Guyana chronicle e paper 04 06 2017

SEE INSIDE

George Barclay, M.S. – Veteran Guyana Chronicle Journalist receives Medal of Service ► Page II

Further consultation Barclay’s Long Service Award from the GNNL

No. 104933

SUNDAY JUNE 4, 2017

Price: $140

(VAT Inclusive)

– President, Opposition Leader to meet again on GECOM list

Attack strikes fear in London

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People leave the area with their hands up after an incident near London Bridge in London, Britain June 4, 2017 (REUTERS/Neil Hall)

Berbice man CARICOM affirms: US$650,000 for killed over No intervention Bartica ‘Green’ $2,000 pension in Venezuela town project Page 13

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 4, 2017

Time for concerted action – UN expert says more robust efforts needed in region to tackle climate change

By Ravin Singh DESPITE overwhelming evidence of the threats posed by climate change, the tangible change experienced in the region to reduce the impacts of these threats, is only at a policy level.

This was according to head of the sub-regional office of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Vincent Sweeney, following the opening of the UNEP Regional Capacity Building Workshop on National Adaptation Plan (NAP), Wednesday last.

When asked what tangible change has been created to address climate change in the region, Sweeney said “the tangible change would be at the policy level”.

He noted that through policy development, awareness of climate change is being raised and funding is being accessed more than ever before.

Head of the sub-regional office of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Vincent Sweeney

“There is a lot more financing available now than ever before and even for example the Green Climate Fund (GCF),” he said.

The GCF is a fund within the framework of the United Nations Framework Con-

vention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), founded as a mechanism to assist developing countries in adaptation and mitigation practices to counter climate change.

The UN has set aside US$900M to support adapta-

tion and mitigation practices to counter climate change through the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

Just last year, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Baroness Patricia Scotland, in an interview with Guyana Chronicle, shared that the regional bloc will assist Caribbean countries in accessing these UN funds.

Baroness Scotland explained that climate change remains an important issue for the Commonwealth because it does not discriminate based on geographic space, and it poses an “existential threat” to this region.

In addition, she revealed that efforts are being made at the level of the Commonwealth to create a climate change financial hub, where expertise that the region needs, and those that the Commonwealth has, will be in a common place.

Sweeney also believes that the majority of the global community is on board with

climate change mitigation.

Nearly 200 nations, including the US under President Barack Obama’s administration, agreed in 2015 to voluntarily reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in an effort to combat climate change. This is referred to as the Paris Climate Agreement.

Worrying though is the fact that newly-elected US President Donald Trump has announced that the US is withdrawing from the agreement, and that moves to negotiate a new “fair” deal that would not disadvantage US businesses and workers would begin.

Despite support at an international level to combat climate change, Sweeney said that he does not believe the commitment has been as strong at the national level.

“In a lot of countries there is a strong national commitment. At the international level, it’s clear in the Paris Agreement. At the national level, it is not so clear,

although we do hear a lot of policy statements being made which incorporates climate change.”

He specifically referenced Guyana and Jamaica as two countries with strong commitments at the national level, to fight climate change.

Reiterating that the region is at a better stage than it was some years ago, Sweeney noted non-traditional sectors are now getting on board in the fight against climate change since it is seen as entry point for financing.

He pointed out that in Jamaica world heritage and climate has been linked to facilitate accessing of funds to advance both of these areas.

“We see the same in the water sector. That sector is getting on board with climate issues and linking some of their vulnerabilities to climate, because that is where the funding is. We are seeing a lot of non-traditional sectors getting on board,” the UN expert said.

US$650,000 for Bartica ‘Green’ town project THE Government of Guyana has received a US$650,000 grant from

the Government of Italy in support of its model ‘Green’ town, Bartica

Project.

The primary objective of the grant is to establish a re-

liable point of reference for the existing state of energy use in Bartica.

The data generated from this will be used for future measurements and predictions for evidence-based decision-making and pursuance of projects and programmes.

Bartica has been designated the model town for ‘Green’ initiatives. This project is therefore, located within the agenda of the Green Economy Framework in lieu of Guyana’s overarching sustainable development architecture.

To this end, activities undertaken will include sensitisation and awareness of

Bartica’s populace, conducting of household baseline survey study, energy audits of public institutions, facilities and street lighting in Bartica, transportation sector energy audit, among others.

These efforts are being facilitated by the Office of Climate Change, which falls under the purview of the Ministry of the Presidency, in partnership with the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC).

The project is set to be officially launched on Monday in Bartica. (Ministry of the Presidency)

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Further consultation SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 4, 2017

– President, Opposition Leader to meet again on GECOM list

President David Granger

By Ariana Gordon PRESIDENT David Granger has invited Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo to another round of consultations on Monday, June 12.

The President’s invitation comes one day after he deemed “unacceptable” the second list of nominees submitted by Jagdeo for consideration of appointment as the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

“I write on behalf of His Excellency, President David Granger with respect to the appointment of a Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission in accordance with the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

“Having regard to statements attributable to you in the media referring to His

Excellency’s letter dated 2017-06-02, I am instructed by His Excellency to invite you to a consultation on Monday 12th June 2017, at 18:00hrs at State House, Georgetown,” said Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, in a letter dated June 3.

On Friday, President Granger called on the Opposition Leader to submit a list that matches the criteria set out in keeping with Article 162 (2) of the Constitution of Guyana, for the selection of a ‘fit and proper” person to fill the post of GECOM chairman.

In a statement from the Press and Publicity Unity of the Ministry of the Presidency, the President said the list must include six persons, who are all qualified so that the choice is not limited.

“Every member of the list suggested must conform to the criteria and you cannot put on the list, a person who does not conform… I must be given a choice. I don’t believe that the second list gave me the range of choice that the people of Guyana deserve,” he said.

“Nothing is ever settled until it is settled right and he has to get it right,” the President continued.

Jagdeo’s second list comprised of Justice of Appeal, B.S. Roy (ret’d); Justice William Ramlal (ret’d); Oneidge Walrond-Allicock, attorney-at-law and a former magistrate; Kashir Khan, attorney-at-law; Nadia Sagar, attorney-at-law and businessman, Gerald Gouveia.

Notwithstanding the President’s rejection, he made it clear that the Opposition Leader is capable of producing a suitable list of nominees.

FIT AND PROPER NOMINEE “I’m prepared to work with the Leader of the Opposition for as long as it takes to have somebody selected who fits the criteria, satisfies the Constitution and is one that the people of Guyana could be happy with.

I’m prepared to work with the Leader of the Opposition for as long as it takes, but I’m not going to give the people of Guyana the appointment of a person, who is not fit and proper in accordance with the Constitution or criteria, which have been laid out.”

Moreover, the President said that appointing a chairman is important as Local

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo

Government Elections (LGE) is imminent in preparation for General Elections.

“The Leader of the Opposition must do what the Constitution requires him to do… and he has not done that as yet,” said President Granger who noted that the qualifications of the nominees were examined closely and in the end it was clear

that the list as a whole did not conform to the criteria set out in the Constitution.

“I expect that he would go back to the drawing board and produce a list, which conforms to those criteria. I’m quite serious. It’s an important appointment and I think it must be taken seriously,” the President added.

In December 2015, Jagdeo’s list of nominees included Major General (retired) Norman Mc Lean; attorney and political analyst, Christopher Ram; former chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Ramesh Dookhoo; peace and governance consultant, Lawrence Lachmansingh; businesswoman, Rhyaan Shah; and Professor, Dr. James Rose.

Meanwhile, Jagdeo in response expressed concern over the move by the President. In a statement to the media, he said, “The Leader of the Opposition notes with deep concern the cavalier and callous manner in which the President continues to express no confidence in and denigrate the professional reputations, integrity and competence of Guyanese of high calibre who have rendered sterling contributions to the development of our country and in service to our people; and who have distinguished themselves in their individual endeavours and pursuits.”

The Opposition Leader threatened to take legal action should President Granger unilaterally select a person of his choice for the chairmanship of GECOM. “The Leader of the Opposition hereby assures that should the President proceed along this unconstitutional, undemocratic and diabolical path, there will be litigation and other consequences for which the President will be responsible,” Jagdeo’s statement concluded.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE

june 4, 2017

At least one dead in central London attacks BRITISH armed police rushed to three incidents in central London on Saturday after a van ploughed into pedestrians on London Bridge and reports of multiple stabbings in the nearby Borough Market area.

Police sent out security advice to Londoners on Twitter saying “run, hide, tell” if they were caught in an attack.

The BBC cited police as saying there had been more than one fatality.

The attacks come days ahead of a June 8 election and less than two weeks after a suicide bomber killed 22 people at a pop concert by U.S. singer Ariana Grande in Manchester in northern England. There was no immedi-

ate claim of responsibility for the attacks.

“A van came from London Bridge itself, went between the traffic light system and rammed it towards the steps,” a taxi driver told the BBC. “It knocked loads of people down.

“Then three men got out with long blades, 12 inches long and went randomly along Borough High Street stabbing people at random.”

Prime Minister Theresa May had been informed and was being kept updated, her office said, while U.S. President Donald Trump had also been briefed by his national security team, the White House said.

One woman told Reuters she saw what appeared to be three people with knife wounds and possibly their throats cut at London Bridge at the Thames river. Reuters was unable to immediately verify her account.

STABBINGS ON THE STREET Police said they fired shots after reports of stabbings in the nearby Borough

People speak with a police officer after an incident near London Bridge in London, Britain June 4, 2017 (REUTERS/Hannah Mckay) Market area, and that they were also responding to an incident in the Vauxhall area further west, but gave no immediate details.

Streets in the area would have been busy with people on a Saturday night out. BBC showed dozens of people, evidently having been caught up in the attack, being escorted through a police cordon with their hands on their heads.

British Transport Police said casualties were reported after an incident that may have involved a van and a knife attack, while the London

Ambulance Service said it was sending multiple resources to the incident near London Bridge.

One witness told the BBC she saw a speeding white van veering into pedestrians at London Bridge. That witness said the van hit five to six people. Reuters television pictures showed dozens of emergency vehicles in the area around London Bridge.

Several witnesses also reported hearing gunshots.

“We were in an Uber (taxi) going towards London Bridge and suddenly we saw people

running. The Uber stopped, we asked people what was going on – people said there was shooting,” said Yoann Belmere, 40, a French banker living in London.

“Now the area is completely closed with police cars going one way and ambulances going the other,” he told Reuters.

The incident bore similarities to a March attack on Westminster Bridge, west of London Bridge, in which a man killed five people after driving into a crowd of pedestrians before stabbing a

police officer in the grounds of parliament.

A witness told CNN two men had entered a restaurant in the Borough Market area near London Bridge and stabbed two people inside. He said a waitress was stabbed in the throat and a man was stabbed in the back.

The Manchester bombing on May 22 was the deadliest attack in Britain since July 2005, when four British Muslim suicide bombers killed 52 people in coordinated attacks on London’s transport network. (Reuters)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE june 4, 2017

Brazil police arrest President’s aide BRAZILIAN police have arrested Rodrigo Rocha Loures, a former congressman and close friend of President Michel Temer.

Rocha Loures was seen in a video released in May carrying a bag with 500,000 Brazilian reais ($154,000).

Prosecutors allege he was handling a bribe from a businessman who had been recorded discussing hush

money with President Temer.

His arrest comes as part of a probe into alleged payments to politicians by the meat-packing company JBS. President Temer has repeatedly denied any involvement in the bribery scandal, which threatens to engulf his administration. He said Rocha Loures could be the victim of a trap.

The owners of J&F’s,

the controlling shareholder of JBS, said under a plea bargain that they spent 600m reais ($184 m) to bribe nearly 1,900 politicians over a number of years.

One of them, Joesley Batista, also gave prosecutors an audio tape, leaked to the media, in which Temer appears to condone bribing a witness.

The audio came from a

106 Chilean intelligence officers sentenced to prison A JUDGE in Chile has sentenced 106 intelligence officers for the kidnapping and murder of 16 leftist activists in 1974 and 1975.

Judge Hernan Cristoso said the activists had been arrested and sent to torture centres in Santiago. They were never seen alive again.

Many of the agents are already serving prison sentences for other cases.

During General Pinochet’s rule, from 1973 to 1990, some 3,000 people died or disappeared in Chile.

Thousands of people were tortured or had to go into exile.

Judge Cristoso sentenced the former intelligence offi-

Thousands of people were tortured or had to go into exile during General Pinochet’s rule

cers to between 541 days and 20 years in jail.

He also ordered the state to pay $7.5 million (£6.8 million) in compensation to the victims’ families.

Among the agents sentenced are two former generals, César Manríquez Bravo and Raúl Iturriaga Neumann, and several senior officers at the National Intelligence Directorate (DINA).

Judge Cristoso said the Pinochet government had tried to cover up the disappearances, saying either that the victims had fled abroad or that they had been killed in fighting between rival leftist groups.

(BBC)

conversation between the President and Joesley, and was recorded using a hidden device.

In it, Temer appears to discuss paying for the silence of politician Eduardo Cunha, who is currently in prison.

Temer has said the recording is genuine but may have been tampered with.

He says it was taken from a meeting in March and he denies any wrongdoing.

“I never authorised any payments for someone to be silent,” he said in a televised address. “I did not buy anyone’s silence. I fear no accusations.”

Temer has resisted calls to step down over the scandal.

The country’s Supreme Court has approved an investigation into the allegations

Mr Rocha Loures is alleged to have been a middleman between the president and a businessman against the President. dent, Julia Carneiro, says.

Rocha Loures could seek But that could damage a plea bargain and reveal the President’s assertion who the money was intended that he did nothing illegal, for, BBC Brasil correspon- she adds. (BBC)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE

june 4, 2017

Finding a solution LAST week, Kaieteur News carried an article where reportedly workers of the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI) sought out the newspaper to make known the conditions under which they are being forced to work . That those workers saw it fitting to leave their homes and visit the newspaper in Georgetown to tell their stories suggests to us that they are hurting and feel that their problems will not be addressed if they do not go public.

The problems with the workers and the company go back years and it is more than timely that they be resolved. Whereas Guyana faces threats to its territorial integrity with Venezuela coveting Essequibo and Suriname a part of Berbice, the sovereignty of Guyanese being threatened by a foreign force within our borders is equally serious and deserving of national response.

Those workers said Ministers Simona Broomes, Keith Scott and Volda Lawrence have visited their worksite and they had opportunities to air their concerns with them. These visits obviously would have gone a far way in showing that the workers were not alone and that their Government cares about the conditions under which they work and the treatment under which they labour.

At the same time, it cannot be ignored the workers’ view that the ministerial visits have not resulted in improvement in how they are being treated. There is an existing dispute between the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GB&GWU) who are the workers’ elected representative, and the management of the company.

The union has accused the company of not wanting

to respect the laws as they relate to the workers’ rights to a union of choice and collective bargaining. Stories of workers who have dismissed for taking industrial action against unsafe practices, denial of collective bargaining, and protesting their meals being prepared under unhygienic conditions have attracted media coverage.

Allegations of being threatened by an aggressive ‘spade-wielding’ manager, and the industrial accidents and deaths occurring within this mining community were also covered.

The company, which is owned by the Government of Guyana and RUSAL Aluminium and managed by the latter, for its part has accused the union of violating the collective labour agreement. It has taken a decision since December 2009 to de-recognise the union, which the union claims constitutes a violation of Section 23 (1) of the Trade Union Recognition Act (1997).

Outside of Minister of Labour Dr. Nanda Gopaul in 2012 -- having inherited the matter from predecessor Manzoor Nadir -- who sought to resolve the matter by invoking compulsory arbitration, which the company challenged, nothing significant thereafter has been done to achieve resolution.

These reports are enough to cause concern about what is happening to Guyanese workers. The back and forth between the union and company have been on-going for far too long, when evidently the workers have concerns that they need address. Irrespective of which side of the issue people may be inclined to agree with, there must be no disagreement that Guyanese deserve to be treated with respect and dignity in their homeland.

The presence of this eight-year dispute is indicative that something is amiss and this must be looked into as a matter of utmost urgency. The Ministry of Social Protection is being urged to recognise the protection these workers are clamouring for.

As Guyanese, there is no place we can truly call home other than here. It is in our home where our protection and safety can and must be assured, in spite of the challenges going on around us. As a peaceful people just as we don’t seek trouble with our neighbours and other countries, the standard we set ourselves must be equally reflected in how we allow others to treat us, our sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Where these are circumscribed in our constitution and laws at all times these must be defended and protected with all our might. It can never be over-emphasised the dual and intertwined importance of sovereignty and integrity to the nation’s survival, respect and development of its people.

The last place Guyanese should feel alien is here.

Those workers have said they want their union to represent them, advisedly a recognition certificate exists and the GB&GWU is the recognised union.

Where the workers have once again used the newspaper to implore that this be made possible their pleas must no longer be ignored.

A Message To Guyana’s Education Ministry “CONTINOUS intelligence -- not effort or strength -- is the key to unlocking our potential.”

Education is the process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through study and training,Guyana’s education system is dying drastically and what we need are persons that will “listen and adhere” to suggestions made, not persons who will “ignore” the many cries of youths.Our Government has been sitting in office for approximately two (2) years and our International Literacy and Schooling Rate (ILS) is in a poor standard,let me enlighten you readers on what really is (ILS)-it is the percentage of people aged 13 and above who can,with understanding both read and write a short,simple statement on their everyday life.Guyana stands as the twentieth (20th) country with the lowest liter-

acy levels which nationwide percentage is 33.6%, our country my dear people needs a Youth Literacy Officer or in the United States of America and the United Kingdom a (Youth Development Officer or a Page), if I am allowed by our Excellency President Mr.David Granger and our Honourable Prime Minister Mr.Rupert Roopnaraine to attain this new position in Guyana’s history, it would be satisfactory to our nation’s literacy count.This will be my plan for the education sector:To the students and education officials of Guyana: I am your future Youth Literacy Officer,and I am honoured to be so.There is no greater calling than to help educate young people.

I would like to apprise you of some important changes that will be coming to Guyana.I will be making these changes because I am con-

vinced that most of the ideas that have dominated public education in Guyana have worked against you, against your teachers and against our country. First, in schools their will no longer be honour race or ethnicity. I could not care less if your racial make-up is black,brown,red,yellow or white; I could not care less if your origins are African,East Indian,Amerindian or Chinese, or if your ancestors arrived here on slave ships; the only identity I care about, the only one this country will recognise, is your individual identity --- your character,your scholarship,your humanity.

These are Guyanese public schools, and Guyanese public schools were created to make better Guyanese.If you wish to affirm an ethnic,racial or religious identity through school you will have to go elsewhere, we will END all

ethnicity,race and non-Guyanese nationality-based celebrations, they undermine the motto of Guyana and these schools will be guided

by Guyanese values.This includes all after-school clubs; I will not authorise clubs that divide students based on any identities, this includes race,language,religion,sexual orientation or whatever else may become in vogue in a society divided by political correctness. Secondly, I am uninterested in whether English is our native language,my only interest in terms of language is that you leave school speaking and writing English as fluently as possible.And if you leave these schools, without excellent English Language skills, I will be remiss in my duty to ensure you that you will be prepared to successfully compete in the Guyana Trade Market. Thirdly, because I regard learning

as a sacred endeavour, everything in Guyana will reflect learning’s elevated status, this means, among other things, that you and your teacher will dress accordingly, many persons in our society dress more formally for red-carpet events than for church or school, these people have their priorities backward.Therefore, there will be a formal dress code at these schools. Fourth, NO OBSCENE LANGUAGE will be tolerated anywhere on the school’s property, if you can’t speak without using the “F-word”,you can’t speak.It is my intent that by the time you leave these schools,you will be among the few your age to instinctively distinguish between the elevated and the degraded,the holy and the obscene. Fifth, and last, I am reorienting the schools toward academics and away from politics and propaganda.

No more time will be devoted

to scaring you about smoking and caffeine, or terrifying you about “sexual harassment” or “global warming”.No more terms will be devoted to “condom wearing” and teaching you to regard sexual relations as only or primarily a health issue.

There will be no attempt to convince you that you are a victim because your not white,or not male, or not heterosexual or not Christian.I will have failed if any one of you graduates these schools and does not consider him or herself inordinately fortunate--- to be alive and to be a Guyanese.

Now you can all see that “I have a vision” Let us cooperate for Guyana.

Yours Faithfully, O’SHEA MINGO

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE june 4, 2017

CHPA was prepared for increased volume of persons showing interest in housing solutions THE Ministry of Communities, Department of Housing (Central Housing and Planning Authority) wishes to let the public know that the agency had set up systems to deal with an increase in the volume of persons coming to do business at its headquarters, following the very successful Housing Solutions 2017 and Beyond EXPO. Closure of the office on Tuesday, May 30, 2017 CHPA had informed the public, through a series of announcements that the office would have

been closed on Tuesday, May 30. Notices were also posted at CHPA’s Headquarters.

Crowd Build-up On Wednesday, May 31, 2017, work commenced promptly at the Authority at 8:00 a.m. but there was a build-up of persons from as early as 6:30 a.m. wishing to take advantage of the housing solutions proposed by Government.

Out of respect for the comfort of the public, CHPA did not close its gates but allowed people to assemble in the open area, immediately behind the main gate.

Due to limited space it required some degree of understanding by the public and for everyone to cooperate with the staff. For the most part, the majority of persons did comply Given the expectant buildup, systems were put in place to effectively deal with this situation.

Desks were set up to facilitate the types of services required by the members of the public. It was during the attempts to complete the preparation, that some people became agitated. One of the factors that contributed to the disruption was the re-

fusal of some late-comers to queue up according to the time they came. Some late-comers wanted to be served before others.

During our attempts to maintain order, a member of the public assaulted one of the security guards. The matter was reported to the law enforcement but the assailant left the precincts of the Agency before the police arrived It is unfortunate that this regrettable but isolated incident would be used to paint the Agency as having “failed to be different from the old ways.”

We at CHPA are heartened by the level of enthusiasm shown by the public towards the Authority’s housing solutions and we will not allow this unfortunate but isolated incident to spread a dark cloud over our efforts.

We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the hard work of the staff who at times were required to perform under strenuous and unforgiving circumstances. We would also like to thank those members of the public who refused to be influenced by the distasteful

behavior of a few unruly individuals.

We want the public to know that we continue to register interested persons for the housing solutions.

We also wish to assure the nation that CHPA remains committed to the President’s vision of building affordable, cohesive and sustainable communities and promoting a functional and aesthetically pleasing environment.

With regards, Central Housing and Planning Authority

GAWU responds to Phillips

Dear Editor,

WE refer to Mr Eric P h i l l i p ’s l e t t e r c a p tioned “GAWU is not interested in a win-win situation” appearing in the May 31, 2017 Stabroek News.

While Mr Phillips apparently chastises our Union for lacking “economic understanding” it also seems in our view, that he is not too au fait with the industry, its challenges and solutions to

make it into a viable entity.

On the debt, we urge that the disaggregated figures be looked into as we think it would be revealing to the author. With respect to the investment required by the industry, the Sugar CoI pointed to a figure less than one-third of what is quoted, obviously something is amiss.

It seems the letter writer may not have been following the many articles and letters in the press in recent times which have

proposed alternatives for sugar without the heavy consequences of the plans being currently promoted by officialdom. In this vein, we strongly believe that our proposal presented to the Government and shared with the public offers a way out and a bright future for sugar and the people connected to its operations. At this time, neither the Administration nor GuySuCo have said our proposals are misguided, misplaced

or unfeasible. Diversification within sugar, we hold, strongly is the answer to the big question on the industry and we went as far as offering our ideas on its financing. The non-sugar diversification being proposed is very questionable and the sad experiences of the past offer very little comfort.

Moreover at Wales, the supposed launching pad for this new direction, we hasten to point out(that) very little is being done

but suffering is growing by the day.

Mr Phillips also says that “the government and people of Guyana cannot afford to subsidize GuySuCo as it is currently operating” but at the same time can we afford plans which would promote greater hardships, impoverishment and depravity in our country. Such situation we see as lose-lose. The author, we urge, should read an article concerning the situation obtaining in Wales

which appeared in the May 31, 2017 Stabroek News.

We ask, do we really as a people, in the i n t e re s t o f w h a t M r Phillips calls “equitable sustainable development” spread those hardships to other parts of the country? For the GAWU, we cannot lend a supporting voice to such a plan.

Yours faithfully, SEEPAUL NARINE General Secretary

CARICOM holds firm 8

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 4, 2017

No intervention into existing affairs in Venezuela

THE Caribbean Community (CARICOM) at the recently held 29th Meeting of the Consultation of Foreign Affairs at the Organisation of American States (OAS), held firm to its position of non-intervention into the existing affairs in Venezuela.

Venezuela has been wracked by civil strife and has issued a call to regional bodies to support that country’s president Nicholas Maduro in his push for dialogue with the opposition, to end that country’s ongoing unrests.

At that meeting, upon the instruction of the Heads of States, Bahamian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Frederick Mitchell, informed the OAS Minister of Foreign Affairs that the body has given consideration to the state of affairs of Venezuela and have all decried the rising violence and condemned the increase in the number of deaths and destruction of property there.

Mitchell noted that Venezuela is not only a sister state of the OAS but a neighbour and noted that country’s active solidarity towards CARICOM over the years in good and bad times along with its support for the OAS have

been deeply appreciated.

As such, CARICOM he said is deeply affected by the challenges confronting Venezuela like all other territories. It is as a result of the seriousness of activities in the Spanish speaking country that CARICOM convened meetings of its most important councils to discuss the matter.

“We reaffirm the principles of the maintenance of the rule of law, respect for human rights and democracy as well as the fundamental principles of non-intervention and non-interference in the internal affairs of states,” said the Bahamian Minister.

“We were united in our view with respect to these values and principles improved valuable and pregnant in addressing concerns over the situation in Venezuela.

Persuaded that the solution to the situation in Venezuela had to be solved internally, supported by a process of dialogue, behold the view that the deeply entrenched positions needed to be softened so that trust could be built on both sides,” he continued.

As a result, CARICOM calls on both sides to undertake gestures and action that would herald the willingness

to bridge the existing division in Venezuela so that dialogue can be facilitated to come to a peaceful resolution.

“Mr Chairman, the CARICOM believes that the hemispheric organisation to which we are all members can play an important mediating role when one of our member states finds itself in difficult straits. To do so, the organisation can offer its good offices to facilitate dialogue and peaceful resolution.”

Mitchell noted that in order to so do, it is important to abide by the principles of the organisation’s fundamental documents as well as values and principles that underpin the multilateralism, respect for sovereignty and independence, non-intervention and non-interference of the internal affairs of member states.

“Our willingness as an organisation to assist must never trample on these principles. Such actions can only make a difficult situation intractable,” he added. CARICOM has recommended that the 29th Meeting of the Consultation of Minister of Foreign Affairs be a suspended session under Article 62 of the Rules of Procedure of the General Assembly, as

incorporated by Article 18 of the Rules of Procedure at this 29th meeting of consultation of ministers of foreign affairs.

“Additionally, CARICOM called on the OAS to instruct the Permanent Representatives of the body to continue to engage on a declaration in respect of which this 29th Meeting of Consultation of Ministers of Foreign Affairs will reconvene, at a time to be agreed prior to the General Assembly in Cancun, Mexico.

“It should be noted that there has been much work done preceding and parallel to the meeting held on May 31, and it is the work done which indicates that “we are close to achieving consensus” said Mitchell who noted that “flexibility is required if consensus is to be achieved”.

In the weeks leading up to the OAS meeting of Foreign Ministers, the Chairman of CARICOM, Guyana under the stewardship of President David Granger convened a meeting of heads by way of video conference.

At that meeting, the CARICOM Ministers of Foreign Affairs were instructed to meet and find common ground around which the

body could present its position to the OAS. Draft texts of the ambassadors in Washington were examined and pulled together and was agreed to. After consultation with the heads, the text was submitted to the OAS and at the meeting on May 31, the majority of territories present expressed concern about the occurrences in Venezuela and stated how they think the matter should be dealt with.

Through negotiations, a declaration is being worked on.

Meanwhile, Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, told Guyana Chronicle that there was no time that CARICOM was divided on its position on the matter. He explained that Jamaica was as far as he is aware, the lone CARICOM state that intervened subsequent to the Bahamian Prime Minister’s statement on behalf of CARICOM. “Nowhere in the last two weeks has there been any discussion of the expulsion of Venezuela or intervention of any other state. Those are fabrications,” said the Foreign Affairs Minister of Guyana.

Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kamina Johnson- Smith, expressed her country’s full support of CARICOM’s position and noted that calls for the sus-

pension of Venezuela from the OAS are undesirable. She noted that it is her country’s desire to see the problems facing Venezuela resolved but by the people themselves.

Johnson-Smith also offered to be part of any contact group that will be established.

“The meeting as a whole did not finish with a declaration because they are still working on it…the ambassadors weren’t finished so ministers don’t have one. I believe they spent some time working on the declaration based on what the Caribbean had prepared; whether they would stay with that or not, I can’t say,” said Greenidge who noted that CARICOM does not constitute the entire OAS and as such it can be expected that there will be amendments to the document submitted to the body. “…it has to find consensus, which means it will be modified. The ambassadors and ministers will be charged with looking at final statement to see if they will accept it. It is unlikely that such a statement from a large group would be considered by the 24 members and passed unamended.

Negotiations are in train,” noted Greenidge who said that the CARICOM text is agreeable to states outside of CARICOM.

Windsor Forest Primary gets books, PA system – compliments of Chinese association

By Shirley Thomas THE Chinese community in Guyana, on Friday strengthened ties with the Guyanese community, through partnering with the Guyana Book Foundation to make a donation of books and other items to primary schools in Regions Two ( Pomeroon-Supenaam) , Three (West Demerara - Essequibo Islands) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

This gesture was in observance of International Children’s Day, celebrated on June 1 in China, and in observance of the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Guyana and China.

The school identified for the Region Three donation was the Windsor Forest Primary School, West Coast Demerara, which has had a long-standing relationship

with the Chinese Association.

On this occasion, the Chinese Association donated three book organisers and a quantity of books, while the Association of Chinese Enterprises in Guyana donated a state-of-the-art public address system for the school’s use and which, interestingly, was immediately put to use by the recipients.

Presenting the books and book organisers (shelves) was President of the Chinese Association Junye Yang, while Jason Yang presented the public address system on behalf of the Association of Chinese Enterprises.

The items were gratefully received by headmaster Rakesh Ramsoomaj.

Meanwhile, among the distinguished others were wife of the Chinese Ambassador, Huili Liang; Director of the Guyana Book Foundation, Dr. Leslie Chin

and Eileen Chin; Director/ Comprehensive Officer of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Jianguo Mao; Advisor to the Chinese Association Anyin Choo; Ken Yang; Godfrey Chin; Kevin Cao and Deborah Skeete of the Guyana Book Foundation.

The joint initiative constitutes but the first step towards the establishment of a library for the students of Windsor Forest School, Headmaster Ramsamooj said.

For this cause, the foundation partnered with the association by matching the books purchased, thus doubling the amount, to give a grand total of 660 books for the venture. The initiative has the strong support of the Guyana Book Foundation, whose main goal is to improve literacy among children in Guyana.

Headmaster Ramsamooj,

who welcomed the donors, expressed gratitude to the donor partners for their generous donations on behalf of Windsor Forest.

He assured the donors that the books and other items will be put to good use, adding that it will certainly be of benefit to the children and the wider community of Windsor Forest.

VERY CLOSE Meanwhile, adviser to the Chinese Association Anyin Choo, on behalf of the association, said that Windsor Forest is very close to the Chinese community, since it was the place where the first set of Chinese arriving in British Guiana were settled.

Additionally, the first president of Guyana, Arthur Chung and family,had lived at Windsor Forest.

“The Chinese Association would like to give back to Windsor Forest, and what better way is there to give back than to invest in the future of Guyana in the form of books. We know that

education is very important to Guyana. It’s the tool for poverty reduction, will give a boost to the younger generation,” Choo said, adding, “The least we can do is to help equip them with the tools to manage and to better lead the world tomorrow.”

She said that the best way of doing this is by investing in their (youths) education, and the best tool with which to present them is books. She assured the headmaster and school that this is not going to be the last donation, but more are in store.

And Dr. Lee, director of the Book Foundation, noted that the starting point of becoming literate has to do with reading and once that first step is made, one would learn to love books and eventually develop the art of getting out of poverty.

He thanked the head and staff for accepting and showing appreciation for the donation, and called on the headmaster to find ways and means of ensuring the books

do not remain on the shelves, but are fully utilised by the school’s population.

On January 12, 1853, the first 647 Chinese immigrants were brought to the colony of British Guiana. The first ship to dock was the “Glentanner,” carrying 262 passengers from Amoy, China. These immigrants were settled on three plantations on West Demerara – Windsor Forest, Pouderoyen and La Jalousie.

The Chinese Association, over the years, has supported the Windsor Forest Primary School by building bleachers, donating sports equipment, stationery and other school items. A plaque was laid in the village on January 12, 1986, to commemorate the 133rd Anniversary of the arrival and settlement of the forefathers of Chinese compatriots. This was initiated by the Guyana/ China Friendship Society in association with the Guyana Commemoration Committee.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 4, 2017

Half a million visitors by year 2025 …the State will support tourism – Pres.

GUYANA is capable of increasing its tourist capacity by at least half a million more visitors by the year 2025. This is according to Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin, who also has responsibility for Tourism.

The minister was among prominent guests that included President David Granger, First Lady Sandra Granger, other ministers of government, and the diplomatic community who attended the 25th anniversary celebration of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) and its partners.

Gaskin told the gathering that last year Guyana had 235,000 visitors, a 17 percent jump from what was experienced the previous year. For the first quarter of the year, the country has already experienced a six percent increase compared with the same period in the previous year. The minister noted that while the growth trajectory continues for this year , it is not the same for last year, noting that it was a special time for the country

given its Golden Jubilee.

With an average annual growth rate of eight percent, the minister said his tourism director has made it known that, “…we could be looking at 500,000 or half a million visitors by the year 2025.”

In this regard, Gaskin said that physically, Guyana would need the support of at least five additional 737aircraft arriving in the country on a daily basis, another three hotels the size of the Marriott and a number of smaller hotels. Increased transportation, over 100 more taxis would be required, inclusive of more restaurant facilities.

This is a challenge the minister plans to put to the tourism organisation to rise to the occasion of increased traffic.

Recognising 25 years of building what can now be described as a comprehensive Guyanese tourism industry, THAG President Andrea de Caires, was adamant that Guyana’s tourism sector has earned its place to be ranked among the economic earners that have added to the national purse. She said that it was “right and fitting” that as the

Guyanese economy was on the verge of oil and gas and firm in other sectors, that tourism should also be recognised. “...Tourism should be in the economy along with oil and gas, agriculture and mining as a driver of a sustainable, stable and green Guyana,” de Caires told the gathering. She said that government support has never really materialised into a sustainable financial push for tourism; rather, it has seen the drive of international agencies such as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and USAID to help promote Guyana on the international market.

She said THAG was nonetheless formed and around 1992, pushed its tourism guide which is now Explore Guyana magazine to market Guyana on the international front, more recently distributing more than 35,000 copies.

THAG was also instrumental in discussions that led to the establishment of legislation that saw the formation of the Guyana Tourism Association (GTA).

The THAG President not-

President David Granger examining some of the locally made products that are offered to visitors to Guyana

President David Granger and First Lady Sandra Granger and daughter toast to 25 years of THAG’s existence

ed however that it has been stated that tourism contributes to Guyana’s GDP with some eight percent. This sector she noted however could be turned into one that is extremely significant, noting that the current main groups are diaspora tourists and those seeking eco-tourism. De Caires said that airlift and transport will be of great need and are areas to be expanded. She also pointed to incentives that could significantly contribute to the growth of the sector.

President David Granger said that, “the state will support tourism…” He pointed to the collaboration between public and private partners to ensure the growth of the sector. The President also pointed to Guyana’s eco-environment which he insinuated is the country’s biggest seller with its lush vegetation, flora and fauna and vast lands of lush green pristine natural environment.

The President also pointed to a number of ways that the tourism sector could push toward marketing itself to the world and thus promote Guyana’s culture and tourism packages.

THAG honoured a number of its stakeholders following a toast of Demerara Distillers world-

Minister Cathy Hughes, THAG President and other stakeholders toast to 25 years of THAG In Guyanese tourism

class 25- year- old rum. In their presidential awards, Grand Coastal Hotel was named hotel of the year, while Rewa Eco Lodge was named Resort/lodge of the year. The Direct Tourism Services award went to Marcia Gravesande, who has

trained numerous tourism stakeholders in the sector in medical safety. Tourism supporting services award went to Demerara Distillers Limited, while Cara Lodge’s CEO, Shaun Mc Grath won the tourism hall of fame award 2017.

THAG President Andrea de Caires and assistant present Cara Lodge CEO Shaun McGrath with the Hall of Fame award

Great service for GTT business customers

THE Guyana Telephone Telegraph Company (GTT) has announced that it intends to increase broadband Internet access speeds to business customers at no additional charge.

“In some cases, customers will enjoy up to 3X their actual speeds. The increase in speeds is subject to a customer-by-customer analysis, where physical plant upgrades may be required,” the company said in a statement.

Additionally, the telecommunications giant said it will continue to make substantial investments in its subsea cable network, the core Internet network in Guyana, along with improvements in access network to businesses and residents.

“The present upgrade for business customers is another benefit from these investments,” GTT said, noting that in addition to providing the highest quality and most affordable broadband service in Guyana, it provides the best mobile plans and devices for businesses.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 4, 2017

Walter Rodney: A Guyanese and Caribbean legacy

By Dr. David Hinds DR. Walter Rodney was assassinated on June 13, 1980.

His assassination brought to a premature end a life that represented the best of our Caribbean civilisation. This month we again remember him-- what he stood for and represented.

I am always saddened by the fact that our Guyana has still not come to wholeheartedly embrace our own shining star. Thanks to the inability of our political leaderships on all sides of the spectrum to separate narrow partisan interests from broad national pride and dignity, Rodney remains mired in our, often, muddy political waters.

For this month of June, I am dedicating this column to a reflection on Rodney and his meaning to Guyana, the Caribbean, Africa and its diaspora. I start today by

highlighting what I see as his lasting legacy. Walter Rodney was born in Georgetown, Guyana, in 1942. In 1960, he won an open scholarship to further his studies at the University of the West Indies in Jamaica and graduated with a first-class honours degree in history in 1963.

He then won another open scholarship to the School of Oriental and African Studies in London. In 1966, at age 24, he was awarded a Ph.D. with honours in African History. His doctoral research on slavery on the Upper Guinea Coast was published in 1970

by Oxford University Press under the title, A History of the Upper Guinea Coast, 1545-1800. Rodney took up his first teaching appointment in Tanzania before returning to his alma mater, the University of the West Indies, in 1968.

However, Rodney did not confine his activities to the

university campus. He took his message of Black Liberation and his knowledge of African history to the gullies of Jamaica where the impoverished masses, including the Rastafarians, lived.

By mid-1968, Rodney’s “groundings” had begun to attract the attention of the Jamaican government. When he attended a Black Writers’ Conference in Montreal, Canada, in October 1968, the Hugh Shearer-led Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) government banned him from re-entering the country. This action sparked widespread demonstrations in Kingston, during which several people were injured by the police and security forces and millions of dollars’ worth of property was destroyed.

Rodney’s groundings with the Rastafarians were published in a small book titled “Grounding with My Brothers,” which became a hand-

book of the Caribbean Black Power movement and is still cited today as a central text in Caribbean and Black Studies.

Having been expelled from Jamaica, he returned to Tanzania after a short stay in Cuba. There he lectured from 1968 to 1974 and continued his groundings in Tanzania and other parts of Africa. This was the period of the African liberation struggles and Rodney, who believed that the intellectual should make his or her skills available to the struggles of the poor and the powerless, became deeply involved.

His second major work, and his best known, How Europe Underdeveloped Africa, emerged from these activities. In 1974, Rodney returned to Guyana to take up an appointment as Professor of History at the University of Guyana, but the government rescinded the appointment. Rodney remained in Guyana and joined the newly formed political group, the Working People’s Alliance (WPA). Between 1974 and his assassination in 1980, he emerged as the leading figure in the WPA and the resistance movement against the authoritarian government.

This year we celebrate Rodney and remember his contributions at a critical time in Guyana and Caribbean history. We do so at a time when our region is caught in the web of alienation, displacement and social destruction, brought about by the new re-colonisation project misnamed globalisation. The consequences of this project are multi-layered, far-reaching and total. The era of globalisation, has brought our country and region face to face with the demons of our plantation past. We are forced to take a fresh look at our independence -- its content, its context, its trajectory and its promise. Here is where Walter Rodney is invaluable. He has, through his legacy, left us some tools with which we can try to make sense of our past, our

present and our future. What is this Rodney legacy that I am talking about? There are three major elements of this legacy.

First, Rodney exemplified a broadened role for the intellectual in Guyanese and Caribbean society. For him, the intellectual must put herself and himself at the service of the people by becoming immersed in the popular struggle for freedom.

The premise of this was the fact that it is the struggles and sacrifices of the working people that make it possible for the intellectual to attend university and hone his or her skills. This element of Rodney’s legacy is particularly relevant as our society grapples with the tension between individual aspiration and achievement on the one hand, and responsibility to community and nation on the other. For Rodney, there was no tension. His was a harmonisation of individual endeavour and collective advance.

A second aspect of the Rodney legacy was his instinctive embrace of the concrete. Rodney saw no place for dogmatism in political praxis. This allowed him to construct a broad praxis which he used not to confine and limit his ability to understand social motion, but to help him to navigate the diversity and sometimes chaos that are very much part of our historical tapestry. This aspect of his praxis helped him to distinguish between the tree and the forest, even as he articulated the relationship between the two.

Rodney, therefore, would not be stuck in time and place as some are desperately trying to do to him today. He would, for example, point out the continuity from the 1970s to the 2000s, but would alter his analysis to take into consideration the inevitable changes over time.

A third aspect of the Rodney legacy that is applicable to our discourse today is this vision for the wholeness of

our multi-ethnic society. His approach to ethnic problems which have plagued Guyana was three-fold. First, he adopted the approach of confronting the problem as a real living phenomenon.

He did not see ethno-racialism as a fiction of people’s imagination, but as an unfortunate but real outcome of our history. Second, he made a distinction between ethno-racialism as identity and ethno-racialism as domination, insubordination and otherisation. Third, he saw the overcoming of ethno-ethno-racial polarisation as rooted in a praxis of inclusion rather than exclusion. But he advocated an inclusion premised on equality and mutual respect or what he referred to as “jointness.”

Such inclusion is multi-faceted--ethno-racial inclusion, class inclusion and generational inclusion. While he did not speak much on gender inclusion, his praxis did not silence it.

A fourth aspect of Rodney’s legacy was the inclusion of resistance as a necessary aspect of nationhood.

The right to resist was, for him, central to the realisation of freedom. In that regard, he saw the independent actions of the masses of people as critical to the process of democratisation and freedom.

It is within this context that his notions of self-activity and self-emancipation were located. For Rodney, protest and resistance were not meant as tools of destruction and domination, but as sites of self-activity of the people.

In the process of resisting, the people are creating and recreating their own identities and carving out their own spaces of liberation.

More of Dr. Hinds’s ‘writings and commentaries can be found on his YouTube Channel Hinds’ Sight: Dr. David Hinds’ Guyana-Caribbean Politics and on his website www. guyanacaribbeanpolitics. com. Send comments to dhinds6106@aol.com

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 4, 2017

– Chenapau Village Council calls for shared ownership of KNP

Toshao of Chenapau, Edward McGarrell and former Toshaos Sylvester Joseph (left) and Tony Melville (right)

By Ravin Singh THE village council of Chenapau in Region Eight is calling for shared ownership of the Kaieteur National Park -- a protected area where some 21 persons were recently charged for conducting mining activities.

This position was articulated by village Toshao, Edward McGarrell at a Saturday morning press conference, where he also debunked claims that his villagers were conducting illegal mining in the protected areas.

“The photos in the press was [sic] not where Chenapau residents were working. We’ve been protecting the environment and we respect the protected areas. So why would we allow mining there if we have been protecting it for so many years?” McGarrell questioned rhetorically.

Twenty-one residents including a woman and child were arrested Sunday last, after reports surfaced that they had been working on mines which were operating in the Kaieteur National Park.

Picked up on a trail, the Chenapau residents were escorted to the park by soldiers who then brought them to Georgetown, where they were charged. They were released on Tuesday eve-

ning, and on Friday, government announced that the charges against them will be dropped. Those persons are expected to return home today (Sunday).

However, the village Toshao is maintaining that those individuals were not working in the park, since they have been protecting it since their occupation of those lands. He said that he would not even acknowledge the charges being dropped as a sign of compassion, since they should not have been instituted in the first place.

McGarrell explained that the Patamona people from Chenapau have a better understanding of the environment and how it is to be managed. As such, he suggested that there be co-ownership of the Kaieteur National Park between the government and the Patamona nation, since the latter are the true owners of those lands.

The village Toshao explained that one of the advantages of having co-ownership is that the park would be better managed, since the Patamona people have the knowledge needed, and they are the ones who have been protecting the area over the years.

“The park will be properly managed because, as it is now, it is not being managed properly because we are the ones, I would say, protecting

it all of the time,” he said.

Supporting the claims made by McGarrell was former Toshao of the village, Tony Melville, who provided a map of Chenapau to illustrate where the park was, where the mining had occurred and where the villagers were picked up.

He explained that the National Park’s signboard is an indication of where the park begins and nowhere within that vicinity were villagers found to have been con-

ducting mining . Further, he revealed that the images of the mining area, which were provided by the Ministry of the Presidency, were taken outside of the park since no mining activities take place within the boundaries of the signboard.

Another former village Toshao, Sylvester Joseph, also denounced the claims by government that mining was taking place in the park and called for there to be an investigation to vindicate the

residents who were wrongly accused and charged.

Joseph said that what he has observed is that there is no proper communication between the Protected Areas Commission (PAC) and the residents of Chenapau, and both sides end up on the losing side.

“What we discovered is that sometimes they have information that we don’t know about and sometimes we have information that they don’t know about.

So we need to have better communication between the two,” Joseph said.

A call was also made by the current Toshao, for the army to be removed from Chenapau, since it has contributed to tension in the area and heightened fear among the Patamona people.

He reasoned that no illegality obtains in the area to the extent that military personnel are to be present, and on that basis, they should be removed.

Former Toshao of Chenapau Tony Melville uses a map of the village to illustrate where mining was being conducted and where the Kaieteur National Park – a protected area – is

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 4, 2017

How we can achieve the system of governance stipulated in the Constitution THE Guyana Constitution in its preamble requires us to “Forge a system of governance that promotes concerted effort and broadbased participation in national decision-making in order to develop a viable economy and a harmonious community based on democratic values, social justice, fundamental human rights, and the rule of law.” A preamble represents the overarching spirit and intent of the people’s pursuit for development through a set of principles that would guide their relationships, the management of their business, and the security and protection of the nation-state.

It is therefore important to establish from the outset what is the fundamental requirement to forge the system of governance we set ourselves. Article 13 which outlines the ‘Objective of the

political system’ expressly states, “The principal objective of the system of the State is to establish an inclusionary democracy by providing increasing opportunities for the participation of citizens, and their organisations in the management and decision-making processes of the State, with particular emphasis on those areas of decision-making that directly affect their well-being.”

It should be noted “inclusionary democracy” replaced “consultative democracy” with the 1999 constitutional reform, against the backdrop of concerns the consultative process lend to and justified exclusion of stakeholders -- political and non-political.

Inclusion is expected to bring about greater involvement and ensure the human rights of all in the developmental process of the people and country, that is, to be treated as equal with dignity and

respect.

Article 13, which represents a declaration of intent, awaits legislation to strengthen and deepen the democratic processes of the State. 17 years after it is yet to see any meaningful action from the politicians through laws, programmes, and policies. It is my view that where the politicians -- who are representatives of the people -- are failing to act, the people must demand action from them. And even as we await action on Article 13, there are several articles in the constitution, should they be presently enforced, can go a far way in making the preamble realisable.

For instance, the Executive and Legislature are the two branches of government that impact our day-to-day lives in intimate ways, yet many are unsure of their individual and collective role(s).The Executive has

day-to-day administrative responsibility for the country in conceptualising, developing and implementing policies and programmes within the confine of laws, universal declarations, international conventions and charters.

This branch operates at three tiers -- they are national/ central, regional and local governments.

Careful examination of the Executive would see inclusion of so-called losers (i.e. opposition) in every tier.

I urge a rethinking of the notion that ours is rigidly a winner-take-all system that shuts out losers, given the constitutional provisions. If we look at the United States for instance, the losing presidential candidate is excluded from the legislature and the executive.

Articles 110 and 184 place the leader of the opposition as part of the Executive. Upholding the spirit and intent of inclusion would appreciate the opposition leader’s role is not only to oppose, but to also perform oversight, propose and support. They are instances in the constitution when specific involvements are identified, such as consultation with the President on appointment of Chancellor of the Judiciary and submission of a List for appointment of GECOM Chairman.

These approaches are intended to forge consensus through engagement and spirited debates where necessary, even as there exists recognition of the potential for disagreement. And in some instances, where such exists, the president is permitted to make stipulated independent decisions (e.g. GECOM) or work together until consensus is arrived at (e.g. Chancellor of the Judiciary).

In the Regional and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils, there are seats at the table, based on proportionality of the votes received, which allows for the input of all. But our politics

has been hijacked by persons not seeking to forge the system of governance we set ourselves. Instead, we see acts of non-cooperation and sabotage, transgressing of rights, violating of laws, dissent or alternative views within the ranks met with rejection, and the wisdom of the opposition’s input, on both sides of the political divide, rejected.

In the Local Democratic Organs, Article 75 requires parliament providing for laws to make these bodies autonomous. Article 76 addresses the passing of laws to raise their own revenues.

Thirty-seven years into this constitution, the Executive and Legislature have failed to act. There was an exception in 1990 when then PNC Minister of Regional Development Jeffrey Thomas brought a Bill to the House to give meaning to these articles. This Bill had one reading, but nothing prevents a revisiting of it.

Since 1992, there has been evident growing fluidity in which group or party holds control of the Executive and Legislature, but this reality is not being matched with corresponding respect by the politicians to respect the will of the people, their right to freedom of association and economic self-determination. These are acts that run contrary to the constitutional system of governance.

We cannot ignore that though Article 171 allows any member of the National Assembly to bring bills, motions, etc. to the House,but this continues to be stymied.

And this is happening out of disinterest, laziness, and/ or the draftsmen treated as though they are working solely for the Executive and not the Legislature. Parliamentary discourse and debates are also very seldom done along bi-partisan lines, since each side holds the view it is ‘our time’, its members possess the monopoly on what is good for all, and/ or to accept

the wisdom of others translates to weakness.

There are constitutional bodies to realise forging the system of governance we are entitled to, but they remain unestablished. Each constitutional body has its role and responsibility and examination of this will show intent to improve our quality of life.

Where the Human Rights, Ethnic Relations, Local Government, and Integrity commissions are not established, they hinder the vital role they should be playing in improving governance and welding the nation together.

For the trade union Articles 38 and 149C expressly address our duty and fundamental right in the management and decision-making processes of the State on matters affecting our constituents, who comprise past, present and potential workers. Ours is also a duty to participate in the economic direction of the country as outlined in Article 38. Since 2000 the politicians have shut the trade unions out from exercising its constitutional duty.

As evident in Article 13, which supports the preamble under review, groups and individuals are allowed participation in management and decision-making on issues that impact their well-being.

Unfortunately, the politicians only find such involvement necessary in casting a ballot and giving blind loyalty to what they do. This the people must work to repel and demand their right be respected in every sphere of governance.

In order for the people to know what they are entitled to, they have to know what is in the constitution, and in order to know what is in the constitution, it requires public education on the constitution so healthy discussions and debates can flow. Ignorance of the constitution allows persons to run roughshod over you.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 4, 2017

Oil refinery feasibility study for review GOVERNMENT is yet to review the feasibility study on the establishment of an oil refinery here, but said it will be take into consideration all advice received on the subject before making a decision.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, told reporters at his weekly post-Cabinet press

briefing on Friday, that it is important Guyana looks at all sides of the equation before deciding its path.

He explained that “at the appropriate time the minister (of Natural Resources) will bring a memorandum to Cabinet upon which we will cogitate and make a decision that is in the best interest of

the people of Guyana”.

Meanwhile, in May, Pedro Haas, Director of Advisory Services at Hartree Partners which conducted a feasibility study for an oil refinery here, revealed that the cost to construct a standard 100 barrel per day oil refinery would be US$5B. Given the cost, Haas sug-

Berbice man killed over $2,000 pension AN 88-year-old man lost his life senselessly over a measly GY$2000 on Friday after he was attacked by an alleged “junkie” at around 12:30 hrs at his Corriverton home.

The octogenarian identified as Fitzherbert Grimes, lost his life at his Hazel Street home a little after lunch on Friday, after he was allegedly strangled and brutally beaten to death by a 32- year old man identified as ‘Shadow.’

According to a relative, Dexter Parks, Grimes who was fondly called “Grandfather” was at home relaxing when ‘Shadow’ entered the yard and demanded Grimes’ pension money which, he,Grimes had collected the day before.

The father of eight allegedly refused to hand over the money and shouted at ‘Shadow’telling him to “go and look for work.” This seemed to anger the suspect as he grabbed the elderly man by the neck and started to choke and stomp him.

The badly injured man was rushed to the Skeldon Hospital where he succumbed to his injures an hour later.

Fitzherbert Grimes in his younger days The suspect as he was escorted by police to the scene of the crime. He was only indentified as Shadow

When this publication visited the scene a few of the deceased relatives were present. Inside the home blood stains smeared the wall while the pensioner’s dentures were in a corner on the floor.

Meanwhile, the suspect was apprehended by Parks and other neighbours who restrained him as he made several attempts to escape.

Shortly after the police ar-

rived and took him to the Springlands Police Station where he subsequently confessed to the brutal beating.

According to a police source close to the investigation, ‘Shadow’ confessed to killing the senior citizen and taking $2000 from his person when he collapsed.

Meanwhile, a neighbour said the suspect was as a “troubled individual” who was recently released from prison.

Grimes was described as a quiet, loving and understanding person.

The home of the elderly man where the incident occurred

gested that there be a creation of a robust unit within the Ministry of Finance, which should have both technical and professional relationship with the international oil companies exploring for oil here.

Speaking at a consultative forum in May at the Marian Academy on Carifesta Avenue, Haas revealed the findings of a study done on the establishment of an oil refinery in Guyana and suggested that the unit at the Finance Ministry should be equipped and credible enough to understand the microeconomics of the petroleum industry. It should also be knowledgeable of the daily calculations of market prices while being connected

to the global market.

The expert said as an alternative to the establishment of an oil refinery, it would be best if government maximises income from commercialising crude oil, swap or toll crude oil for products on the international market, create joint ventures with offshore refineries, as well as acquire stock in refining companies.

Haas said whether an oil company is State-owned, domestic or internationally operated, from the standpoint of the government and in the interest of the State, the creation of a fiscal authority body, which would have knowledge of the market and taxes “in the proper way” is best. This, he noted, will enable a body to bring an

educated discussion on the subject.

According to the expert, when a country decides to refine oil, it is inserted into an international economy. Being an internationally priced commodity, Haas noted that if a country decides to follow the route of selling a product at a lower level, “you are subsidising it and you are sacrificing the difference between the price that you could have sold that commodity at and the price that you are selling internally at.”

Haas said too that the feasibility study shows that Guyana would be destroying more than half the value of its investment should it decide to have an oil refinery.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 4, 2017

SASOD remembers those consumed by AIDS THE Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) hosted its eighth annual AIDS Candlelight Memorial last Sunday as part of the inaugural Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Festival in Guyana.

The function, held at the Catholic Life Centre, Brickdam, was a dedication and memorial for those who lost their lives to AIDS-related illnesses.

The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial website is coordinated by the Global Network of People Living with HIV and is one of the world’s oldest and largest grassroots mobilisation campaigns for HIV awareness in the world.

Started in 1983, the Inter-

national AIDS Candlelight Memorial takes place every third Sunday in May and is led by a coalition of some 1,200 community organisations in 115 countries.

Speaking on the international theme, ‘Ending AIDS together,’ UNAIDS Country Director Martin Odiit reminded the audience that HIV is still a pandemic with millions of lives lost and around 37 million people are currently living with HIV. He posited that HIV remains a challenging reality on the social front with people still experiencing HIV-related stigma, discrimination and human rights violations.

UNAIDS defines HIV-related stigma and discrimination as “... a ‘process of devaluation’ of people either living

with or associated with HIV and AIDS ... Discrimination follows stigma and is the unfair and unjust treatment of an individual based on his or her real or perceived HIV status.”

Examples of discriminatory and stigmatising practices may range from neglect, differential treatment, denial of care, disclosing of HIV status without consent, and verbal abuse/gossip, Oditt explained.

“Men and women may experience different forms and intensities of stigma. HIVrelated stigma can manifest in the family, at the workplace and even in health facilities. It is therefore important that the general population, employers and service providers are continuously reminded of the ramifications of stigma, the actions to take, and the value

of a supportive, stigma-free environment,” the UN’s resident HIV chief stated.

DEBILITATING He revealed that stigma often heightens existing prejudices and inequalities.

HIV-related stigma tends to be most debilitating for people who are already socially marginalised and closely associated with HIV, such as sex workers, men who have sex with men, transgender persons and prisoners.

“The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial reminds us of the impact that HIV still has on our lives.

The memorial emphasises the need for people living with and affected by HIV to join hands and work together in the response to HIV. Without reducing stigma and discrimination, we will not end AIDS,” he said.

Odiit stated that stigma and discrimination contribute to keeping people from adopting HIV-preventive behaviours and accessing needed care and treatment.

According to the director, fear of being identified as someone infected with HIV increases the likelihood that

people will avoid testing for HIV, disclosing their HIV status to health care providers and family members, or seeking treatment and care, thus compromising their health and well-being.

“Both experienced and perceived stigma and discrimination are associated with reduced utilisation of prevention and treatment services.

Experience or fear of stigma often results in postponing or rejecting care, seeking care far from home to protect confidentiality, and non-adherence to medication,” Odiit explained.

The UNAIDS director explained that studies from different parts of the world reveal that there are three main immediately actionable causes of HIV-related stigma.

These are lack of awareness of what stigma looks like and why it is damaging; fear of casual contact stemming from incomplete knowledge about HIV transmission; and the association of HIV with improper or immoral behaviour.

REDUCING STIGMA In his address, Oditt remarked that increasing aware-

ness among the population of what stigma is and the benefits of reducing it are critical.

“Raising awareness about stigma and allowing for critical reflection on the negative consequences of stigma for key populations and people living with HIV, such as reduced quality of care and unwillingness to disclose their HIV status and adhere to treatment regimens are important in any stigma reduction programme,” he proffered.

Odiit believes that confronting the perceptions of assumed immoral and improper behaviours being associated with HIV and AIDS is crucial, as these promote stigmatising behaviours towards key populations and people living with HIV. “It is important to emphasise to service providers that moralising HIV and AIDS promotes stigma and discrimination,” he said.

The way forward, according to Odiit, is in investing in stigma reduction.

“We need to engage individuals, groups, government and civil society in reducing stigma. Efforts of education of the current and next generation about HIV, treatment, prevention and care and how it affects our lives must be a priority. We must empower and encourage people living with HIV in all their diversity to live positively and enjoy their right to live a life free of stigma and discrimination.

Only then shall we end AIDS by 2030,” he closed.

The inaugural LGBT Pride Festival was held from May 25 to 31 by the Guyana LGBT Coalition comprising the country’s LGBT-led civil society groups: Guyana Trans United (GTU), the Guyana Rainbow Foundation (GuyBow) and SASOD.

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Linden Technical Institute emerges winner – in duplex house 3-D model building competition

LINDEN Technical Institute (LTI) has walked away as first place winners in the duplex house 3-D model building competition; another initiative of the Ministry of Housing to promote local creativity and increase participation in the nation’s housing sector.

The competition also saw the New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI) and the Guyana Industrial Training Centre (GITC), coming in second and third place respectively, while the Upper Corentyne Institute (UCI) was hailed for their participation in the model show.

Having the model competition was a brilliant idea to rekindle the creativity in local construction, technical assistant to the Housing Minister, Remington Nelson, said.

He indicated that there appears to be an absence of mid-level skills which is needed in areas of development. The ministerial assistant recalled questioning the importance of overseas labour for the most part of the construction of the Marriot Hotel, when previously predominantly Guyanese were the main labour source in major constructions such as the Demerara River Bridge.

“That middle level skill set has left our shores,” Nelson opined. He said building was one of the passions of earlier generations who from a young age found pleasure in creating; building their own go carts and other such creations for instance.

But that creativity has been ignored over the years.

Nelson said this model duplex competition is an opportunity to remind Guyanese that “we can build things.”

He also pointed to a conversation where a foreigner had stated during the recently held housing activities, that Guyanese do not know how to use clay bricks.

Knowing that Guyana once had its own clay bricks factory and that this material

can still be seen prominently displayed in construction around the country, Nelson, who took offence, stated “ that is the disrespect that we have imposed on ourselves”.

Engineer Bert Carter, who was chief judge of the four-member team and is also a board member of the Central Housing Planning Authority (CHPA), set out the parameters that entailed the competition, noting that skills and creativity were main ingredients incorporated in the judging process.

GOOD OPPORTUNITY Carter too, felt that the Ministry’s initiative was a well-placed one in providing, “a good opportunity for students to express their skills”.

As a senior affiliate of the local construction industry, Carter remembers under the Burnham-regime housing establishments that are still standing strong today such as the single unit two-level family homes that were built particularly in the southern parts of the City.

The gathering at the simple ceremony also heard of construction styles and patterns deteriorating over time where contractors are providing substandard work for more money.

Carter pointed out for instance that the way septic tanks are being constructed today, were not exactly the same sometime ago, and that it was made some 80 per cent more efficient in managing waste.

Carter nonetheless, invited private contractors to adopt the idea of model homes to encourage a new attitude of quality and reliability in the housing sector.

He said once a contractor has created and displays his model home, and a potential homeowner desires that, then that is what the homeowner would receive, leaving little room for deviating from what they would have promised the customer.

In the meantime, the du-

plexes that were built for the Perseverance Housing Solutions 2017 and Beyond Expo were designed by CHPA’s team that included only local personnel.

The model homes com-

petition involved only students. The model homes featured living room quarters, kitchen and an open garage on the ground floor; two bedrooms and a bathroom on the first floor. The mod-

els were made with mainly chloroplast, with vinyl, and according to the Ministry, an actual constructed building from the models could be built with concrete or wood.

The models also entail

solar systems, energy efficient lighting and other eco-friendly and energy saving features. The model house competition is said to be the first of more to come.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 4, 2017

Outgoing German ambassador calls on President OUTGOING German Ambassador to Guyana Dr Lutz Hermann Gorgens on Friday paid a courtesy call

on President David Granger and discussed the Protected Areas Project, which the German Development

President David Granger with Ambassador, Dr. Lutz Hermann Gorgens and Ben Ter Welle during their discussions at State House

President David Granger and German Ambassador to Guyana, Dr. Lutz Hermann Gorgens

Bank, KWF, is funding.

The meeting was held at State House and the ambassador was accompanied

by Honorary Consul of Germany to Guyana, Ben Ter Welle. During the brief discussions, the German ambassador informed President

Granger that under the third phase of the project, a budget line is available to cater for income-generating projects for Amerindian communities that are in proximity to protected areas, the Ministry of the Presidency said in a statement on Friday.

PPP helps flood victims THE People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) on Saturday handed over a quantity of rice to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) to assist the entity in its efforts to bring relief to the flood victims of Regions Seven and Eight.

In a statement to the media

on Saturday, the party said Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo made the presentation to CDC Director-General, Colonel (Rtd) Chabilall Ramsarup.

“The Opposition PPP/C is committed to ensuring that the affected villages return to a life of normalcy and indicated its

support to the CDC efforts in these regions.”

Additionally, Jagdeo committed that his party will encourage government to seek additional budgetary support to effect the ongoing relief and recovery phases of the disaster which affected the two regions.

In Region Eight, in the North Pakaraimas, the hardest hit villages included Chenapau, Kaibarupai, Waipa, Sand Hill, Kopinang, Itabac, Kanapang and Cheung Mouth.

In Region Seven, Kako, Quebanang, Jawalla, and Kamarang/Warawatta were most affected.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo (third left) presents a bag of rice to Director-General of the CDC, Colonel (Rtd) Chabilall Ramsarup (second right). Also in the photo are (left) Nigel Dharamlall, Pauline Sukhai and (extreme right), Collin Croal

The announcement by the German envoy comes in the wake of the arrests of 20 residents of Chenapau Village, Region Eight, for illegally mining within the Kaieteur National Park last Sunday.

Last September, the government inked a

US$5M agreement with the German Government to support the implementation of the ongoing Protected Areas Project, which is in keeping with the objectives of the country’s ‘green state’ development agenda.

Charity Hospital being renovated RENOVATION works have begun on the Oscar Joseph District Hospital in Charity, Region Two, under the region’s capital works programme.

Several wards and the Dental Department which is in a deplorable state are being repaired.

In addition, the Accident and Emergency Unit of the hospital will be extended to provide more space and to accommodate more patients while a new and more spacious delivery room will be created.

A senior official attached to the Hospital said living quarters H34 and H35 are to be renovated to accommodate doctors and other professional staff.

The official also stated that sanitary facilities for members of the public and staff members will be upgraded and an oxygen bank will be installed at the hospital.

Oxygen is currently being placed in cylinders which have to be moved

from one position to the next to deliver to patients.

The hospital also now has an Assistant Hospital Administrator (AHA), who along with other staff members, is working to enhance the services offered in light of the lack of specialised doctors.

Dr. Shenelle Reid is the doctor-in-charge at the hospital.

Recently, several health professionals were honoured by the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) for their sterling contribution to the region during a ceremony at the Suddie Hospital Boardroom.

Regional Chairman Devanand Ramdatt took the opportunity to thank them on behalf of the RDC and people of Region 2.

Also attending the ceremony were Hospital Administrator, Shelly Ambrose and Assistant Hospital Administrator, Omkar Persaud, among other staff members and invited guests.

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Seventh-day church adds to National Library collection

By Shirley Thomas

THE Guyana Conference of Seventh-day Adventists is currently celebrating its 130th year as an organised Church in Guyana (18872017) and, with the Caribbean Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, has donated 130 books to the Guyana National Library.

Making the presentation to Chief Librarian, Emily King, at the National Library in Georgetown last Thursday, was President of the Trinidad-based Caribbean Union of Seventh-day Adventists, Dr. Kern Tobias.

The ceremony was witnessed by a high-powered delegation of local and visiting pastors and administrators, president, secretary and treasurer of the Caribbean Conference, directors and other functionaries, who were at the time attending the historic Annual Caribbean Union Mid-Year Executive Committee Meeting hosted by Guyana from May 31 to June 3.

Executive Secretary, Pastor Exton Clarke, outlined that the book initiative is a partnership between the Guyana Conference and the

In front row, President of the Caribbean Union of Seventh-day Adventists, Dr. Kern Tobias, presents a sample of the books to Chief Librarian, Emily King Others from left are: Michael Kendall, treasurer of the Guyana Conference of SDAs and Pastor Exton Clarke, executive secretary (Guyana Conference) along with other staff of the National Library. At right are pastors, executives and other functionaries attending the Annual Caribbean Union Mid-Year Executive Committee meeting in Guyana

Caribbean Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and the books are valued at $440,000.

“We believe that these books can have widespread impact as we endeavour to provide the books and resources that can inspire

our people as a whole, to strive for high standards of mortality, embrace healthful living, and to be more responsible in context of the family and relationships,” Pastor Clarke said.

While acknowledging that the conference has had

a long-standing relationship with the library, Pastor Clarke said the books come as a donation to the nation of Guyana, and will be placed in the National Library to benefit the constituency of Guyana.

“This is significant, be-

Stelling upgrade OVER the years, persons have noted their displeasure at the state of the ferry stelling near the Stabroek Market wharf but the situation is near to being corrected, following a decision by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to fund an upgrade of the area.

Recently, the CDB noted that its Board of Directors met and approved a grant of GBP603,000 (G$161M) to fund a feasibility study and designs for the rehabilitation of the coastal and river infrastructure in the Georgetown area.

In addition, the CDB noted that the project would cover the reconstruction of the facilities at the major river-passenger and goods-transport hubs

at Stabroek Market and Vreed-en-Hoop on the Demerara River.

The project is being funded through the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF), which is administered by CDB. The Demerara River, the principal route for commuters and goods between the two points, is served by docks at both ports which the bank noted were inadequate and cannot serve the currents levels of traffic which they receive.

“Rehabilitation of the sea defences is expected to have significant transformational effects on the city. Improving this critical infrastructure will help increase access to facilitate business, trade and social needs, and contribute to

cause it is our anniversary gift and we trust that these books of various subjects will be used in a way to bring light, knowledge and encouragement to the people of our country,” he affirmed.

“It is my pleasure on behalf of the Seventh-day

CDB green-lights G$161M for Stabroek, Vreed-en-Hoop

An overhead view of the Georgetown Ferry Stelling (Alva Solomon photo)

the growth in prosperity, poverty reduction and improved resilience to the effects of climate change in Guyana,” Andrew Dupi-

Adventist Church, in the Caribbean – otherwise called the Caribbean Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, to offer special congratulatory remarks to the SDA Church in Guyana, which incidentally is our largest constituent,” Dr. Tobias said.

He added: “It is significant that we can all be here to celebrate with the Seventh- day Adventist Church, 130 years of existence here in Guyana, and it’s a tribute to its potency that we can make this gift of 130 books, covering areas of health and family life; religious and moral content and for children as well.”

Meanwhile, Chief Librarian King, in expressing gratitude for the donation of books to the library, said the wide range of books will make interesting reading for local readers. She expressed the hope that the donations forthcoming will be more than doubled.

And observing that it is the commonly held belief that libraries are dying, King confidently affirmed: “I say to you that the books are not going to die and the Internet will not replace the traditional library.”

gny, Head of Infrastructure Partnerships at CDB noted.

The project will include the preparation of detailed designs and cost estimates

for the rehabilitation of sea defences and ancillary waterfront development between Georgetown and Liliendaal.

Citing tourism among other forms of economic development, government announced in successive budgets over the past two years that various sums of monies were budgeted for the rehabilitation of the waterfront areas along the Demerara River mouth.

The boardwalk linking Stabroek with the Georgetown seawall was placed on the 2017 agenda of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI).

Earlier this year, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, noted that the boardwalk was expected to enhance the beauty of the Kitty Seawall, which has over the years, developed into a tourist venue, particularly on holidays and weekends.

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Sustainable Development Goals/ Laboratory Workshop concludes – aimed at identifying solutions to critical issues Georgetown, Guyana –A SUSTAINABLE Development Goals (SDG) Laboratory Workshop, which was hosted by the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development, Biomimicry Roraima and the University of Massachusetts, Boston, in collaboration with the Department of the Environment, concluded on Thursday at the Cara Lodge. The workshop, which brought together three clusters of stakeholders, was aimed at identifying solutions to critical issues affecting the environmental sector.

SDG Laboratories are multi-stakeholder processes

used to catalyse transformation in institutions, systems and sectors of society. This first iteration of the Guyana SDG Lab convened stakeholders representing government, the private sector, non-governmental organisations, civil society, and academia to identify the main challenges and barriers to Guyana’s transition to a Green State, while suggesting innovative solutions to overcome these challenges. Participants also outlined inherent benefits and various pathways to achieving the Green State.

The Department of the Environment intends to continue collaboration with Iwokrama and the team

from Boston to draft a report, which will be presented at the Ideas and Innovation Forum of the International Sustainability Science Conference,which will be held in Stockholm, Sweden, in August and at the United Nations High Level Political Forum (HLPF) in 2018. The HLPF will be convened under the theme, ‘Transformation towards sustainable and resilient societies’.

The Department of the Environment will continue to work with other stakeholders and partners in developing the Green State Development Strategy and advancing the Green State Agenda.

Paticipants at workshop seen above

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 4, 2017

STARR raises bar on security solutions HONEY International Inc, an international supplier and distributor of electronic security systems and integrated solutions, has partnered with local technology company STARR Computer to offer its services in Guyana.

The company, Honeywell, is a Fortune 500 industrial company that delivers industry specific solutions including aerospace and automotive products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes, and industry; and performance materials globally.

Honeywell generated US$40B revenue in 2017 (12 times GDP of Guyana) with a workforce of over 131,000 employees.

At STARR Computer Brickdam, Georgetown, Regional Sales Manager, Orlando Mercado, said the company will be providing the best integrated security system for Guyana’s market followed by a three to five year warranty with international standards.

These systems, he said, will cater for cyber security breaches as the company constantly updates it systems and products which can work with the Internet of Things (IOT).

Mercado explained that one of the products that will be offered is an intrusion alarm system that can be suitable for residential, commercial, industrial, and military properties for protection against burglary (theft) or property damage, as well as personal protection against intruders.

The systems can also be used in prisons.

He said some alarm systems serve a single purpose of burglary protection; combination systems provide both fire and intrusion protection.

“Intrusion alarm systems may also be combined with closed-circuit television surveillance (CCTV) systems to automatically record the activities of intruders, and may interface to access control systems for electrically locked doors,” he said, adding that “systems range from small, self-contained noisemakers, to complicated, multi-area systems

requirements, they must be considered when designing a system. With this philosophy always in mind, Honeywell builds

integrated security solutions that are specifically designed for specific needs of specific users,” Mohan added.

Sunday, June 4, 2017 - 02:00 hrs | 14:00 hrs Monday, June 5, 2017 - 02:30 hrs | 14:30 hrs Regional Sales Manager, Orlando Mercado, highlighting one of the many features offered by the security products to President of STARR Computer, Michael Mohan

with computer monitoring and control. It may even include two-way voice which allows communication between the panel and monitoring station.”

The regional sales manager said, more than 50,000 locations around the world rely on Honeywell Integrated Security systems to handle the full spectrum of today’s access

control needs.

Customers know that their systems are the most secure, convenient and dependable in the world.

President of STARR Computer, Michael Mohan, said the products focuses on upgrading infrastructural and industrial processes to make the buildings more energy and operationally efficient.

Mohan said understanding the household, industrial or business environment where the solution will be used is crucial to ensuring that the results have all the capabilities to meet the needs of the user.

“Whether these requirements are generated by day-to-day conditions, business needs or outside regulations or

Tuesday, June 6, 2017 - 03:00 hrs | 14:30 hrs

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 4, 2017

She just graduated college and is starting her Ph.D. – and she’s only 18

WHILE many students have just graduated from high school, 18-year-old Nigeria native Nkechinyere Chidi-Ogbolu is not your typical teen.

Chidi-Ogbolu just graduated summa cum laude from Howard University with a degree in chemical engineering — making her the youngest person to graduate from Howard this year, and

one of the youngest in Howard’s history.

But that’s not all for Chidi-Ogbolu.

She’s now preparing to start a Ph.D. programme at the University of California-Davis after the summer ends. She’ll be studying biomedical engineering with a focus on creating and discovering new medicines.

“I’ve always been inter-

ested in the medical field,” she told USA TODAY College. “But I want to have a broader scale of impact than in treating patients one-onone.”

Chidi-Ogbolu said she’s always been the youngest person in her classes. While most students from Nigeria graduate high school at the age of 16, Chidi-Ogbolu finished high school par-

ticularly early, at 14, since she skipped fifth grade and attended an accelerated high school.

After high school, she left Nigeria for America and enrolled full-time at Howard University, a historically black university and her firstchoice school.

“I thought I would be more comfortable at that age going to a school with more

people that looked like me and therefore I could more easily relate to,” said Chidi-Ogbolu.

“Plus, they gave me a full scholarship, so that definitely helped.”

Leaving her parents in Nigeria was difficult, but Chidi-Ogbolu wasn’t alone. Many of her extended family members live in America, including an aunt who lived not far from her dorm, and other family members in Texas and Alabama.

She credited her family’s support for her ability to cope with her new surroundings.

“I spoke to my mom almost every day on the phone — for over an hour almost every time.

My dad and I talked really often too,” Chidi-Ogbolu says, adding that she spent most holidays with her aunts in America. “Talking to them definitely helped sometimes when things were overwhelming.”

“My support system was a very big part of why I was able to stay grounded during the whole journey,” she says.

Her friends at Howard were very supportive of her too. Many of them didn’t initially know how young she was, which gave rise to many moments of surprise.

“People usually reacted with shock,” she says. “Then they became really protective.”

With the blessings of her parents, Chidi-Ogbolu spent the summer after her junior year researching African weather patterns with Professor Paul Ullrich at UC-Davis.

“While I was there, I decided that grad school was what I wanted to do.”

She started working on her graduate school applications during her senior year.

“I can’t say it was stressfree,” she jokes. Her hard work paid off on February 7, when she received her acceptance letter from UC-Davis.

“It was definitely a wonderful moment,” she says.

Prasant Mohapatra, UC Davis vice provost of graduate education, and dean of graduate studies, had this

to say about Chidi-Ogbolu: “We are delighted to welcome Nkechinyere into the graduate education community at UC Davis. We hope to provide a dynamic educational experience that will deepen and expand her passion for advancing the field of biomedical engineering, and we are truly impressed by her future plans to help people worldwide through scientific research and innovation.”

What’s next for her? This summer, she’s taking an advanced biology class at a local community college to prepare for her doctoral programme. She’s also working on a book, provisionally titled Tales of an Uber Minor in College.

While she says she’s super busy, she does set aside free time to relax. “I love watching movies and series, especially Korean ones, and I like to sing and do karaoke,” she says.

Chidi-Ogbolu also has some advice for teens her age.

“Don’t limit yourself because you think you can’t do it or because no one you know had done it,” she advises. “You can always be the exception to the rule and end up being exceptional.”

Toni Airaksinen is a member of the USA TODAY College contributor network.

This article comes from The USA TODAY College Contributor network.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 4, 2017

Film festival plugs the environment

By Vishani Ragobeer

UNDERSCORING the importance of protecting Guyana’s environment, moreso our forest resources, an inaugural Environmental Film Festival was held last Saturday at the Umana Yana.

The festival sought to use the creative industry component of films (via short films and documentary features) to encapsulate Guyanese in appreciating the abundant natural resources and greenery blessed with while plugging environmental sustainability.

and Come Again (RACA) and Studio Anansi (SA).

While it was alluded to earlier in the day, CAFA co-founder and TFF Director, Romola Lucas, confirmed that this environmental film festival will become an annual event in Guyana, held around this time (May/June) every year.

Notably, the idea of this festival is taken from its namesake in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) and thus it was only befitting that Green Screen TT (the Environmental Film Festival in T&T)

Minister Nicolette Henry addressing the audience at the Environmental Film Festival

Minister within the Ministry of Education with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, Nicolette Henry, acknowledged the power of story-telling on effecting changes in people and attested that this festival could become a “beacon of cultural creativity for Guyana.”

In this regard, she noted that in her capacity, she will ensure that Guyana’s creative sector is fostered and said, “Guyana can become a leader in the regional film industry.”

Presented was a series of short films produced by partnering bodies such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Guianas, the Protected Areas Commission (PAC), Conservation International Guyana, Green Screen TT, and the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development.

This Environmental Film Festival was held under the wider Timehri Film Festival (TFF), which is a festival that seeks to expose and highlight local and regional talents in the film industry and is presented by the Caribbean Film Academy (CAFA), Rewind

presented. The documentary film, “A Better Place” produced in 2015 by Carver Bacchus, sought to highlight five different environmental projects in T&T and prove some context to undertake similar projects in Guyana.

Green Screen TT is part of Sustain T&T, an organisation that focuses on raising awareness, exchanging information and encouraging dialogue among stakeholders through the use of creative methods, such as film and special events.

Conservation-themed films were presented first.

The first film presented, named “It is love”, was a short film showcasing Guyana’s rainforests and measures taken to protect these resources, including the extension of the Paris Accord of 2016 which extended the conservation of Protected Areas of Guyana. This film was narrated by President David Granger.

There was also an older film presented, “Kanukus: Mountain of Life”, which was produced in 2005 before several measures of environmental sustainability and

conservation were undertaken in Guyana. It provided a chance for viewers to actually see the changes that have occurred over the years in Guyana in this regard.

The next set of films presented was from community-owned Best Practice for Sustainable Resource Adap-

tive management (COBRA), a research project funded by the European Commission.

These films invited viewers to show that our indigenous communities do not need a “top-down” approach to solving their problems, but rather developing indigenous, best-practice solutions to

combat their challenges and share these with the rest of Guyana.

The COBRA films encompassed participatory videos from indigenous communities, most notably speaking in their native languages. These films were shown to the indigenous

peoples who participated as well as other indigenous communities in 2014.

Though the films allowed for insight into good environmental practices of the indigenous peoples, it also acted as a means to allowing the preservation of their language.

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Caesar and Bright strike gold on day one of South American Junior Championships

By Tamica Garnett WITH a new personal best, Guyana’s Chantoba Bright took gold in the girls’ long jump, but it was Compton Caesar’s take down of Brazil’s Derick De Souza Silva in the boys’ 100 metres that had

the National Track and Field Centre crowd on their feet cheering as the first day in the South American Junior Championships played out here at the Leonora facility.

There were some who questioned Caesar’s ability to overcome the Brazilian, but he put all doubts to rest after he utilised a fast start and pushed for his win all the way to the finish line in 10.37 seconds. De Souza Silva clocked 10.45 seconds.

Guyana’s Tyrell Peters just missed out on third place after he finished with 10.77 seconds, behind Argentina’s Daniel Londero who had a time of 10.70 seconds. Commenting after the race, an excited Caesar shared that he just chose to focus on his race and not worry about the competition that the Brazilian was bringing.

Caesar now setting his sights on today’s 200 metres “I feel great I win the race.

In the heats Brazil had a faster time than me but my coach told me not to worry about that, just get a good start in my drive phase and then come down hard. I get a good start, ensure that I was the first person out the blocks, and I did see him [De Souza Silva] coming hard but I just keep on going. I was prepared for this, I trained hard with my coach. I’m just looking for another gold in the 200m, ensure I get a good start,” Caesar said.

Caesar’s gold was just one among a string of continuous great performances, as the medals just kept dropping throughout the night yesterday.

With a distance of 6.30m, Bright surprised even herself when she took the girls’ long jump win, clearing the distance in her very first jump.

“Honestly, I did not think I would have pulled it off so

far. I was overwhelmed, I was truly amazed with what I did and it was my first jump; I was just shocked, I am just so proud of myself right now, because from a gold at CARIFTA to a new personal best here in my home country, with a gold, it’s just overwhelming,” Bright expressed.

But Bright wasn’t the only Guyanese celebrating success in the long jump as Ruth Sanmoogan ended with a bronze medal in the same event.

Guyana started the day with three medals – two silver and a bronze--with Daniel Williams and Avon Samuels winning silver in the boys and girls 400m respectively,while Anfernee Headecker took bronze in the boys’ 1500m with a time of 4:02.81s.

Williams with a time of 48.24 seconds, said remaining calm and not going in with too much over-the-top expectations helped his performance.The event was won by Suriname’s Miguel Shepper in 47.90 seconds. Samuels had 55.45 seconds in her race, which was won

by Brazil’s Tiffani Marinho in 54.25 seconds.

J u s t b e f o re C a e s a r ’s sprint, Guyana’s Onasha Rogers and Kenisha Phillips excited the crowd with a thrilling 100m run in which they finished second and third, respectively, after Brazil’s Lorraine Martins gave a powerful performance in taking first place.

Martins clocked 11.56 seconds, while Rogers and Phillips followed with 11.71 seconds and 11.78 seconds, respectively.

As the night continued there were more medals for Guyana:in the girls’ 3000m from Claudrice McKoy and Anfernee Headecker, and Samuel Lynch in the boys 800m.

ENGLISH RACING TIPS Fakenham 09:00 hrs Presenting Berkley 09:30 hrs Amiral Collonges 10:00 hrs Ritasun 10:30 hrs Stynes 11:00 hrs Prince Khurram 11:30 hrs Court Dismissed

Nor Bite 10:50 hrs Presenting Julio 11:20 hrs Bamako Moriviere 11:50 hrs Captain Hox 12:20 hrs Crumpledandcreased

PERTH 09:15 hrs Golden Jeffrey 09:45 hrs Magic Money 10:15 hrs Salto Chisco 10:45 hrs Chitu 11:15 hrs Upswing 11;45 hrs The caller 12:15 hrs Special Prep IRISH RACING TIPS Kilbeggan 09:20 hrs Treasure Chest 09:50 hrs Persistent 10:20 HRS Don’t Kick

LISTOWEL 09:10 hrs Ballot Box 09:40 hrs Patuano 10:10 hrs Betty Loch 10:40 hrs New Terms 11;10 hrs Sitting Bull 11;40 hrs Initally 12:10 hrs Cool Artist 12:40 hrs Tirmizi SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Turffontein 08:30 hrs Savethebestforlast 09:05 hrs Winter Watch 10;40 hrs Shukamisa 10:20 hrs Unagi 10:55 hrs Seventh Of June

27

SUNDAY CHRONICLE june 4, 2017

French Open

Halep, Wawrinka, Cornet, Wozniacki through ROMANIAN third seed Simona Halep sealed her place in the French Open tennis fourth round with a 6-0 7-5 win over Russia’s Daria Kasatkina.

Halep, 25, is viewed as one of the favourites after winning the Madrid Open and reaching the Rome Open final.

Ninth seed Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland was stunned 6-2 6-1 by French world number 43 Alize Cornet.

In the men’s draw, Swiss third seed Stan Wawrinka beat Fabio Fognini 7-6 (7-2) 6-0 6-2 to reach the last 16. Halep initially threatened to cruise past Kasatkina as she won the opening set in 30 minutes, only for the 20-year-old Russian to fight back in the second.

Trailing 3-1, Kasatkina won the next four games to move 5-3 ahead before Halep regained control to progress on her fourth match

point.

“I played really well at the beginning,” Halep said.

“She was coming back really strongly and I think my energy went a bit down.

She’s a really tough opponent.”

Carla Suarez Navarro, the Spanish 21st seed, set up a meeting with Halep with a 6-4 6-4 win over 14th seed Elena Vesnina of Russia.

Former Wimbledon finalist Radwanska, 28, failed to win any of her seven service games as Cornet ensured there will be a French woman in the quarter-finals for the first time since Marion Bartoli in 2011.

Cornet, 27, meets compatriot Caroline Garcia for a place in the last eight.

Garcia needed more than two and a half hours to win 6-4 4-6 9-7 against Taiwanese Hsieh Su-wei, who beat British number one Johanna Konta in the first round.

Former world num-

ber one Caroline Wozniacki resumed her match against 18-year-old American Catherine Bellis after rain stopped play on Friday night, the Dane going to complete a 6-2 2-6 6-3 win.

Wawrinka, 32, is yet to drop a set at Roland Garros this year as he looks to emulate his 2015 triumph.

The Swiss third seed looked in danger of doing that in the opening set against Fognini, but the Italian 28th seed failed to serve out and then lost a one-sided tie-break.

Fognini, 30, had won two of his three matches against top-five opponents this year, beating then fourth-ranked Kei Nishikori in Miami and world number one Andy Murray in Rome.

But he capitulated after losing the first set to Wawrinka, failing to take a game in the second as he served up five double faults and produced several wayward forehands.

Murray eases into last 16 after beating Del Potro ( R E U T E R S ) - To p s e e d Andy Murray eased into the last-16 of the French Open 7-6(8) 7-5 6-0 on Saturday, over a flagging Juan Martin Del Potro.

Murray did enough to keep his nose in front throughout, while the giant Argentine was unable to reprise the heroics that saw the pair produce such magic in last year’s Rio Olympics gold medal match.

While Murray won that affair too -- and their only previous grand slam meeting -- Del Potro had triumphed in their most recent clash, so the Scot had been alert to the dangers.

“Yeah, it was obviously an important win for me and a big match, because Juan, when he’s playing well, is one of the best players in the world,” Murray said.

“To be playing him this early on in the slam is obviously not easy, but it can be a very positive thing.

“You play someone that good, maybe you’re a little bit more switched on. Your focus is maybe a little bit higher.”

Del Potro, whose career has been blighted by a recurring wrist injury, needed a good start against

the world number one, but when he lost a tight first set tiebreak, the stage was set.

Losing that opener on a disputed linecall cut Del

cause I had many opportunities to win,” Del Potro said.

“I have been playing great, great points during whole, the first set.

ANDY MURRAY Potro deep. Murray jogged to his seat at the changeover, the Argentine stood at the net, bent at the waist, his head resting on the netcord. There he stayed until the umpire called time.

“I couldn’t believe that set, that I lost that set, be-

“But this happens when you play against the No. 1 in the world or a great champion as Andy or Rafa (Nadal) or Roger (Federer) or these guys. You never know when you can win a set or a match, and that happened today.”

Fognini saved two match points at 5-2 in the third, before the Swiss fired down an unreturnable serve on the third.

“It was a very good first set and I was a bit hesitant, but after that I relaxed,” Wawrinka said.

“I am playing very well at the moment but we all know how that can go in a Grand Slam. Each game gets more difficult.”

Croatian seventh seed Marin Cilic eased to a 6-1 6-3 6-3 victory over Spain’s Feliciano Lopez.

(BBC Sport)

Simona Halep reached her only Grand Slam final at Roland Garros in 2014

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 4, 2017

EFRA expanding Windies cruise past with the sport Afghanistan in T20 opener – says chairman Clifton Paul

By Elroy Stephney FOOTBALL remains a popular sport in Region 2, despite the lack of adequate facilities and high level competitions.

The Essequibo Coast/Pomeroon Football Association has the mandate to plan, organise and execute tournaments in conformity with the Guyana Football Federation and other stakeholders.

During the last two years, several competitions were held ranging from Under- 15, 17, 23 and senior which has led to the formation of the Essequibo Football Referees Association (EFRA) in 2015.

The body now has 11 members with Clifton Paul, Graduate Head of Department (GHOD) attached to the Cotton Field Secondary School being elected Chairman.

The other members are from various districts along the Coast, including Mainstay. In an invited comment, Paul revealed that the Association is gaining momentum as more aspiring referees are preparing to join the Association to become professional referees.

He further stated that he is encouraged by the interest shown both by the footballers and the Essequibo Coast/ Chairman of the Esse- Pomeroon Football quibo Football Refer- Association (ECPFA) ees Association, Clifton to promote football in the Region. In this rePaul. gard, he said that the Referees’ Association is fully committed towards closely collaborating with all stakeholders to bring a semblance of order and continuity in the manner in which the game is played. According to Paul, who is also a qualified referee and the Region’s Referee Development Officer, his Association continues to provide training as it relates to the laws of the game while members are regularly given the opportunity to be exposed to higher levels of training by the Guyana Referees Council.

He also mentioned that the local referees conduct constant physical training which is a mandatory requirement, adding that a Physical Instructor will be appointed in the Region shortly to work closely with the Referees and the ECPFA. He is also pleased with the exposure that the local referees have been offered; stating that they have been selected to referee matches in different parts of the country including Georgetown, Lethem, Moruka, Pomeroon and Bartica; experiences which have tremendously enhanced their confidence, skill, concentration and ability to handle pressure situations.

He further disclosed that his Association is affiliated to the Guyana Referees’ Association and receives outfits and gears from the GFF. The Essequibo Football Referees Association, according to him has been functioning effectively and is expected to expand, given the interest shown by prospective referees along with the fact that no fee is attached towards joining the Association.

“With renewed vigor shown by the Essequibo Coast/Pomeroon Football Association to develop football in the Region, the Essequibo Football Referees Association will expand and prosper too in its mandate to be guardians of the sport by officiating fairly, impartially and within the laws of the game” he acknowledged.

BASSETERRE, St Kitts, (CMC) – West Indies lacked the clinical edge but still did enough to breeze past minnows Afghanistan by six wickets in the opening Twenty20 International here Friday night, and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Asked to bowl first at Warner Park, the Windies restricted the Afghans for a paltry 110 off their 20 overs, with off-spinner Sunil Narine claiming three for 11 and seamers Carlos Brathwaite (2-16) and Kesrick Williams (2-19) picking up two wickets apiece.The 18-year-old Rashid Khan, batting at number seven, top-scored with 33 off 27 while number 10 Amir Hamza chipped in with 21.

However, they were the only two to pass 20 and only two of three in double figures.

With the visitors slumping quickly at 58 for eight in the 14th over, they came together to rescue the innings in a ninth-wicket stand of 36.

In reply, West Indies suffered a few hiccups in losing four wickets but still got home with time, effort and 21 balls to spare.

Veteran right-hander Marlon Samuels struck a top score of 35 from 36 deliveries while openers Evin Lewis (26) and Chadwick Walton (22) both got starts but failed to carry on.

Rashid Khan proved a handful with his leg-spin conceding just 14 runs from his four overs and taking one wicket but was unable to make major inroads into the innings.

Beaten the last time the two teams met at last year’s T20 World Cup in India, West Indies ensured there was no such embarrassment this time around, even though their batsmen made heavy weather of an uncomplicated target.

Lewis and Walton looked at ease as they gave West Indies a handy starting by putting on 33 of 21 balls for the first wicket.

Walton had struck five fours in a 15-ball knock when he pulled left-arm seamer Shapoor Zadran low to mid-wicket where Usman Ghani held the catch.

The left-handed Lewis, who clobbered three sixes and a four off 16 balls, put on a further 30 for the second wicket with Samuels before holing out in the deep on the leg-side off an innocuous delivery from medium pacer Karim Janat.

Lendl Simmons (6) never got the measure of Rashid Khan and after clearing the ropes back overhead with the bowler, missed a swipe at the next delivery and was bowled in the ninth over.

Samuels looked in great touch, smashing the fourth ball he received from left-arm spinner Amir Hamza for a

Marlon Samuels was Windies the top scorer with 35 from 36 balls. giant six over long on before slapping Janat for an imperious off-side boundary and then another huge leg-side six, off back-to-back balls in the eighth over.

He should have been there at the end but also gifted his wicket, missing a wild swing at Shapoor on the seamer’s return for a final spell, and was spectacularly bowled off the first ball of the 15th over.

Jason Mohammed, completely bemused by Rashid Khan and put down on one at slip by captain Asghar Stanikzai, then held his nerve to see the Windies to victory with 18 not out.

Earlier, the Windies had a great start when leg-spinner

Samuel Badree bowled opener Gulbadin Naib for 12 in the fourth over at 21 for one and Usman Ghani was run out for eight in a terrible mix up in the following over with five runs added.

Wickets then fell steadily and when Narine struck twice in the 12th over to remove Samiullah Shenwari (7) and Shafiqullah (0), and then prised out Najibullah Zadran (4) in his following over, Afghanistan were against the ropes.

But Rashid Khan rallied the innings, belting two fours and two sixes as the visitors gathered 48 runs from the last five overs.

Scotia bank on board as RHTY&SC cricket teams to publish Climate Change and Green Economy booklet THE eight cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, as part of their personal development programme would be publishing a 40-page youth information booklet on Climate Change and Guyana’s Green Economy.

The booklet is a special project that would go together with the Club’s Patron Cup 20/20 Cricket Tournament in honour of President David Granger’s 72nd birthday celebration.

Last Wednesday, long standing sponsor, the Bank of Nova Scotia came on board as a co-sponsor of the booklet and would provide half of the cost with the eight cricket teams providing the remainder.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster who would be the Editor-in-Chief of the booklet, stated that the main objectives are to educate youths on: What is Climate Change; Its effects on human lives; What can be done to correct the

Scotia Bank Marketing Executive, Jennifer Cipriani hands over sponsorship cheque to Shaw Perriera, RHTY&SC Club Captain. situation and Efforts of Guyana to create a Green Economy.

Foster noted that the booklet would be the 31 st publication of the RHTY&SC since 2000 – an achievement that is unmatched by a youth and sports organisation. Pres-

ident David Granger is expected to provide a message for the booklet along with other senior officials. The booklet would also provide informative messages for youths on topics of interest.

These will include facts about Guyana, Guyana’s Nat-

ural Resources, Discovery of Oil in Guyana and its impact on Guyana’s Future and the international efforts to combat the effects of Climate Change.

The long serving Secretary/CEO stated that the Club’s Patron has been quite passionate about the promotion of a Green Economy in Guyana and the publication of the booklet for his 72nd birthday is a tribute to his outstanding work.

Foster expressed gratitude to the Management of Scotia Bank for their cooperation and made special mention of Marketing Executive, Jennifer Cipriani for her support of Club activities. The eight teams that would be publishing the booklet are the Farfan and Mendes Under-15, Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Metro Females, and Gizmos and Gadgets Under-21 and First Division teams.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 4, 2017

Amla, Tahir sink Sri Lanka to give Proteas victory (REUTERS)-A dominant South Africa beat Sri Lanka by 96 runs in their opening Champions Trophy Group B game at The Oval on Saturday, helped

by Hashim Amla’s classy century.

Sri Lanka, chasing 300 for victory, started brightly but were soon in trouble after losing wickets at regular intervals.

South Africa’s Morne Morkel made the first breakthrough when he dismissed the dangerous Niroshan Dickwella for 41 after the Sri Lanka opener’s attempted drive down the ground resulted in a comfortable catch for Wayne Parnell at third man.

Skipper AB de Villiers chipped in with a stunning catch to send Kusal Mendis packing for 11 runs, non-

chalantly plucking the ball out of the air one-handed, and then ran out Dinesh Chandimal for 12 with a direct hit.

With Sri Lanka suddenly reeling at 116-3, leg-spinner Imran Tahir got into the act, trapping Chamara Kapugedera leg-before for a duck, before enticing Upul Tharanga into a lofted drive that was caught by David Miller in the deep.

Sri Lanka heads dropped after the loss of Tharanga, who top-scored for them with 57 runs off 69 deliveries, and despite Kusal Perera chipping in with an unbeaten 44, South Africa mopped up the tail without major difficulty.

Man-of-the-match Tahir ran out Suranga Lakmal and struck twice more to

Tharanga handed two-match ban for slow over-rate A MISERABLE day for Sri Lanka at the ICC Champions Trophy was rounded off by stand-in skipper Upul Tharanga receiving a two-match ban for his team’s slow over-rate in their defeat to South Africa.

Tharanga was handed the reins at The Oval on Saturday, with regular captain Angelo Mathews unavailable through injury, and top-scored for Sri Lanka with 57 as they made 203 in reply to the Proteas’ 299-6.

However, the opening batsman will now be unavailable for his side’s remaining group matches against India and Pakistan, having pleaded guilty to a serious overrate offence.

ICC match referee David Boon ruled that Sri Lanka were four overs short of their target when time allowances were taken into consideration, with South Africa’s innings having lasted four hours.

In his post-match news conference, ThaStand-in skipper Upul ranga said: “Yeah, I Tharanga will miss think I feel, we were Sri Lanka’s next two like … slow. Even when matches they were playing the middle overs, the main thing is in the field, between overs also we were a bit slow.

“The umpire told me also in the 40th over that we were three overs behind. I knew in the last six, seven overs, definitely we need the time. So after the 40th over, I didn’t think about it that much.”

Sri Lanka, whose players were all fined 60 per cent of their match fees, will now hope Mathews is fit to return for Thursday’s meeting with India, which also takes place at The Oval.(Omnisport)

Hashim Amla acknowledges the applause after getting to his 25th ODI ton against Sri Lanka at The Oval. get rid of Asela Gunaratne (4) and Nuwan Pradeep (5) as the Sri Lanka lower order collapsed.

SLOW START

South Africa started slowly after losing the toss, scoring 32 runs in the first 10 overs before Quinton de Kock departed for 23 after edging a Nuwan Pradeep delivery to

wicketkeeper Dickwella.

Amla (103) and Faf du Plessis (75) steadied the ship with a 145-run stand for the second wicket before Du Plessis departed after misjudging a Pradeep delivery and was caught by a diving Dinesh Chandimal at midwicket.

South Africa were still in the driving seat at that point, but were soon put under pressure when De Villiers departed for four after the skipper mistimed a pull shot that Chamara Kapugedera caught comfortably.

Amla, whose knock moved him past India’s Virat Kohli as the fastest player to reach 25 ODI centuries, was in impeccable form until being run out.

He played with caution

after the departure of De Villiers, focusing on rebuilding the innings with David Miller (18) and eventually reached his century in the 42nd over.

Miller departed after the next ball, and a tired Amla soon followed suit -- his despairing dive while coming back for a second was not enough to prevent Dickwella whipping off the bails after good work in the field by Mendis.

It was left to JP Duminy to provide the sting in the tail of the South African innings, which the left-hander did with a swashbuckling unbeaten 38 of 20 balls.

India and Pakistan, the other teams in Group B, meet today, with the top two advancing to the semi-finals.

Chuntell ‘Thunder’ Martin ready to roll as new season dawns

By Frederick Halley TO R O N TO , C a n a d a — Chuntell Martin is nicknamed “Thunder” not only for being fearless in life but also for her ferocious batting style.

This was quite evident in last year’s women’s final when she produced an innings of immense quality to help Kaisoca Cricket Club women’s team dethrone defending champions Superstars in the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) grand finale played at the Ashtonbee ground here.

In a brutal display, Martin blasted a stroke-filled 80 as Kaisoca upstaged favourites Superstars in the second edition of the tournament to claim the Caribbean Wave-sponsored winners’ trophy. Her innings, which also earned her the Most Valuable Player award for her team, included 10 fours and five towering sixes.

Born and raised in St Vincent & The Grenadines, the 24-year-old Martin harbours hopes of still playing for the West Indies women’s team despite residing in Toronto.

In an exclusive interview with Chronicle Sport, the stoutly-built no-nonsense opener, who also bowls medium pace, disclosed that she had a passion for cricket at a very young age since her family, neighbours and friends were all fascinated with the sunshine game.

According to Martin, she has an unending love for cricket and is aiming to make a successful career out of it. “My dream is to represent the West Indies and if possible Team Canada. I feel that I have the

… set sights on playing for WI women

Kaisoca’s MVP Chuntell Martin receives her award from Cricket Canada general manager Ingleton Liburd after last year’s final.

Martin poses with her MVP trophy. necessary potential and once I get that chance to represent the West Indies female team it will be a memory of a lifetime.”

Martin explained that she was on the verge of representing St Vincent & The Grenadines but migration to Canada hampered her chances. She however continued to pursue the game once in Canada and have played for several clubs, including Malvern before joining Kaisoca Cricket Club in 2011.

Following her match-winning performance in last year’s final, Martin was all set and eager to face the MCC wom-

en’s team who were scheduled to take on their SCA counterparts in a feature game. That game was however called off

by Cricket Canada just a few days before it was scheduled to take place, a decision that not only irked the SCA but also the squad which had undergone rigorous training.

A disappointed Martin described how she was ready and prepared to put on a show. “I slept and slept and could not wait for that day to come, then all of a sudden I received emails saying that the game was off. It broke my heart. This is the just a small

amount of discrimination the Scarborough women cricketers face…”

Despite this setback, Martin is vowing to perform even stronger when the 2017 women’s tournament kicks off on Sunday. “I feel great and I am hoping to bounce back this season, coming harder and stronger and ready to defend our title.”

Martin pointed out that last year’s victory was a total team effort and her team is capable of repeating the feat this year. “We are coming out with passion and will be giving it everything we’ve got. We are coming one hundred per cent stronger than we were last summer.”

Martin disclosed that preparations are in full swing and after completing indoor practices, they have recently started outdoors at L’Amoreaux ground in Scarborough. “We are doing some running and hitting the gym to ensure we are fit ready to defend our title.”

Questioned on the challenges facing women’s cricket in Canada, Martin stressed that unity among the clubs are extremely important while sponsorship is also a major bugbear. She also feels possible tours should be arranged with teams outside of Canada “so that way we can develop greater cricketing skills and knowledge of the game.” She’s also hoping that the West Indies may tour Canada with a view to playing against them.

Martin has assured that come June 4, the “Thunder” is all set to roll.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 4, 2017

Two-goal Ronaldo gives Real 12th European title

By Mitch Phillips CARDIFF,(Reuetrs)-Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Real Madrid beat Juventus 4-1 in a superb Champions League final full of attacking verve and brilliant goals on Saturday as the

tacular effort seven minutes later.

Real, however, took command in the second half and a long-range deflected effort by Casemiro after 60 minutes, a neat finish by the irrepressible Ronaldo and an 89th minute tap-in for substitute Marco Asensio settled one of

retain Europe’s top prize when they won in 1989 and 1990.

It was heartbreak again for Juventus, however, who were seeking a treble after winning the Italian league and cup. They came away as losers for the seventh time in nine finals having also lost to

Madrid’s way.

It did not look that way initially as Juventus were full of attacking intent in the opening exchanges.

Real gradually settled, however, and scored with their first chance after a trigonometric build-up. Ronaldo was at the heart of it, playing the ball into the path of Dani Carvajal who cut it straight back to allow the Portuguese forward to sweep the ball sweetly into the far corner.

That made him the second man to score in three finals, after Alfredo Di Stefano, who scored in five in a row for Real in the 1950s, but he was far from done on the night.

GREAT GOAL That effort was eclipsed seven minutes later by one of the all-time great final Real Madrid have won the Champions League for the third time in four seasons goals.

Juve center back Leonardo Bonucci drove a long Spaniards won the title for diagonal ball towards the the third time in four years the most entertaining finals of Barcelona in 2015.

Juve conceded more byline to set off a brilliantly recent years. and 12th in all.

It was Real’s 12th title goals on Saturday than the skilful exchange.

Ronaldo swept in a neat Alex Sandro reached opener after 20 minutes but in their 15th final as they three they had in the 12 games they played to reach it and cushioned the ball became the first team to Mario Mandzukic hit a dethe final as a much-vaunted back across the box. Gonsuccessfully defend it in the served equalizer for the Italian champions with a spec- Champions League era. AC Real attack v Juve defense zalo Higuain knocked it Milan were the last team to scenario went emphatically back to Mandzukic who

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates making it 3-1 to Real Madrid took a touch on his chest and leaped, with his back to goal, to connect with a stunning bicycle kick that looped over Keylor Navas.

The Juventus fans in the 72,000 crowd erupted, ramping up the atmosphere that was already crackling under the closed stadium roof.

It was a different story after the break, however, and Real’s dominance settled the match with two goals in four minutes.

Brazilian midfielder Casemiro made it 2-1 when his 30-yard shot took a deflection that wrong-footed Buffon and Ronaldo, the man who loves the big oc-

casion, expertly swept in the third at the near post after a great run and cross

by Luka Modric.

The goals knocked the stuffing out of Juventus, who ended with 10 men after Juan Cuadrado was sent off in the 84th minute – 18 minutes after coming on as a substitute – following a second booking for the mildest of pushes on Sergio Ramos.

Ramos’s theatrics were an unedifying moment in a generally uplifting final and fittingly it ended on a positive note when Marcelo charged to the byline and crossed for Asensio to tuck home the fourth.

We would have preferred to be in Hundreds of Juventus fans injured in New Zealand’s position - Smith STEVEN Smith admitted his Australia side “got away with one” after rain forced an abandonment in their ICC Champions Trophy match against New Zealand at Edgbaston.

Smith criticised his seamers for “one of the worst bowling displays that we’ve put on for a very long time,” as New Zealand amassed 254 for three at the end of the 39th over. And while he felt they clawed back some ground in the final six overs of the innings - New Zealand lost seven wickets for 37 runs in that period - he still accepted Australia would “have preferred to been in New Zealand’s position” when the rain came.

“I thought it was probably one of the worst bowling displays that we’ve put on for a very long time,” Smith said after the match.

“We bowled both sides of wicket. We gave them a lot of freebies. It was pretty

ordinary.

“We certainly would have preferred to be in New Zealand’s position when we came off the end there. We still had a lot of work to do and they’ve got a quality bowling attack as well. So we perhaps got away with one there.”

Australia were wobbling at 53 for 3 when the match was abandoned. Both sides took a point from the game and realistically have to win both their remaining matches if they are to progress to the semi-finals.

While Smith suggested “rust” might have been a factor in the performance - Mitchell Starc hasn’t played a white-ball match since February and any sort of cricket since early March, while Josh Hazlewood played just one warm-up match in a similar period - both he and opposing captain, Kane Williamson, noted the aggression of the New

Zealand top order as a factor in unsettling the Australian attack.

“Let’s hope it’s rust and let’s hope it’s gone,” Smith said. “Because that was, as I said, was pretty ordinary.

“But credit to them.

They came out quite hard and played quite well up top.

And Kane timed his innings beautifully and played really well throughout the middle.”

With Luke Ronchi, once an Australia player, thrashing a brisk half-century, New Zealand raced to 117 for one in the 16th over. Willaimson felt that approach may have been partially responsible for the off-colour performance from the Australian bowlers.

“I thought the opening partnership from us was very, very good,” Williamson said. “And put them under a bit of pressure on a good batting surface.

“I thought Ronchi was outstanding setting the tone today. Martin Guptill as

well. That was a very good partnership at the top of the order against a very good bowling attack. It was a great effort by Luke and very good innings.”

Both captains agreed the result was “not ideal” and accepted their sides had to win their final two games in the group stages to stand a reasonable chance of progressing.

“The nature of this tournament is that every game is basically knockout,” Williamson said. “We played some good cricket and we can’t control the weather.

Although it is a little bit frustrating.”

“It’s obviously not ideal to have a washout,” Smith said. “So for us now it’s about making sure that we’re playing each game like a final and winning the next two. It’s a pretty quick tournament.

You can’t really afford a washout or a loss.”(ESPN Cricinfo)

stampede in Turin

(REUTERS)-Hundreds of Juventus soccer fans watching the Champions League final in one of Turin’s main squares were injured when loud bangs created a panic and mayhem.

About 400 people were being treated for slight injuries, Italian media reported. About five people were seriously hurt, including a 7-year-old boy who was trampled, Sky TG24 reported.

Thousands of fans had gathered to watch the Champions League final in front of a giant screen in San Carlo Square.

During the second half of the match, which local club Juventus went on to lose 1-4 to Real Madrid, video cameras show a sudden rush in the middle of the crowd that caused a surge that flung people against barriers.

Many fans then began to run out of the centre of the square, screaming in fear.

The panic may been started by the explosion of a loud firecracker that was mistaken for a bomb, a Reuters witness said.

Afterwards shoes and bags littered the ground, people were seen limping and searching desperately for friends and relatives, the witness said.

Police have set up an information point to help people find their loved ones, and they are investigating what caused the panic.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 4, 2017

World Cup: a new lease on life for optimistic Daley SOUTHAMPTON, England, (CMC) – Shanel Daley is hoping her outing at the upcoming ICC Women’s World Cup later this month closes a difficult chapter in her career, which nearly resulted in her premature retirement from the game.

The 28-year-old, a veteran of the West Indies Women squad with 64 One-Day Internationals and 68 Twenty20 Internationals, has been sidelined for nearly the last three years with injury.

Picked on the virtue of her experience after proving her fitness – if not her form – in the recently staged Regional Super50 in the Caribbean, Daley said she was excited to be back in the senior side set-up for a major tournament.

“It feels really good [to be back],” the Jamaican all-rounder said here at the start of the Caribbean side’s camp at the Ageas Bowl ahead of the June 24 to July 23 World Cup here.

All-rounder Shanel Daley (left) chats with teammates during the start of the West Indies Women’s camp at the Ageas Bowl. (Photo courtesy CWI Media “I was talking to Anisa Mohammed and I told her leaving the Caribbean I wasn’t really feeling the fever but when we got here everything just started coming back, it started hitting me that I was at the World

Chanderpaul props up Lancashire LONDON, (CMC) – Former West Indies Test batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul was in sight of yet another half-century as he helped prop up Lancashire on the second day of their County Championship Division One clash against Yorkshire here Saturday.

The veteran left-hander was unbeaten on 43 at the close as Lancashire, trailing by 150 runs on first innings ended on 141 for four.

Struggling on 81 for four, Lancashire were rallied by Chanderpaul who has so far added 60 in an unbroken fifth wicket stand with South African Dane Vilas, who was unbeaten on 22.

Chanderpaul has faced just 64 balls in just under an hour-and-a-half at the crease, and stroked seven fours.

Playing at Headingly in Leeds, the 42-year-old suffered a rare failure in the first innings when he fell for just three as Lancashire slumped to 123 all out after opting to bat first on Friday.

Seamer Ben Coad snatched six for 25 to destroy the innings.

Resuming from their overnight 93 for two, Yorkshire were eventually bowled out on Saturday for 273, with opener Adam Lyth top-scoring with exactly 100.

At Hove, Barbados-born England all-rounder Chris Jordan scored 37 as Sussex piled up a massive 579 for eight declared in their first innings.

The right-hander put on 91 for the seventh wicket with South African David Wiese (66) to further propel the innings after Sussex had resumed the day in a strong position of 339 for three.

Luke Wells, on 139 overnight, fell early in the morning after adding just 16.

Cup.” Daley was one of the veterans from the last World Cup in India four years ago, playing every game as West Indies Women did well to reach the final before losing to Australia.

However, it was her last major tournament as injury ruled her out of the T20 World Cup last year when West Indies lifted the title.

She said the period away from the game was a painful one and admitted she came

close to ending her career.

“I think the first year or so was pretty difficult because seeing the team out there playing, they had a few tours in the Caribbean and outside the Caribbean,” she explained.

“It was difficult, I won’t lie, it was difficult to the point where I even thought about quitting but I had encouragment from my teammates … I fought through it.”

West Indies enter the World Cup as one of the favourites but Daley said with the weight of expectation present, she was not getting ahead of herself.

“I’m taking it one day at a time. You know it’s the World Cup and everybody wants to win, we want that title so I think taking it one step at a time [is important],” she said. “[I am] managing myself and seeing how it goes from the training sessions, practice games leading up to the World Cup, I’m just going

to take it one day at a time.”

She added: “We definitely have to play together as a team. We have to support each other, on and off the field. Once we do that, I think we’ll be good.”

Daley’s return to the side has conincided with the selection of four uncapped players for the upcoming tournament, with Reniece Boyce, Quinana Joseph, Akeira Peters and Felicia Walters all handed their debut tour.

And she said she hopes the quartet could make their mark quickly.

“I think it’s good for the game, I think it’s good for West Indies cricket to have the youngsters among the senior players,” she noted.

“I’ve played alongside Reniece Boyce and Felicia Walters in Trinidad and I’m looking forward to seeing what they can do in this World Cup, I’m looking forward to great things from them.”

Kohli denies rift with coach before Pakistan match (REUTERS)-Indian skipper Virat Kohli has denied reports of a rift between himself and coach Anil Kumble on the eve of his team’s Champions Trophy Group B opener against arch-rivals Pakistan at Edgbaston today.

Reports of a falling out between Kohli and Kumble emerged after India’s cricket board (BCCI) invited applications for the head coach’s role last week, despite the team’s excellent results since Kumble took over last June.

Kumble has guided the team to just one defeat in 17 tests since taking charge, and the BCCI has made it clear that it will also consider extending his contract.

“There are no issues whatsoever,” Kohli told a news conference on Saturday. “There has been a lot of speculation and a lot of things written by people without actually being a part of the changing room, which is very strange.

“There are no problems whatsoever. The team is totally focussed on the Champions Trophy.”

Kohli said differences of opinion were part and parcel of the game, and that the board’s invitation for applications was a routine matter.

“In any walk of life there are agreements and disagreements always,” he added. “These are normal things. Even at home you do not agree on everything with your family.

“If something is put in place as a process, I don’t see why people are creating so many speculations about it. It has been

VIRAT KOHLI followed last time as well, and I didn’t see any issues being created last time. So it is the same process.

“It is just happening after 12 months.”

Pressed on his own relationship with Kumble, Kohli said he was enjoying working under the former India captain.

“It’s been really good. The whole journey has been good,” he added.

World Cup a new lease on life for optimistic Daley See story on page 31

Compton Caesar fights hard against Brazil’s Derick De Souza Silva to win the boy’s 100m

Caesar and Bright strike gold on day one of South American Junior Championships See story on page 26

Brazil’s Lorraine Martins wins the girls’ 100m as Guyana Onasha Rogers and Kenisha Phillips take second and third place respectively

Guyana’s Chantoba Bright during her winning leap in the girls’ long jump

Guyana’s Daniel Williams displaying the Golden Arrowhead just after collecting his boys’ 400m silver medal

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SUNDAY, JUNE 4, 2017