Guyana chronicle e paper 02 14 2017

Salary hikes for all city workers Page 5

Half the price No. 104823

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2017

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

– Mayor says parking rates to be cut in half by Friday – accuses Duncan of causing ‘civil unrest’ Page 2

Members of the Victoria Renegades Masquerade Band, flouncing through the streets of Plaisance following the Masquerade Competition held at the Plaisance Community Centre Ground on Sunday. The East Coast Demerara masqueraders collected most of the prizes in the competition, which saw the participation of six bands (Ministry of Education photo)

CARICOM Summit

US immigration policy for discussion

…leaders to strategise ways to engage Trump

Page 3

Paid in full …MoA says Wales workers already received severance

Page 12

Guyanese man busted at JFK with cocaine in shoes Page 9

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Parking rates to be cut in half

By Telesha Ramnarine

GEORGETOWN Mayor Patricia Chase-Green on Monday announced that

by Friday, City Hall is likely to announce officially that the rates for use of the

parking meters have been slashed by half. This means that citizens will now pay $100 plus VAT per hour.

As it stands before the official announcement, Chase-Green clarified that motorists are still required

to pay for the spaces, but will not be booted if they overstay their time.

Issues surrounding the parking meters came up at the fortnightly statutory meeting after Councillor Noelle Chow-Chee requested that the standing orders be suspended so that clarifications can be sought on the project.

Councillors were especially concerned about details that appeared in the press over the weekend

about the parking meter contract; one that is said to be the old contract that has since been amended.

People’s progressive Party (PPP) Councillor Khame Sharma was chided by the mayor and Town Clerk Royston King for his remarks that the city is “dying” and that people are hurt because of the implementation of the new parking system. He charged that the city is tremendously affected by the fact that City Hall is try-

Mayor Patricia Chase-Green at odds with her deputy, Sherod Duncan, at yesterday’s meeting

ing to force the new system down the throats of citizens.

Another Councillor, Malcolm Ferreira, questioned whether that, as there is no booting currently, persons can simply park without paying.

Councillor Chow-Chee’s remarks that some councillors are “snakes” who debate one thing at the horse-shoeshaped table and then do something else in public, were deemed unacceptable and thus expunged from the records.

Meanwhile, the mayor accused Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan of peddling misinformation to the public that has resulted in unrest.

“If it’s not your way, it’s no way. Let us be honest and fair Mr Deputy Mayor,” she said.

The deputy mayor stood

up to defend himself, but was interrupted frequently on points of order from the mayor.

Meanwhile, the Movement Against Parking Meters (MAPM), has been consistent in its call for a revocation of the contract between the M&CC and Smart City Solutions, the company contracted to manage and operate the meters.

MAPM is protesting the lack of transparency with regard to the contract, the fact that there was no bidding process and the exorbitant fees attached to parking.

Marcel Gaskin on behalf of MAPM had said that a reduction in the fee will not be accepted, but a complete revocation of the contract instead.

“We’re not accepting a reduction. What we want to see is the feasibility study, the impact study, the due diligence of SCS and the evidence of the tender process that was done to select SCS. If they can’t produce these things, then we’re asking that the contract be revoked,” Gaskin said. He said the issue is not about fees alone, but deals with transparency and accountability.

His statement came just one day after President David Granger met with the mayor and town clerk and requested that there be a reduction in the “burdensome” fee.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 14, 2017

CARICOM Summit

US immigration policy for discussion …leaders to strategise ways to engage Trump

By Ravin Singh AS the United States’ (US) foreign policy on immigration continues to change, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders will this week examine implications for the region before it attempts to engage the Donald Trump administration.

Discussions will be had on the issue at the 28th Inter-sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, on February 16-17 in Georgetown. This is according to Secretary-General of the community, Irwin LaRocque who briefed members of the press conference at the CARICOM secretariat in Georgetown Monday.

According to him, one of the broader issues which will be discussed at the meeting later this week is international relations. “International affairs will engage our attention. Emerging issues on that front necessitate that the heads of government strategise how the interest of the community could be best served” LaRocque said.

When asked if one of the international issue will be the US’s immigration policy which has gripped international attention recently, the Secretary-General respond-

what these are.

Additionally, the Secretary General noted that the regional block will be exploring ways to sensitise and engage the new US administration. “That will be the tenet of the discussions we will be having” LaRocque added.

Just recently, Joan Pinnock, of the Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board in the US, shared that a lot of Caribbean nationals are CARICOM Secretary-General, Irwin LaRocque (Delano Williams Photo)

ed in the affirmative. He pointed out though, that this will fall within discussions which focus on the region’s relations with its international partners. “One of the broader issue we will be looking at is relations with our international partners.

Of course, since there is a new administration in the United States, there will be discussions,” he confirmed.

Though he did not divulge much, LaRocque hinted that the discussion will centre on how the region, through CARICOM, can engage or advance issues that are of critical interest to it. He said that there are a number of interests, in relation to what the community will be pursuing internationally, that are presently being made public. He did not say

Sir Ronald Sanders

"terrified" as they are uncertain about their status. President Trump has since said that he is going to remove 11 million undocumented people from the US. And according to Pinnock in Jamaica’s RJR news report, “our Caribbean people fall into that category".

Supporting this view also, is career diplomat, Sir Ronald Sanders, who has since said that Caribbean countries can expect to have an influx of undocumented immigrants based on President Trump’s immigration policy.

He reasoned that the only way this could be prevented is by these countries refusing to take them.

However, he pointed out that the consequence of that action is that the US will not grant visas of any kind to the nationals of the refusing countries, while there may be other sanctions.

To deal with this issue then, Sanders suggested that CARICOM countries consider the “immediate establishment” of national

committees at senior levels to plan for an influx of undocumented immigrants from the US. He also opined that these immigrants will be of all sorts, but the majority will be unskilled labourers, and many will be below the age of 40. Failure to plan, he added, could result in a sudden increase in the population of each country, driving up unemployment and crime and straining their health facilities. Additionally, he noted that areas of concern could include their capacity for delivering water and the capability of their courts, prisons and police.

“Individually and collectively, Caribbean governments have to engage the

Trump Administration and the US Congress to discuss these worrying developments that have implications for the region, but also for the US” the diplomat said.

Sir Ronald Sanders is Antigua and Barbuda’s ambassador to the US and Organisation of American States; an international affairs consultant; as well as senior fellow at Massey College, University of Toronto, and the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, University of London.

He previously served as ambassador to the European Union (EU) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) and as high commissioner to the United Kingdom (UK).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Smyth Street Nursery shines at Children’s Mash …Region Four retains title REGION Four rose to the occasion and defended their title in the “Regional Presentation” category, while the little ones of Smyth Street Nursery School with their “Garden of Love” presentation, once again championed the Nursery bands category of the Children Mashramani Competition, which took place last Saturday in Georgetown.

St Angela’s Primary copped the Primary bands win, and St John’s College’s bright “Queen of Hearts” presentation fittingly won the secondary school group.

Mahaicony Technical Insti-

tute had a band entitled “Development through Technical Vocation” and won the “Other Children’s Organisations” division, beating out last year’s champion, National School of Dance. This year, National School of Dance finished third, coming in behind the Hinterland Scholarship Students.

Described by Children’s Mashramani Cordinator, Desiree Wyles-Ogleas, as a “spectacular show of creativity, energy and fun by the children of Guyana,” over 5000 children took part in Saturday’s spectacle of colours and culture. The proces-

“Nursery bands”, “Primary bands”, ‘Other Children’s Organisations, “Individual Presentation,’ and ‘Regional Presentation”. Trophies were awarded for the first to third place winners of the varying categories, with some of the categories also getting cash prizes.

For the Nursery band’s first to third received $100,000, $80,000 and $60,000, respectively. For the primary bands, secondary bands, and other children oganisations the respective prizes were $120,000, $100,000 and $80,000 for first, second and third places. The individual presentations also received cash prizes.

Smyth Street Nursery

sion saw over 50 costumed revelers and individual floats.

Thousands others lined the streets to spectate the event.

The participants conceptualised their bands with various sub-themes under this year’s Mashramani theme, “Celebration with dignity, liberty and greater unity.”

Great emphasis had also been placed on Guyana’s promotion as a “green economy”.

Participants competed in over six categories, namely:

A section of the Region Four band last Saturday

NURSERY BAND First place winners – Smyth Street Nursery, though small, was a cute ray of sunshine in their floral ensemble. They finished ahead of Head Start Nursery, which marched under the theme “Gateway to a Green Economy”. Plaisance Nursery was third with their “Queen of the Forest Fairies” band for Nursery School.

Twelve Primary Schools participated in the primary bands division, and St Angela’s proved to be the best with a purple and gold, masked procession. They were indeed “A Celebration of Culture”.

Second place in this category went to Graham’s Hall with

“Mathematics is Fun” and third place was St Ambrose.

The St Ambrose band was titled “Credit Info Guyana Inc., Inspiring Confidence”, a Secondary school Band.

The red, white and gold uniform of St John’s College winning “Queen of Hearts” presentation was very eye catching, and helped propel them to the win.

North Georgetown’s “Solar Invasion” was very intriguing but their presentation was only enough for second place. Bishop’s High was third with “Together in Freedom”.

INDIVIDUAL PRESENTATIONS In the “Individual Presentations”, winner Oshay Roberts and second place finisher Jayden Brooms, both sported costumes that played heavily on the “green economy” theme and colour.

Roberts’ presentation was called “Diverse Green Economy”, while Brooms entitled his presentation “Go Green, Stay Clean, Be Green”. Jenaira Browne and her “Fantasy Snow Queen” took third in this category.

REGIONAL PRESENTATIONS In this category finishing behind Region Four was Region Three, and Region 10.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 14, 2017

10 to vie for Calypso Monarchy IT was proven on Saturday night that Lindeners are true fans of kaiso as they came out from every nook and cranny to witness the semi-final of this year’s Senior Calypso Competition held at the famous Mackenzie Sports Club Ground.

Though the event started late and there were some hiccups in the sound system, the crowd left the competition a little after 01:00hr on Sunday satisfied with the upbeat performances from the 15 contestants, coupled with several interludes of soca performances from the young singers of the Mingles Sound System.

The Master of Ceremony, Mondale Smith, gave the crowd a double treat with his comical performances, so

it was as if it was a comedy show and a calypso competition in one. Meanwhile, there were several good performances of the night, which gave the judges a difficult time in arriving at the 10 finalists. But chief judge Winston Caesar and his team tallied up in about 20 minutes, while the anxious performers and a fraction of the crowd waited to hear the final decision. Dianna Chapman, Wendell ‘The Mighty Hunter’ Walcott, Basil ‘The Mighty’ Duke, Kenroy Fraser, Karen ‘Precious Pearl’ Bennette, Manoel ‘King Perai’ Ferreira, John ‘Ras’ Marcus, John Edwards, Roger ‘Young Bill Rogers’ Hinds and the reigning junior calypso monarch, Tshanna Cort, all marched into the final billed for this

Saturday at the Thirst Park Ground.

As expected, many of the calypsos were laced with satirical lyrics which brazenly bashed opposition political figures and the PPP. Up for much social commentary was Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, who was crowned ‘King Liar’ for the night.

Calypsos such as ‘Hot Political Speech’, ‘Too much ah wrong things’ and ‘Calling on the Father’ were some of the political songs which targeted the opposition.

While the David Granger Administration was praised throughout the night with performances from ‘The Mighty Believer’ with ‘Give David some time’, who pleaded with the citizenry to exercise patience with the

President as he has to clean up 23 years of mess. Many were on their feet singing along to his lyrics, even as many others donned coalition colours costume. At one point, it began to look like a ‘green and yellow’ affair.

Taking a bold turn of modest criticism was Linden’s very own Dianna Chapman, who was one of the crowd’s favourites and whose stage performance and gesticulations had the crowd on its feet with her ‘Put ya house in order’ calypso. Dianna urged the Government to remember their supporters and the ordinary man who were with them through tough times and whose voices should now be heard, since it is their vote that will allow the coalition to retain

Salary hikes for all city workers CITY Hall has announced salary increases for all of its workers, the cash-strapped municipality said in a statement Monday evening.

According to City Hall at a statutory meeting held on February 13, 2017 the Council decided to increase the wages and salaries of all employees. “The City’s Administration and Chairman of the Finance Committee, Oscar Clarke, met with representatives from Guyana Labor Union and Guyana Local Government Officers Union to negotiate for a four-year package. During

the negotiation both Unions concurred that it has been two years since workers have not benefited from increase in wages and salaries,” the statement read.

According to City Hall the Guyana Labour Union had proposed that the Council increase wages for 2015 and 2016 to 14% and 13% increase respectively, while the Guyana Local Government officers Union asked for 12% and 14% of the two years under review.

“The unions and administration agreed that workers should receive 5% for 2015,

7% for 2016, 7% for 2017 and 8% for 2018. “This is all the organisation can afford at this time given the current financial position,” said the finance chairman.

He noted that Council has not increased rates for 20 years and the proposed 10% increase in rates articulated in the Budget presentation would not come into effect until mid-year.

Clarke said that he understood the plight of City workers and is concerned about the welfare of the employees.

He noted that the welfare of employees is the Council’s

priority. Clarke said that the industrial climate at the Municipality during the year 2016, can be considered reasonable as both sides sought to exercise responsibility in keeping with their respective mandates.

Clarke said during 2015 and 2016 there were no significant industrial action though there were instances of work stoppage and threats of such action. ”This attests to the unswerving commitment and dedication of employees towards the unresolved issues, including

power. “Put ya ears on the ground,”…remember it was your supporters who voted for you,” Dianna sang, while alluding to Region 10 former chairman Sharma Solomon and Vanessa Kissoon. This advice received a standing ovation from Lindeners.

‘Young Bill Rogers’ with his “A campaigning for President’ also spoke of the many hiccups of the government and while he said that the coalition has great potential, there are things he would do differently if he were to campaign for President.

While the political songs seemed monotonous after a while, performances from ‘Ras Marcus,’ who sang his ‘How Mr Pope’ to the liking of the crowd citing biblical allegory was a good change.

His raunchy lyrics on the Beacon Ministries’ leader sex scandal indeed had the crowd laughing uncontrollably, as well as ‘Precious Pearl’s’, ‘Old age like a criminal.’

After the intermission, the crowd’s momentum seemed to drop, but was re-awakened with ‘King Perai’s’ performance, though it was the last for the night.

His ‘Perai Justice’ was performed so well, that the crowd requested his return to the stage. He sang about rape, pickpockets and music piracy and how he would initiate perai justice on the culprits. The finalists will compete against defending monarch Lester ‘De Professor’ Charles, on the 19th February at the Demerara Park.

increase in wages and salaries.”

Clarke expressed sincere thanks to all workers for sticking to the task of restoring Georgetown in the face of difficult circumstances and relentless negative criticisms. Clarke noted that the welfare of workers is the Council’s highest priority.

But wages negotiations must be done in the context of Council’s financial status.

Meanwhile, Town Clerk, Royston King, called

on both unions to support new revenue earning ventures of the Council. King asked President of the Guyana Local Government Union, Carvil Duncan to encourage the private sector to honour its civic obligation to the Council. The private sector has been the largest defaulter in payments of rates to the Council, King said, noting that of the $4B outstanding, the private sector accounts for more than $3billion.

gnnleditorial@gmail.com 6

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Editorial

Teach them well THE lyrics of Whitney Houston’s, “Greatest Love of All,” which reminds us of children’s value, the empty reservoir of their impressionable minds, and the importance of nourishing it that will put them in good stead to lead the way, begs for attention at all times.

Some are wont to say that children did not ask us to be here, and with their presence comes responsibility to ensure their socialisation is such that they can lead productive lives, bringing reward to themselves, family, and society. There are others who argue that you make the children, but you don’t make their minds. This outlook is more steeped in resignation and oft used when children are engaged in anti-social behaviour, or may have disappointed their loved ones.

The mind is like a sponge, having the ability to absorb what’s happening around it. Our children are impressionable and the process of learning, according to science, starts within the womb, which is described as uteral moulding. Children today, as against the days of yore, are exposed to many more channels or avenues for information, knowledge, and acts that are informing their reality.

In this Information Age, children face and navigate their daily existence and interpretations of reality by the technology in their homes, hands, classrooms, and other environs. These technologies have their positives and negatives, where in the latter instance can see children engaging in acts considered age- inappropriate and not in their best interests.

The African proverb that says it takes a village to raise a child still remains appropriate. And though the proverbial village is no longer confined to a physical geographic space, the wisdom of it cannot be ignored. Technology has brought the world to the fingertips of man, and with it the benefits and pitfalls. In this environment, it becomes the responsibility of

adults to carve out and create the needed space where it can be used for the children’s best interests.

The circulation in social media of sexual acts conducted by our children in their school uniforms brings to the fore the challenges of growing up and the use of technology in the process and begs for long overdue,focused attention of the environment to which they are being exposed and raised in.

Some of the reasons uniforms are worn are for identity and pride.

By now it is known which school those children attend and it should have seen the activation of action on the part of the education authorities, the school, and parent/ teachers association. Action here does not mean public shaming and naming, but the development of strategies that would entail addressing sex education, including appropriate conduct, readiness, and consequences, such as sexually transmitted diseases.

At the same time, those circulating these videos, disappointed though they may be, the propagating of same fall in the category of distributing child pornography, which is illegal. Transmitting disappointment of the behaviour by spreading it around would not help. Adults should use this experience to have honest conversation with their children and those they share familial relationships with.

Gone are the days when the sources of information were confined to the families, neighbourhoods and schools, and the fairy tales that were told in the past about sex, childbirth and other related issues can no longer be told. With the multiplicity of information sources out there and relatively easy access to them, where the family fails to educate, misinformation and curiosity could lead to dire consequences.

The influence of peer pressure to explore, prove oneself, and confirm to behavioural lifestyles deemed counter-pro-

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

ductive, escaping these rely on strong support mechanisms, most times in and around the home. When this is assured, children develop confidence of positive convictions, their abilities, and love for self, and become more open in sharing experiences on issues that occurred away from home with adults and peers within this environment, who can provide a shoulder to lean on.

It is much better in today’s society to make children au fait with the facts and truths. When they are properly informed, armed with knowledge, and understanding of what the issues are, they are more likely to make sober decisions. The responsibility for children enjoying every phase of their childhoods and having the benefit of the process of education is vested in active players in society, such as the home, school, village, and social organisations. These institutions can provide the needed mentorship.

Houston’s entreaty that the children are our future, we should teach them well and let them lead the way, by showing them all the beauty they possess inside, and giving them a sense of pride to make it easier, remains applicable, each, and every day, of their lives.

Not the right time for parking meters Dear editor, ON Thursday, 9th February, 2017, I joined a massive protest at City Hall to oppose the Parking Meter Project, which has recently been implemented in Georgetown.

The protest saw Guyanese of all races, religions, cultures, professions, ethnicities and political affiliations at one location, calling for transparency, fairness and a retraction of this deal between the City Council and the Mexican company, Smart City Solutions.

The undersigned was there protesting in principle. I was interviewed by several reporters and I used the opportunity to call on the Government to realise that the citizens of Georgetown are not ready for parking meters.

I, Roshan Khan, am not against parking meters; I think that it is a good thing. But it should be at the right time; it should come when our economic status has improved, when the oil money is flowing and the standard of living rises.

What is important to note is

that when Governments or cities introduce parking meters, it is usually done after they would have established proper public transport systems and facilities, with private partnerships enhanced with a subway system. It is unfair to have an improper transport system in this city and install parking meters. I could imagine all the people who are sacrificing revenue to own a vehicle and then having to pay an entire vehicle installment to park in Georgetown. It is absolute ridiculousity. Governments usually forget that they are hired by the people and so the people can fire them! If all the business people and their staff come out in numbers and stop working and resist this project, then both local and central Governments would have to listen.

From the initial stage, the City Council should have had the Attorney General study the contract which would have ensured that Georgetown received the maximum benefits possible under this project. A more puzzling issue is that we are liable if we retract from

the contract; however, it has not been gazetted, which means that it is not law. Therefore, it would appear that this company, Smart City Solutions, may be operating illegally and obviously they are very very SMART. My view is that the entire project must be cancelled. I also believe that the signatories to this draconian contract, it appears that their intentions are sinister and conspiratorial. I believe that they should face a commission of inquiry.

The parking meter project appears to be a form of vengeance against the people of Guyana, specifically residents and visitors to Georgetown. A form of establishment of hate. The language used by persons like Ifa Kamau Cush, one of the original principals behind the controversial parking meters, he said: “You’re not progressives. You are freeloaders.

You lack the intestinal fortitude to control your own destiny. You all possess the mentality of slaves, indentured servants, incapable of generating wealth and building

capacity.” This proves the lack of respect for the people of Guyana by this company and its agents. In my view, he is opportunistic, and is desperate for a rapid flow of cash; his words prove that he does not understand the beauty, brilliance and history that formulate to produce a Guyanese. Our ancestors who went through slavery and who were indentured labourers is something that we are proud of, that struggle for independence made us who we are today.

It is a pity that the city government agreed to give 80% of the earnings to this foreign company which cares nothing about Guyana. When the Movement Against Parking Meters (MAPM) calls for another protest, I will be there to support my fellow citizens of Guyana and I hope more of you will join this movement. I call for businesses to shut down for the two hours and let their workers and management listen to Ralph Ramkarran and be part of a non-violent and silent civil obedience.

My dear brothers and sisters, never forget that we can fire a

Government whenever we want to: central or local government. We the people are the bosses. A few years ago, a particular Government had to reduce its term to three years when the constitutional limit was five years. If the City Council was strapped for cash, then a small fee of $100 or $200 could have been added to the cost of a driver’s licence and the revenue licence which would have been given to the coffers of City Hall. At this point, we are just not ready for parking meters. Most Guyanese are not against the ideology of parking meters, as there are many benefits, however, the fees are too high and it is too sudden and drastic.

I believe that at times even persons of peace must take a stand, such as this writer, for the good of the people and this country. Be advised city and national government… listen to your people. I wish for a prosperous Guyana led by any Government once elected by the people.

Regards Roshan Khan

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Ramotar regurgitating falsehoods Dear Editor,

I REFER to a letter appearing under the name of Mr Donald Ramotar captioned, ‘Former President Ramotar responds to Attorney General,’ (KN, February 10).

I refer specifically to Mr Ramotar’s reference to me “disclosing” that US$5.7 million was paid to BK International (BKI) on, “a mere letter threatening litigation.”

I hardly need to remind Guyanese that Mr Ramotar, the longest-serving member of the Board of Directors of GuySuCo, presided over the destruction of the

sugar industry. His history as President too, speaks for itself, and citizens may decide for themselves the weight that they wish to give to his pronouncements.

Editor, it appears to me that Mr Ramotar has gone from being President to acting as mouthpiece for Anil Nandlall. I say this since in Mr Ramotar’s letter, he repeated some of the falsehoods uttered and iterated by Mr Nandlall in the press, including those regarding the settlement with BKI for the construction and operation of the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill.

Unless I have overestimated the intelligence of both Mr. Nandlall

and Mr Ramotar, I presume that they are both aware that their statements are baseless, deliberately malicious, and aimed at misleading the public.

Editor, the settlement with BKI was arrived at against the backdrop of their claim which included: Payment due for the processing of, 250,000 tonnes of waste (158,000 tonnes at $17.03, 92,000 tonnes at $13.63, as per contract, for a total of $3,950,316), retention (operations) – $182,207, retention (construction) - $386,491, interest - $725,914, tyres (handling, from 2011 to 2015) – $1,500,000,

construction in 2013 - $1,058,583, loss of profits (2016 to 2021) - $ 2,000,000+, totalling in excess of US$10 million.

Editor, the foregoing information was provided by me on the 8th of August, 2016, at the Committee of Supply during the examination of Financial Paper No. 2 / 2016. During that exercise, I was extensively questioned about this matter by Honourable members of the parliamentary opposition. Those members included Mr Nandlall, Mr Edghill, Mr Croal, Ms Teixeira, Mr Hamilton, and Mr Dharamlall. I was asked a total of twenty-six (26)

questions, including twelve (12)

by Mr.Nandlall and eight (8) by Mr Edghill.

Having regard to the facts, all of which are in the public domain, and form part of the transcripts of Parliament (hansard), I believe that it is most unfortunate that members of the parliamentary opposition would continue to utilise their time and energies for the mischievous regurgitation of that which they know to be falsehoods.

Faithfully, Ronald Bulkan Minister of Communities

Learning from history Dear Editor, I HAD planned to visit one of the oldest heritage sites here on the Essequibo Coast ,with Mr Tota Charran Mangar ( Historian) and Dr James Rose, some 15 years ago when both men and I were at the Devonshire Castle Martyrs Day wreath-laying anniversary when five sugar workers were brutally gunned down during the colonial days in 1879.

Unfortunately, we couldn’t make it, because the ceremony finished late into the afternoon and both Dr Rose and Mr Mangar had to head back to Georgetown and it was getting late for them to cross the Essequibo River with speed boat.

I attempted on many occasions to visit this heritage site at Aurora Estate to see the conditions of it since I was interested in the history of the 18th century Essequibo Coast. I later learnt that there were 37 sugar estates, starting from Walton Hall in the north to Spring Garden in the south with an aggregate

yield of 4,641 tons of sugar with its usual complement of rum and molasses and 30,305 pounds of coffee. The smallest crop was produced by Henrietta -- 35 tonnes -- with the largest -- 325 tonnes -- by Devonshire Castle. Sugar disappeared from Essequibo in 1936, the last estate which closed its operation was Hampton Court.

On Saturday February 11th , 2017, I finally decided to leave my house at Cotton Field to visit the heritage site at Aurora, some 25 miles.

As I reached the village, I turned off the public road and headed towards the sea, some 100 yards to find the old sugar estate. The Misirs, I learnt, bought Aurora estate and settled there all their lives where the chimney now stands.

As I entered the compound, I saw Mrs Indra Misir standing in front her beautiful house staring at me in my car, I then sought her permission to visit the site where the sugar factory was located. She agreed to show me and my wife the way to the old chimney. Her husband,

Bobby, joined me in my car, while my wife and Indra decided to walk through a short passageway lined with fruit trees and beautiful garden flower plants.

I drove on the sea dam which was lately built by the Regional Executive Officer, Mr Rupert Hopkinson, about two months ago; we reached the old tall brick chimney and my wife took some pictures of it with the caisson sluice, furnaces, wash vats, and punts where sugar works once stood. There is a large area of fertile land on the Misir estate for any description of cultivated products, unsurpassed by any on this fertile coast. The state of the chimney is a standing example of how the previous government had caused it to degenerate. This heritage site need be preserved by this new coalition for the intelligent forethought of those who fought the battle of slavery and immigration.

Bobby Misir told me that the rising tide levels and erosion began to threaten his property and land decades ago. He appealed to the Jag-

deo and Ramotar administrations for help to build the sea defence, since his property is almost near the sea. But those who were in charge of the regional administration here in Region Two turned a blind eye to the issue, so the sea water started to overflow the little embankment which was left and washed away the land and chimney. The former Minister of Public Works, Mr Robeson Benn,had visited the area and refused to build the sea dam to prevent the sea from moving inward. According to Mr Misir, he then sought the help of Mr Rupert Hopkinson, who immediately visited the site.

The next day he mobilised materials, workmen and machines and began to build the sea dam which was completed in one month. This has helped to save the heritage site and his property and he has high praise and regards for the REO. Here is the messy truth: since I was moving along the southern side of the coast, I did some political work to find out from people who used to support

the PPP, why they voted them out from power? This was their answer: the party when in government had neglected them under the Jagdeo and Ramotar administrations, so they had

no choice but to vote for another party. This should be a learning lesson for the coalition.

Yours faithfully, Mohamed Khan

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Conspiracy charge against Trio jailed for Dataram’s wife dismissed possession of Amphetamine tablets

CITY Magistrate Leron Daly sentenced three youths to three years imprisonment after they were charged with possession of an illegal drug.

It is alleged that on June 6, at Charlotte Street, Georgetown, Omalo Garraway, 25, of Lot 71 Norton Street, Lodge, Georgetown; Shivano Ubitana, 23, of Princes Street, Lodge; and Olivia Grimes, 24, of Norton Street, Lodge, had 40 Amphetamine tablets amounting to 10.5 grams in their possession.

The youths were busted during an undercover operation. Some amphetamines are used under prescription to treat hyperactivity and help impulse control. However, they are also used illegally (called ‘speed’) by persons to get ‘high’ and are addictive.

Omalo Garraway and Shivano Ubitana, were sentenced in their absence, while Olivia Grimes was present at court for the sentencing.

The trio was placed on $75,000 bail each pending

the outcome of the matter when they made their first appearance in June 2016. The prosecution’s facts were that the police, acting on information, held a sting operation, during which an undercover police rank went to the accused and purchased the tablets. The drugs were then handed over to the police, and the three were told of the offence and arrested.

The court was told the analysts’ report is still outstanding at this time.

A CONSPIRACY to commit forgery charge against Anjanie Boodnarine, the reputed wife of convicted drug trafficker Barry Dataram, was dismissed on Monday at the completion of the trial at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Boodnarine was charged with conspiring with others to commit a felony by forging a Guyana passport, attempting to defeat the administration of the law.

In her ruling against the charge, City Magistrate, Renita Singh stated that the court cannot dispute where or when Boodnarine conspired with others to commit the illegal act.

The magistrate added

Anjanie Boodnarine

that while there may be evidence to show that the documents were forged, the proof of agreement expressed or implied between Boodnarine and other was not submitted in the prosecution’s evidence. Magistrate Sigh added that the prosecution

failed to provide sufficient evidence against Boodnarine in the charge of conspiring with one or more persons to forge a Guyana passport; and that she found it strange that the police further failed to establish a charge of uttering a false document to immigration officials, which was not the charge brought by the prosecution.

As for the matter that is before city magistrate Leron Daly, where Boodnarine was charged for attempting to defeat the administration of the law, the magistrate is expected to make her ruling on February 15 as if a prima facie case is established against Boodnarine.

Linden youth remanded on robbery charge CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan remanded a 17-year-old boy of Canvas City, Wismar Linden when he appeared before her charged with robbery with

aggravation.

It is alleged that February 8 , 2017 in the Canvas City area in Wismar, Linden, while armed with a handgun the teen robbed

Lynette Richmond of four gold rings value$ 80,000 and one silver ring worth $ 3,500 and 2 Gold Chains, valued $210,000.

The teen entered a not

guilty plea. However Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones objected to bail, citing that the weapon was used when the teen carried out the attack. Jones also objected

to bail based on the nature and gravity of the offence.

The teen was also charged with assaulting a peace officer. It is alleged that on February 7 he assaulted

police man Treon Thomson while he was executing his duties. The matter was transferred to the Linden Magistrate’s Court for the February 21.

AG says order against him struck out THE Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Basil Williams, has been cleared of the orders filed in an Affidavit by the Deputy Deeds Registrar, Zana Frank, for the simple reason that he should not have been implicated in the case.

Last August, Frank had moved to the High Court to have the directive preventing her from functioning

removed. She had alleged that the Attorney General attempted to block the decision of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to appoint her Deputy Deeds Registrar, but instead influenced the appointment of Penelope Whyte as the acting Deputy Registrar, though she is not an attorney.

In filing the legal action, Frank had secured eight or-

ders, some of which directed the Attorney General to show cause why he should not be compelled to obey and comply with the JSC’s decision to appoint her.

The orders also called on him to show cause why his decision to appoint Whyte should not be quashed and to show cause why the Human Resource Manager of the Deeds Registry should not

Deputy Deeds Registrar, Zana Frank

be made to obey the government order to pay Frank all salaries and allowances owed to her since May 9, 2016.

However, by November, Frank, in an “Affidavit in Reply” to the High Court, said it was never her intention to maliciously involve the Attorney General in the matter surrounding her appointment and payment. “I will contend that I never sought to maliciously involve the Minister, but it is rather the response received from the Human Resource

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Basil Williams

Manager and Secretary of the Deeds and Commercial Registry Authority Board, Shyam Doodnauth, that did implicate the Minister,” she had stated in a court document.

In an “Affidavit in Answer” filed in the High Court, the Legal Affairs Minister denied aversions made by Deputy Deeds Registrar that suggested he gave directions for the JSC to appoint Penelope Whyte to the post of Deputy Registrar

of Deeds (ag).

When the case came to a close last Friday, the Attorney General was cleared of the orders; however, Justice Brassington Reynolds in his ruling ordered that Frank be reinstated as Deputy Registrar of the Deeds Registry in keeping with the appointment by the JSC. Additionally, he ordered that Frank be paid her salaries in full from the date she was appointed – May 9, 2016.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Smart City says contract only for 20 years …termination clause in keeping with World Bank standards IN defence of the controversial Parking Meter Project, Smart City Solutions (SCS) said the contractual agreement it shares with the Georgetown Mayor and City Council is in keeping with standards for termination established by the World Bank and the European Investment Bank.

In lengthy press statement on Monday, SCS said the confidentiality clauses, which form part of the contract, are common business practice across the world where large investments are involved.

“Doing business in Guyana should be no different if the country is seriously open to foreign private investment.

In fact, there are numerous precedents in Guyana in the mining, oil and gas, forestry, hotel, construction and other industries which may be cited,” the company executing the contentious project stated.

However, it contended that although both parties had agreed not to publish the full extent of the contract, all the critical terms and conditions with respect to its implementation were given extensive publicity from the outset.

The company further pointed out that full contract was made available for review by the Attorney General’s office and the Ministry of Finance, both of which reviews were made public,

and both of which reviews concluded that the Contract was legal, valid and binding.

Despite the legality of the contract, a number of recommendations were made by the Attorney General’s Chamber and the Finance Ministry which led to substantial amendments of the contract, according to the parking meter company. SCS emphasized that it was on the basis of these amended terms and conditions that the metered parking project was rolled out.

“The media, certainly Kaieteur News, and, indeed, the general public, are well aware that the original contract itself has been substantially amended to accommodate government and public concerns, yet the Kaieteur News, selected for publication, as current and in force, those terms of the contract which the newspaper must know were substantially amended from the time of its signing,” SCS said.

It said contrary to reports that the contract is for a term of 49 years, it is only for a period of 20 years with possibility of extension for a second 20 year term with M$CC’s approval.

“It would be useful at this point to emphasize that according to the World Bank, ‘A concession is typically for a period of 25 to 30 years.’

Further sources, such as USA Department of Transportation, cite in reference to the longevity of concession terms, that ‘The term of the concession, which for highway projects have extended beyond 30 years and up to 99 years’,” SCS further pointed out.

In further clearing the air, the company said that the unilateral termination of the contract by the M&CC would carry with it a penalty equal to SCS’ investment plus such investment multiplied by 15% for the remaining term at any such time of unilateral termination, not 25%, noting too that the company is not benefiting from any tax exemption.

“For any established newspaper to editorialize that the clauses in a business contract involving a committed investment and delivery of specific services costing an estimated US$10 million and an expectation of a 15% return on the investment, which are there to protect against a potential unilateral termination of the contract for “convenience” by its counterparty are somehow “shocking”, itself, displays a shocking ignorance of matters of legal and business standards for contracts of this scope and nature, or much worse, a calculated intention to mislead its readers,” SCS

stated.

It added that the necessity of such a termination clause becomes all the more apparent when considering that it protects specifically against a scenario whereby the M&CC could unilaterally terminate for convenience even after the company would have invested significantly into the project.

“The company’s platform obligations, for instance, include multi-space

parking equipment with solar power, backup batteries, integrated communications with regularly updated performance data and login access to the City, road signs, a call center, an integrated enforcement platform and payment and distribution platform, and keeping all the platforms up to par and maintained not only for wear and tear but for any acts of vandalism, accidents and any required improvements,”

it explained.

Additionally, as a matter of standard, SCS contended that research of comparable projects demonstrates that the termination clause of the Georgetown metered parking contract is well within, and even quite modest, as compared to market practice.

In defense of its position, SCS pointed to a report entitled Termination and Force Majeure Provisions in PPP Contracts, Review of current European practice and guidance, March 2012.

Guyanese man busted at JFK with cocaine in shoes A MAN who flew into Kennedy Airport from Guyana was arrested after authorities discovered US$67,000 worth of cocaine in his shoes, officials said.

Amaziah Hohenkirk of Guyana arrived at JFK on Feb. 9 from a connecting flight through Trinidad and Tobago, according to Customs and Border Protection officials. Hohenkirk attempted to walk past the inspection checkpoint officers after his flight arrived when CBP officers stopped him, officials said. They uncovered four pairs of sneakers and two pairs of shoes in

The shoes in which the cocaine was hidden

his luggage that contained a white powder that tested positive for cocaine.

Hohenkirk was arrested for importation of a controlled substance and turned over to Homeland

Security Investigations.

He faces federal narcotics smuggling charges if convicted. It was not immediately clear if he had an attorney. (NBC 4New York)

Digicel out of Mash float parade TELECOMMUNICATIONS giant, Digicel, the defending champion of the “full costume” category in the float parade, yesterday issued a statement informing that they will not be a part of this year’s Mashramani Costume and Float parade set for next week Thursday, February 23.

The statement said that this year Digicel has decided, “to concentrate our efforts on community and family events”.

The company cited that over the last nine years that they have been operating in Guyana, they have been giving back a lot, and last year they did one of their biggest float procession, when they took part in the Jubilee costume and float parade last May. “We have been part of

However the Mash organisers had later extended

Flashback to Digicel’s band at the Jubilee Float Parade last year

the Mashramani celebrations in Guyana for nine years in a very big way. Last year, for Guyana’s 50th Golden Jubilee Celebrations, we put on one of our biggest floats of all the years we have been participating in Mash,” the statement said, adding that: “This year (2017), we

have decided to concentrate our efforts on community and Family events. We have several activities planned for this year that will focus on communities, sports, youth development, education and special needs.”

Digicel has continually defended the title as the full

costume category winner for over five years now. Other big companies such as Banks DIH are also not expected to participate in this year’s annual Mashramani float parade. Previously some companies had complained about the new route, which they said was too short.

the same route to give more mileage.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Aggressive push to reclaim lands …Trotman says gold royalties to help drive process MINISTER of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, said he would petition the Ministry of Finance to set aside a greater portion of the gold royalties for land reclamation projects.

Minister Trotman, who visited a pilot land reclamation project site in Olive Creek, Region Seven last week, told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that the Natural Resources Ministry, through the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), will be aggressively pursuing land reclamation in the mining industry.

However, the Minister pointed out that financing the project will be costly.

Currently, miners pay the GGMC an environmental

Part of the reclaimed land at Olive Creek, Region Seven. This was once a mined out pit. Two years ago the pit was back-filled and left to be re-vegetated naturally

bond of $100,000. “It may be too much to ask them (miners) to pay a $1M, in view of all that is going on,

but I believe that a percentage of the royalties received could be set aside,” Minister Trotman said.

Additionally, the government will be investing oil revenues, when it begins oil production, into reclamation

projects. “We have to bring it to a place or a point of optimum where as much reclamation is happening as there is mining. As we progress into having revenues from oil and gas, we’ve already made provisions for some percentage to be set aside from that for environmental protection and reclamation projects like these,” Minister Trotman told GNIA. Minister Trotman envisions having a reclamation project in each of the six mining districts in Guyana.

“We have to ensure that mining remains viable, but at the same time, we do so in a sustainable manner,” Minister Trotman said.

The Olive Creek project, which was undertaken in collaboration with Correia Mining Company, seeks to provide necessary data on natural reclamation. It

is expected that the information that the GGMC accumulated from the Olive Creek reclamation project will be used to promote the practice. An aggressive education awareness campaign, targeting miners, will soon be underway by the GGMC. Miners are required by law to reclaim the lands they mine, however most of them do not adhere to this mining rule, which seeks to promote environmentally safe and sustainable mining practices, GINA was told.

Land reclamation could reverse geological changes on the land and in water flow and reduce the prevalence of mosquitoes and the diseases they spread. The GGMC had also achieved success in reclaiming mined out lands in Mahdia back in 2009. (GINA)

Cyclist killed in Bagotville accident still unidentified THE cyclist who was killed in an accident on February 1 on the Inner Bagotville, West Bank Demerara Pub-

lic Road, is yet to be identified, police say.

Reports are that the accident occurred around

19:30hrs, and that the cyclist was killed when a minibus, bearing registration number BKK 9004, overtook another

vehicle and slammed into him.

The mangled body of the cyclist, who is of East Indian descent, was retrieved several feet away and taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital by a public-spirited citizen.

One Inner Bagotville resident said that he had heard a loud sound, but thought at the time that a minibus had fallen into a pothole. But upon

One of the tattoos on the unidentified man’s body

enquiring later, he discovered that it was a collision between a man on a BMX bicycle and a Route 31 minibus.

The police are asking that anyone with information that may lead to the victim’s identification to contact them on telephone numbers: 264-2357, 2682328, 268-2329, 268-2343, 227-2272, 225-6411, 2682600, 911, or the nearest police station.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 14, 2017

NA girl kills self AN 11-YEAR-OLD GIRL succumbed at the New Amsterdam Hospital after ingesting carbon tablets commonly used for killing rats.

Trashana King, a Grade Six student of St Therese Primary School, allegedly swallowed the poisonous tablets at her East Canje home on Sunday afternoon after she was instructed to accompany her mother to school on Monday.

The instruction had been given by a class teacher, who had witnessed the pre-teen and another pupil fighting in the school yard last Friday. Reports are that

they were fighting over a male classmate.

A fellow student said the elevenyear-old had written on the washroom wall that she was fed up with her life ad her grades were poor. At the learning institution yesterday a black flag flew in the wind, just above the main entrance. Class teacher, Ms Karen Bowlin, and her students, whose clothing were adorned with black ribbons hugged each other as they wept openly. The body of the pre-teen is at the Arokium Funeral home awaiting a post mortem report.

Autopsies on BV bodies Wednesday

This is what remains of the burnt house from which Leonard Pollard, 36, Latoya Telford, 26, and their 18-month-old baby Nakasia Pollard were pulled at Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara early Sunday morning

A POST MORTEM examination on the bodies of the three persons who died in a fire at Beterverwagting (BV), East Coast Demerara will be conducted on by Pathologist Dr. Nehul Singh in Georgetown.

Early Sunday morning three persons were pulled out of their burnt out residence at BV Line Top by Police and Fire Fighters leaving the community in shock and with a common murder/suicide suspicion.

The dead are 36-yearold Lenard Pollard; his common-law wife, Latoya Telford, 26; and the last of their three children, 18-month-old Nakasia Pollard.

The Guyana Police Force ‘C’ Division Commander, Marlan Chapman, told the Guyana Chronicle Monday

that his division, which is investigating the matter, has not made a conclusion on the cause of the deaths but police have not ruled out murder/ suicide. He said a post-mortem examination is expected to be performed on the bodies Wednesday.

When asked if a rope was discovered around Pollard’s neck, the Commander said all three of the bodies have been burnt beyond recognition and he had not received reports of a rope being discovered near the man’s body. He also said that contrary to reports, Telford’s body was not chopped to pieces.

Residents of the community however feel that this was no ordinary fire; that they rather suspect it was part of an elaborate murder/suicide plot born of jealousy, since the

couple was having relationship issues, with Telford being accused of having an affair.

One eyewitness said the fire started around 02:45 hours Sunday in a bedroom and despite valiant efforts by neighbours they could not get into the house. Neighbours said no screams were heard emanating from the building even as residents tried to make their way into the home in the early stage of the fire.

According to relatives of the dead woman, Telford and Pollard had lived for years at the house. The couple was having problems and Telford had been asked by her mother-in-law to leave the premises with her children so that the woman’s other son, Pollard’s brother, could completely occupy the home.

Region Nine REO still – due process taking on the job its course, says official REGIONAL Executive Officer (REO) of Region Nine, Carl Parker, is reportedly still “actively” on the job, Regional Chairman of Region Nine, Bryan Allicock , has said.

Parker was charged with sexual assault and placed before the court on Friday, when it was alleged that during the month of June 2016 at Yupukari, Central Rupununi, he sexually assaulted a 19-year-old elected official of Region Nine. He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was released on $200,000 bail. He will return to court on February 16 before the Chief Magistrate,Ann Mclennan. Subsequent to this, Minister of State Joseph Harmon, during a press briefing on Friday, confirmed that Parker has been suspended -- not fired -- pending the outcome of a court matter in

REGIONAL Executive Officer (REO) of Region Nine, Carl Parker

which he was charged with sexual assault.

“Our law says that a person is innocent until proven guilty, so an allegation had been made, a charge has been

laid against the REO and as a preliminary step to allow for investigation of an offence to take place, the Minister of Communities indicated that the REO will not be performing his duties,” Harmon stated.

However, Allicock explained that no document has been sent to his office stating that the REO was suspended or sent off the job. “Nothing has been done and he [Parker] is still at work…but we still need a substantive REO, because we need someone to sign our plans and payments and so forth,” the chairman said. But, Minister Harmon had given the assurance that the assistant REO and other senior officials will have to step up and perform the duties which were being executed by Parker until the court matter ends.

Paid in full 12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 14, 2017

…MoA says Wales workers already received severance The Ministry of Agriculture said it is surprised by the protest action taken by some Wales sugar workers on Monday demanding severance pay instead of working at the Uivlugt Estate.

The protest action took

place outside of the Ministry of the Presidency.

Over 40 workers with placards stood outside the Vlissengen Road entrance of the Ministry and chanted, “We need we severance and no work at Uitvlugt Estate.”

Some of the placards

read: “Sugar Production at Wales ended – Our jobs are redundant;” “Severance Pay, legal Right;” “No to coercion and bullyism by GuySuCo;” “Wales is close, we deserve our pay.”

The workers believe that the Guyana Sugar Corpora-

tion (GuySuCo) is “forcing” them to transfer their service to Uitvlugt Estate on the West Coast of Demerara, some 22 miles from their hometown. They do not want to travel the distance and are demanding that they be paid severance, in keeping with the relevant laws.

Following GuySuCo’s meeting with the Guyana Agricultural and General

and what belongs to workers,” Thomas said. In a recent press statement GuySuCo expressed its frustration over the moves undertaken by the union and described it as “anti-business, anti-management, anti-discipline and anti-GuySuCo tactics”.

Meanwhile, in a statement Monday evening the Ministry of Agriculture made it clear that GuySuCo has advised that all workers who had been declared redundant had accepted sever-

now working at Albion, a much farther distance to travel, and have been doing so without any issue.

“This purported issue of not wanting to work at Uitvlugt is disingenuous. The issue previously was being unemployed following the merger of the Wales and Uitvlugt factory operations. GuySuCo made every effort to ensure that the effect would be minimised only to now have a complete turnaround by some of the workers,

Sugar workers protesting outside the Ministry of the Presidency [Delano Williams photo]

Workers Union (GAWU) recently, the sugar company disclosed that there is a demand for labour at the Uitvlugt Estate. According to the workers, they were subsequently informed that the Union had agreed for employees to be transferred to Uitvlugt, but GAWU denied that it ever made any such agreement.

But the sugar corporation maintains that the Uitvlugt Estate is being upgraded to increase its production from 20,000 to 40,000 tonnes of sugar annually and it is for this reason there is a demand for labour.

One of the employees who worked at the Wales Estate for over 25 years, Jordon Thomas, said the closure of the estate occurred since December last and GuySuCo is bullying workers to work at Uitvlugt. “We will protest until something is done, we are asking for what is right

ance following the merging of the Wales and Uitvlugt operations and have been paid their severance in full.

NO SEVERANCE PAY OUTSTANDING According to the ministry this new and sudden demand for severance is most unreasonable and appears to be politically-instigated. “Extensive efforts were made to ensure continued employment of the Wales workers at Uitvlugt and this was successfully achieved.

Further, transportation is being fully provided to Uitvlugt from the West Bank of Demerara and back. GuySuCo has stated that no worker is responsible for providing their own transportation.”

According to the statement as a pertinent example, workers who have been previously assigned to work at the Skeldon Estate are

who are being politically instigated to campaign for their employment to be terminated and for severance to be paid.”

“The Ministry of Agriculture wishes to reiterate that GuySuCo has advised that ALL the workers whose jobs had become redundant had been paid their severance in full. The Ministry of Agriculture calls on the union leaders and their political handlers to act responsibly and not to instigate and misguide workers into manufacturing unrealistic and unreasonable demands. There is no option for workers who were offered alternative employment to now make demands for severance when no such offer is on the table and there is full and secure employment for them at Uitvlugt,”the statement ended.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Linden promoters say police ‘pushing them around’ …difficult to get permits to host parties, other events

By Vanessa Braithwaite

PARTY promoters in Linden are alleging that the police ranks under the stewardship of recently appointed Commander Superintendent, Fazil Karimbaksh, are making things very difficult for them, in addition to the bureaucratic process involved in getting permission to host an event.

Promoters representing Vybz Entertainment, New Era Entertainment, Coconut Cabana Promotions and Energy Vybz Entertainment all came out in their numbers, voicing their frustration to Linden Mayor, Carwyn Holland, on Monday making it clear that it is the final straw before taking to the streets as a result of the treatment they claim to be receiving from the Commander and his ranks.

In addition to complaints of what they describe as vindictiveness, the promoters are bemoaning the long and frustrating process involved in gaining legal permission to host an event, whether indoors or outdoors. The promoters explained to the Mayor and councillors of the municipality that they have to pay a processing fee at the Mackenzie Police Station of $500, which is followed by paying another fee of $2, 600 at the Fire Service in Georgetown, then they have to get a licence from the Guyana Revenue Authority, after which, they have to journey to Vreen-en-Hoop to have the request approved by the Magistrate. “ It can be done right here, we have a Court right here, a fire station right here, GRA right here, so why do you have to go to Georgetown and Vreen-en-

Linden Mayor, Carwyn Holland

Hoop,” Councillor Fern McCoy questioned. In addition to that, the documents have to be returned to Linden for perusal and another fee is being paid to have ranks secure the premises during the event. “When you done you in making nothing from you event and when you done you have to calculate and pay GRA 16% on all you sales to in taxes,” Aaron Garner of Coconut Cabana Promotions said.

WHERE IS THE MONEY GOING? The promoters are stressing that the ranks are demanding hefty sums of money which they claim are to be used to pay the ranks securing the event. They added that there is no structure in these charges, but is based on the Commander’s discretion.

There is no receipt that is given for the monies collected and on many occasions, there are only two ranks that show up as security rather than the amount they are told they will be paying for. The promoters are questioning why ranks should be paid,

when it is their duty as officers to secure an event which they are already receiving a monthly salary for. “They telling you how many police you have to get, when you write for two police they telling you that can’t work, they are not allowing you to negotiate, is dictatorship them man running, there is no structure with the money, sometimes you go is one money then another time is another money for the same kind of promotion, where is the money going, who keeping the books to know where this money is going,” the promoters all argued.

NO MERCY The promoters are claiming that the ranks display no mercy toward them and are shutting off events even before the stipulated 2 AM. One New Era Entertainment promoter alleged that the police tried to close off a futsal game before it was completed, even though there were no reported incidents or law breaking activities. Another promoter Damuka Ngqondo of Vybz Entertainment also claimed that his New Year’s night event was shutdown at 2AM even though the Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, had relaxed the curfew. The promoters expressed fear that the upcoming Linden Town Week events will not be successful with the way they are being treated. They bemoaned the situation, since Linden is known as having a party culture and there are hardly cases of violence at the events.

The town has an unemployment rate of 70% and according to the promoters, the events, especially sports events, are kept to keep the

Clear Waters gifts SVN with chairs IN recognition of Saraswati Vidya Niketan’s (SVN) exceptional performance at the Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC) and the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), Clear Waters has donated 100 chairs to the school.

Speaking at the simple handing over ceremony, owner of the Clear Waters, Lloyd Singh said the donation is made with the hope that the students will benefit significantly and continue to perform excellently at the various examinations.

He explained that his business has been donating to

Owner of Clear Waters, Lloyd Singh (second from left) hands over of one of the chairs to Swami Aksharananda

the school before and intends to continue contributing to the needs of the educational facility.

Meanwhile, head teacher and founder of the school, Swami Aksha-

rananda thanked Singh for the many donations and said the contributions have been meaningful as they have assisted in ensuring that seating at the institution is secured.

youths occupied meaningfully.

Mayor Holland after listening to the promoters promised to engage the Commander and all the relevant stakeholders to bring some relief to them.

While Commander Karimbaksh was unavailable for a comment yesterday, he had previously told this publication when ques-

tioned on the issue that he is not “here to harass anyone, but he is just enforcing the law.” “We have to get some order, remember these things come with order and if anything happens, we have to answer why we allowed this thing to go after two…when they are applying they are following all the procedures and when you go out there

now is something else and this is causing a conflict with the police; we are trying to see that we are partners, that we are here to support you and we are friends, but when we go to shut the music down, it creates a bad influence because the people there are seeing the police as somebody bad,” said the Commander.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Post-surgery treatment IT had been close to a week after my lumpectomy and I was at home doing the ‘lay in bed, post-surgery recoverydon’t- move- too -much –oreverything- hurts- routine.

This had certainly cleared up any jokes I had made prior about ‘ meh side ah hut meh’ – indeed it was not a funny sight to behold the tubes that had been inserted into my healing cut, as well as some area around my right upper back. A closed suction drain is used to remove fluids that build up in areas of the body after surgery or when an infection is present.

Before being discharged I was shown by the nurses and

doctor how to care for my drainage tubes (these were to remain for at least a week or until drainage of fluids had stopped/decreased significantly). Blood and other sticky- looking fluids would drain through the tubes into an air-compressed container from where I would then uncompress the container and release fluids into a container for disposal. ‘Yeah, of course I can do this – by myself’, I insisted to my mom after the first two days of her doing it for me. I later found out whilst attempting to clean my drain for the first time on my own, that this required more mental strength than physical dexterity.

It didn’t take me one minute to start feeling as though I wanted to pass out-- I was fine with looking at the blood when other people emptied the drain, but lack of mental preparation made me physically freak out and start to have a mini panic attack in the bathroom. I made it back to my bedroom, threw myself – very carefully of course -- on the bed and yelled to my mom that I was dying (dramatic much?) Eventually I got the drainage bit sorted out and did it myself after that day, but it did surprise me the way the mind works-- I could stare at my cut and missing flesh and not feel squeamish, but seeing the tubes was an

entirely different experience.

This was just the beginning of my ‘don’t freak out’ post-surgery training. It came to pass that I accidentally pulled one of my ‘invisible’ stitches out, resulting in a oneinch gap in my healing wound.

Thankfully, it didn’t require more stitches, just better care until it fully healed. My worst fear about being in pain was never realised throughout this entire process. The area operated on, was numb from anaesthesia for more than two weeks I believe; I never experienced pain. Sure, I was sore around the areas that I could feel, but nothing debilitating or unbearable. Whatever the good drugs were, I had gotten them and they worked. Use of my right arm was restricted, since they had cut into it to remove the affected lymph nodes-- after less than a month of simple

arm exercises, I regained full usage of my arm.

Prior to all my medical debauchery, I had been employed by the State in a very demanding job and had often times wished I could just stay home and lay in bed all day for a week. Well, be careful what you wish for,because you just might get it-- and I did. Never had I wanted to leave my room and bed so badly as I did in that seemingly unending week. I had more time than I needed to dwell over my much- anticipated biopsy results and what it would really reveal. At this point, even after hearing the doctor’s premature diagnosis in the hospital, my belief that I was cancer-free still trumped what he had said to me. There was absolutely no way I had cancer -- I would know, I thought. I would definitely be feeling sick, wouldn’t I? ‘You did a great job Doc’, I reasoned daily with myself, ‘but you’re wrong about this.’ We do not know what we have until

we have been threatened with its removal or worse yet, our removal. My friends visited often, usually filling my room up with all the things I shouldn’t be eating unless I was an aspiring diabetic, but Mom eventually wisened up and started to run damage control; the Hershey’s cookies and cream never made it up the stairs.

It is good to have the foundation pulled from under one’s feet at times, so that we may distinguish between rocks and sand, often times who is which may surprise you. I could not change what already was, but I could change the way I reacted to situations and people and I have since employed that thinking in everything that I currently do. In a way, the surgery experience prepared me mentally for the upcoming biopsy results that would, in the blink of an eye, change my entire life and its outlook forever. (to be continued next week)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Plastic City residents benefit from health drive RESIDENTS of ‘Plastic City’, a little squatter settlement off the Vreed-enHoop foreshore on the West Demerara, recently benefitted from a massive health drive, a collaborative outreach effort by non-governmental organisations (NGOs), Ozone Foundation and Rotary Club of Central Georgetown.

The outreach was held at the Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary School where several doctors, pediatricians, dentists and other medical practitioners assembled to offer medical care to more than 60 residents, including children.

The first outreach was held by Ozone on January 8 as a back-to-school charitable drive to the children of ‘Plastic City’, Sister’s Village and Vive La Force, all West Demerara communities. According to Ozone’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Olive Gopaul, ‘Plastic City’ was selected because of the health risks threatening the community because of its location along the seashore.

“Plastic City is one of those communities that is being inhabited along the seashore of Vreed-en-Hoop, and when you look at the lifestyle there, it’s very unsanitary. So we have decided

that we’re going to come on in again and do a major health outreach within the community, so the children can also be beneficiaries of the health services that are being provided,” Gopaul told the Guyana Chronicle.

Those who participated in the charitable drive include the Rotary Club of Georgetown Central, the United States Embassy’s Humanity Assistance Program (HAP), Impressions, Royal Castle, the West Demerara Regional Hospital, and ‘D’ Division’s Commander, Leslie James.

Gopaul later told the Guyana Chronicle that the organisation is shifting its

community outreach beyond Georgetown, and has partnered with several organisations including Rotary Club of Georgetown Central.

“Our work was centered in Georgetown,” she said, “but we recognised that people in the various regions need as much help, or even more help, than people in Georgetown, because Georgetown has a lot of activities going on. So we’ve decided to venture off a little bit outside of Georgetown, and Region Three is one of our first stops.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Kneka Franklin of the Rotary Club of Georgetown Central, said the organisation’s partici-

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ozone Foundation, Olive Gopaul

Olive Gopaul poses with the Team of Doctors and other health workers near the Rotary Club Dental Bus (Samuel Maughn photo)

pation was in keeping with its recent decision to provide health care services to communities outside of the Capital City this year.

“We decided that we wanted to move out of Georgetown, which was exactly what Olive’s organisation was hoping to do, so it kinda fit perfectly with what we did. So it’s really awesome to come into the community that needs it, partnering with Olive’s amazing foundation too. It’s always great when organisations have the same vision … and that we can partner,” Dr. Franklin said.

She said the Rotary Club of Georgetown Central has its ‘Dental Bus’ and organisations and individuals interested in partnering with them can make contact.

“If there’s an individual that has an outreach that they want to do it too then they just contact us and depending on everything in terms of their cause - what it is you’re hoping to do then we might say ok we’ll partner or we’ll just lend you the bus with a cost attached to it,” Dr. Franklin told the Chronicle.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 14, 2017

State closes case in ‘Cornbread’ murder trial THE State yesterday closed its case in the ‘Cornbread’ murder trial, which began in the High Court before Justice Navindra Singh and a 12-member jury less than two weeks ago.

State prosecutors, Siand Dhurjon and Tuanna Hardy, led several witnesses, including a number of police officers, who testified during the trial.

According to the indictment, the three accused – Ray Yokum, called “RayRay,” Steffon Campbell called “Burnham” and Faisal Moore called “Winston Bostwick,” “Vizul” and “Hard Mouth” on May 8, 2012 murdered Glen Xavier in the furtherance of a robbery at Cornbread Mini Mart at D’Urban and Lime Streets, Werk-enRust, Georgetown.

Yokum is represented

by George Thomas and Peter Hugh, while Campbell’s attorney is Maxwell McKay and Moore’s counsel is Trenton Lake.

After the State closed its case, the trio was called to lead their defense but opted to give unworn statements, while remaining in the prisoners’ dock.

The men contended that officers attached to the Major Crime Unit of the

Guyana Police Force had beaten them into signing caution statements, confessing to their involvement in Xavier’s murder when they were arrested on May 18, 2012 and taken to Police Headquarters in Eve Leary.

The trio also denied knowing each other before and pointed out in court that it was only after being charged for murder and imprisoned that they got acquainted with each other.

The matter will be recalled today when Moore is expected to call two witness for his defense.

On the day in question Glen Xavier and Orin John were having ‘drinks’ at the popular bar when two men arrived on CG motorcycles and pointed a gun at them, while demanding that they hand over their money.

Both Xavier and John were relieved of their cash and jewels then shot. The robbers escaped on their motor cycles.

Xavier, 32, of Harlem, West Coast Demerara, died from shock and hemorrhage due to gunshot injuries to the abdomen, while his friend John, 48, of St. Cuthbert’s Mission was shot to the shoulder, but survived his injuries after being hospitalised.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Digicel makes commitment to children with special needs AS part of its 10th anniversary celebration here, Digicel Guyana has embarked on a charity drive to 10 special needs schools and orphanages across the country with the aim of distributing much-needed items and also pledged its support towards addressing the needs of special-needs children.

From January 31, the cellphone giant has been delivering the items which comprised appliances, school stationery, school shoes, and

we will always be here to lend a helping hand,” James told the small gathering. Following the simple handing-over ceremony, with the Orphanage’s Director Sister Julie Matthews, Digicel’s staff assisted the many children with finding the right sized shoes for their feet along with selecting backpacks.

Meanwhile, nine other special needs schools and orphanages, including the Diamond Special Needs School, were visited and mobile aids in the form of wheelchairs,

Digicel Staff prepare to hand over wheelchairs to the Diamond Special Needs School

food hampers to the New Amsterdam Special Needs School; Tuschen Deaf Academy; the Gifted Hands Special Needs School; St John’s Boys Orphanage; the Diamond Special Needs School; Canaan Children’s Home; Cheshire Home; Shaheed’s Boys Orphanage; the Linden Resource Unit for the Blind and the Prabhu Sharran Orphanage.

The St John’s Boys Orphanage was the first of several visits made by the mobile company. Head of Marketing, Jacqueline James, along with other members of staff were on hand to deliver breakfast, school shoes, school packs, school items, a washing machine and other supplies that were needed by the orphanage.

“We are happy to be here with you as we will soon be celebrating our 10th anniversary. We would like you to know that we are here to support you, young people and

backpacks, food items, school supplies and a gas stove were presented to Head Mistress, Ms Wendy Grimmond.

Grimmond had indicated that it was the school’s intention to begin a feeding programme for the students and in light of that, Digicel presented a new gas stove and food items, so that the programme can become a reality.

Over at the New Amsterdam Special Needs School, staff of Digicel was greeted with many friendly, smiling faces.

The students of that school were the recipients of a brand new sick-bay and several kitchen appliances.

“We were more than happy to take some time off to come and help where we knew our help was needed.

Doing this today was something that all the staff enjoyed and we were happy that we could have spent some time with the students. Experiencing the joys on their faces as they saw the new space and as

Residents of the Prabhu Sharran Orphanage receive hampers and other items from Digicel Guyana

they hopped on the beds was all the thanks we needed,” said Vidya Sanichara, Public Relations Manager.

The company also visited the Canaan Children’s Home while in Berbice.

Digicel began its operations in Guyana in 2007 and since then has remained

committed to its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) with specific emphasis on charity and special needs.

Sanichara said special needs intervention is central to the company’s mandate throughout the Caribbean and Central America and noted that Digicel is committed to enhancing

the welfare of children with special needs within those territories.

In addition to its charity drive, the company in celebration of its 10th anniversary intends to treat its customers. Ten lucky Facebook fans will win gifts based on the company’s

“Name your gift” social media promotion, whereby a gift request is made and Digicel grants the request.

Additionally, 10 loyal customers, who have been using the company’s service from 2007 to present will receive upgrades to their handsets.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Three Linden teams into...

By Stephan Sookram

THREE Linden teams Federal Winners Connection, Milerock and Eagles United - are through to the quarter-finals of

the 2017 Limacol roundrobin knock-out football tournament following the final round of matches on Sunday evening.

In the first of the matches at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) ground, Eagles United had no problem in dispatching New Amsterdam United three-nil with goals from Kendolph Lewis scoring in the 8th minute to open the home side’s claim.

Kurt Johnson and Kelon Primo followed suit in the second half (70th and 87th) minute to move

the Eagles side onto the next round.

Game two, on the other hand, was just short of a battle royal between Federal Winners Connection and Milerock with the game ending scoreless.

A grudge match between the two teams, the game was a physical encounter with both sides registering their fair share of chances but neither failing to capitalise on them.

Meanwhile, there is a brief rest period for the teams as action returns

From Back page next Sunday with matches in the quarterfinal double-header at two different venues.

The tournament will return to Linden at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground when home side Milerock take on the Western Tigers while the feature game will see Federal Winners Connection play Eagles United.

At Victoria, the Police team will challenge Den Amstel while Mahaica Determinators will do battle with Santos.

Rio Olympics refugee team...

(REUTERS) - A refugee team that competed at the 2016 Rio Olympics with 10 athletes from countries including Syria and South Sudan was named yesterday as winner of a Laureus Award for sporting inspiration.

“This award is for the 65.4 million displaced people globally, who cannot go to their homes because of strife,” Kenyan distance runner Tegla Loroupe, the team’s chef de mission, told a news conference in Monaco.

“Each of the 10 inspirational people in our team have triumphed over adversity and endured unimaginable journeys to get to the start line.”

The hand-picked team of refugees from Syria, Congo, Ethiopia and South Sudan provided one of the highlights of the Games with the athletes taking part in athletics, swimming and judo.

One of those attending yesterday’s news conference was Syrian swimmer Rami Anis, who made the hazardous sea crossing from Turkey to Greece after fleeing his home town of Aleppo and ended up in Belgium.

“Sport gives everyone a chance, and what happened at the Rio

From Back page

Olympics showed people around the world who have trouble and fear in their lives that there is hope,” he said in a Laureus statement.

The International Olympic Committee has yet to decide whether to send another refugee team to Tokyo in 2020.

More than a million refugees streamed into Europe in 2016 alone as they fled fighting in the Middle East and elsewhere.

Millions more are housed in camps in countries across the world, having escaped wars or armed conflicts in their home nations.

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Ayr 10:20 hrs McGinty’s Dream 10:50 hrs Elusive Theatre 11:20 hrs Oscar’s Prospect 11:50 hrs Mumgos Debut 12:20 hrs Master Ruffit 12:50 hrs Uncle Alastair American Racing Tips Philadelphia Park Race 1 These Blues Race 2 We Can Dance Race 3 Rydell Race 4 McKenzies Way Race 5 Joe Franklin Race 6 Two Weeks Off Race 7 Benevolent Gift Race 8 Princessofthieves Race 9 All Day Lawn

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 14, 2017

India win again to stretch unbeaten run to 19 Tests (REUTERS) - Spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja picked up four wickets apiece to lead India to a comprehensive 208-run win over Bangladesh on the fifth day of their one-off Test at Hyderabad yesterday.

Bangladesh, chasing an improbable victory target of 459 in their second innings, were dismissed for 250 late in an extended second session as India stretched their unbeaten run to 19 Test matches.

Bangladesh, ranked ninth among 10 Test-playing nations, did well to bat for more than 100 overs in both innings, given the struggles teams like South Africa, New Zealand and England faced recently while touring India.

“It’s quite tough out there because their bowlers have a lot of variety, not only the spin department but the quicks also,” visiting captain Mushfiqur Rahim told reporters.

“It was a learning curve for us to play against the number one team. Hopefully we learn from this and come up with better performances.”

Playing their maiden Test in India, Bangladesh, who resumed on 103 for three,

suffered an early blow when Shakib Al Hasan departed in the third over of the day after adding just a single to his overnight score of 21.

Left-armer Jadeja made the breakthrough when he landed the ball in the rough created by the bowlers’ footmarks and it spun and jumped to hit Shakib’s glove, leaving Cheteshwar Pujara to complete a simple catch at short leg.

First-innings centurion Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah then launched a mini-revival with a 56-run fifth-wicket partnership that frustrated the world’s number one-ranked Test side.

ASHWIN STRIKES India skipper Virat Kohli raised a few eyebrows by keeping spin spearhead Ashwin out of the attack until the 18th over of the day but when the world’s top-ranked bowler was finally deployed, he needed just four deliveries to break the stand.

Mushfiqur made the mistake of looking to attack the off-spinner early in his spell but the Bangladesh skipper only succeeded in mistiming a shot towards mid-off, where

Jadeja then dismissed Taijul Islam to put India on the brink of their fifth consecutive Test triumph and the victory was confirmed when Taskin Ahmed fell leg-before to Ashwin after Kohli plumped for a review in a confusing passage of play.

“The bowlers found ways to get batsmen out, that’s been the quality of our team in the past couple of years,” Kohli said after being adjudged player-

of-the-match for his first innings double-hundred.

“Ishant’s spell in the second innings was outstanding, coming and bowling with a soft ball, getting a bit of reverse (swing) and bowling with pace all was really good to see.

“If you have two world class spinners in your side, you can tell the fast bowlers to come in and attack.

The partnership between spinners and fast bowlers has been wonderful to see.”

SCOREBOARD

Virat Kohli leads India off the field following their big win over Bangladesh on the fifth day in Hyderabad.

Jadeja held on to a routine catch to dismiss the batsman for 23.

Mahmudullah showed more patience during his knock of 64, his 13th Test half-century, and kept Bangladesh’s hopes of a draw alive by sharing a 51-run stand with Sabbir Rahman for the sixth wicket.

Those hopes were dashed after lunch though, when both batsmen were snapped up

by Ishant Sharma during an inspired spell of fast bowling, Sabbir falling leg-before for 22 and Mahmudullah caught at fine leg attempting a pull shot.

Mehedi Hasan, who scored his maiden Test fifty in the first innings, and Kamrul Islam Rabbi defied India for a further 14 overs before the former became Jadeja’s third wicket of the innings as India closed in for the kill.

INDIA 1st innings 687 for 6 decl. (V. Kohli 204, M. Vijay 108, W. Saha 106 n.o., C. Pujara 83, A. Rahane 82, R. Jadeja 60 n.o.)

BANGLADESH 1st innings 388 (M. Rahim 127, S. Al Hasan 82, M. Hasan 51) India 2nd innings 159 for 4 decl. (C. Pujara 54 n.o.)

BANGLADESH 2nd innings (o/n 103-3; target: 459 runs) T. Iqbal c Kohli b R. Ashwin 3 S. Sarkar c Rahane b Jadeja 42 M. Haque c Rahane b R. Ashwin 27 Mahmudullah c B. Kumar b I. Sharma 64

S. Al Hasan c Pujara b Jadeja 22 M. Rahim c Jadeja b R. Ashwin 23 Sa. Rahman lbw b I. Sharma 22 M. Hasan c Saha b Jadeja 23 K. Rabbi not out 3 T. Islam c Rahul b Jadeja 6 T. Ahmed lbw b R. Ashwin 1 Extras: (b-4, lb-7, nb-3) 14 Total: (all out, 100.3 overs) 250 Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-71, 3-75, 4-106, 5-162, 6-213, 7-225, 8-242, 9-249.

Bowling: B. Kumar 8-4-150, R. Ashwin 30.3- 10-73-4, I. Sharma 13-3-40-2 (nb-3), U. Yadav 12-2-33-0, R. Jadeja 37-15-78-4.

Red Forde top Group A Toni Nadal to quit as Rafa’s with win over Hurricanes coach after this season …face Scorpions in first Super50 semi-final tomorrow TRINIDAD & Tobago Red Force beat Leeward Islands Hurricanes for the second time in round-robin play, handing the host side a five-wicket loss at Coolidge on Sunday night in a match that decided first place in the Regional Super50 Group A. Red Force will now face Jamaica in the first semi-final tomorrow while Leewards have to go up against Group B winner Barbados on Thursday to decide the other finalist.

Leewards Hurricanes were bowled out for 189 in 48.1 overs after choosing to bat first. Their batting struggle was set in motion almost from the start when captain Kieran Powell, who entered the game as the tournament’s leading scorer with 509 runs, suf-

Ravi Rampaul

fered his first failure of the tournament when he was caught behind off Shannon Gabriel for 1 in the third over.

Gabriel wound up taking two more to finish with

3 for 40 while fellow medium pacer Ravi Rampaul took 3 for 27 from his ten overs to keep Leewards tied down. Five batsmen crossed 20 for Leewards but none made more than Jermaine Otto’s 38.

Evin Lewis got the T&T chase off to a typically aggressive start, top-scoring with 47 off 23 balls, dominating a 57-run opening stand with Kyle Hope that spanned 7.4 overs.

Lewis fell to Rahkeem Cornwall, who did his best to slow T&T’s victory charge by taking 3 for 40 in ten overs but Denesh Ramdin (31*) and Imran Khan (38*) produced an unbeaten 54-run stand for the sixth wicket to take T&T to the target in just 34.1 overs.

(ESPN Cricinfo)

(REUTERS) - Rafael Nadal’s uncle, Toni Nadal, will step down as his coach after this year’s ATP Tour, as he feels he has been sidelined by other figures in the player’s entourage, he told an Italian tennis magazine.

The 55-year-old has been with the 14-time grand slam champion since before the Spaniard broke into the bigtime by winning the French Open as a teenager in 2005.

Two weeks after watching his nephew lose in five sets to Roger Federer in the Australian Open final, Toni Nadal told Il Tennis Italiano website that after this season he wants to concentrate on training emerging players.

“From next year I will no longer follow Rafael on the circuit but will dedicate myself exclusively to our academy,” he said, referring to the Rafa Nadal Academy which opened last October in Mallorca.

“The relationship with my nephew has always been excellent, in all these years

we have never had periods of crisis,” he said, but added that he has felt increasingly sidelined by Nadal’s manager Carlos Costa and the player’s father.

“The truth is that every year I am making fewer decisions, to the point that I won’t be deciding anything anymore!”

Former World number one and fellow Mallorcan

Carlos Moya joined Nadal’s coaching staff this season, hoping to help revive the player’s career after two injury-plagued years.

Nadal, without a grand slam title since winning the French Open for a ninth time in 2014, withdrew from last year’s tournament and missed Wimbledon because of a wrist injury.

Spain’s Rafael Nadal leans on the net as he talks to his coach Toni Nadal during a practice session at Melbourne Park, Australia, January 17, 2016. (REUTERS/Jason O’Brien)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Root named new England Test captain --all-rounder Ben Stokes fills the role as vice-captain JOE Root has been named as England’s new Test captain.

The Yorkshire batsman, 26, succeeds Alastair Cook, who resigned last week after more than four years in charge.

“It is a huge honour to be given the Test captaincy,” said Root, who will be the 80th man to lead the country in the longest form of the game. “I feel privileged, humbled and very excited.”

Root steps up from vice-captain, with Durham all-rounder Ben Stokes, 25, filling the role as his deputy.

“The senior guys in the changing room play a very influential role and, whilst there’s a natural progression for me, it’s a huge support to know that they are there to help and advise,” added Root.

“We have a very good group of players and I’m looking forward to leading them out in the summer, building on Alastair’s achievements and making the most of our talents in the years ahead.”

No batsman has scored more than Root’s 4 594 runs since he made his Test debut in December 2012.

In the same time peri-

od, only India captain Virat Kohli has scored more runs than Root in all forms of international cricket.

“Joe is the right man to be our next Test captain and I’m thrilled that he has accepted the role,” said England director of cricket Andrew Strauss.

“He is universally respected by his team mates, passionate about driving the Test team forward and extremely excited about the prospect of leading his country.”

TRANSITION OF POWER Cook resigned on February 6 after a record 59 Tests

at the helm.

Before the tour of India at the end of last year, the 32-year-old opener said he was looking forward to not being captain.

As England moved towards a 4-0 series defeat, Cook increased speculation over his future by saying he was questioning his position.

After he resigned, he confirmed he would like to continue at the top of the order, with England director of cricket Andrew Strauss leading the process to appoint a successor.

Root, Stokes, pace bowler Stuart Broad and one-day vice-captain Jos Buttler were all consulted.

Ben Stokes has scored 1 902 runs and taken three five-wicket hauls since making his Test debut in 2013.

But Root was always seen as the clear favourite and was offered the job over the weekend.

With England concentrating on limited-overs cricket for the first part of 2017, Root will not properly pick up the reins for almost five months, with the next Test not until July.

However, after the visits of South Africa and West Indies, he will lead England to Australia for the defence of the Ashes.

Root takes the job with very little captaincy experience - he has only ever skippered in four firstclass matches.

However, he likened taking over as leader to becoming a father, a baby son having arrived in January.

“Being a dad, you don’t really know what to do until you have to go with it,” he told the BBC before Cook’s resignation.

“I imagine being captain would be very similar. Until you’re in that position I don’t think you know.

“I’ve got quite a lot experience in Test cricket now, but it’s one of these things you have to learn on the job.”

Judge clears way for U.S. lawsuit, seeking $100M from Lance Armstrong

By Timothy Mclaughlin

(REUTERS) - A federal judge yesterday cleared the way for a U.S. government lawsuit seeking nearly $100 million (£79.85 million) in damages from disgraced former professional cyclist Lance Armstrong to go to trial, according to court papers.

The U.S. Justice Department alleges that Armstrong defrauded the government by accepting millions of dollars in sponsorship money from the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) as he led the team to a string of Tour de France victories while doping.

Armstrong was stripped of his seven Tour titles and banned for life from bicycle racing in 2012 by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency after it accused him in a report of engineering one of the most sophisticated doping schemes in sports.

Nicole Navas, a spokes-

woman from the Department of Justice, declined to comment on the case.

Eliot Peters, an attorney for Armstrong, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Armstrong, who had long denied using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), admitted to doping in January 2013 during a much publicised interview with talk show host Oprah Winfrey.

Armstrong’s former teammate, Floyd Landis, originally brought the lawsuit in 2010 under a federal law, the False Claims Act, that lets whistle-blowers pursue fraud cases on behalf of the government, and obtain rewards if successful.

The Justice Department joined the case in February 2013. Armstrong who contends that the USPS benefits outweighed the sponsorship costs sought to have the case decided by summary judgment in April 2016.

“Because the government has offered evidence that Armstrong withheld information about the team’s doping and use of PEDs and that the anti-doping provisions of the sponsorship agreements were material to USPS’s decision to continue the sponsorship and make payments under the agreements, the Court must deny Armstrong’s motion for summary judgment on this issue,” Judge Christopher Cooper of the U.S. District Court for

the District of Columbia wrote in a 37-page ruling yesterday.

The USPS paid around $32.3 million to Armstrong’s cycling team, the now-defunct Tailwind Sports Corp, from 2000 to 2004, looking to capitalise on Armstrong’s Tour de France victories in 1999 and 1998, as well as his “compelling personal story,” Cooper said in his ruling. The government has calculated damages at three times this amount.

U.S. Postal Service Team rider Lance Armstrong of the United States. (REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay/File photo)

No batsman has scored more than Joe Root’s 4 594 runs since he made his Test debut in December 2012.

STOKES’ RISE TO RESPONSIBILITY For Stokes, the elevation to vice-captain is further confirmation of his importance to the England side after an occasionally turbulent start to his international career.

In 2013, he was sent home from the England Lions tour of Australia for disciplinary reasons after he and pace bowler Matt Coles were found to have ignored the management’s instructions over preparation and recovery.

Though he was part of the England squad for the 201314 Ashes, scoring a maiden Test century, he missed the 2014 World Twenty20 with a broken hand sustained when

punching a locker on a tour of the West Indies.

A spell of drifting in and out of the England team followed, including missing the 2015 World Cup, but he returned to hit the fastest Test century at Lord’s - before smashing against South Africa in January 2016.

“He has real presence and influence within the team environment that serve as a great source of support for Joe,” said Strauss. “I have no doubts that the responsibility will also help Ben to continue his rapid rise as a worldclass all-rounder.” (BBC Sport)

Lewis returned unopposed as president of FACC BUSINESSMAN John Lewis has been returned unopposed as president of the Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC) when the club held its annual general meeting recently in the pavilion of the Port Mourant Turf Club.

Attorney-at-Law Mursalene Bacchus and founder of the club and coach Randolph Roberts both retained the first and second vice-president positions, while former national cyclist Neil Reece is the club’s third vice-president.

Margaret Kuma was also returned unopposed as the club’s secretary, while assuming the role as club trea-

surer.

Former national female cycling champion Marica Dick takes up the position as assistant secretary, while Rawle Felix, Fizal Ally, Pearl Arokium and Ganesh Singh are the committee members.

Former New Amsterdam mayor and businessman Errol Alphonso remains the patron of the club, with Rhonda Russell remains an honorary member.

After the elections, Lewis thanked the club for giving him another term.

The first event for the club is expected to be on the February 23.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Regional Super50 semi-finals

Skipper Holder confident his team will adapt to new conditions at Coolidge BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Captain Jason Holder says he does not foresee Barbados Pride experiencing any major issues with acclimatising to new conditions in Antigua for their Regional Super50 semi-final against Leeward Islands Hurricanes on Thursday.

Pride, the tournament favourites, hosted Group B here where they won seven of their eight games to finish top on 33 points, five clear of the second-placed Jamaica Scorpions who also advanced to the final four.

Holder, the West Indies Test and one-day captain, said they did not anticipate any surprises with the switch from Barbados to Coolidge Cricket Ground in St John’s.

“I don’t see it as a big challenge. We’ve been seeing a few of the games on TV. We’re obviously professional athletes and many of us play for the West Indies team as well so we have to adjust,” Holder said.

“It’s not a situation where we can be stagnant …

I think it is important that we get there and acclimatise as quickly as possible. We have a few days before that semi-final game and I think it will be crucial to see how the wicket plays and get accustomed to the wicket which shouldn’t be too hard for us.

“Many of us have played

Leading wicket-taker Ashley Nurse (left), pictured here celebrating with Roston Chase, will be a key player for Pride in the semi-finals. (Photo courtesy WICB Media)

cricket in Antigua before and I don’t expect anything out of the ordinary.”

Boasting a starting XI comprising 10 current West Indies players, Pride have flexed their muscles in the competition from the outset and dominated the group.

They eclipsed 300 runs once and passed 270 on three other occasions when they batted first, with several of their high-profile batsmen getting among the runs.

Test opener Kraigg

Brathwaite posted two hundreds and two half-centuries in gathering 408 runs while Jonathan Carter and Shai Hope both notched three fifties each.

Holder said he still wanted improvement in this department especially when Pride were batting second.

“The batting has been doing a pretty decent job as well, it’s just for us to be a little more consistent especially when we are chasing,” he pointed out. “(We have to) keep on par

with the scoring rate when we are chasing. Once we do that in the semi-final, we should be pretty good.”

Pride have also been ruthless when bowling, three times limiting their opponents to totals under 200.

Off-spinner Ashley Nurse has led their attack with 22 wickets while Holder has picked up 15 with his seam and left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn, 14.

Holder said this area had been Pride’s strong suit, with every bowler playing his part throughout.

“The bowlers have been doing a tremendous job.

They have put up their hand every single time we went out to bowl. There’s only been one team who have made 200 runs against us and that was Jamaica in the last game and that’s exceptional,” said Holder.

“We’re up there with the leading wicket-takers – Ashley Nurse has really led us well and myself up front with the new ball have been very good. Kemar Roach came in and made an impact, Sulieman obviously has been his normal self in the middle, has been a wicket-taker and kept things very steady for us, so our bowlers have been doing a wonderful job.”

The first semi-final is set for tomorrow at Coolidge between Trinidad and Tobago Red Force and Scorpions.

Aguero makes striking comeback as City go second

By Rex Gowar

(REUTERS)-Sergio Aguero roared back into action for Manchester City, claiming a sharp goal and helping them move into position as Chelsea’s top challengers for the Premier League title with a crucial 2-0 win at struggling Bournemouth yesterday.

Aguero was once again left on the bench, amid yet more speculation about his uncertain future at City, as Guardiola preferred his new Brazilian teenage sensation Gabriel Jesus.

But after the youngster’s fairytale start to life in English football was rudely interrupted by an early ankle injury, Aguero replaced him and took the opportunity to remind everyone of his enduring quality after Raheem Sterling had put City ahead just before the half-hour.

In the 69th minute, the Argentine slid in to slot home a low cross from Sterling, and although Bournemouth defender Tyrone Mings may

have got the final touch for an own goal - the dubious goals panel will make the final ruling - no-one was going to persuade Aguero that it was not his goal.

After prevailing in an entertaining contest at chilly Dean Court, City always looked likely to move to within eight points of leaders Chelsea once Sterling slotted in from close range soon after he had also hit the post.

Bournemouth thought they had equalised through Josh King straight after Sterling’s goal but the striker was penalised for tugging the shirt of John Stones in the build-up and Eddie Howe’s men, 14th in the table and quickly getting sucked into the relegation battle, still remain without a win in 2017.

Bournemouth, looking to end a run of six games without a win in all competitions, set a blistering pace and pressed high, severely testing City’s preference for playing

the ball out of defence.

As the half hour approached, City had a lucky escape when winger Jordon Ibe broke through on the right after a one-two with midfielder Jack Wilshere and shot low but Willy Caballero spread himself well saving with his right foot.

The next time City attacked they opened the scoring when Leroy Sane crossed

from the left, the ball took a slight deflection on defender Steve Cook on its way to the far post and Sterling turned it into the net.

Little more than a minute later King had the ball in the City net but the goal was disallowed, the big striker having pulled Stones back before racing onto Ibe’s cross into the box to shoot past Caballero.

Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero in action with Bournemouth’s Andrew Surman Action Images via Reuters / Matthew Childs Livepic

GCB/DMLAS/MoE/NSSCL ...

Chase Academy seek to repeat championship feat THE 2016/2017 GCB/ DMLAS/MoE National Secondary Schools Cricket League commences its Inter-Zone Winners’ phase, where the Zone winners will compete among themselves, as a means towards determining a countrywide winner.

The league, which began in October, 2016 with over 150 secondary schools across the country, saw a number of winners emerging for their zones.

These include Linden Foundation Secondary for Upper Demerara, St Cuthbert’s Mission Secondary for the Highway, Diamond Secondary for East Bank Demerara, West Demerara Secondary for West Bank Demerara, Saraswat for West Coast Demerara, Chase Academy for North Georgetown, Tutorial High for East Georgetown, Charlestown Secondary for South Georgetown, IBE for East Coast Demerara, Mahaicony for Mahaica/Mahaicony, Number 8 Secondary for West Berbice, New Amsterdam/ Canje, East Bank Essequibo, Leguan Secondary, Essequibo Islands Secondary for Wakenaam and Anna Regina Multilateral for Essequibo Coast.

The league will comprise two major districts, that of Georgetown-Berbice and Upper Demerara-Essequibo, with the winners qualifying for the final on March 3, 2017.

This final will determine the nationwide GCB/DMLAS/MoE Secondary Schools Under-17 champions.

Tomorrow will feature one match each in the two mentioned districts, where in the Upper Demerara-Essequibo District, Upper Demerara Zone champions Linden Foundation Secondary will oppose the Highway Zone winners of St Cuthbert’s Mission Secondary.

St Cuthbert’s Secondary are expected to face an uphill challenge, since they come up against a team that had progressed to the quarter-finals in the previous year’s school league.

This match will be played at the Bayroc ground in Upper Demerara, while last year’s nationwide champion school, Chase Academy, will compete with Tutorial High School at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground. Both matches start at 11:00hrs.

On Friday, Tutorial High will take on Charlestown Secondary; next day Charlestown will oppose Chase Academy.

The combined schools phase of the league will commence on March 7, 2017 and will feature selective groups of better players from zone and districts across the country, as a means of determining the nationwide champion district. This phase of the league will conclude on March 21, 2017.

LABA/Hamid Under-23

Kwakwani, Bulls, Raiders and Jets score opening wins KWAKWANI started their quest for honours in the Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA)/Hamid Foundation Under-23 championship in ominous fashion when they smothered second-ranked Victory Valley Royals 5525 while Retrieve Raiders overwhelmed Christianburg Pistons 48-8 on Sunday night.

In the opening encounter on Saturday night National player Terron Welch and the Half Mile Bulls beat Block 22 Flames 85-53 and Amelia’s Ward Jets defeated Bankers Trust Falcons 57-46 at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court.

The Kwakwani side never seemed affected by their late arrival due to some transportation problems experienced on the way to Linden, but asserted their dominance over the Roy-

als behind Shafeek Thomas who led them with 12 points, with support coming from Jamal Gilkes on 10, Leonard Primo eight and Domar Gladstone seven.

The best players for the Royals were Yannick Tappin with 10 and Daniel Lee six points.

Retrieve Raiders closed out the Christianburg Pistons 48-8 on their return to competitive basketball with a make-shift side.

The Pistons could score only eight points in the encounter, as the Raiders impressed, through Travis Sutton with 10 points, Cole Winter nine and the Williams brothers Omisi and Otis with six points each.

The competition continues on Friday night when Bulls will oppose Pistons at 18:30hrs and Jets take on Royals at 20:30hrs.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Fifteen goals scored on day two of Petra/Milo schools football -- Morgan’s Learning Centre find early groove

Part of the action during day two of the Petra-organised Ministry of Public Health (MoPH)/Milo schools Under-18 football tournament. (Adrian Narine Ppoto)

By Stephan Sookram

FIFTEEN goals were scored on day two of the Petra-organised Ministry of Public Health (MoPH)/Milo schools Under-18 football tournament on Sunday at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue.

Morgan’s Learning Centre were in the thick of things finding an early groove in the competition by scoring five goals to down Sir Small Lessons, who had no answer.

Leon Richardson’s brace on either side of the half (42nd and 57th) led the scoring for his side while there David Coates (3rd), Tyrese Rowley (46th) and Orin Moore (19th) each scored one.

Earlier, in the first game of the day, Lodge Secondary dismissed St Mary’s 3-1 with strikes from Simeon Hackett (9th), Shemar Dover (42nd) and Turston Gordon (58th) while St Mary’s had Simeon George (64th) on target.

Game two ended in a tame draw with East Ruimveldt and Kingston scoring one each; East through Alwin Franklin (45th) and Kingston responding through Dwayne Jacobs (50th).

In game three Tucville also registered a 3-1 win over St John’s College thanks to Rondave Noel (25th and 52nd) and Godfrey Phillips (10th) while Isaiah McPherson 40th minute strike was a consolation goal.

NSC, GABF imbroglio continues …

Jones offers no comment as GABF says $3.5M insufficient DIRECTOR of Sport Christopher Jones says he will not, at this time, be commenting on a statement made by the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) that a $3.5M cheque issued earlier this month was not enough.

GABF president Nigel Hinds says the National Sports Commission (NSC) owes a total of $7.8M, and the “NSC must understand that the debt will be fully paid, and time is of essence”.

Hinds in a statement said that on February 3 last the GABF received, from the NSC, a cheque for $3.5M, and there is a “stated intent not to repay the balance due of $4.5M”.

“The NSC have somehow made $3.5M equiva-

Nigel Hinds

lent $7.8M. The same logic that spurred them to pay $3.5M linked to GABF, part payment towards the new basketball goals, should apply with equal force to the capital type

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

COMPLIMENTS OF: THE TROPHY STALL Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE 176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1)WI Under 19s (2)Barbados Pride & Jamaica Scorpions Today’s Quiz: (1)Which four teams will contest the semi-finals

of CWI Nagicor Super 50 2017?

(2) Who captured most wickets in the prelimi-

nary round?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

expenditures made by the GABF to prepare CASH for the Championships,” the statement said.

Jones confirmed that the NSC issued the cheque but said he could comment no further. Jones says he will not be responding to the issue until the GABF sends an official statement to the NSC regarding their concerns.

“I haven’t received any correspondence from the GABF, and as such I am not inclined to comment anything on it. If we receive a query or anything from them, then we would be able to comment. If there’s an issue they’re supposed to write us, but we haven’t seen any correspondence from them.” Jones said

when contacted yesterday.

This ongoing imbroglio between NSC and GABF comes over funds allegedly owed to GABF and Hinds for renovation works done on the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) to upgrade it for the hosting of the Caribbean Basketball Confederation U-16 Championships which was held last year July. CASH is a state-owned facility.

The money spent was reportedly for the carpeting of VIP area and 3 rooms, wall partitions, door for VIP washroom, two urinals with fittings; construction works on first responders’ room, kitchen, walkway, and balcony rooms; and repairs to washroom as well as replacement of sinks at

Christopher Jones

the National Gymnasium, among other capital expenditures.

Hinds said that the NSC verbally committed to repaying the funds and the non-repayment after six months

is “insensible and indefensible”.

Hinds has been lobbying for the monies to be repaid since last year, and the NSC since then said that they would repay Hinds G$3,514,000 which represented money used to purchase basketball goals for the CBC event, but did not cover the other works. Hinds maintained that everything has to be paid for.

The issue eventually boiled over and saw Hinds, a then commissioner at the NSC, resign with immediate effect on August 12, 2016, after less than one year on the job.

Hinds made it clear that he was resigning over the issue of the unpaid funds.

T&T coach Lawrence names full coaching staff TRINIDAD and Tobago coach Dennis Lawrence has completed the appointment of a full staff ahead of the team’s crucial pair of World Cup qualifiers next month.

Joining Lawrence’s team are former T&T players Stern John and Ross Russell and former national coach Stuart Charles-Fevrier. Sol Campbell, the former England international, was named as the team’s assistant coach last month.

John, T&T’s all-time

T&T national football coach Dennis Lawrence

leading goalscorer with 70 goals, was recently a part of local premier league club Central FC’s historic triumph. Russell, the present T&T Under-20 assistant coach, has coached Central FC, Defence Force and Ma Pau Stars as well as had stints with the country’s Under-17 and women’s teams.

Charles-Fevrier is a multiple times winner of the T&T Pro League for W Connection who had a decent

stint in charge of the ‘Soca Warriors’ in 2003-2004.

The twin-island republic will look to extricate themselves from a difficult situation following a poor start to the World Cup qualifiers, which has left the team in fifth place. Trinidad and Tobago have lost both opening matches to Costa Rica and Honduras.

Also included in the squad is Israel Dowlat, who comes in as a replacement for Dr Terrance Babwah.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 14, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Fifteen goals scored on day two of Petra/Milo schools football

P.30

Three Linden teams into Limacol quarter-finals

See Page 26 Eagles United scorers from L-R Kendolph Lewis, Kurt Johnson and Kelon Primo

Part of the action between the Milerock vs Federal Winners Connection game at the MSC on Sunday

Rio Olympics refugee team wins Laureus award

See Page 26 Olympics refugee team arrives at the Marcana Stadium for the opening ceremony in the 2016 Rio Olympics. (REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach) Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY,14TH , 2017