Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 05 11 2016

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No. 104726

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2016

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–– police get forensic reports on Pradoville 2, World Cup Cricket scams

GWI responds to diarrhoeal outbreak

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GWI’s Officer in Charge of Region 7, Mr. Elson Khirattie, presents a Lifesaver water filter to Headmistress of Karrau Creek Primary School, Ms. Theresa Braithwaite, who is flanked by two teachers

Bandits beat, rob Public debt GL&SC down 3.6 mulls rent owner of Chinese increases restaurant per cent Page

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 5, 2016

DPP assigned prosecutors to Westford’s case one year after it started presentation of photocopied documents without any attempt being made to prove that an original existed and that the copy was a true representation of the original.”

He said the prosecution also led no circumstantial evidence in relation to the bank statement showing that a sum had been debited from GPL’s account, so the court could only admit that it existed, not the truth of it.

… denies staff dodging high-profile political matters THE Chamber of the Director of Public Prosecutions had taken roughly one year before it assigned state prosecutors to handle the case of multiple fraud charges against former Public Service Minister, Jennifer Westford and another senior officer of that ministry.

And questions are being raised as to why the chamber did not represent the state against Carvil Duncan, who was freed of a larceny charge this week. In a statement on Friday the DPP denied that state prosecutors had expressed discomfort in taking on sensitive political cases being pursued by the current administration, although a top government official is insisting that they did. The official also said that the DPP chambers took almost one year after the Westford case started to assign state prosecutors to handle it.

This was done, according to sources, after government had signalled its intention to employ special prosecutors.

Westford and her Personnel Manager Margaret Cummings were charged around July 2015, but it was only in August 2016 that state prosecutors were assigned to the case. The Guyana Chronicle in an August 5, 2016 article had reported on State Prosecutor Tashana Lake taking over the case from the police. Police Prosecutor Vishnu Hunt had revealed that he would be “washing his hands” of the matter, but would still be assisting the newly assigned prosecutor during the trial.

On Thursday Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, told this newspaper that government was forced into hiring special prosecutors for the Pradoville2 and the Guyana Cricket World Cup Inc scams owing to the fact that state prosecutors had expressed discomfort standing in those cases. “We were forced into that position because the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had indicated that the members

of her department had some discomfort in having to prosecute the case of a former minister (Jennifer Westford) and as a result of that… if the state’s prosecution department is saying that they don’t wish to prosecute these types of matters that are political, what was the state supposed to do, fiddle with its hands?” asked Williams.

LACK OF PROSECUTION The DPP’s role has also come under scrutiny regarding the Carvil Duncan matter. Duncan was acquitted of a larceny charge involving the alleged theft of close to $1M from the Guyana Power and Light.

Political activist and executive member of the Working People’s Alliance, Tacuma Ogunseye, in a letter appearing in the Stabroek News stated that the Duncan’s case raises a lot of questions. Ogunseye said the dismissal of the case on the grounds of insufficient

Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar AliHack evidence calls into question the seriousness of the state in bringing to justice alleged wrongdoers of the former regime. “Why after the case was studied and prosecution recommended, was a senior counsel not assigned to prosecute the case? Given the low level of legal competence of most police prosecutors and, fully aware that the prosecutor would have been opposed by one of the country’s leading lawyers, the authorities should not have identified that calibre of prosecutor to present the state’s case?”

Ogunseye queried.

He said, “Reading the magistrate’s legal justification for throwing out the case, the poorly prepared case of the prosecution was highlighted. Some of the shortcomings are elementary matters, for example, the

EVIDENCE However, the DPP in a missive responding to an article in this newspaper on Friday stated that her office is governed by Article 187 of the Constitution of Guyana, adding that prosecutions will continue to be done fairly and impartially based solely on consideration of the evidence contained in the police’s file and the prevailing law.

“Specifically, as it relates to the court matter involving former minister Jennifer Westford, the DPP herein informs that two lawyers from the DPP’s Chambers, Senior State Counsel Teshana Lake and State Counsel Natasha Backer are prosecuting this matter. Observers say both counsels have little experience in prosecuting high-profile cases.” Further, the DPP said neither of these two state lawyers has expressed any discomfort in the execution of their duties

in the said matter. “The DPP, Mrs. Ali-Hack or any other lawyer in these Chambers have never indicated that they are uncomfortable in prosecuting any criminal matters, whether political or otherwise. The staff at the DPP’s Chambers examine the evidence in police files in relation to the prevailing law and advise charges accordingly; prosecutions are based on the evidence in the file and the law. This is so regardless of who the accused persons are and the positions they hold,” the DPP stated.

Additionally, the DPP said the present system is that lawyers at these Chambers appear in the High Court and all the Appellate Courts. “There are not sufficient lawyers to appear in the Magistrates’ Courts; hence, four police prosecutors are assigned to these Chambers and appear in the more serious cases in the Magistrates’ Courts.

To say that State Prosecutors shun highly political cases is defamatory,” the statement added.

‘WILD-WEST ‘ Meanwhile, Williams had reminded in his interview with this newspaper that Guyana is a signatory to several international conventions against corruption and so it has no choice but to obtain special prosecutors in the Pradoville 2 case. “ So we decided as has been done by the previous governments in this country to select a team of lawyers who could do these prosecutions. It is nothing new.” The Attorney General reminded of the case of former treason accused Mark Benschop, in which former Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, and attorney Sanjeev Datadin were granted fiats by the DPP to prosecute Benschop.

They were special prosecutors and began prosecution during the preliminary inquiry. “Neither man had under their belt any case …they were both inexperienced,” he added, noting that before he became an attorney, Senior Counsel Rex McKay, Doodnauth Singh and Bernard De Santos all served as special prosecutors. “Under the last regime the DPP used to give out fiats “wild west.”

What is the noise they are making now …whenever this government attempts to do something in the interest of the Guyanese people… this case is protecting the assets of the Guyanese people. “

All over to SOCU GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 5, 2016

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–– police get forensic reports on Pradoville 2, World Cup Cricket scams

THE Ministry of Finance has handed over to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) the final reports of the forensic audits done on the Sparendaam Housing Project (Special Investigation of the Central Housing and Planning Authority) and the Cricket World Cup/Guyana World Cup Inc., thereby paving the way for the GPF to open criminal probes into both matters.

Government has said it would prosecute those responsible for alleged wrongdoings regarding the sale of lands at the Pradoville 2 Housing Project, as well as those who had allegedly engaged in wrongdoings in the Cricket World Cup/Guyana World Cup Inc. Both reports have ensnared very senior officials of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Administration, and that party’s legal spokesman, Anil Nandlall, has been trying to stymie the commencement of criminal probes by attacking Government’s move to appoint special prosecutors to fight the case.

Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma, met Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud at the Commissioner’s office on Friday to hand over the reports in accordance with a decision taken by Cabinet on October 25, 2016 to have police investigate the matters. Also present at the handing over of those documents were: Sydney James, Assistant Police Commissioner and Head of the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU); and Christopher Ram, forensic auditors.

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

“Instead of accumulating all the costs associated with the Sparendaam Project —

including the market value of the land — in a special account to be applied in arriving at the price to be charged per house lot, NICIL’s Board and Cabinet were complicit in charging the related costs of $257.049M to NCN in the form of equity investment, and to CH&PA in the form of receivables.

“The fact that several key Cabinet members are the beneficiaries of the house lots renders it highly inappropriate for the very Cabinet to approve of the charging of the expenditure to the accounts of NCN and CH&PA,” the audit report stated.

The report, released by the Ministry of Finance, said the use of a “conservative estimate of $985M for the 2009 market valuation of the land on which the Marriott has Junior Finance Minister Jaipaul Sharma handing over the reports to Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud been constructed prior to in- in the presence of Sydney James, Assistant Police Commissioner and Head of the Special Organized Crime frastructure being undertaken Unit (SOCU), and Christopher Ram, forensic auditor on a similar size land (makes) prior to the transfer and ispability that required further and we are looking to bring only from regional counthe total value of the Sparsuance of prime real estate investigation. Cabinet agreed persons who are capable of terparts, but from internaendaam project work out to at Sparendaam, Lower East that in each case a special handling these matters. Yes, tional partners as well; and $1.242B or $82.8M per acre.

Coast Demerara, to the forprosecutors’ team would be we are looking at the region he believes this has resulted “This figure should have mer government ministers established, and that the Min- in the first instance as well, from the need to tackle been used to compute the and persons believed to be corruption with the aim of ister of Legal Affairs would and then further afield” price per lot. It is not clear: their friends. ensuring transparency in He said Guyana has submit a report to Cabinet (a) how many lots are inMeanwhile, investigagovernment. been offered assistance not — within one week — on the volved, and their respective tions into the operations of composition of such a team. sizes; (b) the basis under the Guyana Cricket World “The Special Prosecuting which the recipients were Cup Inc. have found that the team would not be limited selected; (c) how the price local organising committee to just local personnel, it of approximately $1.5M per had engaged in irregularities (would) have a wider sweep; lot was determined; and (d) in meeting expenditures rewhich entity — NICIL or lating to the hosting of the CH&PA — received the pro2007 International Cricket ceeds from the sale of the World Cup in Guyana. plots”, the audit report disMinister of State, Joseph closed.

Harmon, had last week disThe State Assets Recovclosed that regional and inery Unit (SARU) had recomternational assistance would mended that Attorney General be provided in each case. He Basil Williams put systems in said: “Cabinet, upon examinaplace to facilitate charges of tion of the reports, concluded “misconduct in public office” that in both cases there were being laid against former indications of criminal culPresident Bharrat Jagdeo and five ministers of the former administration: Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud; Public Service Minister Dr. Jennifer Westford; Education Minister Priya Manickchand; Labour Minister Dr. Nanda Gopaul; and Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee.

This recommendation follows an investigation into the procedures employed

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 5, 2016

Public debt down 3.6 per cent

By Svetlana Marshall

GUYANA’S total public debt, both externally and domestically as of December 2015, stood at $317.7B, reflecting a decrease of 3.6 per cent when compared to its 2014 level, a Public Debt Report published by the Finance Ministry has said.

The 2015 report was tabled in the National Assembly on Friday by Finance Minister Winston Jordan. In tabling the 54-page document, the Finance Minister said, though it was not required by law or any regulation, the Debt Report is in keeping with the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC)

Government’s commitment to provide greater transparency and accountability.

According to the report, the decrease was mainly as a result of repayments of the oil debt under the Guyana-Venezuela Rice Trade Arrangement.

As at December 2015, total external debt amounted to $236B or 74.3 per cent of total public debt, while domestic debt stood at $81.7B. It was explained that the country’s public external debt stood at US$1.143M, a decline of 6.0 per cent from its end2014 level. “This decrease was largely due to repayments of the oil debt to Venezuela in the form of rice and paddy shipments to Venezuela.

The IDB, according to the report, continues to be the dominant creditor with an average share of 36 per cent of debt. “At the end of 2015, debt outstanding to the IDB totalled U.S.$489.3M, or 42.8 per cent of total public external debt, while the CDB, Guyana’s second largest creditor, accounted for 12.6 percent of total public external debt,” the report pointed out.

Meanwhile, in the area of Public Domestic Debt, the country’s debt stock was estimated at $81.7B at the end of 2015, representing an increase of 4.2 per cent when compared to $78.4B at the end of 2014.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan Guyana concluded two Debt Compensation Agreements with Venezuela in 2015, for a total of U.S.$88.7M. One debt-compensation agreement for U.S.$43.8M is yet to be signed,” the report further explained.

Notably at the end of 2015, there were four creditors who accounted for 76.8 per cent of the country’s external debt stock – the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the Export-Import Bank of China and the Government of Venezuela.

TREASURY BILLS “The increase in the Public Domestic Debt stock was mainly due to the increase in issuing of Treasury bills (T-bills), causing the stock of T-bills to increase by 4.4 per cent. In 2015, the issuance of 91-day T-bills and 364-day T-bills rose by 27.0 and 8.6 respectively.”

During the period under review, 2011-2015, the “total public debt fluctuated, peaking at its highest level in 2012 at $371.3B before gradually declining to its lowest level in

2015,” the report pointed out.

It was also explained that the increase in debt during 2012 was a result of disbursements from the country’s external creditors.

According to the Finance Ministry, the country continues to maintain a sustainable level of public debt as a result of Government’s ongoing effort to efficiently provide for its financing needs by minimising borrowing costs, while keeping exposures to interest rate and refinancing risks at an acceptable level.

However, Minister Jordan, in the report, pointed out that maintaining the debt at a sustainable level will not be achieved without challenges linked to an uncertain global economy.

He said for the first time in recent history, Guyana had found itself in a “precarious situation” in 2015 when most of its key agricultural commodities including rice, sugar and forestry faced headwinds.

“The slowdown in the global economy, combined with the loss of preferential markets, negatively affected demand for these produce.

Even remittances, on which so many of our people depend,

were a victim of the slowdown [in the] economy,” the Finance Minister explained.

The country’s excessive reliance on these sources of foreign exchange, he noted, will continue to expose the economy to volatile external developments.

“Our recent Debt Sustainability Analysis indicates that Guyana will remain vulnerable to external shocks. Commodity price fluctuations have added to the volatility of our export earnings and tax revenues, and have also affected the financial performance of state-owned agricultural enterprises,” Minister Jordan noted.

These challenges come at a time when concessional lending is becoming scarcer. As such, the country is focusing on alternative funding sources, particularly its South-South partners such as EXIM Bank of China, EXIM Bank of India, the Mexican Agency for International Cooperation and Development, and the Islamic Development Bank.

It is also maintaining close ties with multilateral agencies such as the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Caribbean Development Bank (CBD).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 5, 2016

Corentyne murder takes spiritual turn –– priest says removal of cutlass from altar is grave violation of supreme order

JAINARINE Balgobin, 39, called “Payo”, who brutally hacked his neighbour to death, has detailed to police that he was allegedly ordered to kill the woman by “Master”, reportedly a deity in the Madras customs.

According to neighbours, Payo allegedly broke the fence of the mandir, located next to his home, and took from a murti named “Master” the cutlass that had been used for over 50 years by the family of the mandir, before proceeding to make good on threats made earlier to his neighbour Bhulmattie Delall, 53, called ‘Mommy Gold’.

According to the priest of the Madras Mandir, Ramlall (only name), the murder weapon has been with his family for over 50 years, and is used to sacrifice animals for the yearly rituals held for the well-being of their family.

Ramlall cautioned that the weapon is sacred to the deity from which it was taken, and was never sharpened nor removed from the mandir since it was first used over 50 years ago.

The removal and use of the cutlass by Payo, the priest said, can have some serious repercussions for his family.

“The cutlass is used to sacrifice goat and fowl for our yearly wuk, and (it) belongs to Master. It cannot leave the mandir. How Payo move it from there can cause a lot of problems, including death to my family; because he disrupted the supreme order of things in our beliefs. Now we have to worry for our family. If we nah get affected, his (Balgobin) family or himself guh get problems,” the priest said.

He condemned statements made by Balgobin -- to the effect that he was sent by “Master” -- as disrespectful and a violation of the sanctity of the mandir.

Ramlall, the priest of the Madras Mandir “What Payo is saying is nonsense! Master cannot tell him to sacrifice anybody.

Whenever we do wuk, Payo always a make mockery of us and curse and behave bad, but we never pay him any attention because we know how he a mad man,” the priest said.

Meanwhile, one of Balgobin’s neighbours has said that when Payo started to behave disorderly about a month ago, he was taken to a medical doctor, who recommended that he receive psychological help; but his relatives did not take the advice.

“When Payo been a trip

out mo bad last month time, them ker am a wan doctor and who tell dem fuh ker am a mental, but dem nah do nothing. Now he kill somebody,” the neighbour said.

On Wednesday at about 09:30 hrs, Payo reportedly went berserk and verbally threatened several neighbours through 5th Street, Belvedere, Corentyne, Berbice. Soon after, he launched an attack on Delall, severing her head in the process.

According to a police source, Delall was in her yard when Payo rushed in and chopped her head off in two blows.

When questioned, the suspect reportedly told investigators: “Masta send meh to kill she”.

He reportedly took the cutlass back to the Murti (master) from which he took it, and then he went home.

A source close to the investigation said that when Payo was arrested, he seemed to be delusional and in a different state of mind.

“The man eyes were evil red, he was in an abnormal state,” the police source told Guyana Chronicle. The murder weapon was reportedly “old and dull” and Payo therefore had to use tremendous force, the source said.

Villagers say Payo was

Jainarine Balgobin, called Payo an alcoholic, while relatives related that he was a “troubled” man.

Divisional Commander Kevin Adonis said the file on the murder accused has been sent to the DPP for advice, and is yet to return.

Meantime, Anita Nandram, daughter of the dead woman, said the statements uttered by Balgobin are “Lies and nonsense”. She is contending that Payo knew what he did, and should face the full force of the law.

“My family want justice, that’s what we are interested in. Innocently, my mother life was taken away,” Nandram said.

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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

What’s next for Brexit?

GUYANA-BORN Gina Miller has won her challenge to prevent Britain’s Prime Minister, Theresa May, from proceeding to activate Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty -- to exist the European Union (EU) -- without first having the votes and approval of the Parliament. The decision, handed down by the High Court on Thursday, 3rd November, is bound to create further complexities in the will of the people, expressed on 23rd June to exist the EU. Lord Chief Justice Lord Thomas, in his brief, said: the “Court does not accept the argument provided by the Government…we accept the Government does not have the power under the Crown’s prerogative to give notice pursuant to Article 50 for the UK to withdraw from the European Union.” It is the Court’s view (that) once the European Communities Act (1972) was passed by the United Kingdom (UK) Parliament, which established an association with the EU, its current status is pronounced on, (and) Government does not have the prerogative to exit.

Attorney General Jeremy Wright accused Miller of wanting to subvert the democratic will of the people, and the Government communicated it would go to the Supreme Court, seeking an appeal of the decision. Its argument is that, given that the “people are sovereign,” and having expressed their will on 23rd June, such is sufficient for Government to activate Article 50 without Parliament’s approval and a vote by the Members of Parliament.

This situation represents a testy time for democracy and democratic processes. On one hand, it is a case of respecting the will of the people via the ballot. On the other hand, it is adherence to the rule of law. Miller, in responding to the victory, told reporters, “You can’t have a Government casually throwing away people’s rights, that why we turned to the courts. It is about process, not politics.”

With the UK seeing 52% voting to leave and 48% to remain, will the vote in parliament be a representation of the people’s will, or will it go contrary to that will?

Supporters of the decision to remain, among whom are Miller and May, have taken to social media to congratulate and thank Miller, hailing her as a “national hero” and “woman of the century.” Conversely, Brexiters are angry with the court’s ruling. This situation is made more complex, for whereas Britain and Wales wanted out, Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to remain, a situation that caused Scotland’s First Minister to say that country would examine having a referendum to leave the UK. One of the striking features about this entire issue is the knowledge, or absence therefore, that informed the vote; i.e., what exiting meant and the consequences of the decision to exit or remain. Undoubtedly, peddled information and perceptions that being in the EU meant undermining Britain’s sovereignty; fear of losing the country’s way of life, given the influx of immigrants and refugees; concern

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 5, 2016

We are at the borderline - as far as Gov’t-military link is concerned Dear Editor, I REFER to a letter that appeared in the November 4 edition of Kaieteur News, written by a “Concerned Citizen” who criticized the Government’s decision to hold Cabinet meetings at the GDF Headquarters. The concerned citizen asked: “Where are the voices of Dr. David Hinds and Freddy Kissoon?” — an obvious inference that we have been silent on the issue.

On so many occasions, I have heard that line: Where was Hinds when so and so happened? Or why didn’t Hinds speak up when so and so was happening? The truth is that Hinds did comment on the issue to which the letter writer refers.

No single individual can be everywhere or speak on every issue. But maybe it would help if people did a little bit of research before they make some sweeping assertions. Research is rela-

tively easy to do in the age of the Internet. Further, maybe editors can use the “editor’s note” a little bit more to correct some of these glaring inaccuracies, which when allowed to go unchallenged could be interpreted by readers as the truth.

For what it is worth, the writer of that letter should be informed that I did comment on the Government’s decision to hold Cabinet meetings at the GDF Headquarters in a news item in the October 26 edition of Stabroek News, under the headline “Meeting of Cabinet at GDF HQ pilloried by Jagdeo - presidential complex undergoing urgent repairs”.

In a comment invited

by Stabroek News, I made the following observations: The Government’s decision to hold Cabinet meetings at the GDF headquarters, while not politically explosive, is bad optics and not tactically sound. At the end of the day, there are political conse-

quences for such actions. The explanation that there were security concerns seems plausible on its face, but may not be worth the political cost.

We have to believe that the Government tried very hard to find an alternative meeting place for Cabinet meetings. But I would have stayed away from the GDF Headquarters for two reasons.

First, by going there, the Government is playing into the hands of the Opposition, which has already raised the issue of the militarization of the Government. For the PPP’s support base, this linkage of the military to Government has long been a sensitive issue, with ethno-political overtones that the Government ought to do everything in its power not to feed.

But there are also murmurs about the over-reliance on ex-military personnel among Government supporters. Ours is a society in which political optics matter,

even among supporters, and perception quickly becomes reality. We are also a society whose political culture is partly grounded in a separation of the military from the Government; we don’t have a history of military coups, and are not accustomed to seeing ex-military people in high political office.

Mr. Granger rose to political prominence not because of his military background, but primarily because there was, and is, a perception that he is a decent man who is not tainted by the old politics. I think that a section of the society expected that his closest advisors would include some of his military comrades; but he has to be careful not to veer too much in that direction.

In my estimation, we are at the borderline as far as the military linkage to Government is concerned.

Regards, DAVID HINDS

Private Members Day must be upheld Dear Editor,

PARLIAMENTARY democracy is grounded in the principle of the separation of powers between the Legislature and the Executive.

The role of a parliamentary opposition to hold the Government accountable and to have its day in the legislature is a fundamental premise guarded in democratic parliaments.

In this, the 17 months and 44 sittings of the 11th Parliament of Guyana, the PPPC Parliamentary Opposition has been able to have only four (4) Private Members’ Days, or what is more popularly

known as “Opposition Days”, and all after much controversy and battles to actually have these days. These were December 12th, 2015; January 14th, 2016; May 14th, 2016; and August 4th, 2016.

In accordance with the Standing Orders, at every fourth sitting of the National Assembly, Private Members’ Business takes precedence. Constitutional provisions also provide for the manner in which the calculation of sittings is done.

Therefore, the November 4th 2016 sitting is in our calculation a Private Members Day. The Order Paper cir-

about maintaining the quality of the public-funded healthcare system being given unfettered access to non-residents, including refugees, all played a role in some wanting to exit.

Among exit voters, some later acknowledged they didn’t expect winning, and some, too, were not equipped with all the requisite information to influence a more informed decision. It should be said that the absence of knowledge, which hinders informed decision-making, and the affinity/group think irrespective of said knowledge, are factors in universal suffrage. That is why it is so important to a nation’s growth and development that knowledge be treated as important; because overtime, while it will better shape the view and in-

culated on the night of October 27th, 2016 gave such precedence to the Parliamentary Opposition’s business. There was no Government Business on the Order Paper. To our surprise, the Parliament Office circulated a Supplementary Order Paper on the night of November 1, 2016, which included a motion on President Granger’s most recent address to the National Assembly, with a suspension motion approved by the Speaker to allow it to be debated at the November 4th sitting.

The Government Chief Whip has asserted that this

is a Government Day, and not a Private Members Day. If the latter is so, which we dispute vigorously based on the Standing Orders and the constitution, the Government should be ashamed to have one item alone, which required a suspension motion as it did not have the required 6 days’ notice.

One again, PPPC Parliamentarians are being subjected to the constant battle to have their right to a Private Members Day upheld.

Regards, BHARRAT JAGDEO Opposition Leader

fluence actions of the once ill-informed, the group also helps to positively influence those with the group-think mentality.

Gina Miller, who is the daughter of an Attorney General who served under the Forbes Burnham Administration, has put Guyana on the map in this landmark case. What the decision now means for the UK and EU, which has called for Article 50 to be expedited soonest, the coming days will be watched with much interest, as the impact continues to be felt and fleshed out.

Undoubtedly, the ruling constitutes an indictment on May’s Government, and it is left to be seen if this will lead to calls for early elections.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 5, 2016

35,000 farmers benefit from new access roads

By Navendra Seoraj

SOME 35,000 farmers have benefited from paved and farm-tomarket roads at Parika/Ruby, East Bank Essequibo; Laluni, Soesdyke/Linden Highway; and Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice.

This was disclosed on Friday by Agriculture Minister Noel Holder during a review of the Access Dams/Roads Rehabilitation Project, funded to the tune of US$9.09M under an agreement between the

Government of Guyana and the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF), signed in July 2013.

A GINA report states the agreement was, in November 2015, amended to US$11.87M, of which the sum of US$3.49M is considered a grant.

This was made possible

by Guyana making its agreed contribution of US$3.5M to the CDF. During the review, it was outlined that 7000 acres of arable land have been transformed into proper access roads which benefited approx-

imately 9,500 farming households from the said areas. Farmers had, for years, complained about not being able to transport their produce due to the lack of access roads and so forth. The lack of roads and proper trails also led to farmers losing profit, and even losing the urge to expand their cultivation or even continue on their normal scale.

However, the minister declared, since completion of the roads, there has been a 25 per cent increase in land acreage under cash crop

cultivation.

During a visit to Laluni earlier this year, the Guyana Chronicle was able to speak with village farmers, who explained the importance to them of having a proper access road.

Due to the inability to travel in and out of their location at affordable prices, they explained, they would at times spend more on transportation than the profits they earned.

At that time, the project was still in its early stages; therefore, when asked how beneficial

tion.

Farmers have even added that apart from improving their methods of farming, proper access roads would also make it easier for their children to travel to and from school.

Meanwhile, besides enhancement and construction of the roads, the project also saw Agriculture Minister to improvement of Noel Holder drainage and irrigathe road would be to tion, which the ministhem, the farmers had ter said would reduce stated that they were flooding in the areas very optimistic of an and help farmers to increase in profits and better manage their their level of cultiva- water supply.

GUYANA will join delegations from the countries of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) at several forums where energy-related and public governance and administration matters would be discussed.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, at Thursday’s post-Cabinet press briefing held at the Ministry of the Presidency, made this disclosure as he explained that Cabinet has approved the attendance of the Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI), Annette Ferguson, at the Sixth Meeting of the South America Energy Council of UNASUR, to be held in Quito, Ecuador.

Accompanying Minister Ferguson at that meeting would be MPI Electricity Advisor Morsha Johnson.

Minister Harmon said the meeting would review the progress recorded in regard to commitments made in relation to the development of an energy agenda for UNASUR. He said that among the issues to be discussed would

be energy planning, establishment of South America’s energy treaty, and the creation of an Energy Resource Institute of UNASUR. Cabinet has also approved Guyana’s participation in a training conference on public governance and administration, to be held in Singapore from January 2327, 2017, Minister Harmon said. The Minister explained that the training course, organised by the Government of Singapore under its Developing State Technical Co-operation Programme, is aimed at providing insights on that country’s human resource strategies.

Minister Harmon said those participating in that training course would be exposed to Singapore’s approach to governance and public administrative and financial reform initiatives; be informed on the importance of corruption control for effective public administration, and learn of key trends affecting human resource management.

Permanent Secretary in the Department of Public Service of the Ministry of

the Presidency, Reginald Brotherson, will attend this conference.

Minister Harmon also said that Cabinet has given its approval for Guyana to participate in the World Bank training in its new procurement framework schedule, to be held in Grenada from November 8-10, 2016. This training programme would be specifically for project procurement staffers who would be required to manage projects under the Bank’s new procurement framework.

Minister Harmon explained that Guyana and the World Bank are currently engaged in designing Guyana’s Education Sector Improvement Project, to commence in 2017. One component of this project is the construction of a new health sciences facility at the University of Guyana. As such, the university’s Procurement Specialist in the Science and Technology Support Project, Devin Monroe, will attend this training.

Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) Implementing Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACTS) for Guyana to participate in a meeting of the Region’s Chiefs of Immigration, to be held in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago on November 7, 2016. Assistant Police Commissioner Dale Alves will attend this meeting, Minister Harmon disclosed.

Guyana would also participate in the Seventh Cohort

of the Caribbean Leadership Development Programme, which would be held in Jamaica from November 28th to December 2nd, 2016. Minister Harmon explained that this programme is designed to strategically strengthen the next generation of Caribbean leaders, and contribute to regional integration.

The persons endorsed

by Government for participation in this project include Human Resource

Several public servants for overseas meetings, training

IMMIGRATION CHIEFS Cabinet has also accepted the invitation from the

Managers from the Ministry of the Presidency’s Department of Public Service, Kemo Benjamin and Natasha Chase; and Manager of Scholarship, Soyinka Grogan. The Director of Industrial Development at the Ministry of Business, Shawn Alexander; and Principal Personnel Officer of the Ministry of Business, Shelton Daniels, would also participate in this training.

GL&SC mulls rent increases

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 5, 2016

– aims to provide more efficient and modern service

THE Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC) has undertaken a number of initiatives geared to make its services more efficient and stakeholder-friendly whilst at the same time generating revenue.

GL&SC Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Trevor Benn disclosed on Friday, during a press briefing at his Durban Backlands office, that based on the work done to date, indications are that if the GL&SC were not to receive in January all of the money it is owed, it would not, for example, be able to function for more than three months of the year.

One of the major projects it plans to introduce is a Lease/Rent Portfolio, through which the Commission aims to determine how many leases have been granted and how much income can be expected annually, to aid in efficient programme planning.

Another initiative is to increase the rates for land rent. Benn said: “We have not had rent increases…for the last 15 years; to be exact, since [2001], when the Com-

mission came into being. So people are still paying very menial rates…

“For example, our maps which are in use at the moment were done back in the 1960s/1970s. To update those maps per region, it’s roughly US$1 million. So, at the current rates that we are charging -- which, for example, for an agriculture lot is one hundred dollars ($100.00) per acre (and) in some areas, two hundred dollars ($200.00) per acre -we cannot service the Commission; we cannot bring the Commission to the 21st Century organisation that we really would like it to be.”

The GL&SC is the only agency authorised to approve and oversee surveys in the country, and this is another way in which it is generating income. Benn said that although the Commission still does most of its work manually, it is in the process of digitizing its records -- a process that is expected to be completed by the end of 2017 -- though it is undertaking same with a dearth of resources.

The GL&SC is currently working on a project that is funded through the Guyana

REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF) and would help to provide the resources to speed-up its computerisation process, Benn said.

Meanwhile, the Commission is urging the public to desist from building structures on areas designated as Government reserves. “It is illegal to occupy Government or State property without [the] permission of the State agency responsible; in this case the [GL&SC]… For some reason, however, there has been a lapse, and people were allowed, wittingly or unwittingly, to occupy Government reserves. What we have found, though, is that it has become a real hindrance to the developmental works that the Government would like to pursue…. Therefore, the call that was made recently, one, is to remind people that it is illegal to do that; and secondly, to tell people that going forward, it will not be encouraged,” the Commissioner said.

While some persons living on the reserves have been served notices to vacate, the GL&SC is hampered from taking further action as some of them have been granted licence to occupy some por-

Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC), Mr. Trevor Benn tions of land.

“We’re saying to them that we’re not prepared to perpetually grant licence to them to be on the reserve. In fact, the licence is very clear that whenever government is ready for use of the reserve, they will have to vacate. So it is very clear to anyone who may have had a licence in the past… Some people have

begun to believe that this is a right, and so without even getting approval from Lands and Surveys, they go on to the parapets, they go on to the reserves; and so we’re trying to discontinue that practice,” Benn explained.

Licences were issued on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, for example, for persons to occupy sections of the buffer zone, the road reserve; and in several locations in regions Two, Three and Six as well as on the East Coast and East Bank of Demerara, Benn said.

The Commissioner also made it clear that while the Town Councils and City Council may have granted licence for persons to occupy certain reserves, that practice is illegal. “As far as I am aware there is no relationship with those NDCs or the Town Councils that undertake such action; and as far as the State Land Act is concerned, that is illegal,” he said.

Benn also noted that the recently published advertisement in the press, warning persons against occupying the reserves, is not intended to excite the public, “as at the moment we are not thinking about removing anyone. If

you’re there, the Government, I’m sure, will have an arrangement to deal with the present squatters at some future point; because at some point they will have to move, but that’s not our focus at the moment”.

Meanwhile, Benn recently returned from a meeting for Government signatories to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), held in Nairobi, Kenya, where he reported on Guyana’s efforts to meet its obligations to the Convention.

The GL&SC is the national focal point for Guyana. At that meeting, Guyana was asked to host the 2018 meeting, which will see representatives from at least 190 countries travelling here. These representatives will include technical experts from the environmental field, the sustainable land management field, and other areas.

The 2017 meeting will be held in China.

Guyana has also been asked to Chair the Regional body that supports the work of the UNCCD in the Region, Mr. Benn said. Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, is the political focal point for the UNCCD.

GWI responds to diarrhoeal outbreak

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 5, 2016

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- Distributes filters to two affected villages

THE Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) responded on Thursday to an outbreak of diarrhoea at Karrau and River’s View villages in Region 7 (Cuyuni/Mazaruni) by dispatching a team of officials from the head office to join personnel at the regional office to distribute a total of 17 Lifesaver filters to both villages, where reports of the outbreak were more prevalent.

GWI had also undertaken to drill a well, and will be installing a pump and distribution network to ensure access to water for the benefit of the 323 residents in Kar-

rau, whose Toshao, Bertille Thomas, received four filters to be made available at strategic locations for residents to use. One filter was given to the health centre and two to the Principal of Karrau Creek Primary School, Theresa Braithwaite.

According to reports from the residents, out of a population of 323 persons in Karrau, 30 persons were diagnosed with diarrhoea, while a few of the residents complained of what they believe to be “typhoid-like” symptoms.

Toshao Thomas believes the illnesses are as a result of the dry weather presently

FAO sets 2020 deadline to remove Caribbean countries from World Hunger List

REGIONAL Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Raul Benitez, says his organisation is working towards eradicating hunger in 11 Caribbean islands by 2020.

“I would like to propose 2020 as a deadline to remove the 11 countries of the English-speaking Caribbean states that still remain in the FAO’s Hunger Map,” said Benitez, while addressing the 14th Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) held in The Cayman Islands last week.

“In figures less than 180,000 people need to achieve food security in order to reduce the prevalence of undernourishment to below 5 percent and attain this task,” said Benitez, who is the FAO’s Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). FAO’s focus is on the eradication of hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition; the elimination of poverty and the promotion of economic and social progress for all; and, the sustainable management of natural resources, for the benefit of present and future generations.

According to an FAO document titled the CELAC Plan for Food and Nutrition Security and the eradication of Hunger, 2025, Latin America is the sub-region that has made the most progress in achieving both the Millennium Development Goal to reduce the prevalence of under-nourishment from 14.4 per cent in 1990/1992 to 5.1 per cent in 2012/2014, as well as the more ambitious target set by the World Food Summit (WFS) of 1996, when Latin America also reduced the number of people suffering from hunger from 60.3 million to 29.5 million in the same period.

Benitez indicated that the 2020 deadline would not be easy to meet, but that it would be a significant achievement once it was achieved. “This is no easy task, however, it is possible, and for us all, it would be an excellent achievement that no country in the English-speaking Caribbean appears in the hunger map,” he said, while addressing a ministerial session at CWA. The CWA is one of the region’s premier agricultural events and attracted delegates from over 15 Caribbean countries and several islands in the Pacific.

Ministers of Agriculture from several islands as well as policy and decision-makers from around the region participated in the week of discussions. At the end of the week key recommendations for action were tabled for the ministers to work on after the meeting.

flowing there and the residue emanating from mining activities that pollute the creek from which drinking water is sourced.

Teachers in the villages also reported students escaping from school to drink water from the creek. However, the school’s main source of water is rain.

Over in River’s View, seven filters were given to Ms. Fay Hicks, Principal of Holy Name Primary and Nursery schools, as well as the annex school. One was given to the Community Council for the benefit of residents, and another was given

to the health post.

GWI’s Programme Coordinator Richard Hoyte told residents that GWI was informed of the outbreak of diarrhoea and immediately decided to respond accordingly. He explained to Karrau residents that aside from the provision of filters, GWI would be installing a pump to ensure access to potable water for the entire community.

GWI’s Officer in Charge of Region 7, Mr. Elson Khirattie, will be spearheading the installation of the pump.

He promised that the community would be able to gain access to the well by next

week, following the installation this weekend.

Chemical Engineer Deon Anderson assured the residents that the filters allow for 100 per cent clearance of all micro-organisms. He explained that this was proven following tests on multiple water sources. Anderson also took samples from various water sources within the communities, which will be tested to determine if the water is safe for consumption.

GWI, in a statement on Friday, said the recipients expressed appreciation for the entity’s quick response, noting that the filters and access

to the well will significantly aid in curbing the number of cases of diarrhoea.

Just recently, a team of officials headed by Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Dawn Hastings, and Managing Director of GWI Dr. Richard Van WestCharles, delivered filters to residents of Kamarang, Region 7.

GWI’s technical personnel, which consisted of electricians and engineers, also assisted in reactivating the water supply system in Quebanang by repairing the community’s photovoltaic system.

Aromatic rice production to be increased AROMATIC rice is becoming a cost-effective and beneficial economic source commodity, and having recognised this, the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) is intensifying efforts to produce this variety on a larger scale through collaboration with private farmers, according to Research Scientist, Dr Mahendra Persaud.

Dr. Persaud, who is stationed at the GRDB research station, Burma, told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that previous trials were carried out on a number of other rice varieties, but the GRDB has decided to go large-scale with the production of the aromatic variety.

“We are expanding the production and marketing, and it has been going well.

From last season we had around 300 acres in the farmers’ fields, and this current season, harvesting is around 3,000 acres and that is, in collaboration with the millers, destined for export,” Dr Persaud explained. The

D r. M a h e n d r a P e r saud,Research Scientist, Plant Breeder, Guyana Rice Development Board’s Research station reason for exploring aromatic rice production on a larger scale is in response to the demand for specialty rice on the international market. The GRDB has recognised the tremendous financial returns that can be garnered from the exportation of aromatic rice, the Research Scientist stated.

General Manager of the

GRDB, Nizam Hassan, said that, “the price being paid for specialty rice was in some cases more than 100 percent of what was being paid for regular white rice, and so that became very attractive. Prices meet as much as $1200 per ton when it’s being traded globally, so you can see, once Guyana can respond to an increasing demand for specialty rice and get the rice to be grown in larger volumes, larger acres which would mean more tons being produced, then we can tap into the appropriate markets, then we can have economic benefits for the stakeholders.”

In addition to the economic benefits attached, the agency is currently trying to make clear to the local farmers the two main attributes that generally promote the product; its nutty, popcorn flavour and aroma. Dr. Persaud said research has been further extended to develop other aromatic rice varieties which will further expand the local rice line.

“We have a back-up pro-

gramme, we have an organised breeding programme to deliver more aromatic varieties in the future because we thought it’s the way forward for the rice industry, and are providing more options to the farmers and millers and everyone,” Dr. Persaud said.

He further noted that there is hardly any change in cultivating this crop when compared to growing regular rice. “The fertilizer regime is the same, it’s almost yielding the same as other varieties in Guyana, around 38, 40, 42 (bags per acre), that the farmers have reported, and we have data to back up, but you could get six or seven tons from the aromatic variety.”

In 2015, the Ministry of Agriculture launched a new line of the aromatic rice variety. The product has already been presented to the international market through surveys, boosting awareness. The Government is currently at the stage of securing export markets for the rice.

(GINA)

U.S. citizen jailed in her absence UNITED STATES citizen Donna Charles, formerly of Wapping Lane, New Amsterdam, was sentenced in absentia to a total of six years imprisonment after she was found guilty by Magistrate Alex Moore of having in her possession 585 grammes of cannabis sativa and 1.2 grammes of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

Police Prosecutor Grace Bristol led evidence to prove that On April 22, the 61-year-old mother of two was nabbed after ranks from the Narcotics Branch of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Georgetown, acting on information, travelled to Berbice and visited the home of

the defendant, where a search was conducted. She said that the ranks found cocaine in a sheet in the woman’s living room chair, while the marijuana was found in a black bag in a microwave oven.

Charles had appeared initially at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court after which the matter was transferred to the New Amsterdam Court on April 27. However, after she was initially denied bail, she was granted her freedom following a petition to the High Court.

The defendant never attended court since bail was allowed, as she had reportedly fled the jurisdiction.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 5, 2016

Some Antinfek used to purify water –– Minister Bulkan tells House

IN RESPONSE to a string of oral questions posed

by People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Member of Parliament (MP) Dr. Frank Anthony, Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, disclosed that the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) had used polyhexanide, sold under the name antinfek, to purify some of the water supply lines.

He said 100 litres of the chemical had been purchased for the purpose of testing.

“Mr Speaker the information that has been provided to me is that some of the product that was procured was used for the purification of some of the water supply lines,” Minister Bulkan told the National Assembly on Friday.

The admission by Bulkan came following his attempt to answer a number of questions posed by Dr. Anthony.

Polyhexanide is a polymer used as a disinfectant and antiseptic. It was during the 45th Sitting of the National Assembly that Dr. Anthony questioned the Minister of Communities about the use of the chemical by GWI. “Could the Minister of Communities, Housing and Water, the Honorable Member Ronald Bulkan, confirm to this House that Antinfek or Polyhexanide is being used for the purification of drinking water in Guyana?

And if this is so, can the minister inform this House who authorised the use of Antinfek for the purification of drinking water in Guyana?

And when was this decision taken to use Antinfek instead of Chlorine?” Dr. Anthony asked.

The PPP Parliamentarian also called on the subject minister to identify which of the water wells were or are using Antinfek, the location of these wells, and the amount of people served by these wells. In response, Minister Bulkan told the House that there was no decision taken to use Polyhexanide instead of Chlorine, ruling out allegations that the chemical is being used to treat water at some water treatment plants.

“This particular chemical is not being used at any of the locations for which treated water is provided by GWI. At all of the locations…Chlorine

PPP MP Dr. Frank Anthony is the sole disinfectant that is being used. In addition to Chlorine, at some of these plants lime is being used,” he explained.

However, he admitted that a small amount of the chemical was acquired for the purpose of testing, and he noted that it has been proclaimed to be a safe product.

“I am pleased to relate to this Honourable House at this stage that the particular chemical in question has been proclaimed as a safe product for various applications relating to human hygiene, private and public health areas…canned preservatives as well as drinking water,” Minister Bulkan pointed out.

According to Bulkan, Antinfek was used in Guyana prior to its current con-

sideration for use by GWI. He noted that the Pesticide and Toxic Chemicals Import Board had granted permission to an agent to import and distribute the chemical in Guyana.

The Minister of Communities also indicated that management of the GWI had met on Friday with the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and had provided the Commission with complete answers to a number of questions posed. The PUC had earlier written GWI about the use of the chemical.

On October 17, GWI’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Richard Van WestCharles had assured that the water entity is committed to distributing safe and uncontaminated water at all times.

“We cannot knowingly distribute water that is contaminated by pathogens. Our first call is to ensure that whatever water (is) distributed is safe for consumption,” he had said.

The CEO had said that when he took office, he noted the inadequate efforts that were being placed on disinfection and filtration, and thus had decided to research Antinfek as a means of boosting the treatment of water to ensure better quality and distribution.

In a statement to the media, GWI sought to put to rest claims that Antinfek is harmful for human consumption.

The company said Antinfek is an organic chemical being

Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan researched by GWI for effective disinfection prior to distribution of water to the public.

Additionally, the water entity dispelled reports that the use of Antinfek replaced that of chlorine for the decontamination of water.

“GWI also wishes to categorically state that chlorine is being used as the sole disinfecting agent in all the treatment plants, while laboratory studies are being done on the use of other treatment alternatives,” the statement said.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, G W I disclosed that it had purchased 342 cylinders of chlorine gas from JCI Jones Chemicals and Ansa McAl Group of Companies to treat water. (Svetlana Marshall)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 5, 2016

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Parking meters’ roll-out to begin next month SMART City Solutions (SCS), the company which won the parking meters contract will begin the roll-out of parking meters in December.

But before the official roll-out of the project, a two-week trial will be afforded drivers so that they could familiarise themselves with the new technology. That trial period is expected to begin at the end of this month.

At a media briefing held at the Marriott on Friday, it was disclosed that during the first phase, the 157 parking meters will create 3,237 parking spaces within the city. The controversial project has been dubbed by the company as the solution to the city’s congestion.

The first set of parking meters will be installed along Camp, Water, Quamina and Hadfield streets and drivers will be required to pay $50 for every 15 minutes or $200 for every hour spent. The charge has been approved by the Georgetown Mayor and City Council.

Reporters were told that dozens of enforcers working with SCS will be assisted by the City Constabulary with the enforcement of the plan in accordance with the city’s by-laws and traffic laws.

Additionally, several persons will be trained by CSC and sworn as City Constables so as to be granted powers of arrest. Sixty enforcers will be hired to monitor the system and illegalities will result in vehicles being towed away or wheel clamps installed. To have the wheel clamps removed; drivers will be required to pay an $8000 fine.

The parking meters are equipped with anti-vandalism features which includes giving feedback to a central office monitoring its operations. Town Clerk Royston King said SCS is well equipped with resources that are not available ordinarily to the City Council. He noted that since 1995, the idea of installing parking meters here was toyed with and noted that in 2007 discussions were had with the Miami Parking System but at that time, the Mayor and City Council did not have the requisite funds to start the project.

“Here we have a company that has come to us with all the resources, the City Council is not putting in one cent, but we are getting 20% of the gross and we are not investing anything.

Even in respect with the training of the people, maintenance of the meters and payments they are managing all the burdens,” said King.

Meanwhile, Global Head of Smart City Solutions, Amir Oren, told reporters that the M&CC will eventually receive 30% of the gross throughout the life of the project.

“Whether we make money or not, we have to pay income taxes, salaries and we are creating 100 jobs, we have been doing this for a long time and we are the biggest operator in the Region,” Oren said.

He stated that the second phase of the project will begin early next year with 163 more parking meters that will create an additional 4,000 parking spaces.

The Global Head of SCS said too that the company has over 25 years of experience in on-street parking with operations in five countries on three different continents, which operate in Chicago, the USA, Mexico, Panama, Peru and now Guyana.

There will be over 40 outlets selling parking meter cards throughout the city, he disclosed.

Public Relations specialist Kit Nascimento said there will be a sensitisation campaign to educate drivers on the operations and usage of the parking meters. He said the company believes that the project is important not only from a business perspective, but also from a transformational perspective for the city.

Also present at the event was General Manager of Smart City Solutions Guyana, Carlos Gocsez; Accounting Manager, Alicia Bess; Consulting Engineer from Mexico, Enrique Maldonado; Operations Manager John Daniels, and other officials of the company

Tea Party and Fashion Show THE LAWNS and ambience of Castellani House will be the back-drop for color and cool fashion when the women’s section of the People’s National Congress brings off its Jubilee Fund-raiser today.

It is labeled Tea Party and Fashion Clash and starts at 3 p.m. under the patronage of First Lady Sandra Granger.

Castillani House is at the junction of Vlissengen Road and Homestretch Avenue (opposite Ministry of the Presidency.)

A demonstration of the use of the parking meter system being done by General Manager of Smart City Solutions Guyana, Carlos Gocsez (left), Accounting Manager Alicia Bess (centre) and Consulting Engineer from Mexico Enrique Maldonado (right).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 5, 2016

Bandits beat, rob owner of Chinese restaurant

FI FT Y- T W O- Y E A R OLD Chinese national Caa Aza Huo who operates the Hing Fa Restaurant at Garnett and Republic Streets in Newtown, Georgetown was on Thursday assaulted during a robbery at his place of business.

Police say that at approximately 23:30hrs on Thursday, three men posing as customers entered

the restaurant and made an order. While waiting on their food to be served, two of the three robbers instructed the proprietor to open the counter door, whereupon they held him at gunpoint.

Caa Aza Huo complied with the armed bandits’ order, but was beaten in the face with a gun while the bandits entered the heart of his business and carted

off an undisclosed amount of cash, one laptop computer and two Samsung Galaxy cellphones.

After the robbery, the restaurant owner reportedly tried to summon the police via 911, but calls for assistance went unanswered by the police.

Neighbours recalled hearing loud screams for help when the Chinese national was being beaten

The Hing Fa Restaurant which was robbed by bandits who pretended to be customers by the bandits. They reported that they wanted to assist him, but were afraid to venture out of their homes because a gunshot had been discharged by the robbers, who fled the scene unchallenged.

Having received in-

juries to his mouth, the restaurant owner was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), where he was treated and sent away.

Police say the bandits were not masked, and the building was not outfitted

with surveillance cameras.

By the time the police arrived the men had already escaped.

When the Guyana Chronicle visited the restaurant on Friday, the business remained closed until further notice.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 5, 2016

Paris Agreement on Climate Change in force

THE Paris Agreement on Climate Change has entered into force on Friday, 30 days after the required minimum of States (55) accounting for 55 per cent of total global greenhouse gas emissions have ratified the convention.

The central aim of the Agreement is to keep global temperature rise during this century to well below two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and to try to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

This commitment supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 (Climate Action), and 12 others that include targets addressing climate change.

States will begin to tackle implementation of the Paris Agreement when COP 22 (the 22nd Session of the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention

on Climate Change (UNFCC)) convenes in Marrakech, Morocco during the period November 7th to 18th, 2016.

At this first meeting of the parties to the Agreement, areas of focus will include emissions’ reduction, resilience, finance, transparency, technology transfer, migration, capacity building, and loss and damages. The United Nations will support countries as they follow through on their promises towards a safer, greener and more sustainable future.

Guyana has been among the first countries to sign on to the pact; and President David Granger has, in a speech, noted that the Paris Agreement –which he called the most ambitious international environmental agreement in modern history -- presents a historic opportunity for the global community

to respond to the challenge of climate change in an appropriate manner.

“Guyana has signed the ‘Agreement’ on account of its recognition of the need for resolute action to combat this challenge,” the President said. “We will ensure the deposit of the Instruments of Ratification this year. Guyana, through the pursuit of a Green Economy, will spare no effort to contribute to both a sustainable future and to an effective global response to climate change,” he declared.

He noted that Guyana is a net carbon sink: “Our forests sequester more carbon than the country’s human activities generate.

Guyana, with the world’s second highest percentage of rainforest cover (85%), commands important carbon stocks. Guyana, nevertheless, is fully committed to contributing to limiting the rise in global

President David Granger signed the Paris Agreement on Climate Change at the United Nations Headquarters in Manhattan, New York, U.S.A on April 22, 2016

temperature to below 1.5 degrees Celsius,” he explained.

He reminded that Guyana would implement initiatives in the forest and renewable-energy sectors, including through the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) Plus programme.

“We will move closer towards a 100% renewable power supply by 2025, conditional on appropriate support and adequate resources. Our proposed commitments through avoided emissions can contribute the equivalent of up to 48.7 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide to the global mitigation effort,” the President declared.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 5, 2016

GTA launches ‘Restaurant Week’ @ Cara Lodge

THE launch of the annual ‘Guyana Restaurant Week’ at the Cara Lodge on Quamina Street yesterday came with a pleasant surprise in the nature of a $500,000 donation to its organisers, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA).

The gesture was courtesy of Republic Bank Guyana Ltd, whose Marketing Manager, Ms. Michelle Johnson, did the honours, saying that the money was intended to be a ‘shot in the arm’ to give the event, scheduled to begin in two weeks, the necessary energy and verve so vital to its promotion.

Both the GTA and the Tourism and Hospital Au-

thority of Guyana (THAG), which introduced the initiative here four years ago, thanked Republic Bank and Demerara Distillers Ltd (DDL), two of the event’s major sponsors, for coming on board with them.

The Guyana Restaurant Week runs from November 18th to 27th, and the theme for the event is “Tourism for All; Building a Partnership for Tourism Development”.

CULINARY CELEBRATION Restaurant Week is a culinary celebration of the best restaurants in Guyana. During this ten-day

extravaganza, participating restaurants offer an exclusive menu at a significantly reduced price.

Restaurant Week gives visitors and local foodies an opportunity to enjoy specialty prix fixe menus from skilled local chefs.

The multi-course dining experience starts at $2,000 for lunch, and $4,000 and/or $5,000 for dinner, including VAT and service charges where applicable. Beverages are not included. Folonari wines will be available at many of the participating restaurants at $4000 per bottle, or $1000 per glass.

Excited about this culinary extravaganza, GTA

THAG’s Past President, Mr. Shaun McGrath, is at the lectern addressing journalists at the launch of ‘Restaurant Week’ at Cara Lodge on Thursday. In photo, others at head table are (from left) GTA’s Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh; Republic Bank’s Marketing and Communications Manager Ms. Michelle Johnson; and THAG President Ms. Andrea de Caires (Photo by Cullen Bess-Nelson) Director, Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh, is calling on all Guyana, whether Guyanese or non-Guyanese, and certainly the tourists in our midst to support the event.

“It is an affordable opportunity for families, for friends and for businesses to dine out,” Haralsingh said, adding: “Ordinarily, many people might not have the opportunity to go to some of these places, including the Marriott, where, on this occasion, you can have lunch menu for $2,000. Imagine that!”

Haralsingh said the GTA fully supports and endorses Restaurant Week, which has now been handed over to THAG. Noting that collaboration is the key in this partnership, he said GTA is playing an integral part in promoting the event.

HIVE OF ACTIVITY Meanwhile, participating restaurants are working energetically, putting systems in place for the

November 18 opening of the event.

THAG Executive Manager, Mr. Shaun McGrath, on a note of excitement at the prospect of bringing off a most successful Guyana Restaurants Week declared: “It’s our fourth venture, and every year it’s getting bigger and better. We want to continue that trend.”

He expressed satisfaction with the way restaurants have been adapting to new skills they’ve acquired and using them for the improvement of their services. “ We h a v e o b s e r v e d marked improvements in their service over the last year, such as bringing in new chefs to give guidance on the quality and presentation of dishes, the range of food among other things,” McGrath said, adding that there are also new and interesting offerings that they did not previously have.

And in order to boost competence and professionalism, starting November 15, the Authority will be

conducting training for waiters and waitresses in all restaurants.

Mc Grath said that in addition to the 18 restaurants in and around Georgetown that have already registered and confirmed participation, the Authority is also doing an outreach to get regional facilities to come on board, even though there appears to be some challenges.

Sharing information on how interested restaurants can come on board, McGrath said: “They can contact us at any stage; they don’t have be members of THAG.” He advised that persons can go to the Authority’s website: Guyana RestaurantWeek. com and access the page – ‘Register your Restaurant’ for more information as to the standard or criteria for admission.

Also on November 15, the Authority will be organising a customer service training session at Cara Lodge for waiters and waitresses of all the restaurants.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 5, 2016

PC receives $1M donation from President PRESIDENT David Granger has donated $1M to development of the President’s College science department, and has donated a laptop to the College’s Valedictorian, Camroul Hookumchand, who graduated from the sixth form

rich history and has managed to produce some of Guyana’s finest citizens.

The President told the graduates that they have completed one aspect of their lives, but their journey to greater things has now begun. He said that as teenagers and young

Valedictorian Camroul Hookumchand receiving his plaque and laptop from President Granger during the college’s 26th Annual Graduation Ceremony, held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre at Liliendaal, ECD on Thursday.

Addressing graduates at that ceremony, President Granger said: “You had some difficulties and I tried to speak with your Headmistress to resolve some of the issues from time to time.”

He said he remains committed to assisting the institution, which has a

adults, they would have had to surmount many challenges and distractions, but they persevered and have managed to complete their secondary education.

“In (spite of) these distractions, you have all been able to perform well,” the President said, as he explained that, fundamentally, he knows that each and every student has graduated with five standard skills: numeracy, communication, ICT, problem solving, and

co-operational skills.

“You also need values,” he advised, and attested that these values, which each student should carry throughout the rest of their lives, are: duty, discipline, identity, integrity and loyalty.

Also addressing the graduates was attorney-at-law and past student of the college, Latoya Roberts, who in her charge highlighted that President’s College students know better than anyone else that racism is a fallacy.

Roberts reminisced on her years at the college, and recalled that within the institution everyone acted like family, in spite of any differences. She recalled incidents of the girls in the dorms sharing their clothing and other items, and the boys and girls coming together to share a meal.

The Valedictorian of this graduating batch, Camroul Hookumchand, shared his experiences and highlighted that graduation was a bitter-sweet moment for them all.

This year, the college earned a 98.23% overall pass rate for CSEC, with top CSEC candidate Afeefah Wickam earning passes in 14 subjects.

For CAPE, valedictorian Camroul Hookumchand received passes in nine units.

Dismissed DTL workers picket MoTP DISMISSED workers of the Demerara Timbers Limited (DTL), along with officials of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), on Friday picketed the Ministry of the Presidency (MoTP) as calls intensify for Government to intervene and have their dismissals reversed.

Eleven workers were dismissed for picketing outside of DTL’s head office on October 3 in a call on the company to engage in bona fide bargaining with GAWU. The workers were fired the next day (October 4) after picketing for an increase in their wages and salaries.

Workers’ salaries were last increased in 2014, and bilateral negotiations between the union and the company reached a stalemate on November 17, 2015 after the company failed to approve any increase in wages and salaries for its workers; offering a Christmas Bonus of only $5,000 to each worker after informing them that the company’s financial state prevented it from offering an increase.

“This is the first time in history that an entity, private or public, has taken such a decision of such an incredulous nature,” a

GAWU statement said on Friday. GAWU has also said that DTL’s action is reflective of the company’s anti-worker and anti-union position, and can be likened to denying workers their right to picket peacefully.

“In seeking an amicable solution, our Union has sought the conciliatory services of the Ministry of Social Protection to address the dispute. Attempts to this end by the Ministry, however, have been strongly rebuffed by the Company, as it bluntly refused to attend any meeting summoned by the Ministry to address the matter,” the GAWU press statement said.

The Union says it deems DTL’s response to the Ministry of Social Protection’s efforts as nothing short of “blatant disrespect” for the Ministry and the aggrieved workers.

“Our Union strongly urges the Ministry (Government) to uphold its authority and, therefore, ensure that the foreign-owned Company respects the laws of our country as well as the established principles and conventions which are integral to the welfare of our working people,” the Union said in its statement.

Headmistress of President’s College, Carlyn Canterbury, receiving the $1M donation from President David Granger

Less smoke 16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 5, 2016

–– but respiratory illnesses in Linden remain

By Vanessa Braithwaite THE mining town of Linden, which is home to Guyana’s leading bauxite company Bosai Minerals Group Guyana (BMGG), is known far and wide for its captivating beauty.

Most of these can be deemed man-made creations as a result of 100 years of bauxite mining. These include the stripped bauxite overburden which now is admired as picturesque sandy and clay hills and the ever so enchanting ‘blue lakes’ which give that ‘Caribbean beach feeling’ to Lindeners

and tourists.

However, for decades, this beauty has been diminished by dust from bauxite which continues to plague the mining town.

A coloured, misty-like mixture of dust and smoke being discharged into the atmosphere from a towering metal chimney in the bauxite plant for over four decades, was by far a wider concern for the 80, 000 residents than the scenic beauty of the mining.

Dusty, gloomy, filthy and smokey were just some of the adjectives used to describe Linden’s environment, but

though patriotic Lindeners would be offended when those words were uttered by an outsider, any defence would come in denial as every Lindener knew that the dust situation was not only an eye sore, but an environmental and health hazard.

Prior to 2012, when the present bauxite company Bosai installed two dust collectors at a cost of U.S.$8M, Lindeners, especially those residing in communities in proximity to the bauxite-processing plant, could have all been categorised as smokers given the severity of polluted dust that they inhaled daily.

The smoke from the chimney discomforted residents decades, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Many residents, especially children, suffered terribly and are still experiencing the life-long effects of respiratory diseases such as chronic bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia and emphysema.

Some were forced to migrate from their hometown because of the dust pollution.

Among the lot that left was Candace Mingo, who suffered from severe asthma.

Candace is confident that the inhalation of bauxite dust resulted in her becoming asthmatic, as she had spent the first five years of her life living in Berbice. Her father, like many other Berbicians, had secured a job at the then Bauxite company Linmine and her family moved to Linden. It was then that she began suffering with the respiratory illness which worsened as she grew older.

She related that while in the town, she had at times believed that her time on earth was nearing its end.

“When my asthma raised, is only God does bring you through. My mother spent her last on medication and the intervals of the attacks got shorter and shorter… it was one solution -- to move out. When you wake up in the morning, you want to know if is fog you standing in, but is actually the dust, dust and smoke, dust and smoke,” Candace said, adding: “We all knew that it was the bauxite dust causing the asthma, but daddy just got the work at Linmine and he was the breadwinner for the family. It was a tough decision to move because the entire family’s bread was on the line, but daddy decided that the possibility is that he can get another job, but not another daughter, so we moved away from Linden.”

Now in her mid-20s, Candace said the disease may never go away completely as the bauxite dust had already created the damage, but her attacks are “once and far.”

Jameel Hector, a U.S. citizen, came to live with his aunt who resided in Linden in 2009. He was healthy as a lamb with no medical history of asthma. But months after he came to Linden, he began to experience breathing

Jameel Hector in hospital battling asthma problems and was soon diagnosed as asthmatic.

SERIOUS ATTACKS A year after Jameel began to experience a series of asthma attacks, some of which left him hospitalised. His aunt Joy James is of the opinion that it was the bauxite dust that was responsible for the disease.

“I know is the bauxite dust, because this child came here healthy, healthy and now is a set a breathing problem, whole minute you have to be running doctor and was an expense on your pocket, because not all the time the hospital had treatment and you had to buy,” Joy said.

The family made a decision for Jameel to return to the U.S. and he has received only one asthma attack since remigration.

Several other persons suffered a similar fate to that of Candace and Jameel and some even lost their lives battling chronic respiratory diseases.

Homes at West Watooka, Watooka, Silver City, Silver Town, Fairs Rust and Central Mackenzie were literally dust collectors; so were the Watooka Day Primary School and New Silver City Secondary School. Visiting most homes in these communities, one would spot from afar the dusty windows, most times adorned with the writing of a child in the home; the dust-laden stairway and the dirty drapes. The more they cleaned, the more the dust came.

HARSH REALITY Despite years of being exposed to this environmental and health hazard, residents were forced to

choose between the lesser of the two evils, that is, whether to live in a pollution-free environment or to have empty pockets.

Though Bosai and its predecessors were bashed for polluting the environment, and calls were made for the bauxite company to put systems in place to trap the dust, calls were never made for the discontinuation of bauxite mining.

If that had been done, many mouths would have been left hungry, many backs naked and many heads unsheltered. The bauxite company was always the main employer in the mining town, with an employment population of over 4000 at one time.

Currently, Bosai has in its employ close to 600 workers, most being men and breadwinners for their families.

These breadwinners and their families preferred the immediate gratification of having a meal today, than having one in the next 80 years, since their infected lungs would not have allowed them such a long life span. In addition to being given employment, Lindeners receive subsidised electricity.

THINGS CHANGED On July 13, 2012, Bosai installed the first of two dust collectors to kiln 14, a chimney through which the bauxite dust is emitted.

Months after another dust collector was installed on Kiln 13 and Lindeners no longer saw the thick line of smoke being emitted into the atmosphere as was seen for over four decades. It was a glorious day in the mining town of Linden. No more dust and no more See page 17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 5, 2016

Gov’t, NGO team up to battle HIV/AIDS THE Ministry of Public Health, in collaboration with Global Fund on Thursday signed a grant agreement awarding the Alpha and Omega Community Health Associates, and the Society Against Sexual Orientation and Discrimination (SASOD), $28M. The grant is expected to be used to help reduce HIV/ Aids in Regions Two, Three, Five and 10.

Minister within the Min-

istry of Education, Nicolette Henry, told media operatives at the signing that, “The Global Fund programme deals with Malaria, TB and HIV; however, this grant is specifically for HIV.” Over the next 14 months, extensive work will be done in the regions for infected and/or affected persons.

(NAPS) said that Global Fund has a number of implementing partners. Since the Cicatelli grant ended

in June 2016, they had advertised and after a review of five organisations, the two successful applicants were the Alpha and Omega Community Health Associates and SASOD, both Non- Governmental Organisations (NGOs). Dr. Karen Gordon-Boyle, Director of the Alpha and Omega Community Health Associates, said the NGO has, “Extensive experience working with key populations and

Registration of ‘CJ’ motorcycle series to begin soon THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is preparing to begin registration of motorcycles in the new series, ‘CJ’, as with just a few more motorcycles being registered, the current ‘CH’ series would draw to a close.

The GRA has said that a motorcycle registration series, like that of a motor vehicle, elapses after cycles registered by the Licence Revenue Office reaches the benchmark of nine thousand, nine hundred and ninety-nine (9999).

It also said that the current ‘CH’ series commenced in January 2014.

And in a statement, the

GRA has reminded motorists that registration of a new motorcycle attracts a $1000 fee, and the owner of the cycle is required to complete an application form for registration of the new motorcycle and produce a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), valid identification, original and copy of passport or National ID Card, an original invoice, overseas certification of registration or an original cancellation letter of registration of title issued by the relevant agency in the country of origin if it is a used or reconditioned motor vehicle. The owner of the

vehicle is also required to submit completed Customs Declaration C72 or C73 forms, and a title (providing information about the country of origin of the sale and all other information pertaining to the motor vehicle).

Motorists are additionally required to submit a tax exemption letter issued by the Tax Exemptions Processing and Verification Unit of the GRA, located at the GRA Headquarters at Camp Street, Georgetown.

If tax exemption is granted, a bill of lading and the vehicle must be presented for examination.

Less smoke ...

From page 16

smoke will permeate the town’s environment, or so persons thought. The dust collectors trap the dust, preventing it from being released into the atmosphere.

But residents living in proximity to Bosai’s processing plant are concerned that all the dust may not be trapped as there is still evidence of dusty windows and dusty clothes hung on the line. One resident in Fairs Rust, Jackey Bourne, said she still has to clean her home very often, since it quickly becomes dusty, but she noted that, “There is still evidence of dust being in the home and on your clothes, when you put on your white shirt to go to work, by the time you reach to work, it turns grey so I would not say the dust is completely being captured, but we must thank Bosai for installing the dust collectors because it was worst before,” Bourne said.

A Watooka Day School teacher told this publication that it is very difficult to have outdoor activities with the children, as there is always the issue of the dust affecting them.

A few months back, Councillors of the Regional Democratic Council moved a motion against Bosai’s dust-collecting system which they deemed as inefficient in trapping the majority of the micronised dust being released into the atmosphere during bauxite production.

The motion moved by veteran bauxite employee Charles Sampson and seconded

by Councillor Antonio Hackette asked for all relevant entities, including the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Public Health and the Environmental Protection Agency to ensure that the environment in the bauxite- mining communities is kept cleaner through regular inspection of the dust- collecting system.

Councillor Charles Sampson in his argument said that Bosai’s dust-collecting system is inadequate, as there is no dust collector on Kiln 10, which is the most important kiln with the lowest stock.

Bosai Technical Services Coordinator, Wainewright Betune, said it would not be feasible to install a dust collector on dryer 10 as the minimum moisture retained during production is five per cent.

He explained that the drying is producing almost the same results as the dust collectors and is used for 20 minutes to half an hour the most. Betune posited that the process is entirely different prior to when there was no dust collector and it would take close to U.S.$8M to install a dust collector on dryer 10.

“Why are you going to install something that is not working regular, the dryer just works as required, it’s not like kiln 13 and 14 that works all the time,” he argued.

Lindeners may never completely be free from the pollution of bauxite dust and smoke and may just have to accept the harsh reality of all the reasons behind the title, “the mining town of Linden.”

our methodology is that we engage NGOs from those regions.

That means that we are going to be able to reach them with HIV-prevention messages, HIV testing, anybody found positive will be enrolled in treatment centres.” Minister Henry sits as the chairperson for the country coordinating mechanism which manages the Global Fund. (GINA)

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Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry, along with Ava Marie Lindie of Alpha and Omega Community Health Associates sign the grant and Trevor Thomas, board member of Global Fund,looks on

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 5, 2016

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A healthy population drives a productive nation -towards better healthcare services in Guyana

GEORGETOWN, Guyana – (November 4, 2016): A HEALTHY population and strong health care systems are important for every country’s population, and are a key socio-economic indicator of national development. Providing

adequate health services to the population is therefore a paramount goal for the Government.

President David Granger has said that the provision of quality health services is ‘part and parcel’ of raising the quality of living for Guyanese

in pursuit of his administration’s goal of ‘the good life’.

But a country’s ability to provide quality health services for its people is dependent on many factors.

In May this year, at the See page 20

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 5, 2016

A healthy population ...

From page 19

launch of the “Health at 50 in Guyana” Progress Health Report of the Pan American Health Organisation and the Ministry of Public Health, President Granger said that while public health is the responsibility of the State, it is a matter that cannot be solved by the central government alone, as a healthy society must come as part of a combined effort of several stakeholders.

“Central government must work closely with the ten regional administrations, and the regional administrations, in turn, must work more closely with the municipalities and neighbourhood (democratic councils); and that is why Local Government Elections are so important -- to make sure that all of these elements are in place,” the President said.

To this end, the Ministry of Public Health (MPH) holds the primary responsibility for ensuring that quality health services are not only administered, but are accessible to Guyanese countrywide. Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton, has said that easy access to quality medical care is a constitutional right of the people.

Accordingly, there have been a number of recent improvements and additions in health care facilities and services throughout the country.

In Barima-Waini (Region One), plans are well underway for the construction of a $700 million regional hospital in Port Kaituma. This health facility is scheduled to be completed in December of this year.

The Bartica Hospital in Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region Seven) has recently been

transformed into a regional hospital, resulting in an overall improvement in the range and quality of services offered, and a 50 per cent reduction of referrals to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

During a visit to this facility in May, President Granger said that, with Bartica’s new township status, there must be a full list of services accessible to the people.

“No resident should have to leave his or her region in order to have access to the public services… I have been working together with the Minister of Communities to ensure that every region has a town, and that every capital town possesses all of those resources that residents of that region needs,” the President said.

Meanwhile, plans were

announced in August this year in regard to upgrading the Lethem Hospital in Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region Nine) into a regional institution. These and other initiatives aimed at decentralising health services among all the regions in Guyana are high on the Ministry’s list.

“The only way we can comply with achieving that constitutional right is by making [quality health care] accessible to all Guyanese…

(With) the idea of having that main referral institution at the GPHC, we must be able to offer a quality of healthcare where the diagnosis can be made there and the management of that diagnosis is available, and the persons must have access to it,” Minister Norton said.

The Minister explained that, in order to ensure that each area of health care is given adequate attention, the Ministry’s work is divided into seven core programmes, which are: General Administration, Disease Control, Family Health, Regional Health Services, Health Science Education, Standards and Technical Service, and Rehabilitation Services.

These programmes make up a holistic approach to the administration, monitoring, and improvement of national health care.

Among these programmes, specific issues take priority with regard to the Ministry’s focus. Maternal and Child Health is one such area, due to the need for reduction of maternal and child deaths. Within the Family Health programme, the Maternal and Child Health Unit holds the responsibility of ensuring that all family members obtain maximum health care, which is necessary for their growth and development.

Director of the Maternal and Child Health Unit, Dr. Ertenisa Hamilton, has said that while guidelines are in place with regard to all aspects of maternal and child health, the implementation of these is key. The Unit is focused on the training of all health care professionals at every level on the proper administration of health care services in this area.

Some of the core training

programmes, she said, are training doctors and community health care providers in Integrated Management of Childhood Illness, Obstetric Emergency Training and the “Helping Babies Breathe” training programme, implemented collaboratively with the Latter Day Saints Movement.

Other programmes aimed at improving Maternal and Child Health are an immunisation programme and the increase in postnatal visits to new mothers. “Guyana would have also benefited from a loan from the IDB, which will be coming on board shortly looking specifically at maternal and neonatal deaths. One of the biggest challenges has to do with hinterland areas; so, for that particular region, we are looking at a community approach. We need everyone to be their neighbour’s keeper, and to inform us, the health care provider, so we can make decisions and act early,” Dr. Hamilton said.

She also credited partnerships with organisations such as the Pan American Health Organisation and the United Nations Children Fund for many of the programmes that are being undertaken to ensure proper health care is administered to mothers and children countrywide.

Efforts towards ensuring quality healthcare for mothers and babies can also be seen in the recent expansion of the Maternity Ward at the GPHC. Acting Chief Executive Officer Dr. Sheikh Amir has said that the facility, which is mostly complete and will soon be commissioned, makes provision for a Neonatal Unit and an Emergency area for gynaecological patients, among other key health needs.

The central health institution for the country is the GPHC, which has many functions. First, it serves as the primary hospital for both the city and the Demerara-Mahaica Region. It also serves as the national referral hospital, as well as the national teaching facility for medical students.

Minister Norton has said the GPHC has come a long way with regard to the delivery of medical services, but

more work must be done in this regard.

Acting Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Sheikh Amir, has said the institution holds several partnerships with overseas organisations and universities, which aid in the administration of specialised health care services.

Added to infrastructural enhancements, these and other administrative factors aid in the overall improvement of the capacity and quality of service that the GPHC can provide to its patients, Dr. Amir has said.

The hospital has repeatedly come under scrutiny for its shortcomings, among which are the waiting time at its Accident and Emergency Unit. Dr. Amir has, however, said that the structure of the Unit provides for categorisations of incidents into cases that are immediate, urgent and non-urgent. This categorisation results in cases being treated according to priority.

But Minister Norton acknowledges that there are other issues that result in further shortcomings for the facility. “The in-patient facility is now offering less beds than what existed before. So while we have a new building that is not sufficient -- hence the situation we have now of patients waiting at the Accident and Emergency Unit and can’t find a bed -- that situation needs to be corrected,” he said.

The Minister has said that improvements to the GPHC must be looked at with consideration for the long term, and that attention must also be paid to the quality of work that is being done with regard to infrastructural works.

“I think that what we have there is a work half done. There (was) space and (there were) plans to extend, and we have to seriously look at (them)… It is good we recognise there are problems, and we are going to change it,” he said.

The Minister has said that the MPH is committed to ensuring that all areas which may not be up to required standards within the health sector are addressed, to ensure that all Guyanese are able to access adequate health services.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 5, 2016

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Trinidadian accused of ‘scamming’ two hotels T W E N T Y- E I G H TYEAR-OLD Trinidadian Anthony Nestor who is accused of defrauding two city hotels was Friday remanded to prison by Magistrate Judy Latchman.

Nestor, who resides in Kitty, Georgetown, while in Guyana was charged for two counts of incurring debts by false pretence

but strongly denied the allegations.

Particulars of the first charge allege that between April 1 and April 15 at Campbellville, Nestor incurred a debt of $206,824 at the Brandsville Hotel by pretending the he had a valid credit card to pay his expenses. He was further charged for incurring a debt of $66,898 at the

REMANDED Anthony Nestor

Opas Hotel, Campbellville, between August 15 and August 18 by pretending the he had a valid credit card to pay his expenses.

The defendant’s lawyer, Mr. James Bond, requested that his client be released on bail since he was supposed to get married on December 13 and his fiancée was pregnant.

The lawyer further not-

ed that Nestor was the registered owner of the Guyana School of Ethics which will be launched soon.

“My client had stayed at the Brandsville Hotel four times prior and there was never an issue for payment” Bond told the court.

However, police prosecutor Shawn Gonzales strongly opposed the accused being released on bail, since Nestor is not a Guyanese national and poses a possible flight risk.

The magistrate ruled in the prosecution’s favour and remanded the accused until November 18.

Anthony Nestor, the CEO of Trinidad-based company Nestor Enterprises Limited, back in May had launched the “Golden Jubilee Wine” in Guyana.

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

Camp Street ‘Cry-Baby’ released on bail AFTER almost two months on remand for a charge of motor vehicular theft, Michael Baptiste was on Friday finally released on $200,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

A tearful 33-year-old Baptiste was charged for the offence which occurred on August 5, 2016 at Sheriff Street,Campbellville, Georgetown.

Baptiste, in the company of another man, allegedly stole one Toyota Premio motorcar and transmission parts, totalling $5M, property of Mahendra Ramcharran.

Baptiste made his first court appearance on SepMichael Baptiste tember 12 and was remanded to prison after he pleaded not guilty to the charge.

At his previous court appearance before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, Baptiste pleaded with the court for his pre-trial liberty, since he was being assaulted by the other inmates.

“Your Worship them man cut me on my face and stabbed me on meh side,” the accused told the Chief Magistrate while showing his injuries to the court.

The man further said that the inmates would often be annoyed with him because of his loud cries and sobbing.

Police Prosecutor, Inspector Neville Jeffers, made no objection to bail being granted to Baptist, but with conditions attached.

The magistrate released Baptiste on $200,000 and transferred the matter to Night Court Magistrate Lesley Benjamin for November 8.

Baptiste’s co-accused Alvin Narine, 41, also of 66 Station Street, Kitty, Georgetown, was released on High Court bail.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 5, 2016

FIFA boss wields funding threat to make FAs put their houses in order

By Brian Homewood ZURICH,(Reuters)-Soccer’s governing body FIFA is cutting off cash to national football associations that fail to meet basic standards of transparency as its new boss works to clean up the sport after years of corruption scandals.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in an interview this week that the organisation was keeping a closer eye on its 211 member associations (FAs) to ensure they use funds properly and are not subject to political interference.

FIFA told Reuters that 23 FAs, more than 10 percent of the total, currently

have their funding blocked for failing to meet the requirements. It did not identify them or say when FIFA had cut off their money.

Infantino, elected in February to replace the disgraced Sepp Blatter, said FIFA had set up 11 regional offices around the world to keep a closer eye on the FAs. “I want to make sure we have systems in place where we can assist and monitor all associations on a regular basis so we are not taken by surprise by a given country,” he said.

Some of the requirements were very basic, such as producing audited financial statements, which he said

“seems obvious but didn’t happen in many countries.”

“If you want to be eligible (for funding) you need to be able to show your revenues, your costs, basic things.”

In more serious cases, FIFA can intervene or even suspend FAs. The world body took over the running of the Argentine FA in June after it became immersed in a financial and governance crisis, including a presidential election which ended in a 38-38 tie even though only 75 delegates had a vote.

Guatemala was suspended from international football last week after its members refused to cooperate with a FIFA-appointed committee,

set up after two top officials were among dozens of international soccer figures indicted last year in the United States for racketeering, money-laundering and bribery.

But Infantino said FAs often needed guidance rather than sanctions. “Rather than shooting at them, we need to sit with them, tell them to show us the books and (explain) how we can help.”

THIN LINE Many FAs around the world are plagued by infighting and administrative problems, even to the extent that they struggle to fulfil international fixtures.

In one case, a mix-up over

payments to a charter airline led to Nigeria’s team getting temporarily stranded in Atlanta and arriving at the Rio Olympics hours before their opening match kicked off.

Infantino said it was never easy to decide when to intervene and the dividing line was often thin, especially in some African countries where the FAs depend heavily on funds from their respective sports ministries.

During the interview, he was asked to comment on a photograph taken earlier this year of an African sports minister addressing the national side during a training session, a sight that would raise eyebrows

in Europe.

Did that constitute political interference?

“It depends on what he says,” he said. “If he is setting up (picking) the team, then that’s not (allowed), obviously. But, if he is wishing them good luck for the next game and motivating them, then it’s okay.”

Sometimes, the issue was clear-cut, however.

“There are situations that we cannot accept, especially when, after negative sporting results, a government or a ministry just kicks out a whole federation and appoints a (new) president,” he said. “Then we intervene.”

Jeffrey tipped to win 65-mile NSC first stage ---Hinds favoured for individual time trial second stage TEAM Coco’s Raynauth `Obeah Man’ Jeffrey is highly tipped to win today’s 65-mile first stage leg of the National Sports Commission’s sponsored Three-Stage Cycle Road race which wheels off at 07:00hrs from Carifesta Avenue.

Speaking with followers of the sport and supporters of individual cyclists’, Chronicle Sport has concluded that Jeffrey is the most favoured cyclist to win today’s first stage which starts on Carifes-

ta Avenue, proceed to Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, before returning to the place of origin for the finish.

The individuals that Chronicle Sport spoke with are also of the view that Team Evolution’s Orville Hinds will win the individual time trial which is a distance of 3.5 miles and commences at 15:00hrs from Carifesta Avenue and concludes at Plaisance, East Coast Demerara.

Based on their comments, they all observed that

Jeffrey, despite not being among the top performers on the local scene over the past two or three months, is still a very strong and tactical cyclist, who, once he gets the support from his Coco’s team-mates, will definitely `destroy’ the opposition, as the opposing team members will have their eyes set on Jamal John (Team Coco’s) who won two consecutive races, the last being the Digicel-sponsored `Breast Cancer Awareness’ 30-lap criterium around the outer

circuit of the National Park last Sunday and as such, the opposition will respond to every attack John launches and in the process, Jeffrey will be aided to stay with the peloton, giving him the advantage in terms of stamina leading to the final 150 metres.

The individual time trial will not just see the best sprinter emerging as champion, as the event is not a

sprint event, but one that calls for the three s’s – strength, stamina and speed – and here is where Hinds out classes his opponents, as he has all three S’s and the mere fact that each cyclist will have to journey for 3.5 miles against the heavy Atlantic breeze that will be pounding on their chests, Hinds stands out above the others.

Meanwhile, the threestage event will conclude

tomorrow with a 30-lap race around the outer circuit of the National Park beginning at 11:00hrs from outside the Guyana Defence Force, Camp Ayanganna compound, Irving Street entrance and will conclude at the place of origin.

A total prize package of $400,000 will be up for grabs and the entire event is open to seniors, juniors and veterans.

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 5, 2016

GUYANA FOOTBALL FEDERATION INC. (GFF)

Extra Time

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVES

I

Dear Readers,

am truly excited to welcome you to ExtraTime, a GFF Inc. production. This platform was conceived with you our fans, sponsors, stakeholders and players in mind.

The goal is to develop over time, a unique informative experience for every interest group throughout the Football family and beyond. The Executive Committee is committed to our stated goals of openness and transparency in the general conduct of our operations and will endeavour to communicate our programmes and plans in the coming years.

Guyana’s Football Development is on the verge of breaking new grounds and we want to bring you along this exciting ride. The vision of the Executive Commit-

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has always placed the capacity building of coaches and other technical personnel as a priority and therefore has conducted four (4) coach’s education programmes for the calendar year which benefited approximately seventy-two (72) coaches and Youth Development Officers as follows.

COACH’S TRAINING PROGRAMMES GFF D. LICENSE TRAINING PROGRAMME These two programmmes were conducted in February 2016 and catered to coaches in two Member Associations including the Berbice Football Association (BFA) and the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA). a)

Wayne Forde President-GFF

tee is anchored in Coaching Education, Youth Development and Infra-Structure Development. No doubt the challenges are many, but be assured of the resolve of the Executive Committee to lay a lasting foundation that will create a wholesome Football environment for consistent development on and off the field of play.

God Bless You All!

HOW TO JOIN A FOOTBALL CLUB: • • • •

TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT

Locate one in your area Fill a registration form Fulfil other requirements (as necessary) Attend training sessions

There was a combined total of thirty-five (35) participants in the two courses conducted; fourteen (14) and twenty-one (21) respectively. b) CONCACAF GOAL-KEEPING PROGRAMME This programme saw the participation of eighteen (18) persons from across the Member Associations and was held in Georgetown.

The three-day CONCACAF-facilitated goal keeping

Participants of CONCACAF D. License Course during field exercise coaches' course sought to Among the areas addressed and tactical defending in small build the capacity of the na- were: technical areas of coach- groups. tional goal keepers and was ing including methods and The programme was faheld from the 4th October, principals of coaching, shoot- cilitated by two CONCACAF 2016 at the National Resource ing and finishing, technical/ instructors – Marco Santillan Centre, Woolford Avenue, tactical crossing and heading, and Leonard Lake and had Georgetown. tactical attacking in small both classroom and field exgroups, physical preparation ercises.

It was facilitated by CONCACAF’s Instructor, Claine Plummer. c) CONCACAF D. LICENSE TRAINING PROGRAMME The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) wrapped up the CONCACAF D. License course with a participation of 19 coaches from both Elite Clubs and Member Associations of the GFF on Friday, 4th November, 2016.

The four-day course, which commenced on Tuesday, 1st November, was held at the National Resource Centre, Woolford Avenue from 08:00hrs – 17:00hrs daily.

UPCOMING ACTIVITY: •

Launch of Stag Elite League (Season 2) (See press for details)

NEXT EDITION: •

Friday, 11th November, 2016

GFF-NAMILCO THUNDERBOLT FLOUR POWER NATIONAL UNDER-17 TOURNAMENT

Since its launch in April 2016, the GFF-NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power National Under-17 Tournament continues to make strides and contribute to the ever-expanding pool of potential national players. These matches are played during the weekend in all Member Associations.

To date, a total of one hundred and ten (110) matches have been played with the highest number played in the Berbice Football Association (BFA), followed by Essequibo / Pomeroon Football Association (EPFA) and East Coast Demerara Football Association (EBFA) to round off the top three.

The objectives of the GFF-NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power National Under-17 Tournament are to: a) To provide clubs with an opportunity to play football throughout the year b) To develop the youth skills and abilities for local and international matches c) To create opportunities for the youth officers to scout players d) To give coaches an opportunity to work with youths and an invaluable chance to improve their craft

PRODUCED BY THE GUYANA FOOTBALL FEDERATION INC. (GFF) AND DESIGNED BY THE GUYANA CHRONICLE For further Information or should you have questions/comments , please contact: General Secretary Guyana Football Federation (GFF) 17 Dadanawa Street, Section “K” Campbelville, Georgetown TEL: +1 592 227 8758 ext. 102

FAX: +1 592 225 2096 e-mail: gff@networksgy.com WEBSITE: www.gffonline.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/GuyanaFootballFederationInc INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/guyana_football_federation_inc/ SOUNDCLOUD: https://soundcloud.com/guyana-football-federation-inc LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guyana-football-federation-inc

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 5, 2016

Australia collapse gives SA the edge ... Dale Steyn ruled out of the series

(REUTERS)-South Africa’s bowlers rallied magnificently after the loss of pace spearhead Dale Steyn before their batsmen pushed to an 102-run lead at the close on day two of the first Test against Australia yesterday.

Steyn left the field with a shoulder injury before lunch and was later ruled out of the series with a stress fracture in a hammer blow for the touring side.

But the remaining Proteas bowlers ripped out the hosts for 244 before tea before Dean Elgar (46 not out) and JP Duminy (36 not out) combined for an unbroken 59-run stand to steady the innings after two early wickets in the final session.

South Africa were 104 for two at stumps having fought back strongly after Australia had dominated the first day.

Vernon Philander took 4-56, teaming up brilliantly with debutant left-arm spin-

Dale Steyn clutches his right shoulder while walking off the field on the 2nd day in Perth. ner Keshav Maharaj (3-56) as Australia lost 10 wickets for 84 runs after resuming in the morning at 105 without loss.

“A few of us probably have to look at ourselves in the mirror and say why

did we play those shots?,” opening batsman David Warner said of a collapse that included four ducks.

Rising pace talent Kagiso Rabada took three wickets, with Steyn grabbing the first

of the day to deny Warner a century.

The Australian vice -captain and opener Shaun Marsh pushed Australia to 158 before Steyn had Warner caught in the slips for 97.

Steyn exited in his following over but it did little to break the Proteas’ focus, with Rabada bowling Usman Khawaja for four and Maharaj grabbing a memorable first wicket, trapping Steven Smith lbw for a duck as the captain skipped down the wicket.

Marsh was given out lbw in the final over before lunch and the rot continued after the break.

Bowling a tight line and length, Philander and Maharaj ratcheted up the pressure with three straight maidens before Mitchell Marsh succumbed for an eightball duck.

Adam Voges showed some resistance but Rabada caught a leading edge off his own bowling to dismiss

him for 27.

Mitchell Starc lasted only six balls before holing out for a duck off Maharaj, driving to South Africa captain Faf du Plessis at midwicket.

Wicketkeeper Peter Nevill managed 23 before Josh Hazlewood (4) and Nathan Lyon, the fourth duck of the innings, fell quickly to wrap up the Australian innings.

Shaun Marsh took a sharp

catch at midwicket to dismiss Stephen Cook for 12 off paceman Peter Siddle and Josh Hazlewood bowled Hashim Amla for one, having dismissed him for a duck in the first innings.

But Elgar and Duminy stood firm in the last hour to complete a fine day for South Africa and give the tourists hope of setting a big target on day three.D

SCOREBOARD

SOUTH AFRICA 1st innings 242 (Q. de Kock 84, T. Bavuma 51; M. Starc 4-71) Australia 1st innings (Overnight: 105-0) D. Warner c Amla b Steyn 97 S. Marsh lbw b Philander 63 U. Khawaja b Rabada 4 S. Smith lbw b Maharaj 0 A. Voges c&b Rabada 27 M. Marsh lbw b Philander 0 P. Nevill c Amla b Maharaj 23 M. Starc c du Plessis b Maharaj 0 P. Siddle not out 18 J. Hazlewood c Duminy b Philander

4 N. Lyon c Elgar b Philander 0 Extras (lb-3 nb-5) 8 Total (all out, 70.2 overs) 244 Fall of wickets: 1-158 D. Warner,2-167 U. Khawaja,3-168 S. Smith,4-181 S. Marsh,5-181 M. Marsh,6-202 A. Voges,7-203

M. Starc,8-232 P. Nevill,9-243 J. Hazlewood,10-244 N. Lyon Bowling: D. Steyn 12.4 - 3 - 51 – 1, V. Philander 19.2 - 2 - 56 - 4(nb-3), K. Rabada 20 - 1 - 78 - 2(nb-2,K. Maharaj 18.2 - 5 - 56 – 3.

SOUTH AFRICA 2nd innings S. Cook c S. Marsh b Siddle 12 D. Elgar not out 46 H. Amla b Hazlewood 1 J. Duminy not out 34 Extras (lb-5 nb-1 w-5) 11 Total (for 2 wickets, 40 overs) 104 Fall of wickets: 1-35 S. Cook,2-45 H. Amla To bat: F. du Plessis, T. Bavuma, Q. de Kock, V. Philander, D. Steyn, K. Rabada, K. Maharaj Bowling: M. Starc 9 - 4 - 18 – 0, J. Hazlewood 10 - 2 - 31 - 1(nb-1), P. Siddle 8 - 4 - 12 – 1, M. Marsh 4 - 1 - 11 - 0(w-1), N. Lyon 9 - 2 - 27 – 0.

No-one to blame for Hughes death, inquest reveals NOBODY was to blame for the death of Australian opener Phillip Hughes in 2014, says the coroner who led the inquest into his death.

Hughes died from a brain haemorrhage, two days after being hit on the neck while playing for South Australia in a first-class match in Sydney.

New South Wales coroner Michael Barnes did, however, make recommendations to ensure the sport was safer.

Cricket Australia said it would make the changes as soon as possible.

“We want to do everything possible to avoid this sort of thing happening again in the future,” chief James Sutherland told reporters in Perth.

Mr Barnes said there had

The inquest heard Phillip Hughes’ death was “inevitable” from the moment he was struck by a cricket ball.

been no “malicious intent” from New South Wales’ Sean Abbott, who bowled the fatal delivery at the Sydney Cricket Ground, and “no failure” to enforce the laws of the game in respect to the shortpitched deliveries.

“Of the 23 bouncers bowled that day, 20 were bowled to him,” he said.

“Phillip was comfortably dealing with short-pitch balls. I conclude they did not contribute to his death.

“Hughes was dealt a fatal ball with a high bounce. He could have ducked but such was his competitiveness he wanted to make runs from it.”

The coroner added: “A minuscule misjudgement or a slight error of execution caused him to miss the ball

which crashed into his neck with fatal consequences.”

During the five-day inquest, Hughes’ fellow Australia internationals Brad Haddin, Doug Bollinger and David Warner, who were playing for New South Wales, denied there was any element of unsportsmanlike behaviour in the match.

Those sentiments were echoed by Tom Cooper, who was batting alongside Hughes at the time of the incident.

Questions had been raised over whether one bowler told Hughes: “I’m going to kill you.”

Mr Barnes said while he could not be certain sledging verbal abuse designed to unsettle a batsman - had taken place, it was “difficult to accept” it had not, but it would not have played any part in Hughes’ death.

“Hopefully the focus on

this unsavoury aspect of the incident may cause those who claim to love the game to reflect whether the practice of sledging is worthy of its participants,” he added.

During the inquest, the Hughes family walked out of court because they believed unsportsmanlike play had contributed to the tragedy.

“The family’s grief at losing their much-loved son and brother was exacerbated by their belief that unfair play had contributed to his death,” Mr Barnes said.

The family were not at the court to hear the findings of the inquest.

Mr Sutherland said he did not believe sledging was an issue for cricket, but was mostly good natured and in the spirit of the game.”If it has become a problem, then I’d say the umpires are not doing their job,” he said. (BBC Sport)

Three charged in Reggae Boyz doctor’s murder case THE murder case of Young Reggae Boyz doctor Martin Garwood is moving along after the St Andrew North Police announced that three suspects in connection with the death had

been charged.

Garwood was found at his home in Barbican, St Andrew on October 26 with multiple stab wounds.

His Honda motorcar was missing at the time, but

was found in the vicinity of Queen Hill in Red Hills, St Andrew.

The three suspects, Ashanti Barrett, Che vanne Sterling, and a 17-year-old, were taken

into custody three days later, and were formally c h a r g e d l a s t We d n e s day.

Eighteen-year-old Barrett, otherwise called ‘Ash’ is of a Kenhill Drive, Kingston

19 address, the same as the 17-year-old, have both been charged with murder.

The third suspect, 21-year-old Sterling, otherwise called Chev of a Braeton, St Catherine

a d d re s s , w a s c h a r g e d with Misprision of a Felony.

A court date is expected for the three after committal proceedings.(Sportsmax.com)

36

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 5, 2016

GCB NSSCL 2016

Charlestown Secondary win South Zone … wins for Cummings Lodge and Vergenoegen

DEFENDING South Georgetown zone champions Charlestown Secondary crushed Lodge Secondary to lift the trophy for the second consecutive year on Thursday when the 2016 edition of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) National Secondary School Cricket League (NSSCL) continued.

Playing at the historic Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground, Charlestown won the toss and chose to bowl first. The Lodge batsmen struggled to 63 all out in 23.2 overs on a good batting pitch

and only Akeem Williams got to double figures scoring 14.

Raymond Bandhu’s impressive 5/12 was the main reason the Lodge batsmen struggled as he destroyed any hopes Lodge had of posting a challenging target. Jamal Michael also impressed with the ball claiming 3/10.

In reply, Charlestown made light work of their target as the two openers, Jamal Michael and Negusa Walters raced to 64 in 11.2 overs.

Michael struck a 39-ball 36

(4x4s), while Walters faced 16 balls for his unbeaten 12.

Meanwhile, at Enterprise, Cummings Lodge registered an easy victory over Institute of Professional Education (IPE). Batting first, Cummings Lodge racked up 162/7 in 20 overs with Andrew Samroo smashing 48 and Keshore Seepersaud scoring 41. Bowling for IPE, Ricardo Yorewood claimed 3/16 and Bradley Dundas took 3/24.

IPE in response couldn’t even get to three figures as they were dismissed for 94.

Charlestown Secondary captain Qumar Torrington receives the trophy from GCB representative Anthony D’Andrade.

Ricardo Yorewood showed his batting capabilities as he top-scored with 24. Ronald Basdeo was the bowler to do most of the damage as he bagged 4/33, while Davenand Khemraj supported well with 3/24 bowling for Cummings Lodge.

O v e r a t Tu s c h e n , Vergenoegen Secondary eased to a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Parika Salem Secondary. Parika Salem were dismissed for 127 off 21 overs batting first. Azim Mohamed topscored with 31. Vickram Mangra took 4/30 and Joel Gill claimed 2/22 bowling for Vergenoegen.

In reply, the Vergenoegen batsmen ensured their bowlers’ efforts didn’t go to waste as they completed their chase in just 13.3 overs for the loss of only three wickets. Joel Gill led the charge with 37 not out while Vickram Mangra supported well with 34. Azim Mohamed took two of the wickets to fall to finish with figures of 2/43 for Parika Salem.

The NSSCL will continue on Monday when Novar Secondary will take on Mahaicony Secondary at the Fairfield ground, Mahaica.

West Indies umpires gather for two-day workshop ST John’s, ANTIGUA - International Cricket Council (ICC) Umpire Coach, David Levans, will be the main presenter at a two-day workshop for the West Indies’ senior panel umpires and match referees.

The workshop, scheduled for November 6 & 7, is to prepare them for the upcoming Regional 4-Day (Digicel Regional 4-Day) and Super50 tournaments.

Levans will have the support of senior match officials to assist with presentations over the two-days.

Among the topics being covered, are match management, playing conditions and player behaviour. The workshop will also feature the recently updated ICC Code of Conduct.

Rawl Lewis, Umpires Coordinator from the WICB thinks the “investment in the development of the match officials and umpires is key to the overall cricket development in the region.” Lewis also noted that a workshop is hosted before every major tournament.

The participants will be 12 match referees and 12 umpires. This workshop is for the senior members.

Other workshops in the early part of next year will focus on the junior umpires.

Meanwhile, other West Indian umpires, Gregory Brathwaite (mentor umpire), Carl Tuckett and Jacqueline Williams are part of the match officials for the week-long, 18-match, World Cricket League now on in Los Angeles.

That tournament ends today. Brathwaite is conducting workshop sessions while in Los Angeles. Last year, Williams stood in her first first-class match, and last month again, stood in two matches in the West Indies versus India women’s series in Jamaica.

The six teams participating are Bermuda, Denmark, Italy, Jersey, Oman and the United States. The top two will be promoted to Division 3; while the bottom two are to be relegated.

West Indies currently has four international umpires. They are Joel Wilson, Gregory Brathwaite, Nigel Duguid and Leslie Reifer Jr.

DRS set for busy baptism on India’s turning pitches

By Sudipto Ganguly MUMBAI,(Reuters)-After years of resistance against the Decision Review System (DRS), the Indian cricket board has finally agreed to employ technology for the home Tests against England and if the tourists’ series in Bangladesh is anything to go by, it will get plenty of use.

In the opening match on a turning Chittagong track, Kumar Dharmasena witnessed 16 challenges to his decisions and after eight of them were overturned, the Sri Lankan had earned an unwanted record of the most reversed decisions in a single test.

Following that match last month, which saw a record 26 reviews in total, opinions were divided on whether DRS had improved decision-making and the impact it had on the morale of umpires, especially on the spin-friendly pitches in South Asia.

Ahead of the system’s

debut in a Test in India next week, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said referrals were always more likely on spinning tracks and that was why the review system was an essential tool for umpires.

Geoff Allardice, the ICC general manager for cricket operations at the governing

Umpire Kumar Dharmasena will continue to remain under scritiny

body, is a strong advocate for DRS, saying the system ensured more consistency in decision-making.

“Generally in DRS series, we deliver 97 to 98 percent correct decisions,” Allardice told reporters on a conference call.

“What that does is pro-

vide a consistency of correct decisions, whether the conditions are difficult for umpiring, or whether the umpire is having a good day or a bad day.

“With regards to the series in Bangladesh and the impact on the umpires, often DRS delivers its best result when the pitch is turning or seaming and umpiring is difficult.

“It’s quite a test for an umpire, because you can often be making good decisions that are later proven to be incorrect, you know, through getting a glove on a sweep shot that then lends to an lbw being overturned or something like that.”

The governing body takes into account the number of wrong decisions made while assessing the umpires, which probably puts them under more pressure.

Allardice said while umpires always preferred getting as many decisions right as they could, they were very

supportive of DRS and their reaction to the immediate feedback provided by the technology was crucial for the job.

“Being able to process feedback about your decisions, and then try to either use it to improve your decision-making, or to not let it affect your decision-making, is the thing that determines an elite umpire from the next level down,” he added.

“Generally umpires are like players: They have very good matches and they have an odd match where they don’t perform up to their normal standards.

“The thing that we are interested in is how they bounce back... if things aren’t going their way.”

INDIA ON BOARD The influential Indian board (BCCI) has long been a staunch opponent of the review system, which aims to reduce umpiring howlers by detecting edges and predicting the ball trajectory

to ensure correct catch and leg-before wicket (lbw) decisions.

But in a triumph for the ICC, the BCCI said it would use the review system on a trial basis to assess improvements made to the technology after having refused to allow its use in any bilateral series involving its test team in the past.

The BCCI had previously objected to the use of ball-tracking technology, in which a third umpire goes through a number of processes to determine if the on-field officials were correct, saying it was not reliable enough.

It will mean that Dharmasena, who will be an onfield umpire in the opening two Tests of the five-match series against England, will continue to remain under scrutiny.

UNIFORM TECHNOLOGY DRS, in its current form, has no uniformity

on the use of technology across the globe. While ball-tracking technology is mandatory, sound and heat-based edge detection systems are only used in some countries.

A fixed review system, where the same type of technology is used in every match, is the next goal for the ICC. “I do look at matches in different parts of the world and I see the different levels of technology,” Allardice added.

“You sometimes see umpires left without conclusive evidence in one series, where in another series, they might have that conclusive evidence with more tools available.

“There are some logistical challenges, as well, about having every type of technology at every match but overall, I think we should be striving for a more consistent delivery of technology across all international matches.”

37

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 5, 2016

Legend Lance Gibbs praises Bishoo performance

LANCE Gibbs, legendary West Indies off-spinner, has praised Devendra Bishoo on his performance in the just-concluded Test series defeat against Pakistan and is encouraging him and other upcoming spinners to seek out former player’s knowledge on the art of spin bowling.

Bishoo’s series haul of 18 wickets at an average of 27 was the most wickets for a West Indies spinner in a series since Gibbs took 21 in India in 1974.

Other notable records Bishoo broke during his first Test spell of 8 for 49 were the best figures by a West Indian bowler overseas, the best figures by a West Indies bowler this century and alongside Gibbs (1962 vs India), Alf Valentine (1950 vs England) and Jack Noreiga (1971 vs India), and he also became one of the only West Indies spinners to have taken eight wickets or more in a Test innings.

That haul was also the second time in the last year that Bishoo has produced a top-class figures in a losing

Devendra Bishoo’s series haul of 18 wickets at an average of 27 was the most wickets for a West Indies spinner in a series since Lance Gibbs took 21 in India in 1974. cause, following his 6 for 80 me as one of the few West versus Australia in Dominica. Indies spinners to take eight “Bishoo has always been wickets in a Test innings”, a talent, so I’m proud to said the 80 year-old Gibbs see him producing such a speaking from his residence series performance which in Miami, on Thursday..

“Traditionally, spinners justifies his ability to join

start peaking as they approach 30 and I remember speaking to him last year when he was having some problem with his bowling fingers, when I gave him the remedy to the problem I got from Richie Benaud.

“Since then he seems to be fine because he has bowled closed to 40 overs in a few Test matches,” Gibbs added.

For much of the last decade during the West Indies decline, spin bowlers generally are the leading wicket-takers in West Indies domestic cricket - but only Bishoo, Sunil Narine and Shane Shillingford (before he was called for chucking) have had an impact at international level.

“The wickets in domestic cricket are too under-prepared and spinners are made to look better than they are” stated Gibbs who was once Test cricket’s leading wicket-taker with 309 scalps in 79 games, when he retired in 1976.

Gibbs reasoned that since the current fast bowlers have not been of the standard of past West In-

dian greats, that Bishoo and Sunil Narine should be playing more Tests together and rekindle the great West Indies’ spin bowling partnership of the 1950s and 1960s that Gibbs had with Valentine and Sonny Ramadhin.

Bishoo and Narine were ICC Emerging Players of the Year in 2011 and 2012 respectively - but yet have only played one game together for the West Indies, which was a Twenty20 International in Sri Lanka, in 2015.

“They (Bishoo and Narine) have been the team’s most destructive bowlers when in form in recent years and the selectors have to answer the question why they don’t play more together across the formats.

“Having been part of a great spin bowling partnership with Valentine and Ramadhin early in my career and it would be great to see that replicated with Bishoo and Narine today.

“I have been through the mill and believe I have sufficient knowledge to share with any young spinner in Caribbean - along with the other

great batsman like Sir Gary Sobers, Sir Viv Richards, Rohan Kanhai, Everton Weekes etc who are alive today.

“When I played and toured India, I would talk to fellow established off-spinners such as Ghulam Ahmed (India, deceased), Ian Johnson (Australia) and Ray Illingworth and David Allen (England).

“Sir Frank Worrell would tell me to leave Ian Johnson alone”, Gibbs recounted humorously.

“I did this because I wanted to perfect my craft when I went on to the field and it aided me. When Australia toured the Caribbean in 2012, Nathan Lyon asked me for advice and one time Omari Banks came to home in Miami for guidance.

“So if the media and overseas players can contact me, I encourage the current players to seek out our knowledge because we are always willing to pass on what we know. In Bishoo’s case, since he is from Guyana just like me, I’d probably help him more,” he concluded. (Cric Buzz article)

Toure apologises to Man City Pacquiao takes political time for ‘misunderstandings’ out to to challenge Vargas (REUTERS)-Midfielder Yaya Toure has apologised to Manchester City for “misunderstandings” that resulted in him being frozen out of manager Pep Guardiola’s team, but his agent Dimitri Seluk ruled out a similar move on his part.

Yaya Toure “I’m not apologising,” Seluk told talkSPORT on Friday. “Apologise for what?

“Maybe Toure has apologised for this, but I don’t know for what. I think Yaya doesn’t mean this. He wants peace between him and Guardiola,” added the Ukrainian.

Guardiola has refused to pick the 33-year-old Ivory

Coast player until he receives an apology from Seluk, who criticised the manager’s decision to leave Toure out of City’s Champions League squad.

“I wish to apologise - on behalf of myself and those who represent me - to the management team and all those working at the club for the misunderstandings from the past,” Toure, fourtimes African Footballer of the Year, said in a statement.

City have not missed the Ivorian, with the club leading the Premier League on goal difference and beating Barcelona on Tuesday in the Champions League group stages.

They play Middlesbrough at home today..

“Those statements do not represent my views on the club or the people who work there. I have nothing but respect for Manchester City and only wish the best for the football club.

“I am immensely proud

to have played a part in the club’s history and want to help City succeed further.

I live to play football and entertain the fans.”

Toure was a mainstay of City’s midfield since joining from Guardiola’s Barcelona in 2010 but has played just once this season, the second leg of a Champions League playoff tie against Steaua Bucharest when City had a 5-0 lead from the first game.

Guardiola acknowledged Toure’s apology but indicated the player could not expect a speedy recall and was likely to remain on the fringe.

“I spoke with Yaya this morning. It was private and of course I read what he wrote and that’s all. Of course, it’s good news for Manchester City, that’s the most important thing and for Yaya as well,” said the Spaniard.

“Yaya is in our meetings and our training sessions.

You know the situation, nothing changed.”

(REUTERS)-Senator Manny Pacquiao takes a brief break from politics to challenge Jessie Vargas for the WBO welterweight title at the Thomas & Mack Centre in Las Vegas today.

After claiming a unanimous decision over Tim Bradley in their rubber match in April, Pacquiao said he was heading into retirement from boxing and focusing on his political career.

Pacquiao, 37, won his May election to the senate in the Philippines but decided on another challenge in the ring and found it against Vargas, who is 10 years younger and enjoys a 4 1/2 inch height advantage and 4-inch advantage in reach.

Boxing’s only eight-division world champion, Senator Pacquiao (58-6-2) is vying to become a three-time WBO welterweight champion.

“I feel I still have a lot to prove. I am not done with boxing. I will continue to keep fighting as long as I love boxing and boxing still loves me,” Pacquiao said during the run-up to the bout. “I do not feel old.

“I am fighting for history.

Manny Pacquiao and Jessie Vargas I was the first sitting congress- I was averaging 14-hour man to win a world title. I want workdays.”

Vargas is making the first to be the first senator to become defence of the title he won world champion.”

Pacquiao believes he is in March with a ninth-round ready despite his divided stoppage of fellow American Sadam Ali and believes beating focus.

“It took discipline to man- boxing legend Pacquiao would age my time effectively ... to put him on another level.

“It would definitely put me balance my training camp and my senatorial duties,” Pacquiao on the world-wide stage, make said. “Every day I was able to me that boxing star that I have been looking forward to being,” get in all my training.

“I ran every morning said Vargas (27-1).

“The only fighters to beat and did my strength and conditioning. I worked with Manny Pacquiao have beFreddie (trainer Roach) ev- come legends themselves. So I ery evening at the gym after plan to become one of the few work. Between the two ‘jobs’ to beat Manny Pacquiao.”

38

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 5, 2016

Six pulsating matches highlight latest play in GTT National Indoor Hockey Championship ACTION in the GTT National Indoor Hockey Championship continued on Friday evening at the National Gymnasium with six pulsating matches.

The second-division teams kicked things off and GCC Pitbulls clashed with Saints. An exciting first half it was as the score was tied 1-1 before the half-time buzzer.

Both teams made very strong attempts to score again, but to no avail. In the last half however, Trevon Smith of GCC decided that enough was enough and scored two goals two minutes apart, giving his team the lead they needed to win the match. Saints scored nothing in the second half and critics say that the disappointment on their manager’s face was cringe-worthy.

The ladies took to the floor in the second match as Pizza Hut’s GCC vied against Old Fort Lady Bugs. Old Fort did not stand a chance, as GCC showed why they deserve the number one spot.

At the half, GCC led the Lady Bugs 4-0 and it seemed to many spectators that there was no revival in sight for Old Fort. Those spectators were correct as GCC added four more goals in the second half. The Lady Bugs managed to score just one, but it was surely in vain.

Sonia Jardine led the scoreboard with two goals and she also initiated GCC’s attack to victory. Evaluation should be the Lady Bugs’ plan now.

In the third match of the evening second-division

Photo name: Hockey Caption: Photo 2: GCC’s Eric Hing scores the opening goal

GCC’s Eric Hing scores the opening goal teams Phoenix and Saints Dominique De Groot of tie and the ladies came out went up against each other. the Spartans levelled the even stronger in the second There was no rising from score. half. Dominique De Groot the ashes as the Phoenix The first half ended in a continued her scoring streak were pummelled 6-0 at the final buzzer. Yonnick Peters and Parmanand Dindial played their hearts out as they scored two goals apiece to seal Phoenix’s demise. The second half saw (REUTERS)-Novak Djokovmore action than the first, ic was dumped out of the but it did not take away Paris Masters in straight sets from the sheer skill that

by Marin Cilic yesterday, was showcased by Saints. opening the door for Andy The ladies graced us Murray to end the Serb’s with their presence again two-year stranglehold on the as the fourth match saw world number one ranking.

GCC Spartans take on Djokovic, chasing a fifth Woodpecker Hikers. It title in Paris, slumped to his was a duel to the end as first defeat by big-serving Novak Djokovic both teams came preCroat Cilic in 15 matches as pared to shed blood, today and deserved to win. I he went down 6-4 7-6(2). sweat and tears to seThe defeat means Mur- wasn’t at the level I could have cure a win. Tekeisha De ray, who ousted Czech To- been,” said Djokovic.

“I was in a good position to Leon of the Hikers made mas Berdych 7-6(9) 7-5, the first goal of the game need only win his semi-final take the match into the third set but at the 10th minute, but against Canadian Milos Ra- hit two double faults. In important just five minutes later onic to bring to an end the moments I wasn’t able to deliver.”

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday November 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) Conrad Hunte & Leonard Baichan (2) 124 Tests; 23 centuries Today’s Quiz: (1) What was the result of the recent WI/PAK Test series?

(2) Who was declared Man of the Series at the end of the just-concluded WI/PAK Test contest?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

with a goal at the beginning of the second half but Latacia Chung of the Hikers responded 10 minutes later with a stunning field. Though there were great efforts the final buzzer sounded with a tied score of 2-2. This just proves that there will be no easy passes in this competition regardless of gender.

Game number five brought out the Veterans as the Hikers fought GCC Vintage. The Vintage team showed us all why there is no substitute for experience as they beat the Hikers 6-0 at the end of play. Dwayne Scott and Devin Hooper scored two goals each and they made it look easy.

The goalie of the Hikers was not ready, it seemed, for what GCC Vintage had to offer and the Hikers suffered greatly. This will certainly make for some interesting

leaderboard commentary.

The final match of the evening saw first-division teams GCC Bounty and Old Fort Ravers go head to head in a game that had viewers on the edges of their seats. The final score was 4-3 in favour of the Ravers but it was a hardfought battle.

GCC Bounty had no intentions of succumbing but ultimately it was Stefon Sprosta of the Ravers who confirmed their win with a field goal in the penultimate minute of play. Kevin Spencer of GCC Bounty added two goals to his team’s tally but they were just shy of the victory. A great match filled with entertainment and a great way to end the night’s proceedings.

Games continued last evening with the semi-finals set for tonight.

Djokovic defeat sets up Murray to go to No. 1 two match points at 6-5 in the second set, the latter with a superb forehand cross court, but was soon facing a losing battle in the tiebreak.

Cilic, who on Thursday clinched his spot in the World Tour Finals in London later this month, raced into a 5-2 lead before a huge serve set up four more match points.

He was soon celebrating after swiping away a mid-court forehand to claim victory in one hour 45 minutes.

MUCH RESPECT Asked about Murray replacing him as number one, Djokovic, who needed to Djokovic said: “He’s definiteSerb’s reign as number one that started in July 2014. reach the final to guarantee ly a player who deserves that.

He definitely played better keeping Murray at bay, saved To see how he has raised his

level in the last 12 months is quite extraordinary.

“We have known each other since very, very early days.

We were I think 11 years old when we first played against each other -- much respect for what he has done.”

Murray came through an exciting encounter with seventh seed Berdych.

The Scot saved five set points, and seven in all, after going 6-1 down in a captivating 16-minute tiebreak that he eventually took 11-9 with a forehand crosscourt winner.

Berdych, realising he had missed a golden opportunity, had his serve broken in the opening game of the second set.

Ming’s Optical sponsors cycling prodigy MING’s Optical on Thursday made a timely contribution to cyclist Zaman Khan ahead of this weekend’s Flying Aces Cycle Club event.

Sponsorship for the upcoming cycling races was handed over by Dr Michele Ming of Ming’s Optical to Khan, who attends Port Mourant Secondary School.

At just 15 years old, he is the current national champion in the Juvenile Category.

He has also represented Guyana in the Caribbean.

Looking on is Mr Randolph Roberts who is the national coach and Vice-President of the Flying Ace Cycle Club.

The action starts at the Welfare Ground, East Canje, Left to right is Dr Michele Ming,Optometrist; Mr. Randolph Roberts, national coach and Berbice, at noon on Sunday, 13th November.

Zaman Khan,Juvenile National Champion

39

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday November 5, 2016

Baker hits century for Regal Masters as Guyana Softball Cup 6 bowls off THE official start to the Guyana Softball Cup 6 cricket competition got underway yesterday at various cricket grounds around Georgetown.

The Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) is hosting the tournament and delivering on its promise for exciting action with over 15 games played on day one.

In the Masters category, the GFSCA team opened the day in fine form, dismissing the Tri State Masters of New York for 96 in 15 overs. GFSCA then raced to 98 for the loss of one wicket in less than 8 overs.

The second game of the day saw Albion Masters scoring 206 runs for 8 wickets in their 20 overs and then restricting the OMSC of Toronto to 116-6 from their 20 overs.

The Florida Guyana Hope team suffered their first loss at the hands of the Savage Legends who restricted the Florida side to 163-6 in 20 overs. The Legends would then score 169 runs for 3 wickets in only 13 overs for the victory.

Following up their fine form was the GFSCA who chased down the 175-5 run total set by Savage Legends in both of the teams’ second game. GFSCA took 17.4 overs to score 177-4 to clench their

Action between GFSCA and Savage Legends (Samuel Maughn photo) victory.

In the next game however, the Parika Defenders could not chase down the 183-4 run total of Regal Masters. The Defenders fell short by 6 runs, finishing with 178-4 from their 20 overs.

The Regal Masters also continued their dominance chasing down Tri State Masters of New York 131-6 run total in 8 overs without losing a wicket. Randolph Baker was in fine form with an unbeaten 108.

Action then switched to the Open category and saw much higher run totals with the first game starting with Success XI obliterating Corriverton.

Excellent stroke play and poise in the middle saw the Success side scoring 201-6 in

their 20 overs. Their bowling attack followed up the batting performance, dismissing the Corriverton side for 107.

Corriverton would then suffer a second loss in a dominating performance by Speed Boat who scored 209 all out in their 20 overs. Corriverton was once again bowled out, this time for 111 in 16 overs.

Wellman triumphed over Herstelling in a low-scoring game, tallying 142 all out in 17.2 overs, however their bowlers struck early and consistently and led to the Herstelling side being bowled out for 84 in 16.2 overs.

The Parika Warriors, despite being bowled out for 118 in their 20 overs, returned the favour bowling out Albion for

Long jump Bolt’s next challenge

OILYMPIC great Usain Bolt may consider tackling the long jump as part of his involvement in the new Nitro Athletics series.

Bolt has been unveiled as the star attraction of the experimental competition, which will see six teams, consisting of 24 athletes each, contest a mix of track and field events in Melbourne in February, with a hurdles relay among the proposed non-traditional features.

Speaking at a news conference to announce the concept, Athletics Australia director John Steffensen, a 4x400 metre silver medal winner at the Athens Olympics in 2004, tried to tempt the Jamaican superstar to move outside of his comfort zone.

Steffensen said: “So are you trying to tell me

Usain Bolt if your team say: ‘Usain, We need you to do the long jump. Can you do the long jump?’ Are you going to long jump?”

And Bolt, a nine-time Olympic gold medal winner across the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay, indicated he might well take up the suggestion in his capacity as a captain-coach.

“I’m a team player you guys, I’m a team player, John. I’m a team player,

I’m about winning,” he said.

“That would be cool because as I said, it’s a team event and I can do what I want and it will be fun.

“I think I’m at that point in my career where I don’t have to stress too much about “if” I do long jump because my coaches don’t want me to do it, but now I actually can. So it will be fun to do different things.”(Sportsmax.com)

108 to secure the win.

Regal Masters continued the form the Masters’ team displayed and registered their first win in the Open category with a close win over Ariel.

The Ariel side had to chase down 161 runs but fell short

after losing all their wickets for 156 in 18.4 overs.

Speedboat also registered a close win over Herstelling after being restricted for 128-4 from their 20 overs. The Herstelling side however did not have enough steam to push them

over the ropes, falling short by 3 runs with a score of 126-9 in their 20 overs.

Albion redeemed themselves with a win over Ariel after bowling them out for 129 in 19.4 overs and making 130-8 in 17.2 overs.

Once again, Regal Masters proved to the rest of the competition that they are a force to be reckoned with, dismissing Parika for 89 after scoring only 163 all out in 19 overs.

Meanwhile, New York Enforcers cruised to victory over Wellman after making 196-5 in their 20 overs. Their bowlers then restricted the Wellman side for 139-9 in their 20 overs.

Today, the semi-finals will be played and persons interested in viewing the action can do so at Eve Leary Ground, DCC, Malteenoes or the Gandhi Youth Organisation Ground. Games start from 09:00hrs.

New faces in T&T Red Force squad WEST Indies Under-19 World Cup winner, Jyd Goolie and left-arm spinner Khary Pierre have been named in the T&T Red Force team for the first two matches of the Digicel Regional 4-Day tournament which bowls off next Friday.

The pair, along with all-rounder Roshon Primus, were the only uncapped players in the 13-man squad that will open its campaign against the Windward Islands Volcanoes on November 11 in a day/night match at the Queen’s Park Oval, from 3 p.m. The Red Force will then play arch rivals Barbados Pride in Round Two of the tournament at the same venue, starting on November 18.

Goolie has been consistent with the bat throughout the trials, stroking an unbeaten 107 to force his way into the Red Force team.

The batting all-rounder was scheduled to attend the Darren Lehmann Academy in Australia this month, but will be involved in the 4-Day tournament instead.

Meanwhile, Yannick Ottley will continue as captain. The batting all-rounder led the Red Force in a couple matches last season when the T&T franchise finished fourth in the six-team standings.

Jyd Goolie Ottley also captained teams at every trial match this season.

West Indies A team players Jason Mohammed, Kyle Hope and Jon Russ Jaggesar will also be in the mix, while Rayad Emrit and Evin Lewis will be unavailable for selection.

Head coach Gus Logie is also satisfied with his team’s preparation for the 4-Day tournament, saying that his charges are fitter and hungry for success this season.

“Our preparation has taken into consideration all aspects of the game. We looked at our fitness levels and we worked on improving that, discussed our teams goals and mental strength,” said

Logie.

“At the end of the day, we discussed our expectations of each other and improving our skill level. We have done a lot of work in the nets and unfortunately the pitch at the National Cricket Centre is under reconstruction so we were unable to have enough middle practice as we would want to, but the nets were available to us and we had a few practice games.

“The players have been going through various cross-training. We have been doing swimming, playing table-tennis and doing everything possible to get our minds right for the season,” Logie added.

RED FORCE SQUAD: Jeremy Solozano (Queen’s Park), Kyle Hope (Pickwick CC & FC Clarke Road), Yannic Cariah (Queen’s Park), Jason Mohammed (PowerGen), Yannic Ottley – Captain (FC Clarke Road), Jyd Goolie (FC Clarke Road), Steven Katwaroo (Alescon Comets), Imran Khan (Alescon Comets), Roshon Primus (Wanderers & Alescon Comets), Marlon Richards (Merry Boys), Khary Pierre (Queen’s Park), Jon Russ Jaggesar (Caldrac Club), Sheldon Cottrell.

(Trinidad Express article)

Baker hits century for Regal Masters as Guyana Softball Cup 6 bowls off (See Story on page 39 )

Brathwaite breaks into ICC top20after 3rd Test heroics

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, (CMC) – Opener Kraigg Brathwaite’s monumental performance in the third Test against Pakistan has seen him vault into the top 20 of the International Cricket Council(ICC) Test player rankings.

The 23-year-old righthander jumped 13 places to a career-best 19th spot in the latest batting rankings released yesterday, to be the only West Indies batsman in the top 20.

Brathwaite became the first opener to remain undefeated in both innings in a Test with 142 and 60 respectively, as West Indies beat Pakistan by five wickets in Sharjah for their only victory of the limited overs and Test series.

The Windies vice-captain was joined by wicketkeeper batsman Shane Dowrich who moved up 27 spots to a career-best 58th, following his outstanding performance in both innings Dowrich made 47 in the first innings and an unbeaten

60 in the second and it was his aggressive batting as part of an 87-run, unbroken sixth wicket partnership which saw West Indies complete a successful run chase early on the final day.

Roston Chase, who scored a half-century in the first innings, has risen four places to 82nd in the rankings.

Australian Steve Smith, meanwhile, remains on top the batting rankings with South African Hashim Amla and New Zealander Kane Williamson moving up one place each, to second and third respectively.

West Indies opener Kraigg Brathwaite receives his man of the match award on day five of the third Test between Pakistan and West Indies. Brathwaite became the first opener to remain undefeated in both innings in a Test with 142 and 60 respectively.` (Photo by Chris Whiteoak/Getty Images)

FIFA boss wields funding threat to make FAs put their houses in order

In the bowling rankings, leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo has also enjoyed a measure of success, jumping seven places to a career-best 29th spot after taking seven wickets in the third Test.

His captain Jason Holder also tasted upward movement, leaping 12 spots to 47th following his maiden five-wicket haul in the second innings in Sharjah.

The top three in the rankings remain unchanged, with off-spinner Ravi Ashwin topping the pile with South African Dale Steyn second and Englishman James Anderson third.

Jeffrey tipped to win 65-mile NSC first stage ---Hinds favoured for individual time trial second stage (See Story on page 33 )

(See Story on page 33 )

FIFA President Gianni Infantino Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

Raynauth `Obeah Man’ Jeffrey SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2016