Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 11-03- 2017

‘His killers are out there’ Page 8

–– Crum-Ewing’s father says on picket line

No. 104849

SATURDAY MARCH 11, 2017

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

Cop foils hit on businessman … suspect says was hired by Jamaican Page 13

President David Granger and the newly appointed Advisor on Petroleum, Dr. Jan Mangal (MOTP photo)

Gov’t appoints Petroleum Advisor Page 3

Once and for all Page 16

President says land ownership CoI will settle long standing disputes

UK expert not involved in SOCU operations Page 5

Big gun haul

– police seize over 30Pa ge 9 guns so far this year

2

Best maintains innocence in Pradoville 2 scam

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 11, 2017

… will not be paying difference on market value for property

By Fareeza Haniff THREE more persons were questioned on Friday by detectives of the Special Organised Unit (SOCU) as investigations continue into the sale of prime lands at prices below market value at Sparendaam and Goedverwagting, known as “Pradoville 2.”

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar AliHack; her husband Mooenul Hack and former Chief-ofStaff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Retired Rear Admiral, Gary Best visited SOCU’s headquarters with their lawyers, where they were questioned extensively and subsequently released.

Best, who is currently a presidential advisor on the environment, is not willing to settle the matter with SOCU by paying more for the land if it is proven that it was sold below market value. When

Former Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Retired Rear Admiral Gary Best (right) in discussion with his Attorney, Bernard De Santos, SC outside of SOCU on Friday [Adrian Narine photos] asked the question, Best’s lawyer, Bernard De Santos, SC, responded, “The answer

to that is negative because that was a free contract entered into by [Best], like any other contract. Why should he pay more? Because somebody decides that the land valued more? Would you pay more?”

The former Chief of Staff paid approximately $1.5M for the land; he told reporters that the issue of market value is a very delicate one. “Once government is involved in housing, all along, whether it is this government or the other government, it is always subsidised…So if you purchase a house lot, you build something and years after, a better road is built, other houses come in there, your house is more valued. What happens there? So I think the whole issue of market value will have to be looked at very carefully.

At the time I purchased it, I had to build the land up. Next to where my house is, there is a swamp; I had to build it up. And there is no seashore

for me…I don’t see the sea as people are saying,” Best argued.

PPP Gov’t informed him of lands According to the former army chief, he was “indirectly” informed about the availability of lands in the area by the former People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government. He does not believe that he was given preferential treatment in this case.

“The government of Guyana made that information available to me…indirectly.

As a former Chief of Staff, I would attend meetings, have discussions; somewhere in that process the government would have said, ‘look, we’re having a new housing scheme like other housing schemes.’

Somewhere in that process, I can’t recall specifically and I took advantage of it at the time because I was no longer bound by a ten year for the previous house lot,” Best explained.

He clarified that he went through the proper procedure

of acquiring the land in question. “There was a process…

The Government of Guyana offered a process for lands in Sparendaam so there was paperwork, an invoice a generated, a fee was paid, which I paid; a title was prepared and I constructed.”

Best, an advisor to President David Granger, does not believe that the SOCU investigation will affect his job at the Ministry of the Presidency. “This is just an inquiry as to how I was able to purchase a house lot that is connected to other things that they’re investigating.

There are three levels of investigations; those who manage the assets, those who made decisions about the assets and persons who just bought house lots, having no knowledge of what, or who was managing the See page 3

Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Hack arrives at SOCU

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 11, 2017

Gov’t appoints Petroleum Advisor

GOVERNMENT of Guyana has appointed Dr. Jan Mangal, an expert in offshore and civil engineering, as Petroleum Advisor in the Ministry of the Presidency, a release from the MOTP has said.

A Guyanese by birth, Dr. Mangal brings with him a wealth of technical expertise and experiences in the area of oil and gas development. This announcement was made Friday afternoon at State House, where President David Granger, Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon and Minister of Natural Resources, Mr. Raphael Trotman met with Dr. Mangal.

Minister Harmon informed that a contract has been signed, which brings into effect Dr. Mangal’s appointment as of Friday.

“He will be advising us on the development of the petroleum industry. He will be advising the Minister and the Ministry of Natural Resources on matters of policy… We are happy to have a Guyanese person possessing the skills that are now available to us,” he said.

Similar sentiments were expressed by Minister Trotman, under whose purview the petroleum industry falls. He disclosed that the Government has been

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, Adviser on Petroleum, Dr. Jan Mangal and Minister of Natural Resources, Mr. Raphael Trotman during their discussions at State House engaging with, and receiving advice from, Dr. Mangal since last year. “Now that this is a formalised arrangement, we are very happy. He comes at a time when we are continuing to prepare for first oil, as it is called, in 2020,” he said.

Importantly, the appointment of an expert such as Dr. Mangal was recommended last year by consultant Mr. Anthony Paul, who compiled the Rapid Analysis of the State of Readiness

of Guyana’s Hydrocarbon Regulatory Framework report that was facilitated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

“I think this appointment of Dr. Mangal is timely. It is necessary and we look forward to working with him to move things further apace… he has experience from all sides; the academic, the theoretical and the practical, which is vitally needed at this time,” the Natural Resources Minister said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Mangal said that he will be looking at the issue of energy-generation in a holistic manner in keeping with the country’s ‘green agenda’. “It’s not only the power sector and the green agenda but, it’s also about infrastructure, the revenue from the petroleum and the needs of the sector as whole… The power sector in Guyana also needs to be looked at in terms of how natural gas can be used, instead of diesel or whatever is being used right

now,” he said.

He said that his first task will be to engage with officials of Exxon Mobil at its Guyana location, as well as at its Houston, Texas operations, where he is based, to get a full understanding of their development plans and try to match that with the country’s objectives.

He will be helping with the Ministry of Natural Resources with its work with other companies that are engaged in offshore drilling

in Guyana.

Dr. Mangal has a Doctorate in Offshore Geotechnical Engineering from the University of Oxford and a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Edinburg. He has been working in marine and oil and gas industries for the past 18 years in various parts of the world, including the United States, West Africa, and the Philippines.

Best maintains innocence ...

From page 2

assets. I am at the bottom of the level,” Best said when asked the question by the Guyana Chronicle.

DPP IS NOT THE TARGET Meanwhile, representing the DPP and her husband was Attorney, Nigel Hughes, who told reporters that the Hacks are not the suspects or the target of the investigation by SOCU. Shalimar Hack paid GY$1,488,744 for 0.2767 of an acre of land under the former PPP government.

According to Hughes, SOCU is merely on a “fact finding mission” and he does not believe that the DPP should step down from her post since she is not being accused of anything.

“That is why I specifically came and say to you that

the investigators have made it… clear that they are not suspects, that they’re not the target of any investigation, and what they’re doing at this present moment is gathering facts in relation to the acquisition of property at Sparendaam,” Hughes said.

He further noted, “In light of that statement or that position being made public by the investigators, I don’t see the basis upon which you can ask someone to step down because, there is no allegation, she is not the target of the investigation, she is not a suspect; neither she or her husband.

The prominent attorney reiterated that there is no conflict of interest as it relates to the DPP. “I wouldn’t imagine that in the circumstances, if it were to ever migrate to the stage, where they thought

that she might be responsible in some way or the other, that they would invite her to provide advice on herself.”

The DPP and her husband left SOCU without speaking to the media.

Since Tuesday last, SOCU hauled in a total of 19 persons in connection with the Pradoville 2 investigations, including Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo; former Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon; and Lisaveta Ramotar, daughter of former President Donald Ramotar; former Minister of Natural Resources, Robert Persaud; private sector executive Ramesh Dookhoo; former Labour Minister, Dr. Nanda Gopaul, his son, Ghansham Singh; and Marcia Nadir-Sharma, former Company Secretary to the National Industrial Commercial and Investments Limited (NICIL).

Attorney-at-Law, Nigel Hughes speaking to the media after his client was questioned by SOCU Also questioned were former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Sheik Baksh; former Housing and Tourism

Minister, Irfaan Ali; former Education Minister, Priya Manickchand; former Public Service Minister, Dr. Jennifer Westford and former Home Affairs Min-

ister, Clement Rohee; PPP member Kwame McCoy; former Prime Minister, Sam Hinds and former head of the Climate Change unit, Andrew Bishop.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 11, 2017

CDB launches US$436.7mn country strategy for TT The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), in partnership with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, has formally launched a country strategy for the nation, which proposes financial support of USD436.7 million for the period 2017 to 2021.

On March 9, stakeholders from CDB and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago attended a launch event in Lowlands, Tobago, during which the Bank outlined the programme of support. “CDB recognises Trinidad and Tobago’s potential for transformative economic and social development.

Today marks the beginning of a focused five-year programme that has been strategically designed to support improvement of the country’s competitiveness, promote good governance, and drive environmental sustainability,” said Patricia McKenzie, Vice-President (Operations), CDB.

The programme of assistance, on which Dr. Justin Ram, Director of Economics, CDB made a presentation at the event, aims to achieve five primary development outcomes: 1.improved quality of, and access to, education and training; 2.strengthened social protection; 3.increased

productivity, competitiveness and economic diversification; 4.improved evidence-based development planning and institutional development; and 5.strengthened environmental management supported by safe and resilient infrastructure.

Gender equality, as well as energy security and citizen security considerations, will be mainstreamed in CDB’s interventions delivered under the strategy. “Today’s interaction is really for you to understand what the country strategy is all about for Trinidad and Tobago and, in particular, and also for you to seek any clarification that you may have for your ministries so that you may access the grant resources and the loan resources that are available to shore up the development programme in our various ministries,” said the Hon. Camille Robinson-Regis, Minister of Planning and Development during her remarks.

The launch event preceded talks between a CDB delegation and officials from the Tobago House of Assembly, which took place on March 10, during which they planned and discussed their engagement over the next four to five years. These discussions

build on earlier extensive dialogue on the strategy with officials from the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, as well as other stakeholders and development partners, prior to its approval by the Bank’s Board of Directors in December 2016.

Under the country strategy arrangement, governments gain access to resources available under the programme, subject to the Bank’s appraisal of individual projects. If those projects are determined to be viable, CDB’s Board of Directors approve the interventions. Disbursements commence after conditions agreed to between the country and the Bank have been satisfied.

The country strategy for Trinidad and Tobago aligns with CDB’s strategic objectives of supporting inclusive and sustainable growth and development, and promoting good governance.

It builds on the Government of Trinidad and Tobago’s National Development Plan Vision 2030.

The CDB delegation at the launch event included the Director of Economics and Vice-President (Operations), along with Daniel Best, Direc-

tor of Projects; O’Reilly Lewis, Division Chief, Economic Infrastructure Division; Dr. Idamay Denny, Portfolio Manager, Social Sector Division; and Ronald James, Economist.

In addition to the Minister of Planning and Development, present from the Government of Trinidad and Tobago were: Senator the Hon. Jennifer Baptiste-Primus, Minister of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development; Claire Davidson-Williams, Administrator, Division of Finance and the Economy of the Tobago House of Assembly; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Planning and Develoment, Joanne Deoraj; Hon. Terrence Deyalsingh, Minister of Health; Hon. Anthony Garcia, Minister of Education; Hon. Fitzgerald Hinds, Minister of Public Utilities; Senator the Hon. Kazim Hosein, Minister of Rural Development and Local Government; Hon. Clarence Rambharat, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries; and Senator the Hon. Rohan Sinanan, Minister of Works and Transport.

Saturday, March 11th , 2017 - 14:30 hrs Sunday, March 12th , 2017 - 14:30 hrs Monday , March 13th , 2017 - 05:00 hrs

Commonwealth trade ministers to harness advantage at historic meeting

Commonwealth trade and investment ministers concluded their two-day meeting in London today with a commitment to make full use of the ‘Commonwealth advantage’ to boost trade within the 52-member bloc.

Ministers and representatives from more than 35 countries attended the meeting, jointly convened by the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council. In her address to ministers, Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland said: “On trade, our family has never been more needed that it is today. We all know that we’ve been living in troubled times and together we will have to look very carefully at what advantages there are within our family. Intra-Commonwealth trade has never been more important.

“There is a 19 per cent trade advantage within the Commonwealth. We must see how the global trade landscape can be changed in favour of that advantage and the particular factors that drive and differentiate intra-Commonwealth trade and investment be improved.”

At the meeting, ministers focused on opportunities for the Commonwealth to strengthen collaboration by promoting intra-Commonwealth trade and investment flows. They identified key challenges hindering trade competitiveness and discussed how to overcome them through mutual support.

Ministers underscored the importance of building a global economy that benefits all of the Commonwealth’s 2.4 billion citizens, noting that developing countries need an enabling global trading environment to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Against a backdrop of global economic uncertainty and a slowdown in worldwide growth, the Commonwealth is currently assisting more than 30 countries on

their effective integration into the global trading system. It is building their capacity to take advantage of opportunities, including improving trade competitiveness.

Ministers also noted the important role of the private sector in facilitating trade and investment. They welcomed Commonwealth initiatives to forge business to business links and pledged to continue to engage with the private sector in a pan-Commonwealth setting.

Lord Marland, Chairman, Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council said, “there is an opportunity for the Commonwealth to demonstrate global leadership on free and fair trade. Businesses want to see stability, transparency, predictability and the rule of law and the Commonwealth can work together to improve the ease of doing business in all member countries. This will allow companies, particularly Small and Medium Enterprises, to have the confidence to trade and invest across the Commonwealth. Creating a conducive business environment and helping businesses find a route to market is core to the enabling role of our organisation. It was essential to have the private sector fully engaged in the Trade Ministers Meeting.”

Discussions took place on the likely impact of the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union, which could disrupt market access into the UK and Europe. The Secretary-General stressed that “no country should be left behind” in the post-Brexit trade landscape. Ministers acknowledged that Brexit provides opportunities for broader cooperation on trade and investment between Commonwealth countries and committed to examining specific recommendations for practical initiatives that can be recommended to the next Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in 2018.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 11, 2017

UK expert not involved in SOCU operations

-- British High Commissioner clarifies

By Fareeza Haniff BRITISH High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn, has made it clear that UK expert, Dr Sam Sittlington, who is based at the headquarters of the Guyana Police Force’s Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), is not involved in its daily operations.

In a statement issued to the media on Friday, Quinn responded directly to reports that Dr Sittlington was seen “celebrating” at a popular Café on Wednesday evening with a government minister and other SOCU officials following the arrest of several former People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government ministers and affiliates. The British High Commissioner said this is not true.

“Let me clarify the situation. Dr Sittlington is at SOCU in an advisory and training capacity and not in an operational role. I also understand that former Attorney General, Hon. Anil Nandlall, believes that High Commission staff were at the Oasis Cafe on Wednesday, however that was not the case,” the statement read.

Dr Sittlington recently engaged members of the media at SOCU headquarters, where he provided clarification on the arrest and detention of those involved in the Pradoville 2 investigations but according to Quinn, the UK expert was trying to be helpful in explaining the legal basis and rights of the actions taken by SOCU. “It would be wrong to interpret this as Dr Sittlington being involved in the investigations themselves. He was not,” the British High Commissioner clarified.

The British official also made it clear that Dr Sittlington’s current contract is funded by the British High Commission and was designed as a follow up to his work with SOCU last year.

Dr Sittlington does not decide who to investigate Earlier in the week, Dr Sittlington refused to comment on whether charges are likely to be instituted against the PPP officials, who had initially refused to be questioned at SOCU’s headquarters. They had preferred to be interrogated at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition on Church Street.

UK expert, Dr Sam Sittlington [Adrian Narine photo]

But according to the advisor, the police are the ones who dictate where they interview suspects, and not the other way round.

“This is a police investigation, this is not a PPP investigation,” Dr Sittlington had said, adding that all the exhibits and equipment are at SOCU’s headquarters, which would render it implausible for the agency to conduct interviews at other locations.

However, Nandlall took umbrage to comments of the UK expert and questioned whether he was operating under the auspices of the British High Commission in Guyana. But at a press conference on February 21, 2017, the British High Commissioner had explained the role Dr Sittlington plays at SOCU, noting that he was in Guyana for five weeks in 2016 and returned this year at the request of the government.

Quinn had made it clear at the press conference that the UK expert is not the investigator at SOCU and is not responsible for the cases given to the entity.

“Sam is not the one who decides what investigation should be undertaken. That’s the role of the Head of SOCU and the others of legal authority who refer the cases to SOCU. I think Sam would say to you that SOCU should investigate anybody…regardless of where it comes from, but those cases have to be solid, have to be realistic; there have to be evidence,” the British High Commissioner had told reporters.

Quinn was also not too optimistic when he was asked whether Dr Sittlington was open to the idea of meeting with the Leader of the Opposition, to listen to whatever concerns he may have. “It’s not Sam who decides whether a case is valid. Sam is not here as a Prosecutor or as the Investigator so we have to be a little careful about expecting him to be the one who should be that interface with the Leader of the Opposition.”

Even though Dr Sittlington is observed at SOCU operations, it was made clear by the British official that he does not participate.

“He has been at operations but he has not been

British High Commissioner to Guyana, Grey Quinn

involved in operations, so he has no role to do what the Head of SOCU would actually do. He can be there but he’s not actually taking part in the process itself or the evidence gathering process itself,” Quinn had said.

The British High Commissioner had noted that Dr Sittlington is in Guyana to review the implementation of recommendations he made last year, aimed at improving the operations of SOCU. “There has been an expansion in the staffing of SOCU, which was one of his suggestions, because there

has been an awful lot asked of SOCU…there has been extra training provided to them so I think he has been able to build on the recommendations he made,” Quinn had said.

He opined that there is still more work left to be done at SOCU. “Fundamental of course for SOCU is for them to be in a position where they can investigate the cases that are given to them properly and in depth and that they’re able to prepare the cases so that there are strong as possibly can be whenever they go to either

the DPP or the court because SOCU, by having that well investigated detailed case, will improve the chances of successful prosecutions of what they’re investigating,” the High Commissioner had explained.

Dr Sittlington is expected to depart Guyana sometime this month.

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Editorial

The day of reckoning has come TO ignore the mixed emotions by the man in the street to the recent invitations, arrests, and voluntary submissions to the State Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) by those who acquired properties at Sparendaam (Pradoville 2) is not to have the finger on the pulse of the people.

To say Guyanese have grown tired of corruption would not be an understatement. At the same time it cannot be ignored that among the fed-up are those who demonstrate intolerance when it is happening to the ‘other side’ but would ignore and even defend it when it is happening on their side.

There is no denying there remains much work to be done where the society, if not as a whole, at least a vocal majority can condemn and speak out against abuses of the state’s resources, disregard for laws and transgressing of rights, irrespective of who stands to gain or is affected. Where strong civil society, political independence, or integrity would inform such reactions in other societies, Guyana remains behind. Though some are tempted to think small societies are pre-disposed to poor governance they ignore smaller societies like Barbados and The Bahamas.

Barbados is considered the third richest in the Americas, coming after Canada, with the United States leading the way.

Transparency International ranks The Bahamas as the least corrupt country in the Caribbean. The population size in the former is 285,744 and the latter 397,164. Both societies do not have the resources Guyana, has neither the landmass per population index. What distinguishes them and some others in the region as model societies as against ours is respect for and enforcement of laws, strong institutions, dignity public office is expected to carry and a vocal and uncompromising

civil society.

It is not unfair to say Guyana has been on the slippery slope for years and the situation begs urgent attention. As citizens there can be no pride when your country has been ranked the most corrupt in the English-speaking Caribbean and living in a land of plenty yet there is so much want. Though thankfully positive movement was made in eliminating corruption in 2016 according to Transparency, there remains distance to cover where respectability is gained. In the area of want, absent structured and sustained developmental programmes and strong institutions, corruption will continue to suffocate the society.

When this Government entered office in May 2015 on the promise to clean the Augean stables, a society grown tired of corruption welcomed the change. Some called for this to happen immediately, others wonder why recommendations to pursue criminal charges in the Forensic Audits were not forthcoming, some were allowed to escape the arms of the law without being charged, cases were thrown out of the court due to poor prosecution, some kept hope alive that better will come, as others come to think change represented exchange.

As government of itself has engaged in actions the society rejected, the opposition People’s Progressive Party/ Civic made allegations of corruption and the Leader of the Opposition in February said that in 21 months the government has been involved in 26 scandals as it remained silent, and the cloud of hopelessness hovers over. Amidst this the voices of resignation and those who say ‘not my vote in 2020’ became louder. That there exists scepticism about government and governance few can deny

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 11, 2017

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

.

While it is fair to say the society has perked up with the investigation, a people that have grown wary are still questioning whether anything will happen beyond the much hyped interviews. And frankly this is not the right place for a country to be because citizens must have confidence that their institutions will work for the benefit of all. People will therefore be watching how this issue unfolds since there exists strong views that the time has come for those who seek public office on the promise to serve the people to stop serving themselves.

Something went awry when persons have come to see public service as avenues to abuse the state’s resources and enrich themselves. Something has to be wrong with such thinking and acceptance of it by the people, irrespective of support or non-support for the government of the day. Corruption affects everyone, including the corrupt, because as corrupt as they are, they too cannot escape the social ills and poor social services and infrastructures that corruption spawns. Time will tell if Pardoville 2 will signal to every public officer that the day of reckoning has come.

“Achieving gender equality in the mining world is imperative for sustainable development” Dear Editor WEDNESDAY marked an important day for women and society globally. The National Mining Syndicate salutes all women as we celebrate International Women’s Day, under the theme “Be Bold for Change.” We wish to use this opportunity to acknowledge the input of all women in the mining sector in Guyana and our first female Minister in the

natural resources industry, Mrs. Simona Broomes.

We will continue with our mandate–to help women and girls achieve their ambitions, and to challenge conscious and unconscious biases especially in the work environment.

Through purposeful collaboration The National Mining Syndicate desire to help women advance and unleash their limitless potential. Women’s contribution in mining over the years has

been viewed as insignificant, in many forums.

However, today the mining syndicates wishes to change that concept and influence the transformation of society’s views on the contribution of our women.

In mining we face many challenges that affect our families significantly, the direct impact of these challenges rest squarely on the shoulders of the women who keeps the family unit together, while husbands are

in the fields trying to reorganise and regroup, to provide for the families. We must commend our women for there effective multi-tasking abilities with much success in this regard and wish to publicly thank them.

Moreover, the world of work is changing, with significant implications for women. Technological advances and globalisation brings unprecedented opportunities for everyone, for which we are aware.

However, there is an overwhelming majority of our women who are in the informal economy, subsidising care and domestic work, and concentrating in lower-paid, lower-skilled occupations, with little or no social protection. Taking cognisance of this fact and the existence of such, which in many regard is as a direct impact of the absence or lack of support of the males.

We want to influence positive change in this era, and

will urge men, the dominant gender in the mining sector, to support women and girls, which by extension captures the family and society.

The National Mining Syndicate will continue to labour in this regard, where we can move from awareness-raising to concrete action.

Regards Renwick Solomon The National Mining Syndicate

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 11, 2017

Amerindian organisations not in support of land ownership inquiry Dear Editor, WE, the undersigned organisations write to express our deep concern and opposition to recently disclosed information, such as contained in the Guyana Chronicle of March 9, pertaining to a proposed ‘Lands Commission’ or ‘Land and Life Commission’.

From various public pronouncements and as part of the stakeholder interest participating in meetings of the Amerindian Land Titling Project Board , we understand that this proposed commission may focus on indigenous peoples’ land rights and also likely “address issues of land extension in indigenous communities and ancestral lands in coastal communities” . We also learned via the Government Information Agency, through a 20, February 2017 news bulletin that the terms of reference of this commission are almost completed and that a draft was shared with various Government ministries and State agencies in November 2016.

To be clear, we strenuously object to the intention that the commission will address both “land extension” for indigenous communi-

ties and “ancestral lands in coastal communities.” These issues are not connected, nor should they be, and we will not accept their linkage in any commission or otherwise. We see no basis for any link between these disparate issues and consider that the announced course will only result in further delay on desperately needed action on indigenous land rights. If the Government is of the view that the concept of “ancestral lands in coastal communities” warrants attention, this can and must be done separately from the actions it has promised and is obligated to undertake with respect to indigenous lands.

Moreover, we stress that there has been no attempt to secure the participation of indigenous peoples and organisations about this proposed commission or its terms of reference. Indigenous peoples had been calling for an Indigenous Lands Commission for some time now and had said that such commission must be established with the participation of our peoples from its inception. Any such participation must be done at the earliest stages of the development of any plan or proposal that may affect indigenous peoples’ rights. This

has not occurred. The vague public statements made in the recent past about plans to establish a commission do not constitute even basic consultation as they provided no information on which indigenous peoples could assess its necessity, utility, or potential effectiveness as a mechanism to fairly resolve outstanding land tenure rights. There also has been no attempt so far to discuss what plans may exist to realise indigenous peoples’ participation moving forward.

This substantial deficiency, which violates a basic tenet of our constitutional democracy and human right, requires immediate correction.

To its credit, the Government has previously stated its intention to resolve indigenous land tenure rights finally and fairly and to do so in accordance with the State’s commitments under international human rights law. From our perspective, this must be the primary and overriding purpose of any lands commission that may be established. We fully endorse and support any efforts that are designed and aim to achieve this end.

Conversely, we will oppose any efforts that are not so designed and directed.

Statements made ostensibly on behalf of the Project Management Office within the Ministry of the Presidency in relation to the Amerindian Land Titling Project intensify our concerns. In a communication dated 15, February 2017, a representative made a number of sweeping statements about the “Lands Commission of Guyana,” including by designating it as “the national Competent Authority” on indigenous title extensions and (unspecified) disputes about indigenous lands. Without new legislation or a valid delegation of powers to this (yet to be established) commission there is no basis to claim that it has any competence or authority, even more so given the failure to secure indigenous participation in decision-making to date. Moreover, legislation currently exists - the Amerindian Act 2006 - that confers competence and authority over these matters to the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs (MIPA). This representative also contends that “Land issues, including dispute of all lands, is resident by law with GLSC….”

Again, indigenous land issues, at least processing and authoritatively deciding on

applications for title or extension of title, are resident by law with the MIPA, and it is best equipped in this regard, given its superior knowledge of indigenous issues.

Additionally, while there are defects in the Amerindian Act, relative to indigenous peoples’ internationally protected rights – defects that the Government has committed to correct – it nonetheless contains a procedure for receiving, assessing, and deciding on title or extension applications. The pending adoption and implementation of the Guideline developed through the Representative Platform under the ALT Project is an important step forward in this process and which we support. We have no doubt that the MIPA – and other State agencies – must build capacity to effectively comply with its statutory duties and the State’s obligations pertaining to indigenous peoples’ rights. Likewise, capacity within and coordination among different ministries and agencies need to improve. This especially includes developing collaborative arrangements to enhance effectiveness, to weigh and resolve compet-

ing rights or interests in land, and to ensure that the titling of indigenous lands is facilitated, not hindered by contradictory policies or actions (e.g., precipitous grants of mining permits or concessions). We strongly urge that this should be the focus of our collective efforts, not misdirected claims about where authority may reside or inappropriate and opaque attempts to join distinct issues (i.e., in the proposed commission) that will only cause further delay and confusion.

Regards Earl Thomas, Secretary, Amerindian Peoples Association Mary Valenzuela, Chief Guyanese Organisation of Indigenous Peoples Peter Persaud, The Amerindian Action Movement Nicholas Fredericks,

South Central Peoples Development Association Ashton Simon, National Amerindian Development Foundation

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 11, 2017

“His killers are out there” ---Crum-Ewing’s father says on picket line

By Shauna Jemmott RELATIVES and supporters of the ‘Justice for Courtney Crum-Ewing’ campaign commemorated his second death anniversary with a protest outside the office of the Attorney General on Friday, crying for justice and closure of the case.

Crum-Ewing, the political activist for justice, was assassinated March 10, 2015, on the street in the upscale community of Diamond, East Bank Demerara, while he was using a bullhorn on a one-man political campaign calling on qualified voters in the area to vote for the APNU+AFC coalition government prior to the historic May 2015 general elections.

“Today is two years since the murder and obviously we haven’t had closure or his case has not been solved… his are all out there,” father of the murdered man Clifford Crum-Ewing told the Guyana Chronicle Friday.

Around 13:30 hours, ten protestors stood holding banners which carry the message, “Justice for Courtney Crum-Ewing.” The protestors included activists, family and members of the Alliance for Change (AFC) political party, who stood at the corner of Middle and Carmichael Streets, Georgetown yesterday.

Clifford Crum-Ewing said although one man had been charged but was found notguilty by a city magistrate, the family believes that the

police should look harder into further investigating the case and begin to call even some politicians for questioning.

They also suggest that the man in whose possession it was alleged that the murder weapon was found, be further questioned so that police can understand in whose possession the gun was on the night of March 10, when Crum-Ewing was shot dead.

“A man had been held with a gun, who claimed that he had the gun for a long period of time but a magistrate… released him. She said she believe that he had the gun in his possession, she believed the gun is his, but she don’t believe that he is the body that used the gun,” the man explained to the Guyana Chronicle. “So it’s still here, and we’re still here and we’ll be here as long as it takes,” he posited.

Activist Renata Chuck-A-

Sang, who also protested briefly, told the Guyana Chronicle the family has been suffering for far too long. “This thing has been going on for far too long, they arrested somebody and nothing happened with it. Cameras were working… a mother is grieving and she don’t know what going on.

This is justice denied,” ChuckA-Sang said.

Meanwhile, Crum-Ewing’s friend and activist colleague, Mark Jacobs, said considering the fact that the dead man was an ardent protestor against the PPP government and his efforts have proved successful in bringing down the corrupt regime, his death should not go down unpaid.

“It’s important that persons in government, who benefitted from him being out there (in his) protest movement against the PPP, to get busy in bringing closure to this matter, because he was an important

figure in bringing down the PPP government,” Jacobs told the Guyana Chronicle.

“Justice delayed (is equal to) justice denied,” he cried and added that the small protest group is on a mission to raise awareness, reminding people that “two years later, still no movement on the justice for him.” Speaking on the group’s behalf, Jacobs expressed disappointment in the justice system and the Guyana Police Force in their slothful approach toward serving justice to the family of Crum-Ewing, a father of two. “There hasn’t been any justice, no closure, so we’re here together to raise public awareness. We’re disappointed with CID and the investigation, the lack of progress in this investigation. A lot of people who are involved in this matter have not been brought in to be questioned,” Jacobs said.

ANOTHER man was on Friday charged and remanded to prison for the alleged murder of Festival City resident Christopher Wharton.

He appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. Bryan Mohan was arraigned before Magistrate Leron Daly and was not required to plead to the indictable charge. The charge alleged that on November 18, 2015 he murdered Christopher Wharton called “Taps” or “Chrissy” at Festival City, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

Wharton was shot-execution style on the stairs of his North Ruimveldt home in what police believe to be a drug-related crime. The murder, which was captured on CCTV cameras, was carried out by two men who rode up to the house on bicycles.

Wharton, who was shot three times about the body, including once to the abdomen, succumbed within an hour of being taken to the hospital.

His son, five-year-old Nashan Wharton, who was seen exiting the house and running down the stairs seconds after his father was shot, received a gunshot wound to his foot. The first accused, Rickford Jones, of

Murdered Christopher Wharton called “Taps” or “Chrissy.”

Lot 3093 North Ruimveldt, Georgetown was charged in November 2015 for Wharton’s murder.

Meanwhile, Mohan was also charged for the possession and ammunition. According to the allegation on March 3, 2017 he had in his possession one .32 Taurus pistol, while he was not the holder of a firearm license at the time. The other charge stated that on the March 3, he also had 10 live round of.32 ammunition, while he was not the holder of a firearm license at the time.

The three matters were adjourned until March 30.

Protestors cry “Justice for Courtney Crum-Ewing” outside the Chambers of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs (Photo by Samuel Maughn)

Civil Aviation Bill for Select Committee The Civil Aviation Bill 2017 was sent to a special Select Committee for fine-tuning following a spirited debate when it was read for the second time in the National Assembly Thursday evening.

The House worked through its break to facilitate the presentation of the Bill. Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson in his presentation requested the Civil Aviation Bill 2017 be sent to Select Committee. The new Bill seeks to repeal and replace the Civil Aviation Act Chapter 53:01 and bring Guyana’s aviation law into conformity with primary legislation regulating civil aviation currently found in other parts of the world. The Bill also makes provisions for the enablement of the Chicago Convention and the Agreement establishing the

Second man charged for 2015 murder of Festival City man

Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System.

The Opposition side of the House supported the Minister’s move for the Bill to be sent to the Select Committee. Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira argued that there are fundamental issues in the Bill that needed to be addressed.

Security was at the top of concerns outlined by the Opposition side of the House.

Opposition Member of Parliament Clement Rohee pointed out “deficiencies” in the Bill that include the security consideration, concessions for the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the powers that the Bill vests in the subject Minister as against the Authority.

Teixeira noted that the Minister should focus on building the aviation sector and not make

technical decisions in a highly technical field. The Opposition Chief Whip noted the Bill needs to look at investigating issues and policy issues.

However, Rohee welcomed the Bill’s provisions for training of members within the aviation sector, but was critical of the use of contact employees against the “fixed pensionable establishment”. He then recommended a scholarship programme should be offered by the training school for those who may not be able to afford the training. Responding to the issues raised by the Opposition speakers, Minister Patterson noted that the role of the Minister has been reduced contrary to the Opposition’s assertions. Minister Patterson noted that approvals required in the system still have to go through the current established

channels. The Minister also pointed out that GCAA is a semi-autonomous agency and sets its employment requirements.

On the penalties, Minister Patterson noted that accidents or unruly acts in the aviation sector endanger the lives of everyone. Minister Patterson said a separate Bill will subsequently be brought before the House to address accident investigations in the aviation sector. The Civil Aviation Bill 2017 was shared with and reviewed by the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation). Minister Patterson told the House that if the Bill is passed in its current form, Guyana would receive further credit from the international organisation. Currently, Guyana is ranked above average in the Caribbean. The GCAA has stepped up efforts to improve the country’s aviation status.

(GINA)

Bryan Mohan

Upper Mazaruni man on wounding charge A PHILIPPI farmer who took matters into his own hands ended up in court charged with wounding and causing grievous bodily harm.

Robert Frederick, 28, of Philippi Village, Upper Mazaruni River, Essequibo, was placed on $30,000 bail when he was arraigned in the Georgetown Magistrates’ court before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

It is alleged that Frederick, at Philippi Village, on January 27, 2017 unlawfully wounded Ramsom Thomas, stabbing him to the abdomen. In November, 2015 Thomas was charged for attempting to murder Frederick over a memory card. Fredricks, had visited Thomas’ house to inquire about a memory card when the incident occurred.

According to the police facts sometime after the altercation with Thomas, Frederick recently approached him and stabbed Thomas. The matter was transferred to the Kamarang Magistrate’s Court for March 20.

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Big gun haul GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 11, 2017

–– police seize over 30 guns so far this year

Some of the weapons that were seized recently by the Guyana Police Force AMID concerns about gun crimes police have managed so far for the year to seize some 30 illegal guns, seven of them high-powered rifles of which four were collected this week.

According to police reports, since January they have picked up 15 illegal pistols; four revolvers; four shotguns and seven rifles. Only on Friday ranks of the Major Crime Unit, Criminal Investigation Department, Headquarters conducted an operation at Cumingslodge, East Coast Demerara and unearthed one AK47 rifle and one .223 Ruger rifle, both high-powered weapons were found wrapped in plastic garbage bags in an attempt to conceal them, in the corner of a trench. Two persons are currently in police custody assisting with the investigation. The two rifles are currently being examined by the Guyana Police Force’s firearm examination experts.

Friday’s find comes one day after a thirty-three-year-old East Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara businessman was taken into custody after police conducted a search at his home and found two unlicensed assault rifles fitted with magazines.

The weapons: an AK-47 and an M-70 were found inside a duffer bag, hidden under a commercial gas stove.

Also on Thursday, a man was caught by alert police ranks, moments after he discarded what is believed to be a loaded gun in a trench at Hampshire Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

This newspaper understands that at approximately 16:45hrs on Thursday, the suspect was walking along a street in Hampshire Village when, upon noticing an approaching police van, he ran.

While running, the ranks observed that he threw away an item in a nearby trench. They proceeded to chase him on foot, while other ranks retrieved the item, which turned out to be a gun.

Scores of residents came out to witness the drama, as police captured the suspect. The ranks were praised for their bravery and timely intervention.

On the same day a resident of Mabaruma, North West District found a .380 automatic pistol behind his yard about 15:30hrs and promptly handed it over same to the police.

Then in another find Police in ‘F’ Division on Tuesday arrested a 35-year-old resident of Lake Main Stay, Essequibo River, for unlawful possession of a .45 Taurus pistol with six live matching rounds at Omai Landing. The suspect, who is a machine operator, was observed acting in a suspicious manner and a search was conducted on his person, which revealed the unlicensed weapon. He is being processed for court.

On March 3, police reported that ranks on a mobile patrol in the vicinity of the North Ruimveldt Market, observed a male acting in a suspicious manner. He was apprehended and searched and an unlicensed .32 Taurus pistol with ten (10) live matching rounds was found on his person. The thirty-eight year old suspect, who is said to be a miner and resides in Safari Street, North Ruimveldt, is also being processed for court.

Additionally, on Wednesday, March 1, 2017 ranks in ‘A’ Division acting on information received went to Long Creek,

Linden Highway and carried out a search in two farm houses and found in excess of 11 kilograms of dried cannabis, an unlicensed shotgun and five cartridges. Lindon Gordon, Artlain Menture, Devin Sandwell and a juvenile were arrested and charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking and possession of a firearm and ammunition without a licence.

President David Granger, back in November last year, had said he believes weapons should be used by law enforcement agencies, and not private citizens and that there are licensed holders of firearms who rent their weapons to criminals. President Granger had said continuing efforts are being employed to detect persons entering Guyana with illegal firearms, and a plethora of measures will be implemented. The President said he is not oblivious to the fact that Guyana’s problem is its 1100km border shared with Brazil, one of the largest producers and exporters of arms in the world.

President Granger said a number of illegal firearms in circulation here have been traced to Brazil. “So we will, in the fullness of time, reduce the issuance of legal firearms by enforcing stricter border control through aerial surveillance, through mounted police, and eventually through drones.”

At the end of last month, the Guyana Police Force recorded a 17 per cent reduction in serious crimes. However, over the past month, there have been several armed robberies across the country.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 11, 2017

Guyana to participate at several regional meetings

By Ariana Gordon

CABINET has approved Guyana’s attendance at the Seventh Meeting of the CARICOM Special Technical Team of Investment Policy to be held in Trinidad and Tobago from March 16-17, 2017.

Cabinet Secretary and Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, at a post-Cabinet press briefing on Fri-

day at the Ministry of the Presidency said the main purpose of the meeting is to evaluate proposals to review and redesign CARICOM’s investment policy, including the draft CARICOM investment code.

Dr. Hector Butts, Finance Secretary of the Ministry of Finance will be representing Guyana at that meeting.

Cabinet has also ap-

proved the attendance of two persons at the 275th sitting of the Board of Directors of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in St. Michael’s, Barbados from March 15-16, 2017.

Harmon said a meeting of the Oversight and Assurance Committee of the Bank will also be held.

Guyana is represented on the Board of Directors and the Assurance

and Oversight Committee.

Sharon Isaacs, head of the Multilateral Finance Institutions, Division of the Ministry of Finance, and Guyana’s Director on the Bank’s Board, along with Nadira Balram, Economist and Financial Analyst of the Ministry of Finance will attend the meeting, the Cabinet Secretary told reporters.

He noted too that Guyana’s participation in a Caribbean Technical Assistance Centre Sponsored (CARTAC) workshop on Regional Price Statistics,

which is being held in Castries, St. Lucia from March 6-10, 2017, had also been approved.

The workshop is a continuation of CARTAC’s emphasis on building capacity regionally in the area of price measurement and the determination of the inflation rate. Shanti Trotman and Shondel Greene, statistics officers of the Ministry of Finance attended the workshop.

Additionally, Guyana will be represented at a Disaster Assessment Methodology Train-

Minister of State Joseph Harmon ing Course in St. Michael’s, Barbados from March 14-16, by Carlton Semple, Emergency Operations Centre Coordinator of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 11, 2017

Lawmen get training in searching vessels for contraband

LAWMEN here wrapped up a four-day training in search-of-vessels under the European Union’s Seaport Cooperation programme (SEACOP), which took place at the Guyana Coastguard base in Kingston, Georgetown.

The course was provided to officers from the Coastguard, Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit, and the Guyana Police Force. The instructors were officers from the UK Border Force. SEACOP is a programme to train and equip inter-agency units to identify, search and interdict all forms of maritime trafficking, the EU office here said in a release. It added that SEACOP improves the capacity of law enforcement agencies in monitoring maritime trafficking and detecting illicit maritime cargoes on board suspect vessels. Access to databases and regional and inter-regional networks of partners is designed to move law enforcement towards an intelligence-led approach that will help reduce the trafficking of cocaine.

The training which culminated on Friday saw EU Ambassador Jernej Videti? presenting the nine participants with their certificates. In brief remarks, Videti? said that he hopes the training received will enable the participating agencies to better police Guyana’s waterways against the

trade of illicit drugs.

The Seaport Cooperation Project will run until December 2018 with a budget of €6 million, and will cover selected countries in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.

During the first two phases beginning in 2010 the project was focussed on West Africa, where it set up a network

and Peace. Drug traffickers are continuously modifying their routes in response to law enforcement activity. Having established effective units in West Africa, the project is now extending into a number of new countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, including Guyana, to reflect continuous changes in traf-

ish international cooperation agency Fundación Internacional y para Iberoamérica de Administración y Políticas Públicas (FIIAPP).

The first SEACOP specialised training event in Guyana shall take place from 6-10 March for nine law enforcement officials from CANU, the Guyana Police

(JMCU) in Guyana, dedicated to the search of vessels.

In addition, the project will donate specialised equipment and search tools to the JMCU. A series of mentoring events will follow in subsequent years.

A second course is planned to be delivered jointly with Jamaican officers in late March

EU Ambassador, Jernej Videti, pose with the instructors and course participants following Friday’s activity of Joint Maritime Control Units (JMCUs) in strategic seaports.

Intercepting drug and other illicit cargoes is a critical component of the Cocaine Route Programme, a series of interconnected programmes funded out of the EU Instrument Contributing to Stability

ficking routes.

On 30 November 2016, Guyana joined 26 countries in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean in signing a Memorandum of Understanding for the implementation of SEACOP. SEACOP is implemented on behalf of the European Union by the Span-

Force and the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard. The training will be conducted by experts from the UK Border Force Agency. The course will focus on delivering advanced search techniques for a range of vessels. This will establish a multi-agency Joint Maritime Control Unit

2017, in Jamaica. This course will be conducted by UK National Crime Agency maritime experts. It will be delivered to four vetted officers from Guyanese and four vetted officers from Jamaican law enforcement agencies. This course will be focused on advanced maritime intelligence training,

providing access to key international partners.

The course will create a Maritime Intelligence Unit (MIU). Officers participating in this course will be invited to attend an annual mentoring event attending by all MIU-trained teams participating in the project, with a view to promoting transregional working practices. An annual conference will also be convened to promote transregional networks.

THE COCAINE ROUTE PROGRAMME The EU’s Cocaine Route Programme, in operation since 2009, has been a strategic response to the threat from drug trafficking and organised crime to the countries along the route from source to market.

Through a number of interconnected and complementary projects the Cocaine Route Programme supports the capacity of partners along the route in combating the manufacture of and intercepting the flow of drugs, fighting money laundering and sharing information.

The Cocaine Route Programme operates in over 40 countries and has a budget in excess of €50 million from the EU Instrument Contributing to Stability and Peace.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 11, 2017

Guyana attending Caricom-Cuba ministerial summit

A LOCAL delegation including Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge, is in Havana, Cuba, for the 5th CARICOM-Cuba Ministerial meeting being held today.

Cabinet Secretary and Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, at a post-cabinet press briefing on Friday told reporters that the meet-

ing will address the current international situation and recent developments relating to climate change and the Sustainable Development Goals agenda for 2030.

Harmon said too that CARICOM-Cuba relations as well as technical cooperation in the areas of agriculture, health, educa-

tion and disaster management will also be addressed while there will be a review of the progress made in the implementation of the agreements of the 5th Cuba-CARICOM Summit which was held in December 2014.

The Ministerial Meetings is held within 18 months of the Meeting of

the Heads of State at the Cuba-CARICOM Summit who meet every three years.

The Ministerial Meeting is being held in keeping with the commitments contained in the December 2002 Havana Declaration of Heads of State and Government of CARICOM and Cuba on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Member States of CARICOM and the Republic of Cuba.

The Ministerial Meeting precedes the 22nd meeting of the Ministerial Council of the Association

of Caribbean States (ACS).

The ACS comprises 25 members and 11 associate member states from Latin America and the Caribbean.

The meeting will also be attended by foreign and technical staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Meanwhile, Minister Greenidge is also expected to represent Guyana at the 40th session of the African Caribbean and Pacific Parliamentary Assembly and the Inter-sessional Meeting of the ACP-EU joint Parliamentary Assembly in Brussels, Belgium, from March 21-24, 2017.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge

Teen killed in Vergenoegen accident A TEENAGE boy is the road’s latest fatality after he was struck off of his pedal cycle on Thursday afternoon while, negotiating a bad patch in the roadway at Vergenoegen Public Road, East Bank Essequibo, which is under repair works.

He has been identified as Ricardo Edwards, 17, of Vergenoegen Side Line Dam, East Bank Essequibo.

‘D’ Division Commander, Leslie James, told the Guyana Chronicle that the youth thought he would have made it across the road before the heavy duty-vehicle but was struck off of his bicycle. At the time, James said Ed-

wards was riding on the northern half of the road and the lorry-type vehicle was proceeding westward when the fatal accident occurred shortly after 16:00hrs.

He suffered severe injuries including, a puncture to his head and was taken to the Lenora Cottage Hospital then transferred to the West Demerara Regional Hospital and later to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where he succumbed.

The driver of the road construction vehicle is in custody assisting the police with the probe while, the body of the teen is awaiting a post mortem.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 11, 2017

Cop foils execution of businessman … suspect say was hired by Jamaican to carry out hit

By Nafeeza Yahya POLICE in Berbice came in for high praise after foiling an attempted robbery/ execution on a Corentyne businessman on Thursday.

At around 16:30hrs on Thursday Cordell Fraser 24 was arrested by the lawmen after he was found with a .38 revolver with four matching rounds. During interrogation the man revealed to ranks that he was allegedly hired by a Jamaican to execute the businessman over unpaid debts. The businessman owns and operates a clothing and footwear store in Berbice.

“The plan was to execute the businessman, however they were to make it appear as a robbery. It’s a plan that was initiated by a Jamaican, who would have alleged that the businessman owes some sum of money for a job and the Jamaican would have arranged it,” said ‘B’ Division Commander, Ian Amsterdam, during a media briefing.

According to the commander, a detective constable on Thursday afternoon was driving along the Corentyne Highway and while in the vicinity of Number 1 Road he began following a suspect, who was on a motorcycle, trailing behind a motorcar.

The suspect who was identified as Fraser is a known character to the Police and was recently released from prison.

Amsterdam explained that while in the vicinity of Albion, the motorcar attempted a U-Turn and collided with the motorcyclist. The detective, who was still observing the suspect noticed he fell to the ground but quickly picked himself up, abandoned the motorcycle and boarded the

car, asking the driver to take him somewhere.

The Commander described the motorcycle as an Elite 150 Model bearing fake number plates CG 2893 and was reportedly stolen sometime back. The original number plate is CG 6495. Further, as the detective continued to

Commander of ‘B’ Division, Ian Amsterdam pursue the suspect, who was now acting suspiciously, the car turned into Anamayah Street, Hampshire Village; at that point the man exited the vehicle and walked towards the Police Officer and pulled out what appeared to be a firearm and threw it into a nearby trench. He was subsequently arrested and the weapon was retrieved from the trench. He was taken to the Albion Police Station where he detailed to Police the plot to kill the businessman.

According to the Commander, based on information given by the suspects two other persons were arrested and are currently assisting with investigations.

“We are now conducting further checks to see the connection. We understand the

Jamaican has left the country; we are checking to see if that is so and we will monitor his travel in and out of Guyana.

We are intensifying that lead , we are talking to the businessman and others to see what concrete information we could get to see how we could deal with it.”

Additionally, the gun is suspected to be that of the three persons in custody.

Detectives believe the man was on his way to Rose Hall Town to execute the plan, but was stopped short after the detective attached to the Whim Police Station tracked him down. “We were able to save a life; to recover a gun, but there’s still more. We will continue to probe; we have to do some more work because when these things happen sometimes they are associated with something else and then persons start to get timid.

The motorcycle was stolen so they had a plan and the plan was underway,” Amsterdam said.

Meanwhile, according to the businessman, he was informed on Friday morning by three men that he was a potential target for a robbery. “They said the guy who they found had a gun and said there was a plan to rob me. I don’t know how true it is. I do not have problems with anyone,” the businessman offered. He was later informed by police of the alleged execution on his life.

The businessman confirmed that he is friends with a Jamaican, who resides in Rose Hall, but does not believe he would do such since they are friends for some time now. “I don’t believe he (Jamaican) would plan to rob me or kill me”.

$143M awarded for construction of Pomeroon river defence … more water tenders and ambulances to be procured

CABINET on Friday announced the approval of contracts by the varying procurement entities and the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), including the award of $143,722,000 to Samaroo Investment for the construction of river defence along the Pomeroon River.

Additionally, contracts were awarded for the procurement of two water tenders and two ambulances for the Guyana Fire Service, to Angloco limited in the sum $30, 487,000 while, two contracts

were awarded for consultancy services to the Ministry of Finance to the tune of US$306,000.

For the Consultancy services for Management Information System upgrade at Ministry of Finance a contract in the sum of US$156,000 was awarded to Patrick Anthony Farnum, while for consultancy services to strengthen the link between the planning and budgeting process at the Ministry of Finance, a contract in the sum of US$`150,000 was awarded to IDEA Institute.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 11, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 11, 2017

‘It was not a political witch hunt’ -Pres Granger says of Jagdeo’s arrest

By Tajeram Mohabir

President David Granger on Friday maintained that the actions being taken by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) is not a political witch hunt even as he said that former President Bharrat Jagdeo could have been treated differently on Tuesday given the circumstances.

SOCU had arrested Jagdeo and that of former PPP members and others of the former administration. The PPP deemed the action a witchhunt, a charge the Government has denied. The arrests and questioning by SOCU were made in respect to the controversial sale of lands at the Pradoville 2 Housing Project, Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara.

Speaking on his weekly television programme “The Public Interest”, the President said while he did not overrule the right of the Police Force to invite persons of any rank to report to SOCU headquarters, Jagdeo could have been treated differently.

“He has been President for 12 years and if it is deter-

mined that his involvement in the matter under investigation did not warrant him going to the office, a decision could be taken at the level of the Guyana Police Force. It was not a political witch-hunt. It was not ordered by the Government. In my view, some other way could have been used to determine whether his presence at the [SOCU] headquarters was necessary and that could have been done by a phone or a visit. But if after such a visit it was felt necessary for him to go down to the headquarters, I have no objection to that but I am very careful and very respectful of what I say of, or to former heads of state and I think that is the political culture I would like to encourage,” Mr Granger said.

He noted that he does not believe it is possible for SOCU to visit every minister.

“I did not interfere and will not interfere with the investigation but it is impossible for SOCU to go around the country trying to have private interviews because of the perceived rank of any person.

I believe in the instance of the former President alone that an

exemption could have been made but as I said, I don’t interfere with the police work. I think they acted properly generally speaking with regard to the other ministers.”

The President also said that the police must be allowed to do their job, and if it requires them to invite persons who were accused of certain offence or who have information to provide, they must do so without interference.

Forensic audits done on the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) revealed that some $257M were spent on development of the Pradoville 2 housing project, and the value of land there should have been $82.8 M 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 which was released by the Ministry of Finance, 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.

Former Natural Resources Minister Robert Persaud who

was also called in for questioning, said he is willing to settle the issue if the State can prove that the price paid for the plot of land in Pradoville Two was below market value. President Granger, when asked if his Government is open to such settlement, said it is a matter for the Guyana Police Force and SOCU to determine if a crime has been committed and how to handle it.

Since Tuesday last, SOCU has hauled in a total of 19 persons in connection with the Pradoville Two investigations. There are Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo; former Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon; former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds; Lisaveta Ramotar, daughter of former President Donald Ramotar; former Minister of Natural Resources, Robert Persaud; private sector executive Ramesh Dookhoo; former Labour Minister, Dr. Nanda Gopaul, his son, Ghansham Singh; and Marcia Nadir-Sharma, former Company Secretary to the National Industrial Commercial and Investments Limited (NICIL).

Also questioned were former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Water

Incorporated (GWI), Sheik Baksh; former Housing and Tourism Minister, Irfaan Ali; former Education Minister, Priya Manickchand; former Public Service Minister, Dr. Jennifer Westford; former Information Liaison to the Office of the President Kwame McCoy, former Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee; Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Hack and her husband and former Chief-ofStaff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), retired Rear Admiral Gary Best, who is now an advisor to the Government on Environment.

The APNU+AFC coalition had indicated on the 2015 campaign trail that it will investigate allegations of corruption under the former administration.

Quizzed on whether the Government is sending a message to former and current public officials suspicions of corrupt activities, President Granger said, “SOCU was established by the PPP administration, it is a branch of the Guyana Police Force, I do not give direction to SOCU. SOCU has its work to do; I am not sending a message to anyone.”

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Once and for all

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 11, 2017

–– President says land ownership CoI will settle long standing disputes

President Granger addressing the ceremony

By Shauna Jemmott

Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan; Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes; Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman; Minister of State, Joseph Harmon and Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, Basil Williams at the ceremony at State House (Photos by Samuel Maughn)

PRESIDENT David Granger on Friday formally established the Lands Commission of Inquiry (CoI), swearing in six commissioners to the board to address issues relating to the allocation, titling and management of Guyana’s private and public lands on Friday.

Chairman of the CoI, Reverend George Osborne, Peter Chuck-A-Sang and Commissioners David James, Carol Khan-James, Professor Rudolph James, Lennox Caleb and Berlinda Persaud were sworn in, in accordance with Section 2, Chapter 19 of the Commission of Inquires Act within the laws of Guyana, and each vowed before President Granger and several other government ministers and dignitaries to “faithfully execute the offices of Commissioner... without favor, affection or ill-will (and to) honour, uphold and preserve the constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.”

President David Granger at the State House ceremony on Friday congratulated the commissioners on their decision to be part of the vital inquiry and encouraged them to fulfil the purposes of the Commission, keeping their sworn vows in the best interest of the country and future generations.

He pointed out that Guyana has massive land space, with this country and Suriname having a collective land mass that is greater than Germany or Japan. Geographical data show that the size of Guyana (83000.4 square miles) and Suriname (63,251.6 square miles) give a combined total of 146252 square miles, as compared to Germany with 137,983 square miles or Japan, the world’s third largest economy, being 145,932 square miles.

With the work of the Commission, Guyanese will be able able to rely on more effective use of See page 17

Chairman of the Lands Commission of Inquiry (CoI), Reverend George Osborne and Peter Chuck-A-Sang taking the oath of office before President David Granger at State House

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 11, 2017

Once and for ...

From page 16

land to push economic prosperity, with indigenous communities and descendants of freed Africans being especially considered in the land investigations. “It’s all about land…Land is life,” President Granger emphasised and explained that indigenous communities depend upon land for dwelling, hunting, agriculture and other purposes and that they have a spiritual connection to their lands, which explain their connection to the geographical spaces in Guyana’s hinterland.

He said that with the exodus of the African peoples through the triangular slave trade, Africans lived on colonial plantations but after they were emancipated, even as some still voluntarily served on plantations they pooled and purchased lands to build houses, churches, schools and for agricultural development among other purposes.

The hunger for land continued when other ethnic groups were brought to Guyana, with even the Chinese establishing land settlement at Hopetown, Upper Demerara and East Indians through an economic drive, also acquired lands.

“Today we recognise as a government, that the issue of land is far from settled and we decided to take a decision to ensure that our people can live in this land, Guyana, without worrying about the future…” President Granger stated.

Even as government is convinced that there is enough land to satisfy all the needs of the Guyanese people and generations to come, still land is a source of pain and controversy, President Granger highlighted.

Residential lands, agricultural lands and lands used to extract natural resources have been for long, in controversy with a yet undefined boundary established between mining and indigenous lands in hinterland areas, while small miners too are

constantly being ousted from lands belonging to medium and large scale miners. “Land is needed to satisfy human needs for food, shelter, recreation, sports… Regrettably, land is a source for pain and controversy… The establishment of this lands Commission is meant to settle these controversies… We need not fight each other for lands. We will investigate their claims and we will respond…” President Granger said.

He pointed out that the Amerindian Lands Commission was established to advance the process of demarcation of indigenous lands, but instead conflicts and rebellion arose, even though the Catholic and Anglican churches appeared before that commission and surrendered lands they occupied. “The process for giving the Amerindians their lands will continue unimpeded,” President Granger said, as he charged the commission that they not only have a duty to persons of Amerindians and African heritages in Guyana but to all Guyanese for generations to come.

To the commissioners, who vowed to hold to their sworn responsibilities in fairness and without favour, the President said, “I hope to God that you will do that, not for yourselves, not for the government, but for the children of this country.”

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon earlier in the week said the Lands Commission “will be tasked with examining and making recommendations to resolve all the issues and uncertainties surrounding the individual, joint or communicable ownership of lands acquired by free Africans, and claims of Amerindian land titling and other matters relative to land titling.”

“It is hoped that all of the issues that have been unresolved over all these years, that we will be able to bring closure to them and resolve these issues in relation to land,” Minister Harmon stated.

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President David Granger with the newly sworn-in commissioners of the Lands Commission of Inquiry

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 11, 2017

Maintaining public order, ensurin EVERY country must operate on a platform of a strong legal framework, where citizens have access to justice and where public order is maintained. the 20 months since this administration has taken Office, the Ministry of Legal Affairs has had a packed agenda to attend to. From the selection of a new Chairman for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), to the illegal occupancy of the Kamana Court, commonly referred to as Red House, to the recent ruling of the Court of Appeal regarding presidential term limits, the Ministry of Legal Affairs and Attorney General’s Chambers continue to work to ensure that the legal matters of the country are handled with urgency and transparency.

The mandate is “To ensure that proper legal services are provided by the Government; to provide statutory services to the public relating

to the public trust and bankruptcy matters; and to register titles, mortgages, companies, societies and other bodies, as well as other documents, as required by the law.” Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, S.C, MP, said that the ministry also represents the Government, its departments and agencies with regard to civil matters brought against and by the State. Also, the Ministry gives general legal assistance to Government on all matters, except where assigned by law to another authority. Additionally, he said, that the Ministry serves as a linchpin in the justice sector as it coordinates the work of the different agencies within the sector. “Then Ministry coordinates that sector and fosters collaboration so that there could be cohesion in the administration of justice in Guyana,” he said.

Minister Williams said that the Ministry has seen its

… Ministry of Legal Affa

The Ministry of Legal Affairs and the Attorney General Chambers located on Carmichael Street, Georgetown

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 11, 2017

ng justice prevails in Guyana

airs and its robust agenda share of both challenges and achievements. Among the challenges are administrative issues within the Attorney General Chambers and an inefficient filing system for the legal files. The Minister said, however, that the Ministry is working to overcome these and other challenges in an aim at efficiently achieving its mandate.

The maintenance of public order through the monitoring of the country’s legal system, however, places the Attorney General and the Ministry in a position that attracts public scrutiny.

In the past months, several pertinent issues have arisen in the public sphere that has seen efficient action by the Ministry of Legal Affairs.

APPOINTMENT OF GECOM CHAIRMAN Article 161 (2) of Guyana’s Constitution states that “…the Chairman of the Elections Commission shall be a person who holds or who has held office as a Judge of a Court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in some part of the Commonwealth or a Court having jurisdiction in appeals from any such court or who is qualified to be appointed as any such Judge…”

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo presented the first list of six candidates to President David Granger, which was rejected by the Head of State on the grounds that they did not qualify under the stipulations of the Constitution. The President requested that another list be submitted, in keeping with those requirements. The move by the President sparked widespread

debate from members of the Opposition, following which the Opposition Leader wrote to the President, seeking clarification on the matter. Mr. Jagdeo has contended that the Constitution does allow “any other fit and proper person, to be appointed by the President from a list of six persons…” identified after meaningful consultation.

But, Minister Williams said that the determination of what is ‘fit and proper’ is at the discretion of the Head of State and that every person submitted on the list presented by the Leader of the Opposition should meet that requirement. Former Chairman of GECOM Dr. Steve Surujbally has also expressed his belief that future Chairpersons should be a judge or eligible to be judge given that Guyana’s Constitution emphasises this, rather than someone who is merely “fit and proper.

ILLEGAL OCCUPANCY OF THE RED HOUSE In December last year, President David Granger ordered that the Kamana Court be vacated by its occupants, the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre Incorporated (CJRCI). The move followed more than one year after futile negotiations initiated by Government with the CJRCI, which included the recommendation that the location function as a source of information on all the Presidents of Guyana.

In a statement on the issue, Minister Williams said that based on investigations, the 99 year lease held by the CJRCI was invalid on several grounds, including that there is no evidence that then President Donald Ra-

motar of the National Trust of Guyana had sanctioned it. Later in December, the

People’s Progressive Party/ Civic, (PPP/C) secured a conservatory order, tem-

porarily barring the removal of artefacts from the building. But the Attorney General said that several matters regarding this issue fall within the favour of the See page 20

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams

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Maintaining public order, ensuring justice ...

From page 19

Government, including that the lease was over 21 years and as such, it should have been executed in the manner of a Transport, give the regulations of the law. Failure to execute it in this manner meant that the Court has no jurisdiction to proceed with the matter by the CJRCI. PRESIDENTIAL TERM LIMIT The Laws of Guyana state that a President is allowed to be re-elected only once; such jurisdiction seeks to ensure that the leadership of a country is not held by one person in

order to avoid bias and to ensure the democratic process.

Government believes that the two term limit is necessary, and following recent developments, has set out to ensure that this law is kept intact.

In 2015, private citizen, Cedric Richardson, challenged the 2001 law leading to then Chief Justice Ian Chang ruling that the two term limit was unconstitutional. Minister Williams, in August 2015 then filed an appeal in response to the ruling but on February 21, this year, the Court of Appeal Judges, Justice Carl Singh and Justice B.S. Roy voted to uphold the ruling of the High Court, while acting Chief Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards voted against it.

But Government has deemed that the ruling is flawed on several grounds, including that Justice Singh’s ruling on the basis that the term limit dilutes democracy is erroneous, and that democracy is actually enhanced by a term limit. “We saw dynamic changes in the way the results of elections operated.

We have had a majority parliament and a minority government.

Now we have a majority parliament with one vote- so everyone can see the dynamism that has resulted with the change of a two term limit,” he said.

SUCCESSES FOR THE MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS Aside from these controversial matters, however, the Ministry of Legal Affairs has achieved some successes. One such success is the recent case in which the courts ruled in favour of Government with regard to the awarding of a $4.6 billion contract to Chinese company China National Machinery Import (CMC) to run new power transmission lines and install over 25,000 smart meters on the coastland.

Earlier this month, an application was made to the High Court by Fix-It Depot, a bidder that was rejected in the bidding process, to order the Guyana Power and Light and the Government to show why a writ of Certiorari should not be issued quashing the award. Minister Williams represented the Government in this case and on February 17, Chief Justice (Ag) Yonette Cummings-Edwards ruled in favour of the Government. “This was a contract to upgrade the electrical wiring for GPL throughout the country as well as transformers and meters… and you know we have had these blackouts so we were surprised that a citizen would come on board to try to block a loan…,” Minister Williams said. “[The funds were from] both the European Union (EU) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)… and if the court had made that order absolute, he had nothing to gain, because you would have just had to retender and Guyana would have suffered because the process would have taken another six months to a year and we could have lost that opportunity to benefit from those funds.”

The ministry has also paid attention to the needs of local law students in an aim to ease the burden of overseas study.

It was announced earlier this year that Government would move to open the first ever Law School in Guyana by next year. The announcement was made when the Minister signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of the Caribbean (UCC) and Law College of the Americas (LCA).

Minister Williams said that the establishment of a law school would significantly reduce the cost for Guyanese to continue with their law studies and would also attract other students from across the Caribbean. Minister Williams ensured that the Government campaigned on the restoration of the rule of law and that the ministry will bring change to achieve this goal.

In all these matters, he assures that the Ministry is working to ensure that public order is maintained and that justice prevails for the people of Guyana.

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Hosts on course for victory in Galle

UPUL Tharanga’s third Test century has put Sri Lanka in a strong position to wrap up victory on day five of the first Test against Bangladesh.

The hosts declared on 274-6 in their second innings, setting Bangladesh a world-record 457 to win in Galle. Soumyar Sarkar then smashed a quick-fire 53 (from 47 balls) as he and

Tamim Iqbal (13 n.o.) took Bangladesh to 67-0 before bad light stopped play.

However, the away side still face a battle to see out the final day to salvage a draw or even claim a highly improbable win.

Dimuth Karunaratne (32) and Tharanga put on 69 for the first wicket as Sri Lanka began their second innings at the start of day

four with Taskin Ahmed (1-32) having the former caught in the deep to break the stand.

Another solid partnership followed, Tharanga and first-innings centurion Kusal Mendis (19) adding another 65 before Mendis was caught at deep square leg to give Shakib Al Hasan his first wicket.

Tharanga (115) went

through to his century in the afternoon session, reaching three figures from 164 balls. With the home side looking to up the run rate, he was bowled by Mehedi Hasan soon afterwards attempting a slog sweep.

Shakib (2-104) then removed Asela Gunaratne for a duck and Mehedi (2-77) accounted for Niroshan Dickwella (15) before

Upul Tharanga hits his third Test century on day four of the first Test against Bangladesh.

Mustafizur Rahman (1-24) had Dilruwan Perera (33) caught behind to trigger the SRI LANKA 2nd innings declaration; Dinesh ChanF. Karunaratne c Mahmudullah b Ahmed 32 dimal finishing unbeaten W. Tharanga b Mehedi Miraz 115 on 50.

B. Mendis c Ahmed b Al Hasan 19 While Tamim remained L. Chandimal not out 50 D. Gunaratne b Al Hasan 0 watchful, Sarkar began the N. Dickwella c Das b Miraz 15 Bangladesh response in a M. Perera c Das b Rahman 33 positive manner and had hit Extras: (b-2, lb-1, w-6, nb-1) 10 six boundaries and a maxTotal: (6 wickets decl; 69 overs) 274 Fall of wickets: 1-69, 2-134, imum before the umpires 3-198, 4-199, 5-222, 6-274. took the players off as the Bowling: S. Roy 7-0-34-0, M. light deteriorated.

Miraz 20-1-77-2, M. Rahman With a full day to bat 9-4-24-1, S. Al Hasan 25-2-1042, T. Ahmed 8-0-32-1. and another 390 needed to win, Bangladesh will BANGLADESH 2nd innings likely have to adopt a T. Iqbal not out 13 S. Sarkar not out 53 more restrained approach Extras: (nb-1) 1 on day five as Sri Lanka Total: (0 wicket, 15 overs) 67 push for the 10 wickets Bowling: S. Lakmal 6-3-8-0, D. they need to force a result.

Perera 5-0-24-0, H. Herath 4-032-0, D. Gunaratne 1-0-3-0.

(Sky Sports)

SCOREBOARD

South Africa Racing Tips Turffontein 08:30 hrs Biblical Susan 09:05 hrs Alfolk 09:45 hrs Kissable 10:20 hrs Crystal Glamour 10:55 hrs Raasmaal 11:30 hrs Dan The Lad

10:15 hrs Late Shipment 10:50 hrs Crown Hill 11:25 hrs Aintree My Dream 12:00 hrs Sirabad 12:35 hrs Arden Denis 13:10 hrs Head To The Stars

Kenilworth 08:45 hrs Dawn Rising 09:20 hrs Spring Gold 09:55 hrs Sister Soozie 10:30 hrs California Girl 11:05 hrs Streak Of Silver 11:40 hrs Sylvanite

Irish Racing Tips Gowan Park 09:55 hrs Lachares 10:30 hrs Castlegrace Paddy 11:05 hrs Mill Quest 11:40 hrs New Kid In Town 12:15 hrs General Principle 12:50 hrs Foxrock 13:25 hrs Minelafordollars

English Racing Tips Sandown 09:20 hrs Zalvados 09:50 hrs Man From Mars 10:25 hrs Shanroe Santos 11:00 hrs Fixe Le Kap 11:35 hrs Redhotfillypeppers 12:10 hrs Maxanisi 12:45 hrs Morning Reggie

American Racing Tips Aqueduct Race 1 Tradfest Race 2 On Tap Race 3 H Man Race 4 Blessed Halo Race 5 Readthebyline Race 6 Sicilia Mike Race 7 Wine Not

Wolverhampton 09:30 hrs Summerinthecity 10:05 hrs Nimr 10:40 hrs Gilgamesh 11:15 hrs Keystroke 11:50 hrs First Moon 12:25 hrs Upavon 13:00 hrs Tartan Bute

Tampa Bay Downs Race 1 Financial Freedom Race 2 Spanish Concert Race 3 Exclusive Package Race 4 The Cookie Man Race v5 Odachi Race 6 Closing Bell Race 7 Tiz a Slam Race 8 Stanford Race 9 La Coronel

Hereford 09:40 hrs Golden Investment

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FIFA sets up human rights panel in response to criticism (REUTERS) World soccer’s ruling body FIFA, stung by criticism that it overlooks human rights in countries staging its tournaments, has set up an advisory panel to address the issue.

South Africa and Brazil, which hosted the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, were criticised over alleged human rights violations while there are also concerns about Russia and Qatar which are staging the next two global showpiece tournaments.

In particular, the plight of migrants in 2022 hosts Qatar has alarmed human rights and labour organisations.

FIFA said the new panel will meet for the first time on Monday, “providing FIFA with advice on all issues that the board members may consider relevant for the implementation of FIFA’s human rights responsibilities”.

Issues on which the panel could provide advice include labour standards, health and safety, property rights, security, discrimination and freedom of expression.

“It is the first advisory

board of its kind for any sports federation, and we look forward to the pioneering work we will jointly undertake,” FIFA secretary-general Fatma Samoura said in a statement.

The panel will include representatives from FIFA sponsors Adidas and Coca-Cola, corruption watchdog Transparency International, the United Nations (UN) and the world players’ organisation FIFPro. “Football has a huge global following, cutting across all social boundaries,” said panel member Lene Wendland, UN adviser on business and human rights.

“There is therefore huge potential for FIFA to play a dynamic role in standing up for human rights.”

Amnesty International reported an increase in police harassment of informal traders, homeless South Africans, and refugees and migrants living in shelters or inner-city areas before the 2010 tournament.

Meanwhile, human rights groups condemned the detention of protesters, in-

Mitchell Starc ruled out for tourists with stress fracture AUSTRALIA fast bowler Mitchell Starc has been ruled out of the final two Tests in India after suffering a stress fracture to his right foot.

The left-armer, 27, took five wickets in the

the reserve fast bowler in Australia’s squad.

“Mitchell experienced some pain in his right foot during the second Test in Bangalore, which unfortunately had not subsided a few days after as we

Mitchell Starc, who had taken five wickets in the first two Tests, is likely to be replaced by Jackson Bird in the team. first two Tests, with the had hoped,” team physio four-match series tied at David Beakley said.

1-1.

“We made the decision Cricket Australia said it to scan his foot in Bangawould name a replacement lore this morning and unplayer in the next few fortunately it has revealed days, with Starc returning a stress fracture.” to Australia for treatment The third Test begins and rehabilitation. on Thursday in Ranchi.

Jackson Bird, 30, is (BBC Sport)

Fatma Samoura

cluding lawyers and professors, in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo during the 2014 tournament, and evictions of slum residents related to building work in the run-up.

Russia, the host of next year’s World Cup, has been frequently criticised for its record on racism in soccer and its treatment of gay people.

Qatar has faced criticism of its treatment of foreign

workers from Amnesty International, the Building and Wood Workers’ International organisation and others.

The Qatari government introduced a new law in December which it said would replace the controversial “kafala” or sponsorship system that forces foreign workers to seek their employer’s consent to change jobs or leave the country.

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Romain on a steady rise, another bright prospect in table tennis SINCE his introduction to competitive table tennis in 2014, Central High School student Nickolus Romain has been on a steady rise, and is another bright prospect among junior sportsmen in Guyana.

A member of the Malteenoes Table Tennis Club, Romain is the protégé of former national champion, and current coach Idi Lewis. Romain has been under Lewis’ tutelage for the past two years and has really been coming into his own.

Last year was a particularly favourable year for the 16-year-old, who bagged quite a few titles, and so far

his 2017 season has been looking pretty good.

He recently took the ‘B’ Class win of the LFS Burnham Foundation Tournament a few weeks ago. Prior to that he placed first in both the GTTA Junior Doubles Challenge.

Last year, Romain was a part of the Guyana table tennis team that won gold at the Inter-Guiana Games, winning all his matches.

He was also a bronze medallist in the team’s category at the Caribbean Table Tennis Championships, while he made it to the quarterfinals in the singles division. Romain was

part of the five-man team that also included Guyana’s leading junior player Shemar Britton.

Those events marked Romain’s first performances on the regional scene, while on a larger scale he took part in the North American Joola Tournament in 2015.

Coach Lewis expressed his satisfaction on Romain’s development since he took him under his charge.

“At first he was making a lot of errors. Like for the first couple months going on to a year, we just had to work on his technique and correcting those things.

And then when he started

Nickolus Romain

correcting those things he just became a better player.”

Lewis noted.

“He definitely works very hard; he’s also very cool and calm under pressure, which is something you can’t coach.”

Romain first got involved in the sport just after he entered Central High and realised that table tennis was a huge sport at the school. He started representing the school and soon after his parents sought Lewis’ help.

“I would say it’s my dedication, discipline and intense training that make me stand out as a table ten-

nis player,” states Romain, when we caught up with him at training earlier this week.

Romain said that the sport has helped him in becoming a better person.

“As a table tennis player, what I love most about being part of this sport is the fact that it motivates me in my personal life to become a better, well rounded young man,” he said. “I like travelling and meeting other experienced players and being able to learn about their culture and customs. I love

being able to compete with other players in order to develop my skills, making me a greater player.”

In all his pursuits in developing as a table tennis player, ultimately Romain just wants to ensure that he goes out and makes his country proud.

“My ultimate aspiration as a table tennis player is to make my country proud winning whenever, playing tournaments both regionally and internationally, like in the Olympic Games,” he concluded.

Nickolus Romain (right) and his coach Idi Lewis

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First Test between New Zealand and South Africa finely poised

CAPTAIN Kane Williamson made his 16th Test century as New Zealand secured a 33-run first innings lead on day three of the first Test against South Africa in Dunedin.

However, the tourists then reached 38-1 in their second innings to lead by five runs at stumps and leave the match finely poised.

The South Africa innings was disrupted when a fire alarm in University Oval’s main grandstand forced the ground’s evacuation and led to a 20-minute delay.

Firemen who searched the area blamed steam for setting off the alarm and, when play resumed in gathering gloom, Hashim Amla (23 not out) and Dean Elgar (12 not out) survived until bad light brought the action to a close.

Replying to 308, New Zealand began the day on 177-3 and they went on to reach 341 and secure a first-innings lead over South Africa for the first time in seven Tests.

Kane Williamson produces another key innings for New Zealand.

Wi l l i a m s o n r e s u m e d on 78 not out and went on to make 130, putting him just one hundred behind the New Zealand Test record of 17 held by the late Martin Crowe.

Wicketkeeper BJ Watling (50) helped Williamson add 84 for the sixth wicket, after Jeetan Patel (16) and James Neesham (seven) had departed.

The sixth-wicket pair took the score to 277-5 before the skipper departed after a patient 380 minutes in the middle - in which he faced 241 deliveries - undone by Kagiso

Rabada, who used the extra bounce and movement of the new ball to get an edge which was held by keeper Quinton de Kock.

That triggered the fall of three wickets for 27 runs but Neil Wagner hit two sixes in his run-a-ball 32 to take New Zealand into a handy lead.

He was aided by the injured Ross Taylor (15 not out), who was forced from the field by a calf tear earlier in the innings but returned to join Wagner and smashed a six as he helped add 17 for the last wicket, despite being barely able to run.

AB de Villiers back at No.1 in ODI rankings SOUTH Africa's AB de Villiers has displaced Australia's David Warner at the top of the ICC rankings for ODI batsmen. This is the tenth time de Villiers has climbed to the top since 2010 - when he first went to No. 1 - and this latest stint comes after he top-scored in the recently concluded series in New Zealand. de Villiers had scored 262 runs in the five-match series at 87.33, including two fifties. As per an ICC release, he has never been ranked outside the top-five ODI batsmen since September 2009.

India's Virat Kohli remains at No.3 behind de Villiers and Warner, while England's Joe Root has jumped four places to No.4 following scores of 4, 90 not out and 101 in the Caribbean. de Villiers' team-mate, fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, broke into the top five of the ODI bowling rankings for the first time, slotting in

behind Imran Tahir, Sunil Narine, Mitchell Starc and Trent Boult.

Following his haul of 10 at 11.50 with an economy rate of 3.57 in the five-match series in Zimbabwe, Afghanistan off- spinner Mohammad Nabi has climbed three

spots to reach a career-best No.7.

England pacer Chris Woakes has jumped nine places to No.9 - the first time he is in the top 10 - courtesy of his successes against West Indies.

(Cricinfo)

AB de Villiers top-scores in the ODI series against New Zealand. (AFP)

The 27-year-old spinner Keshav Maharaj ended the innings when he had Wagner caught by JP Duminy to finish with 5-94, his first five-wicket Test haul.

When they batted again, South Africa lost opener Stephen Cook for a duck to the fourth ball of the innings, caught behind off Trent Boult.

Cook walked rather than seek a review but replays were unable to detect the ball hitting the bat, suggesting he might have survived if he had tried to overturn the decision.

Although the wicket is

showing signs of taking turn, the chances of a result in the Test may be slim,

with rain forecast over the next two days, particularly Sunday. (Sky Sports)

SCOREBOARD

NEW ZEALAND 1st innings T. Latham c de Kock b Philander 10 J. Raval c Elgar b Maharaj 52 K. Williamson c de Kock b Rabada 130 R. Taylor not out 15 H. Nicholls c Amla b Maharaj 12 J. Patel c du Plessis b Philander 16 J. Neesham c de Kock b Morkel 7 B. Watling b Maharaj 50 M. Santner c Maharaj b Morkel 4 N. Wagner c Duminy b Maharaj 32 T. Boult b Maharaj 2 Extras: (lb-8, w-1, nb-2) 11 Total: (all out, 114.3 overs) 341 Fall of wickets: 1-15, 2-117, 2-148, 3-165, 4-184, 5-193, 6-277,

7-297, 8-304, 9-324.

Bowling: K. Rabada 30-7-92-1, V. Philander 27-11-67-2, M. Morkel 24-6-62-2, K. Maharaj 28.3-7-945, JP. Duminy 5-0-18-0

SOUTH AFRICA 2nd innings S. Cook c Watling b Boult 0 D. Elgar not out 12 H. Amla not out 23 Extras: (lb-3) 3 Total: (1 wicket, 18 overs) 38 Fall of wickets: 1-0 Bowling: T. Boult 4-2-6-1, N. Wagner 4-1-8-0, M. Santner 5-26-0, J. Patel 5-2-15-0.

Tiger Woods out with back injury TIGER Woods is a doubt for the Masters after pulling out of next week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational, saying he has “no timetable” for his return.

The 14-time major winner has been suffering with back problems and has not played since he withdrew from the Dubai Desert Classic on February 3.

Woods, 41, has won the Masters four times and the first major of the season begins at Augusta on April 6.

“I’m especially disappoint-

Tiger Woods ed because I wanted to help honour Arnold,” he said.

“This is one event I didn’t want to skip. Arnold has meant so much to me and my family; I thought of him as a close friend. He will be greatly missed and can never truly be replaced.”

Palmer, who won seven majors, died last September at the age of 87.

Woods, who last played in the event at Bay Hill in Orlando in 2013, has won it a record eight times. No other player has won it more than twice. (BBC Sport)

Guyana’s premier cyclists battle in second leg of Cheddi Jagan Memorial road race GUYANA premier cyclists will be in action tomorrow as the 20th Annual Cheddi Jagan Memorial Cycle Road Race pedals off in the West Demerara area, beginning at 08:00hrs from outside the Wales Police Station, West Bank Demerara.

After being sent on their way, the participants will journey to Bushy Park, East Bank Essequibo before returning to finish at Schoonord near the Demerara Harbour Bridge for the finish.

The event was not staged in the West Demerara area last year because of unforeseen circumstances.

However in 2015, Hamza Eastman won the 50-mile event in a time of one hour 54 minutes 50 seconds.

Christopher Griffith was first to cross the finish line in the Junior category, while Junior Niles won the Veterans Under-50 years category. Deoraj Garbarran was the winner of the Mountain Bike category and Anthony Farriah was the

winner of the Veterans Over60 years.

Come tomorrow, the first six finishers will be rewarded for their efforts as well as the first three juniors, the first three veterans Under-50, the first three females and the first Over-60.

The event is being sponsored by the People’s Progressive Party’s Vreed-en-Hoop

District Group in Region Three.

The event’s organiser is Hassan Mohamed and this will be the eighth year that the event will be staged in the West Demerara area.

Meanwhile, the 20th Memorial of the late former President Cheddi Jagan is expected to conclude on Sunday (19th) along the Essequibo Coast.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday March 11, 2017)

COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & the City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Dwayne Bravo & Ian Bradshaw (2) Marcus Trescothick Today’s Quiz: (1) Which WI bowler was the first to take a wicket

with his very first ball in ODI cricket?

(2) Who is the first Englishman to take an ODI hat

trick?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 11, 2017

REGIONAL 4-DAY CRICKET…

Seven-star Joseph floors Jamaica Scorpions on day one FA S T b o w l e r K e o n Joseph claimed a career-best of seven wickets to help the Guyana Jaguars bowl out hosts Jamaica Scorpions for a paltry 225 and take the opening day honours in the sixth-round match in the Regional four-day championship yesterday at Sabina Park, Jamaica.

Joseph claimed figures

Shimron Hetmyer is on unbeaten on 51.

of 7-53, despite a fighting 101 from Chadwick Walton. Brandon King 30, Jermaine Blackwood 29 and Devon Thomas 26 were the other principal scorers.

The Jaguars in reply were 69 without loss, with Shimron Hetmyer unbeaten on 51. The Jaguars trail by 186 runs, with all ten wickets in hand.

Meanwhile, in the other sixth-round game: Trinidad & Tobago Red Force were 250 for seven (Yannick Cariah 92 ret. hurt, Steven Katwaroo 59, Khary Pierre 39, Isaiah Rajah 29; Kyle Mayers 3-23, Sherman Lewis 2-48) vs Windward Islands Volcanoes.

Up to press time no scoreboards were made available.

Keon Joseph claimes a career-best 7-53.

Law remains upbeat despite Windies whitewash (CMC) – Head coach Stuart Law believes there is enough ability within the West Indies set-up, to be able to transform the struggling regional side into a winning unit.

The one-day side suffered a 3-0 whitewash at the hands of England on Thursday after going down by 186 runs at Kensington Oval but Law said even though disappointed, there were enough signs there to suggest a turnaround could be achieved.

“First glimpse of what I’ve got to work with, there are some very encouraging signs,” said the Australian, who was presiding over his first series.

“I thought we bowled particularly well throughout the series. (Thursday)

West Indies head coach Stuart Law remains upbeat about the future.

probably wasn’t a great bowling performance but the first two were acceptable. In the batting we had guys getting starts but not anyone going on get-

ting big scores and I think that’s an area we need to improve.

“To be honest, I’m not pleased with the result but very, very happy to

see some guys who have actually got something to give out in the cricket field and they want to be there to do it.”

West Indies lost backto-back games at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium in Antigua to concede the series before producing easily their worse performance to suffer their heaviest ODI defeat to England.

They struggled in all departments, with only Jonathan Carter (137) and Jason Mohammed (132) managing over 100 runs and posting half-centuries.

Off-spinner Ashley Nurse led the wicket-takers with six scalps but captain and seamer Jason Holder took his first wicket of the series in

the Thursday’s final game when he finished with three, while pacer Carlos Brathwaite and leg-spinner Devenra Bishoo both struggled.

The squad boasts an average age of 26 and Holder, with 51 ODIs, is the most experienced player but even with the palpable lack of experience, Law said he was content to work with the young players he had inherited.

“I’d like to see the guys that we have seen playing in this series get more experience as well and you only get that from playing.

You don’t get that from sitting on the sidelines,” he told a media conference here.

“Experience is very difficult to buy on a shelf.

You need the player to have actually lived the game to have been through the tough situations and willing to work hard with the young crew to make them appreciate success as well.

“So it’s a tough thing to just turn up and find but I’m pretty confident that these young guys they’ve got something that burns within them about the game of cricket.”

He added: “They are really down right now and they should be … but they’ve just got to get back and work hard. With hard work come good things so fingers crossed (and) we can work hard enough; we’ve got some good times ahead.”

Orville Hinds to defend DDL 35-lap Foo helps Jaguars to win over Samuels’ Cantons feature today in National Park

TEAM Evolution’s Orville Hinds will try to make a successful defence of his Diamond Mineral Water (DDL) 35-lap title when cycle coach Hassan Mohamed stages the 12th edition of the race beginning at 09:00hrs in the National Park.

Hinds, who won the event last year in one hour 19 minutes 58 seconds, will have to be wary of a number of riders who, since the 2017 season started, have been showing very good form.

Among them are Stephano Husbands, Andrew Hicks, Jamal John, Hamza Eastman

Orville Hinds

and Paul DeNobrega.

Raphael Leung is expected make a successful defence of his 10-lap Juvenile title,

which he won last year in a time of 23 minutes 28.18 seconds, while Junior Niles of Team Coco’s will strive to do likewise, as he has been in tremendous form since the 2017 season began in January. Niles clocked 11 minutes 46 seconds for the five-lap race last year.

Keon Thomas will be out to defend his mountain bike five-lap race title, which he won in 25 minutes 45.21 seconds last year.

Representatives of DDL will be on hand to witness the event as well as to make the presentations to the respective winners.

(CMC) – Jonathan Foo played a key role with the bat as Hung Hom Jaguars defeated Kowloon Cantons by 18 runs in the Hong Kong T20 Blitz yesterday.

The 26-year-old, who turned out in the recent WICB Regional Super50 for Guyana Jaguars, struck a run-a-ball 34 to help Jaguars get up to 164 for nine off their 20 overs, after being sent in.

Jaguars were struggling at 49 for four at the Mission Road Ground before Foo combined with South African Johan Botha, who made 65, to pull the innings around in an 70-run fifth-wicket partnership.

Botha faced 37 balls and struck eight fours and two sixes while Foo carved out three fours and a six.

West Indies all-rounder Darren Sammy failed with just three.

In reply, Cantons were restricted to 146 for seven off their 20 overs with West Indies right-hander Marlon Samuels stroking 22 from 21 balls and opener Dwayne Smith getting 10.

Jonathan Foo strikes 34 in a winning cause.

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 11, 2017

Dave West Indian Exports Guy-NY partners with GCB for U-15 Championship

By Rajiv Bisnauth

DUBBING the event as an integral step towards the development of the next generation of cricketers, the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), in collaboration with Dave West Indian Exports Guy-NY, launched the 2017 edition of the GCB

Under-15 Inter-County tournament yesterday at the GCB’s boardroom.

The one-day competition is of utmost importance to the GCB as it is being used by the junior selectors to formulate the Guyana team for the West Indies Cricket Board’s (WICB) Regional Under-15 competition later

this year.

At a simple launch, representative of the business entity, Cliff Joseph, presented the sponsorship cheque and trophies to executives of the board.

However, prior to the handing-over ceremony, GCB’s Territorial Development Officer, Colin Stuart,

indicated that the tournament plays a huge role in identifying future stars. Stuart, the former Guyana and West Indies fast bowler also pointed out that the sponsorship will go a long way in assisting the continued success at the Under-15 level.

Meanwhile, secretary of the GCB, Anand Sanasie

stated that the GCB is extremely grateful to have Dave West Indian Imports on board for a second consecutive year.

Joseph said his company is pleased to partner in the development of cricket, especially at the youth level.

As was the case last year, a President’s XI team has

been included in the tournament, increasing the number of teams to four.

With the unpredictable weather pattern, the GCB has identified March 14 as a tentative date for the commencement of the tournament, with Ogle, Enmore and Police as the venues shortlisted.

Hero CPL 2017 launches with eye-catching Draft

… Five Guyanese in Guyana Amazon Warriors 2017 squad THE fifth instalment of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) was launched in spectacular fashion in Barbados yesterday morning, as the Player Draft concluded with some eye-catching movement across all six franchises.

Five Guyanese were named among an array of international and regional stars for the Guyana Amazon Warriors Franchise.

Guyanese duo, batsman Gajanand Singh and fast bowler Keon Joseph, are among the six newcomers, while the other three Guyanese are Veerasammy Permaul, Assad Fudadin and Steven Jacobs.

The other four newcomers announced by the franchise are Jamaican wicketkeeper/batsman Chadwick Walton, Afghanistan all-rounder Rashid Khan, ICC Americas opener Steven Taylor and Barbados all-rounder Roshon Primus.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors have been one of the most consistent sides since the tournament’s inception in 2013 and that is reflected in the retention of a number of stalwarts including Black Caps opener Martin Guptill, in-form Australian batsman Chris Lynn and Pakistan’s towering left-armer Sohail Tanvir who was one of the most consistent performers in 2016 with bat and ball.

In addition, the squad will include West Indies duo, Rayad Emrit and Jason Mohammed, as well as exciting batsman Shimron Hetmyer who led the West Indies to the Under-19 ICC Cricket

Gajanand Singh World Cup title last year.

This year, each squad’s Player budget is US$750 000. In addition to an unlimited group of retained players, once more there is a guaranteed roster spot for a Young West Indies emerging player as well as a representative from the ICC Americas, which ties in with one of the Hero CPL’s mandates of providing opportunities for young players across the Caribbean and North America.

Though each team was permitted to retain the core of their squad this year, it still allowed for some eye-catching transfers.

Amongst some of the notable acquisitions are Australian all-rounder Ben Cutting who has been recruited by St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, while West Indies ICC World T20 winner Marlon Samuels has joined the St Lucia Stars.

Samuels was not the only high-profile Caribbean capture, with the Jamaica Tallawahs signing up batsman Lendl Simmons. Chadwick Walton has made the move, meanwhile, to Guyana Amazon Warriors and looks set to be a strong addition to their batting line-up.

For the first time ever, there will be an Afghanistan presence in the Hero

CPL, with Mohammad Nabi (St Kitts & Nevis Patriots) and Rashid Khan (Guyana Amazon Warriors) being snapped up.

Barbados Tridents also supplemented their bowling attack with the signing of Pakistan’s Wahab Riaz.

In addition to the high-profile acquisition of New Zealand batsman Kane Williamson, coupled with the return of Dwayne Smith following his transfer from Guyana Amazon Warriors, the Tridents retained Pakistan’s Shaoib Malik and South African all-rounder Wayne Parnell in their bid to win the coveted title they last won in 2014.

Kieron Pollard will lead an exciting team which includes wicketkeeper/batsman Nicholas Pooran, who impressed following his comeback from a long injury lay-off. He joins the likes of Ravi Rampaul and emerging West Indies player Shamar Springer for the forthcoming campaign.

It will be a case of opportunity knocking for reigning champions, the Jamaica Tallawahs, who will be aiming for their third Hero CPL title.

Rovman Powell was a standout player last year and the exuberance of youth will be balanced by a hat-trick of Asian talent in Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara, Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan and Pakistan’s Imad Wasim who have all been retained. USA international bowler Timroy Allen has also been retained as the ICC Americas representative.

St. Kitts & Nevis Patri-

ots completed one of the most eye-catching transfers in the close season by acquiring the services of two-time champion Chris Gayle, and the powerful left-hander will join ‘marquee’ overseas signing Proteas all-rounder Chris Morris and his international colleague Tabraiz Shamsi in the Patriots squad.

A string of local Caribbean talent will include influential leg-spinner Samuel Badree, Jonathan Carter, Kieran Powell and promising fast bowler Alzarri Joseph for what will be ICC World T20 winning coach Phil Simmons’ first season in charge of the ambitious Patriots.

Carlos Brathwaite has been retained as a West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) ‘Free’ Player, who are players either contracted to the WICB, or, likely

Rashid Khan to be selected by the WICB for international duty.

St Lucia Stars will once again be led by charismatic leader Darren Sammy and they will welcome back South African batsman David Miller and Australian all-rounder Shane Watson to the fold.

Recently re-named and under new ownership, the Stars will also welcome Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga

for a squad brimming with quality. Local favourite Johnson Charles was a strong performer at the top of the order last year and he will line up once more alongside the likes of Andre Fletcher, Shane Shillingford and Jerome Taylor.

2015 champions Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) have opted to retain all but three of last year’s squad and will once more by led

by Dwayne ‘DJ’ Bravo.

TKR will look to the guile of Sunil Narine while Darren Bravo will firm up a batting line-up which includes ‘marquee’ player Brendon McCullum, who will be joined again by fellow Black Cap Colin Munro. South Africa’s Hashim Amla also returns to the panel who will be coached by Australian Simon Katich.

2017 HERO CPL SQUADS: BARBADOS TRIDENTS: Kieron Pollard, Kane Williamson*, Shoaib Malik, Dwayne Smith, Nicholas Pooran, Wayne Parnell, Ravi Rampaul, Wahab Riaz, Raymond Reifer, Christopher Barnwell, Imran Khan, Damian Jacobs, Akeal Hosein, Ryan Wiggins, Tino Best, Shamar Springer (Young W.I.), Akeem Dolton (ICC Americas) GUYANA AMAZON WARRIORS: Sohail Tanvir, Martin Guptill*, Chadwick Walton, Chris Lynn, Rayad Emrit, Rashid Khan, Jason Mohammed, Steven Taylor, Veerasammy Permaul, Roshan Primus, Gajanand Singh, Assad Fudadin, Keon Joseph, Steven Jacobs, Steven Ketwaroo,

Shimron Hetmeyer (Young W.I.), Muhammad Ali Khan (ICC Americas) JAMAICA TALLAWAHS: Lendl Simmons, Kumar Sangakkara*, Shakib Al Hasan, Imad Wasim, Muhammad Sami, Rovman Powell, Gidron Pope, Kesrick Williams, Garey Mathurin, Jon-Russ Jaggesar, Krishmar Santokie, Jonathan Foo, Kennar Lewis, Andre McCarthy, Odean Smith, O’Shane Thomas (Young W.I.), Timroy Allen (ICC Americas) ST KITTS & NEVIS PATRIOTS: Chris Gayle, Chris Morris*, Ben Cutting, Mohammad Nabi, Evin Lewis, Samuel Badree, Jonathan Carter, Tabraiz Shamsi, Brandon King, Devon Thomas, Sheldon Cotterell, Kieran Powell, Fabian Allen, Shamarh Brooks, Jeremiah Louis, Alzarri Joseph (Young W.I.), Nikhil Dutta (ICC Americas), Carlos Brathwaite (WICB ‘Free’) ST LUCIA STARS: David Miller, Lasith Malinga*, Shane Watson, Daren Sammy, Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher, Jerome Taylor, Marlon Samuels, Kamran Akmal, Rakheem Cornwall, Kyle Mayers, Shane Shillingford, Eddie Leie, Keddy Lesporis, Sunil Ambris, Obed McCoy (Young W.I.), Timal Patel (ICC Americas) TRINBAGO KNIGHT RIDERS: Dwayne Bravo, Brendon McCullum*, Sunil Narine, Hashim Amla, Darren Bravo, Denesh Ramdin, Colin Munro, Shadab Khan, Khary Pierre, Ronsford Beaton, Javon Searles, Nikita Miller, William Perkins, Kevon Cooper, Brad Hogg, Anderson Phillip (Young W.I.), Hamza Tariq (ICC Americas)

Law remains upbeat despite Windies whitewash See page 34

Dave West Indian Exports Guy-NY partners with GCB for U-15 Championship See story on page 35

Dave West Indian Exports Guy-NY representative Cliff Joseph (second right) hands over the sponsorship cheque to GCB’s Chairman of Competitions Committee, Colin Europe. Colin Stuart (right) and GCB’s treasurer Anand Kalladeen share the moment.

Hero CPL 2017 launches with eye-catching Draft … Five Guyanese in Guyana Amazon Warriors 2017 squad

Martin Guptill

Chris Lynn

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See story on page 35

Sohail Tanvir SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 2017