Guyana_Chronicle E-Paper 06 09 2016

No free loans No. 104666

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2016

Price: $80

(Vat Inclusive)

… gov’t introduces new requirements for UG students

Page 3

Guyanese celebrate in New York Hundreds of Guyanese joined their West Indian counterparts and converged on the Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, New York as the annual West Indian Day Parade kicked off around midday on Labour Day in the United States of America. Several officials of the State of New York, including Mayor Bill De Blasio, joined in the festivities as the crowds built up to a sizable number during the celebrations (Alva Solomon photo)

Prince Harry 9 to visit Guyana

Page

Shanti Singh 11 resigns as NAPS head

Page

Bar owner on sex 11 trafficking charges Page

5 GPSU writes gov’t on pay hike rejection Page

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Aunt treated niece like a slave - must pay almost $1 million as compensation

“I FELT like a slave.” Those were the words uttered by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan as she read the testimony of a 16-year-old girl who was trafficked by her aunt, Joyce Lawrence, for labour exploitation.

Magistrate McLennan on Monday found 43-year-old Lawrence guilty of trafficking her underage niece between December 12 and 14, 2014 at Samatta Point, Grove, East Bank Demerara by means of threat.

The businesswoman was also found guilty of unlawfully withholding the teen’s identification card between December 1 and December 28, 2014, at Samatta Point, while being the employer of the young lady.

The underage teen had worked with her aunt at Makawau night club in Aishalton in 2014, but was transported to Georgetown to work to repay a debt after the teen had reportedly stolen the women’s money.

The aunt had made an agreement with the teen’s parents which involved the teen working for one year for $30,000 per month, from which $15,000 would be deducted to repay the debt.

The magistrate deemed the woman’s actions as ‘modern day slavery’ during her summing up of evidence, as she explained that, from the victim’s testimony, she was taken to Lawrence’s Samatta Point home and forced into cleaning the home, preparing meals for the family, and taking care of the woman’s children.

The teen’s testimony revealed that, upon arrival at her aunt’s home, she had her ID card taken away and was told by

her aunt: “You don’t try nothing and get away, cause if ya try anything I’ll take you to the police.”

During the period at her aunt, she was impregnated; and when the aunt found out, the teen was beaten and taunted. On November 26, 2015 the baby was born and the teen continued to work for her aunt.

The magistrate ruled that Lawrence, under cross-examination, failed to say how much money was owed, or how much money was being paid. Also, she admitted to trafficking the teen from Aishalton to her home.

McLennan explained to the court that, based upon the evidence, the teen was compelled and forced into ‘debt bondage.’

“The victim was merely a child and was forced to take on duties as if she was an adult” the Chief Magistrate told the court during her ruling.

Nevertheless, after his client was found guilty, Lawrence’s attorney, Euclin Gomes, begged the magistrate to be merciful and give his client a suspended sentence.

Prosecutor Inspector Neville Jeffers explained that the victim, while in protective custody for the past eight months, had racked up a bill of $616,000 for accommodation, food, clothing, and other stuff for herself and the baby.

The magistrate fined the businesswoman $50,000 or eight weeks’ imprisonment for withholding the teen’s ID card, and ordered her to give the teen $884,000 before September 30, or serve one year in prison.

This money covers loss of income, emotional distress, transport back to Aishalton, and temporary housing.

Joyce Lawrence.

Medgar Evers College pledges to ‘work closely’ with UG SENIOR officials of both the University of Guyana (UG) and the Medgar Evers College of New York met last week and vowed to work closely with each other on enhancing the operation of the local institution.

That meeting took place in New York, where UG Registrar Dr Nigel Gravesande, in thanking Medgar Evers for the invitation to work together, said that though different, the two tertiary institutions can work together in that they can learn from each other in many ways.

Besides, he said, the Medgar Evers reputation of being one of five student-friendly colleges the world over is

Medgar Evers College of New York something that the UG can take pattern from.

“I am absolutely delighted that we can learn from this experience,” Dr Gravesande said, adding that another

plus in the New York-based institution’s favour is that it matriculates students into its programme in a seamless way. “…and when they don’t even meet the matriculation requirements, you have a structured programme for access, which permits them to matriculate. That is one thing UG can learn from; if there are no students, there are no us,” Dr. Gravesande

said.

Stressing the importance of giving each and every student the opportunity of attaining a higher education, Dr. Gravesande said a student-friendly and focused environment is a critical component of success.

“Clearly, our intention is to benefit from your experiences in the area of research,” he assured his Medgar Evers colleagues, adding: “Any university or college worth its salt has got to place a lot of emphasis on ensuring that our student population uses that intellectual capital for generations currently living and generations to come.”

He said, too, that based on the Medgar Evers track record as an institution of academic excellence, the UG and its students stand to benefit from exchanges on many levels, which he considers a win-win situation for both parties.

“The seeds that we are sowing today, it is our expectation that it would bring perfect results and wonderful blessings to us,” he stated.

UG, Guyana’s lone indigenous tertiary institution, is 54 years old. It has a student population (full and part-time) of approximately 8,000 students and a staff complement of approximately 1,000 across two campuses (Turkeyen and Tain). Medgar Evers, on the other hand, has a student population of 7000 across two campuses.

According to Dr. Gravesande, the UG collaboration with Medgar Evers would enrich UG students immensely, and would also aid in working with best practices.

“We are going to be richer in the areas of sciences, technology, health sciences, and law,” he said, adding: “I hope we can put something on the table so you can

also benefit from our own experiences.”

MUCH TO LEARN Professor of Biology at Medgar Evers, Dr Mohsin Patwary, in brief remarks, said the UG can look forward to support from the institution.

Dr Patwary, Dean of the School of Science, Health and Technology for 12 years, said much can be learnt from the institution, in that it not only has the human resource, infrastructure and support, but would “do even much better in the future.”

As part of the rebirth of UG, a team of senior officials visited the Medgar Evers College to discuss opportunities for collaboration. Among those on the team, besides Dr. Gravesande, were Vice-Chancellor Dr. Ivelaw Griffith and Dr. Emmanuel Cummings of the Faculty of Health Sciences.

No free loans

3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 6, 2016

… gov’t introduces new requirements for UG students

By Svetlana Marshall IN RESPONSE to the more than $8B owed to the University of Guyana Student Loan Agency, the Finance Ministry has strengthened the system with the primary objective of increasing the repayment rate.

During a visit to the Student Loan Agency at the Turkeyen Campus, on Monday Guyana Chronicle, upon request, was presented with a copy of the application form which included a long list of requirements for both the borrower and their guarantor.

According to that list, first time loan applicants are not only required to submit the traditional information such as Letter of Acceptance, Student Registration Invoice, Birth Certificate and proof of address, but their Guyana Passport, Bank Standing Order and Job Letter.

Like the applicants, guarantors are mandated to provide the agency with evidence of employment, their passport, TIN Certificate and a Liability Statement and or Credit Reports from the Credit Bureau.

For some students, the requirements are too much to ask for. Sabita Stephenson – a Third Year Environmental Science student said she is frustrated with the process.

“I think, it is a bit too much,” Stephenson told Guyana Chronicle while on Campus on Monday.

She opined that while some applicants may be will-

ing to provide the required documents, the guarantors may find it difficult. “It is ridiculous, it is too much, it is just too much…Some of the guarantors ain’t able with the run around, so many of them don’t want to do it anymore,” she posited.

Her colleague Athena Lytle echoed similar sentiments while questioning the need to have guarantors provide their passport information, TIN Certificate and Liability Statement. “It is too much to ask for, they are asking for so much information, some of them are irrelevant,” Lytle contended.

However, second year Computer Science student Noel Lord, begged to differ. According to Lord, the new requirements will keep beneficiaries of the loans in check. “I don’t mind because I do have to pay it back, it is more secure this way… I think it is reasonable,” he said.

TOO HARSH A leading Private Sector official told Guyana Chronicle that the measures are too harsh, noting too that the agency should not lose sight of its primary function, which is to assist persons who are unable to pay for their tertiary education. “I don’t want to say that it is draconian but it is a little too much,” the official who asked not to be named said.

While acknowledging that the agency in the past

The Student Loan Agency

was mismanaged, resulting in a poor repayment rate, the official said that the new measures or requirements may result in many students being unable to attend the university. “Oh gosh this is not a business loan you are applying for, this is a student loan. I don’t think guarantors would want to follow up with such a procedure,” the official said.

A t t h e c o m m e rc i a l banks, applicants, the official pointed out, are asked to complete a credit evaluation form, which addresses four key things: one’s earning, assets, expenses and ability to repay the bank.

“The agency must not forget its social responsibility,” the official reiterated.

The student loan agency, which is responsible for managing a revolving fund, has made available to students approximately 26,239 loans amounting to $9.5B to

assist students in paying their tuition fees; but as of May 2016, statistics show, repayment had amounted to only $1.75B, with installments due amounting to $5.7B. Head of the Student Loan Agency, Rawle Sue-Ho had told reporters that June and July have yielded much re-

payment since the agency began its public awareness campaign. He said there has been a spike in the repayment of loans.

“In June, we had over 100 per cent increase from the previous months’ collections… Students have been coming in to make payments

on old loans, with some paying off… There was a continuation of the trend in July,” he said.

A recently conducted forensic audit of the agency revealed that from 1994 to May 2015, some 17,567 or 69.4 per cent of borrowers were deemed delinquent.

Students at the University of Guyana Turkeyen Campus

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 6, 2016

President plugs tradition and change

--pledges $1M towards ICT as Berbice High celebrates centenary

By Jeune Bailey-VanKeric

BERBICE High School students were yesterday urged to adhere to tradition but embrace change, if they want to be able to compete on the global market.

The exhortation came from President David Granger, who was on hand to help celebrate the school’s turning 100.

The event, which was punctuated by musical renditions by the school’s steel orchestra, culminated six days of activities which saw scores of persons from the school’s alumni turning up, day after day, at the junction of North and Princess Elizabeth Roads in New Amsterdam to get in on the action.

Activities over the six days ranged from a welcome reception, exhibition, cultural extravaganza and fair, a day of sporting activities, a Centenary Ball, an inter-faith service, and an excursion.

Tasked with delivering the feature address, President Granger, in addition to announcing the donation of G$1B towards the school’s information technology laboratory, urged students present at the function to be proud of their institution, and to aspire

First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger sticks the celebratory cake with Mr. Norman Semple of the Class of 1942, the oldest member of the alumni present at the ceremony President David Granger with some of the current Berbice High School students at the school’s centenary celebrations yesterday to follow in the footsteps of those who would have gone before them and made their mark on the world.

He also urged that they adhere to the school’s rules, so as to ensure that indiscipline does not erode the foundation which was laid by their predecessors.

He, however, cautioned that with the century-old institution having unlocked

doors that were once closed to the poor, it must now transform itself and embrace the concept of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), which is all the rage these days and is the driver of global competitiveness.

With STEM being the key to innovation and transformation, the President said, Guyana’s capacity to compete in a global market will now rely more and more on our ability to be innovative, which in turn requires a greater emphasis on education.

OBSERVATION As Education Minister Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine observed when he took to the podium, whenever a child passes 20 or so subjects, he (the minister) asks himself two questions, the first of which is: “What kind of subjects are these?” The other, he said, is: “What manner of child are we raising?”

As he went on to say, “For me, education is about educat-

DATE: 31/08/2016 I

1 26 22 25 15 11 21

05/09/2016

09 15

17 19 20

ing the whole child. Examinations are important, yes, and I am very happy they are doing so well; but I believe that, at school, we must give great emphasis to sport and to music…

“For us to educate the whole child, we must bring back the things we used to have; there is no reason why we should not have choirs in all the schools.

DISCIPLINE Further, we have to deal with the issue of discipline, and we have aborted corporal punishment…”

Current Principal, Ms. Tracy Helligar, would later pick up on what the minister said in terms of “educating the whole child,” saying that the emphasis at BHS is on whole-person development of each child, rather than only focusing on academic achievement.

And the upshot of taking this approach to education, she said, has seen Berbice High emerge as the top school in Region Six, moving up the national education ladder from seventh last year to fifth this year, with an 89.52% pass in five or more subjects at Grades One to Three.

05/09/2016

1

6

5

It was also revealed through Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh, a past pupil, that Berbice High School evolved through the willingness of the likes of the Rev. J.A. Scrimgeour, who availed the downstairs of his manse to house the school; and Mr. C.A. Pugsley, who was tasked with laying the foundation of the instructional programme for the nine boys who were enrolled as its first pupils on September 5, 1916.

Fifty years on, after denominational control in 1966, management of the school, which by then boasted 741 pupils on roll, was handed over to the government of the day.

The aim of the school back then, which was birthed through the courageous venture of the British Guiana Mission of the Canadian Presbyterian Church, Dr. Singh recalled, was to prepare boys for the important roles in life: which were to seek after truth and righteousness, and build character worthy of emulation by others.

Today the school is one of the foremost in East Berbice-Corentyne, which has 17 secondary schools, in that it is amongst the three that have attained the status of ‘A’ Grade.

It has also been labelled the best secondary school in the region following the June

2016 CSEC examinations, and amongst the leading secondary schools as a result of the pass rate. Two of its students were listed as being amongst the country’s top performers.

PREPARING Berbice High School was founded with the express purpose of preparing students for life. It has produced Guyanese in all walks of life, among them diplomats, engineers, lawyers, doctors, educators and sportsmen.

The school has committed itself to high moral standards, and the embracing of school values is emphasised in the building of character.

Amongst distinguished guests at yesterd a y ’s c e r e m o n y w e r e Ministers Carl Greenidge, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, Nicollette Henry and Amna Ally; Regional Chairman David Armogan; Member of Parliament Mr. Charrandas Persaud; Mr Norman Semple from the Class of 1942; Dr Grantley Waldron, and members of the centenary committee; Alumni of Berbice High School, Regional Education Officer Ms Volika Jaikishun; and Deputy Mayor Ms Winifred Haywood.

A message was read from Guyanese diplomat Dr Shirdath Ramphal.

03 04

06/09/2016 05 07 11 12

19

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 6, 2016

GPSU writes gov’t on pay hike rejection

By Ariana Gordon

THE Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) has formally written the Government of Guyana, rejecting its final offer of 10 per cent pay increase for the lowest tier of public servants and calling on President David Granger to conduct his own research into what represents “a living wage” here.

Speaking with Guyana Chronicle on Monday night, President of the GPSU, Patrick Yarde, said his union is “undoubtedly firm about the rejection” of the 10 per cent “final offer”. He noted that the lowest tier of public servants would not be provided with a “living wage” when a 10 per cent increase is added to their already meagre salaries.

“I want to believe that the President is sincere about bringing some kind of justice and fairness…but I feel…it is my view that what is there on the table is grossly inadequate. He ought to move a bit away from advice…the President is a researcher. I appeal to him to go deeper into the reality and justify himself if the advice that he may be getting is consistent with his own judgment of what is not only adequate, but what is affordable,” the veteran trade unionist said.

The APNU-AFC coalition government has said its differentiated offer of increases to public servants is final. It is offering 10 percent increase to persons earning $99,000 or less; 6 per cent to persons who earn between $100,000 and $299,000; five per cent to earners of between $300,000

President of the Guyana Public Service Union, Patrick Yarde and $799,000; two per cent to those earning between $800,000 and $999,000; and 1 per cent to those earning above $1M. Yarde argues that affordability and sustainability have to be looked at together. As such, the GPSU has requested that government provides the turnover rate within the public service for 2013, 2014 and 2015; as well as state publicly its policy position on paying public servants a “living wage.”

Based on the research done by the GPSU, its president believes that the government can well afford to provide the increase the GPSU has requested. “We have done research across the country…we have looked at the basket of necessities… the prevailing prices and statutory obligations,” he told Guyana Chronicle, even as he explained that the Union’s findings were submitted to non-governmental organisations and the private sector for review -- all of whom said its request is reasonable.

The Union has proposed

three years of salary increases, effective January 1, 2016.

The Union proposes a flat increase of $7,500 added to the salaries of public servants at December 31, 2015, as well as to the amount payable at the minimum and maximum of each of the bands -- 1 to 14 -- of the Schedule of Salary in the Public Service; a 25 per cent increase acrossthe-board to the salaries of all public servants, as well as the amount payable at the minimum and maximum of each of the bands 1 to 14.

For 2017, the union proposes a flat increase of $7,000 added to the salaries of public servants at the end of December 2016, along with the amount payable at the minimum and maximum of each band. Additionally, a 20 per cent increase acrossthe-board on all salaries as at December 2016, coupled with the amount payable at the minimum and maximum of each of the 14 bands.

The GPSU recommends that, in 2018, a flat increase of $9,000 be added to the salaries at the end of the previous year, as well as the amount payable at the minimum and maximum of each band. A 20 per cent across the board has also been recommended for 2018.

Referring to the unused $6B allocated under the “other employment costs” heading in the 2016 budget, Yarde made it clear that the sum could very well go towards the payment of a decent increase for public servants. He also called on the government to change the heading, noting that it creates an avenue for public distrust.

“As explained already,

Trial continues into traffic cop’s death POLICE Corporal Ronald Payne was on Monday cross- examined as the trial continued in to the death of Traffic Constable Nakosi La Fleur.

Corporal Payne, who is stationed at the Providence Police Station, gave his testimony during the trial of Ron Cole, 40, of Blueberry Hill, Linden. Cole is accused of causing the death of La Fleur by dangerous driving on April 11, last.

The trial is continuing before Magistrate Leron Daly in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

In his cross-examination Payne stated that he never caution the defendant when he spoke to him. However, he added that the defendant was cautioned by a Police rank attached to the Criminal Investigation Unit (CID).

Payne added that he later travelled to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he observed Constable La Fleur in an unconscious state.

Additionally, Police Constable Amir Mohamed who is attached at CID told the court that on the day in question he was called to the scene of the accident where he took three photographs. These were Monday marked and tendered into evidence. The matter was adjourned to September 15.

According to the Police on the day in question LaFleur was directing traffic when he was struck from behind by the accused.

Constable La Fleur was discharged from the Georgetown Public Hospital a day after the incident but was rushed back there when his condition worsened and he later succumbed.

the Mid-Year Report has shown the $6B that is there for other employment costs, which previously the head was ‘revision of wages and salaries’, that was the head; and after we exposed the modality that was taking place with that money, the PPP (People’s Progressive Party) changed the head from ‘revision of wages and salaries’ to ‘other employment costs’.

Our position is that it should change back to revision of wages and salaries,” Yarde asserted.

He said it is imperative that the government be clear, so as not to compromise allocations that are put aside for improvement in earnings. “It must not be encumbered by anything else. Once you start encumbering, it will create an atmosphere of distrust.”

The GPSU head said government must clearly and definitively put aside what it can afford in the budget to address the inadequacy of salaries. “It must have no other feature in it,” declared Yarde.

He does not feel that the Union’s request of the government is unreasonable, noting that the figures cited are based on “credible information.”

BAD FAITH Asked to comment on accusations that the government negotiated in bad faith, Yarde said he is not of that opinion; but he disclosed that an official of the Ministry of Finance, whom he deems to be a politician, is peddling

misinformation about the Union’s struggle for better wages and salaries in 1999.

“I don’t want to generalise the government, but there was an official there who was very dishonest…I would not paint the government with a broad brush.

There were decent people who were speaking with us, but there was a political official that said our struggle in 1999 caused 6,000 workers to lose their jobs. I was upset; it was said in this negotiation…an officer from the Ministry of Finance.”

That notwithstanding, the GPSU President made it clear that the Union’s bargaining position is evidence-based and the body is hopeful that “minds open up and there is a review of the position.”

Yarde said that, like many other people, he wanted a change of government; a change from what had obtained under the PPP. “So I am disappointed, as a Union and for a person who struggled so hard, [because of] the attention that is being given to us. I am very disappointed.”

Asked what role the Commission of Inquiry in the Public Service played in government’s final offer, Yarde said he does not think it had a significant influence on government’s position. “I don’t know they used it as a yardstick…we will approach it with an open mind. We went with an open mind to hear what the government had to say,” he said, noting that even if government does

5

not budge, his Union would “exercise judgment and determine an action.”

GO AHEAD President David Granger said on Thursday that his administration would go ahead with the payment of the 10 per cent increase, even as he committed to continuing talks with the GPSU. On his weekly televised programme ‘The Public Interest’, President Granger said 10 per cent is all his government can offer at this stage. He noted that his administration is in the process of preparing the 2017 budget that is to be presented in December.

The President said government’s final offer is as a result of the overwhelming amount of indebtedness that exits. “I am not saying that the public servants do not deserve more, but we did everything that is possible…we entered into negotiations in good faith… we haven’t discontinued negotiations, but that is the final offer we put on the table because we have to prepare next year’s budget and we have to tidy up this business before the next quarter,” President Granger told reporters.

Yarde, who told Guyana Chronicle that he did not hear the President’s statement, said: “If he did say that…I would be most disappointed.” He acknowledged meeting with the President recently, but said “the meeting wasn’t called for negotiations.”

6

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial Canonisation of Mother Teresa

MOTHER Teresa, born Anjeze Gonxhe Bojaxhiu in 1910, was, one day short of her 19th death anniversary, made a saint by the Catholic Church.

Sunday’s canonisation, witnessed by many at the Vatican and around the world, not only marked the highest order in the catholic pantheon, but brings to the fore once again the life’s work of Mother Teresa. Besides knowing the confirmation of sainthood is that of earthly man, it requires a process, including evidence of miracles performed by the person -- two of which were cited in her case -- Mother Teresa’s life’s work, which informed her canonisation, will play a major role in the Church; which, in addition to being the largest Christian denomination, is among the most influential non-governmental forces in the world.

Mother Teresa (1910-1997) has made her name living and working among the poor, and has earned the moniker “saint of the gutter.” When she moved to Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), India based on what she said was God’s calling, she not only brought the international spotlight to poverty, but forced ways and means to help the less fortunate among us.

Poverty is a social disease; and like any disease, if the right environment is not created to contain or destroy it, it spreads. And where it spreads and ‘contaminates’ others, society is less served by it. If looked at through the lens of crime, poverty not only creates the environment for the less fortunate to take from those perceived better off, but also such persons may be denied needed social services, having been considered by government and society as undeserving.

Lest it be misconstrued, crime is not only a function of the poor, given that in its truest sense it speaks to the breaking of the law.

Where a society fails to put measures in place to work to reduce and eliminate poverty, the entire society suffers.

It does no society any good for the well-off and connected to think that, once their needs are met, nothing else matters.

Poverty brings with it squalor, poor quality of life, reduced life expectancy, and so forth. Most importantly, poverty robs the nation of the full utilisation of its most valued resource, i.e. its human capital.

A society that is progressive and whose government cares about its citizen will factor in the alleviation of poverty as an important pillar in development. Systems will be put in place to zero in on data that present evidence of poor demographics and communities, with the intent of directing needed resources. In some societies, more notably the developed, there are large-scale social programmes managed by government and non-governmental organisations. For instance, the poor will benefit from feeding, maternal care, housing/shelter, transportation, job training programmes, to name some.

Though ours is a society not so advanced, the roles government and non-governmental organisations play through various programmes help in no small measure those who can access and benefit from same. One recent programme

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Commissioner (ag) Ramnarine commended for assertive stance on corruption Dear Editor, I MUST commend and congratulate Police Commissioner (ag) David Ramnarine on his latest move to bring uniformity and discipline to the Traffic and Anti-Crime Ranks with his assertive statements at the recent meeting hosted at the Officers’ Mess Annexe, Eve Leary, Georgetown.

First and foremost, this new style he is bringing to the job is needed in an era when indiscipline is leading to crime and corruption in all systems of administration, governance, and public trust of institutions.

The stern statements made by the acting commissioner must be enforced by consequences, and he readily stated, and reminded the ranks that interface with the

public daily, about cause and effect.

I can assure the Guyana Police Force (GPF) that the public is looking forward to working with the Force, as many communities are banding together to assist in crime prevention. However, as the commissioner noted, and it is the reality, many junior ranks bring the GPF into disrepute, resulting in the lack of public trust, which the Force is trying very hard to achieve. If the head cannot have a good command of the legs, then the body cannot move forward.

I can personally testify that my interaction with senior officers and commanders has enlightened me on how much passion and love they have for their respective duties and jobs, as they try their best to rebuild relationships with the communities

and forge ahead with crime prevention plans that would benefit Guyana. It must be noted that if a rank is not patriotic about wearing the state’s uniform “to serve and protect”, then that rank must not be allowed to evolve into a monster that behaves like the master and treats civilians as its subjects.

The police must not forget their oath, and must realize they are the servants of society. No rank should ever take this for granted, because the tables can quickly turn, in the blink of an eye.

There are a large number of ways law enforcement officers actively give back to their communities. The most successful programmes involve the interaction of police with members of the communities. In most cases, that face-to-face interaction is vital to the success of the pro-

gramme. Some of these interactions can include: Community and school presentations, scholarships, police/youth interaction and homeless outreach programmes.

Mr. Ramnarine, kindly continue the great job you’re doing to assist Guyanese in building that much-needed bridge between the Force and various communities, in order to increase public trust.

One sour point to note, however, is that some of the ranks stationed at Timehri are still hassling drivers, since I was in the vicinity on Monday, September9, 2016 and patiently observed if they had acknowledged your warning. Commissioner, apparently some haven’t heeded the directive.

Regards, HALEEM KHAN

Job creation: whose job is it anyway?

Dear Editor,

NO GOVERNMENT whose interest is in the people would be happy with a high unemployment rate.

The statistics show that the unemployment rate is at approximately 40% for the youth of this country. On one hand, there are calls for the Government to do more to ensure that jobs are created for young people; and, on the other hand, we have the President stating that the position of his administration is to create an environment in which it is easy for jobs to be created, presumably by the private sector or by new innovative ideas of the young people themselves; which does not

stray very far from what the APNU+AFC manifesto states.

There are, however, some facts that need to be addressed if we are going to speak to the issue of job creation, and who should be the primary job creator at this juncture in our nation’s history. Guyana is still celebrating its 50th year of Independence, which from a historical perspective makes the nation still a young one, with many challenges to overcome and many decisions to be made as to the type of society we want. The status of ‘developing country’ also alludes to this.

What then should be the role of a government in such a young country? And what should the role be for the

was the School Feeding Programme in the hinterland communities. However, this does not mean that such should not be extended and revisited ever so often, given that as society evolves, so, too, do the people’s needs.

It also should not be forgotten that even among the employed are the poor, and this demographic cannot be ignored.

This group is, in many instances, not much better off than the unemployed. And whereas it may be welcome news to hear Junior Minister of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma, announce in June that Guyana has been upgraded to an “Upper Middle Income” economy, the less fortunate among us are still deserving of national attention via policies and programmes that will alleviate their circumstances.

Professor Clive Thomas’s Stabroek News features in

private sector?

In the ‘Wretched of the Earth’, Frantz Fanon argues that the national bourgeoisie of underdeveloped countries is not engaged in production, or in invention, nor building, nor labour. He suggests that the spirit of indulgence is dominant at the core of the bourgeoisie; and this is because the national bourgeoisie identifies itself with the Western bourgeoisie, from whom it has learnt its lesson.

He also states that the psychology of the national bourgeoisie is that of the businessman, not that of a captain of industry; and it is only too true that the greed of the settlers and the system of embargoes set up by colonialism has hardly left them

any other choice.

What does this all mean?

It is my humble opinion that the local businessmen, who are supposed to be the embodiment of the private sector, are first and foremost capitalists, whose main priority is, and has been, amassing enough wealth for themselves and dispersing excesses only when there is a dire need to do so.

There is also the belief that the current private sector does not have the capacity to adequately invest in the sectors that need diversification, to ensure that there are adequate jobs for those who are seeking employment.

Added to this is the beSee page 7

2014 on Inequality and Poverty remain an incisive source for looking at these social problems through objective lenses, and guiding the conceptualisation of policies and programmes. Thomas presents the nation a sobering reminder that “While the headcount measure of poverty is perhaps the most commonly known indicator rate of poverty, it embodies a very important anomaly. Thus, for example, the headcount rate could remain the same (let’s say 30 per cent) for two different years, but the extent or depth of poverty in households or for individuals could differ quite significantly.

“At the same percentage of the poor, one situation could represent greater poverty for those who are below the poverty line than in the other” (September 14, 2014).

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Good faith key in wage negotiations Dear Editor,

WHETHER engaged in consultations or in fullfledged collective bargaining, the good faith of the parties must be assured.

This is reflected in international norms. I must confess that now that we have a number -- 10% -- after a long and arduous process, I was a bit excited. Finally, workers

will get a “small piece”.

But it is not to be, and the question is why?

Well, GPSU wants to go to arbitration; but that does not necessarily mean a delay in this 10% payout for those at the bottom of the ladder. But as part of tactics to hardball the workers and their union, the Granger administration has decided not to release the 10% to those at the bottom of the ladder,

Job creation: whose ...

From page 6 lief that the private sector is holding on to the capital that it has, awaiting a proper economic policy from the Government. Some may argue that this is a tacit attempt to ensure that the Government fails. Whatever the reason, we are currently at a juncture where, if the private sector can invest, they are choosing not to.

On the other hand, we have the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana stating time and time again that the Government is committed to providing an enabling environment for job creation. How does the Government do this? What does the economic environment that would stimulate the private sector to open its purse look like? Has the private sector indicated to the Government the specific hindrances that are faced when trying to create jobs?

In the January 15, 2016 edition of the Stabroek News, Lance Hinds told Stabroek Business that “the Chamber is anticipating that this year’s budget will focus on job creation on a large scale…”

“What is clear is that an aggressive capital works programme, including infrastructural works like road construction, must continue if we are to create jobs on a significant scale. We also need to see a budget that reflects planning for diversification into other areas that can grow the economy. We have no choice there,” Hinds had said.

This response suggests that the private sector is looking to the Government to diversify industries, which

is an interesting position to have as the then president of the GCCI. One would expect that, if the private sector sees room for development and profit to be made, they would put to the Government a proposal that may be in the form of a public-private partnership.

My belief is that we are straddling two economic ideologies, and it is not helping us to create a solid economic agenda. A theory exists in academia that suggests that developing countries need a stronger sense of government intervention in their economies, and as the country develops, government should have less and less input into the economic affairs of the said country.

What economic ideology should we be utilizing when deciding on the best economic strategy for this country, taking into consideration the current stance of the private sector? If my belief is true -- that the private sector is not interested in investing, and when they do invest, it doesn’t help to significantly reduce the unemployment numbers -- then Government’s job has to be more than creating an enabling environment to one in which it is a provider of jobs.

If our interest is ensuring we reduce the joblessness, especially amongst our youth, we need to recognize quickly the realities that currently exist, and implement solutions that would see reduction of unemployment numbers across this country.

Regards, TABITHA SARABO-HALLEY

I have been advised.

Unconscionable, uncaring and heartless was my immediate reaction to this decision.But it exposes a great bit of hypocrisy.

After taking 50% for yourself, why continue to play politics with the people’s 10%? It matters not if the GPSU rejects this 10% position, the political and economic opportunity must be sought from these negotiations. Rationally, this ought to be seen as a twotrack process; one: release the recommended payout now, and two: commence the arbitration process, to validate whether the recommendation was a fair deal and why more cannot be afforded. In the final

analysis, however long the arbitration process takes, at least the workers can say they got something.

But the happening on the ground clearly exposes that, all along, the Granger administration was not negotiating in good faith. What has happened in reality is at great divergence to the promises contained in the APNU+AFC Manifesto, which said on Page 25 that “as a prelude to the restoration of Collective B a rg a i n i n g t h r o u g h o u t the Public Service, the APNU+AFC will increase the salaries of all government workers on a graduated basis, with the lowest paid receiving a

10% rise”.

So we did not need the Collective Bargaining Process (CBP) to pay out this 10% all along. And there was enough cash in the parallel treasury (the para-statal organisation like GGMC, etc.) left by Team Ramotar, which at last count was reported to have been holding some G$22 billion in excess cash.

Guyana can learn much from New Zealand, which has enacted a “Code of Good Faith in Collective Bargaining” under the auspices of their Employment Relations Act, 2000.

This includes a requirement that the parties are responsive and communicative, and do not do any-

thing likely to mislead or deceive each other. Overwhelmingly, more and more workers are arriving at the conclusion that the Ministry of Finance is out to deceive them. It is important that President Granger steps into this situation and do right by the workers to recover lost ground. It is time to address the trust deficit that is alive and well today between the workers and the Government. Let us put back some good faith into the process. Please pay the workers what you recommended and let us move on.

Regards, SASE SINGH

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 6, 2016

NCN anchor forced off air due to pregnancy? … management denies, but offers no reason

A NEWS anchor at the National Communications Network (NCN) believes she was forced off the set following directives by management for her to hide her pregnancy, a charge the state broadcaster has

denied.

Natasha Smith, in a statement submitted through the Guyana Press Association, said that on August 8 she was told by a senior manager it was decided that she would be relieved of reading the

news. On the following day, Smith said, she was called by another senior manager, who explained to her how outraged he was about what was said in the management meeting of August 8.

“He told me he believes

that as a woman I have a right to become pregnant and bear a child without it being a hindrance to my job, since being pregnant does not affect my job in any way,” Smith wrote in her statement.

According to her, “on Tuesday August 9, I was again called to the office of the Editor-In-Chief, who explained to me that I would be relieved of reading the news; because, quite frankly, the C.E.O (does) not like what he sees when he looks at the news. “(This manager) told me that she was given a directive to remove me from reading the news in a management meeting on August 8, because the ‘image’ was not looking good for the news.”

Smith said she enquired if it had anything to do with her pregnancy, “but the EIC, Sharda Lall, did not respond to the question directly, but asked me to wear bigger clothes. She said the directive came from the C.E.O and she is just following instructions.”

Smith added that, prior to the meeting with the E.I.C., while on the set of the news, she was told by the cameramen that a directive was given “not to show my belly, but to take tight (or close up) shots of me while reading the news. When I enquired about the reason for this, they responded by saying that this is a directive that was given to them by the E.I.C. (N.B: this same directive was not given for any other anchor for the minor newscasts or weekend news)” Smith said that, in the meeting with the E.I.C., she was told that the close up shots would continue. “I have been employed by the National Communications Network for more than eight years, serving six years in the News and Current Affairs Department, (and I am) now in my second year as an Announcer/ Producer in the Production Department. I have anchored the news for the past eight years. This is my second pregnancy while being anchor. In 2011, I was pregnant with twins and there was never any issue with regards to my anchoring or attire, nor any directive to cameramen to shoot from my breast upwards,” the woman stated.

Smith said that at that point she felt hurt and angry, “not for myself, but for my child, (whom) I consider a blessing. Given the fact that I have to hide a part of by body makes him (the baby) seem like something unwanted or

NCN Anchor Natasha Smith

CEO of NCN, Lennox Cornette

to be ashamed of. I likened the situation to one where I took a picture with my child and had to Photoshop him out of the picture. I was offended and I contacted my union representative. We then sought a meeting with the Human Resources Manager.”

Smith detailed that the HR Manager did not deny that the directive was given, but insisted that it was not with immediate effect, and that the E.I.C is misrepresenting what was said.

“Later that evening, while I was preparing to go on set to anchor the news, I was told that the C.E.O. wants to meet with me. However, I could not attend the meeting because the news was priority at that time. I was represented by my union representative, who met with the C.E.O and HR. The representative later told me that the C.E.O denied that I was being removed because of my pregnancy.”

Smith said that the following day she was again called by the E.I.C, who informed her that there was a new directive, which is “to let me continue to read the news until I am ready to proceed on maternity leave.”

By this time I had already decided that I was going to stop reading the news regardless, because of all that transpired and the stress it caused me, so I stopped anchoring the news on August 12.”

Smith said she subsequently met the C.E.O and the H.R, who denied that the directive given was because of my pregnancy.

“I hope telling my side of the story brings some clarity to the issue. I do not wish to embarrass the company I have been loyal to for the past eight years, or to any of the parties involved. Information circulating on social media may or may not be true, but it is my view that only a probe into what transpired in the management meeting where the directive was given to

replace me as News Anchor can bring out the truth from all sides.”

NCN DENIES For its part, NCN said it is concerned about statements being made in the press and online news outlets in relation to employment issues surrounding two of its employees, Smith and Jocelle Archibald-Hawke.

“Management wishes to make it publicly known that Natasha Smith was not removed from anchoring because of her expectant condition or marital status, as is erroneously being pedalled.

NCN upholds the rights of all its employees in relation to their private lives and may only be required to address aspects of personal issues if they impede the employees’ performance on the job,” NCN said.

Concerning the suspension of Mrs. Jocelle Archibald-Hawke for one month without pay, the company stated that due process was followed in arriving at its decision. “While the current issue is about disparaging comments made on social media about her colleague’s work and name calling, several other factors and incidents involving Mrs. Archibald-Hawke were considered. NCN will not descend into divulging the details about personnel matters in the public domain,” the release stated.

Chief Executive Officer Mr. Lennox Cornette said it was unfortunate that the issues surrounding the employees had been misunderstood and misrepresented. “In the case of Mrs Archibald-Hawke, he expressed surprise that ‘a simple HR matter that was investigated and dealt with after a report by the aggrieved party has now elevated itself on social media as a denial of freedom of expression.’”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Prince Harry to visit Guyana BRITISH High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn has announced that Prince Harry will be visiting Guyana later this year.

A statement from the British High Commissioner’s office on Monday quoted Quinn as saying, “It gives me great pleasure to be able to confirm that Prince Harry will be visiting Guyana later this year. This will be the first visit by a member of the Royal Family since 2004 and comes, of course, in the year of Guyana’s 50th anniversary of Independence. It is therefore a particularly relevant time for such a visit.”

The release further noted that Prince Harry will make the official visit to the Caribbean in the late autumn, on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen; he is slated to visit Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

“The visit falls on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of Independence for Barbados, the 50th Anniversary of Independence for Guyana, and the 35th Anniversary of Independence for Antigua and Barbuda,” the release stated.

Prince Harry officially visited Barbados in 2010; this will be his first official visit to all of the other countries.

9

10

Law students hail new pact

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 6, 2016

…But seek larger quota intake at HWLS

By Svetlana Marshall

LOCAL law students, while pleased that 25 Guyanese would be able to have automatic access to the law school in Trinidad on an annual basis, say the agreement still leaves a large number of students out in the cold.

On Saturday, the University of Guyana (UG), due to the intervention of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams, was successful in signing a collaborative agreement with the University of the West Indies (UWI) and the Council of Legal Education (CLE) paving the way for the top 25 Guyanese Law Students to have automatic entry into the Hugh Wooding Law School.

As news spread of the new agreement, students at the Department of Law breathed a sigh of relief.

In an interview with

Guyana Chronicle on Monday, President of the University’s Law Society Chevy Devonish said: “I join with each of the approximately 200 other law students currently enrolled in the Law Department’s LLB Programme to laud this development, as well as the persons who made it possible, including the former and current Heads of the Department of Law, several members of UG’s administration, and of course, the Attorney General.”

He added: “The agreement accomplishes several things, the most important of these to my mind being a running agreement for the automatic entry of the top graduating LLB students into the Hugh Wooding Law School to undertake studies in Legal Education Certificate. In other words, the entry of the top 25 graduating students of each year will no longer be done on an ad hoc basis.”

President of UG’s Law Society, Chevy Devonish With the agreement signed after approximately three years of negotiation, he posited that the law students can now focus on securing the required grades and finances needed to gain a spot at the Hugh Wooding with ease.

However, when the University of Guyana restarted classes two Mondays ago, 80 persons were reportedly listed as final year students.

It means therefore that come next year, approximately

Vice President of the Law Society Patrice Wishart

Akesha Cave – a first year UG Law student

55 students would not be catered for under the agreement which attracts the same number of students as the old agreement.

According to the President of the Law Society, the ideal situation would be one where every student, upon graduating from university with an LLB is allowed to matriculate into the Hugh Wooding Law School, once they are interested, and possess the necessary fees.

But Devonish said he understands the situation at hand. “I understand that the team of persons who negotiated this agreement on behalf of Guyana indeed advocated for a higher number of students to be admitted automatically, but that this suggestion was not accepted. Despite that reality, I am of the belief that Guyana should continue to advocate for additional space for our students…however, until such a time, we will work with what we have won,” he said.

Under the draft proposal, Guyana was hoping to not only gain automatic entry into the Hugh Wooding Law School for Guyanese students but also non-Guyanese graduates. But the new agreement does not cater for non-Guyanese law graduates – a situation Devonish said is most unfortunate.

“I believe the entire student body supports an agreement that would see such students being availed the space that was proposed and more perhaps,” he said.

He is of the opinion too that there should be no distinction between national and non-nationals as pertains to the amount of students who can automatically enroll into the Hugh Wooding Law School. “I believe that the

Council should give them the same treatment by virtue of the fact that they study here,” he further opined.

Akesha Cave – a first year UG law student said she is excited about the future, knowing that the University and by extension the Government of Guyana were able to secure spaces for the top 25 law students on an annual basis. “We must applaud the key players,” she posited, noting that students are now more than ever encouraged to excel in the programme.

Vice-President of the University’s Law Society, Patrice Wishart echoed similar sentiments. He told this newspaper, that students over the years were “on edge” due to the high level of uncertainty which had prevailed.

“What the agreement does for us, is that it enables us to plan for the future effectively.” But he too believes that the agreement should have included a larger number of students. “While we are grateful for the 25 students we are accustomed to, we were hoping for something more, we were hoping that at least more local students would have been admitted,” Wishart said. The UGSS Vice-President was also disappointed that the parties involved were unable to arrive at a consensus which would have led to the inclusion of international law students studying here.

He pointed out that there are international students at every level of the three year local law programme.

“Foreign students pay cash up front, if we deter the foreign students because of the Hugh Wooding restrictions, chances are those funds

Kristal Abrams – Mrs. of Moot Court Guyana

will leave with them,” he opined.

But while Devonish and Wishart have expressed concerns over the number of students being admitted into the Trinidad law school under the agreement, Kristal Abrams – Mrs. of Moot Court Guyana said she is satisfied with the agreement, noting that the Attorney General should be applauded for a job well done.

She told this newspaper that the new agreement caters for the same number of students under the old agreement, and allows for competiveness within the programme.

“We are a doing Law, it has always been a very competitive course, and I believe that once you put your best foot forward, and you exceed, then you would be rewarded as one of the 25 who would be given the opportunity to go to UWI,” Abrams said.

In her opinion, those who fall short in the process should seek other alternatives. “Everyone does not have to go and complete their degree at UWI, there are other avenues that can be taken, some people can decide to do their masters, some people can decide to go and work, so it is not like the end of the road because you have not secured a spot among the 25. There are other things you can do,” she said.

Though the law students had differences in opinion, they all agreed on one thing: That a law school should be established in Guyana, contending that it would allow for a greater number of Guyanese students to vie for their CLE at a more economic cost.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Shanti Singh resigns as NAPS head PROGRAMME Manager of the National Aids Programme Secretariat (NAPS), Dr Shanti Singh has resigned from her post.

Health Minister Dr. George Norton in an invited comment on Monday told Guyana Chronicle that Dr Singh submitted her resignation on Friday. Dr. Singh’s resignation takes effect on October 1. “Yes, she did resign. As per her contract, she is required to give us one month’s notice and that is what she has done,” said Dr. Norton.

The minister disclosed too that Dr. Rhonda Moore, who was described as “very experienced,” will be taking up Dr. Singh’s post come October. He said Dr. Moore has been seconded from her job at the Care and Treatment Centre of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), formerly known as the GUM clinic to take the post.

Guyana Chronicle understands that Dr Moore was earmarked to be Dr Singh’s Deputy before she resigned.

Dr. Moore studied in Cuba and was part of the Clinical Mentoring Programme in HIV Medicine here. Dr. Singh served as NAPS Programme Manager for 11 years.

She is the wife of former Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport under the People’s Progressive Party Civic Dr Rhonda Moore (PPPC), Dr Frank Anthony.

Essequibo bar owner on sex trafficking charges AN Anna Regina businessman was released on $1M bail on Monday by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for allegedly trafficking two females for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

Dwayne Forde, 36, of Lot 6 Bush Lot Housing Scheme, Anna Regina was charged with two counts of trafficking in person, while the third charge was struck out by the Magistrate because of wrong information written by the police on the case jacket.

Forde denied the two charges which alleged that between July-August, 2016 at Anna Regina, he trafficked a Guyanese and Venezuelan national by recruiting, transporting and controlling them for sexual exploitation.

His lawyer, Stanley Moore requested that his client be released on reasonable bail since he is the sole bread winner of his family of five. Moore further disclosed that his client Dwayne Forde operates a bar at his Anna Regina home and does not pose a flight risk.

Police Prosecutor Inspector Neville Jeffers strongly opposed to the businessman being granted his pre-trial liberty citing the prevalence of human trafficking in Guyana and the penalty attached to such charges.

Jeffers noted that more charges are expected to be laid. The Magistrate however granted $500,000 bail on each charge and transferred the matter to the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court for September 13.

According to reports, on August 30 police acted on information and raided Forde’s bar and premises when three suspected strippers were arrested and placed into protective custody. The women reportedly explained to officers that they were being sexually exploited by the businessman and forced into sexual activities with men for $15,000.

Cummings Lodge murder

Man confesses to killing aunt …accomplice being sought

Homicide detectives assigned to investigate the brutal murder of Anita Mohan of Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara on Sunday are already in the process of seeking legal advice in the matter, police said in a statement issued on Monday night.

According to the police, a suspect has confessed to the crime, and has given vital information regarding an accomplice whom investigators are making diligent efforts to apprehend. Acting Crime Chief Hugh Jessemy had earlier on Monday told this newspaper that a relative is in police custody and another suspect is being sought following the murder of the greens vendor at her Cummings Lodge home.

The nephew who remains in custody told sleuths that he and another man committed

the act while the woman was at home alone, but he is yet to give a motive for the homicide.

Mohan, 47, of Lot 315 South-east Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara, was found by her only child in a pool of blood in the kitchen.

Imtiaz Khan, 27, had returned home from work at about 16:45 hrs on Sunday when he made the gruesome discovery. He reported that it would appear that his mother had endured a severe beating, since her face was mutilated and the body also bore stab wounds.

Khan alerted relatives who reside nearby, after which the police were summoned, but showed up some time after. He told the media that a man who is known to the family owes them some money for food and boarding, but was not

paying up, and had even threatened them. Khan is of the opinion that it might have been the person who killed his loved one. Mohan, a single parent, used to sell non-alcoholic beverages from her home, and used to walk and sell vegetables in that community.

Dead: Anita Mohan

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 6, 2016

ARIES - Solutions to problems at work that recently eluded you are now ripe for the harvest.

The transformative nature of cryptic Pluto in your 10th House of Career can reveal your assumptions about people who previously held power over you. Your old ways of relating to authority are no longer relevant. You can’t go back to the safety of the past; commit to what’s ahead, rather than clinging to what you once had. George Bernard Shaw wrote, “Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.”

TAURUS - Your creativity is cooking up a storm today while powerful Pluto harmonises with the illuminating Sun in your 5th House of Self-Expression. Refining the skills required to manifest your desires demands unwavering concentration, yet your complacency makes it easy for social distractions to derail your best-laid plans. Fortunately, your determination allows you to cut through the clutter and aim your will where it can have maximum positive impact. Saying no to others may be the smartest way to say yes to yourself.

GEMINI - Your coworkers might fall into the trap of underestimating your power now.

However, you can shock others with the depth of your understanding and your unrelenting persistence. But there is no reason to be concerned about anyone else’s judgments; you are working with a deep emotional reserve and can accomplish more than anyone thinks.

In fact, the old motto of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is your rallying cry today: “The difficult we do immediately. The impossible takes a little longer.”

CANCER - You’re feeling your oats now that the radiant Sun is reinforced by its regenerative trine to ruthless Pluto. But rather than putting your physical resources to the test, the methodical Virgo Sun advises you to conserve your strength for the long haul. Luckily, unrelenting Pluto in your 7th House of Companions indicates that collaborating with others fuels your passion to work even harder. Be smart by using your brains and not your muscles, so you will still have the energy you need tomorrow to finish what you started today.

LEO - It seems as if everyone is suddenly eager to drop their previous positions and cooperate with you today. But you may overestimate someone’s abilities or underestimate the resources needed to finish a project. A little discernment prevents you from wasting your time chasing rainbows across rugged terrain. Nevertheless, a resolute Sun-Pluto trine foretells that you will succeed in navigating the dangerous curves ahead if you decide to put your heart fully into reaching your destination.

VIRGO - You’re longing to colour outside of the lines today. In fact, your creativity can have a profound impact on others when you simply show up and be yourself. Although you might not have a specific goal in mind now, the willful Sun in your sign forms a smooth trine with passionate Pluto in your 5th House of Romance, enabling you to make a lasting impression on someone you admire. Nevertheless, an overly rigid plan could be your downfall; instead, prepare to make as many minor modifications as necessary as you push forward to your dreams.

LIBRA - You might not want to follow the well-meaning advice of others who encourage you to risk more than you’re willing now. Thankfully, your keen intuition will successfully guide you with a mix of faith and focus. This is a time for a spiritual renewal as the discerning Virgo Sun in your 12th House of Destiny trines evolutionary Pluto. You are approaching the end of a larger cycle but you must allow the past to fade away if you truly want to move into the future. Find your new dream and then do whatever it takes to transform it into reality.

SCORPIO - A strong dose of purpose and perseverance today enables you to have your way without being pushy to achieve your aims. A superconductive Sun-Pluto trine blesses you with the power of precision rather than brute force. Although you may have recently tried yet failed to make an impression, express your desires once more before moving on. If resources for a creative project are lacking or if you lost in a personal quest for love, you can travel within to find the resilience you need to recover gracefully. Ultimately, it’s not necessary to convince anyone of anything if you just speak the truth.

SAGITTARIUS - You are capable of accomplishing more than you ever dreamed possible today. The dedication of the hard-working Virgo Sun in your 10th House of Public Responsibility is supported by a trine from powerful Pluto, blessing you with an apparently infinite reserve of vitality and the commitment to deliver on your promises. But tread carefully, since poorly managed energy will not last forever. Fortunately, a well-conceived plan combined with sustainable action leads to surprising results.

CAPRICORN - It’s tempting to seek security in what you know, rather than facing the unknown. But the greatest potential for positive change does not always come from taking the safest route. Furthermore, waiting to initiate action is not a smart idea. Luckily, you may feel invincible while the Sun in your 9th House of Adventure trines fierce Pluto. But uncertainty will soon creep back into the picture, so make your move now while the cosmic forces are working in your favour. Today is your lucky day only if you strike while the iron is hot.

AQUARIUS - There is more potential packed into the present moment than you realise.

Thankfully, you can work behind the scenes quite effectively while the industrious Virgo Sun in your 8th House of Shared Resources conspires with obsessive Pluto. Completing a job is more crucial than gaining attention today. Be as specific as possible when you focus your intention, for the power of precision can help make your dreams come true. C.S. Lewis wrote, “Aim at Heaven and you will get Earth thrown in. Aim at Earth and you get neither.”

PISCES - Compassion, sentimentality and a vivid imagination are your trademarks.

However, giving people too much leeway today can weaken your position. While your softheartedness is admirable, you risk wasting resources if you scatter your gifts indiscriminately. Fortunately, a confident Sun-Pluto trine activates your 7th House of Relationships and empowers you to be a more effective leader. As psychologist Brene Brown writes, “Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves even when we risk disappointing others.”

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 6, 2016

BIT trains 6,000 in last three years SOME 6,000 Guyanese have, in the last three years, received technical training through Board of Industrial Training (BIT)-sponsored programmes, providing expertise especially for the timber and mining firms here.

Minister within the Social Protection Ministry, Mr. Keith Scott, made the disclosure recently while installing new board members of the BIT, whom he challenged to ensure “quality assurance” is maintained in the courses available to trainees, a release from that ministry has said.

“Between the years 2013 and the present, BIT has trained 6,000 persons and has established closer ties with the Central Recruitment & Manpower Agency (CRMA) in respect of job placements for their trainees. BIT’s expansion of the HDEO (Heavy Duty Equipment Operator) programmes is directly catering for the timber and mining industries, and ties in with the Ministry’s focus on Occupational Health & Safety Practices,” Scott said as he lauded BIT’s expansion, which also caters for ‘differently-abled’ persons who are determined to lead productive lives.

The minister said BIT’s drive and emphasis on technical skills in every field have been surpassing those of other agencies. He is impressed with the reviews BIT has been receiving, and expects the new Board to further address the increasing demands for industrial skills nationwide.

Mr. Clinton Williams has been returned as Chairman of BIT. The other Board members are Ganesh Singh, Michael Turner, Penelope Harris, Rushanna DeJesus, Friedel Issacs, Krishna Sharma, former Labour Minister Manzoor Nadir; Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Social Protection, Lorene Baird; and a representative from the Ministry of Business.

Williams also said he was pleased with the direction BIT has taken and with the positive feedback it has received, “which only emphasises that we are heading in the right direction,” he said. “BIT has received full support from both the past government (when it was in power) and the present government, and the submissions for the 2017 budget were derived directly

Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott, and members of the Board of Industrial Training from BIT’s five-year Strategic Plan (2015 to 2020). Chapter 39:04 of the Laws of Guyana. Its membership This signifies that BIT, as an apolitical agency, directly comprises representatives of employers, and employees’ contributes to the wellbeing of all Guyanese,” Williams organisations along with Government representation. concluded.

The Board offers technical and vocational skills training Scott noted that the new BIT leadership has a wealth to youths, adults and apprentices, equipping them with of experience, including that of former Minister Nadir, marketable skills in a variety of occupations in various who is representing the Parliamentary Opposition on the sectors, including engineering, building construction, Board. electrical, heavy-duty equipment operation, information “This experience should be channelled towards improving technology, and in the clerical, medical and forestry fields. the quality of training offered to persons, to ensure greater BIT caters particularly to young persons who have not prospects for employment of graduates and greater recognition completed their secondary education. Those persons can of qualifications, especially for those seeking to further their apply through the Regional Democratic Councils, online training,” Scott said. at www.bit.gov.gy, via email at admin@bit-gy.com, or visit BIT was established under the Industrial Training Act, the main office at Lot 33 North Road, Lacytown.

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Guyanese culture explodes at NY folk festival

T

HE grounds of the Old Boys’ High School in Brooklyn, New York buzzed with activity on Sunday as Guyanese thronged the venue in large numbers when the Family Fun Day of the Guyana Cultural Association of New York ruled the atmosphere there.

The event, which culminated the GCA’s folk festival calendar of activities for the summer, got underway during the mid-morning sunshine, and patrons poured into the venue as the day progressed. Several booths were set up inside the venue, and traditional Guyanese cuisine, craft and beverages were on sale. As excitement grew, sights were drawn to the plaiting of the maypole, an activity which drew many “oohs” and “ahhs” as the maypole queen and her king sat beneath the tall structure.

Caribbean flavours mixed the tempo of the venue as music and food set the tone for an array of performances, which included a Grenadian troupe which performed an African dance accompanied by a drumming group from the legendary Spice Island. The group travelled from the island of Carriacou, a dependent of Grenada. The audience was then treated to a Guyanese Queh Queh performance, and according to some patrons, the two dance items illustrated the similarities between the Grenadian and Guyanese roots, and brought out comparisons of the traditional African wedding process. Later, a Chinese group performed a dragon dance, which brought out the rich historical culture of the Caribbean people.

Guyanese artistes Jackie Jaxx and the popular Adrian Dutchin swayed the audience to their popular hits, and patrons responded in jubilant fashion as the event tapered into the late afternoon sun.

“Queh Queh” dancers perform in front the stage on Sunday

Patrons visit several booths which were set up inside the venue The plaiting of the maypole caught the attention of patrons

Large numbers of Guyanese resident in the United States flocked the event

Patrons responded to the live musical performances which highlighted the event

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Miss Universe 2016 delegates officially introduced at sashing ceremony

The sashed delegates at Gravity on Sunday night

By Tamica Garnett AS THE RACE to find the ultimate beauty that will represent Guyana at the upcoming Miss Universe 2016 Pageant, 13 of the 14 beauties vying for the crown were officially introduced to the public for the first time at the “Sashing Event of the 2016 Miss Universe Guyana” held at Gravity Lounge Sunday night.

Being sashed on Sunday was the experienced Soyini Fraser, along with Aysya Kelly, Malika Russell, Denisha Rogers, Ashley John, Iman Jaisingh, Meleisa DeFreitas, Rufieya Husain, Odessa Grogan, Ariella Basdeo Xameira Kippins Keleisha Kelly, and Ashley Cameron.

The pageant originally had 15 finalists, however one young lady has dropped out, while another was reportedly not present for the sashing.

Off to an almost one hour late start, the event was chaired

by Deputy Mayor of Georgetown, who called on the ladies to each give a brief introduction of themselves. It was here that the public could begin to get a feel of those girls who would be strong contenders in this pageant, and those who were not going to make it far.

At least one delegate caught a sudden case of stage fright and stumbled through her introduction, but then there were those who just showed that they are going to be serious One of the better Miss Universe Guyana delegates contenders.

There is no doubt that this year’s pageant is one with of the night, Keliesha Kelly (Samuel Maughn photo) serious competition, containing several bigwigs like Husain, 2012 Miss United Nations, 2014 Miss Jamzone Guyana, who reigned as the 2014 Miss Guyana World, and went on to as well as first runner up in the 2011 Miss World Guyana place in the top ten at the international Miss World Pageant pageant.

Fraser is hoping that the second time’s the charm, havin London that year.

There is also the hard hitting HJTV PRO Soyini Fras- ing ended as the first runner-up in the 2014 Miss Universe er. Saying Fraser is no stranger to pageant life in Guyana Guyana pageant. She noted that she was encouraged to is an understatement. Fraser is hoping to add the Miss re-enter the pageant after the organization came under new Universe title under her belt with her line of other titles. management. Earlier this year the pageant franchise was Fraser was 2010 Miss Earth Guyana, Guyana’s 2011 attained by a former Miss World delegate Jyoti Hardat, representative to the Miss Princess of the World 2011, noting that “the Miss Guyana Universe organisation assures

the public that the pageant will be run with honour, fairness and transparency.”

In her introduction, Fraser encouraged Guyanese to “sit back, relax and enjoy as my pageant sisters and I take you on a journey of exquisite Guyanese beauty”.

Fraser is not the only one giving the Miss Universe Guyana pageant another go. Nineteen year old Malika Russell, and Whitehead are also repeat delegates.

Nineteen -year -old Russell was one of the contestants in last year’s delegates’ line-up. In her introduction on Sunday she aptly noted that she is “someone who never gives up, one who believes in perseverance.”

A prominent model, and actress, Whitehead, was second runner- up in the 2013 Miss Universe Guyana Pageant, where many had expected her to emerge the winner of the title.

Others of the night who were smooth in their introduction delivery included college graduate and aspiring radiation oncologist Denisha Rogers; 24 year old Basdeo, whose concise introduction was well spoken, while Kippins’ overview was accompanied by fitting body language.

The “talented, beautiful, fierce, shy and very introverted”, not to mention tall, 19 year old Keleisha Kelly is another one to watch.

Nothing but a smooth delivery was expected from NewsRoom achor Ashley John, who did not disappoint as she spoke of her FIT 360 platform.

The girls are expected to be engaged in several activities and training culminating with the official pageant on September 17 at the Marriott Hotel. Generaql admission to the pageant stands at $10,000, while VIP seating is $15, 000.

The winner of the pageant will represent Guyana at the international Miss Universe Pageant set for 1 January, 2017 in the Philippines, where she will compete against over 50 other contestants for the coveted crown.

The reigning Miss Universe is Pia Wurtzbach of the Philippines.

16

A man is taken into police custody at Linden Ave. and Nostrand Ave. amid violence during the J’Ouvert celebration. (TODD MAISEL/NEW YORK DAILY NEWS)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 6, 2016

NYPD doubled its parade patrol to squash more gun violence at the annual Carnival event. (NYPD)

Two dead as violence breaks out at J’Ouvert parade in Brooklyn

At least four people were shot, two fatally, as gunshots erupted at the bustling J’Ouvert celebration in Brooklyn despite NYPD doubling its parade patrols.

The annual West Indian heritage celebration was marred by deadly violence for a second consecutive year. Cops rushed to eastern Prospect Park before 4 a.m. following reports that four people had been shot in two separate incidents. A man and a woman were fatally shot within minutes of each other along Empire Blvd. near Flatbush Ave. in Prospect-Lefferts Garden. The male — who is 18 to 20 years old — died of at least one gunshot wound in the chest while a bullet struck a 22-year-old woman in the head at Washington Ave., police said. Two others were wounded by gunfire but were expected to survive. Frightened revelers scattered as gunshots rang out.

Separately, a male was wounded in an incident at Linden Ave. and Nostrand Ave. and one person was stabbed at Ocean Ave. and Empire Blvd. Both are expected to survive. Cops initially outnumbered revelers during a quiet start to J’Ouvert — but the celebration turned violent as revelers marched through Prospect-Lefferts Gardens and Crown Heights.

Celebrators continued to dance despite the police investigations along Empire Blvd. Prospect Heights resident Jill Roberts, who hoped for a peaceful night of festivities, slammed the gun attacks as “senseless killings.” “I feel like I didn’t have a J’Ouvert,” Roberts, 42, said. She wished authorities would “tell these people to go home.” “It’s not safe,” Roberts added. Marchers who braved the bullets tossed paint and baby powder at fellow partiers, into the air and at squad cars as more than a thousand NYPD officers watched over the celebration, an event that has been marred by heartbreaking violence in the past. Gov. Cuomo aide Carey Gabay was fatally shot by a stray bullet during last year’s J’Ouvert revelry.

Vendors at the Carnival kick-off welcomed the heavy police presence even if it meant sparser crowds — and fewer customers. “There’s more police in the area and that’s good,” said Fort Greene vendor Gerald (Unk) Covington, who has catered to the nighttime party for the 23 years. “The crowd would be three times the size in previous years.” (NY Daily News)

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Linden Highway farmer died of multiple injuries THE post mortem examination conducted on 41-year-old Philip Viveirous whose dismembered body was discovered on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway last Monday revealed that he died of multiple injuries.

The ranks of the Guyana Police Force 'E' Division have concluded that Viveirous was hit by a lumber or container truck while he was lying on the road. The investigation is however not closed.

The Adventure farmer was discovered by passersby at approximately 05:40hr in the vicinity of the Adventure Public Road at Dalgin, Linden/Soesdyke Highway, East Bank Demerara. The farmer’s relatives say he had left his Adventure home at approximately 02:00hrs on Monday to go to his farm, and had been drinking before he left for the farm. As far as they are aware, Viveirous had no problem with anyone that could have resulted in his death.

Guyana Chronicle understands that Viveirous’s father was killed in an accident at the same location last year. He leaves to mourn his mother and other relatives.

Region 10 Road Safety Organization continues to express concern at the careless way the lumber and container trucks traverse the Linden/ Soesdyke Highway, not only resulting in fatal accidents but the destruction of the road's surface and by extension the foundation.

Calls are being made by members to have another road constructed for the exclusive use of heavy duty automobiles or for logs to be sailed down the Demerara River as the constant traversing on the highway can be deemed an endangerment to pedestrians, especially children walking to and from school.

Calls are also being made for the highway to be equipped with lights as it is very difficult to see during the nights and early morning fog. If this is done, members of the association are convinced that there will be a reduction in road fatalities on the highway. .

Tuesday Setpember 6th, 2016 - 05:00 hrs Wednesday Setpember 7th, 2016 - 08:30 hrs Thursday Setpember 8th, 2016 - 09:00 hrs

-Post mortem revealed he died from gunshot injuries

Cops still looking for ‘QQ’ killer

POLICE in ‘A’ Division on Monday said they were still looking for a ‘person of interest’ following the execution-style killing of Mark Anthony called “QQ” last week.

Sleuths disclosed that they are in receipt of information and are working to locate that person in relation to the homicide.

Meanwhile, a post mortem performed on the body on Monday revealed that he died from gunshot injuries.

On Thursday night last the 22-year-old of Lot 1238, Canje Pheasant Lane, South Ruimveldt Park, Georgetown was riddled with bullets while he was hanging out with some friends at the shortcut at Layou Street, North Ruimveldt.

Police sources said it was about 10pm a tinted vehicle pulled up at the location and two men exited and opened fire at Anthony.

He was shot in the abdomen, chest and back and succumbed to gunshot injuries while receiving medical attention at GPHC. Relatives are clueless as to the motive behind his murder but police said Anthony is known to them.

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 6, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 6, 2016

19

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 6, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 6, 2016

21

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 6, 2016

South Africa Racing Tips Vaal 08:15 hrs Space Tornado 08:50 hrs Baudelaire 09:25 hrs Chepardo 10:05 hrs Ronin Warrior 10:40 hrs Noah’s Ark 11:15 hrs De Lujo English Racing Tips Redcar 08:50 hrs Allux Boy 09:20 hrs Local ARTIST 09:50 HRS You’re Cool 10:20 hrs Fujin 10:50 hrs Pumaflor 11:20 hrs Manshood 11:50 hrs Burnside 12:20 hrs Mustaqbal Leicester 09:00 hrs Struck By The Moon 09:30 hrs Ornate 10:00 hrs Chevalier Du Lac 10:30 hrs Rock Steady 11:00 hrs Qeyaadah 11:35 hrs Elucidation 12:05 hrs Stoneboat Bill Worcester 09:40 hrs Kinari 10:10 hrs Alyasan 10:40 hrs Robert’s Star 11:10 hrs Solstalla 11:40 hrs Railway Vic Irish Racing Tips Galway 11:25 hrs Mr Antolini 11:55 hrs Poormans Hill 12:25 hrs Airlie Beach 12:55 hrs Maighnealta 13:25 hrs Baily Cloud 13:55 hrs Shake It Up 14:25 hrs Borboleta American Racing Tips Philadelphia Park Race 1 Uncle Woodrow Race 2 Stolen Victory Race 3 Bolster Race 4 Gala’s Bank Race 5 Fire Alarm Race 6 Screaming Skylar Race 7 Collin’s Smile Race 8 Big Louie Race 9 Sharp Stick

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 6, 2016

UEFA coach appointed new GFF Technical Director

IAN Greenwood has been appointed the new Technical Director by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) following a competitive and comprehensive selection process over some two months.

Of the 13 applications from eight countries, Greenwood was in the shortlisted six and was, interviewed in

July as well as August.

Greenwood is an English UEFA-qualified coach with over 10 years of experience in coaching and management at Leeds United Football Club.

He also has seven years of experience in coach education.

Also holding an MSc. Degree in Sports Coach-

ing, he has been involved in coach education in the capacity of Club/Professional Coach Mentor as well as Lecturer at the Leeds City College, Huddersfield Town Football Club, The Football Association and Leeds Beckett University.

He will officially begin his tenure on October 8, 2016.

Elliot, Matthew Vieira ...

From back page

Stephen finished the race in first place but was disqualified by race officials for passing under a yellow flag - a flag which he and other riders say they had not seen but was on track, according to said officials, thus gifting Elliot the win, his cousin Matthew second and Graham third.

Race two saw Stephen again at the back of the pack, riding his way up the standings before he fell on the first corner, giving Elliot his second win of the day, Matthew second and Barbados Terrance Ollivierre third.

The last super stock event of the day, however, saw Stephen’s bad weekend continue with him falling again, at the same corner on lap two while one lap later, Elliot ended

up in the same corner at the exact same spot.

However, Matthew was able to maintain his composure throughout the race, navigating the later part of the race with relative ease to take the chequered flag and his third podium of the day.

On the car end of things, Shan Sejattan’s weekend was up and down with him not being allowed out in the first Group two race after being adjudged by race officials to have arrived at the pit exit late. Marc Gill (Trinidad), Kenrick Husbands (Barbados) and Mark Thompson (Barbados) were the top finishers.

He opted to run his car in the Group three class alongside Nazim Gafoor and finished fifth on the grid, Paul Vieira (Trinidad), Ronald Wortman (Trinidad) and Steve King (Barbados) finishing in the top three spots.

On the second Group two outing, Shan finished a modest fourth behind Thompson, Gill and Husbands in that order. The final Group two race of the day, however, saw car troubles plague his Honda Civic with him only completing three laps.

Meanwhile in Group three race one, Nazim Gafoor finished sixth on the grid before upping his performance to finish third in the second race behind Kurt Thompson and Paul Vieira respectively.

The final race saw a recurring gearbox problem put him out with just four of the six scheduled laps completed.

Gafoor also took his car to the Group four two-wheel drive class where he finished fifth in the first and second races.

The team returned home yesterday.

Improved performances...

From back page rounds, and Roberto Neto, who lost the only game he played in round four.

After opening with a disheartening 0 - 4 losses for both the male and female side, as the teams went down against teams from Macedonia and Singapore, respectively, Guyana has since seen nothing but encouraging developments.

Following her initial lost, Varona-Thomas rebounded superbly showing that she could really hold her own in the midst of international competition. In her next three matches the 47 year old player assembled two wins and a draw.

With a FIDE rating of 1775, and rating performance (rp) of 1884, the women’s candidate master won against Tanzania’s Fammie Vida Joseph, and Aruba’s Stacey Caton

(1605). Her greatest achievement however was playing to a draw against the higher ranked Woman FIDE Master (WFM) Olivia Smith (2002), while playing the black pieces, when the team came up against Wales.

In her opening match, Varona-Thomas suffered a lost against Singapore’s Qianyun Gong (2262), in a game where she played the black pieces.

The unrated Sheriffa registered a win against unrated players Aruba’s Monica Bremo, in round four, and Martha Fredy Anawa of Tanzania, in round three. She did not play in round two of the competition, where only four of the team’s five players can play per round. In round one she lost to Kai Xin Siew (1607).

Jessica (1233) took a win in the third round when she

faced off against Fena M Gwamwamba, in the same round Persaud (1151) won against Aida Lalika.

Playing in all four rounds for the men’s side, Haifeng with his two wins had just as many losses, but fared impressively against higher rated players. Haifeng has an FIDE rating of 1800, and a 1986 rp, and triumphed over Guatemala’s David Giron, FIDE rating 2174, and CM Noel A Adricula (1656) of Fiji.

Overall the Guyana’s men team had, up until round four, played Macedonia, Guatemala, Fiji, and Ghana, respectively. The team finished 1.5 – 2.5 against Guatemala, but also lost 0 -4 against Ghana. They are next scheduled to play Qatar in round five, the Guyana women will also play the Qatar women today.

(Tamica Garnett)

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Lall inspires Affiance to Super Four 10/10 title

By Elroy Stephney SOLID performances from former National Under-19 opener Yogeshwar Lall propelled Affiance Sports Club to the coveted Super Four 10/10 title last Sunday at the Imam Bacchus Sports Complex in Affiance.

The four teams who participated in the colourful affair were Charity, Walton Hall, Young Achievers and Affiance sports clubs.

In their first encounter, Affiance comfortably disposed of Charity by 52 runs.

Affiance batting first, reached

95-4 from the allotted ten overs with Yogeshwar Lall stroking a fluent 41 (4x4, 2x6). In reply, Charity were restricted to 52-5 from their 10 overs to lose by 43 runs.

Lall was again instrumental by claiming 2-12 from 2 overs with the ball.

In the second game, Walton Hall resisted a strong challenge by Young Achievers to register a slim 9-run win in what was the most entertaining of the matches played.

Batting first, Walton Hall amassed 114-5 from 10 overs with Yogesh Singh hammering 33 from 22 balls (5x4)..

Off-spinner Leroy Roopchand had the day’s best bowling figures with 4-18 from 2 overs for Young Achievers. In response Tameshwar Dhanpaul’s aggressive 44 not out (3x4, 3x6) briefly threatened the target until the overs expired with his side ending on 105-6.

The final proved to be an anti-climax with Affiance easily claiming the title with a 49-run win over Walton Hall.

Taking first strike, Affiance paced their way to 106-4 from 10 overs due mainly to a cameo innings from Lalbachan Narine 21 (2x4, 1x6)

Divisional Manager Rohan Budram is seen presenting the cheque to winning Affiance captain Latchman Rohit. and Yogeshwar Lall 20 (3x4).

Despite Walton Hall’s strong batting lineup they perished in pursuit of the target and were all out for 57 in 8 overs.

Lall mesmerised his opponents by taking 3-11 from 2 overs with his left-arm orthodox spin to highlight an excellent all-round display to secure his team’s victory.

At the presentation, Divisional Manager of Imam Bacchus and Son’s Enterprise.

Rohan Budram presented a cheque for $40 000 to the winners.

In his brief remarks he implored the players to remain focused while seeking to propel their game to greater heights. He also appealed to the cricketing bodies to secure

more competitions so that the development of the game can be further advanced in Essequibo.

Also present were Managing Director of Imam Bacchus and Son’s Enterprise, Sam Bacchus, whose company hosted the competition along with representatives of the North Essequibo Cricket Committee (NECC).

FICA survey finds 72 per cent of players back a two-tier Test setup A SURVEY conducted by the Federation of International Cricketers’ Association (FICA) has found that 72 per cent of players support the proposed introduction of a two-tier Test system.

Senior officials meet in Dubai this week to discuss radical changes to the sport’s schedule, seeking to strike a balance between the protection of international cricket and the growth of domestic Twenty20 leagues.

Among the solutions being discussed are leagues for all formats of the international game and the pooling of television rights, although the proposals are not universally popular.

FICA has called for the ICC to deliver a “clear and compelling” future for international cricket.

FICA executive chairman Tony Irish said: “To date, the issue that has been talked about most is Test cricket, but we believe that this review is about creating clear visions for all three formats of international cricket, and balancing them

alongside the continued expansion and success of the various domestic T20 cricket leagues.

“We know from our player surveys, and our engagement with players, that they are facing a conflict between international cricket and domestic T20 cricket leagues.

“This is a fundamental issue that we want any future structure of the game to address.

“Our concern is that if nothing is done, international cricket may very soon lose more and more of its best players to free agency and the T20 leagues.”

In addition to the 72 per cent in favour of a two-tier Test system, 70 per cent believe there should be ringfenced windows in the calendar for certain domestic T20 events, while 75 per cent back a ‘Test match final/play-off match’.

Despite overwhelmingly indicating that Test cricket is the most important format to play in, more than 52 per cent of all international respondents in the current

structure also indicated that they would consider rejecting a national contract in favour of free agency in domestic T20 leagues.

“We have already raised our intensity and urgency just knowing that a Test league might happen,” said South Africa captain AB de Villiers.

“There is nothing like the pressure and adrenaline that comes with knowing you need to win matches.

“It’s time for all international matches to have more meaning.”

West Indies skipper Jason Holder added: “Creating windows (for domestic T20 tournaments) would make the whole situation a lot easier as players would not be forced to choose.

“If players could play both domestic T20 and international cricket, it would definitely help to keep players in international cricket.”

FICA surveyed 193 current professional players from all seven FICA-affiliated countries, including 111 internationals. (Omnisport. com)

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Ruthless Spain maul Liechtenstein to lay down marker

By Richard Martin in Barcelona

(REUTERS) - Spain started their World Cup qualifying campaign with a crushing 8-0 win over Liechtenstein, laying down a marker in Group G with a ruthless second-half display yesterday.

Diego Costa scored his first goal for Spain in almost two years to put Julen Lopetegui’s side ahead in the 10th minute in their first competitive game under their new coach and Sergi Roberto doubled the lead in the 55th.

Costa got his second while David Silva and substitute Alvaro Morata also got braces and Vitolo opened his international account as the former world champions ran riot.

“Sometimes an oppo-

Spain’s David Silva (3rd R) celebrates his goal with teammates.

REUTERS/Eloy Alonso said Lopetegui. “We reaped in the second half what we had nent’s name can fool you but sowed in the first.” we played a great game,”

GHB’s Lucozade indoor tournament

Pizza Hut GCC, Pepsi Hikers win female and male titles AFTER playing unbeaten throughout the Guyana Hockey Board’s indoor tournament, Pizza Hut GCC and Pepsi Hikers came out on top of the Lucozade female and male division respectively when the tournament concluded last Sunday night at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

The tournament came to an end with a spectacular finale and in keeping with the custom, the ladies went first when Pizza Hut GCC faced GCC Spartans. The former dominated the entire match, not just with goalscoring but with impeccable defence and team work.

Tiffany Soloman scored an 8th-minute penalty corner (PC) and Kerensa Fernandes scored a field goal (FG) in the 23rd minute.

With jubilant celebrations the Pizza Hut ladies carted off the winning trophy and bragging rights for a while.

The second bout of the electrifying evening occurred between GCC Vintage and the undefeated Pepsi Hikers. The Vintage knew that they were up against a hockey behemoth but that did not deter them and at the end of the first half the scores were tied at one.

There were some close calls but both teams managed to hold their defence for the most part. The second half, however, was an entirely different story.

The Hikers showed why they are the best and scored six magnificent goals. National player Shane Samuels scored the most goals of the game - three.

The Hikers can now illustrate their prowess by continuing to claim that they are the best.

At the closing it was stated that some teams and players performed above the normal standards.

Pepsi Hikers’ Aroydy Brandford received the Most Goalscorer award for men while Pizza Hut GCC’s Gabriella Xavier received one for the ladies.

The MVPs were Marisha Rodrigues from the Hikers and Robert France from the Pepsi Hikers. Old Fort’s Sarafina Phillips received Best Goalkeeper and GCC’s Rahim Oliver copped the same prize for the men.

Costa was the focus of the pre-match build-up having netted once in his previous 11 appearances since switching nationalities from Brazil in 2014 and needed only 10 minutes to open the scoring, rising high to head in Koke’s free kick.

The entrance of substitute Nolito for Thiago Alcantara at the start of the second half livened up the home side and it was the Manchester City forward who laid the ball on for Roberto to grab his first international goal.

The floodgates had opened for Spain, the 2010 world champions who lost in the last 16 of this year’s European Championship.

Spain only grew hungrier and Costa wanted another bite. He effortlessly turned two defenders in the area before firing at goalkeeper

Peter Jehle’s right foot, calmly nodding in the rebound for the fifth goal.

“Players control their destiny and we just try to help them, but Diego is a great player and he proved it today,” added Lopetegui.

Costa came off to a standing ovation but his replacement Morata threatened to upstage him with two strikes in under a minute, slamming in at the near post before striking the ball past the hapless Jehle from the edge of the area.

Silva had a goal harshly ruled out as stoppage time approached but the City playmaker grabbed his second a minute later with a crisp shot.

Silva was soon in on the act, adding to his double in the friendly against Belgium last week by turning in Vitolo’s cross from close range.

WDFA/STAG Beer Senior League

Young Achievers register win; Eagles, Warriors held to tame draws

YOUNG Achievers were the lone team to record an outright victory when play in the West Demerara Football Association (WDFA) STAG Beer Senior League continued last weekend at the Den Amstel ground, West Coast Demerara.

Young Achievers brushed aside Vegae Boys 5-0 while Eagles of Stewartville and Jetty Gunners played to a 1-1

draw on Saturday.

On Sunday at the same venue, Uitvlugt Warriors and Stewartville also played to a nil-all stalemate.

Lexroy Mansfield was the principal scorer for Young Achievers on Saturday as he blasted home a hat-trick for his side in the 59th, 60th and 61st minutes. This was after Lloyd Prince had opened Young Achievers’ account with a

5th minute goal. Emmanuel Thomas converted the sealer in the 65th minute for the winners.

According to reports, Jetty Gunners in their game against Eagles almost pulled off an upset win against their opponents after opening the score line with a Shawn Williams’ 16th minute goal and held on to the lead until the 65th minute when Eagles’ Orlando Henry found his

team’s target.

Eagles subsequently squandered a goal-scoring opportunity from the penalty spot.

On Sunday, Uitvlugt Warriors who are currently third in the points standing created chances almost at will but failed to convert.

Meanwhile, Den Amstel, with five victories from as many matches, lead the points table with 15 points.

Improved performances for Guyana Chess Olympiad team

AS Guyana’s performance at the 42 Chess Olympiad continues to improve, Maria Varona-Thomas and Sheriffa Ali scored wins as the women’s team picked up a 4 – 0 victory over Tanzania, and drew 2 – 2 against Aruba, and a win by Su Haifeng help the men to a 2 – 2 draw against the Fiji team, when the battle of wits continued in Baku,Azerbaijan yesterday.

Now four rounds in, four of the five players on the women’s team have already picked up at least one win, while on the boys side only two players are yet to

Guyana’s Maria Varona-Thomas

score a point.

Leading the points standing on the Guyana team is Varona-Thomas with 2.5 points, she is followed by Sheriffa Ali and Haifeng, whom have 2 points each. Candidate master (CM) Taffin Khan (1877 ), Jessica Clementson and Yolander Persaud all have one point each, while CM Anthony Drayton has 0.5 point.

Still to get in some points are Candidate master Ronuel Greenidge (1723), who was featured in three of the four

Guyana’s Sheriffa Ali

See page 23

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Dirty Dozen upset Skeldon to claim OMSCC Over-50 title

By Frederick Halley

TORONTO, Canada -- Dirty Dozen entered the final of the Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Club (OMSCC) Over-50 tournament as the underdogs and few gave them any chance to defeat overwhelming favourites Skeldon.

However, when the final delivery of the gripping 20over contest was completed, it was the Dirty Dozen players and supporters who were jumping for joy and celebrating.

The encounter, played at

St Bede’s ground here last Saturday, saw Dirty Dozen halting the winning streak of the star-studded Skeldon side which included the likes of former Guyana player Shivnauth Seeram and Jaimini Singh.

Set a challenging 130 for victory, after limiting Skeldon to 129 in their allotted 20 overs, the new champions reached the target off the final delivery, losing eight wickets, with Prakash Singh proving to be the hero, spanking a boundary to backward point to the delight of an appreciative Dirty Dozen players and

The victorious Dirty Dozen team and their supporters. OMSC president Azeem Khan is far right (stooping). supporters.

It was the first defeat for Skeldon during the 2016 season, having won their six preliminary round games quite easily.

Earlier, top-scorer Charlie Yakub (32) and Colin Mohamed (16), the former with two fours and a six, had kept their team in contention despite losing wickets at regular intervals. Mohamed Azizudin was Skeldon’s best bowler with two for 17 from his two

overs.

Fazil Shakoor with a disciplined 42, which included two sixes and a four, led the way for Skeldon while Prakash Singh (16) and skipper Khem Singh (13) lent support. Much, however, was expected of Seeram and Jaimini Singh but both faltered when it mattered most.

Yakub crowned a fine allround performance, grabbing two for nine while Fazil Rasool also came back to capture

two for 11.

Yakub was named the Most Valuable Player for Dirty Dozen while Shakoor copped the same prize for Skeldon, both receiving cash incentive prizes from businessman Nirad Lall.

OMSCC president Azeem Khan lauded both teams for reaching the final and was extremely pleased with their display.

According to Khan, the OMSCC Over-50 Division

started some eight years ago with the objective of giving the most experienced cricketers the opportunity to continue to engage in and enjoy their boyhood sport.

Khan also spoke about the interest the tournament has generated over the years and thanked the several sponsors for their generosity that has helped it to survive in its eight-year existence.

Nishikori topples giant Karlovic to reach quarters

MVP Charlie Yakub collects a cash incentive from sponsor Nirad Lall.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday September 06, 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) WI vs ENG, Bourda, 1930 (2) WI vs ENG, The Oval, 1973 Today’s Quiz: (1) Who has the distinction of scoring the first century by a WI in Tests?

(2) Who registered the first ODI hundred for the WI? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

(REUTERS) - Kei Nishikori cut down the towering Ivo Karlovic of Croatia with surgical precision in a straight-sets win yesterday that lifted the sixth-seeded Japanese to the US Open quarter-finals.

Nishikori, the US Open runner-up two years ago, beat Karlovic 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4), in

the final main draw singles match at Louis Armstrong Stadium, which will be replaced by a new stadium with a retractable roof for the 2018 tournament.

It was a David and Goliath clash of physical opposites, but the 6-foot-11 (2.11m) Karlovic’s tennis game, apart from his prodi-

Narine-Allicock fight ruled No-Contest THE Guyana Boxing Board of Control has officially declared the Anthony Narine debut fight against Keeve Allicock a No-Contest upon review of the fight tape from the ‘Bad Intentions’ card which was held on August 27.

The initial decision of the fight saw Narine win after Allicock was disqualified for throwing an illegal blow after the referee called for the action to stop.

However, the review of the fight recording showed Allicock’s illegal blow was in response to one by Narine. after the referee had called a stop to the action. The blow, also illegal, caused Narine, too, to be disqualified from the fight.

Both boxers will see their records adjusted to reflect the new results.

gious serve, was overshadowed by the skills of Nishikori, more than a foot shorter at 5-10 (1.78m).

The quick-footed Nishikori made Karlovic look like he was standing still, which he often was, as he raced to victory in two hours to earn a berth into the last eight.

“It’s never easy against someone like Ivo, he has a great serve,” Nishikori said

in an on-court interview. “I made a lot of returns of first and second serves and was happy with my return game today.”

Nishikori will play either second seed Andy Murray of Britain or 22nd seed Grigor Dimitrov in the quarter-finals.

“I’ve been playing well, especially today,” the Japanese said. “I think I played one of (my) best matches so far. So will try to recover well and play (more) good tennis next round.

Kei Nishikori of Japan hits a shot to Ivo Karlovic of Croatia on day eight of the 2016 US Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. (Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports)

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 6, 2016

De Arend squeeze past Bounty Colts 71-67 ...complete Guyana tour unbeaten

WITH a gritty win over the Bounty Colts on Sunday, the De Arend Club showed why they are one of the top clubs in Suriname.

It was the combination of holding their nerves, hitting clutch shots and Colts’ missed attempts that saw the Dutch side home by 4 points, 71-67.

From the tip, the game showed it would be a close encounter with both teams trading baskets. De Arend’s swing-the-ball style saw them pass the ball around the perimeter and hit the open man for the shot.

The same was said for Colts who found the open man for the open shot as well as focused offence through their centre. The quarter finished 19-21 in favour of the visitors.

The second quarter saw a dip in offence since both teams had come out

swinging and were now settling into the game.

The defensive intensity of both teams improved and turnovers became more frequent. However, most turnovers came at the expense of the court being too slippery. The first half finished at 33-38 with De Arend in the lead.

In the third quarter of the game neither team looked to relinquish anything. High-paced offence was the order of this quarter and on the back of Shelroy Thomas, Kurt English and Shane Webster, Colts looked to push on. The quarter finished 51-53 with Colts within two.

In the fourth quarter Colts showed why they were ‘Road to Mecca’ champions, answering every shot that the Surinamese threw up. Once again the trio of English, Webster and Thomas were

Denzell Leter rises up for second dagger three.

Teams share a photo moment at end of tour.

instrumental.

However, the Surinamese did not let up, and their five of Denzell Leter, Mitchell Zeefuik, Emile La Rose, Xavier Elburg and Chayf Elbung would not let up.

Ultimately it was backto-back threes by Denzell Leter that saw the Surinamese close out the game with 1:10 seconds left. Thomas had two opportunities to salvage the game for Colts, but missed two threes of his own and, with 8 seconds left, the game was over, 71-67.

For the locals, Shelroy Thomas had the top score of 18, supported by Kurt English’s 16. For the visitors, Denzell Leter had 15 points and Xavier Elbung had 13 while Emile LaRose turned in 11 in the win.

In the supporting games, Pepsi Sonics knocked off Rose Hall Jammers 72-55 and Victory Valley Royals prevailed over Dynas Ravens 63-57.

T20 call-ups for Powell, Pooran OPENING batsman Kraigg Brathwaite has been called up to West Indies ODI side for their upcoming series against Pakistan in the UAE. Brathwaite has played 31 Tests since his international debut in 2011 but is yet to play an ODI or a T20. The T20I squad includes two uncapped players – all-rounder Rovman Powell and wicketkeeper-batsman Nicholas Pooran.

Chris Gayle is not a part of the T20 squad, having made himself unavailable for selection, while Lendl Simmons has missed out due to medical reasons.

The ODI squad also includes batsman Evin Lewis and fast bowler Alzarri Joseph, who are uncapped in the format. Lewis, who made his T20I debut earlier this year, recently scored a 48-ball century against India in Florida, while Joseph made his debut in the home Test series against the same opposition.

Pooran impressed in this year’s Caribbean Premier League, scoring 217 runs in eight innings at a strike rate of 197.27 for Barbados Tridents, while completing eight dismissals behind the stumps. Pooran’s inclusion

boosts West Indies’ wicket-keeping options in the T20 squad, which includes Andre Fletcher, Johnson Charles and Chadwick Walton, who last played for West Indies in January 2014.

Powell, who made his first-class debut last season, also showed promise in CPL 2016 for Jamaica Tallawahs, scoring 228 runs at an average of 25.33 and taking two wickets with his medium-pace.

With Kumar Sangakkara taking up the wicket-keeping gloves for Tallawahs, Walton played in the CPL as a batsman and finished as the second-highest run-getter for the side, with 301 runs in 13 innings including two fifties.

The T20I squad does not include former captain Darren Sammy, who was axed from the role last month. Sammy was also excluded from the T20I squad that played against India in Florida. Gayle, Sammy, Dwayne Bravo, Lendl Simmons, Andre Russell and Samuel Badree were ineligible for ODI selection as they did not play domestic 50-over tournament last season, made mandatory by the WICB. West Indies will start their tour with three T20Is

… Kraigg Brathwaite included in ODI squad

Rovman Powell

Nicholas Pooran

against Pakistan, between September 23 and 27, followed by the three-match ODI series which starts September 30. The three-Test series, which includes a daynight match in Dubai, starts October 13 and West Indies squad for that format will be announced later.

We s t I n d i e s O D I squad: Jason Holder (capt.), Sulieman Benn, Carlos Brathwaite, Kraigg Brathwaite, Darren Bravo,

Jonathan Carter, Johnson Charles, Shannon Gabriel, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Sunil Narine, Ashley Nurse, Kieron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin, Marlon Samuels We s t I n d i e s T 2 0 I squad: Carlos Brathwaite (capt.), Samuel Badree, Dwayne Bravo, Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher, Jason Holder, Evin Lewis, Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels, Jerome Taylor, Chadwick Walton

Changes to cricket top agenda for WICB meeting CRICKET and its place in the Summer Olympic Games, Test Cricket for 4 Days, Two-tier system for Test-playing nations and Women’s Cricket in the 2022 Commonwealth Games are just some of the topics to be discussed at the next meeting of the Board of Directors of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB).

The meeting, scheduled for September 9 and 10 in Dominica, will also focus on the proposed International Cricket Council (ICC) reorganisation and how West

WICB president Dave Cameron

Indies may be affected.

The regional 4-day Professional Cricket League (PCL), the new-format Super50 and other development plans will also be up for discussions as the WICB gets ready for the new financial year, beginning October 1.

Coming off a very successful start to 2016, winning three championships, “the WICB remains committed to the continuous growth of cricket in the region, but more importantly to improve its rankings in the Test and ODI formats,” says president

Dave Cameron.

The president noted too that “the recently concluded age-groups tournaments will be assessed to look at the preparation for the Under-19 title defence in 2018 in New Zealand.”

The men’s team will go into camp soon to participate in a series against Pakistan later this month; the women will host England in Jamaica in October, after which they will tour India in November; an ‘A’ Team will tour Sri Lanka in October and the men will head off to Zimbabwe in November.

T20 call-ups for Powell, Pooran See story on page 27

Elliot, Matthew Vieira dominate Bushy Park meet

By Stephan Sookram in Barbados (compliments of Jiffy Lubes, Rent-a-Tent, A&R Jiwanram, Hand-in-Hand, John Fernandes Limited, Best Buy Auto) ELLIOT and Matthew Vieira ruled the super stock class of the recently concluded Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championships in Barbados.

Starting on pole in the first super stock race, Elliot got off to a bad start, allowing Canada-based Barbadian representative Kevin Graham to take the lead. He retained the lead two laps after capitalising on a minor error by his opponent.

However, during that battle, Stephen Vieira, who had failed to qualify earlier, made his way from the back of the pack and took advantage of both Elliot and Graham to slide by into first place. See page 23

Bikes on the grid at the Bushy Park Raceway in Barbados

Serena storms into quarters in record-smashing style

UEFA coach appointed new GFF Technical Director See story on page 23

N

Serena Williams of the USA after beating Yaroslava Shvedova of Kazakhstan on day eight of the 2016 US Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

EW YORK, NY (Reuters) - Serena Williams stormed into the quarter-finals of the US Open in record-smashing style yesterday, easing past Kazakhstan’s Yaroslava Shvedova 6-2, 6-3, to claim grand slam win number 308.

The world number one needed just 68 minutes on Arthur Ashe Stadium court to overwhelm the 52nd-ranked Shvedova and move past Roger Federer to the top of the all-time grand slam victories list.

“Oh wow, it is really exciting, this is where it all started so it is always so magical out here for me; but 308 sounds pretty good,” Williams said about her landmark win, after moving a step closer to a record seventh US Open title.

It has been another dominating run into the last eight for the 34-year-old American, who has yet to be broken and has faced just one break point in four matches while never spending more than 68 minutes on court.

Next up for Williams is fifth seed Romanian Simona Halep, who brushed past 11th-seeded Spaniard Carla Suarez Navarro 6-2, 7-5.

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

Ian Greenwood TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2016