Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 05 07 2016

TUESDAY JULY 5, 2016

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CARICOM must deliver No. 104603

(Vat Inclusive)

- leaders agitate for free movement, single market and economy

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IMMIGRATION CHAT? Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, St Lucian Prime Minister Allen Michael Chastanet and Prime Minister of Trinidad, Dr Keith Rowley in discussion after the opening ceremony of the 37th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM Monday evening. (Adrian Narine photo)

Stop the

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Bouterse calls for diversification of region’s 9 economy Page

Handyman killed in 13 Stabroek Market brawl

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Stop the pessimism - Dr Gonsalves urges region to acknowledge its blessings and build on them

By Ariana Gordon PRIME Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Ralph Gonsalves decried critics of CARICOM on Monday night during his address at the opening of the Thirty-seventh Regular Meeting of Heads of Government held in Georgetown.

In a sharp statement against pessimists of the region, the St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister said there has been much progress in the regional bloc since its establishment in 1973.

This, he noted is notwithstanding the many challenges facing the Community.

Dr Gonsalves told those gathered at the National Cultural Centre for the opening ceremony that those who opine that CARICOM is “comatose” do not take into account what the revised Treaty of Chaguaramas is about and the “tremendous progress that has been made. And have also failed to acknowledge the strength and possibilities that exist therein, he said.

“There is abroad in the Caribbean, and across the world, in particular the western world, a sense of pessimism, a species of learned helplessness… you see it in the newspapers, you hear it on the radio and television and even on the pulpits.”

INDEPENDENT STATES Dr Gonsalves noted that CARICOM is not a federation, a military state nor confederation. He made it clear that CARICOM is a community of independent, sovereign states.

It was established with three main aims: to enhance the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME), to establish effective functional cooperation and to coordinate foreign policy.

A fourth pillar, security was added following the petition made by former Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Patrick Manning. Dr Gonsalves made it clear that the only supra national authoritative institution created under the Treaty of Chaguaramas is the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in its original jurisdiction.

The St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister noted that the case of Jamaican Shanique Myrie resulted in the CCJ examining the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas and the decisions of the Heads of Government of CARICOM and making pronouncements which all governments are mandated to follow, relative to freedom of movement.

Myrie in 2011, claimed she was unfairly treated when she arrived at the Grantley Adams Airport in Barbados and sued for damages which were granted by the CCJ, which ruled that subjecting her to a cavity search, locking her up in an unsanitary cell and deporting her was contrary to the rules of the revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.

Dr Gonsalves noted that problems faced at ports of entry by some nationals ought not to be seen as a restriction on free movement but as a problem that must be solved.

“If you ask them if they would like a federation or military state they would tell you no, if you ask them should we have a single currency, they would laugh. If you should ask if they should have a common currency, they would say no,” he added.

STAY UPBEAT

Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Ralph Gonsalves makes a point during his address at the 37th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM on Monday He also called on CARICOM citizens to work hard, produce and not allow the workplace to become a war zone.

Dr Gonsalves noted that as a people “we need to work harder and smarter.”

Many of the critics, he said “do not want to put in a good day’s work and engage in pushing an agenda”.

“The Caribbean, of which CARICOM has a seminal political expression, is a civilisation, a functioning civilisation, we have law and order, there is no state in the region which is a failed state, we have modern sophisticated countries, so why don’t we acknowledge these blessings and mercies and see how we can build on them rather than beating up on ourselves needlessly.”

Turning his attention to BREXIT, which refers to the June 23, 2016 referendum by British voters to exit the European Union, the Prime Minister said the Caribbean people are hysterical about the implications of BREXIT, but have failed to look at the opportunities that the decision by the United Kingdom can bring to the region.

“We must look for them (opportunities) rather than to bemoan what has happened. That is not going to get us anywhere,” he said.

And notwithstanding all the challenges and struggles, Prime Minister Gonsalves strongly believes that progress will continue to be made in the region.

He agreed that work has to be accelerated in the area of the Single Market and Economy, but call on all stakeholders to remember that the process cannot be accelerated if “we remain unequally yoked”.

The Prime Minister contends that immense progress has been made in the areas of poverty reduction, housing, transparency and democracy. But despite the achievements, he said there is much “negativism and learned helplessness”.

“I say we stop it. We need to be very positive.”

He was quick to point out that there is a need to “deepen the integration process” but called on all to not denounce the achievements made by the Community over the years.

“We have a way of beating up on ourselves too much and we find ourselves going to church on Saturday or Sunday morning and singing great is they faithfulness,” the St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister stated.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo greets Chile’s President Michelle Bachelet on her arrival at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Monday night. The Chilean President is here for the 37th Regular Meeting of the Heads of Government of CARICOM

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 5, 2016

CARICOM must deliver

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- leaders agitate for free movement, single market and economy

By Neil Marks Leaders of CARICOM opened their annual meeting in Georgetown on Monday evening wary about the pessimism some have about the regional integration movement, but eager still to pronounce on its potential to deliver the promise of free movement and a single market and economy.

The leaders were keenly aware that the ability to move freely around the 15-nation grouping is the most tangible expression of CARICOM people in the region look to, but the failure of officials at some ports of entry to allow a six-month stay with no questions asked has been a headache for many.

tive of the new leaders can only be helpful to the work of the region.

Dr Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St Vincent, who was going home from Guyana but had an in-transit stop in April last year, made headlines when it was reported that security officials failed to recognise him and tried to screen him. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Georgetown confab on Monday evening, he tried to downplay the hiccups with free movement, saying that there was a problem with immigration officials that simply needed to be solved.

Secretary General of CARICOM, Irwin LaRocque, admitted there were challenges with the free movement of people. He noted that while governments have the right

“Why is it cheaper to travel by air from Dominica to New York than it is to travel from Dominica to Guyana?

Why are St Lucian bananas cheaper in London than in Barbados? Why is it cheaper to phone a relative in London from Grenada than it is to phone a friend in St Vincent?”

– Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of Dominica

St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves

Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit

Prime Minister of St Lucia, Allen Chastanet, brought the uncomfortable question to the fore: What if the people of CARICOM ask for a referendum as was seen in Britain? His question drew silence from the auditorium at the National Cultural Centre.

He said that CARICOM must deliver on immediate solutions to poverty in the region; that “people must feel tangible benefits”; and that they demand that their leaders “deliver on a better way of life”.

Chastanet, who was delivering his maiden speech to CARICOM, said that often excuses are proffered about why progress is hampered, but he asked leaders if they could be certain of the response of the people if a referendum on CARICOM were called.

He said that languishing structures must be replaced or strengthened, so that CARICOM can function effectively.

Chastanet warned that his time in CARICOM would be spent demanding more actions than words, and he said that behind his impatience would be the fact that people in St Lucia and those of the Caribbean would be experiencing another day of poverty if the region’s leaders fail to deliver on their mandate of a better life for all.

Chastanet is one of three new Prime Ministers since the last CARICOM Heads of Government meeting.

Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, who is chairing the meeting and should have hosted the meeting but was unable to so do as the island is still reeling from the effects of tropical storm Erika, said the fresh perspec-

to deny entry, the ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in the case of Jamaican Shanique Myrie provides guidance on how the matter should be dealt with.

BLESSING OF CARICOM It was a position that Dr Gonsalves agreed with, as he recognised that the CCJ was one of the blessings of CARICOM. He said it was the only supranational body the grouping has created.

Myrie, who claimed to have been subjected to a body cavity search in Barbados, took the island’s Government to court and won, with the CCJ making it definitive that people of CARICOM must be allowed without harassment into any member state for six months; and that if a refusal is made, the person must be given the reason in writing, and must be notified of their right to seek legal redress.

Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness used the meeting to protest the treatment meted out to Jamaicans in Trinidad: “Jamaicans have been expressing concerns of increased cases of denial of entry and treatment at ports of entry at other jurisdictions. This must be urgently addressed in a meaningful way otherwise,” he told the opening ceremony, where his Trinidadian counterpart, Dr Keith Rowley, also addressed the issue.

The two sides have sought dialogue to resolve the issue.

But more than travel for people is demanded of CAR-

ICOM, Mr Holness said. “…regional integration is not an end to itself, it is a means to achieve broader achievement, the economic growth of our countries and improvement of our citizens’ lives,” he said.

His concern was later recognised by the Dominican Prime Minister, who got down to real, tough questions the people of the region have been venting. “Why is it cheaper to travel by air from Dominica to New York than it is to travel from Dominica to Guyana? Why are St Lucian bananas cheaper in London than in Barbados? Why is it cheaper to phone a relative in London from Grenada than it is to phone a friend in St Vincent?”

Mr Gonsalves suggested that the work of regional integration would not be a miracle of CARICOM Government, but that it needed the input of all, including the skeptics.

“Many of the very critics do not want to put in a good day’s work and engage in pushing an agenda. Rather than look to the politicians for miracles, what we should do when we go to work is that we must produce and we must not allow the work place to become a war zone.”

He called for commitment to the process.

“We have a way of beating up on ourselves too much, and then we find ourselves going to church on Saturday or Sunday morning and sing ‘Great is Thy faithfulness’.”

The Trinidad Prime Minister got the first applause of the night from the audience when he said that leaders needed to take the bull by the horns and deliver for the people of the region. He issued the warning that “we have seen nothing in Europe from which we can take solace,” referring to Britain’s vote to leave the European Union, the integration movement on which CARICOM patterned itself and from which it has received crucial support.

“Leadership is not about popularity, but about leading and making tough decisions,” he declared.

He said that CARICOM leaders needed to take ownership of opportunities and put the issue of a single market and economy back on the front burner.

Leaders will pronounce on their discussions on the issue of free movement of people and the single market and economy at the end of their meeting on Wednesday.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE TUESDAYJULY 05, 2016

Suicide bombers hit three Saudi cities SUICIDE bombers struck three cities across Saudi Arabia on Monday, in an apparently coordinated campaign of attacks as Saudis prepared to break their fast on the penultimate day of the holy month of Ramadan.

The explosions targeting US diplomats, Shi’ite worshippers and a security headquarters at a mosque in the holy city of Medina follow days of mass killings claimed by the Islamic State group, in Turkey, Bangladesh and Iraq.

The attacks all seem to have been timed to coincide with the approach of Eid al-Fitr, the holiday that celebrates the end of the fast.

A Saudi security official said an attacker parked a car near the US consulate in Jeddah before detonating the device. The official said the Government was

checking the reports of blasts in Qatif and Medina.

In the only one of the three attacks that appeared to have caused many casualties, a suicide bomber detonated a bomb near the security headquarters of the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, the second-holiest site in Islam.

Saudi-owned al-Arabiya television said an initial death toll from the Medina blast included three suicide bombers and two security forces officers.

A video sent to Reuters by a witness to the aftermath of the Medina bombing showed a large blaze among parked cars in the fading evening light, with a sound of sirens in the background. A picture sent to Reuters showed a burnt and bleeding man lying on a stretcher in a hospital.

Other pictures circulating on social media

showed dark smoke billowing from flames near the Mosque of the Prophet, originally built in the 7th century by the Prophet Muhammad, who is buried there along with his first two successors.

In Qatif, an eastern city that is home to many members of the Shi’ite minority, at least one and possibly two explosions struck near a Shi’ite mosque.

Witnesses described body parts, apparently of a suicide bomber, in the aftermath.

A resident of the city reached by telephone said there were believed to be no casualties there apart from the attacker, as worshippers had already gone home to break their fasts.

Civil defense forces were cleaning up the area and police were investigating, the resident said.

A video circulating on

Muslim worshippers gather after a suicide bomber detonated a device near the security headquarters of the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia, July 4, 2016. REUTERS/Stringer social media and purporting to show the aftermath of a Qatif blast showed an agitated crowd on a street, with a fire raging near a building, and a bloody body

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part lying on the ground.

Reuters could not immediately verify the video.

Hours earlier a suicide bomber was killed and two people were wounded in a blast near the US consulate in the kingdom’s second city Jeddah.

The Jeddah blast was the first bombing in years to attempt to target foreigners in the kingdom. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

Islamic State has carried out a series of bombing and shooting attacks in Saudi Arabia since mid-2014 that have killed scores of people, mostly members of the Shi’ite Muslim minority and security services.

Police and groups of local volunteers increased security near mosques in Qatif after suicide bombings hit mosques in Shi’ite areas last year, killing dozens.

Another suicide blast at a mosque used by security forces also killed 15 a year ago. (Reuters)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday July 05 , 2016

Venezuela’s Maduro lifts power rationing VENEZUELAN President, Nicolas Maduro has announced the lifting of the power rationing that has been in place for two months.

From April 25, much of the country had its power cut off for four hours a day.

The measure was put in place after a drought caused the Guri dam, which produces almost two-thirds of the country’s electricity, to reach critically low levels.

The power cuts came amidst an economic crisis and severe food shortages.

Mr Maduro said that when he ordered the power cuts in April, Venezuela had been “six days away from a collapse, we were facing having to turn off almost the entire country”.

“Today we can say that Guri [hydroelectric dam] has recovered and we’re in a position where we can resume normal service,” he announced in a speech to supporters in Caracas.

The cuts caused wide-

spread anger among Venezuelans already struggling with food shortages.

The Government said the power shortage was down to a severe drought caused by the El Nino weather phenomenon which caused the

level of the Guri dam to drop to a record low.

But critics blamed the authorities, saying they had failed to invest in Venezuela’s electricity system and to make it less reliant on hydroelectric power.

As part of its efforts to

Electricity Minister Luis Motta visited the Guri dam when it was at one of its lowest points in April

Many business had to reduce their opening hours due to the power cuts

Massive nude photo leak in TT TRINIDAD and Tobago (TT) has found itself embroiled in a scandal involving hundreds of nude photos of young Trinidadian women and girls being circulated online and through mobile apps.

Police suspect it is part of an online pornography ring, and that some of the photographs are being sold.

The leak allegedly affected women and girls who shared their photos with people they trusted. The photos were subsequently shared with an online database. One victim said that her face was photoshopped onto another woman’s body. Those affected have come together and formed a revenge porn support group and some have told their stories to the

media.

The country’s Children’s Act advocates imprisonment for those convicted of making, distributing and even accessing child pornography online. For adults affected, the consequences are less clear. At least according to one lawyer, the remedy for adults may be limited to civil lawsuits.

Colouring online discussions about the scandal has been the commentary of controversial temporary independent senator Dr Kriyaan Singh.

(Singh was acting for Senator David Small, who was abroad, but has since returned to his post.) In an initial Facebook post about the issue, Singh wrote that he “fully support[s] nudi-

ty”: “Be proud of your sexiness and to ass with the low life scums who share nudes of others to these sites. Just remember being naked online privately is not illegal and it is never a grounds for dismissal.”

In another Facebook post, which was public, he offered to help the women and girls.

He later provided this update: “So my simple investigation in speaking with several of the girls on the list, some who are still under age revealed that they each only sent pics to one person.

“That narrows it down to who started sharing their private photos without their consent on triniporn.

“Ladies if you are friends with them and have been asked for pics please state so now and take action.”

Singh also offered an avenue for them to tell their

conserve energy, the Government ordered civil servants to work only two days a week.

President Maduro also asked women to refrain from using hair dryers and other-

wise “wasting” energy.

The power cuts caused problems especially in hot regions of Venezuela where residents struggled to keep their food cool as fridges were turned off. (BBC)

story anonymously: “If any of the girls on the porn list would like to anonymously speak to the media please message me.

One reporter is interested in their side of the story.”

While he has his supporters, Singh has been criticised by political and

civil society groups, including Fixin’ T&T, which argued that the former senator’s social media posts -- both on this issue and on others -- do not carry the spirit of impartiality that independents are supposed to embody. (Caribbean News Now)

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

China’s role in the Regional Economy WHILE it may hold sway that the Cold War has ended, the emergence of another type of global standoff, or competition among the super powers, should not be ignored.

Though in this instance not driven by intolerance or fear of opposing rigid ideology (capitalism vs. communism), this new global competition is presently driven by economic expansionism.

In this new global reality, small states such as CARICOM countries should recognise, understand, and astutely navigate the intricacies of this competition if the Region is to survive, develop, and compete as an independent bloc.

Recent economic indicators have shown that the countries within CARICOM continue to significantly underperform. Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica, categorised among the most developed countries of the Caribbean, have each taken a decision to enter the structural adjustment programme of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Countries finding themselves in economic sluggishness are increasingly turning to the East – particularly to China -- to benefit from loans and grants that would help them to break out of the cycle of sluggishness. On each occasion, these nations are responding to strong internal anxieties to succeed, but in pursuing external assistance, they find themselves simultaneously ensnared in the economic warfare/expansionism between China and the world, notably the United States.

In every CARICOM country where state-owned companies and corporations carried out activities and delivered for the society, systems and programmes were developed to force the State out of nearly every activity. This was done in a neo-liberal environment in which adoption of socalled small government and the private sector controlling economic enterprises were pushed.

As government was forced out of business and now placed in positions to need the very services it divested, China has become a willing investor through grants and loans. Using China comes at additional cost to the Caribbean, because the Region is committed to buying the materials from China, and is obligated to using Chinese architecture and labour.

Acknowledging these realities ought not to be seen as xenophobia or intolerance to global trade, but merely drawing attention to characteristics in this new trading relationship that may be eluding attention; and, at the same time, focus can be brought on the consequences that can be borne from these realities.

For instance, the Skeldon Sugar Factory, the country’s largest investment –- worth over US$200M -- occurred under the Bharrat Jagdeo Administration and is not only a white elephant, but the structures were not built consistent

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday July 5, 2016

The Muslim-led slave uprisings in Guyana Dear Editor, VERY little is written about the prominent role that enslaved African Muslims played in the history of the Guianas; but, for now, we will focus on Guyana, the former Dutch/British colony in South America.

While the reconstruction of the history of enslaved Africans in Guyana is difficult, due to the horrors of slavery and the fact that almost 99% of the archival materials are in Dutch, it may cause some unease for the predominantly forced converted descendants of Africans in Guyana today not to mention the whiteman’s burden that made Africa into a “dark corner of the world”, which Europeans claim was void of any civilization.

Black Egypt -- (Nubia), Kush, and Axum -- were suddenly not part of Africa.

This bias was carried over by some who wrote the history books of Guyana and refused to acknowledge the role African Muslims played in the country’s history, and their quest to retain their identities. While enslaved African Muslims may not have had in their possession the Holy Quran, many had it committed to memory, which their masters could not burn.

According to Emilia Viotti da Costa, in her book “Crowns of Glory, Tears of Blood”, some enslaved Africans involved in the 1823 Demerara rebellion were

Muslims. An African driver by the name of Bob, from Plantation Brothers, was a Muslim and was known as the Mahometan.

Incidentally, Quamina the ringleader was an African from the Akan community.

During the trial of the ‘ringleaders,’ one African who testified against them was a Muslim who demanded to take his oath the Islamic way.

Also, according to Norman Cameron in his book “150 Years of Education In Guyana (1808 - 1957)”, “two Mohammedans”, Romeo and Jason, were ordained as deacons by the Christian missionary on Plantation Le Ressouvenir; Romeo was ordained in 1808 and Jason in 1814.

Despite the horrors of enslavement, traces of their Islamic faith were referenced in the early 1800s in several books that ascribed to materials written in Arabic found among slaves in British Guiana. In Thomas Staunton St. Clair’s 1834 autobiography, titled “A Soldier’s Sojourn in British Guiana, 1806-1808”, he mentioned a slave plot planned for Christmas Eve in 1807. St. Clair was a British soldier stationed in Demerara for three years, from 1805 to June 1808. From his personal recollections, he mentioned that “a slave woman who lived with a young Scottish overseer on a plantation on the East Coast Demerara betrayed the conspirators.”

The ringleader was her own

with the Guyanese reality. Further, it is known that where grants are given and companies from China arrive to execute the projects, at the conclusion of the project a new company is formed, with the same faces competing in the local market for projects, and maintaining the imported workforce. These local established companies are not unknown to engage in practices in violation of the ILO Core Labour Standards in a Region that has earned a reputation for being one of the most compliant. It is also known that workers employed by these companies are subjected to working conditions that violate the laws in respective countries and CARICOM industrial relations principles.

Following the trail of these companies shows a link back to the Government of China qualifying them as state-owned.

These companies are involved in hotel management and ownership, building and managing ports, agriculture in various forms, gold mining, logging, and so forth.

Even to the casual observer, it appears that the Government of China has within its Foreign Policy Agenda an element of state economic expansion. This economic characteristic is different to that of a multinational or transnational company operating independent of the directive of the government of the country of origin. In dealing with trade and any issue of conflict resulting therefrom, it brings into consideration a diplomatic component based on immunity

father.

Based on her accusation, at least 20 slaves were arrested, while her father and a few others were hanged.

One piece of evidence that was presented during the trial was a letter written in the Arabic script, supposedly by one of the rebels, and addressed to the slaves.

However, since no member of the court could read the letter, its purport could only be guessed at. This suggests that her father was a Muslim and one with strong faith.

More importantly, in 1836, two years prior to the arrival of the first Hindustani Muslims in British Guiana, the London Missionary Society reported that Thomas Lewis -- a freed African -was educated in England and had started a school in Union Chapel in New Amsterdam.

Lewis was formerly a Muslim known as Toby. Toby, the Hausa Muslim, could read the Arabic text of the Holy Quran.

Last, but not least, the very first slave revolt in 1763 was carried out by a house slave, Kofi (which means “born on the Jummah”) from the Akan tribe of Ghana. He was probably a Muslim, since he was literate in the Arabic language. In addition, a few of Kofi’s ‘lieutenants’ were Muslims. Akara (his chief army commander, and from the same plantation) and Atta and Quabi were also from the

Akan tribe.

In Guyana, the majority of enslaved Africans were from the Congo and Kromanti regions. Looking at the 1819 slave population of Berbice (Table S3. 4. Higman 1984), there was a significant number of African-born Muslims in the colony. Out of the total African-born slaves (12,867), only 1,198 (or 9%) were specified; and out of this number, 235 (or 20%) were Muslims. These were distributed as follows: 111 Mandingos from Senegambia and Bambara (Mali/Burkina Faso); 27 Temnes, 27 Fullahs and 18 Susus from Sierra Leone; 14 from the Gold Coast, and 38 Hausas from Benin.

Enslaved African Muslims were leaders in slave uprisings. As well, some who converted in exchange for freedom became prominent Christian preachers in Guyana. Among these are Tobi, Romeo and Jason.

During this month of Ramadhan 2016, we would like to pay homage to all formerly enslaved Africans who had been murdered and assassinated during the African Holocaust, and to bring attention to a few who refused to bear the names of their slave masters.

Regards, RAY CHICKRIE and SHABNAM ALLI

to do certain things, which otherwise would not have been so guaranteed.

A case in point is the recent issue with the Guyana Revenue Authority and Bai Shan Lin in paying duties on motor vehicles, when the Ambassador of China intervened, arguing that the company is protected under diplomatic immunity.

The development of this Region, which has within its fold various resources and requires an array of activities, is not only premised on the balancing of a country’s national budget, but on a political vision that is supported by an indigenous economic plan and advanced by strong leadership, understanding of the global environment, and support of the people therein.

Given the global realities stated above and elsewhere, coupled with the experiences garnered since the perceived end of the Cold War, it may be opportune to appreciate the urgency of rethinking the way business and development are presently pursued. The dismantling of state entities in the Caribbean while China uses its state entities to expand its economic and political welfare into other countries not only makes China economically stronger and more powerful, but would result in CARICOM countries and their peoples being dependent, impoverished, and reliant on others -- which should be enough to stimulate conversations and actions in another direction.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Ramotar points out BK’s faults Dear Editor,

MR. BRIAN Tiwari has reacted strongly to a letter I had sent to the press, in which I stated that the APNU/AFC regime handed over eight containers of steel that were imported

by Surendra Company for the Construction of the Specialty Hospital to the BK International Group days after the 2015 General Elections.

I indicated that the PPP/C government had paid all required charges to GRA and to the wharf, took the containers off the wharf, and the Ministry of Health took possession of those containers. In the meantime, after the Government terminated the contract, the PPP/C government moved to the courts to sue Surendra to recover money paid to them. The intention was to execute the judgment obtained against Surendra by levying on the containers to recover the judgment.

Mr. Tiwari claimed that we did not know what were in the containers, or their value; that also is not true.

At the request of the Office of the President, the GRA did a one hundred percent inspection of the containers.

As a result, we were assured that the value was sufficient to satisfy the judgment.

These containers were removed at the instance of Mr. Tiwari. Therefore, I maintain that millions of dollars’ worth in steel were virtually handed to him by his newfound political friends.

After I released the letter, Mr. Tiwari sent a letter to me, dated March 23 2015, in which he assured me that he was a “born PPP” and still was a PPP. Obliviously embarrassed, Mr. Tiwari seems to have gone on a frenzy, throwing caution to the wind and unleashing a wild set of charges against me.

He claimed that he sent that letter to me because I had threatened to stop his company from using GUYSUCO’S hangar. This is absolutely untrue. GUY-

SUCO granted his company permission to use that facility; not me, and not the Government. It was not my policy or that of my government to interfere with entities governed by a board of directors.

He alluded to an incident where certain APNU officials travelled on a flight which the Government of Guyana had chartered. Of course I objected; I had every right to do so. In any event, this incident is absolutely unconnected to his letter of 23rd March 2015; this incident occurred long after.

Mr. Tiwari also claimed that the PPP/C had allowed Surendra’s representative to leave Guyana. That is another lie. The truth is that after his case was completed with Surendra, the court discharged the injunction which prevented the representative from leaving Guyana. There is a court order to this effect. As a result, the representative was free to leave the country. This had nothing to do with the Government.

The fact is that the PPP/C ended this contract with Surendra after their breach, and took legal and administrative measures to recover tax payers’ money.

Mr Tiwari’s actions prevented the Government from recovering this money.

In clear Mafiosi style, Mr. Tiwari made a lot of allegations against my brother. Let me state from the outset that I am not my brother’s keeper. However, I feel compelled to respond, because Mr. Tiwari attempts to implicate me in a number of wrongdoings. As a result, I took the time to speak to my brother to ascertain these claims of Mr. Tiwari.

He informed me as follows: 1. My brother never purchased any land from GUYSUCO. No one owns any such land on his behalf.

2. My brother offered to purchase lands from GUYSUCO. He never received a response. I challenge Mr. Tiwari to produce evidence

to the contrary.

3. My brother never purchased any pontoons or tugs from NICIL. 4. My brother owns a tug which he has owned long before I became President.

5. As regards the barge, this barge was owned by MARAD. Mr. Tiwari used this barge for years; and when it became unworkable, he abandoned it at Parika and left it to sink.

6. My brother was awarded a contract to fetch materials for the Government. He was permitted to repair and use this same barge. This he did for years.

Eventually, MARAD offered to sell him the barge.

They produced a certificate of valuation, but my brother purchased at a price above that valuation.

7. A few months ago, Mr. Tiwari caused SARU to investigate this matter.

I believe Mr. Tiwari wants back this barge, because it is now in good condition.

SARU investigated this matter and examined my brother’s documents. My brother has heard nothing since.

8 . M r. Ti w a r i a l s o charged that my brother received a container of parts from a Chinese businessman. That is another lie. I was told that it is Mr. Brain Tiwari who introduced my brother to the Chinese businessman. He told me that he had ordered from this businessman a part for the steering of his tug. The gentleman obliged and brought it in. It was housed in a box not more than five feet long and three feet wide. That is a far cry from a forty-foot container. He also informed me that, in Mr. Tiwari’s presence, he enquired from the gentleman the cost, but this gentleman refuse to accept any payment.

Mr. Tiwari conveys the impression that I have some

personal vendetta against him and his company. This is another fabrication. I have known Mr. Tiwari for many years before I became president. Why then would I suddenly develop a vendetta for him?

The truth is that when I assumed office, it was reported to me that Mr. Tiwari’s company has a long history of not meeting contractual deadlines, and submitting huge variations to contracts already signed, sometimes more than the original contract was valued. I was unprepared to tolerate such abuse. Also, there was a long line of contractual breaches by Mr. Tiwari’s company on which he was failing to deliver.

These include: 1. His company was contracted to rent the GRDB Wharf and to develop it with an option to purchase in the end for $110 million. The rent was $10 million dollars per year.

No rent was paid for four years. No development works were done. As a result, legal proceedings were filed by NICIL. The matter

is still pending in the court.

2. His company also miserably failed in respect to a contract to build a wharf for GPL at Vreeden- Hoop. GPL faced tremendous cost overruns and delays as a result. GPL was forced to move fuel by road instead. This cost the company millions of dollars in additional expenses.

3. BK International fabricated a claim that GPL destroyed six hundred million dollars of heavy-duty equipment, which he claimed were on a piece of land he owned at Vreeden-Hoop. In response, GPL contended that the land was abandoned, overgrown with bushes, and had some pieces of old iron on it, which they dumped in the bushes nearby. In fact, GPL claimed they spent two million dollars to clear the land, and pieces of old iron are still in the bushes.

BK International demanded six hundred million dollars in compensation, and when this demand was refused, they sued. The matter is still in court.

4. BK’s management of the Haags Bosch project was a complete disaster.

They ousted Puran Bros from the project and took over management of the site.

It was so bad that the IDB refused to fund the project if BKs continued to be the contractor. Our government terminated the contract. BK went to court. Even this Government could not help him. They eventually ejected him from the site.

5. The East Bank Road project is another casualty.

I do not believe the contract is completed as yet. Three contracts to drill wells for GWI were awarded to him years ago. To date, none has been completed.

I can go on, but I think I have said enough. I hope I have made it clear that I have no personal axe to grind with Mr. Tiwari. Mr. Tiwari has a problem with me. It all started when I began to demand that contractors fulfill their contractual obligations.

Regards, DONALD RAMOTAR

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 5, 2016

JAMAICANS BEING TREATED UNFAIRLY

Holness wants treatment of countrymen at ports of entry urgently addressed

By Ariana Gordon JAMAICA Prime Minister Andrew Holness has called on CARICOM leaders to urgently address the issue of Jamaicans being severely questioned at ports of entry of sister territories, and their being denied entry.

During the opening ceremony of the 37th Regular Meeting of the Heads of Government of CARICOM Member States, held at the National Culture Centre on Monday, Prime Minister Holness made this pitch: "Jamaicans have been expressing concerns of increased cases of denial of entry and treatment at ports of entry at other jurisdictions. This must be urgently addressed in a meaningful way, otherwise the economic sense of CARICOM becomes increasingly questionable”.

The free movement of Jamaicans to other CARICOM countries is currently being discussed bilaterally; and, thus far, Prime Minister Holness said, he is encouraged by the level of understanding and responsiveness being expressed towards those concerns.

“We believe that bilateral consultations, supported by additional effort in the institution of our community, can make the movement of labour equal to that of the movement of goods,” the Prime Minister said.

Jamaicans have, over the years, complained about the treatment meted out to them in Trinidad and Tobago. As a result of many Jamaicans being denied entry there, the Jamaican Private Sector has led a boycott against goods manufactured in Trinidad; but with establishment of the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME), discrimination on the ground of nationality in all member states was abolished.

Under the CSME, the free movement of persons across the region entails removal of the work permit requirement for university graduates, media workers, sports persons, musicians, artists, managers, supervisors and other service providers. Freedom of movement also includes the freedom to leave and re-enter any member state of one’s choosing, and to have access to property either for residential or business purposes.

Prime Minister Holness stressed the importance of regional integration to the development of the regional bloc. He said regional integration is not an end in itself, but a means to achieve a much broader objective; notably, the economic growth and development of countries in the region, and the

Correction

The Guyana Chronicle apologises for the unfortunate mix-up of the captions of four Heads of Government of the Caricom in our Caricom supplement published on Monday.

We regret any inconvenience this error would have caused the leaders, their delegations and our readers. Below are the corrected captions for the different Heads.

Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness, speaking at the opening of the 37th Regular Meeting of Heads of Government of Caricom improvement of the lives of its people. This, he said, will allow small economies to overcome regional constraints, build resilience, and take advantage of new and existing opportunities in the global market place.

“Regionally, integration processes like the CSME can deliver economic and welfare agreements, but we must be mindful of the fact that the CSME as a mere concept cannot deliver these promises. As a functional and transformative integration process, however, CSME can deliver the much-needed economic pillars,” he declared.

ALWAYS SUPPORTIVE Jamaica, he said, has always been supportive of the CSME, and has undertaken the necessary changes to legislation to ensure that all of the obligations under the agreement are fulfilled.

“Jamaica now provides a strong, transparent, and predictable regulatory environment for those who wish to relocate

Prime Minister of Belize, Dean Barrow

Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit

there for work purposes. This is indeed an important pillar of the regional integration process. For many, including the man in the street, free movement represents a tangible way in which we can benefit from regional integration,” the Jamaican Prime Minister explained.

He believes there needs to be much more bilateral relations among member states. He said its strengthening has received insufficient attention over the years, and this must change.

Jamaica has commenced negotiating a joint commission agreement with Trinidad and Tobago, through which it hopes to develop mutually beneficial cooperation. Holness believes that similar undertakings with sister territories will prove beneficial and progressive.

Holness also called on all CARICOM leaders to listen to the cries of the people of the region. “Mr Chairman, we are witnessing a new era in Caribbean development, where the demands and expectations …are greater than ever before. Mr Chairman, if there is a lesson that all leaders can learn from the Brexit experience, it is that you must listen to the voice of your people, and respond.”

He said it is incumbent on all Heads of Government to listen to the “clear call of our people for economic growth, security, prosperity and social wellbeing”.

He opined that, collectively, the 15 member states of CARICOM have what it takes to cater to the needs of CARICOM citizens. “It is in unity that we find strength. We must always remember that our strength of purpose is as strong as our weakest member, and therefore we must work together to make all our members strong and robust. Strong countries, booming economies, robust societies will make a strong region,” said Prime Minister Holness.

He disclosed that a commission has been established in Jamaica to review that country’s relations within CARICOM and the ACP/CARIFORUM framework. That Commission will, among other things, examine the extent to which Jamaica’s participation at CARICOM has impacted its economic growth and development process.

Holness said, too, that CARICOM arrangements relative to the wider Caribbean, including the Dominican Republic and Cuba, will also be reviewed. This is the first time that a Commission has been established in Jamaica to assess the benefits, opportunities and challenges of the country’s membership in CARICOM.

Prime Minister of St Lucia, Michael Chastanet

Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Keith Rowley

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Manning hailed as visionary, patriot and Caribbean man

By Vishani Ragobeer THE former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Patrick Manning, who recently passed away, was on Monday hailed as a visionary, patriot and Caribbean man.

He was celebrated by all the Caribbean leaders who addressed the opening ceremony of the 37th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) at the National Cultural Centre.

Caricom Secretary General Irwin LaRocque began his presentation by having everyone in the audience observe a minute’s silence for the Community’s longstanding member.

LaRocque, and the other leaders who spoke, noted Manning’s achievements and contributions to the inte-

The late former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Patrick Manning gration movement.

In an earlier statement, he hailed Manning as a “champion” of CARICOM with the following words: “His contribution to our Community stemmed from his conviction that integration was the best response to the challenges faced by our region of small states.”

The Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Keith Rowley, said Manning would be remembered as a visionary, patriot, and Caribbean man who had been committed to excellence. Dr Rowley noted that Manning, like himself, had understood the pivotal role integration plays in the development of a country, and CARICOM as a whole; and had been the driving force behind highlighting and addressing the problems the region faces from chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This had led to CARICOM initiating a United Nations high-level meeting on combating NCDs. Manning, Dr Rowley said, had also initiated the CARICOM Task Force on Crime and Security.

According to St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, “One of the titans of integration (has) left us”.

For Suriname’s President, Desiré Delano Bouterse, Manning was undoubtedly a great man. “His commitment to regional integration and development will not be forgotten,” the Suriname President said.

And Prime Minister of Dominica and Chairman of this Conference, Roosevelt Skerrit, said his country has slated July 5 and 6 as national days of mourning for the former Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister.

Manning will be remembered as "a stalwart in seeking the achievement of the CARICOM ideal," said Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

Bouterse calls for diversification of region’s economy

By Svetlana Marshall PRESIDENT of the Republic of Suriname, Desiré Bouterse championed the cause for the further diversification of the region’s economy when he addressed the 37th Regular Meeting of Conference of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on Monday.

The ever depleting commodity prices on the world market is undoubtedly having a domino-effect on member states, particularly those that are heavily dependent on the extractive sector, the Surinamese President said, as he addressed the gathering at the National Cultural Centre, Georgetown.

“We must move into diversification of our economies… we have to develop our services industries to the point where they become solid foreign currency earners characterised by sustainability,” President Bouterse said.

In their quest to diversify their economies, member states, particularly those dependent on the extractive sectors, must come together to brainstorm solutions to the challenges they face.

Countries mono dependency on the tourism industry is also proving to be very problematic, the Surinamese President added.

“Because of the decline on the world’s economy, we have noticed a decline in the number of tourists travelling to our region,” he said, while lobbying CARICOM Secretary General, Irwin LaRocque to establish a connection with the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) Secretariat to nominate experts who will advise member states on creative ways to establish new tourism packages to attract more visitors to the region.

Though the Caribbean Community continues to face many challenges, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Keith Rowley said the achievements made should not and cannot be understated.

As he delivered his inaugural address at the high-level regional meeting, the Trinidadian Prime Minister said member states have made significant progress either as a group or individually.

“In our early history, we, the Caribbean, the Carib-

operational, together with the Mission in Jamaica, will ensure that Trinidad and Tobago has bilateral accreditation in all CARICOM countries.

Suriname’s President, Desiré Bouterse addressing the Heads of Government meeting bean Community, would CSME was designed to have united against the apart- facilitate the full use of laheid in South African. We bour, exploitation of other were resolute in our position factors of production, comon the economic embargo petitive production leading against Cuba. As a region, to greater variety; quality were able to negotiate, to our and quantity of goods and citizens’ benefit, successful services, thereby providing trade agreements. United, we greater capacity to trade with brought the issue of Chronic other countries.

Non-communicable Diseases The CSME was signed to the international stage,” into effect in 2001, however, Prime Minister Rowley said. its implementation had provWhile CARICOM has en to be challenging. After made some significant strides several years of delay, the through functional coopera- CARICOM Heads of Govtion in several critical areas, ernment in 2011 declared that he said, undoubtedly, it has progress towards the Single and continues to face equal Economy had been put on challenges. pause as a consequence of the 2007-2008 financial crises.

NOT ABOUT In Trinidad, he said cogPOPULARITY nisance was taken of the Nevertheless, in mov- need to give special prioring forward, he said, tough ity to CARICOM; hence, decisions must be made. a policy framework is be“Leadership is not always ing put in place to enhance about popularity; leadership his country’s relations with sometimes is about leading CARICOM, starting with and making tough decision,” the renaming of the Minhe posited. istry of Foreign Affairs to On that note, the Trini- the Ministry of Foreign and dad Prime Minister called CARICOM affairs. for CARICOM to put the He said too, his Cabinet Caricom Single Market and has also taken a decision to Economy (CSME) back on reopen a High Commission the active agenda. in Barbados, which when

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley during his address to CARICOM Heads of Government on Monday

CRIME AND SECURITY Attention, he said, must also be given to the area of crime and security which continues to be a sore area of concern.

“As leader for crime and security in CARICOM, I wish to give you the assurance that under my stewardship, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago intends to take an active role in other matters pertaining to regional security. The sustainable development of our community depends on us….Too much of our economy, too much of our well-being, too much of our progress and our quality of life depend on security for us to not be focus on the peace and comfort of our people.”

St Lucia Prime Minister, Allen Chastanet, in his address, said the people of the region must feel the tangible benefits that regional integration brings with it.

“The recent referendum that voted for Britain to exit the European Union has put the survival of integration into focus. People are once again asking, what is in it for me and my country? What if our people ask for such a referendum? Are we certain of their response? Have we done enough to create a connection between our people and this community?”

Prime Minister Chastanet said the CARICOM has an excellent pool of human resources that should be utilised for the effective materialisation of the community’s objectives at a time when small member states are experiencing growing challenges.

“These global challenges are now beating down at the door of the survival of small islands and developing nation states.

They all want their fair pound of flesh for the bare bones of our humanity,” he said.

Prime Minister Chastanet stressed that steps must be taken to reduce cost and increase efficiency in governance across CARICOM. He also championed the cause for the equality of women, saying that though they contribute significantly to the development of the region, they are still being undermined.

10

Guyanese man, girlfriend found dead --in suspected murder/suicide in NY

A father of four and his 23-year-old girlfriend were found shot to death on Sunday afternoon in a Brooklyn home, in what police are investigating as a murder-suicide.

Police believe Christopher Pickering, 37, blasted Elizabeth Thompkins in the head in their Central Avenue home near Hancock Street in Bushwick, and then turned the gun on himself. When a relative arrived home to find the bloody scene at about 17:00 hrs, a 9-mm. handgun was resting on Pickering’s chest, police said.

Neighbours described the two as a quiet, seemingly happy couple. Pickering had three sons — one of them newborn — and a daughter, and worked at a waste management company.

“He loved those kids so much. That’s really what I remember about him. He was always with them,” said one neighbour, who didn’t give her name.

I just don’t think he could have done something like this. It does not even seem real.”

Another neighbour, who identified herself as Latoya, said she rarely saw Thompkins, but Tompkins had been typically quiet. “You never heard them yelling and screaming. This is unbe-

Dead: Christopher Pickering and Elizabeth Thompkins **The Guyana Chronlievable!” Latoya said. “I can’t remember the last time icle has confirmed that I saw her, but she was very Pickering migrated to the quiet, like him. I never really United States from Guyana spoke with her, it was mostly a few years ago. (New York (Chris) who would say ‘Hi!’” Daily News)

Neighbours and family gather outside as police investigate the double fatal shooting. (GARDINER ANDERSON/FOR NEW YORK DAILY NEWS)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday July 5, 2016

Bridge in Albouystown needs attention

THE bridge at the corners of Sussex and Barr Streets, Albouystown is in need of immediate attention by authorities.

For several weeks now, the bridge has been closed to vehicular traffic, and as a result, motorists have been using the bridge in the street west of this one, namely Albouys Street.

At the most recent statutory meeting of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC), Councillor Heston Bostwick,

a representative of the Albouystown Community, raised the issue of the Albouys Street having to now face the pressure.

Although the bridge at Hunter and Sussex streets is also sinking, Bostwick asked that priority treatment be given to the Barr Street Bridge, while the others can be looked at later.

Barr Street serves as a key alternative to the La Penitence Public Road for vehicles coming from

the East Bank Demerara and heading to Central Georgetown. The absence of this bridge contributes to a severe buildup of traffic in contiguous areas, and many of the streets in Albouystown are very narrow for twoway traffic.

Albouystown has long been regarded as a “high crime” area, causing motorists to be hesitant about using the streets surrounding Barr Street.

The bridge at the corner of Sussex and Barr streets, Albouystown is in need of immediate attention by authorities

C/tyne man critical after stabbing incident PORK-KNOCKER Randy Phillips, aka “Salt head”, of Kildonan village, Central Corentyne East Berbice, is currently battling for his life at the New Amsterdam Hospital after being stabbed several times to his body by a suspect known only as “Rat”.

The incident, which occurred at a shop in a back street of the neighbouring village of Nurney at about 13:00hrs on Sunday, stemmed from a taunting incident that turned violent.

The 29-year-old in jured man’s sister, Rovell

Randy Phillips

Leitch, told this publication that Phillips was with some friends when “Rat” began taunting him about his girlfriend.

“My brother and some friends were at a shop hanging out, and then the guy (Rat) started to interfere with him about his girlfriend, and Randy answer he and they start scuffle.

I hold on to the guy and ask he why he hurting my brother, and he say is not me and him; leh he (Randy) dead; leh he S@*$T dead!”

Leitch said.

The woman said she took

away a cutlass which Rat had in his possession, but he took out a knife and stabbed her brother once to the abdomen, once to the shoulder and once to the head in the region of the temple.

“Rat had a cutlass when they start scrambling. I pull away the cutlass from Rat; he then tek a piece wood and lash (Phillips) on he head (before) he pulled out a knife and stab he; and (Phillips) drop down. I pick he up and rush he away to the hospital,” the sister related.

The suspect reportedly fled to the backdam after the

altercation, and is currently in hiding.

Theresa Phillips, mother of Randy Phillips, said her only son came out of the interior a mere week ago, and she is calling on the authorities to find the suspect, who reportedly went into hiding after fleeing the scene.

“Randy is my only son, and (he) does take care of me. I want the police to find ‘Rat’ and make sure I get justice, because my son doesn’t deserve this,” she tearfully declared.

She said Randy was initially taken to the Port

Mourant Hospital, but was transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital, where his condition is listed as critical.

He is unresponsive to treatment, and is on life support in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Theresa Phillips said “Rat” is from Nurney village, and she is unaware of what could have triggered his rage against her son, since they would hang out from time to time.

Police have launched a manhunt for “Rat” as they continue their investigations.

West Indies Cricket Team

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 5, 2016

--the true West Indian identity

any sport, athletes in the region can be as good as those from the developed world.

LLOYD’S TAKE Lloyd, who has been described as the most successful West Indies Captain, led a side consisting of cricketers from various countries, such as Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados and Jamaica, who came with their own set of baggage and cultural differences.

Asked to comment on the current quality of cricket in the region, Lloyd boasted that in addition to

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS! The triumphant West Indies Under-19 squad

By Ravin Singh N AT I O N A L I S M c a n be construed as a sentiment of oneness, or the uniting of a people.

It is often predicated on a myth of origin, whereby people from the same geographical region share a common birthplace, common soil, and common blood.

The issue with West Indian nationalism, as demonstrated in the Independence Movement, was that those supposed commonalities -- appealed to by politicians -- were founded upon a fabricated convenient myth.

Colonialism brought varied peoples to the Caribbean from all parts of the world: Blacks from Africa through the slave trade, and Indians and Chinese as indentured labourers after emancipation.

Against this historical setting, the idea of a common birthplace was a falsehood used to appeal to a sense of togetherness.

There was, also, no singular West Indian identity or West Indian soil. The colonies of the West Indies Federation were distinctly unique, and were different from each other. And with heterogeneous populations due to slavery and indentureship, claims of a common West Indian blood were just as untenable.

THE ONE TRUE SYMBOL Perhaps the only symbolic instrument of a West Indian identity is the West Indies Cricket Team.

To the world the team appeared to be a united front, particularly after defeating the English, a feat that West Indians craved in the political arena. During its formative years, between 1928 and 1950, the struggles of West Indian cricketers mirrored the region’s centuries-long quest to move beyond its colonial beginnings and become independent from Britain.

Additionally, the selection and success of Sonny Ramadhin, the first West Indian cricketer of East Indian descent, presented a more integrated and unified region.

Cricket made its institutional debut in the colonies through the education system and through British soldiers stationed in garrisons strewn across the islands.

Exposure to cricket through education was one of the key ways the game and its code of conduct were first disseminated to freed slaves and indentured workers in the Caribbean. It is from this beginning that the ties between cricket and the formation of a post-emancipation West Indian identity were established.

SEMINAL MOMENTS Black cricketers forged their way onto the West Indies Cricket Team in greater numbers after its inaugural Test match in 1928. The series victory of the West Indies over England (1950) and Frank Worrell’s captaincy (1960) are understood to be two seminal moments in the development of West Indies Cricket. However, fairly little has been studied about the relationship between these two events and the political movement towards independence.

These historic moments were catalysts for a “coming of age” period in West Indies Cricket, which subsequently led to a period of domination in world cricket, starting in the mid1970s.

In repeatedly choosing a “white man” as captain, the WICBC made clear that it did not think black West Indians were capable of holding a leadership position.

Furthermore, it was a political statement that served the purpose of maintaining the colonial relationship of master teaching pupil.

And while it has been widely accepted that cricket is an instrument which unites Caribbean people, former West Indies captain Sir Clive Lloyd contends that once the region has the right tools to play cricket, or

‘

He also recalled, when he was a member of the English Sports Council, seeing large sums of money being spent on sports development. According to him, this is what is needed for the development of cricket and sports in the Caribbean.

In light of this, he underscored the need for governments in the region to invest more in sports, which becomes increasingly important, given that cricket is an expensive sport.

TIME IS NOW “When the West Indies Team was at the top for over 20 years, we brought

11

Former West Indies Captain, Clive Lloyd

to be strengthened in the region, Heads of Government need to come together

When the West Indies Team was at the top for over 20 years, we brought a lot of money to the region, since foreigners wanted to see us play. So I think it is time now for governments to give back financially to help support the sport to a greater extent’ -- Clive Lloyd

cricket, the Caribbean has been able to excel in many aspects of sport, including athletics, where the region has stamped its authority internationally.

The Caribbean is known for producing some of the most sensational track and field athletes, including the fastest female in the world -- Shelly Ann Pryce-Fraser, and “the fastest man on the planet”-- Usain Bolt.

But with a perceived view of declining quality in the cricket played in the region, the former captain contends that once the region is able to work together, it can produce some of the best athletes in the world. To do this, though, he said, there needs to be availability of resources to support the athletes.

“We need the necessary tools and resources which other countries have been able to use to push and develop sports in their country.

One example is England, where financial and other support for cricket has always been meted out,” he said.

Lloyd also reasoned that the geographic make-up of the region, which comprises a plethora of islands, results in additional expense for transportation via airplanes, and to meet accommodation, which other countries such as England or India are able to cut back on.

a lot of money to the region, since foreigners wanted to see us play. So I think it is time now for governments to give back financially to help support the sport to a greater extent,” he said.

The former West Indies Captain also suggested that young people in the region are seemingly gravitating to foreign sports for various reasons, including the fact that participation in these sports is less expensive.

“To be able to buy a bat or a helmet [to play cricket], you have to be earning enough, since equipment for cricket is expensive. Other foreign sports, such as basketball, are relatively cheaper to play and easier to access, so people tend to gravitate to those sports,” he noted.

But the ability to excel at sports does not only require skills and equipment.

In fact, Lloyd explained, sports must be supported with education, which enhances the technical ability of any athlete.

He said Jamaica has adopted a policy of pushing sports in a serious way at the school level, and recommended that this model should be adopted throughout the region to support the educational capacity of athletes emerging from the region.

He reiterated that for sports, particularly cricket,

and devise a strategy to approach the development of sports collectively, since no one country can achieve the level of output the entire region is capable of.

The former captain also explained that he sees the need for domestic players to tour internationally, to get the kind of exposure world-class cricketers get. In addition, he noted, there needs to be an injection of overseas-based cricketers to come to the Caribbean and make the sport more competitive.

“We do have professional cricket in the region, but we need an injection of overseas players to make our cricket more competitive.

“Our captains need to learn to exert more pressure on players, and players need to build on their ability to focus. These things, I believe, will help to support and develop the future of West Indies Cricket which is likely to reap much success and bring that high level of nationalism and patriotism to the region,” Lloyd said.

Earlier this year, the West Indies Cricket teams made history when the senior women’s team was able to win the World Cup; the U-19 male team was able to win the World Cup, and the men’s senior team was able to win the World T20Cup.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 5, 2016

‘I am not my brother’s keeper’ - Ramotar tells Tiwari in latest retort

FORMER President Donald Ramotar has informed Managing Director of BK International, Brian Tiwari that he is not his brother’s keeper.

The retort is the latest in what appears to be a tit-fortat between the former President and the BK International

Managing Director.

Tiwari had accused Ramotar of corrupt practices in which Ramotar’s brother benefited.

According to Ramotar in a statement, Tiwari made allegations against his brother in Mafiosi style.

Last week, Tiwari called

on Ramotar to explain why the PPP, while in Government, sold to his (Ramotar’s) brother three barges and one tug for a price below $20M. According to Tiwari, the former President’s brother flipped one of the barges in a transaction for $50M in a matter of days after pur-

chase. This was reportedly followed by a sale by the Ministry of Public Works of another barge valued in excess of $150 million and this was again sold to Ramotar’s brother for a mere $3M, allegedly causing the State to lose millions of dollars.

BK’s Managing Direc-

Former President Donald Ramotar

tor also asked Ramotar to explain the sale of 25 acres of sugar land belonging to the West Demerara Estates for chick pea price, again to associates of his brother with his brother being a main beneficiary.

In response to these accusations, Ramotar sought to make it clear that he is not his brother’s keeper.

“Let me state from the outset that I am not my brother’s keeper. However, I feel compelled to respond because Mr Tiwari attempts to implicate me in a number of wrongdoings.

As a result, I took the time to speak to my brother to ascertain these claims of Mr Tiwari,” he said.

According to the former President, his brother never purchased any land from GuySuCo and no one owns any such land on his behalf.

Secondly, his brother offered to purchase lands from GuySuCo, but was never in receipt of a response.

As such, Ramotar challenged Tiwari to produce evidence to the contrary.

Additionally, he noted that while his brother owns a tug, which was acquired even before he became President, it was never purchased from NICIL. Regarding the barge, the former President said that it was owned by MARAD and that Tiwari had used it for years before it became unworkable. Tiwari reportedly abandoned it at Parika after it became unworkable and left it to sink.

Ramotar said subsequently, his brother was awarded a contract to fetch materials for the Government and was

BK International Managing Director Brian Tiwari permitted to repair and use the same barge.

He reportedly did this for years and MARAD eventually offered to sell him the barge. The former President said that a certificate of valuation was issued and his brother reportedly purchased the barge at a price above the valuation.

Ramotar went on to state that just a few months ago, Tiwari caused the State Asset Recovery Unit (SARU) to investigate this matter, and he is of the belief that Tiwari wants this barge back given that it is now in good condition.

“SARU investigated this matter and examined my brother’s documents. My brother has heard nothing since,” he added.

In addition, the former President referred to Tiwari’s claim about his brother receiving a container of parts from a Chinese businessman.

This, Ramotar said, is another lie.

“I was told that it was Mr. Brain Tiwari who introduced my brother to the Chinese businessman. He [my brother] told me that he had ordered from this businessman a part for the steering of his tug. The gentleman obliged and brought it in. It was housed in a box not more than five feet long and three feet wide. That is a far cry from a forty feet container,” he said.

It was noted too that in Tiwari’s presence, Ramotar’s brother enquired from the gentleman, the cost. However, Ramotar said that the gentleman refuse to accepted any payment.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Motorist narrowly Handyman killed in escapes death Stabroek Market brawl

A SOUTH Ruimveldt Park man escaped death on Monday after the car he was driving slammed into a utility pole before turning turtle in a nearby drain on Brickdam, Georgetown at about 08:00h.

The driver of the silver grey car, 42-year-old Ohene Koama, was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), where he remains in stable condition.

When the Guyana Chronicle arrived at the hospital, an X-ray was being conducted on the father of two.

His sister, who requested anonymity, said Koama had just dropped off a friend at the Palms Geriatric Home, and was proceeding east when he lost control of the car, PLL 5339, in the vicinity of the Guyana Geology and

The mangled car at the scene of the accident Mines Commission (GGMC) Building.

“He swerved from a bicycle, but the power steering like it stick, and he lost control of the car,” Koama’s sister explained. “When it happened, some people rush

to the car and helped him out.

I think they were exercising when they saw the accident happen,” she added.

Koama has reportedly suffered neck and shoulder injuries. Up to press time, he was a patient at GPHC.

Forty-two-year-old Ohene Koama minutes before he was taken into the X-ray room at GPHC

Overseas-based Guyanese robbed in broad daylight TWO men armed with guns carried out a daring daylight robbery in a gated community at Number 63 Village Corentyne, East Berbice on Saturday.

According to 46-year-old overseas-based Guyanese Kumar Nandan, at about 11:00hrs on Saturday, he was confronted at his Number 63 Village home by two men who demanded money and jewellery from him. Nandan said he had just returned from the washroom and was making his way back into the yard when the two men accosted him.

“I was doing some work in the yard, and just went inside to use the washroom; so, naturally, I did not lock the door, cause who locks their doors at 11:00 hrs in the day? Before I get out the door, these two fellows, who had long guns, opened (the door) and point their guns on me. They asked for money and jewellery, and I told them all I had was Gy$10,000.”

He said the men, not satisfied, decided to tie him up and ransack the house, looking for more valuables.

“The men tie me up and hit me a couple of times, asking for gold, gun and money; but all I had was the 10 grand ($10,000). They then started to tumble the place, looking for gold and more money; but after not finding anything more, they took the money (and) my (wrist) watch and left.”

Nandan said the robbers ran onto the street and into a waiting car, with which they made good their escape.

He said he recalled seeing the very car a few days earlier and enquiring from his neighbour about it, but was told that it was probably a couple looking for some private time.

The police are continuing their investigations, hoping to apprehend the suspects, who were described as being recognisable if seen again.

He said one was short while the other was tall.

Steve Dexter Arthur’s lifeless body at the scene of the crime

By Svetlana Marshall AN early morning brawl between two men at the Stabroek Market Square on Monday ended on a bloody note when one was stabbed to death.

According to reports, the men, who did odd jobs for a living, were engaged in a heated argument, which soon turned into a fight. During the scuffle, one of them pulled out a sharp object and dealt the other a blow to his abdomen. The incident occurred at about 07:00h.

After committing the act, the suspect attempted to escape, but was pursued by eyewitnesses and led straight to the Brickdam Police Station, where he turned himself in.

The dead man has been identified as Steve Dexter Arthur of Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara. When the Guyana Chronicle arrived at the scene, Arthur was lying motionless in a pool of blood

The murder suspect in front of the building that once housed the Guyana National Cooperative Bank (GNCB). Vendors at the time had already displayed their fruits and provision for sale.

As they awaited the arrival of the police, one of the vendors hurriedly packed his perishables into a bus as scores of passersby watched in dismay. “Me ain’t see nuttin, you know.

Dem had a lil fight, and by de time I turn meh back I hear a holla,” the vendor said while packing his pro-

duce into his bus.

The businessman, who has been selling in the area for the past three years, said it was only when he turned around that he saw the man bleeding profusely on the ground. However, he said while the two men are well known ‘handymen’ around the Stabroek Market Square, they were not working for him at the time of the incident.

The police, upon arrival, cordoned off the area and commenced their investigation.

Vendors moving their fruits and provision away from the scene of the crime

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday July 5, 2016

Scenes from Caricom 37th Regula

A line - up of regional leaders at the 37th regular meeting of the conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM

Guyana’s Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan interacts with Belizean Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington

A beaming Attorney General, Basil Williams makes his way into the auditorium

President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, David Granger and First - Lady, Sandra Granger

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo being escorted into the auditorium of the National Cultural Centre

The press corps in attendance at the National Cultural Centre

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 5, 2016

ar Meeting of Heads of Government A section of the audience at the opening of the Heads of Government conference at the National Cultural Centre

(L-R) Newly elected Prime Ministers of Jamaica, St. Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago, Andrew Holness, Allen Chastanet and Dr Keith Rowley in discussion

(L-R) Prime Ministers of Jamaica and St Lucia, Andrew Holness and Allen Chastanet share a light moment

Saxophonist, Pastor Richard McDonald performs at the opening of the Heads of Government meeting

Prime Minister of St Vincent & the Grenadines Dr Ralph Gonsalves shares a light moment with President David Granger and First - Lady Sandra Granger

(L-R) – Prime Minister of Dominica Roosevelt Skerrit and Secretary General of CARICOM Irwin Laroque interact with a delegate at the meeting

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Mabaruma Road to undergo assessment

THE contentious Barabina Road in the Mabaruma Sub-Region is expected to undergo an assessment, which may see a concrete bridge near a waterway in the vicinity being replaced by a wooden structure.

At the moment, the rains are pouring in various parts of the hinterland and the Barabina Road, on which millions of dollars were expended over the past six years, has not been spared.

Water has completely covered sections of the road, including the two ends of the stretch of road at the centre

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 5, 2016

of the problem.

Reports are that engineers are assessing the roadway and a team from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure is expected to travel to the region to carry out further assessment of the roadway, as well as the bridge at the centre of the issue.

The flooded roadway has affected movement by residents to and from the hill-top community over the years and recently they have resorted to utilising a wooden boat to transport good across the flooded roadway.

In this picture, which was taken over the weekend, the flooded roadway in the distance, closer to the community, is completely covered Remedial works to the roadway were undertaken in April this year; however, such works proved counterproductive as the roadway was soon flooded by waters from the nearby Barabina Creek.

Over the weekend, residents told this publication that the genesis of the problem lies with the construction of a concrete bridge near the entrance to the business community of Kumaka.

That bridge, they said, was a wooden structure which enabled water from the Barabina Creek to flow freely into the waterways connecting to the Aruka River.

However, several years ago, the authorities in the region replaced the wooden structure with the concrete bridge, which was built with no conduit for water to flow freely beneath.

Overtime, the backing-up of the water from the Barabina Creek resulted in a section of the roadway, which is the only path connecting the community with the rest of the Mabaruma, being flooded.

Earlier this year, when this publication visited the region during the dry weather, residents were utilising wooden planks which were built on the edges of the inundated road to travel into and from Barabina Hill.

Cars and buses would take residents halfway into the community and persons were required to walk the remainder of the journey.

In April, two revetments were constructed alongside the edges of the roadway under a contract that was cancelled previously.

Such works are being done to raise the level of the roadway but the inflow of water from the creek proved too much.

In the past, millions were expended on the roadway which provides a critical link between Barabina Hill and other communities in the area, including the administrative capital at Mabaruma.

The affected section lies at the bottom of the hilly community.

Responsibility for the roadway was handed over to the then Ministry of Public Works in 2012 and a contract to the tune of $21M was awarded to construction company, Joshi Construction to rebuild the roadway in January 2013.

Execution of the works fell behind schedule and the following year the contractor reportedly ran out of money to complete the project, which was approximately 70 per cent completed at the time.

It was indicated then that the company had spent some $15M on the project. The contractor was subsequently fired and the roadway was left in its flooded state until the regional administration commenced works recently.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Guyana, CARIFORUM states endorse AHFS legislation

By Clifford Stanley THE local office of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) has disclosed that technical officers representing CARIFORUM countries have endorsed harmonized legislation for Agricultural Health and Food Safety (AHFS) will allow for increased regional and international trade in agriculture and fisheries and reduce the Region’s food import bill.

Model bills for plant protection and animal health, food safety, fish health and fisheries products with relevant protocols and standards for adoption by all CARIFORUM states were completed under a European Union Funded Project, the IICA’s local office stated.

MODEL BILLS The bills, described as model bills, were prepared for the Region under a component of the European Union (EU) funded Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary (SPS) Project.

Local representative, Mr Wilmot Garnett said that this component of the SPS Project had focused on the development

Tuesday July 5th, 2016 - 05:00 hrs Wednesday July 6th, 2016 - 05:00 hrs Thursday July 7th, 2016 - 05:00 hrs

of model legislation in the areas of animal health, plant health and food safety with the aim of enhancing CARIFORUM AHFS efforts and strengthening enforcement of protocols, standards, and measures.

The EU project being implemented by the IICA supported the drafting of the bills by regional and international consultants and reviewed by experts from the World Animal Health Organization (OIE), as well as technical experts from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Apart from Guyana other beneficiary countries are Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, The Bahamas, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Representatives of the CARIFORUM countries, including technical officers from Guyana endorsed them during a Legislative Validation Workshop held in

Barbados recently.

The bills are to be taken through the remaining process of recommendations and adoption by member countries through their Parliaments.

Veterinarian and Food Safety Specialist, Dr. Colin James, one of five technical officers who represented Guyana said: “The endorsements of the three bills were arrived at after intense discussions. The Guyanese representatives were happy with the outcome .These legislations are not only for the expansion of Regional trade but for international trade, as well as protecting local consumers.”

Dr Mark Pierre, another Guyana representative, also expressed satisfaction with the usefulness of the model bills. He added: “I think it is up to us now in Guyana to move forward to the next step, which would be to review our legislations that are still outstanding, in comparison to the CARIFORUM model and guidelines and bring them up to par with those.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday July 5, 2016

Bahamas continue their dominance, Aruba show heart

By Daniel Haynes IN the first game of day 2 of the Caribbean Basketball Confederation Male U-16 Championships, the Bahamas extended their fine form by taking out the British Virgin Islands (BVI).

From the tip, the Bahamas held the edge with speed and height and took advantage of the slower and smaller BVI team.

The first quarter saw Bahamas push the ball up the court, through their guards and score on interior play shots.

As the quarter waned, BVI could not mount any offence to match Bahamas’

stifling defence. The quarter ended 20-8.

BVI never found their rhythm and only turned in 9 points in comparison to Bahamas’ 20. The BVI players were always on the wrong end of the turnover stat line. The big men for Bahamas also dominated and the quarter ended 48-17.

Moving into the third quarter, Michael Cartwright came alive for the Bahamas hitting 3 threes. BVI looked out of sorts and dejected, this time only scoring 6 points to 31 from the Bahamas.

The last quarter showed some of BVI’s grit as they battled to score 17 points to lift their total to 40, while Bahamas scored 22 to push their total to 101. For the second consecutive game, the Bahamas scored over 100 points.

The game finished 101-40 and showed why Bahamas are the team to beat.

Bahamas take on Dominica tomorrow at 15:30hrs.

In the second game of the day, the fighting spirit underdogs Aruba team had shown in the first game against Guyana shone through in the second.

Taking on the boys from Trinidad & Tobago, Aruba showed that they were in the competition to compete. Coming back from a 9-point lead to win by 16 with a score of 77-59, the team secured their first win.

In the first quarter Trinidad and Tobago stormed out the gates, led by overseas-based Jordan Persad, who seemed on a mission.

Persad had 15 of 20 points for Trinidad and Tobago in the first quarter. However, Aruba managed to stay in the game

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through teamwork and passes to score 14 points. The quarter ended 20-14.

Persad stepped up his scoring in the second quarter with most of the team’s offence coming from him, whether it was punching the lane or hitting down jumpshots.

He finished the quarter with another 15 points taking his total to 30 points at halftime.

The quarter finished at 44-36 in favour of Trinidad and Tobago. Aruba had done their part in keeping the game close through their team-work philosophy.

Coming out of halftime, Trinidad and Tobago struggled to find their shot, scoring only 6 points in the entire quarter. Persad seemed like a shadow of himself missing all but 2 of his attempts. It was Aruba’s Jahleel Heemstadt who bothered Persad on defence and Leonardo Winterdal who stepped up on offence.

The quarter finished 50-50 with Aruba fighting back to tie.

The fourth quarter was the quarter Aruba hit the gas and never took their feet off. Andre Bryson, Keneth Maduro and Winterdal all stepped up. Whether it was by three for Winterdal, or punching the lane for Maduro, or jumpshot by Bryson, Aruba were clicking. Trinidad failed to mount any offence and scored only 9 points. Aruba turned in 27.

Aruba who had trailed most of the game and who only took the lead in the 8th minute, had proved themselves. Taking the lead then opening the lead and maintaining it, Aruba had turned the tables and went on to win.

Aruba take on Suriname today at 17:45hrs.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Serena finds vintage form to reach quarter-finals

By John Stonestreet

LONDON, England (Reuters) - Serena Williams made the most of a break in her match against 13th seed Svetlana Kuznetsova yesterday, when the Centre Court roof was closed after she threatened to sue organisers if she fell and injured herself on the slippery turf.

The world number one, who subsequently made light of the threat, began as if late for an Independence Day appointment, serving a succession of aces and then hitting a brace of groundstroke winners to break her opponent in the fourth game.

Bidding to equal Steffi Graf’s professional-era record of 22 grand slam titles, Williams failed to keep up the momentum and found herself 5-4 down when the Russian broke with a crosscourt backhand winner that left the American sprawled on the ground.

But the Russian, herself a double grand slam winner

match at the tournament.

“I have no plans, no future of suing Wimbledon. Let’s get serious. That’s not what I do.”

COOLING OFF As well as having a chance to cool off, Williams was able to refocus her game with coach Patrick Mouratoglou and did not drop a single game after play resumed.

“I had a little time to think about it and just calm down ...

I think that really helped me

Serena Williams celebrates winning her match against Russia’s Svetlana Kuznetsova (Reuters/Andrew Couldridge) and three-time Wimbledon quarter-finalist, failed to serve out the set.

With drizzle imminent, a ballboy losing his footing and both players complaining about the slippery conditions -and with Williams threatening to sue if she got injured -- the match was suspended at 5-5

for the roof to be closed.

After the encounter the American said the comment was not meant seriously.

“What I say on the court, whether it’s smashing my racquets, it’s in the heat of the moment,” said the American, who picked up a $10 000 fine for racquet abuse in an earlier

Murray eases past eccentric Kyrgios to reach last eight

ANDY Murray secured his place in a ninth Wimbledon quarter-final courtesy of a comfortable 7-5, 6-1, 6-4 win over a typically eccentric Nick Kyrgios on Centre Court.

Australian 15th seed Kyrgios, 21, is often a controversial figure, and many of his critics will again accuse him of failing to give maximum effort after pushing the tournament favourite hard in the first set before

appearing to collapse mentally against the world number two.

His game faded away badly in the second two sets with the 2013 champion Murray securing a quarter-final meeting with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on Wednesday, after the Frenchman progressed when countryman Richard Gasquet was forced to retire with a back injury while trailing 4-2

in the first set on Court One. BBC and Eurosport pundit John McEnroe was scathing in his criticism of Kyrgios’ effort during the match, accusing Murray’s fourth-round opponent of being “mentally lazy” as the Scotsman progressed in only one hour and 42 minutes.

“The first set was very tight, I managed to get the break at 6-5,” said Murray.

(Eurosport)

Cavendish edges Greipel to win Tour de France stage three

By Julien Pretot ANGERS, France, (Reuters) - Mark Cavendish joined France great Bernard Hinault in second place of the all-time list of Tour de France stage winners when he pipped Andre Greipel yesterday for his second victory in this year’s race.

The Briton, riding for the Dimension Data team, beat German Greipel by less than a tyre’s length to snatch his 28th career Tour win at the end of a 223.5-km ride from Granville.

Belgian Eddy Merckx, like Hinault a five-time Tour winner, still tops the list of stage wins with 34.

World champion Slovakian

Peter Sagan (Tinkoff) retained the overall leader’s yellow jersey after taking fourth place to stay in the hunt for a sixth green jersey for the points classification.

“It was a long day, I’m happy we did not suffer any crash today,” said Sagan, whose teammate Alberto Contador, one of the favourites for the title who fell twice in the opening two stages, enjoyed a quiet day in the saddle.

“I’m in one piece, that’s nice.”

Sagan leads France’s Julian Alaphilippe (Etixx-Quick Step) and Spaniard Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) by eight and 10 seconds respectively with defending champion

Chris Froome (Team Sky) of Britain in fifth place, 14 seconds off the pace.

Armindo Fonseca (Fortuneo-Vital Concept) was the first attacker of the day and he built an 11-minute lead over a peloton that rode at snail’s pace.

He was later joined by fellow Frenchman Thomas Vockler (Direct Energie), but their effort was doomed and the peloton, led by Marcel Kittel’s Etixx-Quick Step’s team, launched its effort.

German Kittel, however, was unable to sustain the pace in the final straight, a slightly uphill 30-metre dash to the line.

Frenchman Bryan Coquard (Direct Energie) was third.

out a lot. I talked to Patrick.

He gave me some tips on what I could do,” she said.

Kuznetsova beat Williams on a hardcourt at the Miami Open in March and, prior to the break, was more than holding her own. She frustrated the American by varying her pace well and mixing in slices and dropshots.

Whatever words of wisdom Mouratoglou imparted, the six-time Wimbledon champion was too hot to handle

after the break, reeling off the last eight games in a 7-5, 6-0 win.

The number one seed faces another Russian, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, in the quarter-finals, where she was joined for the first time since 2010 by older sister Venus.

“It’s great,” the younger Williams said. “She’s been doing a lot of improvements.

That’s been really good for her and super encouraging for me.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday July 5, 2016

Anthony outfoxes field to win Dr Chase/ Seven Seas 35-mile cycle road race TEAM Evolution’s Michael Anthony out-foxed a bunch of approximately 11 cyclists Sunday to win the Seventh Annual Massy Group of Companies-sponsored cycle road race which was staged in the West Demerara Region.

Anthony returned a time of one hour 20 minutes 48.63 seconds to win ahead of Geron Williams, Hamza Eastman, Raul Leal, Shaquille Agard and Stephano Husbands respectively.

The event, which was sponsored by Massy Group of Companies under its Dr Chase/Seven Seas brands and was coordinated by Hassan Mohamed, saw Anthony bunched with 10 other riders coming for the finish, but with approximately 350 metres remaining, he dropped back to the rear and waited a further 50 metres before he sailed on the outside of the pack on the right hand side of the road and by the time the others in the leading pack could catch themselves, it was too late.

H o w e v e r, U n i t ed States-based cyclists Geron Williams and Hamza Eastman responded, but to no avail.

With 50 metres remaining, Williams came very close to overtaking Anthony

Prize winners of the various categories strike a pose with race coordinator Hassan Mohamed ((fifth right), Massy’s Seven Seas Brand Manager Nirvana Thakur (extreme right), Dr Chase’s Brand representative Claude Dhanraj and the company’s Pharmaceutical Manager Karen Connell (extreme left). (Samuel Maughn photo) and finished a mere one and a half lengths behind him.

From the start of the race in front of the Wales Police Station, West Bank Demerara at 08:00hrs Sunday morning, the race started at a very fast pace and saw Jamal John, Paul DeNobrega, Andrew Hicks and Orville Hinds get away from the other 28 starters. They led the way into the La Parfaite Harmonie community, but on exiting the West Demerara community and returning to the public road en route to Uitvlugt, Geron Williams and Shaquille

Agard, along with Jernel Yearwood, started to chase from the Vreed-en-Hoop turn but were only able to connect to the four leaders at Blankenburg and stuck with them (four leaders), before reaching the homestretch when Anthony staged his attack and won the race.

Of the eight prime prizes that were up for grabs, Alonzo Ambrose won two, while DeNobrega, John, Orville Hinds, Husbands, Jaikarran Sukhai and Andrew Hicks won one each.

Jernel Yearwood won the

Johnson to lead WICB President’s XI against India

Chandrika, Singh and Joseph included GUYANA captain Leon Johnson will lead the WICB President’s XI in a two-day tour match against India at Warner Park in St Kitts on Saturday and Sunday ahead of their Caribbean Test series which begins later this month.

Johnson will lead a 12man squad, released yesterday by the selection panel of the West Indies Cricket Board.

Also included in the squad are Guyanese Rajendra Chandrika, Vishaul Singh and Keon Joseph.

Former national fast bowler Rayon Griffith has been appointed manager/ coach.

The two-day tour match

Leon Johnson will be followed by a threeday warm-up match from July 14 at the same venue.

The first Test will begin on July 21, the second on July 30, the third on August 9 and the last one on August 18.

The Tests will be played in Antigua & Barbuda, Jamaica, St Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago.

WICB President’s XI squad reads: Leon Johnson (captain), Jermaine Blackwood, Rajendra Chandrika, Roston Chase, Jason Dawes, Shane Dowrich, Shai Hope, Damion Jacobs, Keon Joseph, Marquino Mindley, Vishaul Singh and Jomel Warrican.

The Team Management Unit comprises: Rayon Griffith (manager/ coach), Henderson Springer (coach), Ariane Mangar (physiotherapist) and Hector Martinez Charles (Strength & Conditioning coordinator).

junior category ahead of Nigel Duguid and Hicks respectively.

The veterans category was won by Team Alanis’ Paul Cho-Wee-Nam. Second was Sukhai and finishing third was Raymond Newton.

Keon Thomas won the mountain bike category ahead of Seon Budhram and Sukhai respectively.

The presentation of prizes to the respective winners was done by Massy’s Dr Chase’s Brand Representative Claude Dhanraj, Seven Seas representative Nirvana Thakur and the company’s Pharmacutical manager Karen Connell, who all made brief remarks thanking the Carlton Wheelers Cycle Club for staging the event and the participants for their presence.

We have a group of talented young cricketers, says Mohamed

... Under-17s start preparations for regional tournament

By Rajiv Bisnauth MANAGER of the National Under-17 cricket team Nazeer Mohamed has branded the 14-member squad selected to represent the country at the upcoming West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional Under-17 tournament as a group of talented young crickets, who he believes will put the team in a strong place with the long-term goal of winning the upcoming tournament.

Guyana are yet to win a title at this level, but Mohamed indicated that he is confident of a successful regional tournament.

He is convinced the current crop of players have the potential to win the tournament, but insisted that they need the right kind of guidance to reach their full potential.

“What we have is a group of talented young cricketers and once the team can gel and build team spirit, play to the best of our ability and properly execute our game plan, we can be very successful,” the manager pointed out.

G u y a n a ’s 1 4 - m e m b e r squad commenced their encampment period at the Chetram Singh Centre of Excellence, La Bonne Intention (LBI), East Coast Demerara last Friday.

Nazeer Mohamed The seven-day encampment will ensure that the players participate in fitness and cricket practice activities under the watchful eyes of coach Garvin Nedd.

In an invited comment Mohamed said the encampment period will be focusing on all-round development of the players.

“We want to address the physical, technical and mental aspects of their cricket as they prepare for the tournament,” Mohamed said.

The squad was selected after completion of the Guyana Cricket Board’s Inter-County competition held last April.

First played in 2010, the six-team tournament will be played in Trinidad and Tobago from July 8 and will conclude

Bhaskar Yadram on July 18.

The tournament will comprise five rounds and fifteen 50-over matches.

The participating teams are the traditional regional teams: Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Leeward Islands, Trinidad & Tobago and Windward Islands.

Windward Islands are the defending champions after winning the tournament last year.

Guyana’s full squad reads: Bhaskar Yadram (captain), Joshua Persaud, Ashmead Nedd, Kevin Sinclair, Steve Deonarine, Joshua Jones, Javid Karim, Kevin Umroa, Sagar Hatheramani, Kevlon Anderson, Alphius Bookie, Kurt Lovell, Colin Barlow and Sachin Singh.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Coach Kumble admires Kohli’s aggression

(REUTERS) - India’s new head coach Anil Kumble admires Test captain Virat Kohli’s aggression and will not try to curb his natural instincts.

The 27-year-old Kohli replaced Mahendra Singh Dhoni as India’s captain in the longest game’s format after the wicketkeeper-batsman’s retirement from Test cricket during the tour of Australia in late 2014.

The Delhi cricketer was initially perceived as another brash personality from the streets of a city long accused of encouraging aggression in its youth, having often been involved in wars of words with opponents on the field.

... will not try to curb his natural instincts

Virat Kohli and Anil Kumble address the media on the final day of the Indian team’s preparatory camp at the NCA, Bangalore, yesterday.

Former India captain Kumble’s appointment as coach was welcomed by many who expect the former leg-spinner to be a

calming presence in a team led by an expressive captain.

“I love his aggression,” Kumble told reporters sitting

alongside Kohli. “I was no different, I was also aggressive, very different in terms of the way we probably came across on the field.

“But you don’t want to curb aggression. I will be the last person to curb someone’s natural instincts,” Kumble added.

“But we all know how important it is to be ambassadors of India and to be a part of the Indian cricket team. That everybody understands. We will ensure that there is a thin line and everybody knows that.”

India will play four Tests against West Indies

and after returning from the Caribbean the world’s second-ranked side are set for a busy season at home when they will play 13 Test matches, eight ODIs and three T20 internationals.

“It will be one Test match at a time. It’s a long season, we have the opportunity to plan well,” Kohli told reporters ahead of the team’s departure for the West Indies.

“It will be an opportunity for the team to gel together and execute our plans,” he added.

“It will be the perfect situation and opportunity to challenge and assess ourselves as a Test team. I feel these few months will determine how India play

Test cricket in the next few years.”

Kumble, India’s most successful bowler, capturing 619 wickets in 132 Tests and 337 in 271 one-day internationals, has just overseen a six-day training camp in Bengaluru.

“Our intention will always be to go for wins,” Kohli said. “There have been situations in the past where we have lost while trying to go for wins.

“But we lost due to our mistakes. We have realised we reached that position playing 80 percent good cricket. Now we are focusing on rectifying the remaining 20 percent and continuing to play positively.”

Harmon urges cricketers to be ‘unifying force’ MINISTER of State Joseph Harmon on Sunday night called on cricket stakeholders to work together to resolve the existing differences so that young cricketers are not hampered in their development.

Minister Harmon was at the time addressing awardees and special invitees at the Demerara Cricket Club’s Annual Awards Ceremony for 2015-2016, at which he was also inducted as the Club’s new Patron.

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has been locked in a court battle through a controversy, which erupted seven years ago, with the formation of an Interim Management Committee, following a ruling by former Chief Justice Ian Chang in a legal contest over the legality of the GCB’s Executive Elections after their Annual General Meeting.

Since then, there have

... Demerara Cricket Club Induction

Keemo Paul hands over a memento to newly inducted DCC Patron and Minister of State Joe Harmon. (Cullen Nelson photo) been no elections and this has prevented the subsidiary clubs of the Board from per-

forming as they should.

Minister Harmon used the opportunity to point out that

cricket, for the longest while, has been a unifying force in the Caribbean and this legacy must be carried forward.

“Cricket brings people together. Irrespective of your race, class, colour, creed religion or wealth, cricket brings you together. We need to unify the cricket administration in Guyana. We need to find some common ground that will make the cricket movement much more solid than it is right now,” Harmon said.

He continued, “For too long, we have had too much pulling and tugging and as a result we are not getting our best talent from this country and we need to bring an end to that. If there is anything at all I can contribute to this club, I would lend my skill and expertise to making sure that we try to help these sides so that cricket can benefit in Guyana,” Minister Harmon said.

In accepting the honour,

Trescothick issues Amir warning M A R C U S Tr e s c o t h i c k warned England’s batsmen to expect a tough time in the middle facing Mohammad Amir after he became the Pakistani’s maiden first-class wicket on English soil in six years yesterday.

Former spot-fixer Amir took three for 36 in 11 overs in Pakistan’s opening match of their England tour against Somerset at Taunton.

Somerset slumped to 128 all out in reply to Pakistan’s first-innings 359 for eight declared -- a deficit of 231 runs.

Pakistan captain Misbahul-Haq opted against enforcing

the follow-on and at stumps, on the second day of three, the tourists were 140 for four for in their second innings -- a huge lead of 371 runs.

Azhar Ali was 50 not out and Asad Shafiq 26 not out.

Amir ’s exciting career came to a shuddering halt during a Lord’s Test in 2010 when he and new-ball partner Mohammad Asif were caught bowling no-balls to order on the instructions of captain Salman Butt as part of a tabloid newspaper sting operation.

After Pakistan had declared yesterday morning following a century by Younis Khan, Amir

took the new ball.

Trescothick took two fours off Amir’s opening over.

But Amir struck with his 14th ball back in first-class cricket on English soil.

Left-hander Trescothick, on eight, could only edge a superb outswinger that moved late and wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed held an excellent diving catch.

Amir had another wicket when a full-length inswinger bowled first-class debutant Adam Hose (10).

And eight minutes after lunch, Amir bowled Peter Trego (23) with another fine

inswinger that knocked over the batsman’s middle stump and left the other two standing.

“He bowled very well,” said the 40-year-old Trescothick, whose nine-balls faced yesterday were all bowled by Amir, after stumps.

“He swung the ball really late, that’s the biggest thing we noticed.

“In my ‘magnificent’ eight I thought it was pretty hard work, it was tricky,” added Trescothick, who in 76 Tests from 2000-2006 scored 5 825 runs at an average of nearly 44 with 14 hundreds.

(AFP)

Minister Harmon said that selflessness from stakeholders and sponsors and investments in the young people not only help in the personal development of those individuals, but also go a far way in positively impacting communities and the country.

Meanwhile, Mr Alfred Mentore, president of the Demerara Cricket Club, in his brief remarks, noted that the club could not have found a better patron and role model for the young players, who frequent the organisation.

“Many may think that being the Patron of an organisation is just about having one’s name associated with the organisation. However, we at the Demerara Cricket

Club see the Patron of the Club as a person of respectability, credibility, stature, care and who is people-centred.”

Mentore noted that Minister Harmon’s acceptance to be Patron of the Club and his stature and respectability will now be the distinct standard to which the Club will hold itself.

Minister within the Ministry of Education, Ms Nicolette Henry, who has responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, was also present.

Among the awardees were Keemo Paul and Tevin Imlach, the two Guyanese Under-19 players, who played in the Under-19 Twenty20 World Cup Cricket for the West Indies.

CPL tickets will not be sold at Stadium for Guyana leg

CPL Guyana wishes to advise the general public that tickets for the Guyana games of Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) will not be on sale at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence on match days.

Ticket sales will continue on a daily basis at the Ticketing Office at Camp and Quamina Streets, Georgetown and at distributors in Berbice and Essequibo.

All tickets purchased online can be uplifted at the Ticketing Office.

Team Operations Manager of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, Omar Khan, is urging cricket fans to purchase their tickets early to avoid disappointment.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors, fresh from two victories in their opening matches will continue their campaign at home starting on Thursday against the Jamaica Tallawahs from 19: 00hrs.

The Warriors will square off with St Kitts/Nevis Patriots on Saturday at 12:00noon.

They face the Trinbago Knight Riders on Sunday at 19:00hrs before closing off their home series against St Lucia Zouks on July 12 from 19:00hrs.

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday July 5, 2016

Guyana beat Aruba at the buzzer ... pull off nail-biter

By Daniel Haynes IN a game that Guyana should have won easily, the U-16 male team made things difficult for themselves but pulled out a win courtesy of captain Jordan Alphonso’s buzzer-beater.

Aruba were clearly the underdogs and less experienced of the two teams, and with the talent Guyana had on the floor there was no reason the game should have been a close one.

In the first quarter Guyana jumped out to a 10-4 run on the back of team play, good shot attempts and basketball IQ. However as the quarter waned, all shades of the Guyana team the crowd had come to see faded away as the minutes did. Guyana looked inexperienced and nervous on the big stage. The locals struggled to a 17-13 point lead and hoped to pick up some

momentum in the second quarter.

The second quarter showed the same song and dance from Guyana. Countless turnovers and easy shot attempts left the local side wanting. Led by captain Jordan Alphonso, the team heaved its way to a 30-30 tie at the half. Aruba had the help of a three at the buzzer to tie the game.

In the third quarter the locals jumped out to a 4-point lead, but could never extend the lead past 4 points. Zion Gray was instrumental for Guyana, coming up with 6 steals on the night at just the crucial moments. However it was not enough to stop the bleeding and Guyana ended the quarter down by 3 with a 39-36 scoreline.

The fourth quarter saw Aruba jump out to a 7-point lead going perfect on their first three attempts. First with a three followed by two quick jumpshots.

Jubilant Guyana team after close call Zion Gray was once again instrumental in the play by coming up with yet another steal on the night which led to a Kevon Wiggins’ three.

On the next trip down Aruba came up empty and Guyana hit another three, courtesy of Andrew Johnson. Down one, the locals scored in transition

to take the lead with 47-46.

Guyana’s free-throw shooting however kept the Aruba side in the game. But that changed when Johnson hit two clutch shots with 2:35 left and pushed the score to 53-51.

With 11.5 in the game Jordan Alphonso stepped to the line. Struggling all night Jordan

missed both. Aruba came down and Andre Bryson drew the foul on what could have been a continuation to give Aruba the lead. However, Bryson went to the line to take the lead. Missing the first and making the second, the game was tied.

In heart-breaking fashion with two seconds left, Al-

phonso caught the inbounds pass and with one bounce hit an off-the-glass turnaround jump shot to seal the game for the locals. He ended the game with 17 points and 13 rebounds but had 9 turnovers. out of Guyana’s total 34.

The game statistics also showed Guyana struggling with 37% from the foul line and 9 assists in the game.

Following the loss, Aruba’s coach Antonio D’Albero stated that his team did a great job in front of such a large crowd since the players only started playing three months ago. Moving forward he stated the players were proud of their performance and would bounce back.

Guyana coach Lugard Mohan stated his team had too many moments of individual play but fared fairly well in their first game. He stated that the team would review film ahead of the Guyana/ Suriname encounter.

Digicel Senior Squash Championships …

Arjoon outguns Jeffrey for Men’s squash title KRISTIAN Jeffrey and Alex Arjoon closed off the 2016 edition of the Digicel Senior Squash Championships in fitting style as they both left it all on the court in the men’s draw on Sunday.

Jeffrey got off to a flyer in his match against Arjoon with supporters in the Georgetown Club Inc. squash courts having their own vocal battles in cheering their respective players.

The reigning sportsmanof-the-year won the first set 6-11, but began to tire as his semi-final win the previous night against defending champion Nyron Joseph (711, 13-11, 11-7, 6-11, 13-11)

went for more than an hour.

Arjoon, on the other hand, beat Jason Ray Khalil in straight games 11-8, 11-7, 12-10 and showed his endurance to take the second 11-9, the third 11-6 and the final set 11-3. The duo put on an entertaining display fitting of a final as they pushed each for to the limit.

In the playoff for third place Jason Ray overcame Nyron 11-5, 9-11, 11-7, 1315, 11/3.

Ashley Khalil won her first National title when she defeated Akeila Wiltshire in three straight games 11-4, 11-7, 11-8. Both of these players had won their semi-final

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday July 05, 2016) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) August 7, 2016 (2) Barbados Tridents & Guyana Amazon Warriors (28-07-2016) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who won the Man of the Match Award in first game of Hero CPL 2016?

(2) Who has made the first ‘golden duck’ in Hero CPL 2016?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

The winners of the recently concluded Digicel Senior Squash Championships matches the previous evening Akeila had a close four-set place Taylor had to call on all with Ashley beating Larissa win over Taylor Fernandes her reserves to stave off the Wiltshire in the first semi-fi- 11-9, 11-5, 9-11, 11-7. challenge of Larissa, winning nal 11-7, 11-5, 11-8 while In the playoff for third 11-6, 6-11, 11-4, 2-11, 11-7.

In the Womens Classic Plate final Victoria Arjoon thrashed Rebecca Low 114, 11-2, 11-3 while in the Men’s Classic Plate final Regan Pollard gained a walkover from Ben Mekdeci who was ill.

In the Men’s Plate final Daniel Islam won an epic five-setter against his junior teammate, Alec Melville coming from two games to love down, to take the match 6-11, 1012, 11-8, 11-3, 11-8.

Samuels headed to court over ‘shady’ comments

FORMER Australian cricketer Geoff Lawson will have to defend comments he made on a radio programmme about West Indies batting star Marlon Samuels.

Samuels has told sportsmax.tv his lawyers have filed a defamation suit against Lawson for the suggestion, he is mixed up with ‘shady’ characters in the Caribbean.

“He’s tied up with some shady people back in the West Indies ... he’s a guy you don’t muck around with on or off the field,” Lawson is alleged to have said.

Lawson’s comments went even further, saying that the Jamaican heritage of Samuels makes him a dangerous man.

Marlon Samuels He’s from Kingston, Jamaica, it’s one of the murder capitals of the world … he’s tied up with gangs there, it goes well beyond cricket,” Lawson had said.

Samuels is also suiing journalist, James Matthey,

along with news.com.au.

The journalist, using news. com.au is also alleged to have suggested Samuels is involved with gangsters.

Big Sports Breakfast radio, which aired Lawson’s comments, has also been named in the suit.

According to Samuels, making irresponsible statements about athletes without repercussions needs to stop.

“I wish to avoid any public figure from making insulting or false allegations against an athlete using the media, without any evidence or foundation and to go unpunished,” said Samuels.

Samuels says his integrity and image have been brought into question

by the comments and he intends to rectify that situation.

“Through this case, I intend, not only to defend my integrity and my image as an international cricketer, but also the values I have defended all my career,” the West Indies batsman said.

Should Samuels be compensated, his much-publicised charity, the Marlon Samuels Society for the Blind will also receive a little boost.

“If I win this case any compensation awarded I will donate some of the proceeds to the Marlon Samuels Society for the Blind in Jamaica.” (Sportsmax.com)

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Regal All Stars, Masters sweep NYSCL Cups From Frederick Halley in New York GYRATING to the strains of D.J Bravo’s Champion and celebrating in true Guyanese style, Regal All Stars and Masters softball players transformed the picturesque Roy Wilkins Park in Queens, New York into a festival atmosphere after both teams emerged as undisputed champions when the New York Softball Cricket League (NYSCL) 12th annual Independence and Legends Cups climaxed before a bumper Sunday afternoon crowd here.

The winnings included an eagle each along with US$4000 for copping the Independence Cup and US$3000 for the Legends Cup. Regal All Stars defeated NYSCL All Stars by two wickets while their counterparts Regal Masters turned back the challenge of defending champions and archrivals Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) by six wickets, to achieve an unprecedented double, the first by overseas teams in international tournaments.

It also marked a repeat of a similar performance in last year’s Guyana Softball Cup when both teams came out top.

Seemingly “dead and buried” at 84 for seven in the 14th over and staring defeat in quest of a challenging198 for victory, Regal All Stars staged a dramatic recovery to reach the target in 23.4 overs in the 25-over affair final.

The recovery was engineered by a magnificent match-winning

The victorious Regal All Stars and Masters squad in celebratory mood. eighth-wicket partnership of 111 between opener Richard Latiff (74) and Safraz Eseu (44 not out).

Two run-outs at the start of the chase, coupled with some fine bowling by Bobby Prahalad, saw Regal All Stars slip precariously to 84 for seven and the New York supporters already in a celebratory mood, anticipating a crushing win.

However, Latiff who stood like a beacon while wickets tumbled at the other end, found a useful and reliable ally in Eseu as the game turned dramatically.

The feature of the partnership was the brilliant running between the wickets.

By that time Prahalad returned to end Latiff ’s match-winning knock, Regal All Stars needed a mere three runs from 11 balls and duly achieved same with eight remaining. Latiff ’s innings included five fours and a solitary six while Eseu struck three sixes and a four.

Prahalad finished three for 24 from 4.4 overs.

Earlier, NYSCL All Stars were indebted to an even half-century from former Guyana Under-19 batsman Kaleem Bux who struck five fours before he was run-out in the closing stages of the innings.

Another former Under-19 player, skipper Andrew Gonsalves (25) and Prashad Mahadeo (22) were also among the runs while Delroy Perreira claimed two for 30.

While the Regal All Stars had to pull out all the stops to win the Independence Cup, the Masters registered a more comfortable win against GFSCA who were seeking to make it two in a row.

Preferring to chase, like their younger stars, Regal Masters were set 150 for victory after restricting GFSCA to what seemed an inadequate 149 for three in their allotted 20 overs.

Victory was achieved in 18.2 overs with opener Anil Hardyal anchoring the innings with a solid 52 which contained nine fours while Eric Thomas smashed four

Masters captain Troy Kippins receives the winning Legends Eagle from NYSCL president Eric Ferrier.

sixes and two fours in a quick-fire undefeated 43.

GFSCA‘s innings started disastrously after they lost Unis Usuff to the first delivery of the match bowled by Parsram ‘Bimbley’ Persaud. They, however, recovered somewhat through a second-wicket stand of 59 between opener Ramo Malone and Jagdesh Persaud (23) while Malone, who batted the entire innings for his undefeated 62, shared an unbeaten 68-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Wayne Jones, who sparkled with 39 not out with two sixes and two fours.

At the lavish presentation ceremony, which followed, Latiff was voted Most Valuable Player in the Independence Cup (US$500) and also got the nod for manof-the-match in the final as well as the batsman with the highest aggregate (175).

Bux received his accolade for the fastest 50 in the final; Dharanpaul Singh of New York Enforcers for best bowling figures (six for 28) in the tournament; Azumadeen Mohamed of Queens All Stars for highest individual score (93). Cash incentives were also handed over to Eseu for his brilliant knock.

In the Legends Cup, Hardyal was voted man-ofthe-match and for scoring the fastest fifty while the MVP award (US$300) went to GFSCA’s Jagdesh Persaud for scoring 224 runs and taking four wickets.

He also received another award for scoring a century.

Gordial Mattai, who represented the GFSCA’s Legends got a prize for his 122 while Saheed Adam of Orlando was another centurion. Regal

Regal All Stars skipper Chien Gittens collects the winning Independence Eagle from NYSCL president Eric Ferrier.

Masters captain Troy Kippins collected trophies for the most wickets (11) and best figures of six for 11.

NYSCL president Eric Ferrier was loud in his praise for the many sponsors who had come on board for the tournament which also served as part of Guyana’s Golden Jubilee Independence celebrations. He also congratulated all the teams who participated and reserved

special accolades for the winners.

Regal All Stars and Masters also expressed sincere thanks to Guyana’s Minister of Education Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramrattan, Director of Sport Christopher Jones and the United States Embassy in Guyana for their various roles in making the tour a reality.

MVP Richard Latiff accepts his award from Vishnu Mahadeo on behalf of sponsor Travel Span.

Regal All Stars, Masters sweep NYSCL Cups (See Story on page 27)

Bahamas continue their GRFU sweating on U.S. visa review dominance, Aruba show heart of key players from L-R U-19 Coach Troy Yhip, manager John Lewis and GRFU president Peter Green. (Ivan Bentham photo)

By Stephan Sookram

Bahamas’ Alfredo Brown scores at buzzer to extend lead. (See story on page 22)

CBC Championships open!

THE Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Male U-16 Championships opened Sunday night in the presence of an almost packed to capacity Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) crowd.

The ceremony served not only to introduce the teams, but also to display a bit of Guyanese culture to foreigners and locals alike.

It was Kirk ‘Chow Pow’ Jardine who was tasked with the Master of Ceremonies role for the night.

The teams, spectators and officials, were all given a taste of Guyanese culture through steel pan renditions from Parkside Steel Orchestra, dance displays

by Lodge Secondary and drumming from Fusion Tassa Drummers.

The teams then had a march past, in which, of course, the Guyana team came last, much to the cheering delight of the crowd.

The crowd was then introduced to the Minister of

Guyana team pose after march past.

Education, Culture Youth & Commission chairman Ivan being a part of the games, Sport Dr Rupert Roopnara- Persaud and Guyana Amateur adding that this tournaine, Director of Sport Chris- Basketball Federation pres- ment was a stepping-stone topher Jones, CBC president ident Nigel Hinds were also for sport in Guyana.

Dr Roopnaraine deGlyne Clarke. introduced.

CBC vice-president Myra Hoppie then per- clared the championships Marketing and Finance Pat- formed the National Anthem open after giving a brief rick Haynes, Guyana Am- of Guyana followed by the history of basketball in ateur Basketball Federa- eruption of the CASH crowd. G u y a n a a n d s p e a k i n g tion vice-president Kenrick Hinds then thanked the about his plans for sport in Story on page 31) Thomas, National Sports audience and(See Caribbean for schools.

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216.

THE Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) is sweating on the United States VISA review of two key players ahead of their departure for the 2016 edition of the Rugby America North Men’s U-19 Championships.

During a press briefing yesterday, manager of the team Col. John Lewis contended that those two are integral parts of the unit and their absence would have an obvious effect.

“They are very important to the team. They both play in the pack as wing forwards and second rows and one, particularly, is a very skilled tackler. They are very important for the team,” Lewis said.

When quizzed about a back-up plan, the manager added, “At this point in time, the only contingency plan that we have would be to find a player who already has a U.S. VISA. Having found that, we then have to find a seat on the plane to take him there. Those two problems will be very difficult to overcome if we have to go that route.”

Underlining the importance of the tournament set to run from July 9 to 16 in Miami, Florida, Lewis said, “We are in tier two with three other teams and above us, there is another group that is above us, U-19 tier ones, six teams.

“Once we are successful at our levels and beat the other three, we will be promoted next year to the top tier. It is a step up once we win.”

Currently, Guyana will play in the same Group with St Lucia, Jamaica and the Bahamas but promotion will put them against the likes of the Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos, Trinidad and Tobago and Bermuda among others.

Meanwhile, coach of the unit, Troy Yhip, contended, “Our strength in the team is the back line. Our forwards are coming to scratch with what they have to do but our strength is our tackling ability. We are going to win.”

“We have very good players who are talented and well skilled in the positions that they play and once they play to our game plans, we could overcome the teams that are there,” he said.

Guyana open their account on Sunday July 10 at 16:00hrs when they play the Bahamas before playing on Tuesday at 14:00hrs against Jamaica.

They return on Friday, July 15 to play St Lucia from 13:00hrs.

Apart from Yhip and Lewis, Claudius Butts will act as assistant coach.

TUESDAY, JULY 5, 2016