Guyana chronicle e paper 06 11 2017

The Rory's Knoll pit

SEE INSIDE

More than just mining

Guyana Goldfields Inc. committed to sustainable development

SUNDAY JUNE 11, 2017

No. 104940

Price: $140

Corruption overruns Skeldon project ► Page

II

(VAT Inclusive)

– full investigation into neglect to be launched Page 3

Anglican Church ordains first deaconess in Guyana Page 2

Newly ordained Deaconess Rita Hunter and the Right Reverend Bishop Charles Davidson (in back row), pictured with her family members. From left in back row are: Her son Rawle; husband Barrington; and at extreme right (back) is daughter Kathleen

Vessel sinks in No reduction Carter-Price Cuyuni; Venezuelans in revenue formula swim ashore outdated – GHRA Page 13

Page 9

– from used tyre ban until next year, says GRA boss

PPage age 2 15

2

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 11, 2017

Anglican Church ordains first deaconess in Guyana

By Shirley Thomas

IT was a watershed moment for the Anglican Diocese of Guyana (including Suriname and Cayenne) when the Church consecrated and ordained its first-ever female and first

ever indigenous woman as a Deacon in the Church of God. The consecration and ordination of Mrs. Rita Hunter, 62, of Jawalla, Region Seven, Cuyuni-Mazaruni, was held at Christ Church, Waterloo Street, Georgetown and was

witnessed by a sizeable congregation which included Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland, family members of the deacon, including her husband, Barrington Hunter, son Raphael Hunter and eldest daughter Kathleen Grannis.

Married… and a proud mother of five (all alive), Deacon Hunter told the Sunday Chronicle: “I feel happy.

I feel blessed, being called by the Lord. I have come through the ranks. I was at first a Catechist. I was a Lay Minister and now to become a deacon is a privilege, so I am happy.”

An otherwise solemn service, characterised by reverence, it was a moment of

The presentation of the instrument by Bishop Charles Davidson to Deaconess Hunter

Mr. Oscar Clarke congratulates Deaconess Hunter on her ordination

great excitement when Celebrant, The Right Reverend Bishop Charles Davidson, ceremoniously presented to Deacon Hunter the instruments that gave her authority for the office and work of a Deacon in the Church of God, saying: Receive this book [The Holy Bible] and take authority to proclaim the Gospel and to assist in the administration of the Sacrament.”

Then there was the robing of the deacon, assisted by her son and daughter, after which the Bishop presented the newly ordained deacon to the congregation.

A member of St. John’s Evangelist Church, Jawalla, she also reads, writes and translates Akawaio, the language of the people of Jawalla, fluently, and has been translating the Holy Bible into Akawaio for the benefit of her people. During the ordination, Deacon Hunter’s daughter read the Epistle which was prepared in Akawaio by Deacon Hunter.

Mrs. Hunter’s daugh-

ter Kathleen recalls that her mother has also been a health worker and later became trained as a birth attendant, in which capacity she functioned until she reached the age of retirement.

Asked how she feels now that her mother has broken records as being the first woman to be ordained a deacon in the Diocese of Guyana , Kathleen replied: “I feel more than proud. Mom has been a role model from a tender age and is a proud example for the people of Jawalla to follow. She is returning to the Jawalla Mission, where she will work under the supervision of Priest, Canon Wilson Williams.

Meanwhile, recalling the moment he asked Mrs. Hunter to consider becoming a deacon, Bishop Davidson said: “It never occurred to me that she was going to be the first woman; it never occurred to me she was going to be the first indigenous woman; it never occurred to me that the oldest bishop would be coordinating the ceremony.” And to his delight, Mrs. Hunter, after discussing it with her family, willingly consented. And another first in the scheme of things, the Bishop admitted that it was the first time that there was an ordination at Christ Church. She was highly recommended by veteran priests in the diocese and farther afield, who had interacted with her through the years. One recommendation said: “She was devoted and dedicated and a trustworthy woman of the Christian faith.”

Others concurred with this position.

3

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 11, 2017

Corruption overruns Skeldon project

– full investigation into neglect to be launched JUNIOR Finance Minister, Jaipaul Sharma, is expected to recommend to Cabinet a full investigation into the Skeldon Modernisation Project, contending that the project has been plagued by corruption and mismanagement.

Speaking on a tour of the factory, Sharma said the project was expected to save sugar but it has achieved the opposite.

GuySuCo chairman, Professor Clive Thomas had previously described the facility as a “ticking time bomb”, an assertion the opposition PPP has dismissed as political propaganda.

“I am happy the media is here today and like myself can see first-hand the type of damage and level of deterioration that the professor was talking about,” Sharma told reporters on Friday.

Skeldon Energy Inc (SEI) has indicated as a stop gap measure, it is investing US$2.5M to make the plant operational by the end of August.

And, it will then spend a whopping US$17M from January 2018 to effect a complete rehabilitation of its facilities. This rehabilitation work is expected to be done over a three-to-four-month period.

“It is a stop gap measure to buy time because ultimately the solution to the problem is the replacement of one boiler in the place of where the two boilers are,” SEI Chairman Lloyd Rose said.

The management of SCI recommended the closure of the facility earlier in the year over safety concerns regard-

Minister Sharma during the tour of the Skeldon plant

ing the boilers, forcing the Skeldon factory to halt operation until the second crop.

No cane was processed for the first crop and management is hoping that the repairs can be completed in time for the second crop in September.

During the tour, management and staff of SEI pointed to the damaged boilers and the works being done on other sections of the facility.

BIGGEST INVESTMENT The SEI said the US$200M Skeldon project, the country’s biggest investment, has found itself in a perilous state due to poor design, poor management, lack of training and oversight.

According to Rose, the pinhole boiler is not suited for local conditions as he explained its deterioration in a short period of time.

“We have found here, the type of grate we have here is being overwhelmed by the amount of ash obtained from the actual outturn simply because of the amount of sand, mud and silt that comes in with the canes after a brief rainfall even during the dry season.”

Rose said the conditions under which the canes come in cannot be changed. Even though workers have tried, the pinholes become blocked due to the excessive ash content, making normal operations difficult and requiring more maintenance.

This, he said should have been considered in the initial design stages to avoid the current situation.

“We have a mixture of several things; there clearly were several design defi-

ciencies; we talked about one. There was an issue of proper maintenance, there is no doubt about that, the maintenance did not live up to proper standards that are expected for this type of plant, and of course, we have the issue of the proper training and operational oversight of the process,” the SEI chairman said.

NEVER WORKED He said he can go on about the issues affecting the plant, but noted that the main issue is the design and the fact that there are some components that never worked since their installation.

“But to be fair, the thing that overshadows all of that is the design issues and the pinhole grate (boiler) is only one and we have cases where many other things that were installed, like the electromagnetic facilitator and things like that, never really worked in the first place and we can go on and on but there were many design deficiencies that had they been corrected earlier, perhaps we could have had a very different results but they were so, now you know the result of their actions.”

Minister Jaipaul said some simple design flaws which could have been remedied earlier by the previous administration were not given due attention.

He made mention of the shed covering boilers One and Two that left the boilers exposed to the weather, causing external damage. He was also puzzled as to why when the defects were identified, it was not remedied during the defects liability period of the contract.

The minister is keen to find out who signed off on the approval, despite some of these defects being identified within the said period.

Actom John Thompson Company of South Africa has been contracted to effect repairs to the boiler and SEI is looking at several options as it relates to funding for the estimated US$17M for next year to complete rehabilitation works.

Rose said the SEI has also completed a business plan and based on projections, the company is expected to be a very viable one and can easily acquire the funds and would not necessarily go to government for support.

Engineer, Outar Ramhit, points to a damaged tube in one of the boilers

4

SUNDAY CHRONICLE JUNE 11, 2017

May closes minority gov’t deal THE Democratic Unionist Party has agreed in principle a “confidence and supply” deal to support a Conservative government, Downing Street has said.

Theresa May was left eight seats short of an overall majority in the general election, while the DUP won 10 seats.

Tory chief whip Gavin Williamson went to Belfast on Saturday for talks with the Northern Irish party.

The DUP said talks had been “positive” and would continue next week to “work on the details” and “reach agreement”.

No 10 said the outline deal would be discussed at a Cabinet meeting on Monday.

Any agreement will come into force when Parliament returns next week.

A “confidence and supply” deal is not a full coalition, but an agreement which sees the smaller party support the larger one in key votes such as on the budget.

A Downing Street spokesman said: “We welcome this commitment, which can provide the stability and certainty the whole country requires as we embark on Brexit and beyond.”

In a DUP statement released at midnight, the party said: “The DUP held discussions with representatives of the Conservative Party in line with Arlene Foster’s commitment to explore how we might bring stability to the nation at this time of great challenge.

“The talks so far have been positive.”

‘PROFOUND IMPLICATIONS’ Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron called on May to make the details of the deal public “immediately”.

He said: “The actions of this government will have profound implications for the Brexit negotiations and the future of our country.

“At such a critical time, the prime minister must be clear with the people about the deal she has stitched up with the DUP behind closed doors.”

Sinn Féin’s leader in Northern Ireland Michelle O’Neill said the DUP had “betrayed the interests of the people” there.

She said: “They have achieved little propping up Tory governments in the past and put their own interests before those of the people.

“This new arrangement

between the DUP and the Tories will be transitory and will end in tears.”

Jeremy Corbyn said the government did not have any credibility to go forward and the Labour Party would do what it could to stop it.

The Labour leader told the Sunday Mirror: “Theresa May has been to the palace. She’s now attempting to form a government.

[But] she’s then got to present a programme to Parliament.

“There’s a possibility of voting the Queen’s Speech down and we’re going to push that all the way.” (BBC)

Any agreement between Theresa May’s Conservatives and Arlene Foster’s Democratic Unionists would come into force when Parliament returns

Sessions to appear before Intelligence Committee U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday denied he tried to interfere with an FBI investigation, effectively accusing James Comey, the FBI’s former director, of lying under oath to Congress.

Comey delivered scathing remarks about the President on Thursday at a congressional hearing and testified that Trump had asked him to drop a Feder-

al Bureau of Investigation probe into former aide Michael Flynn and his alleged ties to Russia.

Trump said Comey’s testimony also vindicated him from allegations that he colluded with Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

“James Comey confirmed a lot of what I said.

And some of the things that he said just weren’t true,” Trump said at a news conference in the White House Rose Garden.

Asked by a reporter if he had told Comey to drop the investigation into former national security adviser

Flynn, Trump said, “I didn’t say that.”

The reporter then asked, “So he lied about that?”

“Well, I didn’t say that. I mean, I will tell you, I didn’t say that,” Trump replied.

“And there would be nothing wrong if I did say it according to everybody that I’ve read today, but I did not say that,” he said.

In his testimony, Comey also said Trump asked him in January to pledge loyalty to the President, an unusual request that would put in doubt the independence of the FBI. “I hardly know the man.

I’m not going to say I want you to pledge allegiance.

Who would do that?” Trump said.

Comey’s testimony was the most eagerly anticipated U.S. congressional hearing in years. The issue of the Trump election campaign’s relationship with Russia has dogged Trump’s first months in office and distracted from his policy goals such as overhauling the U.S. healthcare system and making tax cuts.

Comey, who was fired

by Trump in May, did not make any major disclosures about any links between Trump or his associates and alleged Russian meddling. (Reuters)

DATE: DATE: 26/11/2016 10/06/2017 26/11/2016 10/06/2017

12 14 18 19 26 18 02 5 12 13 14 15 25 N H 11

06 13 13 14

14 21

21 23

24 26

26/11/2016 10/06/2017

04 2

07 8

03 7

26/11/2016 10/06/2017

05 6

04 5

01 2

26/11/2016 10/06/2017 02 1 2 095 10 6 9111013 17 14

18

5

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 11, 2017

Brazil leader cleared of poll accusation BRAZIL’S President Michel Temer has been acquitted of irregularities in the 2014 election, a ruling which allows him to stay in office.

By four votes to three, the Superior Electoral Court rejected claims that illegal money was used in the campaign.

If found guilty, Temer could have been forced out of the presidency.

The accusations referred to the vote won by Dilma Rousseff with Temer as her running mate. He replaced her when she was impeached last year.

The court looked at whether the Rousseff-Temer presidential campaign in 2014 should have been invalidated because of illegal campaign donations.

Judge Herman Benjamin, the investigator in the case, voted for their conviction, saying that a system of undeclared donations and bribes favoured them in the election.

He said they were both guilty of abuse of economic and political power “This is enough to invalidate the mandate,” he said at the session broadcast live on TV. But four other judges voted against him, some saying that the evidence presented was not enough to prove that the illegal money that went to the political parties was used in the campaign. If they had been convicted, Temer could

have been suspended from the presidency while Rousseff would have lost her political rights.

President Temer is being investigated for other allegations of corruption.

If he were to be charged, then that is where the political calculations come in.

According to the Brazilian constitution, if there are fewer than two years left in a term, Congress will choose a caretaker president to govern until the next elections, due in 2018.

But nobody really knows the rules of this kind of elec-

tion because it has never happened before. That would likely bring further uncertainty, analysts said.

Many want direct elections so they can choose a new leader rather than have it chosen by a Congress that is seen as part of the problem.

This, however, is unlikely to happen, and not only because of the current legislation: some of the biggest parties oppose to an election now as many of their top names have been implicated in the investigations and, with increasing public anger, they would probably suffer big losses. (BBC)

Temer’s approval rating has dropped amid accusations

6

SUNDAY CHRONICLE JUNE 11, 2017

Racial tension in our society THE CARTER Centre’s report on the 2015 General and Regional Elections was recently made public.

The report noted, among other things, the PPP/C fuelling of racial tension between Africans and Indians during the elections campaign.

And though there is a bottom- house aspect of our politics where such politicking is said to occur, few can forget the manner in which former president Bharrat Jagdeo unapologetically played the race card on the public platforms.

None can honestly deny that there remains tremendous and continuous work to bring about racial harmony and peace. As society is wont to remember, in the lyrics of Peter Tosh, ‘Equal Rights’ that “everyone is crying out for peace…none is crying out for justice [and people] need equal rights and justice.”

It is felt in many instances --- be it real or perceived --- that racial conflict in our society has to do with injustice. There has been a spate of letters, columns and reports in the newspapers, along with oral accusations for several years of such practices.

The racial tension, division, mistrust, or whatever it is being called, in our society has its genesis going back centuries. And while most alive today had little or nothing to do with the racial upheavals of the 1960s and what our forebears would have gone through, we owe it to ourselves not to be held captive by it.

And though this taint in the nation’s history comes as no surprise to those who had participated in and followed the elections, that an international institution is pointing out this defect in our behaviour brings to the fore once again the importance of tackling it, head on.

Admittedly, dealing with race can be touchy, given the sensitivities and feelings of agreement. At the same

time, it cannot be ignored that only through frank, honest and open conversations the nation will be able to positively address this issue that would bring the needed systems and institutions to confront and positively address.

The Guyana Constitution recognises the presence and importance of all races in the society. Equally as the Preamble calls on Guyanese to celebrate our diversity, Article 149 protects citizens from discrimination on the grounds of race, and other articles offer similar protection.

Racial equality is premised on bringing about racial justice and thwarting those who seek to deny such pursuit. Where a framework is in place to bring about equality and protection, making it real would require further strengthening through legislations, education, policies, programmes and so forth.

Earlier efforts to recognise ethnic diversity in the national calendar of events and incorporation via national symbols, institutions, and artefacts are noted.

Likewise,the fledgling work of the Social Cohesion department, one of which is the Diversity Village held recently. But to say that more needs to be done is not only an understatement ,but recognition that where centuries of relations marked by internecine conflict and mistrust, it requires continuous ongoing efforts to thwart.

Looking around the world, evidence of intolerance has resulted in major wars, a new brand of political nationalism, discrimination, acts of terrorism and internal conflicts. And whereas racial tension is not unique to Guyana, the country can be among those moving assiduously to curb it and marginalise those who practice, be they in our political, social, economic or culture space.

Last month’s bombing in Manchester Arena, En-

gland, by Salman Ramadan Abedi which the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) claimed responsibility for, saw one of the most profound responses in dealing with this threat to humanity by the intolerant in our midst. It was former U.S. president Barack Obama’s succinct response to the incident that may have given the world its best hope to make positive changes in the midst of challenge.

Accordingly, “[His] hope is that now, although I’m no longer President, hopefully I have a little more influence to help more young people to deal with some of these challenges and encourage a new generation of leadership, so that we can marginalise those you will try to divide and bring together more and more people, who can bring us together around a common good.”

About two-thirds of this nation’s population is 40 years and younger. And whereas Mr. Jagdeo, a child of the post-1960s racial upheaval, did not find it worthwhile to create and lead a more positive racial experience in the society during his presidency and after, it should not stop young people and others from making efforts to emulate Obama’s wisdom.

David has defeated Goliath at the OAS !

Dear Editor, THE resounding diplomatic and political victory that our Caribbean Community ( CARICOM) nation states won against the powerful quintet of the United States of America (USA), Canada, Mexico, Peru and Panama at the Organization of American States (OAS) meeting that was held in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, 31st May, 2017 may be likened to the biblical triumph of the pure and principled David (the little shepherd boy) over Goliath, the mighty and power-drunk warrior!

The issue at stake was the fate of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, and both the David-like CARICOM states and the Goliath-like “quintet” of large and powerful states came to the meeting armed with a draft resolution.

The CARICOM draft resolution was based on an understanding that at the heart of the conflict in Venezuela is a determined effort by an economic elite to wrest political power and control over massive petroleum resources from the hands of a socialist Government that – for the first time in Venezuela’s history – has been sharing these resources with millions of impoverished citizens.

Our CARICOM Prime Ministers and Foreign Ministers are not naïve neophytes! And they are aware that the wealthy opposition forces in Venezuela are pursuing a conscious policy of orchestrated, violent street protests that are designed to produce personal injuries

and loss of human life, that can in turn be magnified and used by the all-powerful Western media as a propaganda tool against the Government of Venezuela.

As a result, the CARICOM draft resolution radiated respect for the sovereignty of Venezuela and demanded an immediate cessation of violence, adherence to the rule of law and constitutional processes, absolute respect for human rights, and the implementation of a process of dialogue in the country.

This fair and principled draft Resolution effectively challenged the interventionist “might-makes- right” posture of the “Goliath quintet” and their draft Resolution, and led to a stalemate which was only broken when the CARICOM states proposed that the meeting be adjourned and that an effort be made to honestly discuss and negotiate a mutually acceptable draft Resolution.

The “Goliath quintet” – desperately seeking a way out of a humiliating diplomatic defeat by a group of micro states – accepted the CARICOM proposal !

This brilliant diplomatic triumph has showcased CARICOM at its very best – standing up for such critical international law principles as respect for national sovereignty and independence; courageously speaking truth to power; expressing solidarity with the universal struggle for social justice; and acting collectively and in unity.

And this is how it should be! This is how it always should be where the Caribbean people

and their Governments are concerned.

Indeed, if there is one people on the face of this earth who possess both a right and a duty to stand up for the inter-linked principles of freedom, independence, social justice and human dignity it is us – the people of the Caribbean!

We, after all, are the descendants of a people who were subjected to the most horrendous forms of the denial of freedom, justice and human dignity.

Our history has therefore prepared us for and given us a great purpose and mission in this troubled world – and we must dutifully fulfil that purpose and mission.

We, who have never invaded any foreign country or ever committed any acts of assassination, genocide or other crimes against humanity, are uniquely qualified – morally and otherwise – to confront the big powers of this world and to speak up for principles that are critical to the survival of human civilisation !

We must therefore humbly and modestly recognise and accept this as our duty-- a duty that we perform in honour of our ancestors who suffered so much for the cause of freedom and human dignity. And we must therefore always be prepared to stand resolutely against all those who seek to deflect us from performing this sacred mission that our history has bequeathed to us.

It is against this background therefore that I now hereby call upon all Caribbean people to -- with one voice -- denounce the

four former Central American Presidents who recently arrogantly and perversely publicly attacked our CARICOM Governments for the stance that they took at the May 31st OAS meeting.

The former Presidents in question – Felipe Calderon of Mexico, Oscar Arias of Costa Rica, Mireya Moscoso of Panama, and Alfredo Cristiani of El Salvador – are all multi-millionaire, doctrinaire capitalists who have been accused of or implicated in wrongs ranging from the massacre of students and intellectuals (Cristiani), extra-judicial killings in a so-called “drug war” (Calderon), corruption scandals (Moscoso), and constitutional abuses (Arias). Furthermore, three of them hail from nations with sordid records of genocide and crimes against humanity.

The “Open Letter” that they so arrogantly addressed to the political leaders of our CARICOM nations is a one-sided, extremist document that is riddled with half truths, distortions and outright lies.

Every self-respecting citizen of the Caribbean should recognise it for what it is -- an outrageous piece of right-wing propaganda, and reject it out of hand !

DAVID COMISSIONG CARIBBEAN CHAPTER, NETWORK IN DEFENSE OF HUMANITY BARBADOS

7

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 11, 2017

The President must be given six ‘not unacceptable’ nominees Dear Editor, THE words in article 161(2) “not unacceptable to the President” are yet again being trivialised – with brutish stupidity.

With an accustomed degree of theoretical rhetoric with total disregard for relevance, Anil Nandlall (also SN’s editorial of Sunday June 4) trivialises those plain, lucid, unambiguous words to mean that the leader of the opposition, (LOO), if he compiles a list of six nominees, but with less than six nominees being “not unacceptable to the President,” nevertheless, the LOO has still submitted a list of six names who are “not unacceptable to the President.”

So, they argue that the President is duty bound, in law, to appoint one whom he considers “not unacceptable.” As I will show, it is both good law, and commonsense, that the President should reject (as advised by his attorney general) an INCOMPLETE and IMPERFECT list. Even Equity (that institution of fairness and conscience whereby strict legal rights are overridden) does not consider as perfect, that which is imperfect.

The interpretation of article 161(2) involves established test. It is this: “…to the interpretation of words in an instrument which are plain and unambiguous…the court is duty bound to construe such words in their ordinary sense, irrespective of consequences and may not modify or bend their meaning to achieve or to avoid a particular result” (extract from Massiah, C judgment in AG v. Mohamed Alli et al (1987) 41 WIR 176. Lawyers call this the strict or literal constructionist approach.

The consequence of Mr. Jagdeo having to submit an entire new list, then cannot make President Granger’s rejection wrong. Mr.

Nandlall (and the SN Sunday editor) are not permitted to (but attempt to) modify or bend their meaning. (KN June 6 “President Granger’s interpretation of the constitution is a warped one.”)

Nandlall’s sterile argumentation about Mr. Hoyte and Mr. Jagdeo’s “methodology” of having consulted some 33 civil society organisations involves no principle of interpretation. I waste no time with them. But perhaps transparency requires that he name those 33 organisations. Do they comply with article 161 as to representation in the National Assembly?

For his strict construction of article 161(2), it cannot be right, and certainly not fair, to the President, to be subjected to what can only be termed as illegitimate pressure actuated by pure self-interest at worst, or misinterpretation at best, to waive his right to have the complete and perfect option of six “not unacceptable” nominees. (the illegitimacy of the threats of “other consequences” (Jagdeo), “dire consequences (Nandlall), “pickle” (Rohee) inter alia). One final point about the constitutionality of the President’s rejection (based presumably on the attorney general’s advice of his right/power/duty to do so) I argue the novel proposition that given the constitutional credentials and status of the attorney general of the day (now Basil Williams, S.C) (adumbrated in previous letters about Justice Holder’s and the attorney general’s controversy) there is, a rebuttable presumption of regularity or correctness of the advice of the attorney general of the day. Only a court ruling can rebut that presumption. There is none; nor, is there likelihood of any. The constitution does not countenance every letter-writer, editor, coloumnist, Tom, Dick, Harry or Mary, extra-judicially, as its interpreter-only an AG. (the comparable role of a DPP

in a criminal-law context has no relevance to this GECOM Chairman matter).

Finally, some additional (i.e not in any of my previous letters) comment about “fit and proper.” Those few in Guyana who would have been admitted as a solicitor in England (I believe that former Chancellor Desiree Bernard is in that elite) would know that the words “fit” and proper” (in this hybrid, binary formulation) imports unexpressed or unstated criteria, or, determinants, for deciding as to such fitness and capacity. Surely, that determination is not, and cannot be, an exercise in abstraction. The certificate of admission which the Master of the Rolls (in England) signs, reads relevantly thus: “whereas upon Examination and Enquire touching your fitness and capacity to act as a solicitor………..

I am satisfied that you are a FIT and PROPER person so to act I do……..

ADMIT you to be a solicitor……” What one may relevantly ask is: what are the limits of such examination and enquiry?

Would anyone dumbly argue that since no “criteria” are specifically or particularly tabulated, in the enabling stature (compare our Legal Practitioners Act. Cap 4:01 as to the general requirement of “good character” for admission as an attorney – at – law) there are none which the Master of the Rolls can consider in making a judgment as to his satisfaction that the person seeking admission is fit and proper for solicitorship. Or, that the Master of the Rolls would be abusing power if he indicated that X,Y or Z attributes were specific/particular characteristics for admission. I argue that by analogy, the President is in a similar position as the Master of the Rolls as regards “fit and proper” for appointment of chairman. In the scheme of things, particulars (judge-like attributes of impartiality, integrity, intelli-

gence, non-activism, medical firmity etc) exist by implication.

The indomitable Freddie Kissoon does not think that President Granger has any such power/right/duty to arrogate to himself such delimitation as to the meaning of “fit and proper” (KN, June 6 “The Dangerous Journey of David Granger”). But Freddie does not, indeed could not, articulate as to by what other legal process a President could determine the specifics or particulars of the power in guided expectancy that the eventual appointee would be a “fit and proper” chairman, in the performance of this key constitutional job.

I tell the story of my experience as a magistrate when the first case under the Domestic Violence Act, 1996 was heard by me in 1997. The case was Bharrat & Bharrat V. Bharrat (CJ 6215-16/97). It was about two minor children seeking a Protection Order against their parents. I granted it. But counsel for the parents (respondents) had raised certain preliminary points in objection. The DVA had to be applied. And in, and, for such application, a ruling on those points required an interpretation of certain provisions in the DVA. That was the only way of determining what my jurisdiction was, and was not. What was I supposed to do?; Retreat into a state of intellectual agoraphobia? Was I wrong to arrogate unto myself the right, and duty, to interpret the provisions; given the novelty of the issue? I was not.

The Full Court (I was congratulatorily informed) upheld my decision, on appeal. I anticipate a similar vindication for President Granger if threats of legal challenge happen.

Regards MAXWELL.E.EDWARDS

FORKED TONGUE 8

REACTING to a hurricane of negative statements being made by the Opposition, a Coalition supporter advised: “Don’t worry wid dem, PM”. As I looked at her, she added: “They speaking wid forked tongue”!

When a person is accused of speaking with a forked tongue, that person is said to be hypocritical, duplicitous and misleading.

The statements by that person would be riddled with half-truths, falsehoods and distortions. It is hard to believe someone who speaks with a forked tongue.

FULL DISCLOSURE Take, for example, the statement by the Leader of the Opposition that Guyana will be “worse off” when production of oil and gas begins, and afterwards. Is this an example of someone speaking with “forked tongue”?

The prospect of Guyana becoming the new frontier of oil and gas production and, by inference, a potentially wealthy country, has become everyone’s dream, everyone’s hope. But only the Leader of the Opposi-

tion, in typical gloom and doom fashion, harbours a dreaded nightmare of Guyanese walking around with begging bowls, or starving, even as oil would be flowing abundantly.

Our Government has committed to transparency and has spent, so far, almost the entire two years of its life, in tapping into every possible technical source available for a model framework to ensure that Guyana could benefit from our petroleum resources.

Even before any big “find” was made, then Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman, (now Minister of Natural Resources) and I were doing the initial rounds in Mexico for assistance to craft the legal framework and to help train Guyanese in petroleum engineering.

Much has been done since to strengthen the legal infrastructure to deal with possible corrupt practices, and to build partnership that could promote environmentally safe exploration and production. Our Government has partnered with a multi-stakeholders’ movement that has a defined watch-dog role to

ensure there is accountability and transparency in our extractive industries.

We have explained the need to build institutions and systems that would guide Guyana away from pitfalls that had made the oil sector in some countries into what has been described as a “resource curse”. All indications are that life in Guyana will be improved once we start to pump oil and channel gas into the homes and factories of Guyanese.

But we have to make room for the spirit crushers in our midst who would rather hand over a channel leading to our marine deposits to a greedy neighbour, than revel in satisfaction that Guyana could be better off when we ourselves harvest our petroleum resources.

The Opposition Leader claimed that two per cent royalty is a rip off. But Mr. Forked Tongue did not say that under his (PPP) government, the royalty that was negotiated was one half of a per cent!

Then, he screamed that Government should re-

lease the contract with Exxon-Mobil. Did he publish the 1999 Agreement and when? Perhaps there were legal impediments that had stood in the way. Could it have been the amendments to the Petroleum Act which were introduced in 1997 by the then Government to place restrictions on disclosure of information?

Surely, he should tell the whole story, truthfully.

SKELDON SHUT DOWN The Opposition has decided to wage a hurricane of protests in the sugar belt. They are wagging the same old forked tongue by claiming that (a) the Coalition was shutting down the sugar industry and (b) the sugar industry, as is, could be returned to profitability.

They have shut out repeated explanations, and buried an entire White Paper on the plight of the sugar industry. The sugar industry is not being closed. It requires a process of merger of operations, together with divestment and diversification, to save sugar and protect jobs for as

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 11, 2017

many workers as possible.

Sugar would be restricted to three factories and five cultivation areas on three estates. GuySuCo would retain its core operations and would produce an anticipated 150,000 tonnes of sugar.

The sugar industry is in deep crisis. Those who are today speaking with forked tongues have themselves presided over the bankruptcy of the industry. They have left it with a debt tag of some $85 billion. The industry is on a life-line that is feeding on subsidies or bailouts, with some $32 billion pumped into it over the past two years. That was enough to give every sugar worker a bonus package of $2 million, on top of wages!

The years of neglect and mismanagement of the industry, together with political interference, have to be placed at the feet of the Jagdeo-Ramotar administration. Mr. Jagdeo pumped $47billion into the Skeldon factory, which is a notorious white elephant.

He had said that without modernisation of that factory, sugar would be dead.

He was right.

On June 9, a post mortem revealed that the factory was defective at the time it was handed over by the contractors, without any certification. A critical part of the factory was the co-generation plant which had safety and design issues. A study stated that it would cost US$17 million to fix the problem. That would be another G$3.4 billion.

What the Opposition has not admitted is that factory closure and merger

of estate operations had started during the Jagdeo terms. Lands that should have gone to sugar workers or put under other crops in the much long-promised diversification and other “turn-around plans”, were hived off to friends and cronies. Yet, with a forked tongue, these folks would tell the very sugar workers, whom they have left exposed and vulnerable, that they could save sugar!

TERM LIMIT And, finally, there is this sore issue of term limits for presidential office.

President Cheddi Jagan had championed limitation to two terms. I believe that both Mr. Ralph Ramkarran and I who were assigned leading roles in the constitutional reform processes, followed the advice of Dr. Jagan, who died before we concluded our work.

During 1999, then General Secretary submitted a proposal from the PPP that limited presidential service to two consecutive terms.

It was written into the reformed Constitution but that did not stop Mr. Jagdeo from vilifying Ramkarran for allegedly butchering his chance for a third term.

An attempt was made at the PPP’s 2008 Congress to promote a third term for Mr. Jagdeo, but it became a damped squib.

So, when he mounts his hope or to borrow the word of one commentator, “salivates” for a third term, he must know that that has long been pronounced a dead issue.

Indeed, his prediction of Guyana being worse off could become true if he ever gets a third term.

9

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 11, 2017

Future not gloom and doom Vessel sinks – Sharma tells sugar workers JUNIOR Finance Minister, Jaipaul Sharma, has pointed out that there will be numerous opportunities for sugar workers, contrary to the doom-and- gloom image that is being fed about the scaling down of the ailing sugar industry. In an interview with this newspaper Thursday, Sharma said that workers will have a choice – to be retained by the industry, become involved in diversification or be paid off for their service.

Sharma explained that Cabinet is currently in the process of putting together “a special purpose vehicle” that will be set up to deal with issues of divestment and diversification. A sub-committee, of which Sharma and Minister of Finance Winston Jordan are currently a part, is taking care of this.

Sharma explained that the unit which will be responsible for the structured diversification and divestment of residual assets of GuySuCo is hoped to be completed by the end of this month. In the meantime, Sharma explained that the government’s vi-

Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma

sion for the industry is that whatever move is made, as many people could remain employed or gain alternate employment. He said that business proposals and plans will be accepted from both local and foreign investors, but their plans must be viable and labour-intensive. “We will look for the best proposal. The best proposal will be a company that will retain most of the employment of the workers.”

In the case of the poorperforming, multi-million

dollar Skeldon factory which is due for privatisation, Sharma said that for instance, where there may be 2,500 workers, a company retaining the most workers with the most plausible business plan will be recognised. In the area of diversification, the special purpose vehicle will be tasked with developing business plans, so that workers who choose to become self -employed may pool their resources and go into business. These business proposals will be like the housing model village that was recently launched, he said.

Because those workers would be able to see a business plan or proposal and decide whether it is right for them.

“So it is not Doomsday like the opposition and critics are saying… that 10,000 people will be out of jobs, 10,000 people will be paid in excess of a million (dollars) each, so there will be lots of cash and liquidity out there.

What they do with it (money) is their business, but we are saying that you can pool those resources. If you put $100,000, $200,000 out of

that and come together as a co-op and we could put a proposal to you for a business direction.” Additionally, Sharma opined that the number of workers being touted to be out of jobs, is not an accurate depiction based on the plans for the industry. He said divestment and diversification could actually lead to greater demands for workers, depending on the business venture.

The idea he posited is to ensure that as many persons can maintain their livelihoods, while government tries to ease the burden of the sugar industry on the nation.

The sugar industry has for years been costing the country billions of dollars annually to stay in operation, mainly to keep its 17,000 workers with gainful employment.

However, the government is adamant that a new way of approaching the industry is needed and is scheduled to close and merge some factories by year- end.

The government is now faced with increased strike action, which sugar industry officials say has caused at least one sugar estate to lose as much as $70 million in wages and spoiled cane during the first crop.

in Cuyuni; Venezuelans swim ashore

THE police are investigating the circumstances under which a 40-foot iron boat propelled by a 75 HP engine sank in the Cuyuni River leaving its majority crew of Venezuelans to swim to Guyana’s shores.

Information reaching this newspaper indicates that six Venezuelans were in the vessel being captained by a 26-year -old Guyanese of Cuyuni-Mazaruni, Region Seven.

Inquiries disclosed that the Venezuelan cook onboard was about to light the stove on the vessel when the hose from the gas cylinder attached to the stove slipped off causing a blaze on the boat.

The crew decided to jump into the river leaving the boat behind. They managed to swim to a nearby shore where they sought assistance. The matter was reported to the police.

Forensic kit donated to Police Force

Guyana pursuing global strategy on women, children, adolescents GUYANA will soon adopt a 15-year global blueprint on women, child and adolescent health which protects their physical and mental well-being and opens up economic and social opportunities.

This was according to Director of Maternal Child Health (MCH), Dr. Ertenisa Hamilton on Saturday through a release from the Public Health Ministry.

Dr. Hamilton, who is attached to the ministry, represented Guyana at the recently held United Nations (UN) Global Strategy for Women, Children and Adolescent Health 2016-2030, in Bridgetown, Barbados. The forum scrutinised the covenant targeting women, children and adolescent health with the aim of strengthening it.

Accompanying Hamilton were Lolitta Rebeiro, Senior Medex, attached to the Regional Health Services (RHS) Department, and Dr. Janice Woolford, Specialist Family and Community Health of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO).

The universal strategy

Dr Ertenisa Hamilton

with a 2030 wind-up focuses on nine core areas: country leadership; health systems resilience; community engagement; humanitarian and fragile settings; accountability for results; resource and rights; financing for health; individual potential; multi-sectoral action and research and innovation.

According to the ministry, the strategy envisions rights to physical and mental health and well- being for ev-

ery woman, child and adolescent and social and economic opportunities for all.

Meanwhile, it was explained that the Bridgetown sub-regional consultation was aimed at building synergies for the implementation framework, which also aims to end preventable deaths.

The forum, the ministry noted, also examined the expansion of enabling environments for this grouping to thrive, with three key objectives: survival by ending preventable deaths; thriving: via ensuring health and well-being; and transformation by expanding all enabling environments.

Following the completion of the forum on June 2, Dr Hamilton explained that the Public Health Ministry will be looking at the broad aspect of survive, thrive and transform so that no woman, adolescent or child is at risk of preventable death.

She noted that the rightsbased approach is of vital importance to Guyana and adapting this principle to the context of the Caribbean is imperative in maintaining a

healthy population.

“Guyana will be looking closely at the multi- sectoral approach to women, children and adolescents which is very important, as well as the community- based platform.

The Inter-American Development Bank funding that we have is going to support the beginning of the preview which will focus primarily on reproductive health,” Dr Hamilton said.

Further, she pointed out that this means that the ministry will be looking at improving the life expectancy and quality of life of the beneficiaries and reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) on them.

The ministry has said that Guyana continues to face the challenge of reducing its maternal mortality ratio, its neonatal mortality ratio as well as its fertility rate for the adolescent population.

“These threaten the medical system and also has grave social implications which can translate to negative economic growth for the country” the Ministry noted in its release.

Dr. Maurice Aboud handing over the forensic kit to Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud

THE Guyana Police Force recently received a donation in the form of a Master Trace Kit from Amalgamated Security Services Inc., which will boost the Crime Scene Unit at the Criminal Investigations Department, Eve Leary.

The kit is capable of preserving evidence samples such as: hair, blood, glass etc., for quite a long period.

Dr. Maurice Aboud, a Director and the Chief Forensic and Criminalistics Officer of the Amalgamated Security Services Limited of Trinidad and Tobago, made the presentation to the Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud in the presence of Crime Chief, Senior Superintendent Wendell Blanhum and other officers of the Force’s Performance Group.

The event was held in the Commissioner’s Con-

ference Room, Eve Leary.

Dr. Aboud, who is a Forensic Scientist and who was accompanied by Mr. Wayne Clarke, Manager of Amalgamated Security Services Inc. in Guyana, told the gathering that the donation was part of his company’s initiative with the Association of the Caribbean Commissioners of Police Programme, whereby every year a forensic kit is handed over to a member country that needs it most and more importantly, he makes the donation personally.

The forensic scientist used the opportunity to do a presentation on a wide range of security services his company offers, which include DNA Testing, Mobile Forensic, Forensic Toxicology and Trace Evidence.

10

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 11, 2017

Rapping with Dr. Rupert Lewis about Walter Rodney’s journey

By Dr. David Hinds THIS week’s column takes the form of excerpts from an interview I did in 1998 with Dr. Rupert Lewis, Jamaican and Caribbean scholar and political activist, at the time of the release of his book Walter Rodney’s Intellectual and Political Thought.

Dr. Lewis, let’s do the usual by asking the question that everybody will ask-- how you came to write this book on Walter Rodney?

RL: Well, David, the reason has to do with the students I teach. What you found in the 1980s, although Walter Rodney was assassinated in June 1980, the generation of students that I taught in the late 1980s, even some Guyanese students, did not really know very much about Walter Rodney-- who he was, what he stood for, what his writings were about.

Some, of course, had encountered How Europe Underdeveloped Africa.

Jamaicans knew about the experience in October, 1968 when he was banned and there were mass demonstrations in Kingston. Others, when I traveled to Tanzania, knew about his Tanzanian experience. And what I wanted to do was put together the different facets of Walter Rodney’s life into one book where people could examine him, both in relation to his revolutionary political activity in Jamaica, in Guyana, in Tanzania with the African Liberation Movement, his work as a pioneer historian of African, of the Caribbean, his work as an intellectual analysing the contemporary Caribbean, and the contemporary Black World in relation to Western imperialism.

So, it is to put together a portrait of Walter Rodney as a basis of a more comprehensive way of presenting him to a younger public. If I had been concerned exclusively with my generation, it would have been a different kind of a book, where you would be working with people who shared your assumptions and shared your political activities. But when you are working now with students who are removed from that, then you have to approach the text in a different way.

And as time passes along, people are less familiar with the circumstances of the 60s and 70s and the personalities that emerged and, therefore, you have to re-present that experience through Walter Rodney or through other revolutionary thinkers in a way which enables the younger people to do their

own thinking in relationship to how they assess the world in which they find themselves--how they draw on their own potential, how the working people are aware of what has gone on before them. And Walter Rodney’s important idea of self-emancipation as a person coming from the working people himself and being very committed to his own class of people, I think that is what I tried to do in the book-- to enable people to understand in a very comprehensive way the varying activities of Walter Rodney.

DH: Let’s go to Rodney specifically and to the first part of the book where you talked about Rodney’s early years in Guyana. Born in 1942, growing in the 1950s --- a tremendous period in Caribbean history in general and Guyanese history, in particular.

How did this shape Walter Rodney’s future?

RL: It shaped it first of all in terms of the anti-colonial movement. The movement was led by the last Cheddi Jagan and others---the political ferment of the 1950s and the repressive character of the colonial authorities in relation to that movement. And Walter’s parents are a part of that political awakening and, therefore, his youth is shaped by these activist concerns---these concerns about trying to develop consciousness, trying to develop political activities. But it is also shaped by that period, which is the end of colonialism and the opening up of educational opportunities for a large number of Black and Indian people, and he takes advantage of the opportunities of scholarship, going straight through to the School of Oriental and African Studies and before that to the University of the West Indies. He takes full advantage of the educational opportunities that are now open during the early period of decolonialisation.

So, there is a combination there of intellectual awakening, of study and the relationship between that and the political challenges of decolonisation.

That combination endures in Walter Rodney’s life. The Guyanese experience is extremely important because it brings on to the agenda of his mind, this question of race---the question of Black people, the question of the Indian population, the question of how the imperialist and the colonialist utilised racial division as a means of making the populations disunited, the use of race for reactionary political purposes and the need to challenge that partic-

ular agenda.

Therefore, from early in his life there is an integration of his historical investigation and his effort to connect to political struggle. And what is important during his period at the University of the West Indies is that in the early 60s, no African history is taught. He knows a lot about European history. He knows a lot about this side of the Atlantic, but nothing at all about Africa. And this is what is impelling him – his need to know.

And this is what is sending him on the investigation of the African slave trade and its impact on the modern world.

DH: Rodney goes to England and receives his PhD at age, 24. He then goes to Africa for a short while.

RL: He went to Tanzania around the end of 1965 and he teaches there but his main intention is really to return to teach at the University of the West Indies. So, he comes back to Jamaica at the start of 1968, but he does not get an opportunity to teach African history because that is aborted in terms of the formal education system. But he spends a lot of time in the inner-city communities of Kingston, in the rural communities, reasoning with people, particularly the Rastafarians-- learning from them and also letting them know about the changes that are underway in Africa as well as teaching them about pre-colonial African history, which was a major topic of interest at the time. Because this is important for people to understand, because we now have a better understanding that our history did not begin with the plantation---it did not begin with the colonial mis-adventure. One has to understand that period prior to the slave trade, prior to the fifteenth century. And he does a lot of work on African civilisations, on African cultures and he finds in the poor communities of Kingston, especially among the Rastafarians, a knowledge of these things and there is an interaction. So, although he does not get a formal opportunity to teach African history to students, he has these reasonings and lectures which are collected as a book Groundings with my Brothers.

DH: There are couple things here.

On the international scene, Black Power is raging in the United States of America and other parts of North America, but more importantly, here is a young academic, going among poor people and talking to them about their blackness, talking to them about their

African experience. It is an affront to the ruling class in the Caribbean at that particular time. How did they react?

RL: They reacted very viciously.

First of all, they use of the police, they use of informers. In Jamaica, they banned the biography of Malcolm X; they even banned a book called Black Beauty which had no political significance whatever, just because it had the word black in it. They banned other writings coming out of Cuba.

There was a ban on black literature period, coupled together with a ban on communist literature. Walter Rodney, along with some of the students had visited Cuba and this made him a target for the Jamaican government.

Of course, this was the case with other governments as well, but moreso the Jamaican government.

So, Walter Rodney, after he attended a Black Writers’ conference in Montreal in October and when he returned to Jamaica on or around October 15 he was declared persona non-grata. And when the students heard about it they were upset because they were losing a lecturer whom they liked. But unbeknown to them Walter Rodney had a constituency off the campus. So, you had a constituency off the campus who encountered this large number of red-gown students who went on the streets to protest.

So, it is the convergence of the urban youth and the students which creates a mass demonstration which turns violent in Kingston. And there are casualties, properties damaged. But it creates a new political awareness in the region and has an impact wider than Jamaica and marks a turning point. It is the beginning of the radical centres so to speak.

DH: But Rodney goes to Tanzania RL: Rodney goes not directly to Tanzania. He spends some time in Cuba and apparently, he wrote a manuscript on the black struggle, which we have not been able to find, reflecting on his experience. Certainly, we intend to follow up that particular manuscript. He goes to England and then he settles in the University of Dar es Salaam between 1969 and 1970.

DH: And he wrote the seminal How Europe Underdeveloped Africa.

RL: Yes, he wrote the seminal How Europe Underdeveloped Africa and the genesis of that text is very interesting in that it really developed as a set of lecturers to the Tanzanian

teachers, the history teachers’ association. He goes throughout Tanzania, discussing the problems that Tanzania faces in terms of trying to bring about change. And he says one needs to understand the problem in the broader way of the European involvement in Africa over several centuries. And interestingly he gives the manuscript to workers for them to read and comment and this is an indication of how seriously Rodney took the role of political education among working people and he did the same in terms of his discussion with people in Jamaica and in the bottom house in Guyana or elsewhere. So, this was a way of operating and hence, by 1972 we had a brilliant book How Europe Underdeveloped Africa.

DH: And he went back to Guyana in 1974, expecting to get a job at the University of Guyana, did not get the job and what happened after then?

RL: He determined that he will not leave, he would stay. And he tried to get jobs even at the high school level and the dictatorial Forbes Burnham regime bans him, prevents him from getting a job there. But he decides to stay-- he was not going to migrate.

He does not take up offers elsewhere.

And there are many offers – there are offers in Hamburg, there are offers in Canada, there are offers in the United States. He visits these places, he earns some money, he gets grants, he is able to do research in the Guyanese archives and he writes a very brilliant book on the history of the Guyanese working people, which is a fine historical work.

And at the same time, he is involved in political activism in the Working Peoples’ Alliance. And this activism brings him and brings and the working people in active confrontation with the Burnham regime. And it is this boldness and audacity of Walter Rodney which enlivens the opposition movement in Guyana and which tragically leads to his death. And the death, in my view, was deliberately organised by the State--deliberately organised by the Burnham regime in order to eliminate a very bold opponent of the dictatorial regime.

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

11

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 11, 2017

Each region to have protected area – President Granger

…recommits to conserving two million more hectares of natural environment PRESIDENT David Granger is committed to Guyana earning the international brand as a ‘green state’ and is geared towards earning this title.

The Head of State reaffirmed Guyana’s support to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and reiterated his intention to conserve some two million more hectares of land and waterways.

President Granger reiterated these statements Saturday last, when the Tourism and Hospitality Association

of Guyana (THAG) celebrated its 25th anniversary and held their President’s Awards Ceremony 2017 at the Marriott Hotel.

The President said that he personally signed onto the United Nations Paris Agreement on climate change last April and has no intention of erasing his signature, given recent developments that the United States had pulled its support from the environmental commitment.

“I pledged as part of Guyana’s commitment under that agreement to place

an additional two million hectares under conservation,” the President told the gathering of tourism stakeholders that included government officials, diplomats and civil society.

“I promised the Guyanese people also that the protected areas system will be expanded and extended country-wide. Protected areas will be established on the coastland and the hinterland. Every region will become a green region administered by a green capital town. And eventually, every

region will have at least one legally designated regional protected area.”

These protected areas can become profitable destinations for sustainable tourism, President Granger pointed out. He opined that the tourism industry relies heavily on the country’s natural environment, recognising that eco-tourism was the country’ main product to visitors. The president said too that Guyana recognises the benefit in projecting a favourable image and possessing a sound international

reputation for protecting the environment. “I am selling Guyana as a green state,” the president insisted. He said this sector once developed, can bring many benefits, such as economic opportunities for young persons leaving school.

Following the recent arrest of several persons who were alleged to be conducting mining activities in the Kaieteur Falls area, the Amerindian People’s Association is now calling for government to revisit the national protec-

tion policy regarding the park to accommodate what they say are the rights of Amerindians, particularly the Patamona people,to whom the organisation says, the territory belongs.

Although the government dropped potential charges against the alleged illegal miners, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, emphasised Government’s firm position that anyone found mining illegally in any protected area will be arrested and there will be no exceptions.

Region Three chamber to focus on expansion, growth NEWLY elected President of the Region Three Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Radesh Rameshwar, is lobbying all businesses for their support and cooperation to collectively create and operate in a business environment which is conducive to expansion and growth.

This was disclosed recently after a new Management Committee was installed at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the Aracari Resort on the West Bank of Demerara.

Rameshwar in his inaugural speech, said the new management committee will work assiduously to achieve its mandate and objectively, while operating within the confines of the constitution of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

He noted that all the businesses would be impartially represented and the new management committee stood committed to effectively addressing all issues affecting businesses in the region.

The new committee is: Radesh Rameshwar, President with Vice-President Haleem Khan. D.C. Mayers was elected general-secretary, while his assistant is Ms. Rosita Ramdhan.

Asgar Bacchus is treasurer,

(Centre) Assistant Treasurer Natasha Mahadeo flanked by (left), President Radesh Rameshwar and (right), Vice-President Haleem Khan and other elected officials

while his assistant is Ms. Natasha Mahadeo. Mohan Singh is organising secretary, while Prem Rambharak was elected public relations officer.

The following persons were also elected as committee members: Khushial Dat, Richard Sukhdeo, Omar Ramlakhan, Deodat Persaud, Rebenaut Tularam and Shakir Ali. Also in attendance were private sector representatives Vishnu Doerga and Maniram Prashad.

After the elections, a short presentation was made by Prashad addressing the prospects of oil and gas in addition to the positive effects it will have in Region Three.

12

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 11, 2017

Sugar: government courting fire, will burn itself, hurt society WHEN the National Assembly Speaker, with the support of the Government bench, saw it fitting to disallow the call of the Opposition PPP/C members to have the parliamentary Economic Services Committee engage in a fan-out exercise in Regions Three, Four, Five and Six on the future of sugar, it was tactically a political error.

This government, by its action, has given the PPP/C the

life it needed to make a national economic issue one of ethnic mobilisation, energising the party into a national political campaign. The sugar industry, particularly the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), is not the property of the APNU+AFC neither the PPP/C; it is the property of the people of this country. And it is time Guyanese stand up and say to the politicians, “enough is enough!”

The request for a fan-out can be seen within the context that citizens’ of the identified regions livelihoods will be directly affected, and as such, the call for engagement requires a bi-partisan approach, and if possible bringing on board other stakeholders. To say no to such a request without an alternative leaves one to conclude that both sides see the issue through narrow political lens, which will not and cannot

help sugar or any issue that has national connotation.

One may ask, “What’s the alternative to the White Paper presented in the National Assembly, and where the reactions are expected to come from on its content? It is worthwhile noting that the best possible reactions can only come from the constituents affected and the wider society. Instead, the government has taken a stance that it has prepared its White Paper and there would be no black, grey, or any other shade that can be read into and discussed from it.

As for the opposition, it is being reminded the decline and plight of sugar did not start today, and it is for this reason that the nation had the Diversification Programme during the Forbes Burnham Government that it helped to politically undermine. Successive PPP/C governments have grossly mismanaged GuySuCo and finally brought it to its knees.

The nation has also experienced during the Desmond Hoyte Government Booker Tate playing a role in the management of GuySuCo to prepare the corporation for privatisation and MINPROC was put into LINMINE to carry out the same responsibility. The PPP/C Government stuck to the original intent of the management contract in LINMINE, but took a position that GuySuCo will not be privatised.

Over recent weeks, the Opposition has been arguing that there needs to be a Social Impact Study, which rightly so is required to inform decisions of this nature. But one needs to ask, “What has the PPP/C done over the years in putting studies in place in the bauxite and sugar industries before it moved to make decisions that impacted the affected communities’ well-being? Bauxite was privatised, the government’s shares in GT&T were sold, and other privatisation deals took place under the PPP/C and will happen now under the APNU+AFC Government.

All those sitting in the National Assembly, and I hold primarily accountable Moses Nagamootoo, Bharrat Jagdeo,

Clement Rohee and Gail Teixeira, are abrogating an important responsibility to society and the workers of this country.

The National Assembly, under the Cheddi Jagan Government, had debated and passed a policy paper on privatisation, which says that 10 per cent of the shares of every company to be privatised will be put aside for workers.

The passage of this paper, unless a contrary decision by the Assembly is taken, becomes the nation’s policy position on privatisation and should be respected and enforced. That the politicians are choosing to do otherwise is indicative that the governance of this country is not being driven by interest in the collective, agreements and laws, but sectional and self-serving.

When government took the decision to close the Wales factory, in Region Three without any consultation with stakeholders, it was emboldened, feeling it can do likewise with the other factories. It misinterpreted those meetings held at Wales as a one-shot exercise, and people would get tired and retreat. Its miscalculated action towards Wales was tantamount to lighting its own pyre, and has since continued to add a few more logs by moving to close estates in Regions Four and Six without stakeholders’ involvement.

In the closure of Diamond and the re-organising of the East Coast estates, the Jagdeo Government refused to engage stakeholders and sugar workers were only paid their redundancy packages when they took GuySuCo to court. These acts caused the PPP/C to pay the price in the 2011 and 2015 Elections. The party is mindful of its past contempt for stakeholders in decision-making and the price it paid, and is working assiduously in the sugar belt to redeem itself.

Given human nature, the PPP/C traditional supporters who stayed away or voted for another party/group in 2011 and 2015 will be prepared to give them a second chance in 2020, especially when they are calling for this government’s

ears and they feel they are being ignored or disrespected.

This is political fodder no cunning politician will avoid exploiting.

Cheddi Jagan, Forbes Burnham or Desmond Hoyte would not have ignored the opportunity to engage in a fan-out exercise, particularly in its rival’s stronghold and in the company of their leadership. While they would have been mindful that the exercise would take them into adversarial territory, they would have done the necessary groundwork to make a strong a case, including interacting with the people, with the intent to listen, incorporate ideas where necessary, and ensure that they could establish a working relationship thereafter. This is how shrewd politics is played and shrewd politicians think and act.

As a trade unionist, I’m in full solidarity with the sugar workers’ struggle for inclusion and involvement in the management and decision-making processes about GuySuCo, which are and will be affecting their well-being. At the same time, I cannot ignore the environment within which I am operating and the feedback around me. The division in the society as it relates to the future of sugar and support for sugar workers is also informed by partisan political interests and past experiences.

People remember the PPP/ C’s mistreatment of public servants and bauxite workers, the industrial conflicts between GuySuCo and the sugar unions during the PNC’s tenure in government, and the absence of solidarity between the sugar unions and other unions during the tenure of the PPP/C government.

This society is so fractured that it requires a vision that embraces the commonality of interests as human beings and recognition that whereas today it may be me, tomorrow it could be you.

Where this government fails to realise it is lighting its pyre and inflicting further injury in the society, it is doing so at its own peril.

13

Carter-Price formula outdated SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 11, 2017

– GHRA says selection of GECOM chair should not be in hands of political parties THE Guyana Human Rights Associations (GHRA) has contended that the Carter-Price formula to select the chairman for GECOM is outdated and the process of selection should be out of the hands of political parties.

According to the GHRA in a statement, the Carter-Price formula should be replaced by a modern professional hiring and selection process, noting that it has been debased into a tool for prolonging tribal consensus.

“The formalities of the Leader of the Opposition providing a list to the President, as required by Section 161 of the Constitution imposes no restrictions whatever on how that list is generated. Nor need it be restricted to the Chairperson. An agreement by both men to create a professional, public, transparent and impartial process which generates a list of people, capable and willing to be commissioners could then be presented, as a formality, to the President by the Leader of the Opposition for his acceptance.

“All of this is entirely feasible within the current constraints of Article 161, if the national interest were motivating the exercise,” the GHRA said.

It noted that the PPP and the APNU+AFC barricading themselves within a pedan-

tic interpretation of Section 161 of the Constitution or invoking the need for constitutional reform as a way of avoiding electoral reforms would be unacceptable to everyone, except the two major parties.

The GHRA pointed out than an authoritative review of electoral practices around the world concluded that “Conclusive evidence from all regions of the world shows that in 80 per cent of all democracies elections are run by independent electoral commissions either in a full manner (53 per cent) or by supervising the work of agencies from the executive branch of government (27 per cent).”

BACKWARD

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

In other words, it said Guyana’s current arrangements are associated with the more backward and autocratic minority countries, rather than with the range of modern approaches employed in established and emerging democracies around the world.

The human rights body said a reformed selection process could ensure selection of men and women seen to be level-headed, impartial, have managerial capacity, and collectively understand logistics, human resource management, technology, media and the country’s contemporary history.

“In terms of character, they must have sound leadership ability, an even temperament, be persons of integrity and able to strengthen inclusivity. The key requirements are not legal – legal advice should always be independent, in any case.

“However, given the bizarre current arrangement of appointing GECOM commissioners for life, the process outlined above should be accompanied by a request from both leaders to all the current members of the Commission to voluntarily resign,” the GHRA suggested.

President David Granger

The GHRA also said it is under no illusion that those steeped in ethnic politics will have little difficulty finding ample excuses to prolong the current arrangements.

However, should the two leaders fail to provide the national leadership required for electoral reform, they must accept the responsibility for the inevitable prolonged race downwards to a 2020 election embroiled in ethnic antagonism, fuelled by desperation to control the new El Dorado of oil and gas, the human rights body said.

ACCUSATION Only recently, former President Donald Ramotar said the government is attempting to delay the hosting of the 2020 General elections by ‘prolonging’ the appointment of a chairman of GECOM, a charge Minister of State, Joseph Harmon has denied.

“The administration of President (David) Granger has made it clear that we have no intention of either lengthening or shortening the term of office, that at the time when elections are to be called they will be called and so we can put that to rest about trying to delay an elections,” Harmon told a post-Cabinet briefing on Friday.

The GHRA also said Guyanese want national leadership geared at creating a modern, independent, de-politicised Guyana Elections Commission, not tribal leadership aimed at prolonging elections as an ethnic census.

The discussion on the selection of the chair of GECOM follows President Granger’s rejection of a second list of nominees for that post from Opposition Leader,

Bharrat Jagdeo. The President has deemed the list unacceptable.

The second list comprised retired justices B.S Roy and William Ramlal, attorneys Oneidge Walrond-Allicock, Nadia Sagar and Kashir Khan and businessman Gerry Gouveia.

The first list comprised chartered accountant Christopher Ram; governance specialist, Lawrence Lachmansingh; business executives, Ramesh Dookhoo and Norman McLean; author Ryhaan Shah and historian, Professor James Rose.

At a press conference hosted at his Church Street office last Thursday, Jagdeo said he disagrees with the President’s interpretation of the Constitution for the appointment of GECOM chair.

“I think all those people are fit and proper and suitably qualified to be appointed chairman of GECOM,” Jagdeo said.

President Granger and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo are slated to meet again on Monday in another round of consultation on nominees for the GECOM post.

14

Call to promote SCCP …to aid in education, oil and gas sector

By Zena Henry THERE must be a greater push to promote the Secondary Competency Certificate Programme (SCCP) not only to support the existing education system, but to aid in the upcoming oil and gas sector, the development of local industries and the promotion of self-employment.

Ed Caesar, a veteran in the local education system and chairman of the ongoing Commission of Inquiry into the education system, believes that this programme could play a significant role in bridging the gap between competency and employment access.

During an interview with

the Guyana Chronicle, Caesar was adamant about the necessity of education support programmes, but related the poor promotion of same, using the almost one-decade running academic and technical skill set programme as an example.

The Ministry of Education has described the SCCP as a competency-based, modularised programme designed with a strong emphasis on what students can do in the workplace. It involves technical competencies and enhanced functional literacy and numeracy of students starting at Grade Nine. It is supposed to equip students with citizenship, life and vocational skills to support national development and expose them

to career education, among several other benefits.

Caesar indicated however that while much concern was being placed on the performance of the education system, programmes such as SCCP that could play meaningful roles in the development of productive citizens are not given the due recognition and emphasis. Currently, there are numerous Guyanese who would not have completed their secondary and even primary levels of education.

As a result, they are often unable to access high-paying jobs and sometimes feel incapable of attaining generally higher levels of development.

Caesar posited that this trend could be changed with the proper structure, application of the SCCP in schools and marketing of the programme nation-wide.

The SCCP is supposed

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 11, 2017

to be a support programme recognised locally; certifying the holder as having a certain level of competency in a certain area or areas. Without Caribbean-level certification, this document would allow Guyanese to access work locally within their fields.

However, Caesar said this was not happening with the programme, and it remained widely unknown to the public and more specifically employers.

He pointed out that while there were technical institutes such as the Government Technical Institute (GTI) or Linden Tech that were recognised by employers, some of whom are in partnership and are very familiar with the institutes and their programmes, SCCP is unheard of, so even if students were to offer such a certificate to an employer, it was likely that the employer might not have heard of it.

After attaining SCCP, students are encouraged to

complete their Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate to add to their academic and skills certification. Guyanese are being encouraged to become self-employed and self-sufficient. President David Granger has made that specific call for citizens to rise to the occasion and create their own economic opportunities for development. “If this (SCCP) programme is well structured and students well supervised, they could develop the capacity and ability to become self-employed,” Caesar opined. He noted immense national benefits with increased self- employment.

As regards the upcoming oil and gas sector, Caesar said, “If properly structured, SCCP could encompass elements of that too.” Recognising the increase in oil and gas training institutions, Caesar insinuated that it would be wise for the government to offer some level of enlightenment in this area within the local school system.

Even in the development of industries, SCCP could be a major contributor. Where the ailing sugar industry is downsizing and new economic avenues have to be created to now accommodate thousands that will be out of work, industries are being touted.

These industries will need skilled and trained staffers that could be provided with the SCCP, Caesar agreed. During an interview with government media in February, SCCP Coordinator, Ritesh Tularam said that the programme was rolled out in 50 schools over a 10-year period. However, the government was looking at a phased implementation of the Caribbean Vocational Qualification or CVQ, which was successfully implemented into technical institutes, into 10 secondary schools commencing September. It was said that the SCCP would be streamlined within the CVQ format.

Several trained in cost of production Sunday, June 11, 2017 - 05:30 hrs Monday, June 12, 2017 - 05:00 hrs Tuesday, June 13, 2017 - 05:00 hrs

SEVERAL farmers and other businesspersons involved in agro-processing in six of the 10 administrative regions are now better able to determine prices for their products.

They recently participated in a cost of production seminar organised by the Inter- American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (NGMC), and held at Regency Suites, Georgetown.

Officials from IICA

Participants at the cost of production seminar held at Regency Suites, Georgetown

and NGMC have observed that those involved in transforming products originating from agriculture, forestry and fisheries to finished products have been relegating cost measurement to the periphery of their activity, even though it is a crucial element of the decision-making process of business.

Participants of the oneday exercise were drawn from Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five and Nine and include members of the Women’s Agro-processors Development Network (WADN).

The seminar targeting farmers and agro-processors was the second held

by IICA in collaboration with the NGMC in recent months.

15

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 11, 2017

‘Safarians’ awarded for 15th Pakaraima Mountain Safari OVER 150 persons, who participated in the 15th Annual Pakaraima Mountain Safari held in April, 2017 were awarded for engaging in the journey of a lifetime.

The journey began in Georgetown where groups of people travelling in 37 vehicles and about 40 motorbikes drove across Regions Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Eight(Potaru-Siparuni), Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

The participants, who were either veterans or novices, related their experience throughout the seven-day journey where they were exposed to the raw beauty of Guyana coupled with its sometimes, unfriendly terrain. These participants, upon completion of the journey named themselves ‘Safarians’.

They expressed that some of their fondest moments would be when they were

The oldest ‘Safarian’ on this year’s journey, Cecil Beharry, receives his certificate for going on the Safari

camping at nights and sharing their food or when someone’s

vehicle broke down and the others would rush to assist.

Camaraderie was definitely a feature of the trip.

The oldest person on this year’s journey, Cecil Beharry, expressed his delight at the adventure he was able to go on and related that he has been going on this particular safari for a number of years.

Beharry noted that on this journey, cooperation was the key, since they could not have functioned without each other.

Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe commended the Safarians for undertaking such a journey on the “beautiful yet dangerous terrain”.

Having been on one of the trips herself, she expressed, “It’s really a group effort where you help each other, look over each other and bond with each other.”

Acknowledging the bravery required to engage in this journey, she mentioned that it was only befitting that the participants were shown some appreciation

and awarded with their certificates.

A representative of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Carla Chandra noted, “This milestone actually indicates that the product is a unique one.”

Chandra explained that as a tourist destination, Guyana was still mostly undiscovered and the GTA is trying to transform the country into a Nature/ Adventure tourism destination.

According to the Coordinator of this Safari, Frank Singh, this was the largest expedition in its 15 years and he noted participants not only came from Guyana, but from regional and international countries.

Frank also accounted that the riders came from the Sonic Hunter’s Club in Georgetown and from the Rupununi Riders.

Major sponsors of the event include GuyOil and Rainforest Tours.

The ‘Safarians’ pose for a photo along with Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe (seated centre), along with a representative from the main sponsor, GuyOil (seated second from left) and GTA representative, Carla Persaud (seated second from right)

No reduction in revenue

GUYANA Revenue Authority (GRA) Commissioner-General, Godfrey Statia,has said that there will be no reduction in revenue from the used-tyre industry until next year, since many importers/dealers have stockpiled the product.

Speaking at a recent press briefing, Statia said importers/ dealers of used tyres were given adequate notice before the ban was imposed and enforced and some opted to

import a mammoth amount of used tyres.

One dealer, he said, had imported 11 containers of used tyres after the ban was enforced and as such, was given a “one-off” fine of $600 per every tyre.

The “one-off” fine was a reduction of the initial fine of $1000 per tyre, after the dealer had appealed to the authority.

The fines for the importation of used tyres, however, are actually $10,000 for

cars, vans and mini-buses and $15,000 for SUVs and pickup trucks.

Statia said the GRA has systems in place to nab those who flout the laws regarding the ban on used tyres.

Deputy Commissioner of Customs and Trade Administration, Rohan Beekhoo, said the authority has employed several measures to control such misdemeanours and ensure that the correct procedures are followed.

These measures include customs examinations at wharves, ports of entry and premises, where examiners are equipped with tyre-depth gauges to ensure standards are confirmed.

According to the ban, vehicles with used tyres must have a minimum tyre depth of 6mm to conform to standards.

Many persons, especially dealers of used tyres, had lamented that it would cost them more to import new

– from used tyre ban until next year, says GRA boss tyres.

Reports indicate that the used-tyre industry had provided jobs for hundreds of persons and contributes millions in revenue.

The Guyana Used Tyres Association had also claimed that as many persons could become jobless when the ban on importation of used tyres becomes effective and had appealed to government to rethink the ban.

But Beekhoo explained

that persons would not be affected much, since the import duty on new tyres has been reduced from 30 per cent to 15 per cent. The ban on importation of used tyres was implemented to reduce road accidents.

It was enforced for dealers on April 1, but the GRA had allowed a two-month extension period, until June 1, for vehicles that were bought with used tyres before that date.

16

SUNDAY CHRONICLE JUNE 11, 2017

Yarde bemoans ‘ingratitude’ from people he helped put in positions

PRESIDENT of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), Patrick Yarde,has said that his union is still confronted with ongoing resistance from elements which it contributed to being placed in positions of authority, who are now deliberately attempting to hurt and undermine the body.

He made the comments in a message to mark the union’s 94th Anniversary, which was observed on Thursday. Yarde was only recently re-elected to the head of the organisation in a bruising elections battle, which many still accuse him of stealing.

In his message, Yarde said over the years it has been a continuous struggle to advance its motto: Justice for the Public Employee. He said the pursuit of this virtue has been difficult, demanding, risky, painful and has required great sacrifice among many other trials and tribulations. “In this mission, the intention was always to further this pursuit in a manner that was all inclusive of our membership’s involvement and participation. Our mission was always principled and executed with transparency and in a democratic fashion, leaving a legacy which was noble, decent, enlightened and one that we can forever be

proud of,” Yarde said.

He noted that in an effort to comprehensively deal with this national dilemma, the GPSU has advocated and pursued a campaign of good governance. “This course of action was costly, demanding and very challenging.

This involvement did bring about positive changes. The union expected that with this change of governance, urgent attention would have been given to pending matters in recognition of the price paid and sacrifices made. This has not happened. Even though President David Granger’s conduct and respect for the union, the Constitution of Guyana and the Rule of Law is refreshing and outstanding, the union is still confronted with ongoing resistance from elements which it contributed to being placed in positions of authority, who now deliberately attempt to hurt and undermine the union,” Yarde declared.

“Our forefathers laid a solid foundation for the protection of the initial members of our union. They, having recognised that many other public service workers needed their support, then embarked on a mission to extend their protective coverage to vulnerable groups in the Public

Service; the temporary establishment, the open vote employees etc. They struggled for the unification of the Public Service, thus securing superannuation benefits for all categories of public servants.”

He said the rules of the union were constantly reviewed to ensure that they remained relevant to the prevailing environment and at the same time, that they ensured that the union was insulated from undesirable and unwarranted involvement. “Constitutional changes were made to allow more meaningful involvement of women and youths and engagement in human rights and race relations activities nationally, regionally and internationally. Overall, great strides were made and from the work, consultation and achievement, the union earned a recognition that it is proud of to this day. Many envied our organisation for its successes which earned us enemies to the extent that the union was even penetrated by undesirable fractions [sic],” Yarde said.

According to him, the successes in representation for increased remuneration were so enormous that the entire Public Service population in and out of uniform, the judiciary and politi-

cians in and out of government benefited. “Although that occurred, there were those widespread elements that tried to undermine the union. There were countless assaults on the union, which we withstood. However, individual members have suffered and the union has been of assistance to them to the best of its ability.”

countries such as Guyana.”

“Guyana committed itself to the One China Policy… it was an attempt to forge a lasting relationship,” the prime minister further explained, noting too that Guyana had always chosen its friends strategically.

Ideas, Prime Minister Nagamootoo highlighted, were important to transform our country and “so today we celebrate that China has reached out to Guyana.” He thanked the Government of China

Thomas Lands to the glory that had existed to create a modern recreational facility for its members, their

PROMISES Yarde promised that the GPSU shall restore its Sports Complex located on

families and surrounding communities. “GPSU will take every necessary action to give true meaning to, and have respect shown for, collective bargaining and ultimately to honour collective agreements.

The GPSU will demand and is prepared to struggle for the government to honour its commitment and complete the 2016 negotiations for salary, wages and allowances, and will strive to ensure that a living wage is paid to all of its members. The GPSU will not cease in its pursuit for entitlement for all public

sector workers and the right to security of tenure.”

The GPSU President added that his union will never give up the struggle for sweeper/cleaners entitlement to decent work and fair treatment. He said too that the GPSU recognises the need for amendments to the Pensions Act to make it more relevant to workers’ circumstances and will continue the struggle for this change. “The GPSU must strive for unity within, by working to ensure that the membership of the union is compatible and speak with one voice. We must do so in the national interest of the people, guaranteeing the provision of quality public services removing all obstacles.

The GPSU is committed to achieving these goals. “ Yarde said the GPSU desires harmonious relationships and will utilise its energies to positively, decently and effectively contribute to the national work environment in an enlightened manner and in the nation’s interest.

“As President, I extend to the loyal, dedicated and committed members of the Guyana Public Service Union the heartiest 94th Anniversary greetings,” Yarde ended his message.

through Ambassador Jianchun for allowing Guyanese from all disciplines to study in China, especially our journalists and our policemen and women.

“We have benefited tremendously from 45 years of friendship”, Prime Minister Nagamootoo said.

Relations between China and Guyana date back to 1853, when the first batch of indentured Chinese labourers arrived.

Formal diplomatic ties between the two republics

were established on June 27, 1972. Guyana was the first English-speaking Caribbean country to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China on June 27, 1972.

China’s Ambassador to Guyana, Cui Jianchun, during his remarks gave an overview of the 45 years of friendship between China and Guyana and urged persons to share their experiences over the last 45 years, so that the younger generation would be able to learn about the countries’ relationship.

Ambassador Jianchun explained that China still has a lot of challenges facing it and has faced many before reaching their present Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 11 Trillion USD. Also attending the seminar were former President Samuel Hinds, former Foreign Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, former Ambassadors of Guyana, members of the private sector and members of the local Chinese community

RECENT ELECTIONS Meanwhile, turning to the recent elections of the GPSU, Yarde said what manifested there for the Executive Council for the term of office 2017-2021 is the climate of hypocrisy and duplicity that prevails around the union, coupled with the element of undesirables that must be addressed and will be addressed swiftly and thoroughly.

“Action will also be taken to do all that is necessary to recover everything that we were deprived of by the executive’s lawless conduct of the previous regime, even if we must do so without the promised support,” Yarde charged.

President of GPSU, Patrick Yarde

‘We have benefited tremendously from China’ – PM Nagamootoo

GEORGETOWN (June 9, 2017 – Guyana and China, last Thursday, celebrated 45 years of friendship with a “China and Guyana: 45 years of friendship” seminar to commemorate the event.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who was performing the duties of President, delivered the keynote address at the Embassy of the Republic of China. Prime Minister Nagamootoo commended

Ambassador Cui Jianchun for his initiative in organising a seminar for the occasion.

The prime minister related that this event would promote the exchange of ideas and the sharing of views on how to improve the relationship between Guyana and China. He noted that the Five-point ‘IT’ initiative presented

by Ambassador Jianchun, “has registered a new policy of China to reach out to

17

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 11, 2017

Region Six will soon see developments in ICT sector

“GOVERNMENT will soon roll out a number of initiatives in this region that will benefit all”, vowed Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes, at a Ministerial outreach Friday evening. The Ministerial Outreach, aimed at informing residents about developments in the Information Communication Technology (ICT) Sector, was held at the Nand Persaud Conference Hall, No 35 Village, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Organised by Region Six Prime Minister Representative, Gobin Harbhajan, the main objective of the outreach was to inform Berbice residents about the major projects completed by the Ministry of Public Telecommunications (MPT).

Stakeholders were also informed about projects underway, which would benefit the people of Region Six. The ICT projects, which include training and free Wi-Fi services, are directed specifically towards education, social development and private business sectors.

Minister Hughes gave several examples of how the region will benefit from ICT development. The example of measures being put in place enabling residents to apply

for a passport online, without physically visiting the Central Passport Office (CPO), was cited by the Minister.

Additionally, Minister Hughes told the residents that ICT will also provide for improved services in the Health Sector. She said that if there was an emergency at a health centre or hospital and there was not a specialist to take care of the patient, the hospital or health centre, “can video call a major hospital in Georgetown and seek advice due to public internet connectivity.”

Minister Hughes also told the young people present that their tertiary course option had expanded. She made reference to the recent commissioning of the University of Guyana (UG) Turkeyen Campus, Teleconferencing Platform. This facility will enable students from the Tain Campus to have access to courses that are only offered at the Turkeyen Campus, via video calling.

The need for residents to embrace ICT development, and work together, was emphasised by Minister Hughes. She described the internet as a major component in entrepreneurship.

She gave examples of how residents who have their own businesses,whether they

Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes, at the ministerial outreach Friday evening. are selling tamarind balls, hammocks or even offering visa application services can market their products and service online so as to improve profits and awareness.

Minister Hughes reminded the residents that the “world is changing rapidly especially in the ICT sector and, Guyana will not be left behind in this sector”.

Presidential Advisor on eGoverence and Chairman of the National Data Manage-

A packed house listening to the minister

ment Unit (NDMA), Floyd Levi said that the eGovernment unit will continue to work with the relevant stakeholders to develop the region’s ICT. He also notified residents about the government agencies that have been prioritised for internet access.

These include Ministry of Finance, Health, Education, Security and Government Administration.

Levi said that in Berbice, the network runs from New

Amsterdam to Corentyne Coast. He noted that this allows for ICT coverage on the East Bank of Berbice, while on the Corentyne internet access is available at Crabwood Creek. Levi highlighted that the network that has been established in Region Six, is currently being used by the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Guyana Lands and Survey Commission (GL&SC), Guyana Police Force (GPF), the Supreme Court and the Land Registry.

Levi apologised to Black Bush area residents who are not connected to the network and said that technicians are currently working to rectify the situation. He also explained that the technicians are working to beam signals from Number 51 Police Station into the area.

Director for Community Development and Social Management, Phillip Walcott, in his brief remarks highlighted to residents that there are eight ICT hubs established in Region Six, in areas such as Crabwood Creek, Number 53 Village, Liverpool, and Smithfield among others.

Assessments of areas, he added, like Whim, Bush Lot and Skeldon among other

areas identified for the establishment of ICT Hubs, are underway.

INTERACTIVE SESSION Region Six residents raised a number of concerns with Minister Hughes and her team.

Additionally, Director of Public Information (DPI) and Government Information Agency (GINA), Imran Khan, in his remarks told residents that everyone in Guyana needs to embrace the fact that the world is changing rapidly in the ICT sector. He noted that young people will be the driving force for ICT development in the country.

Khan explained that the mind of young people in the country can create endless possibilities and save lives when it comes to development of the Health Sector and ICT. Khan also highlighted that all were aware of a great outflow of persons from the region for a number of reasons, but said he believes “that it will be reversed soon.” The Director told the residents that a number of benefits will come to the region with the emerging Oil and Gas Sector among other initiatives.

(GINA/DPI)

18

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 11, 2017

CYAPs benefit from capacity-building seminar FOR THE first time since the launch of the CARICOM Youth Ambassador Programme (CYAP) in 1993, Guyana was given the opportunity to host the programme and the ambassadors representing 12 Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries.

Each country was represented by a male and a female ambassador, who belong to the cadre of young people tasked with representing their countries effectively, making decisions for all Caribbean youth and inevitably fostering sustainable development in the Caribbean.

The young people who represented 12 CARICOM countries, engaged in a four-day seminar held at the CARICOM Secretariat at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara (ECD). While in Guyana, the ambassadors also engaged in a cultural night at the Umana Yana and visited a few places in the country.

While speaking to Guyana Chronicle, a few of the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors (CYAs) related their experience.

would be able to equip and guide future ambassadors.

The young man contended that this programme was tailored due to cognisance of the role youth play, or can play in regional agendas such as agenda of regional integration.

“At the end of the day, youth development is key.” Adrian acknowl-

ADRIAN ALFRED: The male ambassador for Guyana, Adrian Alfred noted he was an outgoing ambassador since he was serving as a youth ambassador since 2015.

According to him, the four-day seminar was aimed at reflecting upon the projects already executed and identifying how to improve projects in future. Additionally, it targeted the improvement of the current ambassadors so that they

edged and further stated that youth development was an investment in a country’s Human Social Capital.

Importantly, he underscored that the group of youths present there were striving to improve the lives of the 22 million young persons in the Caribbean.

“We’re making small strides in improving the lives of fellow youths,” Adrian asserted and added, “In future, at least in Guyana’s case, the next set of ambassadors will be

able to do a much better job.”

He related too that the primary focus of the youth ambassador programme for the years 2017-2019, would be on education and agriculture. One of the slogans highlighted

by Adrian is, “It’s never too late to educate”.

AMANDA SCOTT As the female youth ambassador from Grenada, Amanda Scott engaged in many community-building exercises in Grenada and noted that it was her belief that positive chang-

Not only was she able to engage in capacity building exercises in project management, leadership and public-speaking but she was able to engage with other youths who share similar, positive visions for the Caribbean.

She posited too that seminars and programmes like this provided the opportunity for the development of Caribbean youth. “It’s time that we harness the human potential of the Caribbean,” she stressed.

While speaking about her time in Guyana, Amanda also expressed, “Guyana is a very unique country, since it has the best of both South American and Caribbean culture.”

ANDRE MARRIOTT-BLAKE: The male Jamaican youth ambassador, Andre Marriott-Blake said that as a Jamaican youth am-

Male Youth Ambassador of Guyana, Adrian Alfred

Female Youth Ambassador of Grenada, Amanda Scott

es should start from improvements in communities.

Reflecting upon her time in Guyana, Scott related that the seminar was able to equip ambassadors with the tools to “push” the regional agenda of sustainable development.

Male Youth Ambassador of Jamaica, Andre Marriott-Blake

bassador he was able to engage in projects in the areas of entrepreneurship, disabilities and disaster relief for Haiti. Additionally, he worked with the Bureau of Gender Affairs as an ambassador against gender-based violence against women.

Andre related that perhaps what he benefitted most from the seminar was the capacity building aspect where the youths were edified in areas like project building and risk assessment.

The Jamaican noted that it was an honour to actually be in the halls of the CARICOM Secretariat and engaging with CARICOM’s Secretary-General, Irwin LaRocque on certain controversial topics which was another huge benefit of the programme.

While highlighting that the seminar was an excellent initiative, the Jamaican expressed that his only regret was that the opportunity only arose as CARICOM Youth Ambassadors were preparing to demit their positions.

He explained, however, “I can go back to my base and relate the information and continue the discussion, but from an informed perspective,” and stressed, “It can’t end with you,” The CARICOM Youth Ambassador Programme was launched in 1993, by the CARICOM Heads of Government to mark the twentieth anniversary of CARICOM. It was formally instituted one year later in 1994.

15 Gov’t agencies to participate in Essequibo Career Fair THERE will be 15 government agencies at booths displaying their goods and services on June 17 as the police in ‘G’ Division (Essequibo) partner with both the public and private sectors to launch a Career Day Fair, Divisional Commander, Senior Superintendent of Police Stephen Mansell has confirmed.

This was disclosed during a recent outreach with youths at the Dartmouth Community Centre, where the commander interacted with over 45 unemployed men and women.

“There are a number of unemployed and early school-leavers at Dartmouth,” the commander said.

Noting that the upcoming Career Day fair will be held at Damon Square, Anna Regina, Commander Mansell encouraged the young adults to take advantage of the opportunity, since being gainfully employed can create many avenues for further development in life.

Some of the agencies expected to be at the Career Fair are the Guyana Revenue Authority, Lands and Surveys, Guyana Forestry Commission, Guyana Energy Agency, Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Education, Republic Bank, Guyana Elections Commission, Guyana Defence Force, Police Force and the Fire Service amongst others from

Commander Mansell and a junior rank during the sensitisation session held at the Dartmouth Community Centre

the private sector.

Meanwhile, the commander noted that evidence strongly suggests that the

lack of jobs amongst youths and an increases in poverty lead to increased violent crimes. He explained that

the high unemployment rate among the youth had huge implications for crime and violence and it was the

duty of law enforcement to assist the youths to stay focused in order to build a better society.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 11, 2017

Carib, Latin countries move to prevent food losses and waste

COUNTRIES in Latin America and the Caribbean on Friday announced their interest in promoting an international code of conduct to serve as a global guideline to prevent and reduce food losses and waste.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has supported countries in the region to create a technical support note for the code, which will be submitted to the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) in June.

The note that will be presented to the CFS contains a methodological framework to identify critical points, practices and key actors associated with losses and wastes.

This proposal was debated by parliamentarians, government officials, representatives of the private sector, civil society and the academy of 16 countries of the region during the III Regional Dialogue on Food Loss and Waste. “That a great part of the food produced in the world ends up in the garbage, when more than 795 million people are still suffering hunger all over the planet, it is a real crime,” said Julio Berdegué, FAO’s Regional Representative, during the dialogue.

If accepted by the international community, the proposal will serve as a basis for constructing a non-binding legal instrument - such as that for pesticide use - that will enable countries to meet target 12.3 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aims at 50% cut in per capita food losses and waste by the year 2030.

The Code of Conduct will enable the overall response to be coordinated through a shared vision and strategies involving all actors in the food system. By identifying the critical points at each stage of the food life cycle, countries will be able to prevent and reduce losses throughout the food chain.

By linking local, regional and global strategies, it will serve as a reference to create laws and foster cooperation between the parties involved.

Since 2015, several

countries in the region have incorporated this theme into their legislative agendas and their institutions. During the regional dialogue, Chile announced the creation of an inter-sectoral committee on this subject, adding Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Colombia, Dominican Republic and Uruguay. Ecuador, Honduras and Paraguay have already started similar processes.

Currently, there are about 19 bills related to the losses and waste that are being debated in the parliaments of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru and Uruguay. During the regional dialogue, 10 members of the Parliamentary Front against Hunger in Latin America and the Caribbean participated in a special training session and defined a joint road map to drive these initiatives.

“Legislation is needed to minimise food loss from a multidimensional and preventive approach, not only linked to punishment,” said Mexican Senator, Luisa María Calderón, who serves as General Coordinator of the Parliamentary Front Against Hunger. According to the FAO, one of the outstanding challenges is to advance not only in the reduction but also in the prevention of losses and wastage at all stages of the food supply chain.

A PROBLEM WITH MULTIPLE REPERCUSSIONS Food losses and waste have important environmental, economic and social implications, and have great negative impacts the sustainability of food systems. While in developing countries 40 percent of the losses occur in the post-harvest and processing stages, in industrialised countries more than 40 percent of losses occur in retail and at the consumer level. According to FAO, about 1.4 billion hectares of land are used each year to produce food that is not consumed, a larger area than that of Canada and India as a whole.

19

20

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 11, 2017

GNBS to establish building authority in construction/ building sector THE Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) hopes to establish a building authority to reinforce the importance of standards and accreditation in the construction and building sector.

This was revealed on Friday, during the World Accreditation Day (WAD) forum at Cara Lodge Hotel, Quamina Street, for stakeholders in the local building and construction sector in observance of WAD. WAD 2017 is being observed under the theme, “Delivering confidence in construction and the building environment.”

Local Economic Development Coordinator attached to the Ministry of Communities, Roger Rogers, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, in his feature address said that the forum will help to highlight the importance of upholding the standards and accreditation in the development of the construction and building sector in Guyana.

Rogers noted that standards are the foundation used to market services and products available to consumers.“The development of standards and the pursuit for accreditation plays a key role in the development of the country, though it is widely understood that development cannot be achieved without any minimum standards that can lead our societies to

Local Economic Development Coordinator attached to the Ministry of Communities, Roger Rogers

advance and organise in a sustainable manner,” he explained.

Rogers pointed out that it is the government’s responsibility to support a valued-added regulatory environment to ensure that citizens receive value for their money, instead of mediocre services, which will cause repeated remedial works to be done. He noted that acquiring environmental accreditation is one example of how Guyana can transition towards becoming a green state in keeping with the government’s green agenda.

Upholding the standards in the construction and building sector is not only aimed at accomplished contracting companies, but small business contractors as well, Rogers pointed out.

He disclosed that the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) will collaborate with the Ministry of Public Infrastructure to host a workshop to promote awareness of the National Building Codes for small business contractors, through the Ministry of Communities, shortly.

GNBS Executive Director Candelle Walcott-Bostwick said that though the initiative created by the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperative (ILAC) to foster the importance of accreditation, it also helps to encourage regulators to continue to push for safety and standards in the construction environment.

Walcott-Bostwick noted that the construction and building environment industries provide critical employment opportunities in communications, design, engineering, infrastructure, and transportation, while playing a crucial role in the realisation of safe homes, secure businesses, and reliable platforms for transit, commerce, and education.

Faulty construction and inexperienced contractors among other areas were highlighted as weak points in the construction and building environment, which will need to be addressed in the push for building standards and accreditation, Walcott-Bostwick said.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 11, 2017

21

22

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 11, 2017

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 11, 2017

23

24

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 11, 2017

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 11, 2017

25

ENGLISH RACING TIPS Goodwood 09:00 hrs Italian Heiress 09:30 hrs Fast And Hot 10:05 hrs Zac Brown 10:40 hrs London Prize 11:15 hrs Milton Road 11:45 hrs Time To Exceed 12:120 hrs Crafty Madam NOTTINGHAM 08:50 hrs Bodybuilder 09:20 hrs Incus 09:55 hrs Jorvik Prince 10:30 hrs Stake Acclaim 11:05 hrs Kitty Boo 11:35 hrs Mama Africa 12:10 hrs Stoneboat Bill IRISH RACING TIPS Curragh 09:10 hrs Bachelor 09:45 hrs Tobacco Road 10:20 hrs Shore Step 10:55 hrs Buying Trouble 11:25 hrs Red Label 12:00 HRS Aussie Valentine 12:30 hrs Bold Knight SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Turffontein 08:35 hrs Salmon Run 09:10 hrs Rivarine 09:45 hrs She’s A Giver 10:20 hrs Liege 10:55 hrs Starett City

26

SUNDAY CHRONICLE JUNE 11, 2017

Ostapenko mounts stunning comeback ‘Green Machine’ steamroll T&T to complete French Open fairytale

By Martyn Herman PARIS,(Reuters)Maiden grand slam finals are meant to be suffocating experiences but Jelena Ostapenko laid waste to that theory as she blasted past Simona Halep to win the French Open in audacious fashion on Saturday.

In only her 18th match in one of the four majors, the 20-year-old Latvian fought back from a set and 3-0 down to blaze past the experienced Romanian 4-6 6-4 6-3 and become her country’s first grand slam champion.

Not only that but she is the first unseeded woman to win the Suzanne Lenglen trophy since 1933 and she emulated the great Brazilian Gustavo Kuerten by claiming her first title of any kind on the hallowed Parisian claycourts.

Kuerten’s 1997 victory came on the day Ostapenko was born.

Ostapenko had promised to stick to her uncomplicated routine of attack-attack-attack before the final and was true to her word as she walloped 54 clean winners -- and 54 unforced errors.

It was claycourt tennis, but not as we know it.

Third seed Halep buckled under strain of fending off the missiles being launched off Ostapenko’s lime green racket.

Yet for much of the contest, hanging into rallies by

her fingernails, it seemed Halep’s steady approach would see her become only the second Romanian woman to win a grand slam title after her manager Virginia Ruzici’s 1978 Roland Garros win.

It was not to be though.

To make it a doubly difficult day for the 25-year-

Parisian crowd roaring her on, reeled off the last five games to claim the title and become the youngest female first-time grand slam champion since Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova won the 2004 U.S. Open.

Fittingly she thumped a backhand winner past Halep

Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko celebrates by kissing the trophy after winning the final against Romania’s Simona Halep Reuters / Benoit Tessier old, the defeat meant she also missed out on becoming world number one on Monday.

“I felt like a spectator out there at times,” Halep, who had points to lead 4-0 in the second set and was also 3-1 ahead in the decider, told reporters after her second runner-up finish here.

“She only has one game, either I can’t touch it or it flies one metre out.”

Ostapenko, who had the

to seal victory, before tossing her distinctive green headband into the crowd with a look of disbelief.

Ostapenko, who turned 20 on Thursday when she beat Swiss Timea Bacsinszky, will rocket to 12th in the rankings.

“I mean I can’t believe I’m champion at 20,” Ostapenko, the first woman to win the title from a set down since Jennifer Capriati in 2001, said on

court.

“I knew that Gustavo Kuerten won his first Roland Garros the day I was born, I have no words.

“There were a couple of games when everything went my way and I was ready to fight for every point.”

In baking sunshine Ostapenko began the match by breaking Halep’s serve with three clean winners.

It was a sign of things to come.

Halep, with cheers of ‘Simona’ ringing out from her fans slowly roasting in the upper tiers of Philippe Chatrier Court, hit back though and broke three times to take the opener as Ostapenko’s error count soared to 23.

Ostapenko seemed to be unravelling in the second set as a series of shots either netted or flying long allowed Halep to move 3-0 ahead. The Romanian then had break points to make it 4-0 but Ostapenko held to massive cheers.

Back on the attack Ostapenko surged 4-3 ahead only for more errors to allow Halep to break back for 4-4.

Halep was suffering though and Ostapenko broke to love before levelling the match with a sublime forehand winner.

Even when Halep went 3-1 ahead in the decider, she never seemed in control and once Ostapenko’s charge began she was powerless as ball after ball flew by.

Champions Trophy...

India, SA captains call for calm heads in must-win match today INDIA must keep their emotions under control in today’s decisive Champions Trophy match against South Africa, captain Virat Kohli has warned.

With all three sides in Group B on two points, the loser of the match at The Oval will be eliminated.

Kohli’s side, ranked third, came into this tournament as holders and were seen by many as potential winners.

“The team that has the most composure will have a better chance of winning

of the game tomorrow,” said Kohli.

“You need to have a good balance of being competitive, being passionate about the game, but at the same time, not getting over-excited.

“A lot of times, teams come in and they want to do something special and end up messing up the game in important situations.

“That’s what I’ve experienced in the past, and you tend to get over-excited, and then you commit errors that

can cost the team important runs.”

World number one side South Africa also have one win from their two matches and will reach the semis themselves with a victory in south London.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka began the Champions Trophy as underdogs but a big win each means they too face essentially a knockout game against each other on Monday.

“For us as a team, it’s a very important game, yes,”

India captain Virat Kohli added Kohli. “So it is the same for South Africa as well.

“As a cricketer, honestly, I crave games like this. You want to be part of matches that are as important as this one. Then if you perform in that and your team gets across the line, it’s a different feeling.”

24 – 17 to retain RAN South Zone 15s title

By Rawle Toney TWO tries from Avery Corbin, and one each from stalwart Richard Staglon and newcomer Ahmad Isaacs, as well as two conversions from Captain Ryan Gonsalves saw Guyana defeating rivals Trinidad and Tobago 24 – 17 to retain their Rugby Americas North (RAN) South Zone 15s title yesterday at the St Stanislaus College Ground.

With the win, Guyana will now travel to Mexico City for their July 1 clash with the Mexicans; their second in as many years, for RAN’s overall title.

The last time the two sides met, Mexico outclassed the ‘Green Machine’ 32 – 3.

Meanwhile, despite the weather and a waterlog field, Guyana was able to claw their way from being down 5 – 0 in the early stages, after James Phillips scored for a try for the visitors, but the ‘Soca Ruggers’ would later miss their conversion.

Successive tries by Staglon and Corbin and a conversion by Gonsalves, later saw Guyana closing the half 12 – 5, much to the delight of the vociferous crowd at the venue which was hosting Rugby for the first time, after the usual battle ground at the National Park was deemed unsuitable for play.

It was a see-saw battle in the second stanza, with the two countries having their fair share of possession, but it was Isaacs who would break the drought for Guyana when he paced down the wing to score his second try of the championship, having scored one against Barbados.

Gonsalves was not able to make good of the conversion, but Guyana was up 17 – 5. However the Trinidadians continued their relentless pursuit and was able to pierce Guyana’s ‘air tight’ defence to score through Karlon Alexander.

Johnson Alleyne’s conversion meant that the Trinidadians were on the verge of a comeback, as the visitors put the score 17 – 12, but still trailed.

With chants and loud cheers from the crowd, Corbin displayed the type of Rugby that placed him as one of the top players in RAN, when the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) soldier powered his way through the middle and staved off a bullish Trinidadian defence to score his second try of the game.

Gonsalves scored the conversion to put Guyana up 24 – 12. But it was not over as yet.

Trinidad and Tobago, with time running out, tried desperately to get back into the game, especially since a draw would’ve seen them through to face Mexico and hand them the title.

The ‘Soca Ruggers’ could’ve only mustered a try (24 – 17) as time was not on their side and had to watch Guyana celebrate another title.

Last year, Guyana had defeated Trinidad and Tobago 23-18 in the Twin Island Republic to win the title.

27

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 11, 2017

Stokes, England knock Aussies out of Champions Trophy

(REUTERS)-Australia were knocked out of the Champions Trophy without winning a game after Ben Stokes’ stunning century guided England to an impressive 40-run Duckworth-Lewis victory on Saturday.

Australia, whose two previous games against New Zealand and Bangladesh were rained off, scored 277-9 from 50 overs -- with Mark Wood and Adil Rashid talking four wickets apiece -- and had reduced England to 35-3 in response.

But, after a brief rain break, Eoin Morgan (87) and Stokes (102 not out) dismantled the Australian attack, scoring freely in a

partnership of 159 before Morgan was run out when closing in on his century.

But Stokes brought up his hundred with a cut through the covers, and he and Jos Buttler (29 not out) carried England home with the hosts comfortably ahead on Duckworth-Lewis.

England are joined in the semi-finals by unfancied Bangladesh, who beat New Zealand in Group A on Friday.

Having been put in to bat, Australia set about building an imposing score.

After David Warner was dismissed for 21, Aaron Finch and Steve Smith scored freely to race past 100.

Finch struck eight

Ben Stokes’s century sealed Australia’s elimination at Edgbaston on Saturday. boundaries in his 68 when Morgan took a superb catch off the bowling of Stokes,

FIFA U-20 World Cup final ...

England, Venezuela braced for big occasion

before Rashid had Moises Henriques (17) caught with Australia 161-3.

Smith (56) fell to Wood, while Jason Roy sensationally caught Glenn Maxwell (20). He scooped the ball on the boundary, off-balanced, before throwing it in the air and catching it again as he ran back into the field of play.

The impressive Rashid dismissed Matt h e w Wa d e ( 2 ) a n d Mitchell Starc (0) in one over, and Pat Cummins (4) in his next as England finished superbly.

After Wood claimed his fourth wicket, bowling Adam Zampa for a duck, Travis Head (71 not out) smashed two late sixes as Australia finished on 277-9.

England’s response got off to a terrible start with out-

of-form Roy (4), Alex Hales (0) and Joe Root (15) gone inside six overs as England slumped to 35-3 before the first rain break.

The break helped England as the swashbuckling duo of Morgan and Stokes both completed confident fifties with a series of lusty blows to bring up their 100 partnership.

The onslaught continued and a century beckoned for Morgan but he was run out

by Zampa.

However, any thought of an Australia fightback was ended by Stokes, who struck 13 boundaries and two sixes, and Buttler who marshalled England until heavy rain ended the game.

they have on their team and what they’re about and how established they are, but I think that in those three losses we lost track of who we were at the time. We’re still a special team as well. We are here for a reason.”

The Cavaliers, who beat the Warriors in a decisive seventh game last year after

a heated argument while a play was being reviewed.

Durant was upset after being accidentally slapped by Kevin Love on a block attempt and after a lengthy review Love was assessed a flagrant foul.

The top-seeded Warriors, who had won their first 15 games of the playoffs, will get another chance to close out the series in front of their own fans on Monday.

Cleveland, determined not to watch the Warriors celebrate a championship on their home court for the second time in three seasons, came out flying with a record 86 points in the first half to lead by 18.

Their first-half output beat the previous mark of 79 points set in 1985 by the Boston Celtics.

Golden State’s usually sharp-shooting offense never found its rhythm and the Cavaliers never took their collective foot off the pedal, leading by as many as 22 points late in the second quarter.

Whenever the Warriors looked like they might go on a run and start chipping away at the lead, the home side responded with a rim-rocking dunk from James, a three-pointer from Irving or some tenacious defense.

“Our defense was not sharp. They made tough shots, they got it rolling. I thought they played a tremendous game,” said Warriors coach Steve Kerr.

“I think the biggest thing, though, was they brought a level of physicality that we did not match. We have to do a better job of that.”

Cavs end Warriors run to keep NBA Finals series alive

By Frank Pingue

CLEVELAND,(Reuters)-The Cleveland Cavaliers staved off NBA Finals elimination and ended Golden State’s shot at an unprecedented perfect run through the playoffs with a gritty 137-116 win over the Warriors on Friday.

Venezuela’s Samuel Sosa, left, celebrates after scoring a goal against Uruguay during a semi-final match in the FIFA U-20 World Cup Korea.

AFTERr 22 days of competition, the FIFA U-20 World Cup Korea Republic 2017 is set to conclude with Venezuela and England both looking to become world champions in the age group for the very first time.

Taking centre stage after the match for third place between Uruguay and Italy, the two finalists will step out at the Suwon World Cup Stadium today at 19:00hrs (local time) with designs on lifting the trophy at the end of the night.

Though neither side were tipped to get this far, both have shown that they deserve to be where they are. While Venezuela were the more impressive in the group phase, winning all three of their

matches, the English have been in irresistible form in the knockout phase, all of which points to a very intriguing encounter.

Venezuela’s exceptional run is rich reward for two and a half years of hard work, numerous training camps and no fewer than 37 friendlies. Not for nothing are La Vinotinto the competition’s leading scorers with 14 goals and the most prolific side in terms of attacking statistics: most shots on goal (110), most attempts on target (38) and most shots against the woodwork (5), a stat in which they are level with England.

Meanwhile, Wuilker Farinez has made the fewest saves (13) of the four goalkeepers who contested the semi-finals.

Farinez has been outstanding for his team, producing some truly superb stops, though he has been ably supported by his defence.

England are the competition’s fourth-highest scorers with 11 goals, while their keeper Freddie Woodman has had to make only two more saves than Farinez, an indication of the strength of his backline.

Paul Simpson will be pleased to have midfielder Josh Onomah available for selection again following his sending-off in the quarter-finals, though the coach has been backed up by his supporting cast, having used every member of his squad so far with the exception of third-choice keeper Luke Southwood.(FIFA.com)

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) drives to the basket against Golden State Warriors guard Shaun Livingston (34) during the second half in game four of the 2017 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports Kyrie Irving scored a game-high 40 points and LeBron James chipped in with 31 as the defending champions pulled to within 3-1 and forced the best-of-seven series back to Oakland.

“We finally settled in, man, it was about damn time, for all of us just to really see what playing well as a group looks like against a great team like the Warriors,” said Irving.

“We understand who

trailing 3-1, are now trying to become the first NBA team to rally back from a 3-0 series deficit.

The feat has only been accomplished four times in the National Hockey League and once in Major League Baseball.

Kevin Durant led the way for the Warriors with 35 points.

The game was the most physical yet of the Finals and saw James and Durant come face-to-face at midcourt for

28

SUNDAY CHRONICLE JUNE 11, 2017

CONCACAF final round qualifiers Mexico extend lead, USA move up to third

MEXICO extended their lead at the top of the Hexagonal standings to five points after a convincing 3-0 home win over Honduras in CONCACAF’s final round of qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ on Thursday evening.

Costa Rica remain in second place, despite only taking a point at home following a goalless draw with central American rivals Panama. USA moved into the automatic qualification places for Russia 2018 after a crucial 2-0 win at home to bottom side Trinidad and Tobago.

It is a big summer ahead for Mexico, with El Tri following this month’s World Cup qualifiers with a trip to Russia to participate in the FIFA Confederations Cup before returning to their home region to play in next month’s CONCACAF Gold Cup. They made sure they got their busy schedule off to a positive start with a strong, professional performance in defeating Honduras at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

El Tri’s winner came just before half-time through an Oswaldo Alanis header from a Mexico corner. The home side then sealed all three points in

Mexico’s Oswaldo Alanis (front) celebrates his goal against Honduras.

Bruce Arena’s faith in three second-half minutes, starting with substitute Hir- again giving talented teenagving Lozano’s strike shortly er Christian Pulisic a chance after the hour mark before to make his mark in the USA Raul Jimenez put the game starting line-up paid off in beyond Honduras with a third Commerce City, Colorado, goal. Defeat for the central as the Borussia Dortmund Americans leaves them in midfielder’s brace earned fifth place in the Hexagonal the Stars and Stripes a crucial home win over Trinidad standings.

and Tobago.

Coming in a 10-minute span early in the second half, Pulisic claimed USA’s winner by tapping home a low DeAndre Yedlin cross before scoring a fine second goal from a wellworked move in the Soca Warriors’ half. It erased a disappointing opening half that saw Trinidad and Tobago forward Kenwyne Jones create the best chance before the break with a close-range header that struck the crossbar. The result leaves the Caribbean nation rooted to the bottom of the Hexagonal standings.

Meanwhile, in San Jose, Costa Rica could not make the most of their intimidating confines at the Estadio Nacional, as they had to settle for a 0-0 draw with Panama.

Los Ticos were hoping to keep pace with leaders Mexico by claiming maximum points in the first of their two home qualifiers this month, but after defender Giancarlo Gonzalez was sent off shortly after the break, they had to ultimately settle for a share of the spoils with their central American rivals. The draw for Panama sees them drop out of the automatic qualification places to fourth in the Hexagonal standings.

(FIFA .com)

Williams elected Grove Hi Tech FC president GROVE Hi Tech Football Club (GHTFC), the leading club in the East Bank Football Association (EBFA) has a new president, Wayne Williams, who was elected Monday evening last when the club also adopted a new constitution.

Williams and his executive, numbering six persons will serve until 2019. Vice President (Administration and Programmes) is Ms. Nicole Matthews; Secretary - Sophia Singh; Treasurer – Jermaine Alves; Assistant Secretary/Treasurer – Delicia Matthews and Head Coach, Levi Braithwaite.

The club has also named an Assistant Coach in Jermaine Alves, while in its quest to get its female team up and running, they have

appointed Ms. Candacy McKenzie to chart the way forward.

EBFA president Franklin Wilson who overlooked proceedings, including the elections, congratulated the executive and challenged them to get into work mode immediately in terms of taking the club to the next level.

Wilson noted that the club, unlike many others, have their own field and club house and this is a plus for them. He encouraged them to work towards refurbishing the club house and improving the field whilst committing the EBFA to assist the club as best it can.

Williams thanked the members for reposing such confidence in him and promised to do his best to trans-

form the club. Williams reminded that discipline will be one of his key pillars as he noted that the club has an abundance of talented players but there needs to also be a high level of discipline on and off the field exhibited by every player as well as officials.

The new executive was expected to meet yesterday to come up with their work programme for the remainder of the year and beyond. Grove is the fourth EBFA club to have held its elections and adopt a new constitution in recent months.

The others are Highway United located at Yarrowkabra on the Linden Soesdyke Highway, Herstelling Raiders FC of Herstelling, and Mocha Champs.

New presidemt of GROVE HI Tech Club, Wayne Williams.

Real Value Supermarket awards Region one athlete for outstanding performances THE Real Value Supermarket on Church and Thomas Streets, Georgetown, recently awarded Guyana’s Ricky Williams of Region One for his outstanding performances at two major athletic events which were staged over the past month.

According to a release from his club, Rising Stars

Manager of Real Value Supermarket, Mr Charles Wallsrion presents the awards to Ricky Williams.

Athletic Club (RSAC), Williams who hails from Barima/ Waini, Region 1, placed second in the junior category of the Guyana Overseas 5K 51st Independence Road Race that was organized by his Club (RSAC) in collaboration with the Office of the Presidency.

Williams also placed fourth in the 10km race at the recently concluded South American Under-20 championships that were held at the National Track and Field facility, Leonara, West Coast Demerara.

Scotland earns call-up for U-19 World Cup qualifier

HAMILTON, Bermuda, (CMC) – Fourteen-year-old Marcus Scotland has been rewarded for a string of top performances with the bat in England by being named in Bermuda’s squad of 14 players for an ICC Under-19 World Cup qualifier in Canada next month.

Scotland, whose late grandfather Rupert Scotland, a top cricketer, came to Bermuda from Antigua, is currently in Surrey’s youth programme.

Scotland struck his highest score so far when he made 174 not out for Surrey Under-14 County Age Group in his team’s match against Cambridgeshire Under-14s last weekend.

The score followed Scotland’s first century five days earlier against Sussex Under-14s when he scored 100 not out. It takes his total to 554 runs in 11 innings this season with two 50s and two centuries, all not out.

Bermuda will face Canada and the United States in the qualifier, starting in Toronto on July 17. The winners will advance to the Under-19 World Cup to be held in New Zealand next year.

National coach Clay Smith said: “This was a very difficult team to select, but I want to thank all the players for their efforts. The team is fairly young, but very talented, and I have no

doubt they will put their best foot forward … and do us all proud.”

Announcing the team on Friday, Bermuda Cricket Board president Lloyd Fray said: “I am very pleased with the intensity and quality of the preparation for this squad.

“Bermuda first qualified for the Under-19 World Cup 10 years ago in Toronto, so hopefully we will see history

Fourteen-year-old Marcus Scotland repeat itself this year.”

SQUAD – Dalin Richardson (captain), Nzari Painter (vice-captain), Alje Richardson, Amori Dean Simons, Cameron Jeffers, Jabari Darrell, Jade Morrissey, Marcus Scotland, Najiyah Raynor, Nirobi Smith Mills, Q’Shai Darrell, Ras Solomon Burrows, Rudi Butterfield, Jaiden Manders.

29

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 11, 2017

Match-winner Rashid dedicates performance to victims of Kabul attack

Rashid Khan returned the fourth-best haul in ODIs against West Indies on Friday night in St.Lucia

AFTER taking 7-18 to inspire Afghanistan to victory over West Indies on Friday night in the first ODI, , Rashid Khan dedicated his man-of-the-match award to the victims of the recent attack in Kabul following his stunning performance for Afghanistan against West Indies.

The leg-spinner returned a career best 7-18 from 8.4 overs as Afghanistan defeated their hosts by 63 runs in St Lucia to take a 1-0 lead in the three-game one-day international series.

And afterwards, the 18-year-old paid tribute to the victims of a bomb attack in the diplomatic area of Afghanistan’s capital late last month, which left 90 dead and hundreds more injured.

“We really needed this after losing three consecutive Twenty20 internationals,” Khan said.

“To perform on this big stage means a

Overseas based Guyanese donates sports equipment to Devonshire Castle Youth Club

By Elroy Stephney A QUANTITY of sports equipment was donated by overseas based Guyanese and business consultant, Charlie Persaud, to the Devonshire Castle Youth Club last Tuesday at the Walton Hall sports ground in Essequibo.

At a simple ceremony, the former school teacher who previously resided in Essequibo, made the timely donation of thirty (30) sports haversacks, three (3) footballs and a pump, which were handed over to the Chairman of the management committee of the club, Wayne Moore.

Additionally, 25 pairs of footwear will also be donated by Persaud shortly and priority will be given to those attending the training sessions regularly and achieving good grades in school.

The youth club comprises of approximately thirty-five (35) members ranging from the ages of 7-15 years old.

Among the sporting disciplines they are engaged in are: football, volleyball and table tennis. A library will also be opened and Persaud promised to donate books as well.

According to the

Chairman, periodic sessions will also be held involving resourceful persons in various professions who would share their knowledge and experiences with the youths.

He further stated that the senior members of the club have undertaken to make a difference to the lives of the younger generation within the community. Moore added that drug and alcohol abuse are prevalent and having the youths engaged in a positive way, will help to prevent them from falling prey to the

many ills of society.

He took the opportunity to thank the Donor on behalf of the club and assured him that the equipment will boost the performance and interest of the young aspiring sportsmen.

Meanwhile, donor Charlie Persaud who is the Managing Director of Excellent Business Consultancy (EBC) situated in Cotton Field, expressed delight in supporting the community, stating that he has seen potential in the club after witnessing some of them on display.

He challenged the beneficiaries to make optimum use of the equipment towards developing their skills and advancing their sporting careers.

Persaud further explained that many persons including some of his clients in the diaspora are eager to assist and he will continue to engage them to donate. He mentioned that similar donations will be replicated in other clubs across the Region, including in the hinterland communities.

Overseas based Guyanese and Business Consultant, Charlie Persaud, is seen here handing over the equipment to Wayne Moore.

lot to me. The wicket wasn’t great to score quickly. We bowled according to the plan and conditions. That made the difference.

“I want to dedicate this man-of-the-match award to victims of the Kabul attacks.

“We’re trying our best to bring back smiles and happiness and whatever way we can. Please keep all of us in your prayers.”

Windies captain Jason Holder, meanwhile, was far from impressed with his side as they fell well short in pursuit of just 213 for victory.

“We weren’t good enough. We lacked energy on the field, and we were no good with the bat,” was his scathing assessment.

“I don’t think the intent was there when we batted. We batted ourselves into a hole. I hope this is a wake-up call for us.” (Sportsmax)

Injured Sharapova to miss grasscourt season (REUTERS)-Former world number one Maria Sharapova will miss the grasscourt season, including this month’s Wimbledon qualifying tournament, after failing to recover from a left-thigh injury she suffered during last month’s Italian Open.

“After an additional scan, the muscle tear that I sustained in Rome will unfortunately not allow me to compete in the grass court tournaments I was scheduled to play,” Sharapova, who is on a comeback trail after serving a 15-month doping ban, said on her official Facebook page.

Sharapova opted not to apply for a wildcard into the main Wimbledon draw after her request for an invite into Roland Garros, where she is a twice former champion, was snubbed by French Open officials.

The Russian’s low ranking meant she was only guaranteed a place in the Wimbledon qualifying event if she wanted to secure a place in the July 3-16 grasscourt major.

However, the 2004 Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova was granted a wildcard for the grasscourt warm-up tournament in Birmingham, England, which she will also miss.

“I want to thank the LTA for their amazing support on my return and providing me with a Birmingham wildcard, a tournament which I hope many of you will be able to attend,” added the 178th-ranked Sharapova.

“I look forward to meeting you there next year.

I will continue to work on my recovery and my next scheduled tournament is in Stanford.”

The Stanford tournament begins at the end of July.

The five-times grand slam winner, who received wildcards to play in Stuttgart, Madrid and Rome after being left without a ranking when her doping ban ended, retired injured in her second round match at the Italian Open.

She was wearing a bandage on her thigh at the time.

Missing the whole grasscourt season means the 30-year-old Russian will not be ranked high enough for direct entry into the U.S. Open, where officials will have to decide whether to court controversy by offering a wildcard.

30

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 11, 2017

Holder urges Windies players to change their mental approach for second ODI GROS ISLET, South Africa, Jun 10, CMC – Captain Jason Holder has minced no words in his assessment of West Indies’ stunning defeat to minnows Afghanistan, describing the performance as “poor” and calling on his embattled side to change their mental approach for today’s mustwin encounter.

The Caribbean side produced a dreadful performance in Friday’s opening One-Day International at the Darren Sammy National Stadium, crashing to a shocking 63-run defeat to the ICC Associate nation.

Chasing a modest 213 for victory, West Indies were embarrassingly bundled out for 149, with 18-year-old leg-spinner Rashid Khan picking up seven for 18 – the fourth-best figures in ODI history.

“I think Afghanistan played better cricket and they deserved to win the game,” Holder said in a frank interview.

“When we look back on our performances, I don’t think we were as energetic as we wanted to be in the field. We lapsed a bit in the end. I felt the bowlers did a reasonable job but when we batted, we were in no uncertain words, poor.

“We’ve got to be better as international cricketers.

I just felt we didn’t show that intent up front. I think the pitch was a very good pitch, it was not one that hampered stroke-play so I think we all have to be accountable for our actions as batsmen and now going forward into this game on Sunday – a must-win game – we just need to put things right.”

West Indies were heavily favoured to make a clean sweep of the series against a side with little experience

some loose bowling at the back end of the inings which saw 52 runs coming off the last six overs.

West Indies ODI captain Jason Holder against major Test-playing nations.

But opener Javed Ahmadi struck a career-best 81 to lift the visitors up to 212 for six off their 50 overs, aided by

In reply, the Windies struggled to score from the outset and after crawling to 52 for two after the first 20 overs, lost their last eight wickets for 81 runs.

Holder said it was clear his players needed to make adjustments to their mental approach.

“It’s more of a mindset.

I think we’ve got to adjust our minds to the fact we are playing a very important series against Afghanistan,” the Barbadian all-rounder explained.

“I think we just lacked energy at many stages of the game, especially in the field, and it’s something we’ve been talking about in the dressing room for a while, so I think if we can improve our attitudes and body language on the field – look more alive during the innings – I think that would go a long way and then obviously we can trasncend that into our batting.”

He added: “The intent wasn’t there when we batted. I think we can put the Afghans under a little more

pressure when they bowl to us and just try to stamp our authority on the game.”

He was quick, however, to praise his bowlers even though pointing out they could have had more of an impact earlier in the Afghanistan innings.

“We could probably look for a little more wickets in the middle overs. I think things kind of meandered in the middle and we just tried to push through the overs,” Holder noted.

“We were always behind in terms of over-rate.

If we could be ahead of the game a bit earlier, it gives us a bit more cushion as the game goes on. Those are a few areas I can point out [where we need to improve] but I am still pleased with the way the guys bowled.”

The second ODI is set to bowl off at 14.30 hrs

Ramdhani siblings reign supreme star at Trophy Stall badminton THE Ramdhani siblings, Priyanna and her brother Narayan, ruled supreme over the competition at this year’s Trophy Stall Annual Independence Badminton Tournament, hosted by the Guyana Badminton Association (GBA).

Narayan won the Men’s Open singles, while Priyanna won the Women’s Open singles when the curtains came down last evening at the National Gymnasium.

RESULTS: Open Ladies’ Singles:

1st place - Priyanna Ramdhani beat Greer Jackson: 21-11, 21-12) 2nd place- Greer Jackson 3rd place - Shivanie Persaud OPEN MEN’S SINGLES: (Narayan beat Jonathan : 21-15,2114) 1st place - Narayan Ramdhani 2nd place- Jonathan Mangra 3rd place- Marlon Cheung OPEN MEN’S SINGLE CONSOLATION: 1st place- Tyrese Jefferey

respective prize winners after the conclusion of the Trophy Stall Annual Independence Badminton Tournament last evening.

2nd place- Nicholas Waldron

3rd place- Manav Sharma

UNDER -15 BOYS’ SINGLES: 1st place - Andrew Debidin 2nd Place - Vikash Mootoo 3rd place- Omar Samad

UNDER -13 GIRLS’ SINGLES: 1st place- Lesha Singh 2nd place- Elesa Sangster 3rd place- Sasha Singh

UNDER -15 GIRLS’ SINGLES: 1st place- jade Dasilva 2nd place - Sarah Samad 3rd place - Sacha Wang

UNDER -11 BOYS’ SINGLES: 1st place- Avinash Ramnarine 2nd place- Nikhil Sookraj 3rd place- Leron Ramascindo

UNDER -13 BOYS’ SINGLES: 1st place- Jonathan Debidin 2nd place- Abeva Jones

UNDER -11 GIRLS’ SINGLES: 1st place- Amara Mohamed 2nd place- Gianna Ramnarine

Narayan Ramdhani leaves Jonathan Mangra sprawling during their Men’s Open final

31

SUNDAY CHRONICLE June 11, 2017

GABF to wrap up Centrobasket U-17 Championship team selection today

By Rawle Toney SOME of the country’s brightest prospects who gathered at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall over the last two days, will know their fate today with regards to their selection to Guyana’s team for this year’s FIFA U-17 Centrobasket Championship, which will be held in the Dominican Republic from July 26 – 30.

The Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) had shortlisted 21 players and also made the two-day trials open to players from their affiliated associations.

Former National star-player and point guard, Lugard Mohan was named as Head Coach of the squad, and under his watchful eyes, players were taken through various paces at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, all hoping to be among the 12 that will be representing the ‘Land of Many Waters’ in Santo Domingo.

Following today’s trials, according to the GABF, training sessions will continue with a reduced squad at the Cliff Ander-

Head Coach Lugard Mohan (first from left), overlooking a scrimmage yesterday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (Delano Williams Photo) son Sports Hall on June 17-18, 24-25, July 1-10,after which the team will be encamped from July 14-24 prior to their departure for the Dominican Republic on Tuesday July 25.

Guyana were placed in Group ‘A’ of the tournament and will open their campaign against the Bahamas

on July 26, followed by a clash with Puerto Rico on Thursday July 27 and then close off their group-play against Mexico on July 28.

According to the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), the competition system of the tournament consists of two phases.

GCF’s national championships to pedal off on Saturday

THE Guyana Cycling Federation’s (GCF) National Road Race and Individual Time Trial will pedal off on Saturday on the Linden/ Soesdyke Highway beginning at 09:30hrs from Hararuni Creek and ending at Long Creek, a distance of eight miles.

The event will begin with the individual time trial for each category of cyclists and continues the next day (Sunday)with the road race for juniors, juveniles, ladies and veterans.

The junior and veteran cyclists will contest a distance of 70 miles and they will pedal off from outside the National Sports Commission’s (NSC) office on Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown, at 08:00hrs and the cyclists will proceed to Camp Wesleyana, Linden/ Soesdyke Highway before returning to the place of origin for the finish.

The juveniles and ladies will cover a distance of 53 miles after moving off from the NSC office and

FLASHBACK: Geron Williams raises his hand in triumph as he crosses the finish line to win the GCF’s 2016 national road race championship. travelling to Bottle Neck, Timehri, before turning

back to finish on Homestretch Avenue.

One week later (Sunday June 25), the seniors will cover a distance of 103.4 miles, beginning at Homestretch Avenue, proceeding to Camp Sewayo, Linden/ Soesdyke Highway and back to Homestretch Avenue for the finish.

Up to press time, it has not been confirmed if defending champion, Geron Williams, will be a part of this year’s championships as he is currently in the United States training and competing along with most of Guyana’s top wheelsmen, including Raynauth Jeffrey, Andrew Hicks, jamal John, Scott savory and Orville Hinds.

Transportation for cyclists and officials for Saturday’s time trial will be provided by the GCF and the bus will leave the NSC’s office on Homestretch Avenue at 08:00hrs on Saturday.

The GCF has also indicated that juniors and veterans will be allowed to participate in the senior road race.

In the Group phase, the eight participating teams (Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands) will be divided into two equal groups.

Teams will play in round-robin format for three days. The top two teams from each group will advance to the next phase, where the first-placed team of Group A will oppose the second-placed team in Group B and vice versa.

The winners of the semi-finals will advance to the ‘gold medal match’, while the losers will play for the bronze of the continental event.

The top three teams from the tournament will qualify to the FIBA U-18 Americas Championship 2018, to be played in St Catharines, Canada, June 11-17, 2018.

Guyana qualified for the 2017 FIBA Centrobasket U-17 championship by finishing behind the Bahamas at last year’s Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) U-16 tournament which was hosted at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

GFF extends condolences to Jamaica Football Federation THE president of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Wayne Forde, on behalf of the Guyana Football fraternity, has expressed condolences to the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) on the passing of its president, Captain Horace Burrell.

In a letter to JFF General Secretary, Raymond Grant, president Forde said “The Football family of Guyana was truly saddened to hear of the loss of your dear president, Captain Horace Burrell. Please allow me, on behalf of the Guyana Football Federation and on my own behalf in my capacity as president, to extend my deepest sympathy to his immediate family and the football family of Jamaica as you navigate through this period of grief.”

Forde stated that the Captain Horace Burrell ‘Captain’ was a valuable asset to football in the CFU, CONCACAF and FIFA and “we mourn his loss with you as friends. Again, we extend our deepest sympathy to you and his family during this time of mourning.”

Captain Burrell passed away in the United States on Tuesday. Prior to his passing, he served as a senior vice-president of CONCACAF, former vice-president of the CFU, member of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee and vice-president of the Jamaica Olympic Association.

Holder urges Windies players to change their mental approach for second ODI See story on page 30

‘Green Machine’ steamroll T&T 24 – 17 to retain RAN South Zone 15s title See story on page 26

Guyana in full celebration mode after beating Trinidad and Tobago 24 – 17 to retain their RAN 15s South Zone title.

Guyana’s Claudius Butts makes his way through the strong Trinidad defence (Delano Williams photos)

Richard Staglon on his way to scoring his try for Guyana against Trinidad.

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

SUNDAY, JUNE 11, 2017