Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 04 03 2017

Fly Jamaica gets 20 new attendants Page 2

Invest in Guyana No. 104842 SATURDAY MARCH 4, 2017

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‌ Pres Granger urges Guyanese living in Bahamas

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President David Granger interacting with Guyanese living in The Bahamas during a reception in his honour Thursday evening (MOTP photo)

GPL working to fix power distribution problems Page 13

Three held after attack on Chinese business Page 22

11 wells for Rupununi Page 14

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 4, 2017

Fly Jamaica gets 20 new attendants

By Navendra Seoraj

TWENTY young Guyanese will soon take to the sky as flight attendants for one of the Caribbean’s top carriers, Fly Jamaica.

After successfully graduating yesterday from Fly Jamaica’s seven-week flight attendant course, the enthusiastic bunch signalled their intent to work hard and take their job seriously.

The graduates’ intentions to work hard were cited by the facilitators of the course and officials of the Carrier, who were able to see their potential.

Many have benefited from Fly Jamaica’s flight attendant programme and were given the chance to show their potential and realise their dream of becoming flight attendants.

The new recruits make up the fourth set of graduates from this course said Fly Jamaica’s Director, Roxanne Reece.

The new Fly Jamaica flight attendants on Thursday But the one thing that stood out about this batch is the fact that everyone who began the course ended as successful graduates.

“And as exceptional as it might seem, it depicts the fact that Fly Jamaica is the most exceptional in the region,” said Manager of In-Flight Services Shirley Browne.

Although their theoretical excellence was visible, the graduates were charged

by Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson and Reece, to do their best and ensure safety is their priority.

Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Director General Egbert Field pointed out that Fly Jamaica is one of the best carriers in the Caribbean and has the potential to put Guyana on

the map.

Put Guyana on the map in the sense that Guyana is on the verge of developing its aviation industry in order to meet the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards, and the company’s continued support will see Guyana climbing to newer heights.

Field stressed that the GCAA is hoping to achieve the Category 1 standard soon, which means the air carriers from the assessed state may initiate or continue service to the US in a normal manner and take part in reciprocal code-share arrangements with US carriers.

In order to get one step closer to this achievement, the GCAA Director called on Fly Jamaica to apply for certification in Guyana and be stationed here.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 4, 2017

Plan underway to improve land administration

By Shauna Jemmott

THE Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) is spearheading several projects by natural resource agencies to ensure sustainable management and development of Guyana’s lands.

The GLSC is on a mission to improve public land administration, alleviate poverty and promote national

The GLSC is the guardian of public lands in Guyana and the National Focal Point Agency to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), with an obligation of preparing “an Aligned National Action Plan to serve as the guiding framework for implementing actions to combat desertification/land degradation and promote sustainable land management.”

results-framework of sustainable development and management of land in keeping with the objectives of the UNCCD. A discussion was also held on the draft project proposal and the next step and way forward were also presented by the Project Management Department within the Ministry of the Presidency, the Ministry under whose leadership the Commission

Some of the participants at the ‘Sensitisation and Validation Workshop on Sustainable Land Management’ on Thursday (photo by Adrian Narine) development, according to the guidelines outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).

And in this regard, on Thursday, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (UNFAO), it hosted a ‘Sensitisation and Validation Workshop on Sustainable Land Management and Development Project Concept’. The workshop, which was held at the Marriott Hotel, saw attendance by several Government ministries and organisations.

The workshop looked at a drafting policy to govern land use and management, and it is expected that recommendations will be made for one collective land-law document combining several land acts, as was suggested

by Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, in his feature address.

Sustainable Land Management International expert consultants, Sally Bunning and Emmanuel Chinyamakobvu, along with National Consultant, Joselyn Grimmond-Da Silva, made a presentation on the concept and

falls.

Expert Guidelines on responsible governance of land, fisheries and forests and land degradation assessment in drylands, and a world overview of conversation approaches and technologies tools for land degradation and sustainable land assessment and mapping were also presented by the FAO experts.

The Commission has partnered with the UNFAO to implement a Sustainable Land Development and Management Project.

Meanwhile, in brief remarks during the opening

ceremony, Commissioner of Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC), Trevor Benn, explained that the Commission is dedicated to working diligently in fulfilling its mandate. This includes maximising access to land, undertaking and regulating surveys, providing information and managing public lands in accordance with the principles of transparency, accountability, equity and sustainability, and to support national development and poverty reduction.

The Commission serves a diverse clientele, which includes Government ministries, private investors and financial institutions and has established offices in eight of Guyana’s 10 administrative regions.

THREATENED Benn said that while Guyana is endowed with fertile agricultural lands, diversified mineral deposits, and an abundance of tropical rain forests, its natural resources are threatened by a developing pattern of land degradation, a problem which can restrain ecosystem services and functions if it is not addressed.

“We have however been observing over the years the expansion of land-based investments, forestry, agriculture and mining that have been plagued with issues of overlapping conflicts; this coupled with a lack of comprehensive baseline information and analyses, the lack of a monitoring and management frameworks, as well as

Commissioner, Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, Trevor Benn the none existence of land use and management policy that enable land mapping, classification, land use planning and registration to be done simultaneously, remains a major setback.”

As interests increases in the exploitation of natural resources, and there continues to be an increase also in coastal erosion’ land degradation in Guyana is expected to increasingly occur with a potential to expand at a rate corresponding to the increase in such exploitations of resources.

“Given the observed rapid upsurge in economic activity over the last few years, marked with the increased demand for State land leases for agriculture, mining, logging, settlement expansion; it is expected that land degradation would continue to be a challenge. This conclusion is supported by the global datasets obtained from

Teen in custody for murder of Top Cop’s brother A TEENAGER is currently in police custody in relation to the murder of Haymant Persaud, who is the brother of Police Commissioner, Seelall Persaud.

Commander of ‘A’ Division, Clifton Hicken confirmed to the Guyana Chronicle that the 15-year-old boy was nabbed during the weehours of Friday morning in Sophia, Greater Georgetown during an exercise by police.

Persaud, 51, of Affiance, Essequibo Coast, was stabbed to death on February

19, 2017 in the vicinity of the Stabroek Market Area.

The Police Commissioner had positively identified the body of his younger brother at the Georgetown Public Hospital Mortuary after the police had issued a notice a few days ago, seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the body.

This newspaper understands that the 15-year-old was positively identified by a witness during an identification parade on Friday. The police however are still on

DEAD : Haymant Persaud the hunt for two other suspects, who are also fingered in the murder. It is believed

that a woman is the ‘mastermind’ behind the man’s death.

Reports indicate that Persaud was on a ‘drinking spree’ in the vicinity of Stabroek Market when he was joined by the female, after which he was reportedly lured to a washroom in the area.

The 51-year-old was reportedly attacked by two men and stabbed with a knife by one the perpetrators.

The robbers relieved him of his money and other valuables before mak-

ing good their escape. He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

the international monitoring agencies and national data.

The data also shows that the increase is in part due to land clearance,” Benn explained.

The Sustainable Land Management and Development Project which will be undertaken by the Commission and FAO, is expected to address and correct the absence of the relevant land use planning and land management policy, lack of technical interventions and definitive measures to promote sustainable land management and utilisation.

Benn said the project intends to promote good environmental stewardship in a green economy to achieve a better quality of life; improve planning, monitoring and evaluation capacities to address land management needs; improve standard of living through sustainable land use and management practices; strengthen monitoring and enforcement capacity and ensure compliance with sustainable land management practices; mainstream policy and implementation by natural resource agencies and; implement sustainable land development and management and monitoring, using indicators for the reduction of land use conflicts and innovative problem solving initiatives.

“It is also expected to increase land reclamation of degraded public lands and reduce degraded areas in relation to total land area,” Benn said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 4, 2017

Trump may split women and children at Mexican border Women and children crossing together illegally into the United States could be separated by U.S. authorities under a proposal being considered by the Department of Homeland Security, according to three government officials.

Part of the reason for the proposal is to deter mothers from migrating to the United States with their children, said the officials, who have been briefed on the proposal. The policy shift would allow the government to keep parents in custody while they contest deportation or wait for asylum hearings.

Children would be put into protective custody with the Department of Health and Human Services, in the “least restrictive setting” until they can be taken into the care of a U.S. relative or state-sponsored guardian.

Currently, families contesting deportation or applying for asylum are generally released from detention quickly and allowed to remain in the United States until their cases are resolved.

A federal appeals court rul-

ing bars prolonged child detention.

President Donald Trump has called for ending “catch and release,” in which migrants who cross illegally are freed to live in the United States while awaiting legal proceedings. Two of the officials were briefed on the proposal at a Feb. 2 town hall for asylum officers by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services asylum chief John Lafferty.

A third DHS official said the department is actively considering separating women from their children but has not made a decision. DHS, HHS and the White House did not respond to requests for comment.

About 54,000 children and their guardians were apprehended between Oct. 1, 2016, and Jan. 31, 2017, more than double the number caught over the same time period a year earlier. Republicans in Congress have argued women are willing to risk the dangerous journey with their children because they are assured they will be quickly released from deten-

President of USA, Donald Trump

tion and given court dates set years into the future.

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS Implementing the new policy proposal “could create lifelong psychological

trauma,” said Marielena Hincapie, executive director at the National Immigration Law Center. “Especially for children that have just completed a perilous journey from Central America.”

Hincapie said the U.S.

government is likely to face legal challenges based on immigration and family law if they decide to implement the policy. The policy would allow DHS to detain parents while complying with a 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals order from July 2016 that immigrant children should be released from detention as quickly as possible. That order said their parents were not required to be freed.

To comply with that order, the Obama administration implemented a policy of holding women and children at family detention centers for no more than 21 days before releasing them. Holding mothers in prolonged detention could also

strain government resources, said Randy Capps of the Migration Policy Institute, a Washington-based non-profit.

“You are talking about a pretty rapid increase in the detention population if you are going to do this,” Capps said. “The question is really how much detention can they afford.”

Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly last week ordered immigration agents to deport or criminally prosecute parents who facilitate the illegal smuggling of their children.

Many parents who arrive on the U.S.-Mexico border with their children have paid smugglers to guide them across the dangerous terrain. (Reuters)

Armed faction enters major Libyan oil ports, putting output at risk An armed faction entered two major Libyan oil ports on Friday, pushing back forces that captured and reopened the terminals in September, officials and residents said.

The move risks increasing the fighting around the ports and casts new doubt over Libya’s attempt to revive its oil production.

The terminals at Es Sider and Ras Lanuf are two of Libya’s largest, with potential combined production capacity of about 600,000 barrels per day (bpd).

It was unclear late on Friday to what extent the faction that attacked, the Benghazi Defence Brigades (BDB), had gained control over the area. There was no statement from the Libyan National Oil Corporation (NOC) in Tripoli, which restarted operations at the ports after the eastern-based Libyan National Army

(LNA) took them over seven months ago.

Since then the LNA’s opponents have launched several unsuccessful attacks against the ports in Libya’s eastern Oil Crescent, in a campaign linked to a broader conflict between factions based in eastern and western Libya. The LNA had said the ports were well secured. But it said the BDB had launched a rapid, three-pronged attack early on Friday that pierced its defenses.

Air strikes repelled an attack targeting a third port, Brega, but the LNA withdrew men and equipment around Es Sider and Ras Lanuf to avoid a damaging fire fight, LNA spokesman Ahmed al-Mismari said.

Port engineers, oil sources and residents said the BDB entered both Es Sider and Ras Lanuf ports after the attack.

The BDB posted pictures of its fighters at Ras Lanuf’s nearby air strip, though the LNA later said it had retaken control there. At least nine men loyal to the LNA were killed and eight wounded in the fighting, a medical source said.

The LNA took Es Sider, Ras Lanuf, Brega and Zueitina oil ports in September. All but Brega had long been blockaded.

After the NOC reopened them, Libya’s oil production more than doubled. The Benghazi Defence Brigades are composed partly of fighters who were ousted from Benghazi by the LNA, where LNA commander Khalifa Haftar has been waging a military campaign for nearly three years against Islamists and other opponents.

The LNA brands its opponents as Islamist extremists, and each side accuses the other of using mercenaries from Libya’s sub-Saharan neighbors. Some in the east also accuse elements of the U.N.-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli of backing the BDB and their allies. The GNA’s leadership

strongly condemned Friday’s escalation, saying in a statement that it “did not give any order to any forces to move towards that area”. It suggested the attack could be an effort to scupper Libyan and international efforts to bring peace.

Libya has recently been producing about 700,000 barrels per day (bpd) of oil, more than double its output early last year but still far less than the 1.6 million bpd the OPEC member was pumping before the 2011 uprising. The Oil Crescent ports suffered major damage in previous rounds of fighting and are still operating well below capacity. Tankers have been loading at Es Sider since December, with the Amalthea due to arrive on March 7 to load 630,000 barrels for Austria’s OMV (OMVV. VI), according to shipping sources. The NOC has been lobbying foreign firms to return to Libya and invest in the oil and gas sector as it tries to push production to 1.2 million bpd later this year. (Reuters)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 4, 2017

IMF delegation ends visit to Jamaica The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Friday said it had reached a preliminary agreement with Jamaica on a set of policies aimed at completing the first review under the precautionary Stand By Arrangement (SBA).

“Consideration by the IMF’s Executive Board is tentatively scheduled for April 2017. Upon approval, an additional SDR 126 million (about US$170 million) will be made available for Jamaica, bringing the total accessible credit to about US$574 million,” said Uma Ramakrishnan, who led an IMF Mission here from February 20 to March 3. The delegation met with Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Finance Minister Audley Shaw, Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) Governor Brian Wynter, as well as other stakeholders including members of the private sector, labour unions and civil society She said the Jamaican authorities continue to view the SBA as precautionary, and use it as an insurance policy against unforeseen external economic shocks beyond Jamaica’s control. “The SBA is off to a strong start, programme conditions through December were met, with tax revenues and international reserves exceeding expectations; and structural reforms are taking hold.

Uma Ramakrishnan

“With 7 consecutive quarters of positive growth, the Jamaican economy is on track to reach a growth rate of 1.7 per cent in financial year 2016/17. Growth is projected to continue improving to 2.1 per cent in financial year 2017/18, bolstered by construction, increased room capacity in the tourism sector, business process outsourcing, and a recovery in mining.”

Ramakrishnan said the current account deficit is down to about three per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), supporting robust growth in non-borrowed reserves, which reached almost US$1.8 billion by end-February.

She said employment is steadily improving but the unemployment rate remains high at 12.9 per cent, reflecting an expanding labour force.

“The financial year 2017/18 budget tabled in Parliament targets a central government primary surplus of 7 percent of GDP. On the revenue side, the shift from direct to indirect taxes continues

with the second phase of the personal income tax (PIT) reform that raises the PIT exemption threshold to J$1.5 million.(One Jamaica dollar =US$0.008 cents).

She said the government underlined its commitment to supporting this reform with a revenue-neutral tax package that maintains fairness, progressivity and efficiency. “To insulate Jamaica’s poorest citizens from the effects of these changes in tax policy, the government has significantly increased its budget allocation for social protection programs such as PATH. The budget also frees up resources for growth-enhancing capital spending by continuing the government’s prudent approach to public sector wage and employment policy,” Ramakrishnan said She told reporters that steadfast implementation of the government’s reform programme is essential for continued macroeconomic stability, growth and job creation. “This will require a sustained,

multi-year focus on improving public sector efficiency and maintaining the government’s wage bill on a firm downward path.

Next steps include passing the pension bill and rolling out an early retirement program, finalizing the medium-term compensation policy for government workers, consolidating public bodies, and accelerating the introduction of the human resources software.”

Ramakrishnan said further enhancing financial sector supervision and crisis preparedness, including through the adoption of a robust crisis resolution framework, are near-term priorities. “Increasing the operational autonomy and accountability of the BOJ and improving the ways in which it interacts in the currency markets to make those interactions more efficient and more market-based will support the intended transition to an inflation targeting framework for monetary policy,” she added. (CMC)

Saturday, March 4th , 2017 - 09:00 hrs Sundav, March 5th , 2017 - 10:00 hrs Monday , March 6th , 2017 - 11:00 hrs

Former Haiti President Rene Preval dies

Former Haiti President, Rene Preval

René Préval, the former president of Haiti died Friday, the Miami Herald Newspaper has reported. He was 74.

It quoted his wife, Elisabeth Delatour Préval as confirming his death. Préval died at home in Laboule, a neighbourhood in Port-au-Prince. His wife, who wasn’t with him, said she had spoken to him “three times” on Friday. “He was in excellent humor,” said Delatour Préval, “He asked, ‘When are you coming home?’ I refused to believe it. I cannot believe it,” she told the newspaper. Préval served as president from 1996 to 2001, and again from 2006-2011. He is the only president in Haitian history to have served two full presidential terms and not be jailed, exiled or killed.

An agronomist by training, Préval devoted his years out of the presidency to turning bamboo into furniture to create jobs, and to boost the national production of agricultural products. (CMC)

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Editorial

Proposal to cut U.S Foreign Aid

ON Monday United States’ (U.S) President Donald Trump, proposed a Budget that will cut the approximate US$50B State Department and foreign aid spending by 37 percent. This proposed reduction comes along with a proposal to increase the approximately US$500B military spending by US$54B. Undoubtedly reduction in foreign aid would have an impact on the developmental aid-financial, technical and otherwise- the U.S extends to governments and non-government organisations. Those who could be affected are wont to speculate if such a proposal is passed by the U.S Congress and approved by the President what could be the likely impact on their way of life.

What is known thus far is that the proposed cut has been met with resistance by both Republican and Democratic members of Congress. South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsay Graham said such a proposal would be “dead on arrival.”

While this portends well that reliant countries have U.S lawmakers who will rather not see this happen, it is reasonable to speculate for small societies such as ours, should such happen what it may mean for us.

Guyana enjoys positive relations with the U.S and has been the beneficiary of much support in improving our system of governance, crime fighting with the establishment of a Drug Enforcement Agency office here, and the U.S Agency for International Development (USAID), to name immediate direct benefits. Some indirect benefits have come through international organisations such as the United Nations Development Programme and World Health Organisation that receive funding and other support from the U.S. There can be no denying that a cut in foreign spending

could adversely impact standard of living, longevity, crime fighting, family planning, counteracting diseases, governance, and human rights. In the midst of uncertainty people would usually look to their leaders for direction or assurance. Last November with the victory of Trump at the polls, President David Granger assured the nation cordial relations will continue between the two countries. U.S Ambassador Perry Halloway also echoed similar sentiment. Notwithstanding President Trump’s “America First Policy” and principal focus “on public safety and national security” the inter-connectivity of the world lends assurance where trade, commerce, and other areas of interest intersect, governments and people would seek avenues to unite on mutual interest and respect.

Outside of scepticism that increased military spending could mean war, where many are already fatigued by the horrors it has wreaked to lives and societies, they are also global protests against programmes and policies that could threaten stability-political, social, economic and cultural. There can be no denying the world is experience some flux/resistance in both directions.

As forces pull to create a new world order driven by protectionism, others are pushing against it. It is the meeting of the two forces, ultimately borne out of recognition that the survival and development of one is hinged on the success of the other that hopefully would create the space of working together.

Global aid by the U.S has historically been informed by the country’s national interest and its values which drive its foreign policy. Though it is not Guyana’s place to say where the U.S’ priorities ought to be placed based on the regions, the Caribbean still has avenue of ensuring it can either avert

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 4, 2017

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

or cushion the potential impact should the cut materialised.

In December 2016 the U.S Congress, with bipartisan support of Republican and Democratic lawmakers, passed Bill (HR 4939) which was signed into law by President Barrack Obama that portends possibilities for the Caribbean. Though this law attached no direct financial support it “declares that it is U.S. policy to increase engagement with the governments of the Caribbean region, including the private sector, and with civil society in both the United States and the Caribbean.”

The Law further submits that, “[t]he Department of State shall submit to Congress a multi-year strategy for U.S. engagement to support the efforts of interested nations in the Caribbean region,” through vehicles and partnership such as the USAID, the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, Educational and Cultural Affairs, active citizens’ partnership, strengthen the rule of law, energy security, and diversifying our economies. With this window of opportunity the Caribbean is presented no effort should be spared to make full use of it.

The urgent need for SARA legislation Dear Editor,

PLEASE allow me to share some more on the need for a State Asset Recovery Agency (SARA) in Guyana.

Before I discuss the subject, let us examine a few trends and observations that should help in rearranging the ignorance of some minds.

I, like many others who silently speculate, have strong suspicions that there is a composition of individuals and dominant forces steadfastly united in their efforts at keeping certain types of crime alive and operable in Guyana. Hence, resistance toward the establishment of a SARA here is inevitable.

Some of those individuals, I believe are well established; establishments that were made possible as a result of activities that a SARA now seeks to discourage and completely. Those individuals are not jokers, or masqueraders, they are not bothered about Mashramani; they don’t even support that!

If one is to carefully observe trends, some of the most organised and unified groups are those with dishonest intent, whether it is students who cheat for better grades, narcotic traffickers with their synergetic networks or clandestine persons of prominence, who launder money like water flowing from a rapid.

While thousands of acres of land were being leased away for alleged cutbacks, logs and gold smuggled, and cocaine allowed to transit almost unhindered through our ports, a certain political element in our country sought to promote the impression that overt criminal activity such as armed robbers and simple larcenies were our only nuances. They even attributed it to a particular race. This, I believe, was one of the many guises to detract attention from those massive covert crimes that were being committed by many who now have deep aversions towards a SARA. Their crimes

weren’t snatching bags; they were conscientiously and systematically robbing the state.

The absurdity of the notion that crime had an ethnic origin met shameful exposure with unfolding revelations of criminal activity, particularly related to various types of fraud and narcotics trafficking, which implicated multi-ethnic players. What we see in news reports from multiple media sources and outlets, so far suggest that no one is being singled out or prosecuted solely based on ethnic or political linkages.

The same could be said from an observation of matters brought before the Courts so far by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) relating to other white collar criminal investigations.

The State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU) is gearing up to pursue similar ligations, via civil proceedings, once that Agency’s Bill is assented to in our Parliament.

The latter has been creating grave concern, partic-

ularly among some persons closely linked or part of the former administration, as well as their surrogates in the private sector. I made the illustration regarding multi-ethnic collaboration within criminal networks because some individuals are again seeking to use racial innuendoes as distractions and accusatory assertions against those specialised anti-crime units such as SOCU and SARU. It is fair to say, that some sections of the private sector remain clearly partisan and detest the Coalition Government, along with its policies against corruption, tax-evasion, money laundering, narco-trafficking and trafficking-in-persons (TIP); just to name a few of the diabolic criminal activities that placed this country under various international watch-lists and impending sanctions.

Some of those individuals seem to have concerted priorities, which are to extract, pillage and siphon as

much as they can from this country. For them, Guyana is their cash cow. Some of those individuals are prime suspects of unchecked capital flight. They cheat Guyana and rob consumers, while living extravagant and affluent lifestyles. I have no qualms or issues with affluence, providing it is achieved honestly.

Those individuals hate the coalition and SARU. They believe that one must ‘get rich quickly or die trying’. Anything they do legally is often a front. They have contaminated our socio-cultural sphere, and many young minds whom they influence or brainwash into believing that conning the system makes one successful or a champion. Ironically, some who subscribe to that mindset often find themselves being subjects of those very wheelers and are merely utilized conveniently for errands of their predators.

Astonishingly, some of those individuals are now making their voices heard.

They are beginning to smell the SARU coffee and belly-ache daily over State Asset Recovery Agency (SARA) legislation. To them corruption and abuse of state assets are such integral and acceptable elements of their successes that any accountable system must be challenged as undemocratic or an intrusion to their rights; their rights to continue perpetrating, collaborating, abetting and condoning the depletion of our State’s Assets.

What persisted in the past supported a questionable parallel economy. It placed Guyana in a real bubble. Now that the bubble has burst, the coalition Government finds itself in a precarious position; a position that may require austerity measures to prevent our country from slipping into recession.

Those who are guilty of contributing to the precipice that Guyana almost found itself in are increasing aware that SARU’s scope, intelliTurn to page 7

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 4, 2017

Security guards still being paid old rates Dear Editor, KINDLY permit me space in your widely read newspaper to publish this letter of concern for the way security guards are being treated.

When the National Minimum Wage bill order was passed in 2013, setting the national minimum wage payable to all workers in Guyana at $35,000 or $202 per hour, we got the increase. Since then wages and salaries have risen to between $55,000 and $60,000 per month for those employed in the public service as the minimum wage/ salary, while in the private security service there has been no increase.

On Thursday October 20,

2016, published in the Guyana Chronicle headlined on the front page and captioned: “Higher wages – Cabinet clears new minimum wage for private sector” on page 2. It was stated that the new minimum wage/salary to be paid to private sector workers will now be $44,000 per month.

Again, on Thursday November 24, 2016, it was published on the front page under the caption (see page 3): “New minimum wage – Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawerence, stated that as of January, 2017 businesses within the private sector will be required to pay their employees no less than $44,200 per month, in accordance with a new National

The urgent need... gence and international reach will expose their former schemes. That fact fuels their trepidation, and the thought of a fully constituted and functioning SARA is the last thing they would ever desire.

The government and people of Guyana must remain resolute in their quest to recover stolen state assets and bring those who are directly responsible, their cohorts and abettors to justice.

The State Asset Recovery Unit (SARU) was set up by the Coalition Government to address State Asset abuses and concerns in Guyana. Its functionality is to ensure that stolen or misappropriated state assets are traced and recovered.

Fundamentally, assets of the state include Tax-payers funded tangibles, Land and Finance.

There is a hue and cry over some tax related aspects of budget 2017. But, the country cannot spend what it does not have. The Government has to find money from somewhere to effectively finance this country’s fiscal expenditures. That financing primarily comes from export earnings and taxation. I will not detail further economic factors, since I am no expert in this field, but wish to make the fundamental point that loss in revenues through the depletion of state assets over the years has placed a huge burden on this country and the average citizen as a whole.

For example, Guyana lost over US$50 Million (GYD$10.2 Billion) in 2014

on log exports to just one major importer alone.

Surely that money didn’t go towards our Mashramani, or building condominiums for aspiring University students. Indicators suggest that those funds found their ways into overseas banks and investments, strengthening the economies of some insouciant foreign countries.

Those countries will be able to improve their own infrastructure, fill the bellies and educate their children at our loss of revenues and expense.

Research reveals that those proceeds resulted from ‘UNDER-PRICING’ on our log exports at this port of origin.

Under-pricing leads to lower export commissions than the law provides, and on massive scales of exports the loss of revenue is considerably high.

This government could have further reduced Value Added Taxes (VAT) had that fraction of lost earnings (assets) found its rightful place into our Consolidated Fund.

For this reason, the recovery of stolen state assets and their proceeds are of utmost importance. This country has suffered extensive losses in cash and kind. The State Asset Recovery Bill, once legislated, will result in the efficacy of an Agency that will have a concomitant positive impact on the county’s economy. Seventy-five percent (75%) of all recovered state asset proceeds will be paid directly into the Consolidated Fund.

The Washington DC based Global Financial Integrity group, in their 2015

Minimum wage order issued by the Social Protection Ministry.” It further stated that an employed person shall not be paid less than $255 per hour, $2,040 per day, $10,200 per week or $44,200 per month.

We security guards employed by the Home Safe Security Service in Regions Two and Three, who are guarding government properties, are still being paid the old rate of $202 per hour, a violation of the new minimum order and we are asking that the Minister will look into this matter urgently, so that we get what we deserve.

Regards Affected security guards

from page 6 report, ranked Guyana at 102 of 149 listed countries on the Illicit Financial Flows from Developing Countries Index, with an average revenue loss of USD$285 Million (GYD $58 Billions) per annum between 2004 – 2013.

Comparatively, the average annual illicit cash flow from Antigua and Barbuda, ranked 144, was USD$5 Million and United Arab Emirates, ranked 148, with less than a Million US dollars. The People’s Republic of China was ranked No.1, with the most illicit financial flows of USD$139 Billion.

Guyana’s GDP for 2017 is pegged at approximately USD$3.7 Billion (GYD$750B).

Based on those statistics, it is conservatively estimated that our country would have been losing 13 – 20% of earnings over time through illicit financial flows alone.

Just imagine the positive impact, if at least 10% of those funds were recovered and injected into our economy.

Mind you, that is only derivative of illicit cash flows.

Eric Holder, former Attorney General of the United States, stated “[W]e must work together to ensure that corrupt officials do not retain the illicit proceeds of their corruption.

There is no gentle way to say it: When kleptocrats loot their nations’ treasuries, steal natural resources, and embezzle development aid, they condemn their nations’ children to starvation and disease. In the face of this manifest injustice, asset

Town clerk should go on leave to facilitate audit Dear Editor, IF the recent reports in the press regarding the Town Clerk finally inviting the Audit Office of Guyana into City Hall to examine their books are indeed accurate, then one needs to take this purported invitation with a pinch of salt.

Because if the Town Clerk is truly serious about a thorough financial review, an independent assessment of their systems and procedures and a comprehensive inspection of their books and stocks, then the very first thing that he should do to remove any misgiving about undue administrative interference, would be to proceed on his many months of vacation

leave that he has accumulated over the years.

If earnest in his pronouncement of having an audit, then he would have hired a private audit firm(s) as the government has been doing, as it is unreasonable to expect the Audit Office of Guyana, which is burdened with the responsibility of inspecting all state agencies and national institutions, to carry out the magnitude of work that is needed at City Hall.

It is important to note that for decades the books of the Council have not been audited, and worse, over this period there were numerous scams, frauds and other acts of financial malfeasance reported, but hardly ever investigated. Therefore what

will be required at City Hall will not be a mere cursory examination of their financial records, but rather a deep and exhaustive forensic audit.

And finally, the auditors must not be constrained in any way or guided in their examination, but must be allowed to speak freely with staff, visit the various municipal locations, and allow for information to be given by staff members, contractors, suppliers and the public at large, which will be treated with the strictest confidentiality, allowing persons to engage in ‘whistle blowing’, without fear of recrimination.

recovery is a global imperative.” (End of quote).

Every elected Government in the World has a fiduciary duty to prudently manage, preserve and protect its state’s assets. Guyana is no exception, as the majority of citizens expect the government to ensure accountability; fairness and equitable

distribution of the nation’s resources are basic tenets.

If this country is to truly optimise its potential and enjoy all of its yields, there must be a united approach against the criminality that had so successfully woven itself within our public and private sectors, resulting in the horrendous loss and mis-

use of our State’s Assets.

The government would have failed the people of Guyana if it doesn’t succeed in ensuring safe passage of State Asset Recovery legislation in a timely manner.

Regards Deodarie Putulal

Regards Orette Cutting

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 4, 2017

East Coast youths in diversity workshop

MINISTER of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton on Friday urged participants of the 25th Diversity Education and Inclusion Regional Training Workshop to utilise the opportunity to learn how to appreciate differences in others in order to build more unified communities.

The two-day workshop is being held at the Ann’s Grove Church of God of Prophesy, East Coast Demerara. “The idea is for us to understand that we’re all different, even though we live in the same village and we must recognise it as we recognise our differences; we must embrace it; we must not shun it,” Dr. Norton said.

Thirty-three stakeholders from communities such as Bee Hive, Two Friends, Clonbrook Housing Scheme, Greenfield, Lusignan and Ann’s Grove are participating in the session. The workshop aims to engage them in discussions and practical

exercises to identify barriers to social cohesion and to produce ideas about how to erase inequalities.

“We use ‘catchy’ phrases such as unity in diversity… and we don’t know what it means. It is us bringing … different strengths [together] to work for a common goal … regardless of our ethnicity, regardless of our gender…

I want you to make full use of the opportunities here … because what we do today can change the entire Guyanese perception about Ann’s Grove. Be innovative in such a way that we can communicate and [reach others],” the Minister said.

Dr. Norton told the group that much of the work that needs to be done to educate the public about diversity and inclusion has to be done at the community level, but it must start with the individual. He pointed out that it was important to increase one’s awareness of self and

sensitivity about behaviours that may be unwittingly contributing to isolating others, before taking steps to build better relations. “We must recognise our differences but we must embrace [them],” he said.

Meanwhile, Ms. Sharon Patterson, Programme Coordinator at the Ministry of Social Cohesion, in giving an overview of the Ministry’s mandate said that social cohesion is a process of nurturing individual and community relations in order to build a unified nation. “It is working with individuals and communities to build relationships … aimed at realising a unified Guyana where all [of] our diversities are embraced,” she said.

Several of the participants said that they plan to share the knowledge that they gain from the workshop with persons in their communities. In an invited comment, Mr. Hosea Higgins of Ann’s Grove

a section of the youths at the workshop on Friday

Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, addressing participants of the workshop said that he is eager to make a difference in the world and was happy to participate in the exercise. “I want to make a difference in the world so I found it interesting that an opportunity would come up in my church … As the Minister said, by considering that everyone is equal, I would like to use the skills learned to also encourage other people to respect each other as equals and to reduce the risk of bullying and smoking marijuana in the village,” he said.

Similar sentiments were expressed by Ms. Omadevi Kowlesar of Clonbrook, who said that she was interested in learning more about social cohesion. “[I want] to learn more … to share what I’ve learned with others [and] to put it to good use,” she said.

Ms. Paula Carrington, also of Clonbrook Housing Scheme, said that she was excited to learn skills that she can use to enhance the

lives of the young people in her community, particularly those enrolled in her floral arrangement class. “I’ve always heard about social cohesion so I wanted to know what it is all about and how I can go back and help … young people in my community, because some of them are out of school and some of them don’t have jobs and I want to see how I can help them.”

During the two-day workshop, stakeholders will be engaged in sessions covering topics such as values, self-awareness, understanding diversity, trust-building and nurturing communities, all aimed at advancing the social cohesion programme, within the context of implementing the National Strategic Plan on Social Cohesion 2017-2021.

Trainers, Ms. Kala Seegopaul and Ms. Rolinda Kirton will lead the session, with assistance from Ministry of Social Cohesion, Technical

Officer, Mr. Cleveland Hutson.

The Ministry has hosted several Diversity Education and Inclusion workshops across the country. These sessions involve stakeholders from faith-based organisations and women’s groups, senior secondary school students, regional officers, members of civil society and community development officers.

The most recent workshop, which was conducted in collaboration with the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport of the Ministry of Education, was held on Friday March 3, 2017 at the Guyana National Service Ground on Carifesta Avenue. In January, workshops were held in Paramakatoi, Potaro-Siparuni Region Eight and at Aishalton, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo Region Nine. (Ministry of the Presidency)

ECD students introduced to Maths App

OVER three dozen teachers from several schools along the East Coast of Demerara, were on Thursday introduced to the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) Mathematics digital application at the Lusignan Primary School.

The application which was first introduced through the Science, Technology, and Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Guyana project on Monday was created by Information Technology (IT) Technician and Co-ordinator, Ms. Karen Abrams and is equipped with past examination papers and worksheets to improve each child’s performance in Mathematics.

A brief demonstration of how to use the application was given to students of the Lusig-

nan Primary and Friendship Primary Schools.

First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger who attended the event said that she believes that the introduction of the application to Grade Six teachers can be beneficial.

“This is just the first step… because I know there are four subject areas which the children have to be examined in the National Grade Six exams…I really think that it’s something that will help you, because it means that you can check your [school’s performance]…” Mrs Granger said. “I hope you will see this as a tool to help you in your teaching of Math. You can have an impact, by giving us your comment and letting us know whether what we’re do-

ing is working or not… I see a great possibility happening here and it will also read down to the benefit of your profession [since] technology gives us new ways, you and your students can learn something from it.

According to Ms. Abrams the programme will benefit both teachers and students in the improvement of the subject area. “Your task is really a critical task, [you] have to prepare the next generation of leaders in Guyana,” Ms. Abrams said.

Meanwhile, teachers were excited about the initiative and said that it came at a very opportune time since there had been a decline in Mathematics throughout the Region.

Dhanpaul Persaud, a teacher at Helena Primary School

Information Technology (IT) Technician and Coordinator, Ms. Karen Abrams explaining the app to the teachers said that “This is a very good initiative, but I think there should be an app for all four subject areas, and the teachers should be trained in methodology.” Oliando Solomon of Clonbrook Primary School

said that the initiative will be beneficial in this technological era and she looks forward for the improvement that is expected to come from using the application.

“At this time for Grade

six students, we all have a problem with Mathematics… and children will benefit, but [we must] have parental support and it will work,” Ms. Hycinth Been of Chateau Margot Primary School said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 4, 2017

Refurbished MV Barima ready for operation

THE Transport and Harbours Department’s (T&HD) ferry, the MV Barima is ready to go into operation following its refurbishment that cost government $150M. The vessel will complement the services provided by the Lady Northcote from Georgetown to the Northwest District, Region One. Additionally it will also dock at Port Kaituma and Kumaka. Some of the new features include seating accommodation, 200 adult and 50 children’s life jackets, new beds for sailors and crew members, television sets and most importantly, a new crane to load cargo on board.

The vessel which was docked since November 2015 was rehabilitated by local contractor Courtney Benn Construction, with assistance from engineers and other technical staff at T&HD. Ministers of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson and Annette Ferguson on Friday re-commissioned the refur-

The MV Barima is ready to set sail again bished vessel for operation.

Speaking with the Government Information Agency (GINA) Minister Ferguson explained that, prior to it being docked and the new refurbishments, passengers utilised hammocks during the journey to Region One, since there was no proper accommodation for passengers.

Now that has changed and passengers can experience comfort while travelling on their journey, Minister Ferguson noted. The Minister pointed out that the rehabilitation of the vessel was delayed due to the time taken to import needed parts.

Minister Ferguson related to GINA that according to the contractor, with the new engines, the vessel is expected to

A section of the refurbished MV Barima

move faster, thereby reducing the journey to Region One. “This vessel was servicing the Region One district, however, currently there is the Lady Northcote plying the area, but with this vessel, services will be improved,” Minister Ferguson indicated.

The Minister pointed out that the vessel’s management is working on the travelling schedule. According to Minister Ferguson, no additional fund was expended on the refurbishing of the vessel.

“When the vessel was docked in November 2015 to the tune of $150M, all the new features I have alluded to were done with that same amount. No extra fund was charged for those works,” Minister Ferguson said.

UK assures project support for Guyana COLLEEN Wainwright, the Barbados-based Head of the Department for International Development (DFID) on Friday briefed Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, about projects being financed and supported in Guyana by this key British agency.

Ms Wainwright was ac-

companied at the meeting by British High Commissioner, Greg Quinn, and Programme Officers, Ms Katie Aaronson and Ms Rosanne Kadir, a release from the Prime Minister’s office said. The DFID Executive has also held talks with Ministers of Finance, Public Infrastructure and Public Health.

The Prime Minister, who is performing the functions of the President, was briefed on DFID’s footprint in Guyana, including access by Guyana to a £300 Million UK Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF) for 2016-2020.

Under the Fund proposals by Guyana are being con-

sidered for transport linkages between the coast and the hinterland, rehabilitation of water transport infrastructure and sea defences. It was revealed that the modernisation of the Stabroek Market and Vreed-en-Hoop Wharf facilities is on the front burner.

Current projects being

undertaken are a Catch and Release Sport Fishing Cluster in the Rupununi at Surama, Rewa and Karanambu.

It is intended that Guyana’s Arapaima stock would be preserved at these ‘eco-lodges’.

According to Ms Wainwright, DFID is partnering with the Pan Amer-

ican Health Organisation (PAHO) to boost at least six health facilities to provide safer and greener health services. The Prime Minister welcomed the DFID and assured of Guyana’s continued cooperation for economic and social development through partnership.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 4, 2017

Duo jointly charged with murder of taxi driver TWO miners were charged with the murder of Malik David, known as ‘Orin’, who was gunned down in front of his Lot 89 Laing Avenue, Georgetown, home on August 01, 2016.

Howard Rambarose also known as ‘Spleen’, 24, of Meadow Bank, Georgetown, and Jermaine Jeffords of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, were charged separately for the

Howard Rambarose also known as ‘Spleen’ capital offence recently and placed on remand.

However, based on the advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones withdrew the charges and then charged them again jointly. They were further remanded to prison until March 7, 2017, and the matter was transferred to City Magistrate Judy Latchman.

Meanwhile, Negus Lamaizon of 51 D’Urban Street and Samuel McIn-

Jermaine Jeffords

tyre were also charged with the same offence and their Preliminary Inquiry is being held before Magistrate Dylon Bess. In December 2016, Rambarose was nabbed on Christmas Eve by police in Agricola, East Bank Demerara, after returning from Suriname.

Jeffords, was arrested and placed before the Court after being on the run for over six months.

David, a taxi driver, was gunned down in front of his Lot 89 Laing Avenue, Georgetown, home, around 15:00hrs, in the presence of his reputed wife and other relatives.

T h e 3 3 - y e a r- o l d w a s pronounced dead at the Georgetown Public Hospital, shortly after one of five men came out of a car and pumped several bullets into him. Police recovered a number of 9mm bullet casings at the scene.

According to reports, David had several confrontations with an Agricola, East Bank Demerara (EBD), resident whom, he had bailed out of jail

Orin David

some time last year. David and the individual were involved in a heated argument again, since the Agricola resident had refused to return the $150,000 David had paid to have him released.

After the argument, the Agricola resident went away, but later returned with four other men in two vehicles and executed the former

3 years jail for Security Guard found guilty of armed robbery A SECURITY Guard was sentenced to three years imprisonment on Thursday

by City Magistrate, Renita Singh, for the offence of robbery under arms.

Jermaine Jeffery, 23, of Pike Street, Kitty, Georgetown, was convicted of stabbing a man several times with an ice-pick before relieving him of cash and cellular phones during a robbery.

The court heard that on December 15, 2016, at Georgetown, while armed

Jermaine Jeffery with an ice-pick, Jeffery robbed Yohance Smith of a cell phone, $1,400 cash and other items, property of

Smith and another cell phone valued $46,000, which is the property of Keron Humphrey.

According to the prosecution, the defendant confronted the Virtual Complainant (VC) at Irving and Laluni Streets, Queenstown, and stabbed him several times before relieving him of the cash and cell phones. Smith raised an alarm and public-spirited citizens ran to his rescue and apprehended Jeffery and handed him over to

New CH&PA board appointed CABINET has approved the appointment of the members of the new Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) Board of Directors.

The board reflects a diverse membership with representatives from municipalities across Regions 1, 4, 6 and 10, and several fields which include an attorney, medical doctor, engineer, and environmentalist among others. The new board will be effective for a period of two years with effect from February 1, 2017.

The board members are as follow:

1.Chaitram HarryPersaud, Anna Regina Town Council 2.Winifred Heywood, New Amsterdam Town Council 3.Ranwell Jordan, Georgetown, Mayor and City Council 4.Tricia Hamer, Rose Hall Town Council 5.Shantaram Sugrim, Corriverton Town Council 6.Brian Lewis, Linden Town Council 7.Sonia Gumbs-Luke, Environmental Protection Agency 8.Michael Hutson, Guyana Lands and Surveys Commissions

9.Naresh Mangar, Central Board of Health 10.Egbert Carter, an expert in engineering 11.Mallika Mootoo 12.Glenyss James 13.Heather Martins 14.Thandi McAllister 15.Reverend Elsworth Williams The life of the old (CH&PA) Board of Directors concluded in 2016 as the government commenced the process of a reviewing of all state boards, agencies and commissions as part of paving the way for upward mobility of younger persons to lead these bodies.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 4, 2017

New dorm for Hinterland students by year-end

ONE hundred and twenty hinterland students will by year-end be able to occupy a brand new dormitory to be housed at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara (ECD), Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Sydney Allicock said.

Recently, Minister Allicock and his junior Minister, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, met with Kalitech Inc. Engineering Design and Supervisory Consultants, the firm tasked with completing the new facility.

At that meeting, the ministers were apprised of the progress made on the new dormitory.

Minister Allicock following the meeting said he is pleased with the report provided by the engineering firm and said there are a few components of the construction that are to be completed, including the walls, cupboards, and roofing.

In the case of the roof, the minister said it is the intention of the contractor

to use tar shingles instead of zinc sheets so that it would last longer. He noted that the building would be completed in keeping with the government’s green agenda, a statement from the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs said on Friday.

“As of now, the design can accommodate one hundred and twenty students, but if needs be, it could be adjusted to accommodate a hundred and forty or a hundred and fifty more students and this building is expected to be completed by the end of this year, so I am very happy that eventually we will be able to have this facility that is so badly needed for the education of our young people to help us build this beautiful nation.”

The new facility will boast male and female self-contained rooms to accommodate one hundred and twenty students, living quarters for a Dorm Mother and father, a unique water storage system and recreational area, among other

(L-R) Deputy Permanent Secretary, Samantha Fedee, Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, Representative of Kalitech Inc. Engineering Design and Supervisory Consultants and Vice-President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock in discussion (Ministry of Indigenous Affairs photo) amenities.

Over the past ten years, an estimated six hundred students have benefited from hinterland scholarships to attend a number of tertiary institutions, including the Guyana Technical Institute (GTI), Carnegie School of Home Economics,

the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) and the Guyana Industrial Technical Center (GITC), both resident and non-resident.

Additionally, scholarships were offered to Hinterland students attending the University of Guyana

in 1986, however since the Public Service Ministry (P.S.M.) offers scholarships to students desirous of attending the University, a decision was taken in 2000 not to sponsor hinterland students but to have them apply to P.S.M.

The Ministry said that building an educated nation remains a high priority for the coalition government and as a result, efforts will continue to ensure that hinterland youth receive a well-rounded education.

$89M works commence on Liliendaal Bridge THE Liliendaal Bridge on the Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara, has been closed to vehicular traffic as contractors work to convert it to a pre-stressed concrete structure over the next four months.

A release from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure noted that the team has given its assurance that a timely closure will be coordinated with the contracting company, H. Nauth & Sons Civil Engineering Contractors, to facilitate the commencement of the road works while negating any traffic hazards.

The $89M works being executed on the bridge came following recommendations by two inspection teams, which included the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) and engineers attached to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI).

In its recommendation, the DHB

team said that the bridge should be urgently closed to traffic based upon findings which showed that one of the panel systems on the northern rail demonstrated signs of imminent failure.

According to the MPI release, in particular, one of the panels in the system was detached, rendering the system structurally unstable.

Additionally, a section of the northern carriageway of the bridge also experienced serviceability failure demonstrated by excessive deflection.

An additional inspection was subsequently carried out by the MPI team and the engineers concurred with the initial assessment.

While works had been slated to commence on the bridge on March 6, 2017, the construction was pushed up due to its urgency.

Works ongoing on the Liliendaal Bridge on the Railway Embankment

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 4, 2017

‘Wet’ Savannah Drive heads to three indigenous communities –– exposure of isolated communities expected

THE Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) in collaboration with various stakeholders introduced a new “adventurous and thrilling” event which will see explorers travelling through Yarrowkabra and St. Cuthbert’s Mission, Region Four to Moraikobai, Region Five.

Adventurers were called upon by Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Indranauth Haralsingh, to oil their motorcycles, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and even 4x4s for the “Wet Savannah Drive” through the sand and mud trails, which begin at Yarrowkabra.

In an addition to the North and South Rupununi Safaris, this initiative which is set for the Phagwah weekend, March 12-13, is expected to attract many exploration enthusiasts who are seeking new ways of fulfilling their appetite for travelling.

This Savannah Drive which incurs a registration fee of $5,000 is the best way of inviting both foreign and local tourists, on a “thrilling” safari or trip to or through an area that offers much to see, said Haralsingh.

For instance, one of the trips from Georgetown to Moraikobai through the sand trail begins at the Linden/ highway junction and allows the visitors to enjoy an adventurous ride as they watch the terrain change from clay to sand while approaching

Bikers preparing their motorcycles for the tour ahead the village.

Added to that, the thrill of getting stuck and having to find alternative trails piques the interest of those who are

involved. The overland trek (the trail) presents an opportunity for tourists to experience a different atmosphere from what obtains in the Rupununi

Safaris.

The trails also allow persons to do bird watching, Caiman spotting at the various creeks, duck hunting and

many other things that cannot be done in the urban areas.

But, the trip would not be complete until the trekkers get an opportunity to experience the vast culture of the indigenous people who live in communities along the trail.

“Residents from hinterland communities that are along the route look forward to these events. Almost every vehicle is stocked with gifts for residents of the various villages, particularly the children such as kites, sweets and other goodies, as well as books and school supplies,” said the GTA’s Director.

So with the opportunities at hand, Haralsingh pointed out that it presents a great opportunity for the GTA to expose the cultures and other features of the isolated communities.

The exposure will allow persons to realize the struggles and even potential of those communities,

so those residents will be given the opportunity to widen their perspective of life by being able to access new job opportunities and so forth.

Haralsingh also sees opportunities for training, and even boosting the communities’ income generation from its main economic activities: small-scale agriculture and logging. People are seeking a paradise with new things to offer; hence, in an effort to satisfy this need and promote “Explore Guyana,” the GTA, along with its partners, is seeking to develop the tourism products of other villages, such as St. Cuthbert’s Mission and Orealla.

As such, in order to make that a reality, the GTA and other tourism stakeholders are looking to capitalise on the holiday weekends by introducing new safaris and treks this year.

Toolsie Persaud awards lucky customers

SEVERAL lucky patrons of Toolsie Persaud Limited were on Friday awarded their prizes from the company’s Grand Mashramani Promotion, which ran from February 1 – 22.

Customers Leroy Lewis, Sean Clarke and Hubert

Urlin won the top three prizes in the promotion, while 10 other customers also benefitted from consolation prizes of two movie tickets each to Caribbean Cinemas, to see any movie of their choice.

The prizes were handed over yesterday at a brief presentation ceremony at the company’s hardware store on Lombard Street, Georgetown.

Leroy Lewis will be taking his lovely wife on a trip to the beautiful Arawai Resort for winning the all-expenses paid trip, plus spending money.

The win came as a surprise to Lewis, who had filled out his coupon just a few days prior, barely shopping in time to make the deadline.

He was especially honoured since this is the first time he has ever won anything in a promotion.

The promotion saw customers being issued coupons for every $50,000 that they spent in the store.

The second place prize was a 32” HDTV Samsung Television, while third place was a microwave oven.

An elated Clarke, smilingly clutched his flat screen TV, as he spoke of his plans to make use of it at his business in the interior.

“It come in useful for my camp in the interior. I does come here suh and buy thing to go in the interior, I gah dredge in the bush. I was surprised because I never win nothing nowhere so when I hear they call me, I was so surprised,” Clarke beamed.

Urlin’s microwave was so big he could hardly cart it around. The prizes were handed over by representatives from the company, who said that the company really wanted to give back something to their customers.

“Mashramani was the motive for TPL to reward some of its customers. Management hopes that the Guyanese would be proud of their rich cultural heritage and will work together to truly accomplish our motto of ‘One People, One Nation, One Destiny’,” the representative said.

TPL has been serving the Guyanese public for over 65 years.

The top three winners with their prizes. From left are Leroy Lewis, Sean Clarke and Hubert Urlin

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 4, 2017

Some businesses abusing concessions … GRA to tighten loopholes

THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has issued a stern warning to concessionaires, who are bent on abusing the concessions granted by the government.

On Thursday, Commissioner-General of the GRA, Godfrey Statia, told reporters at a press conference held by Minister of Finance,

Winston Jordan, that on a monthly basis the Revenue Authority is forced to withdraw an average of three concessions from concessionaires because they have failed to use them for their intended purposes.

“If it is found that they don’t use the concessions [for that which is intended] we charge them taxes and

seize their articles…They are called upon to pay the tax or have their concessions taken away,” Statia explained.

The GRA boss said too that in an effort to clamp down on the abuse of concessions granted by the government, his entity has worked with the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) to have new rules in place on

how to issue concessions.

He told the media that it is important for the recipients to submit quarterly reports after which the GRA would carry out its inspections.

“We have also required that persons, who are in receipt of those concessions, must submit a quarterly report to us (GRA)… [GRA officers] go and check to make sure that the concessions are being used for the purposes for which it has been given.”

Statia explained that a number of business persons have “fallen into that net” of abusers of concessions, but it is just a case “that we do not publicise.”

The move by the GRA to tighten up on the holders of concessions follows the completion of a number of forensic audits which have found that concessionaires, have been for the most part, wantonly abusing the benefits granted to them.

Commissioner-General, Guyana Revenue Authority, Godfrey Statia

GPL working to fix power distribution problems MINISTER of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson said that the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL), has difficulty with protecting its distribution system, and this is responsible for the poor delivery of electricity.

Speaking with the Government Information Agency (GINA), Minister Patterson explained that GPL was able to overcome the hurdles with regard electricity generation.

He noted, “we have enough generators working and power provided, but what happened is that we have a problem with the distribution of that power and that is one of the issues we have to address with Lot A of the Power Utility Upgrade Programme.”

The minister noted that there are many hurdles with the distribution of electricity, especially on the coast, but efforts are in place to ensure that the distribution system

is improved. The minister acknowledged that the power company has a lot more work to do towards achieving this goal, but efforts will be intensified to ensure that this is feasible by the end of 2017.

He highlighted to GINA that by the end of the year, the distribution system will be fully protected, so in the event of emergencies such as a collision from an accident or a fallen tree, the disruption will be isolated to that particular

area and not affect the entire coast like in the past. “When there is an accident, the whole feedback is damaged, and every time this happens we give citizens the same excuse; we don’t want this anymore so we’re moving ahead to have this improved for the future,” the Public Infrastructure Minister underlined.

The protection of the distribution system will be complemented with the installation of the ‘redundant’

lines and the upgrading of sub-stations, Minister Patterson said. This means that the Ministry of Public Infrastructure will begin pursuing alternative power lines at crucial locations across the country, so as to avert major power failures and upgrade to the six existing sub-stations within the system to produce better voltage stability and reduce technical loses.

He added that currently GPL has a contract out and

received responses from three reputable international firms whose representatives will be coming shortly to look at the entire system, “and to upgrade our protection; so if there is a problem that particular section will only be affected.” Additionally, a feasibility study will be carried out to assess where protection is needed.

“I am positive that by the end of 2017 we can have this problem fixed,” Minister Patterson said.

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11 wells for Rupununi

By Shauna Jemmott

IN a bid to ensure food security and sustainable land use in light of climate change, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo said Government has embarked upon a new strategy, which will see the digging of at least 11wells in the Rupununi, North West District.

This is in keeping with the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), which Guyana endorsed on June 26, 1997 and committed to “give due priority to combating desertification and mitigating the effects of drought, and allocating adequate resources in accordance with circumstances and capabilities”, among other vows.

According to www.greenfacts.org, desertification is “the process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture,” and with climate change being

‘real’ and ongoing, countries prepare for the unexpected.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo pointed out that “land desertification” are words which are alien to Guyanese, since Guyana is not a country with deserts.

Pointing to a recent landslide in Chile, which has resulted in a struggle for clean water in that South American country, Nagamootoo said, “You don’t need to be a desert in order to suffer from a lack of water.”

ALTERNATIVE WATER RESOURCES “We must know where we have our water resources and our alternative water resources. And it is for the first time in the history of Guyana that an exercise had commenced to drill wells in the Rupununi where you’ll have periodic long periods of droughts. But we had never thought that we could dig wells,” the Prime Minister

said.

BBC World News reported that rainstorms and landslides in Chile contaminated one of the country’s main water sources, forcing authorities to cut off drinking water to more than four million people.

“Rainstorms and landslides in Chile have contaminated a major river, forcing the authorities to cut off drinking water to at least four million people in the capital, Santiago.

Officials said the water supply from the Maipo River would be cut to most of the city until the water flowed clear,” BBC World said.

A hectic campaign is now on in Chile to secure water for the peoples on the footsteps of the Andes for drinking.

“There is a plan for 11 artesian wells, but at the same time because there has always been an abundance of water and at the time you didn’t need the water, it was the first time that there has now been a plan to have water reservoirs, to

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 4, 2017

capture and save the water at the time you didn’t need it, for what the Guyanese call the ‘banga time, the hard guava time’ when you really need the water.”

He said such projects are necessary to ensure sustainable development and management of the lands for the benefit of all Guyanese since all are entitled to equal protection.

EQUAL PROTECTION “That is because we understood the land -- we understood what was necessary to make the land sustainable.

It was not a priory the thinking that this is Amerindian lands, it is national land, it is Guyana’s land, because every citizen being a Guyanese is entitled to equal protection, and that protection must extend to the resources on which our people live,” Nagamootoo pointed out.

It is with similar concern that Government also encourages the inclusion of new words into the Guyanese lexicon, which will be beneficial at a time when the country launches into new and massive avenues for economic development, partnering with investors from other parts of the world.

“The concept of sustainable development of our lands is very timely. Lots of new

words have been creeping in to the Guyanese lexicon, and so we have things like, words like ‘Dutch Disease’ - is that you could have oil and gas, plenty of it, but you could be stricken in poverty if you didn’t set up the fence, the legislation, the guidelines to protect your new found wealth and to ensure that the wealth is used for the benefit of the people. You hear words… as ‘resource curse’that even though you have the best resources in the world and Guyana certainly has some of the better resources in the world, you could suffer from resource curse where only one set of people would benefit from the resources and the masses of people would remain in poverty.”

Such words, Nagamootoo said, encourage Guyanese to embrace the concept of sustainable development, which is not really an artistic term but one which adds meaning to the survival of the people of Guyana.

SURVIVAL “It’s not a term of art.

It has meaning to our very survival. Without sustainable development we have nothing. The world woke up having being confronted by the spectra of climate change, which posed and still does [pose] a threat to food secu-

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo rity and clean air.”

World leaders in 2015 committed themselves to achieving sustainable development through protection, restoration and promotion of sustainable use of terrestrial eco-systems, sustainably managing forests, combating desertification, reversing land degradation and halting the loss of biodiversity.

Guyana enjoys an ‘enviable reputation’ as the ‘green lungs of the earth’, boasting of nearly 87 per cent forest cover.

As Guyana advances along the green path, “We are in the process of refining and pursuing a green state development strategy,” Prime Minister Nagamootoo said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 4, 2017

Final report on conditions of veterans handed over

MINISTER of State, Joseph Harmon on Friday received the Final Report into conditions and circumstances facing veterans of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the Guyana People’s Militia and the Guyana National Service (GNS) from Col. (Ret’d) Desmond Roberts, who headed the Commission of Inquiry (COI). The CoI was mandated by President David Granger.

Minister Harmon, in accepting the report from Colonel Roberts at the Ministry of the Presidency said that the government is fully committed to examining the recommendations contained,

with a view of implementing them, as far as practicable.

“His Excellency the President, while we were in the opposition, as the Leader of the Opposition, did in fact move a motion in the National Assembly, speaking about the conditions under which veterans live. We feel when you look around and you look at the conditions under which veterans live, [these] conditions need to be examined and that was the whole purpose of this inquiry. Going forward we need to look carefully at the recommendations that were made in the inquiry and try to implement them as far as practicable and as far as

Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, receiving the report from Colonel Desmond Roberts at the Ministry of the Presidency

Ministry of Public Security beefs up PR at agencies FIFTEEN (15) persons from agencies within the Ministry of Public Security were part of a two-day capacity building training in effective public relations communications.

The training was conducted by UWI Consulting, and is part of the Ministry of Public Security’s efforts to provide a more structured approach to public relations at the Ministry. UWI Consulting, a subsidiary of the University of the West Indies (UWI), was contracted by the Ministry to work with staff and agencies to develop an effective public relations and communications plan for the year ahead.

The training provided a foundation to the various officers for a better orientation of what public relations entails. It also provided the officers with effective tools and strategies towards the drafting of a communications plan.

Officers and technicians were drawn from the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Prison Service, Public Security Ministry staff, CANU and the Guyana Fire Service.

“One of the key objectives of the assignment is to ensure that the ministry and the agencies are effectively empowered to engage with their various publics, both their internal kinds, their

fellow staff members, as well as with the public that they serve,” UWI Consulting’s, Projects and Portfolio Officer, Melissa Johnson explained.

Johnson noted that UWI Consulting will be working with the various agencies in the upcoming weeks to support them in crafting their own public relations plan. Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Danielle Mc Calmon explained that the aim of the media-mingle was to build a stronger partnership with the media. “The aim of this activity is to initiate partnership with all stakeholders including the media. The ministry is looking forward

Officers and technicians from the various agencies of the Ministry of Public Security, who participated in the two-day training

NCW hails top appointment of women justices THE National Chairperson and Executive Members of the National Congress of Women (NCW), the women’s arm of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) extend congratulations to Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire, SC, and Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards on their appointments as Chief Justice (ag) and Chancellor (ag) respectively for the Judiciary of Guyana.

In a statement the NCW said it considers

these successes well-deserved and an achievement truly earned. “This can only serve to indicate how much the contribution of our women is valued and appreciated. It will be an inspiration to our young women to strive for and achieve their best in any endeavor.

As women, we are proud to embrace you and wish you all the best in the future.

Heartiest congratulations once again,” the group said.

to a very fruitful partnership as we seek to implement our integrated public relations strategy,” Mc Calmon said.

This strategy is expected to boost communication between all stakeholders as it seeks to improve citizens’ safety in communities across Guyana.

(GINA)

possible,” he said.

The government, he said, is thankful to Colonel Roberts and his team for the efforts they have put into finishing the Report, since the team had moved all across the country to be better able to speak to veterans and produce a comprehensive report.

Meanwhile, Colonel Roberts, in an invited comment, said that while the report could have been brief, he decided that true reality of the conditions of the veterans should be reflected in the Report and as such, the team embarked on a countrywide mission. “What happened is that we decided to go and meet people, so rather than just speak to the senior people we decided to speak to people who are actually in the field. We spoke to veterans, we spoke to organisations, we spoke to almost 200 people so it was a quite interesting exercise and we had all kinds of problems, all kinds of issues and we tried to put it together as a comprehensive analysis in the Report,” he said.

The Commission visited Regions One, Two, Five and

Six and the main military bases (Seweyo, Stevenson and Ayanganna) to interact with and get the views of current officers. The Commission also worked closely with the Guyana Veterans Legion and the Regional Offices to reach out to as many veterans as possible, including those in the hinterland and overseas.

The Commission investigated and made recommendations in the areas of living conditions, current pension, medical benefits, injuries on the job and compensation, among others.

In 2015, at a Remembrance Day reception, President Granger announced the convening of a National Veterans’ Commission to look into the living conditions of veterans and make recommendations for improvements. On that occasion he also announced the return of a fixed annual State subvention for the Guyana Veterans’ Legion.

The Head of State is firmly of the view that young military officers must know that they can look forward to a comfortable and dignified retirement.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 4, 2017

Late supply of drugs major bugbear at NA Hospital

THE Social Services Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Thursday visited the New Amsterdam Regional Hospital, Regional Six, to examine the functions and management of the healthcare facility.

Members of the committee found that drug shortages at the health institution remain a sore issue. However, Director of Health Services in the region Jevaughn Stephens revealed that these issues are as a result of the suppliers routinely delivering important and much needed drugs late.

Chairperson of the Social Services Committee Dr. Vindhya Persaud explained that the continued shortage forces the regional hospital to purchase drugs from the emergency funds but there still is not enough provision

to meet the demand. “There have been instances where drug shortages were raised by patients notably in chronic non- communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension, as well as other medication for thyroids and other areas. What we have noticed is that there seems to be some difficulty between the demand or supply and procurement and sometimes it is, that the hospital may have inadequate (amounts) to supply the outpatients; they just have for inpatients or they would not have received sufficient medication from MMU,” Dr Persaud said.

During Thursday’s visit, members of the committee, as well as staff of the hospital related that some drugs were delivered to the facility.

The Chairperson had noted

that the system of transferring drugs from the Materials Management Unit (MMU) to the health facility leaves loopholes for discrepancies hence the shortages.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings said that the ministry is aware of these issues and is in the process of addressing them. “The Ministry of (Public) Health is working to bridge the gap that exists in all essential areas. The ministry was engaged with some of their international partners like (Pan American Health Organisation) PAHO… we do have a problem with suppliers because they are saying suppliers don’t have the quantity or the name of the drug so we are engaged with our international partners to ensure that we have

Chief Executive Officer of the New Amsterdam Regional Hospital, Colin Bynoe, briefing members of the Social Services Parliamentary Sectoral Committee these drugs.”

Meanwhile, during the tour of the healthcare facility, the need for additional staff in administrative and technical areas was raised specifically the need for porters and Medical Laboratory Technologists.

Dr. Persaud also recommended that accommodation facilities and allowances for ‘on call’ doctors should be restructured to encourage the workforce to deliver optimum services.

The minister assured that, “the delivery of best quality healthcare services regardless of the challenges remain a priority. Not because of challenges, we are going to compromise our healthcare and so we want to encourage our young doctors

and the senior personnel there to give of their best and to have pride as they dedicate their services with unquestionable professionalism.”

The Parliamentary Committee on Social Services exercises the responsibility to examine all policies and administration for each sector, to determine whether the execution of Government policy is in agreement with the principles of good governance, and in the best interest of the nation.

“The way this committee functions, we will prepare a report based on what we would’ve encountered today in person, and also we will wait for some additional information

based on what they have, and other areas. We will now write to the same hospital and make the recommendations. One of the things this committee also has the ability to do is to summon the Minister of Health or any minister for that matter, if that ministry falls within our purview to give reasons as to why there are shortages or why there is anything,” Dr Persaud said.

Members of the Committee who visited the New Amsterdam Hospital included Members of Parliament; Vishwa Mahadeo, Alister Charlie, John Adams and Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido- Lowe. (GINA)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 4, 2017

Lawrence urges fairness in deploying health officials to hinterland

PUBLIC Health Minister, Volda Lawrence, has called for a transparent rotation system free of victimisation when deploying medical specialists to hinterland areas.

Undergoing stints in Guyana’s hinterland region is one strategy to help narrow the gap in the quality of healthcare residents in those areas receive when compared to the coast. Minister Lawrence said

Personal disputes must not hinder the delivery of health care Lawrence said reiterating the country’s Health Vision 2020 as captured in the 17 Sustainable Development Goals with particular focus on Goal #3 detailing the health and well-being of the country’s 750,000 citizens.

Minister Lawrence made the call on Wednesday while addressing the penultimate day of the Regional Health

Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence, addressing the RHOs and Heads of Departments conference at Regency Suites while she is cognizant of the general reluctance of health professionals to work in the hinterland, Regional Health Officers (RHOs) and Heads of Departments must ensure that the rotation system is not a cover to settle personal grouses. “The system of rotation has to be well mapped out and executed so that there is transparency and the stint does not hint of victimisation or reproof,” Lawrence said.

Hinterland residents, she said, deserve the best primary health care Guyana offers and health professionals “must be prepared” to make that sacrifice of working in those areas, by making quality care accessible for them.

Officers (RHOs) and Programme Heads conference held at the Regency Suites in Georgetown, under the theme ‘Collaboratively we build a resilient health care system that is acceptable, accessible, timely and appropriate to meet the needs of every person in Guyana’.

Later this month, 25 general medical officers-including two psychologists and three other specialists-are expected to be deployed to hinterland areas in the continuous quest to broaden access to optimum health care, Dr Kay Shako, Director of Regional Health Services (RHS), announced at the four-day meeting.

The most desirable health care service has three key components according to Dr Shako.

“In order for someone to have optimum health care, it must not only be affordable but it must also be acceptable and it must be accessible.”

When he spoke, Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkhan, lamented the skirting of the Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) in the delivery of health services nationwide.

“The Ministry of Communities will lead the way in seeking to ensure that there is respect for provisions in the constitution relating to the role of local democratic audience.” I believe it will lead to better outcomes in health services delivery,” Minister Bulkan said.

Meanwhile, a tripartite working group comprising Ministry of Communities, Ministry of Public Health and the Regional Executive Officers (REOs) are currently designing and organogram and conducting a needs assessment to help reduce the workload of RHOs. When the current system is revamped the RHOs must spend more time performing their clinical functions rather than labouring under tedious administrative duties.

“We made a pledge to our nation to cater for their health and well-being and we would be doing them a disservice if we do not improve the quality of service in the delivery of primary health care to all, inclusive of those in the remotest areas in our regions,” Minister Lawrence said. Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr Karen Cummings, was also present in addition to the Directors and Coordinator of the Cuban Medical Team.

RHOs and Heads of Departments Conference in full swing

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 4, 2017

Trini ordered to pay his debts

MAGISTRATE Judy Latchman on Friday ordered Trinidadian CEO of The Guyana School of Etiquette and Nester Enterprise Limited, to pay compensation to Brandsville Hotel after he incurred a debt of GYD$260, 824, while he stayed there.

Twenty- nine- year old Anthony Nester, who resides in Kitty, Georgetown, while in Guyana was charged with incurring debt by false pretense, but he strongly de-

Anthony Nester

nied the allegation when he made his first appearance and during the trial at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Particulars of the first charge stated that between April 1 and April 15, at Campbellville, Nester incurred a debt of $206,824 at the Brandsville Hotel by pretending the he had a valid credit card to pay his expenses. Anthony Nester was also fined $100,000 or by default 36 months imprisonment.

Magistrate Latchman added that after the fine and compensation or the prison time served, Nester should be escorted to the nearest port of exit and be deported to Trinidad.

On Tuesday Magistrate Latchman found Nester guilty of the allegation.

Magistrate Latchman in her submission stated that the defendant knew that he was out of credit and he made no effort to pay his debt, since he had many opportunities

to clear his bill.

However, Nester sentencing was deferred on Tuesday after the Magistrate had asked the Prosecutor Shawn Gonzales to verify if Nestor is a Guyanese or a Trinidadian. Nester had informed Magistrate Latchman that he was born in Guyana but he had migrated to Trinidad at the age of eight.

After police Prosecutor Gonzales made checks at the respective entities, he informed the court

on Friday that Nester is a Trinidadian. The court also heard that Nester recently had two matters of similar nature dismissed against him after the virtual complaints did not offer any evidence against him.

In 2014 Nester was charged in Trinidad with stealing close to quarter of a million dollars from six persons and defrauding a travel agency of six airline tickets.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 4, 2017

Training for top CSEC performers, others in oil sector on stream

AS the petroleum sector continues to develop, training of the requisite personnel, including top Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations performers is being keenly addressed.

This was noted on Thursday by Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman when he addressed members of the media during a breakfast forum at the Herdmanston

Lodge in the city. He said that the ministry is grooming the students, who excelled last year at the CSEC exams, noting that this was taken into account after the students spoke of their ambitions of pursuing studies in the petroleum field, following the release of their results last year.

Later in the evening, Trotman and Junior Minister of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes led a team from the

ministry during a presentation on the oil and gas sector at the Education Lecture Theatre (ELT) of the University of Guyana’s Turkeyen Campus.

Minister Trotman in his address to a packed ELT, told students that the ministry will continue to work along with the university as the petroleum sector develops. He spoke of a $100M sum which he noted is a commitment the ministry is making to the uni-

From left Minister Trotman and Junior Minister, Broomes and other officials during the presentation on the oil and gas sector at the University of Guyana

A section of the audience during the event at the Turkeyen Campus on Friday evening

versity and according to him, the ministry is exploring the establishment of linkages with the university and its international partners to train personnel. “We need our people trained as fast as possible”, Trotman told the audience.

The sum was mentioned last year and Trotman noted that the sum will be made available in due course to UG.

He explained that the ministry intends to work along with UG in undertaking the relevant programmes taught at the university and the institution’s partners. In addition, he said that the authorities are also working to strengthen the programmes offered to students in the technical institutes around the country.

At the same time the min-

istry will continue to develop the legal framework that governs, as well as the implementation of policies to regulate the sector, he added.

Trotman briefed students and other members of the audience of the developments within the various sectors which fall under the purview of the Natural Resources Ministry.

Berbicians benefit from medical outreach

APPROXIMATELY 80 Berbicians, including children, benefitted from a medical outreach on Wednesday at Sisters Village, East Bank Berbice (EBB).

The outreach was spearheaded by the Guyana Police Force ‘B’ Division chapter of the Guyana Association of Women Police, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health’s Regional Health Services, Region Six. The team of medical doctors included Dr. Amelia Nandkumar, Dr. Joel Sugrim, Dr. Mellissa Singh and Dr. Leron Henry, who were assisted by nurses and pharmacists.

They provided medical services to almost 80 residents, including children. It was noted that most of these in-

dividuals complained of high blood pressure to the medical practitioners and ranks of the Women’s Association.

Present at the event was Divisional Commander, Assistant Commissioner Ian Amsterdam, who said that he was delighted to see the response from residents who have always held a negative image of the Guyana Police Force (GPF). He said that this activity testifies to the fact that there has been improvement in the division and by extension the Guyana police force.

Heading the Division’s Women’s Association was Assistant Superintendent, Yonnette Stephen, who said that the association recorded another successful outreach. She pointed out that services were

rendered to residents from as far as Mara village some 25 miles up the east bank.

Stephen explained that the event was hosted on Wednesday to facilitate the elderly who would have gone to collect their pension on this day.

Noting that her association was satisfied with the service rendered by the medical team, the Assistant Superintendent expressed gratitude to both the medical team and police for the service to residents of the community.

One beneficiary, who identified herself as Ms. Lewis, expressed how elated and grateful she was for these services which residents find difficult to access. She explained that transportation, among other factors, hinder residents

from receiving medical services at the New Amsterdam Regional Hospital.

The Guyana Association of Women Police ‘B’ Division’s next event will be a social night for its female members. This will follow a mother’s day event still to be decided on and a fundraiser, which is intended to offset expenses for participation in the upcoming International Women’s Police conference, which is scheduled to be held in Sydney, Australia in September.

Guyana will be represented by a contingent of some twenty-eight ranks, headed by Assistant Commissioner, Maxine Graham and four female ranks from ‘B’ Division.

Guyana Association of Women Police ‘B’ Division headed by Assistant Superintendent of Police, Yonnette Stephen, sitting third from left

Dr. Nandkumar, a dentist examines a student during the medical outreach on Wednesday

Campbellville man wanted for fraud CLAYTON Alexander Allen is wanted by the police for questioning in relation to Fraud committed on Jeetendra Ram, at Fantasy Auto Sales, which occurred December, 2016.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Clayton Alexander Allen is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 2256411, 226-1389, 227-2128, 226-7065, 225-2227, 2250575, 911 or the nearest police station.

Wanted: Clayton Alexander Allen His last known address is Lot 16, Campbellville Avenue, Georgetown.

Invest in Gu

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 4, 2017

… Pres Granger tells Guyanese liv

PRESIDENT David Granger, Thursday evening engaged the Guyanese diaspora in the Bahamas urging them to invest in their country of birth, particularly in the areas of ‘green’ tourism, education and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

The President who is in The Bahamas on a State visit, in delivering remarks at a reception held in his honour by the Guyana Bahamas Association, said that Guyana has a bright future, especially given its pursuit of a ‘green’ economy and the discovery of oil. As such, Guyanese, particularly in the diaspora, can take advantage of the opportunities presented and invest in the country. “…we are also bent on creating a more entrepreneurial society and here we have to come to The Bahamas to make entrepreneurship work. Guyana is on the way to becoming a ‘green’ state and I hope that those of you who are here, if you wish to do so, invest in Guyana. You can set up tourist companies, help to invest in Guyana, help to develop information technology in Guyana to teach our children to move quickly into the 21st century of education, to develop infrastructure so that we can be able to access some of these areas where we have our tourism potential and product, we need roads and highways and bridges and what we call ‘Stellings’,” the President said.

The President promised to ensure that Guyana becomes a thriving hub in the Caribbean region, and a place where a good life is provided for every citizen, one similar to that enjoyed by other Caribbean nationals. “So there is a lot of excitement in Guyana, we feel that as we go on.

Guyana will become a better place for you, for your children and grandchildren; it will be a better place for the entire Caribbean. We feel that, being the ‘hinterland’ for the Caribbean, we will be able to make

President Granger receives a portrait of himself from Bahamian artist, Jamaal Rolle all of the descendants of the immigrants who came to work on the plantations richer and happier and in a position to enjoy the good life,” he said.

Noting that the present administration, since its assumption to office, has been working tirelessly to ensure that equality particularly in the area of education is achieved. The President said that cooperation and collaboration between the Government and the diaspora in this area, can only serve to make the country better. In this regard, the President thanked the Guyana- Bahamas Association for its support to the ‘Boats, Buses, Bicycles plus Books and Breakfast’ (Five B’s) Programme, which is aimed at removing the barriers to the access to education.

“We are extending our country in the area of equality so that people on the Coastland and the Hinterland can have equal access to our resources. We are developing our education system so our children in what we call the ‘bush’

Some of the Guyanese living President Granger on his arri

President David Granger with Deputy Prime Minister of Bahamas, Mr. Philip E. Brave and another official from The Bahamas

uyana

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 4, 2017

ving in Bahamas

g and working in the Bahamas, who were out in large numbers to greet and cheer ival at the reception can have equal access to education as the children on the coastland,” the President said. “My wife Sandra and I have started a process of sharing buses, bicycles and boats and the Guyana Bahamas Association has donated to that programme in the form of bicycles.

You, here in the diaspora, have helped to provide those children with bicycles to get to school. Too many of our children, drop out of school because they cannot get to school. So, apart from trying to find a way to create a more equal society, we are trying to better educate society.”

The President, who is in The Bahamas, for what he described as an economic mission, said that with the anticipated developments in Guyana, Government is looking to strengthen its investment potential and to establish trade and commerce in areas outside of the traditional gold, diamond, sugar, timber and bauxite industries. “Bahamas is one of the highest per capita countries

in the Caribbean community and we are here to learn how you did that because we feel that the resources we have in Guyana, although they have served us well for the last century; some of the countries don’t have these resources but they have come out to be richer than Guyana.

We now have to, not only make greater use of those profits of those resources, but we have to diversify. By the time you come home, you will probably hear that Guyana is producing petroleum and as Eric Williams once said “oil don’t spoil”, but if we don’t manage it properly, it can spoil us and we don’t want to be spoilt. We have embarked on a programme to make Guyana a green state… we are creating a green state in terms of our environment,” he said.

Referencing the tragic death of Marisha Asha Bowen, who was found dead in her Nassau, Bahamas apartment on September 9, 2016 with multiple stab wounds, the President said that such violence is

not typical of Bahamas and he urged the Guyanese who live and work in the Bahamas to continue to be good citizens of the country.

Meanwhile, the President of the Guyana Bahamas Association said that the organisation can become a link between the two countries to ensure the transfer of skills, expertise and knowledge between the Bahamians and Guyanese and foster greater cooperation between the two nations. Mr. Jairam Mangra, Honorary Consul to Guyana, said that he is very pleased that the President was present as this is the first time that such a senior delegation has visited and engaged the diaspora in that country.

The Guyana Bahamas Association was established in Nassau on March 30th 1996. The event was attended by the Deputy Prime Minister of Bahamas, Mr. Philip E. Brave and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Mr. Fredrick Mitchell.

(Ministry of the Presidency)

SNFCA working to institutionalise the empowerment of women FOUNDERS of the Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts (SNFCA) have revealed an elaborate plan to institutionalise the successful development of “Women in Business” Expo.

The organisation will, for the second time, be hosting what is now becoming an annual event, under the theme, “Be Bold for Change.”

At a press conference hosted by SNFCA and its partners at the Pegasus Hotel yesterday, organisers related their intention to take the work of the foundation across Guyana and to institutionalise their activities in a bid to continuously focus on the building and promotion of women entrepreneurs.

Co-founder of SNFCA, Eric Phillips told the gathering that given the great success

tivity. One of these new activities will be the “inspire you” event, where businesswomen will have discussions about their journeys to success. It will include persons that benefited from the Foundation and they will explain the support they received and how it built them and their businesses.

There will be motivation women speakers such as Pamela Michelle, who was trained by world renowned motivational speaker Les Brown. Dr. Linda Wallace, a resident of California, USA, is an empowerment specialist and advocate for Women’s Rights. A young Guyanese, 34 year old Kerensa Gravesande, country Manager of El Dorado Offshore (Guyana) Inc., will also make an appearance during this empowerment segment.

Noel said that among other things there

Some of the women that will be taking part in “Women in Business” Expo 2017 of the event last year and already the sheer energy of this year, “this year we anticipate that it will become and institution; and we will start moving towards that.”

Phillips said that women underpin every society and entrepreneurship creates most of the jobs in the world. “So the SNFCA, in partnership with the Women Association of Sustainable Development, have combined the two …to help women in Guyana develop their business acumen to be more exposed and to become more successful.”

Phillips, who also lectures at the University of Guyana, described a grim reality where he found that women are becoming more successful and doing better than men.

He said, “They (women) seem to be more focused and they seem to take calculated risks and are more dedicated when involved in entrepreneurship.”

This Phillips said, is a catalyst for encouraging more women in business and providing an avenue where they can partner with other persons and receive needed support.

Sonia Noel, the name and energy behind the Foundation, in her run down of this year’s event explained that more than 40 women, most of them being Guyanese, will have their products or services on exhibition during the event. It was explained that seven different events will be held during the two days of ac-

will be a fashion show, the two day exhibition, and forums on self-development and business advice. It was explained that the SNFCA was developed to create access for talented individuals, not only in Guyana, but throughout the Caribbean. It is expected that through this medium, an avenue for development is created for the creative industries that are relevant to current social-economic life changes. The organisation works with raw talent in the areas of performing arts, which include dance and music; visual and culinary arts, fashion and Philanthropic work.

Representatives of organisations partnering with SNFCA include the Demerara Distillers, Courts (Guyana), Small Business Bureau, The Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs and the Ministry of Social Protection.

The Ministry of Social Protection and Indigenous Affairs will be playing a greater role in the event this year to ensure that assistance is rendered to businesswomen from the Hinterland who are willing to participate.

Noel told the media that Women in Business will be heading to various parts of the country with work on stream to have stations or even offices in locations such as Berbice and Bartica among others. The exposition will be held from March 25 to the 26.

For more information, organisers can be contacted on 226-6554.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 4, 2017

GTT promises improved services this year

GUYANA Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT), has promised to roll out an array of products and services many of which will provide business solutions using Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).

This is according to GTT’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Justin Nedd, who

was at the time delivering remarks at the company’s Business Solutions Cocktail at the Guyana Marriott Hotel on Wednesday. Though not stating explicitly what those products and services are, Nedd hinted that ICT will play an even bigger role in GTT’s operations as it seeks to meet the demands of the business community. “For

Guyana, I see a country where you will be able to take your desk phone anywhere, and answer it anywhere, because we will provide solutions that will enable you to be connected all times, anywhere in the world once you have a broadband connection…I see a country where you will be able to access your security footage from your phone be-

cause it is stored securely on the cloud,” he posited.

In alluding to Public Telecommunication Minister Cathy Hughes’ announcement that the Telecommunications Sector will be fully liberalized by mid-year, Nedd said GTT will not wait until then to activate its new services.

According to him, internet services within the capital

city will be significantly improve this year, noting that GTT is currently executing a US$30M project to get high speed fiber optic networks through Georgetown. He said at a minimum the company will be able to connect 50, 000 homes and businesses.

This project will be completed within two years. Since the landing of its $30M cable in 2010, Nedd said internet services have improved and demands for the service have jumped significantly.

Meanwhile, Managing Director of Innovus Claudio Querol delivered an intriguing presentation themed “Digital Transformation on the Urban Platform.”

In his presentation, Querol showed how technology is dominating the world.

He explained that among other things, there are two major global changes that are happening – the movement of people into cities and urban areas, and widespread connectivity.

Querol said research has shown that there are more

people living in cities than in the country side. This movement, he noted, is putting tremendous pressure on existing infrastructure and services, in addition to the environment and the economy.

Additionally, he pointed that there has been widespread connectivity. “Around 2004 we had around 300 million devices around the world connected to the internet…but it was basically computers, PCs and some phones. Today we have about 20 billion things connected to the internet…and some predict that by 2020, 50 billion devices will be connected to the internet,” he pointed out.

According to him, these transformational changes as it relates to ICTs can have positive impacts on the environment, the economy and Small Business Enterprises (SMEs), in addition to improving people’s standards of living while fostering social inclusion. In this regard, he highlighted how companies can use ITCs to provide business solutions.

Three held after attack on Chinese business SEVEN men armed with crowbars and knives, early Friday morning robbed employees of a well-known Chinese businessman, carting off with a bottle of Hennessey, one laptop and cell phones.

Commander of ‘D’ Division, Leslie James, told the Guyana Chronicle that the armed robbery occurred at approximately 03:00hrs at the premises of Chinese national Su-San, who operates the Ocean View Chinese Restaurant and sells haberdashery and spare parts for vehicles at Goed Fortuin Public Road, West Bank Demerara.

According to the Commander, the group of robbers entered the compound, which houses three buildings, including the Chinese eatery, a house for employees and the residence of Su-San; they gained access to the house with the employees. There, they tied up the workers after waking them up from their beds and took away cell phones, a laptop, and one bottle of Hennessey. They escaped via the rear of the premises which leads to a dam.

James said three men, who hail from River View Ruimveldt area in Georgetown, are in custody pending investigations, while the hunt is on for the other suspects.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 4, 2017

GLDA imports Tempo boars … to aid in genetic improvement programme

THE Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), with financial assistance from the Agriculture Sector Development Unit (ASDU), imported two Tempo Boars to aid its Genetic Improvement Programme.

The Tempo breed is fairly new to Guyana, after first being introduced in 2016 by the National Swine Producers’ Association and the Ministry of Communities, a release from the Ministry of Agriculture said. These institutions were given technical support by GLDA to ensure best practices were adopted and the animals were properly cared for.

Chief Executive Officer of GLDA, Nigel Cumberbatch, indicated that these animals were selected based on their favourable characteristic. “I would like to point out that some favourable characteristics of the Tempo breed are fast growth rate, high litter sizes and its ability

The imported Tempo Breed pigs to withstand our climatic conditions. Additionally, Tempo offspring are strong and robust pigs from birth to market.

They have a high total feed efficiency through low mortality and efficient feed use.” Cumberbatch said.

As the year progresses, GLDA plans to ensure artificial insemination (AI) services by utilising semen from the imported animals. They are being made available in the five coastal regions and Region 10. In addition to general livestock and small ruminant care training, extension officers will be training farmers in proper animal husbandry.

As part of its Hinterland Development Programme, the authority in February, last handed over 105 Black Giant chickens to Bina Hill Institute in Annai, North Rupununi, Region Nine. The agency also donated the necessary start-up feed and vitamins to the institute. This is the second residential institution to benefit from such initiative with Mahdia Secondary being the first.

The objective of the initiative is to give developmental aid to hinterland residents. The birds will be reared primarily for the production of eggs and, to a lesser extent meat, to boost the nutrition of the students housed in the dormitory.

The project is one of the many initiatives being rolled out by government to reduce the cost attached to feeding students, while encouraging entrepreneurship among youths by providing them with business opportunity after leaving school. Farmers desirous of benefiting from AI services utilizing semen from the imported animals can contact members of the National Swine Producers’ Association, GLDA’s Regional Coordinators or call GLDA’s head office.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 4, 2017

18 months jail for mason caught with gun in crotch DELSON Wayne, 30, was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Thursday after he was found guilty of the illegal possession of firearm and ammunition.

Wayne, a mason of East Ruimveldt Housing Scheme, was also ordered to pay a fine of $60,000 after he was convicted of having a .380 pistol and three matching rounds in his possession on October 6, 2016, when he was not the holder of a firearm license.

In her decision, the Chief Magistrate said that the prosecution was successful in proving that Wayne had physical control and custody of the gun. The Magistrate further added that the ammunition was a component of the gun; that Wayne was not a licensed firearm holder and what he had in his possession was a firearm.

Before passing the custodial sentence, the Chief Magistrate took into consideration the time Wayne spent on remand pending trial. The Chief Delson Wayne Magistrate also considered the prevalence and nature of the offence and the fact that the gun was a lethal barrel weapon.

But Wayne maintained his innocence and told the court that he has a family to take care of. According to reports, police stopped and searched Wayne and a friend in Caneview Avenue, South Ruimveldt, when they found the gun in Wayne’s crotch.

At his initial court appearance Wayne had told the court that he had a toy gun in his bag, which he had confiscated from a child on his way to work. He had claimed that the child shot him several times with small pellets from the toy gun.

In 2016, Wayne along with three others were freed of a charge of illegal possession of firearm and ammunition by City Magistrate Fabayo Azore.

The quartet was cleared of the charge after the Magistrate upheld a no-case submission by their lawyers.

2 remain in custody –– as probe into missing AK-47 continues

TWO persons, a civilian and a cop remain in police custody as the probe into the smuggling out of an AK-47 assault rifle from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters at Eve Leary, Georgetown, earlier this week, continues.

The two suspects are expected to make their first court appearance next week.

Sleuths from the CID are still trying to ascertain whether the high profile weapon found is a Guyana Police Force (GPF) issued firearm.

Some traces are being made by detectives, who have since questioned several of their colleagues, including a senior officer, some of whom were released.

Police said on February 28, ranks from the CID Headquarters conducted an operation and during same, a motor car was intercepted and one AK-47 rifle was discovered in the said vehicle. The driver was promptly arrested.

Subsequently, the detectives acting on further information contacted four ranks from the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) and placed them under close arrest.

The probe was launched when a private vehicle drove into the CID compound on Tuesday evening and stayed there overnight.

This occurrence was observed and the vehicle and its occupants were put under surveillance. When the vehicle attempted to drive out the CID head office compound, a search was carried out and the AK-47 was found.

The police corporal was immediately placed under close arrest, while his civilian friend was detained for questioning.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 4, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 4, 2017

IOC ethics committee looks 2017 Limacol football final into Rio payment claims

By Pedro Fonseca RIO de JANEIRO, Brazil (Reuters) - Organisers of the 2016 Rio Olympics denied yesterday that vote-buying helped to Brazil secure the Games after a French newspaper reported that a Brazilian businessman made payments to the son of an International Olympic Committee (IOC) member before the vote.

Le Monde reported that a company linked to Brazilian businessman Arthur Cesar de Menezes Soares Filho paid $1.5M to Papa Massata Diack the son of Lamine Diack, the then-president of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) three days before a 2009 decision on the host city for the 2016 Games.

Rio lost the first vote to Madrid but bounced back to win the nomination on a third ballot, by 66 votes to 32.

Le Monde added.

Papa Massata Diack was banned for life from athletics last year over multi-million dollar corruption claims.

Le Monde said Papa Massata Diack transferred almost $300 000 to a company linked to Fredericks, a multiple Olympic and world medallist over 100 and 200 metres.

Fredericks, now a member of the IAAF’s ruling Council, told Le Monde the money was paid for work he did to promote athletics in Africa between 2007 and 2011.

“The payment has nothing whatsoever to do with the Olympic Games and I was not an IAAF board member at the time and did not breach any regulation or rule of ethics,” he told Le Monde.

The IOC said: “As far as Mr Fredericks is concerned, he informed the IOC and explained

Can Western Tigers withstand the Police assault?

By Stephan Sookram

TWO of the best teams in the Georgetown Zone are expected to battle this evening in the final of the 2017 Limacol round robin/ knockout football tournament at the GFC ground.

Both teams, the Western Tigers FC and the Guyana Police Force are unbeaten in the tournament so far but that streak will end this evening for one of them.

The Police side have so far been reliant on their speed in attack and physicality in defence, a large part of the latter coming from their two centre backs who sweep and cover effec-

tively.

Their height as well makes them sturdier defenders than most and their ability in the air has deterred teams in the past from using that aerial method for protracted periods of play.

But the Western Tigers have somewhat of an ability to get in even behind the sturdiest of defences, albeit in style. Their ability to produce just the right touches needed in the second and final thirds of the pitch have amounted to being a team who can pounce at any time.

However, defence is where their weakness lies and considering that their

back three are often left exposed after a counter, Police could have their way in.

However, what the Western side have going for them is their set pieces. Devon Millington has shown that he can find the back of the net more than once from set pieces and the Police need to be wary of that.

Both teams love to play down the flanks with balls coming into the box though Western have shown the ability to produce build-up plays in the centre of the park.

Meanwhile, Petra co-Director Troy Mendonca believes that the tournament

format has ensured that teams play to the best of their abilities, adding that “what we have seen is close, competitive action through the tournament”.

Nonetheless, fans should get their seats early as the earlier third-place playoff between Santos and Winners Connection is sure to whet the appetite of those football-hungry fans.

With a creative midfield, Santos have been consistently producing the goods but it is left to be seen how they deal with the more seasoned and intimidating Winners Connection side.

Windies slump to 45-run defeat after Morgan century ...

Papa Massata Diack Le Monde also said that Papa the situation and emphasised his Massata Diack had paid almost innocence immediately upon being $300 000 to prominent IOC mem- contacted by the journalist. ber Frankie Fredericks, who said he “The IOC trusts that Mr has done nothing wrong and that the Fredericks will bring all the money was for “services rendered” elements to prove his innocence to promote the sport in Africa. against these allegations made by The IOC said yesterday that Le Monde. its commission has started inves“Immediately after a link was tigating the claims. made between this contractual “The IOC remains fully com- payment and the vote for the host mitted to clarifying this situation, city of the Olympic Games 2016, working in cooperation with the Mr Fredericks himself also turned (French) prosecutor,” the organisa- to the IOC Ethics Commission tion said in a statement. which is now following up on all A spokesman for the Rio 2016 the allegations in order to fully Games said the allegations did not clarify this matter.” affect the choice made by IOC delAndrada said the ongoing egates to award the Games to Rio. investigation by French authori“Rio’s victory was very ties was focused on Lamine Diack clear,” Mario Andrada told Re- and did not have any connection uters. “The French investigation with Rio’s candidacy. concerns six members of the IOC “The Rio Games have already and six members would not have taken place and filled Brazilians changed the result at all. The vote with pride, and only when the was clean.”

French have concluded their invesLe Monde said that three days tigation will it be possible to say before the October 2009 vote in who are the beneficiaries of this Copenhagen, Pamodzi Consulting, scheme,” he said. “Already, howa company owned by Papa Massata ever, it’s clear that the Rio Games Diack received the $1.5M payment have nothing to do with this.” from Matlock Capital Group, a Rio became the first South holding company based in the American city to host the Olympic British Virgin Islands.

Games in August.

Diack, whose father Lamine Despite concerns over the is currently awaiting trial in city’s ability to host the Games France on aggravated mon- during Brazil’s worst recession, ey-laundering and corruption the Games were held without any charges, also received $500 000 major problems. However, many from Matlock Capital Group of the venues and installations through a Russian bank account, have since been abandoned.

Brathwaite who scored 14.

Lewis was looking ominous when, against the run of play, he pulled an innocuous delivery from Woakes into the lap of deep mid-wicket in the 10th over.

Powell, making a return to international cricket following a three-year break, failed to impress as he perished in the 11th over for one, caught at point off a leading edge

by Jason Roy off Plunkett.

And in the following over, Brathwaite found himself in a tangle against an ordinary short ball from Woakes and swatted a simple catch to Adil Rashid at mid-on.

Mohammed then instigated a recovery, first in a 69-run, fourth-wicket stand with Hope and then in an entertaining 82-run,

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fifth-wicket partnership with Carter.

All told, he faced 91 balls and struck seven fours.

Hope appeared untroubled before gifting his wicket by cutting a long hop from leg-spinner Rashid to Steven Finn at point but Carter entered to up the tempo, hitting four fours and two sixes in a 47-ball innings.

The left-hander started slowly with just five runs from his first 19 deliveries but quickly went into overdrive and raced to his half-century off 44 balls.

He was looking to push on when he held out to mid-wicket off Plunkett in the 39th, and the wicket of a tiring Mohammed in the 42nd helped seal the Windies demise.

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Continued from back page

SCOREBOARD ENGLAND innings J. Roy lbw b Gabriel 13 S. Billings c C. Brathwaite b Nurse 52 J. Root b Gabriel 4 E. Morgan run-out 107 J. Buttler c Carter b Nurse 14 B. Stokes c Holder b Bishoo 55 Moeen Ali not out 31 C. Woakes not out 0 Extras: (lb-7, w-12, nb-1) 20 Total: (6 wkts, 50 overs) 296 Fall of wickets: 1-23, 2-29, 3-96, 4-129, 5-239, 6-292.

Bowling: Holder 9-1-46-0 (w-2), Gabriel 10-0-58-2 (w2, nb-1), C Brathwaite 10-154-0 (w-1), Nurse 10-0-57-2 (w-1), Bishoo 6-0-49-1 (w-5), Mohammed 5-0-25-0.

WEST INDIES innings K. Brathwaite c Rashid b Woakes 14

12:45 hrs Hartside 13:20 hrs Maria’s Benefit Lingfield 10:00 hrs Fabulous Flyer 10:35 hrs My Target 11:10 hrs Cold Fire 11:45 hrs Robot Boy 12:20 hrs Second Thought 12:55 hrs Lost The Moon 13:30 hrs Synodic Irish Racing Tips Navan 10:10 hrs Icario 10:45 hrs Bargy Lady 11:20 hrs Camlann

E. Lewis c Billings b Woakes 21 K. Powell c Roy b Plunkett 1 S. Hope c Finn b Rashid 31 J. Mohammed run-out 72 J. Carter c Roy b Plunkett 52 J. Holder c wkp. Buttler b Plunkett 4 C. Brathwaite c Root b Woakes 12 A. Nurse lbw b Woakes 21 D. Bishoo not out 12 S. Gabriel c wkp. Buttler b Plunkett 0 Extras: (lb-4, w-7) 11 Total: (all out, 47.2 overs) 251 Fall of wickets: 1-36, 2-37, 3-39, 4-108, 5-190, 6-201, 7-210, 8-224, 9-250.

Bowling: Finn 9-0-49-0 (w1), Woakes 9-1-47-4 , Root 5-0-31-0 (w-1), Plunkett 8.21-40-4 (w-3), Moeen Ali 7-037-0, Rashid 9-1-43-1 (w-2).

11:55 hrs Kings Bandit 12:30 hrs All The Chimneys 13:05 hrs Texas Jack 13:35 hrs Coeur De Beauchene American Racing Tips Gulfstream Park Race 1 Always Dreaming Race 2 Master Merion Race 3 Eastport Race 4 Coasted Race 5 Greenpointcrusader Race 6 Catch a Glimpse Race 7 Suffused Race 8 Guiseppe the Great Race 9 Cowboy Culture

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 4, 2017

GUYANA FOOTBALL FEDERATION INC. (GFF)

Extra Time

Daniels blazes a trail for the Rupununi

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR FOOTBALL GAME? FOOTBALL IS A TEAM SPORT. Always play with your team in mind.

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES: Sunday, 5th March, 2017

16:30hrs / 19:30hrs ► Stag Elite League:League Leaders Tournament Playoff # 1 & 2 Venue: Tucville Ground GAME ONE: Victoria Kings FC vs Buxton United FC GAME TWO: GDF FC vs Fruta Conquerors FC

Thursday, 9th March, 2017

Time / Venue to be announced ►Stag Elite League:League Leaders Tournament

SEMI FINALS: Women's Development League GAME ONE: St. Ignatius FC vs Fruta Conquerors FC GAME TWO: GDF FC vs Paiomak Warriors FC PLAYOFF # 3:Winner of # 1 Playoff vs Loser of # 2 Playoff

Sunday, 19th March, 2017

FINALS: Time / Venue to be announced GAME ONE: Women's Development League GAME TWO: League Leaders Tournament ADMISSION: $1000

GFF-SCOTIABANK ACADEMY TRAINING CENTERS (ATC)

Academy Trading Centers continue on weekends in all Member Associations

The GFF is working to involve more young talent from Guyana’s hinterland communities in the national squads to tap into the passion and skill that exists in areas such as the Rupununi.

14-year-old Orvil Daniels of Paiomak Warriors has led the way, impressing at under-15 level last year and now stepping up to

in Martinique this week.

The son of a former player, Daniels is a powerful, exciting and gifted winger who brings flair but also a maturity beyond his years to the squad.

“I want to be proud of myself, and my family also to be proud of me – because it’s only me from Annai Central,” Daniels said, during last week’s

“Football means a lot of things to me,” he said. “I want to continue all the time playing football – it’s my business.” become an integral part of the “Flour Power” National Under-17 Team competing in the Tournoi Paul Chillan

Under-17 training camp in Berbice.

“In Annai Central, we have lots of football. The

Orvil Daniels

Guyana Football Federation has said to our coaches to start with the little

guys. You can have lots of boys like me training there to reach the Guyana Under-17s or Under-15s.”

Daniels’ ambition is to play for the senior national team, and then to progress to become the coach of the Golden Jaguars, once his playing career is over.

“Football means a lot of things to me,” he said.

“I want to continue all the time playing football – it’s my business.”

The current Under-17 squad features two other players from the Under-15s – Buxton United’s Troni Semple and Fruta Conquerors’ Jermaine Garrett.

Stag Elite League (Season 2) League Leaders Tournament on this weekend

The League Leaders Tournament commences this Sunday at the Tucville Ground, Georgetown with four clubs - Victoria Kings FC, Buxton United FC, GDF FC and Fruta Conquerors FC In Season 1, GDF FC ended the first half with 15 points, Fruta Conquerors FC with 10 points; Victoria Kings FC, eight points and Buxton United FC with six points.

To complement this tournament, the semi-finals of the Women’s Development League will also be played as part of a double-header on Thursday, March 9 followed by the finals of the said league on March 19.

The League Leaders tournament will begin with its first double-header, that is, Victoria Kings FC vs Buxton United FC and GDF FC vs Fruta Conquerors FC (Playoff # 1 and #2). This will be followed by Playoff # 3 and the finals which will feature Winner of # 1 Playoff vs Loser of # 2 Playoff and Winner of # 2 Playoff vs Winner of # 3 Playoff on dates to be announced.

GFF SEEKS SENIOR WOMEN’S HEAD COACH

The Guyana Football Federation is in the process of developing its female national programme and seeks a Senior Women's Head Coach .

Deadline for submission of applications is March 24 , 2017. All applications should be sent to :

Guyana Football Federation (GFF) 17 Dadanawa Street Section "K" Campbellville or email gff@networksgy.com See below an overview of the role. More details can be found at www.gffonline.com.

Description: The position of Senior Women’s Head Coach is a fulltime position within the Technical Department of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF). The position reports directly to the GFF’s Technical Director (TD).

Overview of Role: – To assist the Technical Director in all aspects of Senior National Team programme planning, training and development – To improve the ranking and performance of the Women’s Senior National Team.

– And when necessary the overseeing of national youth football programmes. The role includes administration work – reporting and monitoring of programmes.

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

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

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

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 4, 2017

Making her mark on the world stage – athlete Natricia Hooper

By Tamica Garnett

EIGHTEEN-yearold Natricia Hooper is really beginning to come into her own and make everyone sit and notice just how good an athlete she is, and how great she will be.

Currently on her indoor season in the United States, the CARIFTA Games silver medallist recently broke past the 13-metre mark in the female triple jump, a goal she has been hoping to achieve since last year, but just could not. But giving up is not a part of Hooper’s character.

“Failure will never overtake me, if my determination to succeed is strong enough” is the policy Hooper lives by.

At the New Balance Track a few weeks ago, Hooper cleared 13.20m while participating in the Artie O’Connor Invitational. It marks a new personal best for the South American Youth silver

medallist, and is quite an improvement from the 12.19m she jumped a year ago, when she won silver at the CARIFTA Games.

The jump placed Hooper among the top-ten best junior female performances in the world for the 2017 season, as listed on the IAAF official website.

At that time the jump placed Hooper fourth on the list of indoor jumps worldwide. She has since slipped to number six as performances continue for the season.

The list is currently headed by Viyaleta Skvartsova with a jump of 13.69m. Guyana’s national women’s indoor record stands at 13.62m, outdoor record is 13.72m. The jump came at a time when Hooper was focusing more on her 400m training.

Not to say that the quarter-miler hasn’t also been seeing improvement on the track.

At the same meet

Natricia Hooper

Hooper clocked 55.98 seconds in the 400m, an improvement after she had struggled to get below the 56 seconds mark.

That timing had her finishing third in that race. Her personal best in this event 55.06 seconds, which she achieved in 2014 when she took that silver at the South American Youth Championships in Colombia.

It’s been a while since she ’ s come that close .

However, she’s hoping to bring that down to at least 53 seconds before the year is up. The going time for this season’s indoor junior female 400m is 53.05 seconds, clocked by USA’s Candace Hill last month.

As her season progresses she’s looking forward to representing Guyana at a number of meets.

Topping the list is her hope of returning to the CARIFTA Games, which is set for next month. Her recent performances in both the triple jump and

400m already surpass the Athletics Association of Guyana’s (AAG) qualifying marks. The junior female triple jump CARIFTA standard is 12.60m, the 400m is 55.50 seconds.

She’s also eyeing the South American Junior Championships in May. Hooper is in a great position to achieve her goals once she keeps focused. The former New Campbellville Secondary student is currently attending Essex County College, where she’s studying Business and Training.

Open to her are a number of opportunities to compete on a regular basis, against creditable competitors, something she could not have had at home.

Ultimately she hopes to land a deal with Nike as a professional athlete, and of course no athlete is an athlete without that Olympic medal aspiration.

Bahamas IAAF World Relays could be biggest yet WITH more than 700 athletes from 42 countries expressing interest in participating, the 2017 IAAF World Relays in the Bahamas could be the biggest one yet.

The relays are set for Nassau, Bahamas on April 22-23.

The deadline for entries has now closed and organisers have confirmed that among the 42 countries there are seven that will be making their debuts at the third edition of the championships.

They include Belarus, Democratic Republic of Congo, Czech Republic, The Gambia, Ghana, India, and South Africa.

Even with the expected slight drop in figures, the

entries for this year’s World Relays should surpass the first two editions. The inaugural World Relays in 2014 welcomed 576 athletes, while 669 athletes competed in Nassau in 2015.

The 2017 programme will consist of five events over four relay disciplines: the 4x100m, 4x200m, 4x400m and 4x800m for both men and women, and a mixed 4x400m which will cap the competition’s second day.

The top eight finishers in the 4x100m and 4x400m for both men and women will earn automatic entry for the IAAF World Championships London 2017 to be held later this year.(Sportsmax).

The relays are set for April 22-23

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 4, 2017

2017 Edward `Screw’ Richmond Under-18 schools football launched … 2016 champions to be decided Monday

By Joe Chapman THE 9th annual Edward ‘Screw’ Richmond Under-18 football championship will kick off Monday with the staging of the 2016 final, between Wisburg Secondary and Mackenzie High while the thirdplace playoff game pits Linden Technical Institute and the former champions Christianburg/Wismar Secondary at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground.

New coordinator of the Edward ‘Screw’ Richmond Foundation Linden Chapter, Kevin DeJonge, speaking at the tournament launch last Wednesday, said that the tournament is played annually to honour the first player from the mining town to represent Guyana at football, Edward Richmond, and he was also an outstanding sportsman.

DeJonge admitted that the sudden passing of the

long-serving Organising Secretary James Craig last year affected the completion of that tournament.

The Edward ‘Screw’ Richmond Foundation has planned some innovations into this year’s tournament where the aim is to promote youth development in various fields apart from football and at the opening on Monday there will be a special feature of the Code Red Youth Promotions.

The opening starts at 15:30hrs with the march past of the contesting schools - Mackenzie High, Linden Foundation Secondary, Harmony, New Silvercity, Christianburg Wismar Secondary, Linden Technical Institute.

The private schools, Marcia Craig Institute and Linden School of Excellence, will combine this year to form one united team.

Players must be born on January 1 or after 1997 to be eligible for this year’s

tournament, but those players who played in last year’s tournament are still eligible to represent their team in the 2016 final and third-place play-off games despite age.

DeJonge reported that the necessary permission was given by the Guyana Football Federation and the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA).

As usual there is the winning Lien Trophy and Champions Trophy, along with replicas, and other trophies for the 2nd place finishers and third-place team while individual awards will be given to the Most Valuable Player, Best Goalkeeper, Forward, Midfielder, Defender along with the Best Coach and Most Disciplined team.

This coming Wednesday the tournament for 2017 will begin with two matches at the Wi s b u r g S e c o n d a r y

Honduras qualify for U-20 World Cup, advance to the final

Members of the newly formed Edward ‘Screw’ Richmond Foundation Linden Chapter with Coordinator Kevin DeJonge second from right, speaking, while at right is Curtis Gravesande. At left is Kevin Thompson and next to him is Ms Sonia McKinnon who is the treasurer.

School ground, where ary and Harmony will game between Linden at 15:30hrs Christian- kick off the tourna- Foundation and Linden burg/Wismar Second- ment followed by the Technical Institute.

Enrique says needs to ‘disconnect’ from Barca’s constant pressures

By Richard Martin

The Honduras players celebrate their win.

HONDURAS became the first Grant adding the winner in the and Maldonado timed his run CONCACAF team to qualify 70th minute. perfectly to unleash a powerful for the 2017 FIFA U-20 World The first half was scoreless header that was simply unstopCup and will play for the but both sides were able to cre- pable.

2017 CONCACAF Under-20 ate opportunities and there was Honduras found their winChampionship on Sunday, little difference between the two ner once again through the after it rallied to beat host evenly matched regional foes. corner kick but this time it Costa Rica 2-1 on Wednesday Just minutes after the re- came from the right side. Darevening. sumption of play, Costa Rica ixon Vuelto took the corner and The Catrachos finished as broke the deadlock. Randall Grant shrugged off a Costa Rithe Group E winners after se- Arley raced onto a ball that was can defender and converted the curing maximum in both their played over the top on the right header from close range. playoff-round games and await side. Behind the Honduran back Costa Rica looked for an the winners of the other group line, Arley had the chance to equaliser but Honduras just to determine the CONCACAF look up and spot Reyes. managed to hold out. champions. It’s Honduras’ secWith time to spare, Arley For the Ticos, their World ond-straight Under-20 World rolled the ball on the ground and Cup hopes rest on yesterday’s Cup berth.

Reyes took a low shot across game against Panama. A draw Andy Reyes had given Cos- the goal that eluded Honduran or a win will be enough for ta Rica the lead in the 47th goalkeeper Javier Delgado. them to qualify for the World minute to draw a rousing ovaThe lead was short-lived Cup for the first time since tion from the home supporters. and Honduras made the most 2011.

But that lead was short-lived as of their first corner after conHonduras have won the Denil Maldonado tied the game ceding. Jorge Alvarez took the CU-20 twice, but not since two minutes later and Foslyn corner kick on the left side 1994.

BARCELONA, Spain (Reuters) - The crushing weight of expectation that comes with managing Barcelona eventually proved too much for Luis Enrique, who said yesterday he felt a sense of relief after announcing his plans to walk away at the end of the season.

“It’s evident that there are some clubs with a bigger impact than others. I am switched on for too many hours of the day and I need to disconnect,” Luis Enrique told a news conference yesterday ahead of Barca’s La Liga game with Celta Vigo.

“This is a unique profession in which you have to take decisions constantly; it’s something every coach has to accept. Some coaches can handle it and can stay in their jobs for a very long time and be happy but that’s not the case with me.”

The coach, who has won eight out of 10 trophies since taking charge in 2014, echoed the words of current Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, who also quit Barca after a trophy-laden

era in 2012, declaring: “I’m empty and I need to fill up”.

Luis Enrique had previously said he would decide his future at the end of the season but explained a weight had been lifted off his shoulders in announcing his departure on Wednesday, saying he felt “elated” about his final few months in the job.

“I haven’t lost any strength in the last four days and in one sense I feel a little relieved but focused on the objectives we set for ourselves at the start of the season,” he added.

Barca are one point clear at the top of the standings and with fixtures against

title rivals Real Madrid and Sevilla to come their hopes of lifting a third La Liga crown under the coach are in their own hands.

The Catalans have also reached the final of the King’s Cup although their chances of remaining in the Champions League hang in the balance after losing their last-16 first-leg game to Paris St Germain 4-0, with the second leg coming up next Wednesday.

Athletic Bilbao coach Ernesto Valverde is reported to be the number one choice to take over at Barca next season with Sevilla’s Jorge Sampaoli also in the running. Luis Enrique said he would have no say in picking his successor.

Luis Enrique will be leaving Barcelona at the end of the season.

38

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 4, 2017

20th Cheddi Jagan Cycle Road Race

‘Fishy’ Williams hard-pressed to make successful defence of title

DEFENDING champion of the Cheddi Jagan Cycle Road Race, Marlon `Fishy’ Williams, will be hard-pressed to make a successful defence of his title come tomorrow, when cycle race organiser and coach Hassan Mohamed organises the 20th edition of the event in Berbice.

The event, which is being sponsored by the People’s Progressive/Civic in collaboration with several corporate sponsors, will wheel off from outside the PPP/C’s New Amsterdam Office at 09:00hrs and proceed to Number 51 Village, Corentyne, before turning

`The Lone Soldier’ Geron Williams back to finish at Port Mourant, Corentyne.

It is anticipated that all of Guyana’s top cyclists will face the starter tomorrow.

Among the names already registered for the

event are: national road race champion Geron `The Lone Soldier’ Williams, Team Trojan’s Andrew Hicks and Romelo Crawford of Berbice; Team Alanis’ Paul DeNobrega and veteran Paul Cho-Wee-Nam, Team Coco’s Jamal John, Stephano Husbands and Hamza Eastman, along with Team Evolution’s Michael Anthony, Orville Hinds, Raul Leal and defending champion Marlon `Fishy’ Williams.

Looking at the registrants to date, one can conclude that `Fishy’ will have a battle on his hands to stave off the challenge that he will face, come

Sunday.

L a s t y e a r, M a r l o n `Fishy’ Williams won the event in a time of two hours 15 minutes 10 seconds, but since the beginning of the 2017 cycling season, Team Coco’s riders have been recording some very fast times for the three/four races staged so far.

Marlon `Fishy’ Williams

It is a known fact that since the emergence of Team Evolution, its members start the yearly season on a low note but around this time of the season, they accelerate their performance and dominate the remainder of the season.

Despite this, there’s the one major obstacle in Team Coco’s as well as Team Evolution’s way and that is the presence of `The Lone Soldier’ Geron Williams, who, since the 2017 season started has taken a ‘sit back and look’ position, but this might not be the case come Sunday, as he might very well

Stephano Husbands take a look from the leading position.

Let’s see who will have the final say, come race day. (Michael DaSilva)

Sammy’s Zalmi to take on Quetta Gladiators Sir Leon’s and Ishmael battle in Pakistan Super League final today for Group E lead Milo Schools U-18 Football

Part of the action in the Milo Schools U-18 football tournament THE leader of Group E off the challenges of Queen- fourth; Group C has Lodge will be determined today stown. leading Kingston and East when the Petra-organised Christ Church have a +2 Ruimveldt followed by St Ministry of Public Health goal difference over their Mary’s.

(MoPH) Schools Football Queenstown counterparts Morgan’s Learning Centournament continues at and with both teams are tied tre command Group D with the Ministry of Education on three points.

Tucville leading Pure Masground on Carifesta AvSouth Ruimveldt and ters on account of a goal enue.

Cummings Lodge are set difference of 0 to -3 while St The game between cur- to play the second game, John’s College are fourth rent leaders Richard Ish- another Group F fixture, Group G has North mael Secondary and sec- with the winner having the Ruimvelt leading School ond-placed Sir Leon’s Les- option as well of moving up of the Nations on goal difsons will be the ultimate the table. ference (+10 to +3) while encounter of the day which Group A is being led Dolphin and Central are features three games.

by Masters Academy, with third and fourth respecThey are tied on points, Bishops’ second, St Rose’s tively. Group H has a tie for three apiece and goal differ- third and Ann’s Grove fourth. the lead with St George’s ence (+5).

Group B has Buxton and Tutorial tied on three Meanwhile, today’s Youth Developers lead- points and a +1 goal difopening game will also be ing Chase Academy on a ference. the decider of the Group goal difference of +5 to Queen’s College and F when current leaders +2 while North Ruimveldt Mae’s are the other two Christ Church try to hold are third and St Joseph teams in that group.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (CMC) – Darren Sammy’s Peshawar Zalmi defied cameo knocks from the West Indies pair of Chris Gayle and Kieron Pollard, to beat Karachi Kings by 24 runs here yesterday and storm into tomorrow’s final of the Pakistan Super League.

Playing in the second playoff qualifier at the Dubai International Stadium, Zalmi were propelled to 181 for three off their 20 overs by opener Kamran Akmal, who blasted 104 from 65 deliveries.

We s t I n d i e s r i g h t hander Marlon Samuels chipped in with an unbeaten 37 while South African Dawid Malan got 36.

In reply, the left-handed Gayle smashed 40 off 31 balls at the top of the order before Pollard arrived to lash a 26-ball 47 down the order, but their efforts proved in vain as King could only muster 157 for seven.

Barbados-born England all-rounder Chris Jordan helped cripple the innings with an excellent spell of three for 26 from his four overs while seamer Wahab Riaz (3-24) also claimed three wickets.

Kings lost the usual-

ly prolific Babar Azam cheaply for one in the second over, a dismissal which triggered a slide which saw them slump to 35 for four in the ninth over.

However, Gayle then took control of the innings, pummelling two fours and four sixes in an entertaining knock while adding 45 for the fifth wicket with Pollard.

When the Jamaican missed a yorker from Wahab and was bowled in the 12th over, Pollard stepped up to energise the run chase with an innings marked by four fours and three sixes.

He seemed to be taking Kings to a sensational victory before Wahab struck again, getting the Trinidadian to edge a full, wide delivery behind.

Earlier, Akmal struck

six fours and seven sixes to lift Zalmi after they were sent in. He put on 97 with Malan for the first wicket and a further 77 for the second wicket with Samuels who counted three fours and a six in a breezy 22-ball innings.

Zalmi now take on Quetta Gladiators in the final in Lahore.

Darren Sammy

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday March 04, 2017) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & the City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Arnos Vale, St. Vincent (2) Roy Fredericks-105 (The Oval, 1973) Today’s Quiz: (1) Where and when did England play an ODI game for the first time?

(2) Who led the WI in an ODI game for the first time?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

39

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 4, 2017

STAG Nations Cup 2016/17 Presentation

Western Tigers cart off $2M as top four clubs rewarded CASH prizes and trophies totalling over $4M were yesterday morning handed out to the top four clubs and outstanding individuals emerging from the 2016/17 edition of the STAG Nations Cup knockout competition, which had involved clubs from five of the Guyana Football Federation affiliates.

Making a clean sweep of the top four spots was the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) which saw Western Tigers win the top prize of $2M along with the Most Valuable Player and Best Goalkeeper accolades which went to Phillip Rowley and Troy Carrington, respectively.

Santos FC who lost the final 0-3 walked away with $1M, the Guyana Police Force Football Club received $500 000 as the third-place

winners, while club member Quincy Holder ended as the Highest Goalscorer with … goals and was duly recognised. Riddim Squad who lost the third-place match-up 1-2 collected $300 000.

Handing over the prizes was Ansa McAl’s STAG Brand Assistant Keon Persaud, who congratulated the teams for their efforts during the competition which also comprised teams from Berbice, East Demerara, East Bank and West Demerara.

Western Tigers head coach Calvin Allen, in receiving the champions’ cheque credited the team’s win to hard work and team spirit.

“I think that Western Tigers always are a talented bunch of players, more so young players and with the blend of Phillip Rowley, Ryan Adolph and the other

senior guys around, it is just about getting the group to work together and a bit harder. I think they were a bit relaxed and took things for granted but are now working hard.”

Allen, who took over the head technical position at the club last July, noted that they players worked very hard each session, day in, day out.

“There are a few things that we have implemented that have probably changed the fortunes of the team and the administration of the club has been doing a great job also.”

Allen further stated that the club now boasts a revamped and structured youth programme.

“So far I think we have done a marvellous job.

We’ve got about 50 to 60 youngsters coming out to the ground on any given

Ansa McAl’s STAG Brand Assistant Keon Persaud (4th right) presents the champions’ cheque to Western Tigers head coach Calvin Allen in the presence of other prize recipients. day and the female pro- the age of five/six to about them into a very strong gramme we’ve focused a 15 years old. So it’s a very and competitive group and lot on. young female group and hopefully a good group for “We have females from we are hoping to mould Guyana.”

SCA engages Cricket Canada on way forward CPL organisers to weigh up …seeking to have players represent country

By Frederick Halley TORONTO, Canada – Cricketers under the aegis of the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) who have for years been ostracised by Cricket Canada (CA) will soon be afforded the opportunity to represent Canada at all levels once the required protocols are met.

SCA president Shiv Persaud made the disclosure at the recent general members’ meeting, held at the Agincourt Community Centre, Scarborough here.

Persaud disclosed that following a meeting with CA, which was attended by himself, vice-president Bisham Singh and registrar/ statistician Abigail Rajkumar, several matters pertaining to why players from the body were not being recognised were discussed and resolutions arrived at.

CA’s representatives were president Ranjit Saini, Mohammed Shaikh and Praim Persaud.

CA’s decision to abruptly cancel the scheduled game, featuring the touring MCC women’s team and their SCA counterparts last September, did not go down well with the executives of the SCA who were busy preparing a squad to oppose the visitors when their hopes were dashed a few days after the visitors arrived in Toronto.

Persaud told the mem-

SCA president Shiv Persaud bers present at the meeting that the main objective of the meeting with CA was to clarify its reasons and actions for cancelling the match. He pointed out that CA explained that it was not in possession of any documentation that would allow Ontario Cricket Association (OCA) member leagues to be recognised by CA. It was also disclosed that SCA did not pay recognition fees and as such was not recognised. CA also admitted that it was the body’s error to have approached SCA in regards to hosting a game recognised by CA. According to Persaud, “Once Cricket Canada’s position was discussed, we requested information in aligning SCA with the proper recognition to provide exposure at the national

level for our players.

“We were informed that Cricket Ontario (CO) is the recognised Public Sports Organisation (PSO) for cricket in Ontario and the recognised regional body.

CO outlined its registration process and directed us to follow its constitution.”

Persaud said when the registration is completed with CO, SCA will be an associate member for three years before becoming eligible for full member status.

“As an executive body charged with leading the SCA, we have discussed our current position and decided in the best interest of our programmes and participating players to align our association with Cricket Canada’s regionally recognised body,” Persaud disclosed.

Former Guyana and Canadian cricketer Ave Mogan was one of the women’s players who were up in arms with Cricket Canada for its refusal to allow women players from the SCA to represent the Canada Select team against the MCC. An Inductee into Cricket Canada Hall of Fame in 2014, Mogan opined that “the decision to exclude the women of the SCA from representing their country is not only killing the hopes of many young ladies, but sooner rather than later, may kill any hope of playing cricket in Canada.”

Singapore bid for finals

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Singapore has emerged as an option to host this year’s Caribbean Premier League finals if no viable alternatives are forthcoming from the region, organisers have revealed.

To date, the finals of the Twenty20 tournament have never been staged outside of the Caribbean but CPL chief executive officer, Damien O’Donohue, said the government of the glitzy Asian city-state had put forward a bid to host the play-off matches.

“We have an approach from the government of Singapore to look at possibly hosting the finals there.

It will be a huge step and one that I would only want to look at as a last resort,” the Irishman told the Nation newspaper here.

“They have a new cricket facility that is absolutely world class and they saw that we took the game successfully to the U.S., and made an approach to see if we could consider taking the games, especially the finals to Singapore.

That’s the thing about these franchise leagues.

You can take the games and move them around.”

The CPL is in its fifth year following its debut season in 2013, and has morphed into one of the most exciting T20 tournaments on the global calendar.

CPL finals could be headed for Singapore if no viable options are found in the Caribbean.

So far, it has managed to attract superstars like South Africans AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn, along with Sri Lankans Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara.

However, O’Donohue said the tournament was yet to turn a real profit and staging the finals in Singapore could be a huge step towards monetising the entity.

“For us the Indian market is hugely important. For Singapore, it would open us up to the Indian market,” O’Donohue explained.

“Taking the finals there would be a big step and negative step for CPL because it is a Caribbean tournament and it is the Caribbean that makes it so special.”

He continued: “At the end of the day, we have invested a massive amount of money into the CPL. It

continues to require more investment. We thought we’d break even last year.

We haven’t done so yet.

“We need to look at other options if Caribbean countries cannot come up with the deals that are required to hold some of these games.”

The CPL is set to be staged from August 1 to September 9 and will once again feature six franchises – Barbados Tridents, Guyana Amazon Warriors, reigning champions Jamaica Tallawahs, Trinbago Knight Riders, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots and St Lucia Zouks.

For the first time last year, matches were staged outside of the Caribbean when Central Broward Regional Park in Florida, United States was used as a venue for some preliminary games.

2017 Limacol football final

See story on page 34

Can Western Tigers withstand the Police assault?

Western Tigers’ Devon Millington scored a hat-trick in the last game, can he repeat for the title?

Western Tigers cart off $2M as top four clubs rewarded

e pag e e S 39

The Police duo of Junior Gordon and Lerone Charles were on target for the boys in blue.

Windies slump to 45-run defeat after Morgan century

… Mohammed, Carter hit half-centuries

Eoin Morgan’s century powers England to 296 for 6 in Antigua.

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Jason Mohammed hit a maiden One-Day International half-century and Jonathan Carter gathered his third but West Indies failed to come to grips with a challenging run chase, and slumped to a 45-run defeat to England in the opening game of a three-match series here yesterday.

Asked to overhaul 297 after England captain Eoin Morgan had struck his 10th ODI hundred, West Indies lost wickets in clusters and were bowled out for 251 in the 48th over, to suffer their sixth one-day defeat in their last eight outings.

Mohammed, in only his third ODI and his first international appearance in two years, top-scored with 72 while Carter weighed in with a robust 52 and Shai Hope, 31.

The right-handed Mohammed anchored two successive half-stands which pulled West Indies around from danger at 39 for three in the 12th over and lifted them into a strong position at 190 for four in the 39th over.

But Carter’s dismissal signalled a decline for the

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hosts and they lost their last wickets for 61 runs in the space of 54 balls, to fall behind in the series.

Seamers Liam Plunkett (4-40) and Chris Woakes (447) did nearly all the damage, grabbing four wickets apiece, to underline a potent England performance ahead of tomorrow’s second game at the same venue.

Sent in, the tourists slumped to 29 for two in the eighth over after speedster Shannon Gabriel struck twice early on but the left-handed Morgan came to his side’s rescue with a superb 107 off 116 deliveries.

All-rounder Ben Stokes hit 55 and opener Sam Billings gathered 52, while Moeen Ali came at the end to produce a cameo unbeaten 31 from 22 balls.

Following a half-hour delayed start because of wet run-ups and then rain, England found themselves stunned after Gabriel prised out Jason Roy (13) and Joe Root (4) cheaply.

Roy, dropped by captain Jason Holder off a caughtand-bowled chance in the fifth over, perished in the following over – lbw on the back

foot to one which kept low.

Gabriel then got the prized wicket of Root, spectacularly bowling the righthander with a quick delivery which jagged back and found the batsman rooted to the crease.

However, Morgan arrived to steady the innings, anchoring three partnerships which ensured England reached the fourth highest total at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium.

He put on 67 for the third wicket with Billings, 110 for the fifth wicket with Stokes before adding a further 53 with Moeen Ali for the sixth wicket.

Morgan, dropped on four in the 11th over by Kieran Powell at first slip off the first ball of seamer Carlos Brathwaite’s opening spell, made the most of the opportunity to raise his 32nd ODI half-century off 67 balls in the 31st over.

He then required only another 45 deliveries to reach three figures, clearing the ropes at mid-wicket with Brathwaite to bring up the landmark in the 48th over.

Morgan eventually perished off the third delivery of Turn to page 34 SATURDAY, MARCH 4, 2017