match after a gap of six years. 1 Number of three-wicket hauls for Jason Holder in Tests prior to this series, in 17 matches. In this series he has had two such hauls, including the one in the second innings of this Test. This is only his second series, out of eight, in which he has taken more than five wickets. In the four matches of the home series against India recently, he had taken only one wicket. (ESPN Cricinfo)
wicket without its notorious pace and bounce last year, Hobart has often offered up greentops, while last year’s first day-night Test at Adelaide Oval was something of a lottery for Australian and New Zealand batsmen alike. What will be more familiar, even under the South Australian lights, is the uncompromising nature of the
home crowds and the opposition. “We’re going to play the Australian way,” Lyon said on Tuesday. “We’re going to compete hard. We’re not going to roll over. “If one of our players is getting a hard time, we’re going to stick up for him. We know where the line is. We headbutt it, but we don’t go over it.”
Josh Hazlewood
No quick fix to England’s batting woes-Bayliss (REUTERS)-England coach Trevor Bayliss knows there is no quick fix to his side’s batting problems against spin but hopes that their recent exposure to conditions in Bangladesh will help them in a five-test series against India, starting next week.
England coach Trevor Bayliss
After a narrow win in the opening Test against Bangladesh in Chittagong, England suffered an astonishing collapse on the third day of the second match at Dhaka, losing 10 wickets in a single session in their second innings to be all out for 164. Next up for Alastair Cook’s men is a testing series in India, starting on Nov. 9, on spin-friendly pitches similar to those England struggled with against Bangladesh. “I think, from a batting point of view, there’s been some good signs during this series,” Bayliss told Sky Sports. “We don’t come across those types of wickets very often at all, or at all.
“The only thing you can do is experience it more often. There’s no quick fix but, as we saw, there were batters in the two tests that were able to bat for a period of time and score runs. “If they can do it once they’ve got it in them but it’s just about doing it more often and more consistently and learning from those innings.” “There will be a number of players that we will be discussing and what we might think is our best and strongest team.” In four innings in Bangladesh, Joe Root’s average of 24.50 was the highest of England’s top five in the order, with Cook, Ben Duckett and Moeen Ali all averaging in the low 20s. Gary Ballance could muster only 24 runs in total, recording single-digit scores, and the 26-year-old’s position at four in the order would come up for discussion, according to Bayliss. “I’m sure that will be one of the things we discuss,” said the 53-year-old. “It was one of the things we discussed before the series started, the different options we have available to us going forward, so that we weren’t surprised by anything.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 2, 2016
Reifer, Chanderpaul steady Second Annual B.M.Soat Costume Steel Challenge Singh’s XI reply Match on stream RAYMOND Reifier and S h i v n a r i n e C h a n d e rpaul were the stars of the Singh’s XI side as they chased down the 325 total set by the Barnwell’s XI on day two of the Guyana Jaguars four day warmup match at Everest. The former West In-
for the remainder of the day. Opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul was then joined by Shimron Hetmyer, who only spent 20 minutes at the crease for the one boundary scored in 12 deliveries he faced. His dismissal came after he edged one to wicket-keep-
steadied the innings for the side. Joseph ended the day with his six overs costing 26 runs and yielding one wicket while Paul’s six overs went for 10 runs and also yielded a wicket. Earlier, the last three Barnwell XI wickets to fall was that of skipper Barn-
FOR the second consecutive year, B.M Soat Auto Sales has pledged its support for the Guyana Sports Shooting Federation’s (GSSF) Costume Steel Challenge shooting match. The competition is expected to be keenly contested, as the inaugural match last year was a hit, with members turning out in their costumes and there were appearances from Pocahontas, The Joker, Superman, Cowboys, Hondo, and even Magic Mike. According to a release, the organisers anticipate an even more exciting tournament, with more shooters participating. Participants invited are expected to don costumes
of their liking. Hats, wigs, paint, garb are welcome, but will have to be within the safety confines of the sport. The GSSF, through regular hosting of Steel Challenge competitions and via its international affiliation with the USA-based Steel Challenge Shooting Association (SCSA), is seeking to give pistol shooters an opportunity to hone their shooting skills in order to be able to select a team to represent Guyana in World Ranked international matches due soon. Thus, in keeping with strict firearm safety rules, all other rules of competitive shooting stipulated by the SCSA are followed. Steel Challenge is a fastpaced handgun shooting
sport which attracts Guyanese pistol shooters from all around the country. It is easy to follow, and enables shooters to work on their accuracy while simultaneously being tested and scored against the clock. Your time is your score; it is as simple as that. Three exciting stages are expected to be set up under stringent security at the GDF ranges at Timehri. Competitors would be shooting at five steel targets which would be arranged in preconfigured positions. Participants will fall under two divisions: Limited and Wildcat, as stipulated by the SCSA Rulebook, and prizes will be awarded to the top three shooters in each division.
Shivnarine Chanderpaul plays a forward defensive shot, while Raymond Reifer is at the nonstrikers end. (Adrian Narine Photo)
dies middle order batsman, Chanderpaul is still at the crease on, 49 while his partner, all-rounder Reifer is on 68; the duo pushing the score to 181 for the loss of 3 wickets at close of play, still needing some 145 runs. The pair came together with the score at 54 and pushed the total well past the 150 mark Singh’s XI was put on the back foot early with West Indies opener Rajendra Chandrika carried back to the pavilion after his attempt to steal a run was met with a rocket of a throw from bowler Romario Shepard which hit his ankle and rendered him hurt
er Tevin Imlach off the bowling of Keon Joseph. Chanderpaul was then joined by Captain Singh who took on the bulk of scoring for the next 45 minutes before the skipper was trapped LBW to Eon Hooper for 18 (4X2) with the score at 54. This brought the father/ son combination to the crease, which did not last long as Tagenarine departed in the following over, edging again to Imlach off the bowling of Kemo Paul for 27 with the score still at 54. However the Reifer/ Chanderpaul partnership
well himself for 47 off 115 balls, followed by Seon Hetmyer for 30 and Romario Sheppard 13. Paul was left unbeaten on 8. Apart from Barnwell, Chanderpaul Hemraj (65) and Robin Bacchus 51 were the other notable scorers in the team’s 325 total. The wickets were shared among Reifer 3 for 42 off 19 overs, while Adams took 3 for 100.. There was a wicket each for Raun Johnson, Clinton Pestano, Sherfane Rutherford and Gajanan Suknanan. Day three resumes at today at 09:30hrs..
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday November 02, 2016) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512)
In photo, B.M. Soat Auto Sales’ Manager Mrs. Priya Mohamed (right) hands over the sponsorship cheque to GSSF Steel Challenge Chairperson Dr. Pravesh Harry in the presence of GSSF President Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon (left)
Botham labels Day/night Tests in England `appalling’ WITH England set to host its first day/night Test match next year, former all-rounder Ian Botham has labelled the notion “ridiculous” and “appalling”.
Indies visit Edgbaston in August 2017. Play will run from 2pm to 9pm using a pink ball. Australia and New Zealand contested the first day/
Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 3 (2) WI vs PAK, First Test (Dubai), 2016 Today’s Quiz: (1) Who has scored most Test runs for the WI without hitting a Test match hundred? (2) Who are the only two players in the history of Test cricket to hit a double-century and take a five-wicket haul I the same game? Answers in tomorrow’s issue …………………………...............................................................……
Ian Botham Last month, the England and Wales Cricket Board announced the first match of its kind would be held on English soil, when West
night match in Adelaide last year, before Pakistan and the Windies followed suit in the United Arab Emirates last month.
But Botham, England’s second-highest Test wicket taker with 383 from 102 appearances, is heavily critical of the idea. “It’s ridiculous. I think it’s appalling,” he said, as quoted by Sport24. “Test cricket is the flagship. You cannot play day/ night Test cricket in England because the difference between bowling in the day time, and bowling in the evening, it’s unfair. “I am amazed we are going ahead with it. “ We d o w e l l [ w i t h crowds] in Tests in England. The first three days are certainly usually sold out. They are going to do it, so we will all sit back and watch.”
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 2, 2016
TSG unveils Caribbean Under-20 Best XI, Awards
WILLEMSTAD, Curacao – Following Haiti’s 4-0 win over Antigua & Barbuda in the final of the Caribbean qualifying tournament for the 2017 CONCACAF Under-20 Championship last Sunday at the Stadion Ergilio Hato, the Technical Study Group (TSG) announced the tournament’s Best XI and other awards. The Caribbean U-20 selection contains 10 players from champions Haiti and one from runner-up Antigua & Barbuda. HERE’S A LOOK AT THE TEAM: 2016 Caribbean Football Union Qualifying for 2017 CONCACAF Under-20 Championship Best XI Goalkeeper: Jhon Paris (Haiti) Right Back: Denso Ulysse (Haiti) Center Back: Vashami Allen (Antigua & Barbuda)
Center Back: Odilon Jerome (Haiti) Left Back: Francy Pierre (Haiti) Right Midfielder: Jonel Desire (Haiti) Center Midfielder: Wendy St. Felix (Haiti) Center Midfielder: Brian Chevreuil (Haiti) Left Midfielder: Kenley Dede (Haiti) Forward: Roberto Louima (Haiti) Forward: Ronaldo Damus (Haiti) AWARDS GOLDEN BALL Roberto Louima, Haiti
GOLDEN BOOT Ronaldo Damus, Haiti (six goals, eight overall) GOLDEN GLOVE Jhon Paris, Haiti FAIR PLAY AWARD Trinidad & Tobago
Haitian players show off some of the awards they earned at the 2016 Caribbean under-20 qualifying competition. (Photo: David Heykoop)
Ali siblings dominate National Junior Chess Championships SAEED Ali and his younger sister, Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Sheriffa Ali, finished first and third respectively when the curtains came down on the Sasha Cells National Junior Chess Championships last Sunday at the Ocean Spray International Hotel in Georgetown. Vi c t o r y w a s a l m o s t assured for the 19-yearold when he defeated his 17-year-old sister on Saturday morning. That game proved to be the decider, given that it was a threeway battle for the title between the siblings and eventual second place finisher Roberto Neto. Saeed then easily sealed the top position on Sunday with victories over Ghansham Allijohn and Jaden Taylor, for 6 ½ points in seven games. Neto, who drew with both siblings, finished with six points, while Sheriffa ended with five points. Aravinda Singh placed fourth, with four points. The eight best juniors in the country competed.
Saeed Ali (left) won the title, while his younger sister, Sheriffa, finished first female and third overall The seven-round cham- knight in a play which pionships could have gone sealed his fortune. Although the siblings in a different direction if live together, they did not Sheriffa, who was one of the standout Guyanese players train with each other before in Azerbaijan at the 42nd or during the championChess Olympiad in Septem- ships. They opted instead ber, had defeated her older for online games. “Neto and Sherry proved brother. The siblings, who have been playing chess to be the most challenging since 2007, battled for over players,” Saeed later conan hour, with the eventu- firmed. “I’ve been reading al winner playing white a lot more, and my chess and opening with Queen’s knowledge has improved.” Saeed’s previous best Gambit. finish was first place in In the late stages of the middle game, Saeed the 2011 National Schools caught his younger sister Chess Championships, with a fork (a move which completed while he was traps two pieces at once) a student of the Richard to take her rook with his Ishmael Secondary.
Singh, Nedd inspire Chase Academy to victory in North Georgetown zone final …Saraswat Secondary are West Coast Demerara champions
N AT I O N A L U n d e r- 1 5 captain Sachin Singh’s brilliant all round performance and Ashmead Nedd’s half century led defending champions Chase Academy to an easy victory over Christ Church in the North Georgetown zone final yesterday at the GCC ground Bourda, as the 2016 edition of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) National Secondary School Cricket League (NSSCL) continued. Batting first Chase
Chase Academy cricketers pose with their trophy off 50 balls including 6 fours and one maximum as the pair put on a 135 run partnership for the third
Captain of Saraswat Secondary receives the zone champions trophy from Dhanpaul(west indies trouser and hat)
Academy piled up 230/5 in their 30 overs. Sachin Singh struck his second century of the competition when he scored 115 off 100 balls. Singh stroked 15 fours and one six during his knock. Nedd was also among the runs hitting 62
wicket., Gorrick Persaud chipped in with 22, while Reynaldo Mohamed took 3/38 for Christ Church. Christ Church lasted just 14.2 overs in their reply as they folded for 45. Singh returned with the ball to bag 6/14 and
Nedd had 2/16 bowling for Chase Academy. In the West Coast Demerara zone final at Zeeburg, Saraswat Secondary prevailed over SVN College in a low scoring affair. SVN College could only make 73 all out in 19.2 overs. Ajita Persaud was the only batsman to reach double figures scoring 14. Bowling for Saraswat, Kevin Latchoo took 4/18 and Rajesh Budhram had 2/4. Saraswat then lost six wickets in the process of scoring the 74 runs required for victory as they got to their target in the 16th over. Kevin Latchoo made 15 not out to lead the chase. Ajita Persaud took 2/19 in a losing cause for SVN College. The NSSCL continues today with the East Georgetown zone final at the GCC ground, Bourda between St Joseph High and Tutorial High starting 10:30 hrs.
Singh, Nedd inspire Chase Academy to victory in North Georgetown zone final
Unbeaten Brathwaite, Holder put Windies in the box seat
KRAIGG Brathwaite and Jason Holder starred with bat and ball respectively yesterday to give West Indies a golden opportunity of ending their miserable tour of the United Arab Emirates with a consolation third-Test victory over Pakistan. The Windies were whitewashed in both limited-overs formats before losing the first two Tests against Misbah-ul-Haq’s side. However, Pakistan face an uphill battle to avoid defeat in Sharjah, after ending day three in trouble on 87-4, leading by just 31.
Brathwaite improved his overnight score of 95 to 142 not out as the Windies posted a total of 337 in their first innings, the 23-year-old facing 318 deliveries and becoming only the fifth West Indian opener to carry his bat, emulating illustrious West Indians Frank Worrell, Conrad Hunte, Desmond Haynes (three times) and Chris Gayle. Pakistan then lost four wickets in quick See page 34
See story on page 39
Kraigg Brathwaite walks off after making an unbeaten 142 and in the process becoming only the fifth West Indies opener to carry his bat through a Test innings.
‘I pushed with 120 per cent’ By Stephan Sookram
FRESH off sharing the spotlight with Lewis Hamilton last weekend, overseas based Guyanese Calvin Ming chalked up his two F4 podium finishes to putting in 120% per cent. Ming, who finished third in the first F4 race at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez and then followed it up with a win on Sunday spoke exclusively to Chronicle Sport on Monday. In race one, he had undergone contact from the competition which pushed him to last place but the introduction of the safety cars at various junctures in the race played a role in his monstrous drive from back. “Luckily enough in the first race the pace car came out which helped me to catch everyone back. After the race started back, I managed to work my way quite up a bit until the second pace car came out. At this time I was not thinking about the podium but thinking about getting into the top eight for a reverse grid for race two,” he said. The 20 year old continued, “After I saw the pace-car pull off and I was in P5, I thought ‘well ok, I’ve got a shot at the podium so let’s push to 120%’ and luckily enough, in the last corner I was able to take the position.” He returned in Race two to complete the a podium filled weekend, saying thanking Ram Racing for the opportunity while adding, “the first race had set me up for a good second race, because I had more confidence in myself and the car in that it was able to take home the win.” “Going into this weekend, I hadn’t really thought much about it; I was focusing on University and I wasn’t even aware I was going until Ram Racing gave me call on Monday (last) to tell me that they had a car for me to drive,” “When I actually got there, I wasn’t expecting that much but after first practice going into qualifying, I knew it would be a tough weekend because every-one (the top 8-10 cars) were 0.5 (half a second) off each other. So the field was stacked a pretty close.”
- Ming on NACAM F4 weekend
Calvin Ming leading the pack at in the supporting F4 race this weekend in Meixco
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2016