Guyana chronicle e paper 03 08 2017

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No. 104846

WEDNESDAY MARCH 8, 2017

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Jagdeo hauled in (VAT Inclusive)

–– SOCU rounds up top PPP officials over Pradoville scam

––

gov’t says justice must be served

Robert Persaud

Dr Roger Luncheon

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Bharrat Jagdeo

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 8, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 8, 2017

Justice must be served … gov’t says will not overlook illegal acquisition of State assets

GOVERNMENT said justice must be served as the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) moves ahead with its investigation into the misappropriation of state assets regarding the sale of house lots at the so called Pradoville 2 scheme.

On Tuesday SOCU arrested former President Bharrat Jadeo and other top aides of his former administration.

In a statement issued Tuesday evening government also dismissed what it described as “spurious allegations of political vendetta and harassment” maintaining that SOCU is operating independently without any interference or direction. “… government notes SOCU’s meticulous, fair and independent work in investigating this immensely serious matter relating to state assets and looks forward to a thorough and comprehensive investigation and for the law to take its course and justice to be served,” the statement issued by the Department of Public Information read.

Government also reaffirmed its stated position that the assets of the state belong to the people of Guyana and under no circumstances will it condone or overlook any action which resulted in the improper, illegal or unjust distribution of same.

Forensic audits done on

the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) had revealed that some $257 million were spent on development of the Pradoville 2 housing project, and the value of land there should have been $82.8 million per acre, instead of the significantly less sum for which an acre was sold.

“Instead of accumulating all the costs associated with the Sparendaam Project — including the market value of the land — in a special account to be applied in arriving at the price to be charged per house lot, NICIL’s Board and Cabinet were complicit in charging the related costs of $257.049M to NCN in the form of equity investment, and to CH&PA in the form of receivables. “The fact that several key Cabinet members are the beneficiaries of the house lots renders it highly inappropriate for the very Cabinet to approve of the charging of the expenditure to the accounts of NCN and CH&PA,” the audit report stated.

The report said the use of a “conservative estimate of $985M for the 2009 market valuation of the land on which the Marriott has been constructed prior to infrastructure being undertaken on a similar size land (makes) the total value of the Sparendaam project work out to

$1.242B or $82.8M per acre.

This figure should have been used to compute the price per lot. It is not clear: (a) how many lots are involved, and their respective sizes; (b) the basis under which the recipients were selected; (c) how the price of approximately $1.5M per lot was determined; and (d) which entity — NICIL or CH&PA — received the proceeds from the sale of the plots”, the audit report disclosed.

Meanwhile, in its statement government said it had been informed of the ongoing investigations by SOCU, noting that the unit has conducted interviews with a number of agencies and individuals in relation to the ‘Pradoville 2’ Forensic Audit which was referred to the unit. SOCU, the Government said has conducted interviews with the Department of Housing, the Central Housing and Planning Authority, National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), the Betterhope/Sparendaam Neighbourhood Democratic Council, Guyana Power and Light, Guyana Water Inc, National Communications Network and various other agencies and individuals in an effort to, among other things, determine the market value of the Pradoville 2 complex. Interviews, the government has been informed, are ongoing.

“The Government has further been informed that

specific individuals were invited to the SOCU Office at Eve Leary for questioning during the course of this week and that some of the individuals complied while some did not.

The Government has been specifically informed that in the case of two prominent former government officials – former President Bharrat Jagdeo and former Head of the

Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon – they declined to visit the SOCU office for questioning and were arrested, questioned and subsequently released on their own recognizance.”

Jagdeo hauled in … SOCU arrests top PPP officials in Pradoville2 scam

By Ravin Singh ACQUISITION of prime ocean front lands for prices fixed below market value landed top officials in the Peoples’ Progressive Party (PPP), including Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, in the hands of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) on Tuesday. And although the PPP top officials had initially tried to dodge investigators they were hauled in amid high-drama for questioning.

Jagdeo along with former Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon, former Natural Resources Minister, Robert Persaud and General Manager

of the Gold Board Lisaveta Ramotar – who is the daughter of former President Donald Ramotar – were all arrested

by SOCU earlier in the day.

Later that afternoon, several other persons including private sector executive Ramesh Dookhoo, Marcia Nadir-Sharma and Ghansham Singh–son of former Labour Minister Dr. Nanda Gopaul showed up at SOCU’s Camp Street office, as they too were wanted for questioning.

They were all released after the hours of interrogation.

The common denominator between these individuals, with the exception of Ramotar and Nadir-Sharma, was that they all acquired prime seaside

Dr Ghansham Singh, son of former Labour Minister Nanda Gopaul, along with former Company Secretary to the National Industrial Commercial and Investments Limited (NICIL), Marcia Nadir-Sharma (first from left

land at Plantation Sparendaam and Goedverwagting, more commonly known as “Pradoville Two,” below market value under the PPP government. They were reportedly arrested under the offence of conspiracy to defraud the state of revenue.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that Nadir-Sharma, who served in a top position at the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), was made to answer questions related to irregularities at that agency during her stint. Prior to the arrest on Tuesday, Head of SOCU, Assistant Commissioner Sydney James had indicated that several members of the PPP who

served as former Ministers were wanted for questioning by the agency.

However, Attorney-at-Law Anil Nandlall, who is representing all former Cabinet members told James that his clients would not be meeting with investigators at SOCU’s Camp Street headquarters. He offered that they would meet at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition on Church Street.

In addition to those arrested and brought in for questioning on Tuesday, the law enforcement agency had written to former Home Affairs Minister Clement See page 7

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Women lawyers hail rise in female jurists As the women of Guyana and the world observe In-

ternational Women’s Day, the Guyana Association of

Women Lawyers congratulates the three women who created history in our country and for the legal profession with the conferral of the accolade of Senior Counsel.

Notwithstanding it being long in coming, the association records its pride in the fact that in 2017, women who have long been a part of this noble profession, and many of whom had and are still ably acquitting them-

selves, were placed on equal footing with public acknowledgment of excellence.

The appointments of Madam Justice Yonette Cummings–Edwards as Acting Chancellor and Hon. Madam Justice Roxane George as Acting Chief Justice, also provide justification for pride among women at the confidence reposed in both judges to ably hold the mantle of leadership of

the judiciary while the necessary constitutional and administrative processes are undertaken. Undoubtedly competent lawyers who later deservedly were promoted to judgeships, these judges are known to be hard workers, and thus we at GAWL are confident of them satisfactorily proving that the confidence reposed in them is not misplaced. Both of these judges are also following in the footsteps of role model, leader and mentor, Hon. Madam Justice Desiree Bernard, our association’s founding President, and also Hon. Mesdames Justices Claudette La Bennett and Claudette Singh, the former of whom is also a former association President.

This year 2017, the Guyana Association of Women Lawyers will be celebrating its 30th anni-

versary in April and will embark on a series of activities during the months of April and May. These activities will include essay competitions for secondary and primary school children, activities with youths and adolescents, and the elderly, a television programme, seminar on legal topics and a health fair.

The GAWL looks forward to partnering with citizens in these activities. We must celebrate our women in all achievements big or small, nationally or in our communities, as they all endure to the benefit of all of us. We offer our support and extend the GAWL’s very best wishes to Justices Cummings–Edwards and George-Wiltshire as they embark on the challenge ahead for the justice system for our country.

WPO reminds sistren of significance of IWD

THE Women’s Pro-

Wednesday, March 8th , 2017 - 14:00 hrs Thursday, March 9th , 2017 - 14:30 hrs Friday , March 10th , 2017 - 14:30 hrs

gressive Organisation (WPO) has extended warm greetings to the women of Guyana on the occasion of International Women’s Day. In a statement, the WPO said this event, which women globally are observing for more than 100 years now, became possible as a result of the struggle of the oppressed garment workers in New York in 1846 who dared to strike against their employers for better working conditions.

Even though they were persecuted, they never faltered, and their struggles were taken up

by Rosa Luxemburg and Clara Zeitkin, two socialist women who lobbied the delegates of the 2nd International to honour the struggle of these working-class women.

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GHRA plugs Ministry of Women

The operations of the Women’s Affairs Bureau (WAB), the national machinery for implementation of Government’s policies for women, were described in the Government’s last Report to the UN Committee on Women (CEDAW) in March 2016 as “complementary to that of the Domestic Violence Policy Unit and the Men’s Affairs Bureau (MAB), established within the Ministry.”

Defining priorities for women’s empowerment by reference to men’s needs and to the nebulous notion of ‘gender equality’ falls significantly short of the ringing commitment to women’s rights one would expect.

While the President, the First Lady and a number of individual Ministers of Government seize opportunities and initiatives that reflect their personal commitment to the advancement of women, the systematic momentum required from Government machinery itself, as reflected in budgets and priorities, is woefully inadequate. The CEDAW Report notes that one-per cent of the national budget is spent by the WAB, which is somewhat misleading since a significant portion of it is spent on men The Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) is aware of the need to sen-

sitize men to the fact that equality of women is not about women living the way men live. At the same time empowering women is not a matter of pacifying men, as gender strategies sometimes imply, nor of tip-toeing around the discomfort men have to get accustomed to, nor delivered at a pace at which men’s acceptance can be assured beforehand. Misogyny or dislike for women can’t be fought one man at a time.

Men’s violence towards women is, to a significant extent, bound up with increasingly de-humanized conditions that men experience that has nothing to do with women. They have to do with over-crowded prisons, extortion by crooked policemen; exploitation of young men who are taken into the goldfields and building sites and promised wages that never materialise. And not enough people care. It becomes a gender problem when men take out their frustrations on the people closest to them, usually women and children.

This does not mean that the movement forward for women in Guyana must be defined by what causes problems for men. The State should take care of those issues separately. Likewise, Guyana’s commitment to the empowerment of women

needs to be disconnected from a series of related agenda which end up marginalizing women’s rights. The most glaring example of this in recent times was the struggle to keep women’s rights front and centre of the fight against HIV. Violence against women and girl and their sexual dominance by partners was, by far, the main driver of HIV in Guyana and the Caribbean, but never achieved recognition from politicians nor funders, anywhere close to the attention and resources attracted by men who have sex with men.

The women’s movement in Guyana needs to be re-habilitated from its current re-active project-driven activities, to re-capture its dynamism, reset its values and dismantle the instinctive accommodation of other agenda. This transformational dynamism cannot be achieved until a Ministry for Women, or a mechanism of comparable force and resources is created to drive an integrated series of reforms through all other Government Ministries and Agencies.

The role of a Ministry exclusively dedicated to promoting women’s rights and interests would be to keep key issues on the agenda of other relevant organisations; provide the tailored advice and evidence-based informa-

WPO reminds sistren...

From page 4 The combined actions of two sets of women in two different parts of the world, namely the USA and Europe, made it possible for International Women’s Day to become a universally recognised event.

Seeing a present-day cause in need of being similarly championed, the WPO said: “As we observe this important event, we wish to draw attention to the plight of the sugar workers and their families who are now faced with economic decline and social dislocation. “We call on

the Coalition Government to go back to the drawing board to find a workable solution in order the save the livelihood of thousands of people.” In closing, the WPO said: “We wish to use this occasion to

remind the people of Guyana that the significance of IWD must be a constant reminder to us all that nothing comes easy; and that once we are prepared to stand up and defend our rights, we will be victorious.”

tion they require and to bring the voices, experiences and priorities of different sectors of Guyanese women to bear on Government.

A very useful service such a Ministry or comparable Agency could perform is to generate a large data-base of the skills and interests women in Guyana possess and which they are prepared to put at the service of others. The pool of such public-

ly known talents is currently lamentable, it should be much wider and deeper and used to transform all of the public Boards, Commissions and Committees into women-sensitive agencies. The official slogan for International Women’s Day 2017, namely Be Bold For Change is timely in the Guyana context. The boldest move would be to demand that the rhetoric and per-

sonal support for women’s rights demonstrated by male leaders in many walks of life be institutionalized in a Government Ministry, or similar Cabinet level agency. Women’s rights are unquestionably the most serious human rights issue in Guyana and around the world. Anything less than significant structural change to promote them is an empty gesture.

Editorial

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

TODAY marks International Women’s Day. This year’s theme is “Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030”and has the hashtag #BeBoldForChange.

Bringing about gender equality (50/50 men and women ratio) is not only an audacious aspiration, though not impossible, but it requires boldness, shattering ceilings and being uncompromising in playing an assertive role in achieving the goal.

While it is true that over the years women have made significant advancements, having for centuries being told it’s a man’s world, and refusing to accept it, there is still distance left to go. Travelling this distance means refusing to sit when told to do so, insisting that ‘no’ means no, your body is yours to be treated with

respect by others, never underestimate your worth, or allow others to treat you in a lesser way. None will pretend that doing any of this is easy, nor it will not be met with resistance by men and fellow women, but the determination to succeed against all odds must be the fuel that keeps the foot on the pedal.

Around the world today women would be engaging in different activities and pursuing different causes.

And while in some societies they are still fighting for the right to vote, or to make their own healthcare choices, or inclusion in the political processes, including that of leadership, Guyanese women can say they have made some strides in these areas. But having made these strides wherever such denies equal participation with men, work remains to

be done.

Our Constitution requires that at least one-third of women be on the List of Representatives. The truth is that while political parties have sought to honour this to satisfy the legal requirement of the List; it has not often been translated to representation in the National Assembly, Cabinet, and elsewhere. In societies such Canada, under the Prime Ministerial-ship of Justin Trudeau, in his 30-member Cabinet, women comprise fifty percent; though 15 years ahead of the goal, Guyana is still capable of catching up.

Sexual harassment and other forms of violence, be it in the workplace, home or on the streets, is a social disease that women confront daily in their lives, irrespective of class, race, creed or society. In this regard

Guyanese women can join hands with those around the world to eliminate this scourge through education and legislation. Men who take advantage of women are not strong, and women must be given the necessary support, institutional and otherwise, not only to say no, but also to see those who violate them held to account.

In the workplace the issue of equal pay for equal work and equal opportunity for advancement still plague this gender. Women must be free to pursue any educational or economic activity, free of being told that it’s a man’s field or denied opportunities because it is felt to be. Women’s issues crosscut many issues and impact the goal of equality in the society. Having a seat at the decision-making table, women who are generally

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

seen in society as nurturer, will help to shape policies, programmes and laws to the benefit of the family and by extension the society. Where poor governance, corruption, poverty, hunger, illiteracy, crime, child labour and other social ills exist, they impact the family. The task often to address these challenges and make ends meet is largely left up to women.

In the environment, their role remains essential and it must not only be seen to do minimal task or engaging in subsistent activities, but in the conceptualisation and execution of a sustainable development plan. The pro-

tection of the environment and the sustainable regeneration of the planet need their input in every sphere of activity. In every facet of life women need to be heard and must demand that they be heard and be respected.

If you do not speak others will speak for you and there is no other who can speak to your reality better than you. Be Bold For Change. Go out and make it happen. Thirteen years to achieve the goal may sound relatively short but history has shown there is nothing women cannot achieve when they put their minds to it.

Op-Ed...

IWD: Be Bold for Change

By United States Ambassador Perry L. Holloway INTERNATIONAL Women’s Day is a globally recognized day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Observed since the early 1990s, International Women’s Day celebrates the collective responsibility of governments, NGOs, charities, corporations, academic institutions, and women’s networks in ad-

vancing women’s rights.

Guyana has reason to be proud of advancing women in society. One-third of Guyana’s Parliament is women, putting it into the top 20 percent of the world.

The mayor of the country’s capital is a woman, the Acting Chief Justice and the Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary are both women, and there are nine female ministers in the cabinet. All good indicators of progress, but more needs to be done because the goal should be to ensure that all members of a society are given an equal

opportunity to contribute, so that the country makes maximum use of all its human capital and not just half.

Guyana is among the poorest nations in the hemisphere, but is on the precipice of becoming one of the richest nations in the hemisphere on a per capita basis. For the first time in its history, the Land of Many Waters may have the financial resources to address longstanding challenges in education, agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure, the environment, and security.

These challenges can, in

great part, be addressed with money alone, but other challenges, like gender-based violence and discrimination against women, actually need more than just money.

They need a commitment from the people and Government of Guyana. It will take the combined efforts of ALL men AND women to meet the societal challenges women face, as well as a myriad of other social challenges like suicide, discrimination over sexual orientation, and trafficking in persons.

We are at the crossroads in history where a population

of less than one million people will boldly chart a path forward that I hope leads to prosperity, security, and inclusion for all. The road ahead will not be smooth or easy, but working together and utilizing the skills of all its citizens, Guyana has the potential to emerge as a leader, not only in the Caribbean, but throughout the hemisphere. My wife Rosaura and I have met many impressive women in Guyana, so we know that the future is bright if everyone does their part and provides them with the opportunity to contribute fully to this wonderful country.

One does not have to possess the courage and internal strength of Malala

Yousafzai, the Pakistani girl shot in the head because she believed girls had a right to education, or the political skills of former Guyana President Janet Jagan, to make a difference. As American anthropologist Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

The U.S. Embassy will continue working with First Lady Sandra Granger and other stakeholders to work on issues such as women’s empowerment, youth development, and eliminating human trafficking. Together we will be Bold for Change!

PNC did not build those range houses Dear Editor,

PLEASE refer to Peeping Tom’s article in the Kaieteur News of March 04, 2017, under the caption “Townhouses and duplexes will become free housing.” In this article Peeping Tom’s obsession with condemning the PNC has forced him/her to falsify

history.

In that article Peeping Tom erroneously wrote “The PNC had a housing programme which provided a lot of houses to its supporters. But there were serious problems with the low income housing scheme which it established.

These schemes were turned into slums. The range houses

that were constructed festered overcrowding. The areas in which these houses were located remained low income.

For this reason, the properties did not appreciate.”

I agree with the analysis of Peeping Tom as it relate to these range houses. Where I disagree is that he is referring to the range houses in East

and West Ruimveldt which were built before 1964, the year the PNC came to power.

These houses were built by governments before the PNC came to power. This uncomfortable truth Peeping Tom finds difficult to digest. As a consequence, he/she coughs up this falsehood.

The houses the PNC built

were single houses with transport in South and North Ruimveldt and in many other areas across Guyana and are not slums. These schemes continue to be successful housing schemes and therefore Peeping Tom should not be frugal with the truth to achieve his/her nefarious objectives.

I don’t like the idea of placing poor people in range houses because of what they portend, but will not sit idly by and allow the PNC successes in housing to be obscured in fabricated stories that could, to many, appear to be true.

Regards AUBREY NORTON

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Jagdeo hauled ...

From page 3

Rohee, former Minister of Education Priya Manickchand, former Minister of the Public Service Dr. Jennifer Westford and former Minister of Housing and Water, and Tourism Irfaan Ali, all of whom acquired land at Pradoville two.

Those individuals are expected to make their appearance at SOCU’s office today for questioning. But although some of these individuals being questioned are not members of the PPP, Nandlall, who served as former Attorney General (AG) under the PPP said that he believes these investigations are “politically motivated.” “…I’ve been saying from the beginning that these investigations are politically inspired; they are politically directed and they are deeply flawed in law,” he told reporters on Tuesday.

Asked if he foresees charges in the future, Nandlall said he is unsure, and offered that if they reach the stage of criminal charges, they will be challenged on the ground of their legality, since to him, this is a “manifestation” of politicians directing the operations of law enforcement which is prohibited by law.

Pradoville Two lands were distributed in 2010 and during that time, then President Bharrat Jagdeo, bought 0.4603 of an acre for $2.3M and 1.5 acres for $7.5M. However, as President then, he would be immune from criminal charges for any actions conducted in his official capacity as President–an office he held from 1999 to 2011.

JAGDEO DODGES QUESTIONS Cognizant of this, Jagdeo activated the immunity clause of the Constitution and refused to answer questions related to actions during his time as President. “They asked me a few questions related to the Pradoville transaction and I made a short statement. They asked me questions in my official capacity and I have immunities on those so I refused to answers those questions,” he said.

Jagdeo also admitted that he was questioned in his private capacity and not his official capacity, but offered to investigators that he prefers not to make a statement at this time.

He went on to state that SOCU “can choose to do what they want to do,” and that if charges are brought against the named individuals, they will contest them in court.

“If they [SOCU] believe that any of these acts will intimidate us or make us scared of exposing the wrongdoings of this government they’re wrong about it,” Jagdeo said.

The former President also confirmed that he was “arrested,” but argued that the actions of the law enforcement agency constituted “witch-hunting” and was being directed by the government. “…we believe it is a witch-hunt… Clearly SOCU

has been receiving instructions from the political directorate. I sympathise for the people who work here because they are under severe political pressure,” he added.

Brought in to the agency

Lisaveta Ramotar, who is the daughter of former President Donald Ramotar, descends the stairs of the SOCU Headquarters. [Adrian Narine photos] under similar circumstances was former Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon, who said that his line of questioning dealt with matters related to Pradoville Two, NICIL, the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) and the Guyana Power and Light (GPL).

Dr Luncheon related that, “the atmosphere was fairly friendly and I don’t think there was any cause for either party, myself or themselves, to become extreme where those questions and answers are concerned.” Unsure of SOCU’s next move the former Cabinet Secretary said he is not sure if charges will be laid against

him. “All I can speak to are the investigations that involve myself and as far as that is concerned, I don’t see any scope for me to be charged subsequent to the conclusion of this investigation,” an optimistic Luncheon told reporters.

On the other hand, former Private Sector Commission Chairman, Ramesh Doohkoo who also acquired a parcel of land at Pradoville, decided to visit SOCU’s office after realising individuals were being arrested. He was accompanied by his lawyer Sanjeev Datadin.

Dookhoo explained to reporters that he was contacted by SOCU on Friday and asked to report to the office for questioning, but his lawyer informed the agency that it was not possible since he (Dookhoo) had pressing matters to attend to.

However, the private sector executive said that on Tuesday, he realised, “all of these things started happening; I heard all these people were arrested and so I stopped what I was doing and I came down.”

When asked if believes he acquired the land below market value, Dookoo said, “well you know, it’s subjective and I don’t think it’s for me to say.

I don’t really wanna get into that…I buy a piece of bushy land with one house on the land right.”

A seemingly frustrated Dookhoo then told the media, “Boy I wish I could give up the piece of land; the amount of embarrassment I’ve suffered from [Kaieteur News, Demerara Waves] I wish I can hand back the land and forget this

Executive Member and former Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Ramesh Dookoo, (right) and his lawyer, Sanjeev Datadin at SOCU Headquarters unpleasant experience that I have had.”

Dookoo refused to divulge how much he paid for the land, noting that the price is public knowledge.

Robert Persaud, who was also accompanied by his lawyer Mark Waldron, along with Lisa Ramotar, Ghansham Singh and Marcia Nadir-Sharma opted not to engage the media. Sharma would later tell members of the media to “go home and have

dinner” when asked if he had any comment to make.

It was the Bharrat Jagdeo administration that made a decision authorising the NICIL to privatise state lands. That agency reportedly spent in excess of $200M to develop Pradoville Two without the knowledge or approval of the National Assembly and other relevant bodies. Other persons who benefitted from the lands include; Compton Bourne, for-

mer Head of the Caribbean Development Bank and UG Chancellor; Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack; Presidential Advisor Rear Admiral Gary Best; and Florrie Loretta Ramnauth.

Special Prosecutor Trenton Lake, Michael Somersall, Hewley Griffith, Lawrence Harris, Patrice Henry and Compton Richardson were selected by the government to prosecute the Pradoville case.

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34 surgeries done during Mabaruma outreach

THE first surgical outreach held at the Mabaruma Regional Hospital, Region One, recently, saw 34 successful surgeries undertaken, while other clinical services were facilitated.

Regional Health authorities in Region One, along with medical personnel from the Ministry of Public Health, collaborated to attend to more than 300 persons from within the Mabaruma sub-district. Regional Health Officer (RHO), Region One, Dr. Cerdel McWatt, told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that 17 general surgeries, 10 orthopaedic related surgeries and seven obstetrics and gynaecological surgeries were successfully completed as part of the outreach. Areas in which clinical services were offered during the outreach were in Audiology, Ophthalmology, Orthopaedics, Ultrasound, Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Psychology.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, who recently visited the region, told residents that the idea of deploying specialists to hinterland regions “is all part of a strategic initiative by the Ministry of Public Health to place specialist doctors

Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, with a patient at the Mabaruma Regional Hospital

throughout the 10 administrative regions. “This initiative is being done in a phased manner, as we at the ministry are cognisant that specialist doctors are not in very large supply in Guyana,” Minister Cummings stated.

The minister added that improving the quality of health care provided to the residents of Region One and all persons living in Guyana, is an essential priority of the Ministry of Public Health. “The equitability and accessibility are crucial areas of focus the Ministry intends to improve upon as we strive to make primary healthcare universal in Guyana,” Minister Cummings explained.

The Mabaruma sub-region is expected to benefit from two additional surgical and clinical outreaches by the end of 2017. Meanwhile the Ministry of Public Health is in the process of deploying specialist doctors at all hinterland regional hospitals. This will allow for persons in the regions to gain access to the highest level of health care in a timely manner.

(GINA)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 8, 2017

Trafficking-In-Persons charge dismissed CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan on Tuesday dismissed a trafficking-in-persons charge against a Cuban national held for trafficking a woman for sexual exploitation at his Bollywood Club located in Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Thirty-four-year-old Eladio Peraza had denied that between March 1, 2016 and January 20, 2017 at his club,he engaged in trafficking-in-persons whereby he recruited, transported and harboured a female Cuban national for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

Magistrate McLennan,in her decision,stated that the evidence presented to the court by the prosecution did Eladio Peraza not prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt that Peraza was guilty.

The court was informed that Peraza has been residing in Guyana for the past two years and got married to a Guyanese seven months ago.

The woman was rescued in January when a unit of the Ministry of Social Protection raided the club.

Pereza was provided a translator in the Court throughout his trial.

He had initially told the court he did not know about the charges against him. He had maintained a not guilty plea.

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Bandit killed in foiled robbery

THE bullet-riddled body of an unidentified man, who was part of a gang of men that invaded the Guy Gas Inc, Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara compound, was found outside the fence on Tuesday morning. ‘A’ Division Commander, Clifton Hicken, told the Guyana Chronicle that about 01:40hrs an armed security guard of the business observed three men armed with knives and cutlasses, jumping over the southern fence and gained entry to the compound.

He was at the time, in his guard hut tower which he accesses via a ladder and when the men spotted him they tried to climb the said ladder to get to him. He however, discharged five cartridges from his compa-

ny-issued shotgun.

Hicken related that in their bid to escape, the would-be robbers jumped the fence, but one of the three men collapsed after being hit. He subsequently died.

His body was found on Tuesday morning when the police were summoned to the scene. The man is of African descent and his body bore two gunshot wounds. He remained unidentified up to press time.

Hicken told the Guyana Chronicle that the Demerara River is at the rear of the Guy Gas Inc. property and the three men were observed heading in that direction.

As such, police had deployed a team of ranks to comb the area via the Demerara River on a boat patrol.

A Guyana Chronicle publication in tribute to women

‘Women can do it’ Page 21

… First Lady urges greater self-belief, determination

#BeBoldForChange ...

‘Women of Kaieteur’ embraces IWD, and fearlessly

Page 20

The ever-evolving role of the woman

Page 19

Remembering the indomitable Kowsilla

Page 18

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Remembering the indomitable Kowsilla --Heroine of the sugar industry

THE heroic and self-less sacrifice by Kowsilla, also known as Alice, was recalled on Monday on the occasion of her 53rd Death Anniversary.

According to the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU), Kowsilla was a humble housewife and an active member of the Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO).

On March 06, 1964, outside the Leonora Factory gate, she squatted with striking sugar workers who were protesting against their being denied work, and at the same time highlighting their call for the recognition of GAWU.

The then General Manager of the Estate instructed a “scab”, who was driving a tractor at the time, to traverse the bridge where the workers were squatting, thereby causing Kowsilla’s death and serious injury to 14 others.

Ever since that fateful day, Kowsilla’s name and sacrifice has become known across the sugar industry, and among workers generally and other Guyanese.

A YEARLY EVENT The commemoration is a yearly event, and she has been regarded as a heroine of sugar workers.

Monday’s activity saw

scores of persons participating in a march from in the vicinity of the Leonora Government School to the Anna Catherina Cemetery where Kowsilla is interred.

At the cemetery, wreaths were laid on her tomb, and tributes were paid by GAWU General Secretary, Seepaul Narine; President of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), Carvil Duncan; WPO President, Indra Chandarpal; Ganga Persaud, Central Committee member of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP); Randy Seecharan, member of the Groenveldt Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) Group; and

A parade was part of the observances

Julius Faerber, Regional Chairman of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

According to GAWU, all the speakers drew at-

tention to the current proposals being considered by the government for the sugar industry, and opined that should such proposals be ad-

opted, there would be severe repercussions and harsh consequences for the workers and their families and the many sugar communities.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 8, 2017

The ever-evolving role of the woman SHE would wake up early in the mornings, before the rest of the house, to ensure that breakfast is ready for the kids, and that her husband has lunch to take with him as he heads out to work.

When the morning’s rush is over, she commences her household chores; maybe makes a trip to the market, pay some bills, and generally ensure that everything is well prepared for the return of her family.

This is more or less the traditional role of women, who’re expected to ‘stay

journey to the top.

As recent as 2015, it was reported that generally, women are still earning 80 cents to every dollar a man makes. In the especially male-dominated industries, they are still ignored and ridiculed.

Yet these women, mothers and homemakers, bring it all together and make everything possible, proving themselves time and time again.

NO EASY TASK “But it is not easy,” Rox-

Wings Aviation Managing Director, Roxanne Reece

home and mind baby’.

In early western culture, women were not allowed the right to higher education; they were not allowed to earn, and her every move had to be sanctioned by her husband.

Nowadays, one dares not make the mistake of bunching all women in the same housewife category. They better not declare before the modern woman that her place is in the kitchen!

A STRONGER MARCH Globally, women are making a stronger march towards the access of power, whether that means the enactment of women- friendly legislation, access to higher education, or entrepreneurship.

Right here in Guyana, the trends can be seen where women are outdoing men.

Just last week, University of Guyana lecturer, Dr Eric Phillips described women coming out of the institution as becoming more successful and doing better than men.

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

This, however, is despite the numerous challenges that women face during their

anne Reece told the Guyana Chronicle. The wife, family woman, and one of the leading businesswomen in local aviation, Reece is the Managing Director of Wings Aviation, parent company of Fly Jamaica, which successfully operates scheduled international flights.

Reece is a front-runner, and has been ever since her company’s humble beginnings. She manages its day-to-day affairs, maintaining its positive image and ensuring it stays true to its promise of ‘First-class service anywhere on board’.

Reece is of the opinion that women in positions of authority are often ignored, and that their input is not taken seriously. This is never more obvious than in the field of aviation, for instance, which is a difficult field.

“It is male-dominated and white-dominated. So when you put into the equation a woman, and a black woman, it is 200 times more difficult, so you have to be 200 times better than a man,” she said.

Reece is especially proud of the fact that she was able to play an instrumental role in the growth of her family’s business. She is especially proud also of the fact that the company’s greatest achievement is being able to perform any task within the in-

dustry, namely: The service and maintenance of aircraft, piloting the machines, and training individuals in the various fields, including the training of flight attendants.

A FRESH ENERGY In the world of fashion, Sonia Noel has taken Guyana by storm. She didn’t just bring a fresh energy to

that creative aspect of Guyanese culture, but she brought hope, for especially young people who are increasingly seeking fame and fortune in the field of art.

Noel seems to have a special way with young people.

Many seemingly gravitate to her as one does to a big sister or even a mother figure they can turn to for advice and

inspiration.

She is a passionate, industrious and creative artist who is proud to draw on her Afro-Amerindian roots to create a brand that is uniquely Sonia Noel. She has showcased her work across the Caribbean and in international quarters such as Miami, New York, Canada and England, thereby

providing avenues for young Guyanese to gain exposure.

Her Sonia Noel Foundation has partnered with many agencies to create programmes promoting women and young people. Just days ago, the Foundation hosted its annual ‘Women in BusiTurn to Page 21

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 8, 2017

#BeBoldForChange...

‘Women of Kaieteur’ embraces IWD, and fearlessly

By Jasmaine Payne

IT IS fitting that among the focus for International Women’s Day would be the slogan, #BeBoldForChange, as this represents the ultimate goal for women of the 21st Century.

So says co-founder of Women of Kaieteur, Roianne Nedd, who is using her organisation’s platform to help women to achieve this goal as they continue to work toward breaking down the barriers to equality.

‘Women of Kaieteur’ is an organisation based in London and founded by Roianne and several other UK-based Guyanese, which aims to unite Guyanese women around the world so as to boost em-

ployment and enterprise.

The organisation is still reeling off from the success of its book, 50 Women: 50 Years, which was launched on February 25 and highlights the work of 50 influential women of Guyanese heritage, both in Guyana and abroad.

Now, ‘Women of Kaieteur’ has added to its portfolio an Online learning platform as part of its membership, which enables women to seek personal and professional development without interrupting the delicate balance of work and home life.

“Even in the most progressive societies, women still take on the majority

Roianne and Mala handing over a copy of ‘50 Women: 50 Years’ to High Commissioner of Guyana in London, Mr Hamley Case

of traditional roles, and are still expected to juggle those more pastoral responsibilities with the lure of a career and further education.

“At ‘Women of Kaieteur’, we recognise that change would only come from something different and through innovation; which is why we have launched an Online learning platform,” Roianne said.

TODAY’S WORLD Looking at the world today, Roianne said that despite some advancement, one of the biggest inequalities that women still face globally is that of equal pay, and it is this issue that she believes needs to be addressed more than any other with regard to women’s rights.

“Why do women still earn less on the dollar than men? Statistically, women spend at least 70% of their income on the family and home compared to men, who spend approximately 40%, therefore helping women.

“So, earning equal amounts stands to benefit everyone,” Roianne said.

But the issue of domestic violence is also a burning issue on the charts. Guyana has been plagued with this social ill for years, but Roianne acknowledges that this is not the only country with alarming rates of violence against women and girls.

“It needs to stop!

‘Women of Kaieteur’ wants to not only empower women, but also educate and challenge the stereotypes and ways of thinking that make boys and men think that it is acceptable to hit girls and women.

“We want to disrupt

the dysfunction and break the cycle!” she said.

Outside of planned advocacy initiatives in this area, ‘Women of Kiaeteur’ continues to contribute to the narrative of promoting women empowerment in other ways.

Apart from the launch of ‘50 Women:50 Years’, the organisation has also held engagements with the High Commissioner of Guyana in London, Mr Hamley Case to receive his support in promoting activities that engage the Diaspora to help empower women and girls in Guyana.

“We have launched the book donation drive to get at least one copy of our book into every secondary school in Guyana, and we have launched our membership proposition in the UK, welcoming both men and women from different cultures to be part of the change management process to unlock progression for Guyanese women and girls,” Roianne said.

A HUMBLING EXPERIENCE The organisation’s co-founder said that the launch of its first book has been well received, and described it as a humbling experience, to see the impact that the book has had on women.

“Women who read the book have been so supportive and complimentary of each other, and have been so proud to be able to tell their stories.

“Some people have given negative feedback because of the fact we included “less positive” stories such as survivors of domestic abuse, but we felt it was important to represent all stories, especially since domestic

Women of Kaieteur’ Director, Mala Bheem (right) and its Co-Founder, Roianne Nedd

violence is so prevalent in our society,” she said.

The aim of ‘50 Women:50 Years’ is to give rise to the voice of Guyanese women, since, at the time of compiling the information, the organisation felt not enough was being done to highlight the strong independent voices rallying for gender equality.

Seeing the response of this publication, ‘Women of Kaieteur’ is now embarking on another venture to produce a book with a similar aim. The next book, ‘60 Women; 60 Businesses’ will focus on the stories of 60 female business owners, and will promote the successes of these women as well as the benefits of entrepreneurship.

“As an entrepreneur myself and knowing many women running businesses of various sizes,” Roianne said, “I wanted to share their stories and words of advice with all the people who are think-

ing of starting their own business.”

The organisation has launched its application form on its website, womenofkaieteur.org and welcomes submissions from Guyanese businesswomen far and wide.

Roianne hopes that this upcoming book will also provide an automatic advertising opportunity, as the women will inevitably talk about their businesses.

In the coming months, Guyana will see more from the organisation through a planned conference in Georgetown, the aim of which is to highlight career paths and opportunities that women can embark on. Other planned initiatives include finding ways to provide health and fitness advice and information for women, as well as developing a workshop on how to use writing as a route to healing and self-love.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 8, 2017

‘Women can do it’

--First Lady urges greater self-belief, determination GUYANA’S First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, has been the embodiment of women’s empowerment long before this administration took office.

However, the platform of First Lady has placed her front and centre in the advancement of female enfranchisement as leaders in today’s society, and her work has been a continued reflection of her passion for the rights of women and girls.

Now, as the world celebrates International Women’s Day, once more, the First Lady encourages women to recognise that they can achieve their greatest goals, so long as they believe it.

In an interview this week with ‘Today’s Woman’, the First Lady said that she believes it is important for women to recognise their own value and to demand equal access to opportunities that are before them.

“There is nothing in the world to say that women can’t do these things,” the First Lady said. “Women need to know they are important, and that they deserve the same chance.

Every child deserves the same chance, and it starts from education, right up.”

SOUND BACKGROUND In fact, the First Lady’s own background is one which stands on a firm platform built on sound education, and which reflects her belief that women should strive to their highest.

After graduating from St. Joseph High School, the First Lady worked at Radio Demerara as a Script Director and Traffic Supervisor.

Years later, Mrs. Granger completed her Degree in English Literature at the University of Guyana, and later earned a second Degree in Portuguese.

She taught at the Department of Modern Languages for some time, after which she was awarded a scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh, where she received her Masters in Latin American Studies, which focuses on politics, history and anthropology. The First

The work of the First Lady focuses on the empowerment of women and girls in Guyana

Lady was also employed at the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat as a Senior Programme Manager before going into retirement.

It was some years later that she joined her husband on the campaign trail in his bid for the office of President of Guyana.

Now, as First Lady of Guyana, Mrs. Granger uses the auspices of her office to undertake initiatives aimed at promoting the empowerment of women and girls in Guyana.

SELF-RELIANCE

One such initiative is her Self Reliance and Success in Business Workshop, which has been taken to women all across Guyana within the past year since its establishment. The Initiative has seen the training of over 300 women from all ten administrative regions in entrepreneurial skills, a move that encourages them to use the skills they have to ensure their own economic advancement.

Managed by facilitating company, Interweave Solutions, these week-long sessions provide training for women in business.

“At the end of it, I always try to ensure that the participants come out with what I call a bankable certificate. So the certificate the women get at the end of that is recognised by the Small Business Bureau, and by the lending agencies that would give loans or grants to people who apply for those kinds of support from them,” the First Lady said.

Since the earliest observances of Women’s Day in the 1900s, among the concerns that women have fought for was equality in the workplace. And, in light of this year’s theme, “Wom-

en in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50: 50 by 2030” with the hashtag #BeBoldForChange, focus on women’s rights in the workplace, and ensuring that they are afforded equal opportunities has become paramount.

The First Lady believes that while significant strides have been made in the workplace with regard to equality, some areas still remain uneven.

“Some places have allowed the females in the workforce to move ahead, but it is not across the whole economic sector,” she said.

“We did have a large number of women in the 70s going out and training to be plumbers and masons and electricians and that kind of thing.

“And through the GDF and the National Service, I know quite a few mechanics and women were trained in the so-called non-traditional skills. So there was some movement then; but I would like to see it happening again.

“I don’t see so many women in the non-traditional sectors, and, if you think about it, this is where the money is.”

SPECIAL SIGNIFICANCE In light of this year’s IWD theme, and the crucial time when opportunities are within our grasp, the

One of First Lady’s core initiatives is her Self Reliance and Success in Business Workshops. Here, the First Lady is pictured with one of the most recent batch of entrepreneurs who were trained from Kildonan East Berbice-Corentyne, Region Six

First Lady also believes that the hashtag, #BeBoldForChange holds special significance, particularly for Guyanese women.

Touching on her memories of when she was a young adult in the 1970s, the First Lady said that she recalls that women were bolder, but that somehow, things have changed.

“Here in Guyana, I do not think that our young women are as bold as we were then, because we felt that we could do anything we wanted; that we could go to parties by ourselves.

“We didn’t need anybody to carry us; we could have gone home by ourselves because we had our money, and we would go in a group, have fun and go home,” she said. Asked what she thought the reason was for this change, the First Lady said that her impression was that, perhaps, it could be certain restrictions or social perceptions that contribute to some hesitancy for today’s women.

“They may have the trappings of professionalism and things to show that they work for a good salary, but, somehow, I have found that... and my interpretation might be off, but I listen to them and I am sometimes concerned.

“But I don’t know if it is because of their own environment, or society has changed to the extent where people feel that women are part of the decorative background,” she said.

And this is why she believes that empowerment remains paramount, and why women need to be reminded of their worth and their ability to achieve anything they set their minds to.

‘SPEAK UP!’ What is more, she said that to be bold means that women must speak up about things that affect them, be it inequality, abuse, or any other issue.

“Women have to become confident in themselves; that is the key to it. They must believe in themselves and in their own strength, and make decisions on their own; and that Turn to Page 22

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Keeping fit for a change BY the time most working women meet a certain age, they begin leading double lives; that is, they have families, and must still balance their working lives while finding time for themselves.

Finding time for yourself is important. Even women who don’t place as much importance on beauty and fitness still need to find ways to ensure that they stay active, in order to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Here are some ways in which the working woman can stay fit, even within her busy schedule: Stay active throughout the day Take a short walk during your lunch break; take short breaks every half-hour, where you walk around for a minute and then get back to your desk. The key is to keep moving rather than staying at your desk all day, only to get up for bathroom breaks.

Never focus on weight loss If you just focus on reducing the numbers on your scale, then ultimately you will land up gaining pounds. Instead, your goal should be to maintain a healthy and fit lifestyle, by eating the right foods and practising the right exercises.

Eat a good breakfast A proper diet is one of the main goals of staying healthy. Today, people get so caught up in the rush, that many persons opt out of breakfast on a daily basis. But a good breakfast can get you off to an energised start.

Drink lots of water It’s no secret that this is a tip for healthy living. Drinking enough

--Fitness tips for women on the go

water is very essential for the proper functioning of your body.

Keep drinking water at regular intervals, so that you don’t de-hydrate yourself.

Create an exercise pattern Choose an exercise pattern, according to your schedule, that is at least 20 minutes long and includes walking or running. If you do this at least twice a week, it can help tone your entire body over time.

Keep an eye on your heart rate Women should work out at 75-85% of their maximum heart rate. When your heart rate is too low, it’s a sign that you’re not working to your full potential. Too high a rate, on the other hand, shows that you’re pushing yourself to a potentially dangerous level. Keep a heart rate monitor on hand to ensure that the rate is just right during heavy activity.

Stock up on healthy snacks Even if you are in the habit of snacking throughout the day, healthy snacks at home can help balance it out. So, stock up on all the healthy snacks, which can very well help you fight off diseases.

Be flexible Trying to stick to a routine may times. So, if you have dedicated workouts and something comes Just ensure that you make up for convenient.

get impossible at your mornings to up, don’t panic! it at a time more

Pay attention to how you sit If you’re sitting, you may find it most comfortable for your monitor to be at or even slightly above eye level. This helps you look straight ahead without requiring a downward head tilt, which often leads the rest of the upper thoracic into a slumping pattern, especially if you’re not vigilant and you’re prone to lapsing back into bad habits. This simple habit change will go a long way in ensuring reduced back, neck and shoulder aches that are so common among the cubicle crowds.

Pre-workout snack is important Munching on an energy bar before the gym can actually give you energy. Bananas are a good snack, as they tend to digest super quickly, and also provide the necessary energy.

‘Women can do it’ is what will take them forward,” she said.

And, with women making up half of the country’s population, it is impossible to ignore their needs. “I talk about breaking the glass ceiling, because sometimes, to this day, people still think of women being confined to

particular fields of employment. We still have people who believe that the mother should stay home,” the First Lady said, when in fact, working actually broadens their experiences.

“Women also bring a different perspective to everything,” she said, adding:

“I am not saying employ them just for the sake of employing women; I want to know that these people are doing their jobs, and they also bring a women’s perspective.

“But we are holding up our own development, because we are not recognising

and utilising the skills and talents of half of our populations, hence this idea of gender parity.”

The First Lady also provides assistance for teenage mothers who wish to go back to school.

“We help them to go back and complete their

CXCs, and I am very happy to say that some of those young ladies have seen beyond that, and are thinking of professional life and what profession they want to take up after they would have finished,” she said.

But to her mind, the most important aspect is allowing

From Page 21 these vulnerable women to see their potential, and to see a future for themselves that can allow them to become

successful.

She attested that some of these young women also go on to participate in other programmes that have similar benefits.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Life at the helm

By Vishani Ragobeer

JACKIE Benn-Ralph, Principal of Queen’s College, has been in the teaching profession for 30 years, starting at the Vryman’s Erven Community High School in Berbice and now heading the highest ranked secondary institution in Guyana.

Educated at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) and later at the University of Guyana, where she obtained her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education, Ms Benn began teaching English Language and Literature (otherwise known as English A and B), Social-Studies and later Sociology.

During the course of her career as a teacher, there was always a flame for leadership burning inside her. Eventually, she became the Deputy Principal and later Principal of the New Amsterdam Multilateral School.

In 2012, however, she was appointed Principal of Queen’s College.

THE TRANSITION Transitioning from the New Amsterdam Multilateral School to Queen’s College was no challenge at all for the Principal, since, as she recounted, her previous school was also known for producing excellent results at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, and at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE).

However, she learnt that the culture of Queen’s College was deep-rooted. “It’s a swim-or-sink environment here,” the educator said, jok-

ing that she had to learn this culture and how to adapt quickly.

But the teachers, especially those that have been around for some time, were very receptive and enthusiastic about her arrival.

While many might have crumbled under the pressure of expectancy that comes from being at the helm of a top institution, Ms. Benn said, “I was accustomed to committing and dedicating time to my work.”

FIVE-YEAR-PLAN She also had an ace up her sleeve, a five-year plan which culminates at the end of this academic year, and guided her in managing the school.

“The only goal I have not achieved is fixing the field,” Ms Benn noted.

The Queen’s College playing field has been neglected for many years and would have fallen into a state of dilapidation. However, she envisions that soon, this field will be refurbished and made into an all-weather track so that not only her students, but other students in Georgetown can benefit.

Also within her five-year plan is the upgrading of the school’s infrastructure, which was another significant challenge. “I set about ensuring rehabilitation was done,” Ms Benn attested, and since her arrival, the school’s infrastructure has been revamped and several additions have been made (or are being made) in an effort to improve the students’ school lives.

For this Principal, students and their troubles are never a bother, and she never views a matter relating to her

QC Principal, Ms Jackie Benn-Ralph

students as a challenge. “I love children,” she said.

She has worked tirelessly to ensure that each year, Queen’s College students excel in academics and in the co-curricular activities.

Since her arrival in 2012, Queen’s College students have been actively taking part in many co-curricular activities, in and out of school, and excelling in these areas.

Notably, under her watch, Queen’s College took part in the 2016 Children’s Float Parade, and earned third place; this was the first time the school entered this competition.

In the academic realm, she said that Queen’s College has always been known to obtain the Regional CSEC prizes each year, and while she endeavoured to keep that consistency, her aim, too, in her five-year plan is to have her students cop the Regional CAPE prizes also.

RECORDBREAKING

Knowing her place is...

From Page 24 wasn’t until she was asked what difference she could make as managing director that it fully hit home.

“I didn’t expect it, but here we are nine years later,” she expressed. Now, she wants nothing better than to see other women aspire to and achieve being in more executive positions.

Given all the developments that have been made for women over the years, Harper is glad that many obstacles that were once there have been overcome,

notwithstanding changes that still need to be made.

“I do believe the new generation is way, way ahead of the game than we are. The fact that there are more women in university than men, worldwide; the fact that we’re obviously in jobs, we’re getting higher and higher,” she said, adding that it’s now the role of those women who have made it to not only be shining examples to those upcoming ones, but to lend a helping hand whenever

and wherever they can.

“I think it’s incumbent upon women in higher positions to ensure that they mentor as many young women as possible, to know that they have to be a shining example of what women should aspire to become.

We have to understand that we have roles to play; to let women know that sometimes, we can’t do it all. Leave time for yourself; friends and family are very important!”

In 2015, the school broke that barrier when Cecil Cox became the first Queen’s College student and the first Guyanese to earn the Best CAPE performer for the Caribbean.

Aside from excelling regionally, she also recounted that two more of her goals were to recruit more qualified teachers and develop the technical vocational programme

--of one of Guyana’s top schools at the school.

Both those goals were achieved, and she said that since her arrival, Electrical and Electronic Technology and Mechanical Engineering Technology have been added to the CSEC programme, and technical vocational subjects at the CAPE level were offered as an option.

“I believe that QC should set the trend,” Ms Benn underscored, while explaining that when the examinations’ council introduced new subjects, she ensured that her students were given the opportunity to try them.

At this year’s examinations, her students will be writing Portuguese, Integrated Mathematics, Green Engineering, Gaming Animation and Design and Financial services for the first time.

“I must give credit to my teachers,” Ms. Benn said.

“They are always behind me.” She also said that much of her work is made easier since, at Queen’s College, parents and even general

members of the public are also very co-operative.

While executing her duties as the principal, Ms. Benn has not abandoned her love for teaching, and finds the time to teach Sociology, Units One and Two, to Sixth Form students.

She highlighted that although there have been many opportunities for her to leave Guyana and practise her profession elsewhere, she believes that she can stay here and help develop her beloved country.

Looking back on her many years as an educator also, the principal highlighted, “Women are very critical for this profession; we can adapt to changes easily, which is important when dealing with children and young adults.”

She added while extending warmest International Women’s Day greetings, “We are nurturers, and we are very effective in the socialising; even our male students.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 8, 2017

‘Knowing her place is at the head table’ --ANSA McAL’s Beverley Harper on the making of a successful businesswoman

By Tamica Garnett “FOR this world to continue, it’s important that we have a place at the head table. We need to be there at the head table,” says Beverley Harper, who is certainly leading by example when it comes to knowing where her place is.

“Women have an all-encompassing view,” she says.

“If you only believe that men should be in control, then you’ll never be fully in control, because you will never fully understand the whole.”

Harper is the inaugural Country Manager of the ANSA McAL Group of Companies here in Guyana.

She firmly believes that women understanding their worth is key to surviving in

what is still essentially “a man’s world”, especially in Guyana’s world of business.

In Guyana, women make a strikingly low number of management positions, and are even less represented when it comes to being on the Board of many high-level companies. Some companies have as few as one to three women, or none at all.

“I’m nearly always the only woman on the Board,” Harper said. “I don’t think they do it deliberately; I think they don’t even realise and recognise the groups they choose directorship from, they are all ‘OldBoys Clubs’.”

BUCKING TRENDS Harper stands as a beacon; one of those women who managed to break the proverbial “glass ceiling”,

and make a longstanding career in an executive position in Guyana.

She was recently promoted to the Country Manager position. This came after nine years as the company’s Managing Director.

It is because of her worth that the company decided to create the position, and appoint her to it. The company simply felt that she was “too valuable an asset to go off into the sunset.” So, when she handed over the Managing Director reins to Troy Cadogan a few months back, she took on an even bigger role in the conglomerate.

The German-born businesswoman, who has Guyanese roots on her father’s side of the family, is a woman who is never afraid to assert her authority and

The ever-evolving ... ness’ activities.

Noel is also a Motivational Speaker, and believes that women should set an example for others to follow.

A case in point is the recent appointment of females to act in the country’s highest judicial offices. “I thought it was quite appropriate, being that we are in the month of March to mark this accomplishment,” Sonia said.

She feels the appointment of the women is great inspiration for young female lawyers who may not have

thought of seeing women at the helm of the judicial system.

CHANGING THE GAME There are women who are changing the norm and breaking barriers, and there are those who are still trying to make a way for their families.

Of course, not all women are lucky enough to remove themselves from certain negative situations. Women are constantly at risk of abuse

from all sections of society, especially when they come from broken, poverty-stricken homes.

These women must not be forgotten, says local dancehall artiste, Shaundelle “JP” Alleyne. The 30-yearold artiste who hails from the Greater Georgetown community of Sophia understands what it means to “struggle”.

Alleyne has just one child, but is finding it very difficult being a single parent. She said she has always known her mother as a single

Beverley Harper

demand the kind of respect that she deserves.

“I like to state that I have three Es in my name, but that doesn’t mean that I’m that easy,” Harper joked as she reflected on what it means to be one of the few women in Guyana to make it as far as she has.

As a woman, she recalls

From Page 19 parent and knows what must be done to care for her own child.

“I’m a single parent, and I do any job possible. I do cement work, anything it takes to take care of that one child,” “JP” said.

She’s collaborating with one of Guyana’s sauciest Soca artistes, Michelle “Big Red” King, on an inspirational Soca song dedicated to women. The song and video will be released today in commemmoration of International Women’s Day.

having to “put people in their place” once when she felt she was being disregarded.

“I had to assert myself once,” she said, adding: “Funny enough, I read shortly thereafter that it frequently happens to women; where you talk but you’re invisible.

“Didn’t realise how much it was until it happened to me one time in a meeting. I ventured an opinion with an idea, and we moved on.

“Then, 15 to 20 minutes later, a man reiterated what I said, and it was almost as though I hadn’t spoken.

“So I said, ‘Excuse me, if you are going to quote me, you will do me the courtesy of stating: As Beverley said 20 minutes ago, this would be a good idea.

‘And to the gentleman who had just said that this is a good idea from the other person, you will do me the courtesy of listening to me when I speak, as should the rest of the Board.

‘Because, if you believe it’s a good idea now, then you all need to recognise that you are not listening to me. And you need to listen to me; not vicariously.’”

“This is my contribution to my womenfolk on International Women’s Day,” “Big Red” told the Guyana Chronicle.

A woman who has boldly embraced her sassy femininity on stage and off, “Big Red” declares herself an advocate of women’s rights, and feels responsible for helping create a brighter course for the advancement of women.

She said that it is regularly seen that women are abused, many of them because they cannot provide their own financial support.

The new song thus highlights to women that regardless of their situation, they

must always strive to make it better. “In the video,” “Big Red” said, “we have phonecard vendors, push cart and cool down vendors.

“What we’re saying is that no matter your situation, you must continue to work and put aside the ego.”

She believes that women have forgotten themselves, and have moved away from a place “where we love and respect ourselves because of the things some of us accept.” She is hoping that the song touches as many women as possible who need a happy song to motivate them in their time of need.

A PLEASANT SURPRISE Harper’s earlier appointment as ANSA McAL’s Managing Director was one that came as a surprise to her; she was of the belief that she was being interviewed for a marketing executive position, as that was her main area at the time. It Turn to Page 23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday March 8, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Minister Garrido-Lowe congratulates Under-17 football team winger Daniels MINISTER within the Ministry for Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe met ‘Thunderbolt Flour Power’ Guyana Under-17 Boys’ National football team winger Orvil Daniels on Monday to congratulate the 14-year-old for his standout performances at the International Tournoi Paul Chillan in Martinique.

Daniels, from Annai Central in the Rupununi, scored the opening goal in a memorable 3-1 win over Caribbean powerhouse Haiti on Saturday, and was a constant attacking threat during the tournament last week, which also involved French-speaking Caribbean territories such as Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana.

To commemorate his remarkable achievements, Minister Garrido-Lowe presented Daniels with a framed

copy of Guyana Football Federation’s ‘ExtraTime’, which featured an article about the player’s rise to the Under-17 national ranks.

‘ExtraTime’ is a weekly production published in the Guyana Chronicle newspaper.

“When I received the news of Orvil’s outstanding performance against Haiti, I was overwhelmed with emotions.

I am so excited for him and his future as a footballer, but more importantly, what this means for every young boy and girl throughout the hinterland communities that dream about playing football for Guyana,” Minister Garrido-Lowe said.

“I am deeply moved by the emphasis on hinterland football development by the new leadership of the GFF. Their commitment to empowering indigenous footbal-

lers by creating opportunities is in perfect alignment with the demonstrated focus of the Government of Guyana.”

Guyana Football Federation Youth Development Officer and Under-17 head coach Bryan Joseph said the GFF was working to give more young talented boys and girls from hinterland communities the chance to reach their potential and to play for Guyana’s national teams.

“We’re here today to honour one of the youngsters – Orvil Daniels. He went to Martinique and he did exceptionally well,” Joseph said. “This is part of the ongoing efforts of the Guyana Football Federation and the Ministry to ensure that the Guyana national team is fully representative of all individuals across the land, including Regions 1, 7, 8 and 9.

History to be created as GHB hosts Pan American Cup 2017

By Stephan Sookram GUYANA will host its first Pan American Cup this year, following the announcement by the Pan American Hockey Federation recently, with the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) hailing it as a historic achievement.

The release from the body today indicated that Guyana will host both the men’s and women’s qualifying tournaments for the FIH Indoor World Cup 2018, a major accomplishment according to GHB president Philip Fernandes.

“The Pan American Indoor Championships is a huge opportunity for Guy-

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ana. It is the first event of this magnitude for hockey that Guyana will host, in the history of the federation and it puts Guyana in the limelight for hockey.”

He added, “It gives the country a great opportunity to showcase what Guyana is all about and that Guyana could function as a very effective host nation for international tournaments.”

Meanwhile, Coco Budeisky, PAHF president, trusts that having a new country hosting a PAHF tournament will motivate other countries to apply for future events.

According to the PAHF website, following the rec-

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ommendation of the Bid Evaluation Committee, the Board of Directors approved Guyana to host the PAHF event for the first time and in the city of Georgetown.

It will be held between October 14 and 22 with the exact dates to be confirmed along with the schedule of matches, which will be determined upon completion of team entries.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Ashwin skittles Aussies as India level series

By Sudipto Ganguly

BENGALURU, (Reuters) Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin picked up six wickets to lead India to a dramatic 75-run victory over Australia in the second Test yesterday, the win enabling the hosts to level the fourmatch series at 1-1.

On a M. Chinnaswamy Stadium pitch offering unpredictable bounce for the pacemen and sharp turn for the spinners, Australia were bundled all out for 112 in their second innings late on the fourth day after being set a victory target of 188.

India’s hopes of squaring the series looked all but dead

when they were dismissed for 189 in their first innings but the world’s top-ranked side fought back to keep Australia within reach and then batted resolutely to set a testing target.

Ashwin’s five-wicket haul was the 25th for the world’s top-ranked bowler, who finished with figures of 6-41 in an enthralling Test match that witnessed four different bowlers pick up six wickets for a first time.

“It is a great feeling to beat Australia, the way things went in the first innings and the way we came back, it was a memorable Test match for all of us,” India batsman Cheteshwar Pujara said in a

R Ashwin takes his 25th five-wicket haul in Tests Josh Hazlewood finishes with 6 for 67. post-match interview.

“Anything about 200 was almost impossible to chase but once we crossed 150, we all believed we could defend this total and once we had 188, we definitely believed it.”

After dismissing the free-scoring opening batsman David Warner for 17 in his first spell, Ashwin returned before tea to send back Mitchell Marsh and Matthew Wade.

Peter Handscomb was Australia’s last hope but he too, fell to Ashwin in the final session, as did Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon as the off-spinner took five wickets for just nine runs in a devastating spell either side of the interval.

Fast bowler Umesh Yadav also chipped in, getting the big wicket of Australia captain Steve Smith, who was out leg-before to a grubber that stayed so low it almost hit his boot.

Smith was out for 28 and also angered the Indian fielders when he appeared to look towards his dressing room for advice before opting against a review of the decision.

Umesh also dismissed Shaun Marsh leg-before for nine, when he padded a delivery outside the off stump. The batsman would have been saved if he had reviewed the decision with replays show-

ing the ball was missing the wicket.

HAZLEWOOD’S HAUL Josh Hazlewood earlier picked up career-best figures of 6-67 to rip through India’s batting on the fourth morning and remove the hosts for 274 in their second innings when it appeared they would score much more.

Smith started with spin from both ends to try and break the fifth-wicket partnership between Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane but when the new ball was available after 80 overs, he handed it to his pacemen.

Left-arm quick Mitchell Starc was erratic at first but then made a key breakthrough by dismissing Ra-

hane leg-before for 52 with a full inswinger that ending a vital partnership of 118.

Starc then rattled the stumps of Karun Nair with his next ball and wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha only just survived the hat-trick delivery.

The 26-year-old Hazlewood, who had taken three wickets on Monday, took up the gauntlet in the following over and struck a major blow to India’s hopes by dismissing Pujara for 92, caught at gully.

Ashwin was also out in the same over for four to the right-arm paceman and Umesh became Hazlewood’s sixth victim as India lost five wickets for just 20 runs in 19 deliveries.

SCOREBOARD INDIA 1st innings 189 (L. Rahul 90; N. Lyon 8-50) AUSTRALIA 1st innings 276 (S. Marsh 66, M. Renshaw 60; R. Jadeja 6-63) INDIA 2nd innings (Overnight 213-4) L. Rahul c Smith b O’Keefe 51 A. Mukund b Hazlewood 16 C. Pujara c M. Marsh b Hazlewood 92 V. Kohli lbw b Hazlewood 15 R. Jadeja b Hazlewood 2 A. Rahane lbw b Starc 52 K. Nair b Starc 0 W. Saha not out 20 R. Ashwin b Hazlewood 4 U. Yadav c Warner b Hazlewood 1 I. Sharma c S. Marsh b O’Keefe 6 Extras: (b-11 w-4) 15 Total: (all out, 97.1 overs) 274 Fall of wickets: 1-39, 2-84, 3-112, 4-120, 5-238, 6-238, 7-242, 8-246, 9-258.

Bowling: M. Starc 16-1-74-2 (w2), J. Hazlewood 24-5-67-6, N.

Lyon 33-4-82-0,S. O’Keefe 21.13-36-2, M. Marsh 3-0-4-0.

AUSTRALIA 2nd innings (Target: 188 runs) D. Warner lbw b R. Ashwin 17 M. Renshaw c Saha b I. Sharma 5 S. Smith lbw b U. Yadav 28 S. Marsh lbw b U. Yadav 9 P. Handscomb c Saha b R.Ashwin 24 M. Marsh c Nair b R. Ashwin 13 M. Wade c Saha b R. Ashwin 0 M. Starc b R. Ashwin 1 S. O’Keefe b Jadeja 2 N. Lyon c & b R. Ashwin 2 J. Hazlewood not out 0 Extras: (b-8, lb-2, w-1) 11 Total: (all out, 35.4 overs) 112 Fall of wickets: 1-22, 2-42, 3-67, 4-74, 5-101, 6-101, 7-103, 8-110, 9-110.

Bowling: I. Sharma 6-1-28-1 (w1), R. Ashwin 12.4-4-41-6, U. Yadav 9-2-30-2, R. Jadeja 8-5-3-1.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Mendis hundred puts Sri Lanka on course for big total

(REUTERS) - Kusal Mendis remained unbeaten on 166 and combined in a fourth-wicket partnership of 196 with Asela Gunaratne to put Sri Lanka on course for a big first-innings total against Bangladesh on the first day of the opening Test at Galle yesterday.

Sri Lanka reached 321 for four in the first innings at

stumps after captain Rangana Herath won the toss and opted to bat in the first of the two-Test series against their South Asian rivals.

At close, Niroshan Dickwella was unbeaten on 14 with Mendis.

The hosts got off to a false start when paceman Subashis Roy bowled out opener Upul Tharanga for four, bringing the 22-year-

old Mendis to the crease.

Bangladesh also managed to dismiss Dimuth Karunaratne (30) and Dinesh Chandimal (five) to reduce Sri Lanka to 92 for three.

That brought Mendis and Gunaratne together and the duo put the Bangladesh bowling to the sword.

The touring side had their only other success of the day when paceman

SCOREBOARD

Kusal Mendis is congratulated by Asela Gunaratne after raising his century in Galle.

SRI LANKA 1st innings D. Karunaratne b M. Hasan 30 U. Tharanga b Roy 4 K. Mendis not out 166 D. Chandimal c M. Hasan b M. Rahman 5 A. Gunaratne b Ahmed 85 N. Dickwella not out 14 Extras: (lb-9, nb-5, w-3) 17 Total: (for 4 wickets, 88 overs) 321 Fall of wickets: 1-15, 2-60, 3-92, 4-288.

Bowling: M. Rahman 15-3-501 (nb-1), T. Ahmed 16-3-48-1 (nb-2 w-2), S. Roy 16-3-58-1 (nb-2), M. Hasan 12-0-66-1, S. Al Hasan 24-3-71-0, S. Sarkar 3-0-9-0 (w-1), Mahmudullah 2-0-10-0.

IOC’s Fredericks steps down as 2024 Games bid chief (REUTERS) - International Olympic Committee member Frank Fredericks stepped down yesterday as head of the team evaluating bids to host the 2024 Olympics, as an IOC ethics commission investigates alleged payments to him before the awarding of the 2016 Games to Rio. Namibian Fredericks, a

have never breached any law, regulation or rule of ethics in respect of any IOC election process,” Fredericks said in a statement.

As head of the IOC bid commission, he had been due to lead an inspection visit to 2024 candidate cities Los Angeles and Paris in April and May and draft a report.

Namibian Frankie Fredericks has denied any wrongdoing. four-time Olympic sprint silver medallist over 100m and 200m, denied any wrongdoing and said he was moving aside so as not to be a distraction in the investigation, announced last Friday.

On Monday he had stepped down as head of a task force at the international athletics federation (IAAF).

“I categorically deny any direct or indirect involvement in any untoward conduct and confirm that I

He said he would now not attend a July briefing for IOC members on the 2024 bids, and would not take part in voting for the host city, due to take place in Peru in September.

The IOC ethics probe follows a report by French newspaper Le Monde that prosecutors were investigating payments made shortly before the vote in 2009 that awarded the 2016 Olympics to Rio. The paper said Papa

Massata Diack, the Senegalese son of disgraced former IAAF President Lamine Diack, transferred about $300 000 to a company linked to Fredericks. Fredericks told Le Monde the money was paid for work he did to promote athletics in Africa at the time.

“The articles do not only target me, they target the integrity of the International Olympic Committee bidding and elections process for host cities,” he said.

The elder Diack is under investigation in France for corruption, while the son is the subject of an Interpol wanted notice, issued at the request of French authorities, for alleged corruption and money-laundering. Papa Diack has denied the allegations and said both he and his father are innocent.` “I believe in the integrity of the election processes of the IOC and never noticed anything untoward to make me doubt this. I reiterate that I was never involved with any vote manipulation or for that matter any other inappropriate or illegal practice,” Fredericks said.

“Nonetheless I have personally decided ... I step aside as chairperson of the 2024 evaluation commission, because it is essential that the important work my colleagues are doing is seen as being carried out in a truthful and fair manner.”

Taskin Ahmed bowled out the 31-year-old Gunaratne after Bangladesh had taken

the second new ball in the 81st over.

It was the second Test

hundred for Mendis, who hit 18 fours and two sixes in his 242-ball knock.

38

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Estwick reminds much at stake for West Indies in final ODI

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – West Indies may have already conceded the three-match one-day series to England but bowling coach Roddy Estwick has warned there is still much at stake in tomorrow’s final encounter at Kensington Oval.

We’re still playing for points,” Estwick emphasised to reporters here yesterday.

“We’re still trying to qualify for the World Cup so every game is very, very important, so we still have to go out there and look to win the game.

“Even though the series is gone it doesn’t matter.

We need points and we need them badly so we have to

come out on Thursday and put a good performance in.”

West Indies currently languish at number nine in the international ODI rankings, one spot outside the automatic qualifying places for the 2019 World Cup in England.

If they fail to make the top eight by the cut-off point of September 30, they will be forced to go through a qualifying tournament involving ICC associate and affiliate teams.

Last weekend in Antigua, the Caribbean side suffered two setbacks in the attempt to boost their ranking, losing the opening ODI to England by 45 runs and the second by four

West Indies bowling coach Roddy Estwick has reminded that points are still at stake in final ODI. wickets. the two teams.

But despite the defeats, “We’re not that far away Estwick believes there is no from England,” the former gulf between the qualities of Barbados pacer said.

“If you look at the two games, we didn’t play the big moments very well but once we can get those critical moments right, I’m sure we can come up with a win.”

With most of their experienced stars missing, West Indies have fielded an inexperienced line-up, with rookies like Jason Mohammed, Shai Hope, Jonathan Carter and Kraigg Brathwaite carrying the burden of the batting.

Combined, the quartet managed just 38 ODIs, with captain Jason Holder being the most experienced player in the current side with 51 matches.

Estwick pointed out that West Indies were cur-

rently in a rebuilding phase involving young players but said once the learning was completed, he expected the side to challenge.

“All of these boys are 23, 24 … (they) don’t have 173 One-Day games between (them) so they are learning every day,” he noted.

“The key thing is to learn and the key thing is for us to keep teaching them because once teaching takes place then learning takes place so that’s what we’ve got to keep doing.

“They’ll make mistakes and they’ll be inconsistent because they’re inexperienced but as they continue to grow I’m sure we’ll be alright.”

Meusa wins Trophy Stall FIDE one-day Rapid tourney Bayern crush dispirited Arsenal 10-2 on aggregate (REUTERS)-Bayern Munich ran riot with a second successive 5-1 hammering of Arsenal to reach the Champions League quarter-finals 10-2 on aggregate at a stunned Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.

Trailing 5-1 from the first leg and striving to become the first team in Champions League histo-

ry to overturn such a deficit, Arsenal led at halftime through Theo Walcott’s goal.

But once Robert Lewandowski equalised from the penalty spot and Arsenal skipper Laurent Koscielny was sent off, the Bundesliga leaders ran amok against their dispirited hosts.

Robben capitalised on

a defensive mistake in the 68th minute before substitute Douglas Costa curled in a third to send Arsenal’s fans streaming towards the exits.

Bayern were not finished though and Arturo Vidal struck twice as Arsenal slumped to a seventh successive elimination at the last-16 stage in humiliating fashion.

Ibrahimovic handed three match ban for violent conduct

Back row (from left) CM Anthony Drayton, CM Wendell Meusa and Chino Chung; sitting (from left) best juniors - Joshua Gopaul, Nelisha Johnson, and Andre Jagnandan

C A N D I D AT E M a s t e r Wendell Meusa played unbeaten to win the Trophy Stall FIDE Rapid oneday Chess tournament last Saturday at the National Resource Centre on Woolford Avenue.

Meusa, who is known as the strongest Blitz player in Guyana with rating points of 2047, showed no mercy on his opponents, with his toughest challenge against CM Anthony Drayton.

With his only loss being against Meusa, Dray-

ton went on to secure the second place prize. Chino Chung took the final podium position with five points with losses against Drayton and Davion Mars.

The final point standings CM Wendell Meusa - 7 points, CM Anthony Drayton 6 points, Chino Chung - 5 points, Junior Champion Saeed Ali - 4 Davion Mars - 4 W F M M a r i a Va r o na-Thomas - 4

Andre Jagnandan- 4 points Joshua Gopaul - 4 points Roberto Neto - 3.5 points Nelisha Johnson - 3 points Waveney Johnson - 3 points Jayden Taylor - 3 points Akili Theophil - 3 points Sophia Singh - 3 points Joshua Singh - 3 points Rashad Hussain - 2.5 points Isaiah Mcalman - 1 point

(REUTERS)-Manchester United forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic was handed a three-match ban with immediate effect on Tuesday after admitting a charge of violent conduct and accepting the standard penalty, the FA said.

The charge followed an incident just before halftime in Saturday’s 1-1 Premier League draw against Bournemouth at Old Trafford.

Bournemouth defender Tyrone Mings landed on the Swede’s head with his studs and Ibrahimovic caught Mings in the face with his elbow soon afterwards.

The clash was not seen by the match officials at the time but was caught on video.

Manchester United’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday March 08, 2017) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPAMY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) (2) All the players that were involved in the first ODI, played in the second.

Today’s Quiz: (1) How many times the WI & ENG have contest ODIs outside

the West Indies?

(2) Who are the two players that were left out of the WI 13-man

squad for the first two ODIs of the current WI/ENG series?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

39

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Local cyclists invited to participate in T&T’s Easter Grand Prix ... Kwesi Browne will be representing T&T at the World Championship THE Guyana Cycle Federation (GCF) has been invited to send a representative team to compete in the Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Federation’s Easter Grand Prix next month.

This is according to a release from the Trinidad and

Tobago Cycling Federation.

Over the years, dating back to 1978, Guyanese cyclists have made an impression at this annual event with several locals making a name for themselves.

The list includes the Fiedtkou brothers Noel and

Cyclist Kwesi Browne heads to the World Championship.

5-Over Tapeball competition billed for weekend at D’Urban Park

WITH the aim to promote the development of tapeball cricket, cricketers Dexter George and Tevin Imlach will be hosting a 5-over tapeball competition on March 11 and 12 at D’Urban Park.

The two-day tournament will commence at 09:30hrs and is open to teams countrywide.

Entrance fee is $10 000 and at stake are trophies, hampers and cash incentives for outstanding teams as well as in-

dividual performances.

During the final, which will be played on March 12, fans will see three females in a bowl-out competition, with the winner gaining credit to their proposed network.

Interested teams can contact George on 6710458 or Imlach on 6887982 for information.

Registration closes tomorrow, March 9. All registered teams are asked to be at the venue at 09:00hrs to facilitate a prompt start.

GRFU to observe International Women’s Day with Ladies VIIs IN observance of International Women’s Day 2017 today, the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) will host a friendly between two of its female teams.

Set for the National Park, the match will be a VIIs style affair with mixed teams of current national players.

According to a GRFU release, today’s match begins at 16:00hrs.

Marcus, the James siblings – Bertram and Byron, Hector Edwards, Godfrey Pollydore, Linden Dowridge, Dwayne Gibbs, Geron Williams and more recently, Raynauth Jeffrey, Andrew Hicks, Raul Leal and Paul DeNobrega.

These cyclists’ success has happened despite Guyana not having even a bank track, or velodrome with a 5 degree banking.

One is left to wonder what would have happened if Guyana had such a facility.

Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago’s Kwesi Browne will be representing his country at

the upcoming World Championship in Hong Kong next month.

Browne secured a spot at the World Championship following impressive back-to-back performances at the Cycling World Cups in Colombia and Los Angeles in the United States recently.

On Sunday, he finished a distant 11th in the Keirin event in Los Angeles after he was involved in a crash nearing the end of the race.

However his combined performances - he was among the finalists in Colombia two weeks ago and his finish at

this latest event - have placed him in the 10th position in the world, according to the UCI. On Monday, racing secretary at the T&T Cycling Federation Gary Acosta said due to his position in the world at the weekend which completed the amount of cycling World Cups for 2016, he has earned the right to compete at World Championship in Hong Kong in April.

“We are now awaiting official correspondence from the UCI to confirm his place at the World Championship,” Acosta said on Monday.

Browne is the only T&T

rider to have taken part at the World Cups to date but Olympic cyclist Njisane Phillips is expected to spring into action at the next World Cup which will take place after the World Championships.

This year’s grand prix will take place in two separate categories, according to events and venue. Class one will be held at the cycling centre on April 17, due largely to the stateof-the art facility and the events which will be similar to the types of events staged internationally, while class two will be at the velodrome on April 14 and 15.

Local cyclists invited to participate in T&T’s Easter See3p9age Grand Prix

Jeffrey signs European contract with Radical Works Team

By Stephan Sookram

career. I’ve gotten the opportunity to race at Silverstone last year and the kind of competition I came across there was unbelievable,” he continued.

Jeffrey, who was spotted at the recently concluded Radical Festival of Speed in Barbados in which he won four out of six races to be crowned Winter Champion, contended that this opportunity he will grasp with both hands.

He opined that should the series yield the positive results then the doors to the elite competition can be opened, doors including the World Endurance Championships (WEC) and its prime event, the 24 hours of Le Mans.

Meanwhile Chronicle Sport has learnt that the championship will feature seven legs with the first set for next month.

Jeffrey, who stormed the Caribbean for two years straight following his rookie entry in 2014 was also crowned Winter Champion of the recently concluded Suzuki Challenge series Radical Cup, where he won four of the six races on the weekend.

FRESH from his shifter kart triumph in the inaugural GT Motorsports Grand Prix, Kristian Jeffrey will again suit up for competition, this time in all international battles and in an all-too-familiar brand.

The Guyanese second generation racer will ply his trade in Europe under the Radical Works Team, the factory outfit for the Suzuki SR3 Radicals, a machine he has been competing in for just over a year in Barbados.

Chronicle Sport was reliably informed that the twotime Caribbean Group Four champion had signed for the England-based team last week, with final details only recently ironed out.

Jeffrey in an invited comment said “It’s a lot of different training that we have going forward in terms of preparation before races, how to handle a race weekend.

Things that I’ve never done as a professional in my racing career, I just got my break to do it.”

“Racing in Europe is definitely the highest point in my

Kristian Jeffrey sits on the back of his SR3 Radical following the Winter Cup earlier this year.

Minister Garrido-Lowe congratulates History to be created as GHB Under-17 football team winger Daniels hosts Pan American Cup 2017 See Story on Page 35

Minister Valerie Garrido-Lowe presents a framed copy of GFF’s ‘ExtraTime’ to Daniels.

See story on page 35

Guyana has hosted several international club tournaments, the most prominent being the Diamond Mineral Water Indoor Festival, but never an international country tournament.

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 2017