Guyana chronicle e paper 07 09 2017

SEE INSIDE

See inside:

The beauty and benefits of healing stones ► Page XXXII ‘Intricate Creations’ headed to ‘Bim’ ► Page

XXIV

Carifesta through the years – from the memories of past participants

► Page

VI

Caribbean Explosion

Caribbean Style and Culture Awards boosting Caribbean II talent internationally

No. 104968

SUNDAY JULY 9, 2017

Price: $140

New vehicles to aid in ‘narco’ fight ► Page

(VAT Inclusive)

Page 3

Sun-dried tomatoes from Pakaraimas to hit market soon Page 14

Four suspects to be charged – in botched Republic Bank heist

Page 3

Gov’t ready to defend SARA legislation Page 9

Watch out for the oil-money hijackers Page 13

President David Granger listens as Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs reads out the inscription on the plaque, which he had just unveiled to officially commission the Paramakatoi Tomato Project Facility. Also in the photograph are to the President’s left Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Pierre Giroux. Partially obscured are Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Sydney Allicock, Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma and Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

US$8M project to tackle prison overcrowding Page 12

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 9, 2017

Ann’s Grove women form group – to help push village’s development

By Alva Solomon A GROUP of women from Ann’s Grove on the East Coast of Demerara is working to enhance the abilities of the womenfolk within the community.

At the same time, the women have won the support of Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, who has pledged to help them with the development of their mandate.

The group, called the “Ann’s Grove Sisters,” was officially launched on Saturday near the market within the village. The launch followed a parade into the village by the women who were accompanied by Minister Broomes.

Speaking to the Guyana

Chronicle soon after the group elected its executives, President of the body, Eunice Fortune, said that as young persons they plan to find ways in which to develop the community. “In terms of jobs, things we can do within the community we plan to work as a group to address those issues,” she said, adding that there are many persons in the village, some single parents especially, who “have nothing to do.”

She said that the women plan to approach the government to find ways in which the authorities can assist in undertaking their mandate.

She said there are school drop-outs, jobless individuals, as well as persons who have completed secondary education, but who cannot find meaningful employ-

ment.

She said that one of the immediate plans of the group is to undertake a clean-up campaign to beautify the village.

“Right now we have drains and other parts of the area which needs sprucing up, so we plan to have the residents work with us in cleaning the environment,” Fortune said.

Minister Broomes noted that there are many social issues which affect the lives of persons, and according to her, the best persons to address those matters are persons from within the community.

“The President is making a difference in lifting women up to the place where they belong,” Minister Broomes

Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, with members of the newly formed Ann’s Grove Sisters group

said, adding that there are many women who are being placed in administrative positions at various agencies.

“You got to make the difference,” the minister said, adding that the women will be at the frontline and

will have to work towards making a complete change in their lives.

Earlier in the day, Minister Broomes undertook a walkabout within the village and interacted with residents on various issues affecting

them.

During the walkabout, the minister stopped at a defunct multi-purpose building which persons noted can be rehabilitated and utilised for developmental purposes.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 9, 2017

New vehicles to aid in ‘narco’ fight THE soon-to-be-operational National Anti-Narcotics Agency (NANA) is one of several agencies for which Cabinet has green-lighted various sums of money for the purchase of new vehicles.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, told the media

during a post-Cabinet briefing on Friday, that Cabinet has noted the award of contracts to the tune of $39M for the purchase of several vehicles.

NANA, the Guyana Prison Service, and the Police Complaints Authority will benefit from the sum award-

Husband, wife, daughter, others busted with marijuana SIX persons found with seven-and-a-half-kilograms of cannabis have been arrested following a police operation in New Amsterdam, Berbice, on Saturday morning.

Those in custody include a husband, his wife, their daughter and three other females. The suspected traffickers who were caught packaging the illegal substance are being processed for court on Monday.

During a similar operation in ‘C’ Division Saturday afternoon, police ranks arrested a 30-year-old unemployed male resident of First Street, Paradise, East Coast Demerara at his home with seven kilograms of cannabis.

He too is being processed for court.

ed.

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, has said in the past that NANA will be implemented as an umbrella agency under which all agencies in the fight against illicit drugs, including the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) ,

will operate.

Minister Harmon also announced the award of several contracts on Friday.

These include: $17M for the extension and rehabilitation of the regional administration building of Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo);

$74M for the construction of a single-lane roundabout at Timehri; $386M for the supply of poles and timber products for the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) for several housing and industrial areas across the country; $4M for the procurement of

agricultural equipment and office supplies for the Guyana Prison Service; and $72M for the supply and installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras for 24 tower sites to be managed by the Data Centre of the Ministry of Public Telecommunications.

Four suspects to be charged – in botched Republic Bank heist FOUR persons are expected to be charged this week for the recent attempted robbery on Republic Bank’s Water Street branch which left one of the would-be robbers dead.

A police rank and a rural constable were arrested on Thursday night in connection with the robbery.

The two other suspects, Republic Bank employee, Jamal Haynes, 24, of Norton Street, Wortmanville, and Keron Saunders have been in police custody since the day of the attempted robbery assisting with investigations.

Haynes was treated at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for gunshot wounds in both legs before being taken into custody.

He and Wray were reportedly best buddies and lived together in Eccles, East Bank Demerara.

And following the dis-

Keron Saunders Dead: Elton Wray

covery of a text message sent by a bank staffer to one of the would-be bandit’s cell phone, that employee, too, is now in police custody assisting in their investigations.

Reports are that the hit on the bank was planned three months ago, and that the “wannabe” bank robbers even went so far as to hijack a car the night before the job was executed.

According to reports, the disguised trio, who were armed to the teeth, entered the bank on Tuesday morning, before it was opened to the public for business.

Once in, they proceeded to open fire on the few staffers inside the bank, which is what reportedly alerted the Professional Guard Service security personnel, who were on site.

The said security personnel wasted no time in raising

Jamal Haynes

an alarm, which immediately brought Armed Response Teams to the location.

Arriving shortly after the alarm had been raised, the teams assessed the situation and took up defensive positions with their police counterparts.

Police said three firearms, including two 9 MM handguns and one .40 gun were found at the scene.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 9, 2017

U.S., G20 split over climate LEADERS from the world’s leading economies broke with U.S. President Donald Trump on climate policy at a G20 summit on Saturday, in a rare public admission of disagreement and blow to multilateral cooperation.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, keen to show off her skills as a mediator two months before a German election, achieved her primary goal at the meeting in Hamburg, convincing her fellow leaders to support a single communique with pledges on trade, finance, energy and Africa.

But the divide between Trump, elected on a pledge to put “America First”, and the 19 other members of the club, including countries as diverse as Japan, Saudi Arabia and Argentina, was

stark.

Last month Trump announced he was pulling the United States out of a landmark international climate accord clinched two years ago in Paris.

“In the end, the negotiations on climate reflect dissent – all against the United States of America,” Merkel told reporters at the end of the meeting.

“And the fact that negotiations on trade were extraordinarily difficult is due to specific positions that the United States has taken.”

The summit, marred by violent protests that left the streets of Hamburg littered with burning cars and broken shop windows, brought together a volatile mix of leaders at a time of major change in the global

geo-political landscape.

Trump’s shift to a more unilateral, transactional diplomacy has left a void in global leadership, unsettling traditional allies in Europe and opening the door to rising powers like China to assume a bigger role.

Te n s i o n s b e t w e e n Washington and Beijing dominated the run-up to the meeting, with the Trump administration ratcheting up pressure on President Xi Jinping to rein in North Korea and threatening punitive trade measures on steel.

TRUMP-PUTIN Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first time in Hamburg, a hotly anticipated encounter after the former real estate mogul promised a rapprochement with Moscow during his campaign, only to be thwarted by accusations of Russian meddling in the vote and investigations into the Russia ties of Trump associates.

Putin said at the conclusion of the summit on Saturday that Trump had quizzed him on the alleged meddling in a meeting that lasted over two hours but seemed to have been satisfied with the Kremlin leader’s denials of interference.

Trump had accused Russia of destabilising behaviour in Ukraine and Syria before the summit. But in Hamburg he struck a conciliatory tone, describing it as an honour to meet Putin and signalling, through Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, that he preferred to

focus on future ties and not dwell on the past.

“It was an extraordinarily important meeting,” Tillerson said, describing a “very clear positive chemistry” between Trump and the former KGB agent.

In the final communique, the 19 other leaders took note of the U.S. decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accord and declared it “irreversible”.

For its part, the United States injected a contentious line saying that it would “endeavour to work closely with other countries to help them access and use fossil fuels more cleanly and efficiently”.

French President Emmanuel Macron led a push to soften the U.S. language.

“There is a clear consensus absent the United States,” said Thomas Bernes, a distinguished fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation. “But that is a problem. Without the largest economy in the world how far can you go?”

Jennifer Morgan, executive director at Greenpeace, said the G19 had “held the line” against Trump’s “backward decision” to withdraw from Paris.

On trade, another sticking point, the leaders agreed they would “fight protectionism including all unfair trade practices and recognise the role of legitimate trade defense instruments in this regard”.

The leaders also pledged to work together to foster economic development in Africa, a priority project for Merkel.

(Reuters)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 9, 2017

Granted house arrest, Venezuela opposition leader vows to fight on VENEZUELA’S bestknown jailed opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez celebrated a surprise return to his family after being granted house arrest on Saturday with a promise to fight on following three years’ imprisonment for leading anti-government protests.

Hours after his predawn transfer from the Ramo Verde military jail, Lopez appeared on top of a wall in front of his Caracas house, waving the Venezuelan flag and punching the air before a crowd of supporters who cheered and cried upon seeing him.

In a message released by his party, the 46-yearold hardliner urged opposition supporters to continue street protests against President Nicolas Maduro, which are in their fourth month and have led to at least 90 deaths.

“If maintaining my fight for freedom means running the risk of returning to a cell in Ramo Verde, I am more than happy to take it,” he said in the message read by Freddy Guevara, the No. 2 in Lopez’s Popular Will party.

“Today, I am a prisoner in my house, but so are the Venezuelan people.

What kept me going in the toughest days was knowing that whatever suffering I endured was nothing compared to our people.”

Lopez’s release, aided by foreign pressure, gave some rare cheer to Venezuela’s opposition who have otherwise seen Maduro give few concessions in their demands for freedom of activists, general

annul the existing opposition-controlled legislature against the will of the people.

elections and fixes for an economic crisis.

“Despite being under house arrest, he showed his face to the country,” said Maria Garcia, 36, a business consultant, outside his house.

“What we need to do now is stay in the street, because we need to achieve not just the freedom of Leopoldo but also the freedom of the Venezuelan people.”

F re s h o p p o s i t i o n street rallies were planned for Sunday.

PRESIDENTIAL AMBITION A photogenic, Harvard-educated former mayor and economist, Lopez would likely be a popular opposition presidential candidate if able to run in any future vote.

He is serving a sentence of nearly 14 years.

While the socialist Maduro may be calculating Lopez’s return home will ease pressure on him, opposition leaders presented it as a triumph for their protest strategy and a sign the government was caving.

It was not clear, however, how Lopez’s presence at home could materially weaken Maduro, who is plowing ahead with a plan to create a parliamentary superbody that will be able to rewrite the constitution and even dissolve state institutions.

The opposition has long called Lopez a political prisoner, and leaders around the world, including U.S. President Donald Trump, had been pressing for his full freedom.

Maduro has for years refused to pardon Lopez, describing him as a

Venezuela’s opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez, who has been granted house arrest after more than three years in jail, salutes supporters, in Caracas, Venezuela July 8, 2017 (REUTERS/Andres Martinez Casares) dangerous terrorist who and he looked robust as sought to overthrow him he waved enthusiastically. through street violence.

The release was aided Government support- in part by the involveers also often note Lo- ment of former Spanish pez’s role in a short-lived Prime Minister Jose Luis 2002 coup against the Rodriguez Zapatero, who late former leader Hugo has for years maintained Chavez when he helped talks with the Maduro arrest a minister. government, Spanish “The Supreme Court Prime Minister Mariano has granted (house arrest) Rajoy and Venezuelan to someone who caused officials said. one of the most terrible While Maduro could episodes of recent years,” be seeking to ease pressaid Defense Minister sure with Lopez’s return Vladimir Padrino, add- to home, there was no ing the measure showed sign of compromise on tolerance, dialogue and other fronts. political maturity by the At his behest, Venezugovernment. ela on July 30 will elect a Venezuela’s Supreme controversial Constituent Court said Lopez had Assembly. been given the measure The opposition says due to health problems, that is a power grab but his family countered meant to keep the sothat he is in good shape cialists in office and

SUPPORTERS THRILLED Several hundred supporters rallied through the day outside Lopez’s home in the upscale Caracas neighbourhood of Los Palos Grandes, some wearing shirts emblazoned with Lopez’s face.

They waved Venezuela’s flag, chanted slogans and set off fireworks to celebrate.

“I think this is the first day of the transition,” said Maria Antonieta Witzka, 57, a physical therapist. “The government is realising that we are the majority.”

Though a hero to many, Lopez has also faced criticism from some within the opposition for at times being headstrong and domineering.

He founded the Popular Will party after splitting with the First Justice party that he had also helped found.

Though Lopez had publicly called for peaceful resistance to Maduro in 2014 and was behind bars during most of the unrest that year which killed 43 people, prosecutors said his speeches sent subliminal messages and constituted a call to violence.

One of the prosecutors who led the case later fled the country and said the proceeding had been a mockery of justice.

The case has long been a cause celebre for opposition supporters over what they deem the Maduro government’s trampling of human rights.

Lopez is the scion of wealthy families and a direct descendant of the sister of Latin American independence hero Simon Bolivar as well as of Venezuela’s first president, Cristobal Mendoza.

Pro-government critics paint him as a dangerous radical in the pocket of Venezuela’s wealthy elite and the U.S. government. (Reuters)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 9, 2017

Speaker Scotland’s concerns

PARLIAMENT is the nation’s highest decision-making forum.

The role of this branch of government outside of law-making and overseeing the Executive allows for meaningful representation of the people’s business. The powerful nature of this branch and seriousness that comes with its responsibility advise why it is respectfully referred to as the august House and its members, honourable. Once elected to serve, it is not only an honour, but a privilege to represent the people and ensure their interests are safeguarded, defended, protected and advanced at all times. It is not unreasonable therefore to expect that those so entrusted to carry out such responsibility do so with seriousness and pride.

To ignore the fact that Speaker Dr. Barton Scotland has felt the need on several occasions during this 11th Parliament to decry the decline in parliamentary decorum and conduct, is to ignore the slippage in society and allow its continuation. Our political system has to work, given that it determines and underscores every facet of our lives.

Speaker Scotland on Friday, 7th July, felt

compelled, and with merit, to take time out to once again address the members before the House began deliberating. The slide in conduct has to be deservedly addressed, lest it reaches the stage of no return. On one hand, society derides the new class of educated young criminals -- not without justification -- but at the same time cannot ignore the declining positive mentorship to which the young are being exposed.

In this media-driven age, where technology allows for real-time observations of members require them conducting themselves in a manner befitting the office, the oft less than decorous conduct leaves one to wonder if adults no longer care how they are viewed or how their children are likely to see them.

Where technology is also used by members to snap pictures of fellow members in inelegant or inattentive repose, to be posted on social media as a mark of shame or ridicule, equally indicts the poster, given that the act represents inattentiveness to the people’s business, where attention ought to be.

Members of the National Assembly are paid by the people to serve them and it is most

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

appropriate that the Speaker felt the need to jerk the House back to this consciousness and to whom they are elected to serve. Tantrum-throwing in the House, under the various guises, is also un-befitting of its members. If teachers are being expected to check such behaviour in the children when adults, who ought to know better, act likewise they should be deserving of rebuke.

It is reasonable to conclude, watching parliamentary performances and outright disrespect for the Speaker, that such is done to prove a point of upstaging him or outright anarchy. Parliamentary immunity does not extend to tantrums and absence of propriety and decorum. Being allowed the freedom to say as one likes during presentations is not unbridled of responsibility to conduct oneself in a befitting manner.

On the outside looking in, people are not only becoming disillusioned with the political system, but are of the opinion that politics is worthless and Guyana doomed for destruction. The last thing any society should want is a disengaged and disinterested citizenry and it may help if members could take stock

Editorial

and start acting in a manner that will bring repute to them and stop the debasement of this sacred institution.

Guyanese have a nation to build and the job is made easier with less disruptive and unbecoming conduct. There is much work to be done in the National Assembly where not only debates can spring, but also realise bi-partisanship. It would be regrettable if members do not see themselves having such a responsibility, but that their attendance is merely there to collect remuneration.

The Speaker is in charge of the House once it is in session and guided by its rules, social norms and decency he or she presides over its business. The disrespect shown by members to him and the values the House represents is unprecedented and he is being applauded for holding his ground in steering what has evidently become a tilting House back to firm ground.

Hopefully, his stern and necessary address to members last Friday will create the needed awakening that would restore respect to this august house and honour to its rightful place.

Constitution made for society, not the other way Dear Editor: PEOPLE’S rights and the rule of law are not footballs for politicians to be kicking around, and it is for this reason I shall stay the course in the debate on the Guyana Constitution to make sure people respect this instrument, and do what is right by enacting laws to make real the structures that are currently in place. Henry Jeffrey and Clement Rohee voted for the amendments in the constitution that emanated from the 1999 Constitutional Reform Commission; and I shall not allow any of the two to mislead the society.

Jeffrey is talking about constitutional changes, while Rohee in responding to my letter (SN 3/7/2017) is seeking to mislead this nation that the PPP/C government

has a record of achievement in inclusionary democracy (SN 5/7/2017). Rohee needs to understand that this discussion is about facts and truths and if he could not highlight one achievement to prove the PPP/C’s record, how does he expect any one in the society to find it.

For Jeffrey, I understand clearly what he is saying (SN 26/6 and 7/7/2017). What is clearer from his writings on the subject is that when he cast his vote to amend the 1980 constitution, he didn’t understand that Guyana is a republic and what the constitution is for. A constitution is made for the society, not the society made for a constitution, which means that societal behaviours are taken on board. One of the amendments put in place was “inclusionary democracy” that has seen no bill from Jeffrey, Rohee or their

colleagues brought to the Parliament to give meaning to this declaration of intent.

The preamble in the constitution acknowledges our racial diversity and the conflicts that can flow therefrom. Article 13 expressly states, “The principal objective of the system of the State is to establish an inclusionary democracy by providing increasing opportunities for the participation of citizens and their organisations in the management and decision-making processes of the State, with particular emphasis on those areas of decision-making that directly affect their well-being.”

If the politicians care about improving race relations, respectful of voting patterns, have groups involved in the governance of this country, and creating the enabling environment

for every person or group to have a fair share of the nation’s pie, they would have set about moving to implement laws to give meaning to Article 13. Instead, the people are being held hostage by politicians’ failure to act positively in making real what the constitution has adumbrated.

A look at the parties’ manifestoes, pronouncements from political representatives, some opinion shapers, and those who cannot get past their personal animosity for Forbes Burnham, some of the things that they say are needed in the constitution are already there. This is another clear indication of not having read the constitution or failure to understand it.

For instance, talks about the devolution of power exists before our eyes in Chapter 7 of the Constitu-

tion, but the masses continue to be deprived of what’s due to them. Outside of the bill tabled by PNC Minister Jeffery Thomas in the 1990s to give meaning to regional and local governments, none other has been brought since, nor has this bill been revisited. This fact and truth shall be repeated as proven indictment on the politicians and exposure of their ineptitude.

The PPP/C governed the longest under the constitution, but what society saw was trampling of the instrument. Outside of a few who stood up to the violations many found excuses and sought cover by claiming the constitution is bad and they will move to fix it, even after a lengthy process that brought amendments which were unanimously supported in the Parliament. Many of

the amendments await laws to be put in place to give meaning to them, and if this is not being done, how can the people expect future amendments and changes will see action.

The proponents for constitutional reform do not understand that there is a difference between a constitution and the legislation that flows from it.

The constitution is the declaration of intent and legislation operationalises the intent. The failure to differentiate, contempt for and ignorance of the instrument, laziness to prepare bills, and the sexiness of attacking it rather than enforcing it, have us in this mess today. The people’s development must no longer be held hostage to these despicable behaviours.

LINCOLN LEWIS

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 9, 2017

Some nerve

Dear Editor,

THE audacity of the Mayor of Georgetown who is once again saying that they (the municipality) are in a crisis, and that they need all the help they can get is nauseating and aggravating!

This is in respect of the garbage disposal contractors again suspending the services they provide City Hall as a result of the M&CC’s inability to pay them more than $300M owed since 2015.

Her brilliant solution

is to have the Treasurer’s Department intensify its revenue-collection drive to recover money owed the city.

How about if she just simply pursues the option of having that department practise instead a programme of fiscal restraint and cutbacks as an alternative? They just simply cannot continue spending as lavishly as they do currently.

First, why don’t they stop going on all of these expensive overseas trips that bear no benefits for

the citizens of Georgetown? Some of the Fantastic Four led by the King himself is about to embark on yet another luxury trip to North America whilst they owe the contractors and which could lead to a health crisis.

Why don’t they stop renting portable toilets at more than $90,000 a month and pay the contractors instead?

Why don’t they send home half of the staff who are made up of friends, relatives and church pals, who are paid super salaries

and who have nothing to do anyway, as there are no tools to work with and most of the services are contracted out.

Why doesn’t the mayor and town clerk as a gesture of recognition of the crisis she claims they face, get rid of all of the chauffeurs, bodyguards, security at their residences and large secretarial and administrative staff that serve them? Why don’t they get rid of the fancy multi-million- dollar sports utility vehicles that they ride around in all

day burning hundreds of gallons of gas each month, messing up the ozone layer and plans for a green city?

Why does she not revoke all the salary and allowance increases that her officers gave to themselves without proper authorisation and all the perks such as all expenses paid for cellular telephones for more than 40 officers?

In fact, why don’t they stop contracting out all of their services that they cannot afford to and provide the services such as garbage collection, road and bridge-building, security services, advertising etc themselves, as they used to in the past when the city was properly run?

There is a critical need

for the President to set up a Commission of Inquiry into the corruption at City Hall.

A n d f i n a l l y, w h y doesn’t she dissolve or at least reduce the Public Relations Department, which does absolutely nothing to enhance the city’s image, but whose employees could be seen sleeping and at other times taking selfies all day long?

But then again Mr. Editor, a simple visit to City Hall will tell who really are employed there and who they are connected to!!

Best regards DEODARIE PUTULALL

to prevent it?

Where else in the world would a group of engineers and administrators just sit idly by and watch and dwell in the historic edifice City Hall and watch it crumble without doing the slightest of remedial works to save it from falling apart?

Georgetown is a failed city, that is doing its best to take the country down the toilet and I don’t mean the $82,000 per month portable toilets with it.

Sincerely JERMAIN JOHNSON

Where else in the world

Dear Editor,

AMERICAN economist, entrepreneur, and university professor, Carl J. Schramm, defines a failing city as one that can never expect to return to its former prosperity. He must have been referring to Georgetown, the capital of Guyana.

Where else in the world, could a municipality owe two contractors more than three hundred million dollars for garbage collection services provided over the last two years and refuse to pay them, but expect them to continue working nonetheless? And worse when

they decide to make a payment to these contractors, they do so with rubber cheques that could not be processed, because the Council had non-sufficient funds (NSF). To add insult to injury, they then hired an additional contractor who lacks the tools, equipment and human resource capacity to do the job, but who is a friend of one of the ‘Big Ones’ at City Hall, in order to create more debt.

Where else in the world would a bankrupt municipality rent scores of plastic portable toilets at more than $82,000 and subsequently more than $90,000 per month each,

rather than buying their own or building permanent public conveniences?

Where else in the world would the only abattoir in the capital city that is supposed to ensure that best practices in food hygiene and meat production is maintained, be in such an unclean, decrepit state

and where the animals are bludgeoned to death in such a barbaric manner?

Where else in the world would the City Constabulary stand idly by and watch bank robberies, mugging, pick pocketing and other crimes being commissioned on a daily basis without doing a thing

8

Delivering on rice market IT must have come as good news to our farmers that Mexico has started to buy paddy from Guyana. The opening of the Mexican market resulted from purposeful work by Agriculture Minister Noel Holder, Mexican Ambassador Ivan Roberto Sierra Mendel, the Guyana Rice Development Board and Guyanese millers and exporters, the latter showcasing our brands in Mexico earlier this year.

During October, 2015, whilst Minister Trotman and I were in Mexico for the Open Governance Summit, I disclosed that Venezuela had imposed a trade embargo against Guyana. That created a stir, and I proceeded to explain both the loss of Venezuela as a major rice market and the main source of our fuel supply on concessional terms under the Petro Caribe arrangement.

ENTRY POINT Immediately after my speech, I had a brief exchange with the Mexican President, Enrique Pena Nieto, who directed that his Agriculture Minister, Jose Calzada, should meet with me. That was the entry point to the Mexican market, which had depended traditionally for import of an estimated one million tonnes of rice from the United States of America.

Upon my return, and over a sustained period, I was literally roasted by the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and its surrogate

mouth-piece, Guyana Times, for announcing the prospects of Mexico buying our rice and paddy. They claimed with expert knowledge that it couldn’t happen, as Mexico would not divert its trade from the USA. Instead of welcoming the Mexico initiative, the former Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, blamed the new coalition government for the loss of the Venezuelan market due to what he described as “belligerent” statements. That was a grievous, unpatriotic utterance, if ever there was one coming from the lips of a former senior government official.

RICE DEAL RENEWED? During March, 2015, Dr. Ramsammy was in Venezuela ostensibly to renew the rice deal. He was quoted by Demerara Waves as saying that Venezuela would buy from Guyana close to 200,000 tonnes of paddy and rice in 2015. Mysteriously, he did not return to Guyana after that jaunt and a high government official explained that the Agriculture Minister had returned to the United States for medical treatment! It was never fully explained whether Dr. Ramsammy had in fact inked that new deal.

It has been our contention that the PPP regime knew that Venezuela would scuttle the rice deal, but it held up high hopes for farmers in the run-up to the 2015 elections, that it had signed a new contract with Venezuela, as farmers depended

upon the lucrative trade.

The PPP government could not do otherwise, as it knew that farmers were owed huge sums of money, which Dr. Ramsammy placed at $300 million (Stabroek News, May 10, 2015). It knew also that the Petro Caribe Fund was run down. So it clutched to the Petro Caribe deal as if it were a political life-jacket!

MARKET AVAILABLE The Opposition propaganda broadsheet, Guyana Times, took pot-shots at me randomly and routinely, over the Mexican market. The PPP “rice expert”, Seeraj, after describing the Mexican rice market as the “brainchild of the PM”, told Parliament during the February 2016 budget debate that farmers were committing suicide, since their hopes of selling paddy and rice to Mexico had been dashed.

Again, during another debate in May this year, Seeraj, the General-Secretary of the Rice Producers Association (RPA) and former director of the Guyana Rice Development Board, laughed and mocked at me, when he

asked: “Wha happen wid the Mexico market?”

I responded confidently: “The Mexican market is available to Guyana.” I explained that whilst discussions are still ongoing about the sale of rice to Mexico, millers were hopeful of selling paddy, even at a lower price than they had expected.

And alluding to the collapse of the Venezuelan rice deal, I added: “Perhaps those who were busy putting their fingers in the cookie jar did not try to reach out their hands to other markets.”

It is now my turn for the last laugh.

VINDICATION OF HOPE It came as a vindication of hope that Guyana could eventually buy into a quota of some 150,000 tonnes of paddy for export to Mexico, duty-free, in open competition with several other countries. The initial shipment from a 60,000-tonnes order has started and when completed, Guyanese farmers would benefit from an estimated G$3.8 billion in export earnings.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 9, 2017

The livelihoods of our farmers are not a matter for political buffoonery, such as the Opposition PPP has been exhibiting. Though we may have close to 50 countries that are interested in our grains, the search for more markets that offer better prices for paddy and rice should be the sincere concern of all of us.

Our coalition Government has put both hands to the proverbial plough.

In spite of unprecedented challenges that witnessed alternating drought and floods, our Government has responded positively to the needs of our farming communities.

It has been clearing literally the mountains of mud that the previous regime had left behind to clog up the drainage system, and triggered all pumps at its command to drain floodwaters from cultivation areas.

FOOD SECURITY Our Government has placed priority on securing food security in a green and clean economy. Rice farmers as well as all other producers are strategic allies in this

national effort.

That is why a caring government has to balance judiciously the interest of rice farmers with the security of cattle farmers on the coast, and cassava as well as cash-crop producers in our hinterland, Amerindian communities. It cannot and should not whimsically or opportunistically position one set of farmers against the other, as the Opposition is trying to do on the Corentyne, by portraying the efforts to rescue cattle farmers from the flood tragedy in the Cookerite savannahs, as a reckless intervention to harm rice farmers.

While there is no easy fix for the problems that had haunted the rice and cattle industries in Berbice, and to ensure a lasting co-existence of their competing interests, cattle farmers deserve our compassionate assistance at this time of distress. They too will have the last laugh when they finally secure defined and safe pasturage for their animals, far removed from easy access to rice lands.

Deplorable interior roads to be fixed

By Svetlana Marshall THE Public Infrastructure Ministry will soon put a weight-restriction mechanism in place aimed at preserving roads in interior locations that are primarily used by miners and loggers.

Currently, a number of hinterland roads in Regions One, Seven and 10 are in deplorable states. In some areas, the roads have become impassable. But while continuous, heavy showers may be a contributing factor, the Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson believes that overweight trucks are equally damaging to these thoroughfares.

“We do have an issue,

and the issue Sir is the question of overweight trucks… they have been wreaking havoc on the roads,” Minister Patterson told the National Assembly.

At the time, he was responding to a number of questions put to the floor by People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Member of Parliament, Bishop Juan Edghill.

Edghill questioned the Public Infrastructure Minister on the specific measures that have been taken to fix the impassable roads between Puruni Landing, Olive Creek and Papshao Landing, in addition to the stretch of road from Mabura to Kurupukari-Annai and from Annai to Lethem.

Painting a vivid picture

of the situation, Minister Patterson said not so long ago an overloaded truck carrying 130 drums of diesel broke a Pontoon in the vicinity of Puruni.

“The limit for one of the bush trucks…The limit for a drum of diesel is 50. A truck with 130 drums of diesel went onto the pontoon and broke it,” the Public Infrastructure Minister pointed out.

He added that three bridges along the Linden to Lethem road were broken by overweight trucks already for July. “So that Sir, remains a tremendous problem for us.”

Between May and June, 2017, the ministry had little choice but to expend

some $25M correcting damage caused by bush trucks plying the various interior routes.

In light of the age-old problem, the Public Infrastructure Ministry procured three automated scales to alleviate the problem in the most problematic areas.

“They are in the country, and we are about to deploy them into the areas,” the Public Infrastructure Minister told the House.

According to him, the automated scales “are going to impose great control.”

The ministry has drafted a Bill which is currently before the Attorney General’s (AG) Chambers. The ministry has gotten the Guyana Geology and Mines Com-

mission (GGMC) and the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to adhere to the weight-control measures that the ministry is seeking to put in place.

Responding to the specific questions posed by Bishop Edghill, Minister Patterson stated that two contracts have been awarded to fix the stretch of road between Puruni Landing, Olive Creek and Papshao Landing, in addition to a number of bridges.

He noted, however, that the road projects are awaiting improvement in the weather condition.

Some $100M has already been expended on

the Linden to Lethem road with some $160M left to be expended. Contracts have also been awarded for the rehabilitation of sections of the Linden to Kwakwani road, in Region 10.

In the 2017 budget, the Public Infrastructure Ministry was allocated the sum of $2.3B for the rehabilitation of hinterland roads, and according to the subject minister, 83% of it has already been committed in contracts while 40% has already been disbursed. “The other 43% will be disbursed as the work progresses,” Minister Patterson noted, while adding that 17% of the budget has been unallocated.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 9, 2017

House approves funds to establish – despite opposition reservations education reform dep’t about its functions THE National Assembly late Friday night approved $16.6M in supplementary provision for the establishment of a Department of Innovation and Education Reform, but only after Minister of State Joseph Harmon was grilled on key aspects of the unit at the level of the Parliamentary Committee of Supply.

Former Education Minister Priya Manickchand, who now sits on the opposing side of the House, felt a detailed explanation was necessary, as the notes on the Financial Paper were “very vague.”

As such, she questioned the minister about the purpose of the department, noting that before the House grants its approval, clarity must first be had.

In response, Minister Harmon disclosed that the Department of Innovation and Education Reform falls under the Ministry of the

Presidency, and is aimed at improving education and learning outcomes through innovation.

It was pointed out that the key areas of focus include capitalising on new innovative trends and personalised learning that rely on the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), in addition to addressing the parallel challenge of promoting learning in an equitable way, as well as the potential for modern approaches to providing quality education.

“This decision arose out of an analysis which was made from a Commission of Inquiry which was conducted into the education system, and proposals which were made to the Cabinet.

“And based on those proposals, this was one of the decisions made with respect to education,” Minister Harmon explained.

Not satisfied with the Minister of State’s response, Manickchand queried whether the government has any intention of presenting its plan for the Education Ministry to the National Assembly, as well as the report compiled by the commission.

Harmon, in response, told the committee that the Opposition would be the first to be presented with the report, once it is finalised.

On hearing this, Manickchand said: “Then we should postpone the exercise, because we are being asked for money for something we don’t know about.”

Undeterred by his colleague MP’s position, Minister Harmon informed the committee that the Department would be managed by a Director and Deputy Director, who are yet to be hired, and will be paid approximately $700,000 and $500,000 respectively.

He went on to explain that the proposed salaries at reference include provisions for allowances, NIS, telephone charges, duty and travel; that the provisions would be publicly advertised, but that public servants would be given first preference.

But the former education minister had one more question for the Minister of State. “Minister,” she began, “your chief education officer, whose mandate is to overlook and establish policies for all the 300,000 children in nursery, primary and secondary, and the 10, 000 teachers in public schools, and for all the administrative staff in the ministry, do you know what salary that post attracts?

“Could I advise you that it is less than $700,000?”

Not yet done, she went on to query whether such huge salaries would not pose a problem, given the sub-

stantially lower salary paid the chief education officer, but Minister Harmon responded in the negative.

Additionally, three technical employees: An early, primary and secondary childhood education specialist, a technical research assistant, and an administrative officer will be hired.

It is proposed that these technical personnel be paid approximately $122,640 per month.

The Department of Innovation and Education Reform will be furnished and equipped at a budgeted cost of $3M. The supplementary provision of $16.6M also caters for the purchase of field materials, office materials, print and non-print materials, in addition to local travel and subsistence, telephone charges, refreshment and meals among other things.

In the financial supple-

mentary paper placed before the National Assembly, $13.59M out of the $16.6M was budgeted under Current Estimates, along with $130M for the creation of a special purpose unit to manage the reform of the sugar industry.

The Department of Innovation and Education Reform was budgeted for under the Ministry of the Presidency (Policy Development and Administration), while the special purpose unit was provided for under the Finance Ministry (Policy Development and Administration).

Provisions for both units totalled $143.5M. The voted provisions for the two agencies totalled $6.9B when the 2017 Budget was approved last December.

The $3M allocated for the provision of furniture and equipment was budgeted under capital estimates on the supplementary paper.

Gov’t ready to defend SARA legislation …Attorney-General Williams THE Government’s Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General, Basil Williams, is prepared to defend the constitutionality of the State Asset Recovery Agency (SARA) legislation which has come under question by economist and former presidential advisor, Ramon Gaskin.

On Thursday last, Gaskin caused his lawyers to file legal proceedings against the SARA legislation in a bid to have it scrapped.

Minister Williams told the Guyana Chronicle that he has not yet seen the challenge, and is unaware as to whether the document was served on his office since he had been at Parliament last Friday.

He noted however that his office is ready to “vigorously” defend the recently passed SARA legislation, which speaks directly to reclaiming state property.

Williams pointed out that SARA’s legislation is in keeping with the United Nations (2003) Convention

against Corruption (UNCAC) which was ratified by Guyana in 2008.

He noted that the focus of the international agreement is on “… criminal regimes, whereby there is a civil recovery of state property that was obtained by unlawful means.” In the reclaiming of state property from illegal holders, the Attorney General said that there is adequate protection for person’s rights where those concerns exist since, “everything the SARA director does must get the blessings of the court.”

On the legality of the legislation and its violation of the nation’s substantive laws, the attorney general is adamant that there can be no constitutional protection where state property has been illegally acquired.

The AG indicated that based on the information that is in the public domain, the challenge has erred in balancing the civil nature of the legislation from any criminal proceedings, since the aim is toward the recovery of assets, and not

Gaskin claims that in his perusal of the SARA legislation, he found as many as 80 sections and subsections that violate the Constitution, some of which include Articles 142, 144, 146, 212, and 216, among several others.

Gaskin is being represented by Attorneys Christopher Ram and Davindra Kissoon. When contact was

Basil Williams

criminal action against individuals. He said the particular law goes after the state asset, not the individual.

Gaskin, who is a Russia-trained lawyer, told the newspaper that he was challenging the government on the constitutionality of the SARA legislation as a concerned citizen, since he felt it encroached on substantive legislation already governing the country. He said the SARA legislation for example encroaches on citizens’ rights to their property, since SARA’s director could get a restraining order for a suspected property in the absence of its owner.

made with Kissoon last Friday, he directed the newspaper to court documents.

The documents said that the “unconstitutional” SARA law interferes with the legal professional privilege, it gives the director of SARA “impermissible” powers, reverses the evidential burden of proof, interferes with citizens’ right to privacy and the violation of separation

of powers among several other claims.

On the powers of the SARA director, one area of concern for the attorneys was that the director and named SARA agents could be designated powers of a police, immigration or custom’s officer, if a such a requested is granted by the designated authorities.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 9, 2017

Fear is real, but blind and irrational fear is counter-productive AS one of the persons who have been part of what some people see as the WPA’s return to its traditional role of asking questions of power, I have come in for my fair share of attacks, ridicule and “cussing” out. I am being projected in some quarters as the villain who is going after power and in the process trying to break up the coalition.

I have been around politics long enough not to have expected that. For all our accumulated political astuteness, there is a poisonous side to our political culture that goes in over-drive when our ethno-political status-quo is challenged, especially when that challenge comes from one of “our own.”

That phenomenon arises from a deep sense of political loyalty, but, above all, it is guided by an active ethnic fear of the other. That fear is real, it is constant and it is fed by both the practical experiences of living under ethnic governments and leaders who have been prepared to manipulate that fear for political and economic ends. Much of the apprehension and anger at me and the WPA is driven by African-Guyanese fear of the PPP’s return to

power—that fear is so deep that it breeds a bunker-like attitude to our politics.

Any criticism, however valid, is seen as facilitating the return to power of the PPP. In such circumstances, it is difficult to get that constituency to see self-criticism as a barrier to the PPP coming back to power. Fear drives people to see only one side of the coin.

The WPA, of which I am a part, risked its very relevance and its four decades of political integrity by tactically muzzling its voice during the first two years of this new government. It was a tactical decision made in what the party saw as the larger interest of the country.

That decision brought two reactions. First, it triggered ridicule, outrage, frustration and disappointment from that part of our political culture which values critique and the challenging of power as essential tenets of democratic politics. The second reaction came from those who don’t mind the WPA being part of the coalition, so long as it knows its place. So, in effect, the party’s tactical position in the interest of stability of the coalition inadvertently facilitated its own sideling from real participation in

decision-making.

What has happened since the removal of Dr. Roopnaraine from the Ministry of Education is instructive for our politics.

Given the WPA’s caution, which was read as timidity, those who control power felt they could get away with the crude handling of the Roopnaraine removal.

After more than two years of sidelining the WPA without any purposeful resistance from the party, there was no reason to believe Roopnaraine’s removal would be a big deal. After all, the WPA is a small party that has accepted its sidelining.

But social and political motion cannot be bottled up forever. Just as the WPA’s caution emboldened the leaders of the coalition to disregard the party, the crude handling of Roopnaraine’s removal has engendered the resistance we now see from them. This is what makes politics a very unpredictable phenomenon. How do you explain a scenario, whereby the most silent and presumably powerless partner suddenly becomes the most vocal critic?

The answer to that question lies in an understanding of the political history and psyche of the country, along with an

appreciation for its complex political culture. It is this lack of understanding of our politics that partly allows some in our midst to view what has happened during the past few weeks as resulting from some personal ambition on my part, rather than as a result of bad management of power by the coalition.

Apart from those who are angry at the WPA for being destructive to the coalition, there are others who are energised that a group within the coalition is raising their fears in what they see as a constructive way. Both groups of supporters share the fear of the PPP’s return to power, but they differ on the role of self-criticism. While one group sees self-criticism as destructive, the other see it as constructive. I obviously fall into the latter group.

Fear is real, but if you allow it to imprison you, then the consequences could be fatal. Fear is real, but irrational and blind fear are counter-productive. African-Guyanese fear of the PPP eventually facilitated a dictatorship for most of the 28 years of PNC rule. Indian-Guyanese fear of the PNC for most of the 23 years of PPP rule facilitated the most depraved government

in the post-colonial history of the Anglophone Caribbean. As if we have not learned, fear of the PPP threatens to again lead us down the road of facilitating another unaccountable government.

Guyanese people must be stronger that we have been. We have to temper our ethnic fears with reason. I am saddened when I turn on the TV or walk the streets and hear ordinary people defending half million dollar rent for a government minister. I know that these people would not ordinarily defend such political immorality by the PPP. Then why defend it when it’s done by your own? I hear the nonsense that the PPP paid the same rent for its ministers, so nothing is wrong if we do it. If you remove a government because it had become a monster, then you proceed to evaluate your government based on the standards of that discredited government, then you are worse than those you removed. We, government supporters, cannot be proud of our defence of PPP-style political immorality.

Finally, the President has said publicly that he does not believe that the problems of the coalition should be trashed out in

the press. I agree with the president in principle.

But the Guyanese people must know that the WPA’s resort to public discourse comes after two years of crying out for internal discussions without any success. As Nelson Mandela said in his address to the court in his famous trial almost six decades ago, there comes a time when you are left with two choices— submit or demand.

I would like to think that that time is here for the WPA and other supporters of the government who are concerned about the success of the government and the political health of the nation. If we do not demand that our government does the right thing, we would in the end enable unaccountable governance which is the stepping stone to dictatorship. And if the coalition goes down that road, the PPP would inevitably be back in power. We have been there before.

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

Minister Cummings goes back to her ‘alma’ – leads charge at Victoria Primary’s graduation exercise MINISTER within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, on Friday urged Victoria Primary School pupils to remain focused on their education as they enter another phase in their young lives.

The occasion was the school’s graduation cere-

mony, where Minister Cummings, while delivering the feature address, told the children to utilise the knowledge instilled in them by their teachers as they progress to secondary school life.

Proud at being asked to share the moment with them, seeing that the school was her ‘alma’ too, Minister

Cummings said: “I urge all of you to cherish and remember your time here at Victoria Primary School, and honour those memories by working with determination and commitment to be the best students you can be as you move forward in your life.”

To the equally proud

parents and guardians present at the ceremony, she encouraged them to savour the moment, as graduations are not only a time for celebration, but also for reflecting on the journey that brought their charges to where they’re at.

To the children, she urged that they carefully

choose they role models, and stay away from those persons who might be a negative influence on their lives.

“The future beckons! The world is out there to be discovered! However, while there are good things in this world, there are also bad things, which, if not avoided, can easily lead down the path of destruction,” Minister Cummings impressed upon

the eager young faces before her.

“Beware the people around you! Choose your friends wisely, and ensure that, together, you can collectively serve to positively influence each other,” she added.

Valedictorian, Sheldonna Thorne, called on her fellow classmates to stay in touch, and remain committed to helping each other achieve their goals.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 9, 2017

UG launches innovative business school – classes to start in new semester IN keeping with the constantly changing economic environment, the University of Guyana (UG) on Friday launched its School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation (SEBI) with the aim of moving away from conventional teaching.

Members of the private sector, the education sector and other stakeholders gathered at the Roraima Duke Lodge in Kingston to witness the unveiling of the banner bearing the insignia of the new faculty.

The new school, which is set to open at the start of the new semester in September, will offer new undergraduate and graduate degrees, executive degrees and short-term programmes.

Students who were engaged in management studies through the university’s Social Sciences Faculty will be able to continue their studies under the new school, and even be able to pursue areas such as accounting, finance, and supply chain management among other things.

“Some of what is happening is, we will be shifting the management

department and offering new degree programmes such as entrepreneurship,” Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith said at the opening.

“Also, we will not be

nities for entrepreneurship in thinking and dreaming, and looking towards entrepreneurship in doing.

In order to ensure the desired outcomes, a thorough feasibility study into

Professor Griffith alluded to the inclusivity of the project, pointing out that stakeholders visited areas in Regions Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) in order to hear the

Their mandate is expected to be carried out through a system called “ESCAPE” (Ethics, Superiority, Academics, Professionalism and Engagement).

ESCAPE, he said, will be complemented by CEED-Centre for Entre-

best practices and successful experiences in specific fields of doing business.

He, however, suggested that in order to have dialogue with the world, UG needs to introduce aspects such as foreign languages, internships, mentoring and

views of persons who will potentially benefit from the SEBI.

preneurship and Economic Development, which will let persons who are majoring in other fields join forces with those in the management fraternity and create a money-making initiative.

Mexico’s Ambassador to Guyana, Mr Ivan Sierra Medel, was also in support of the intervention, noting that SEBI can become the strategic asset to take advantage of international

confidence-building at the school.

Members of the private sector echoed similar sentiments, but pointed out that tertiary education has remained stagnant for a while, so in order to tap into new opportunities, the work of SEBI will be necessary in developing the countries’ human capital.

Stakeholders unveiling the banner of the new School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation

waiting to offer degrees, because we will have a number of courses and specifically tailored programmes that can be done in days, weeks and even months,” he added.

As opposed to the Faculty of Social Sciences, the school will be moving away from just creating opportu-

the project was done after the idea was first mooted in 2016.

The process included local, regional and international stakeholders, who explored several ideas that were later conceptualised into the school’s curriculum.

Stanley Moore is 82 not out

SENIOR Counsel Stanley Moore, a retired Caribbean judge and former Guyana Home Affairs Minister recently celebrated his 82nd birthday in fine style. It was a memorial occasion hosted by his wife Cheryl Pickering-Moore, former Guyana Defence Force officer and airline pilot.

The event was held at the South Ruimveldt residence of Percy Boyce, popular former customs broker and among those attending were President of the Caribbean

Court of Justice (CCJ), the Honourable Justice Sir Dennis Byron; Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott and Senior Counsel Rex McKay and Neil Boston. Other attendees at the milestone event were Magistrate Alex Moore, son of the Moores; former Prime Minister Hamilton Green, former minister Richard Van-West Charles and his wife Roxanne; Dr. Mark Kirton and Colonel Fabian Liverpool (Guyana Defence Force).

In picture, President of the CCJ, Sir Dennis Byron (left), Senior Counsel Rex McKay (centre) and Stanley Moore. (Picture courtesy of Stabroek News)

DELIVERING THE PRODUCT “We have come a long way, and we intend to start delivering the product this coming semester,” Professor Griffith said, adding: “We have already sent out the implementation team, members of the technical unit and other persons in all the elements of the university who are working towards the actualisation.”

The team, he said, is now in the process of building the capacity of staff by hiring lecturers and administrative professionals.

The Dean Designate of SEBI, Professor Leyland Lucas, followed up on what the Vice-Chancellor said, adding that they have recognised the changes in the needs of the nation; therefore an institution that is responsive to its needs is necessary to ensure that the nation has the right skills, competence and capabilities.

“Everything we have set up here is geared towards providing the nation with what it needs to move forward in both the public and private sectors,” Professor Lucas said.

Sunday, July 9, 2017 - 05:00 hrs Monday, July 10, 2017 - 05:00 hrs Tuesday, July 11, 2017 - 05:00 hrs

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 9, 2017

The rise of RISE and the used tyre industry

INSTITUTIONS oftentimes rise out of need to fill a vacuum, be it to provide service or goods for the society. The recently established Reform, Inform, Sustain, Educate (RISE) is one such. Its launch last week was given much prominence and rightly so, recognising that the task the group is embarking on has been a sore point in the society. Talks of constitutional reform over the years have not been driven by reasoned discussions and truths, but that of sexy appeal for political leaders and aspirants, given that such have come to front absent of being held to account and hatred for the person under whose administration the original instrument was promulgated.

The boldness of RISE in moving the discussion, driven by its desire to hold politicians accountable to campaign promises for constitutional reform, which the group thinks is important to bringing about improved governance and harmonious relations amongst the people, cannot be faulted. In fact, the expressed intent marks growth in the society. In our recent history, notably the Bharrat Jagdeo presidency, rights were transgressed with impunity, the Constitution and laws violated wantonly,

and the fear that stalked the land should any dare speak what the consequences could be kept many silent and immobilised.

It would be remiss not to acknowledge where organisations like RISE, the Movement Against Parking Metres, heightened civic activism, seeking the court’s adjudication on constitutional matters, and otherwise bode well for the nation’s body politic, since such signal greater levels of political tolerance to dissent, alternative views and judicial determination. Progressive societies see continual activism from its people; regressive societies move to suppress, ruthlessly curtail, and stamp out activism.

The pronouncements of RISE are open for further discussions though it is encouraging, the leadership is committed to revisiting critiques on the Constitution which can aid clarity and direction.

Conversations on constitutional reform cannot ignore examination of the many amendments that came out of the 1999 Constitutional Reform Commission that have not reached the National Assembly and those amendments passed into law which are ensconced in the Constitution, but await legislation to give them life. We

first have to sort these out as demonstration of seriousness to constitutional reform and not pandering to the public gallery because it plays well on the public’s emotions.

The constitution allows for continuous review of the effectiveness, making periodic report to the National Assembly and where necessary, proposals for reform (Article 119A) through an established Parliamentary Standing Committee. The society is not aware if this committee exists, is functioning, and what has been its work. This brings to attention whether the politicians calling for reform are really serious about reform.

From RISE’s platform, it is also evident its leadership has not escaped ensnarement of misinformation and absence of public education on the Constitution. For instance, the desire to replace the Proportional Representation (PR) system with the First-Past-The-Post (FPTP), must factor in that PR allows for all to be part of the decision-making processes and involvement in governance, based on votes received.

FPTP stands to eliminate this and create or entrench the condemned winner-takesall system. It may be useful to recognise the value and benefits of PR in multiracial societies and voting patterns

and seek to make legislative changes as to how representation is determined via the Representation of the People Act. PR cannot be a winnertakes-all system when the Constitution makes Parliament the highest decision-making forum, where the political parties that have secured seats are represented.

The functioning of the Executive and Legislature cannot be looked at in isolation of what is required of them as outlined in Article 13, which speaks to inclusionary democracy and involvement of groups and individuals in the decision-making process on matters that impact their well-being.

What the society needs here is not constitutional reform, but legislation to bring about inclusive governance. Elections have shown the PPP/C winning regions and local government authorities, even as the APNU+AFC manages the Executive. When the PPP/C was in office, results have shown the PNC, APNU and AFC winning regions and local authorities. These have not been allowed to function independent of central government dictates, not because of the constitution, but the refusal to make laws for their independence as required by Chapter 7 in the Constitution.

Proceeding with constitutional reform requires careful thinking, deliberative judgement, understanding what the Constitution is about, being able to interpret it, which must be preceded by public education and accountability to give meaning to what presentably exists.

Now to the used-tyre industry: this industry emerged out of the need to provide affordable tyres to those who could not afford new ones.

In addition to providing this needed service, the industry provides jobs and contributes to the economic needs of those employed and users of the service.

Transportation is not a luxury, but a necessity and when treated as such, efforts will be made not to make vehicles and their accessories prohibitive. The average minibus and taxi owners/ drivers rely on their vehicles as a means of income, and incentives have to be provided to ensure they can sustain their livelihoods. The ban could be seen as an absence of economic consideration for the normal wage earners, who are the majority in the society and invest in a vehicle as convenience for getting to work, given the fact that the state has abrogated its responsibility to provide such service.

Where the government

seeks to remove used tyres should it feel that such poses threats to lives, limbs and careful use of the roads it must allow ways for retailers to have access to new, affordable ones. Though all new tyres won’t be of Michelin standard, at least it would be better than a used tyre. Rubber changes properties due to age and the temperature in which it operates.

Social consciousness must inform shaping policies and passing laws to avoid hurting those they set out to benefit. Used tyres were not only a quick fix when short on cash, but a staple for those whose earnings require prudent financial management, which makes it an affordability issue. Key consideration for government must be allowing consumers access to a new product that is close to or rivals the price of used tyres. Government must offer incentives to benefit consumers and this would be beneficial in multiple ways. For retailers, it keeps them in business as it allows access to a better quality product at affordable cost, which consumers must benefit from and it also leads to improvement in road safety. Government also benefits in an environment where there are fewer accidents.

US$8M project to tackle prison overcrowding – to be launched Monday THE Legal Affairs Ministry will on Monday launch a US$8 million project funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to tackle overcrowding at local prison facilities.

The programme that will provide support for the criminal justice system as it moves ahead to reduce the number of pre-trial detentions of prisoners, while increasing use of alternative

sentencing, (outside of jail time) will be launched at the Marriott Hotel.

Guyana’s prison population stands at 256 per 100,000, well above the world average of 146 per 100,000.

The high rates of imprisonment have been associated with a host of negative factors, including difficulties in former prisoners securing employment and some returning to a life of crime

The project is divided into two components. The first component seeks to reduce the use of pre-trial detention, especially for individuals accused of minor offences.

The idea is to provide better legal assistance to individuals accused of non-violent offences, improve t prosecutors’ ability to handle cases according to the seriousness of the offence, strengthen the judiciary, and design and implement a restorative justice programme.

The second component

seeks to increase the use of alternative sentencing by the criminal justice system in Guyana. This includes strengthening the country’s legal drafting functions, modernising probation services and implementing a pilot project at the Magistrate Court level to apply alternatives to imprisonment of non-violent offenders.

The programme is designed to complement a previously approved citizen security programme targeting high-crime neighbourhoods.

Four million of the eight

million dollars allocated to the project is financed via the IDB’s ordinary capital, has a 30-year amortisation period and an interest rate based on Libor. The remaining $4 million is through the IDB’s subsidised lending arm. It has a 40-year amortisation period and a fixed interest rate of 0.25 per cent.

Last year, the pressure of overcrowding had caused a major commotion at the Camp Street Prison, the country’s most prominent holding facility located in the heart of the city.

Some 17 detainees were killed at the prison when they set mattresses on fire, protesting what they described as inhumane conditions at the facility.

The prisoners had complained about their food, the overcrowding and the length of time it was taking to have their matters heard.

The Camp Street incident had forced the government to immediately draft up measures to address the long prevailing issue of overcrowded prisons.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 9, 2017

Watch out for the oil-money hijackers

By Zena Henry INTERNATIONAL specialist on policing and security issues relating to white- collar crimes, Perry Stanislas, has warned Guyana to be mindful of foreign hijackers who will not only come to exploit the country’s oil, but claim to be who they are not in financial schemes aimed at any of the country’s sectors.

Stanislas said that very often people who cannot operate in advanced countries would come to less developed ones because they know the systems are weaker, and that the people are inexperienced. He said, “People often look at developing countries as soft. Things they cannot do in Britain, American or Canada, they will come to the Caribbean and Africa and do, and because of our colonial mindset, we are less rigorous, we are less demanding…”

Stanislas was at the time responding to a question on the negative influences of developed countries, to keep less developed countries corrupt for better deals on oil contracts and the supporting services, during an oil- andgas symposium on corruption at the Pegasus Hotel Thursday.

The event was hosted by the Caribbean Institute of Forensic Accounting (CIFA) in collaboration with the Guyana Oil and Gas Association (GOGA) and the African Business Round Table Association. It saw various representatives from civil society, government agencies, law enforcement and the private sector.

Stanislas said oil companies are powerful multi-nationals with an abundance of resources and are very skilful at corrupting people, “… often with the blessings of the state department of their countries.” He opined that the education, organisation and mobilsation of civil society are major elements in fighting corruption.

Stanislas opined that Guyana must not be “naïve” about the ultimate mission of oil companies, since their information is generated purely for public consumption.

He said we must beware of outside companies that would get involved in various sectors, with special reference to unscrupulous Chinese

From left: Vicky McPherson; other speakers, David Holukoff, Afra Raymond and Perry Stanislas at podium

companies that seemed to be making waves in the Caribbean; giving governments shabby work for access to their resources.

To safeguard against these ills, Vicky McPherson, an American legal expert, said that civil society and the press must understand their roles.

To resist corruption in the oil sector, she said all the laws and regulations could be in place, but it boils down to leadership and the personal conviction not to steal from the public. However, the ability of civil society to voice their concerns and the ability and willingness of the press to report on their findings will determine how corrupt a nation becomes after finding oil.

McPherson said once this is achieved, it may help Guyana escape the resource curse, but may not wipe out the incidence of corruption since again, it depends on whether the individual would seek personal benefit from his/her position. Guyanese must be encouraged to demand transparency and accountability.

McPherson was adamant too that Guyana must manage oil expectations. She said the oil sector is capital intensive, not labour intensive; “so managing the expectations of people that they will be directly impacted by the oil –and- gas industry is key, because it will temper some of the anger that the result is by 20/20 no one has a job in the oil- and- gas sector.”

In that case, McPherson agreed that Guyana must strengthen procurement legislation to accurately represent what is needed, since oil money usually drives infrastructure. A public/private

framework and the local law that speaks to low- cost contractors receiving contracts were mentioned.

Professor Afra Raymond of the Royal Institution of Chartered

Surveyors, said the onus is on countries to ensure large companies do not use them by having the right legislation, methods and strategies in place. In his response, Raymond pointed to Jamaica’s Contractor- General. This person is responsible for all government procurement in that country. Every year a report is prepared and every government contracts could be found online, in the report and on a hard copy. Any information on government projects could be found, including how many projects a government supporter would have received for the year. Such detailed information is not usually available. It is up to governments and the people to put the system right, he indicated.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 9, 2017

Sun-dried tomatoes from Pakaraimas to hit market soon PRESIDENT David Granger has hailed the Paramakatoi Tomato Project Facility, which will produce sun-dried tomatoes, as an ambitious move towards agro-processing and value-added production for the Potaro-Siparuni region (Region Eight), which is a demonstration of Government’s commitment to transforming the economic landscape of hinterland regions and the country as a whole.

The Head of State made

these remarks when he visited the facility to officially commission the project, which is a collaborative effort between the Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs (MoIPA), the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST) at the University of Guyana, the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), the Canadian High Commission in Guyana and the people of Paramakatoi.

The President said that

Government is committed to expanding agro-processing opportunities beyond this single item and noted the transformative potential of the sector for Guyana’s economy. “This is the start of a revolution of producing, of bottling, of packaging, of marketing our farming, our fishing products by adding value. We are embarking on a long-lasting economic trajectory for the people of this region. When the tide rises, all the boats rise with the tide. When we have a rising tide of agri-

Some of the tomato plots, which are farmed by residents of the community, many of whom are women

cultural production, everybody will benefit; the people with transportation would benefit, the airlines would benefit, the schoolchildren would benefit, the people, who produce the packaging material would benefit…

What is taking place here will make Guyana a better place,” he said.

The project was conceptualised when Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Ms. Valerie Garrido-Lowe, following the vision of the Head of State, explored opportunities to exploit the fertile soil of the Pakaraimas with low- volume, high-value production. The minister met with IAST Director, Professor Suresh Narine and the proposal was developed. The project, which cost $59M was funded by Government, along with a $5M grant from the Canadian High Commission. What followed were consultations in the community, which saw residents taking ownership of the project and making their own inputs into the project design.

Minister Garrido-Lowe said, “The Mission of the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs is to enhance the social, economic and environmental well-being of our Indigenous peoples.

As a new minister, I thought that to achieve this mission we have to seriously address the economic conditions of our Indigenous peoples. It is not good enough to give an engine to a community or tools or foodstuff or clothing. Gifts are always appreciated, but they are not enough to sustain one’s life on this earth; we need more. Our Indigenous peoples are excellent farmers and their dream of selling, of farming to bring an adequate income to support

The tomato-drying facility. The Paramakatoi Tomato Project Facility is powered by solar energy

their families must not only remain a dream.”

President Granger said that projects such as this address the issue of food security in the face of development challenges. Government, the President said, has developed policies to meet these challenges; protection of the environment through the maintenance of a ‘green’ state development trajectory; development of infrastructure through the construction of road and bridge networks that link the hinterland and the coastland and improved education that focuses on the needs of each region. The Head of State also said that innovation and expertise are needed to ensure the success of more programmes like the Paramakatoi Tomato Project.

He said, “You need the technical expertise and what we are seeing here is not just somebody who has the knack, you are seeing here people who are willing; people who are gaining, who are acquiring expertise and this expertise would be passed onto their children; would be passed onto the community, so that this project wouldn’t have to stop here.

It’s not a flash in the pan; you have to teach this in the school, you can teach them on a farm, you can teach this to other regions, to other

communities. So let us move away from just a hunch and a knack and make this into a science.”

IAST Director, Professor Narine, lauded the work done by Minister Garrido-Lowe and Minister Dominic Gaskin on their commitment to ensuring the movement of this project from vision to reality. He also used the opportunity to mention the growing success of the Rupununi Essence project, which in just 10 months has recorded $7M in sales. That project was created through a partnership with the South, North Rupununi indigenous producers, the Ministries of Social Cohesion and Indigenous People’s Affairs, in collaboration with the IAST and Professor Narine used the opportunity to commend the role Minister Amna Ally played in that process. He noted that projects such as that one and the facility commissioned today go beyond just production and sales.

“These projects are not about tomatoes; they are about enablement, they are about collectively together showing us what we could do if we have focus; they are about possibilities and vision. They are so much less about tomatoes as they are about growing into our potential as a country. One Turn to page 16 ►

Black Bush pumps in action 15

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 9, 2017

THREE pumps have already been installed and are operational less than 24 hours after National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) Chief Executive Officer Frederick Flatts and team visited the flooded communities of Black Bush Polder to look at possible solutions for the 12,000-plus cattle trapped in the Cookrite Savannah due to overtopping of the Canje Creek.

This was confirmed by Regional Vice-Chairman/ Acting Chairman Dennis Deroop in an interview with this publication.

“Three pumps were installed last night. NDIA worked all night to ensure they were up and running by this morning. The region provided the fuel. These

three pumps -- one at Adventure and two at 52 Village - are working to bring the water out from the backlands to be drained at sea.

We are moving the water into the irrigation canals and then to the drainage canals to be drained into the Atlantic, so very soon farmers will get relief.”The Guyana Chronicle understands that these three additional pumps are To operate during the high tide period when the sluice doors are closed, in tandem with the other drainage pumps such as those stationed at Eversham and #43 village to allow more water to be drained in a shorter time period.Additionally, two more pumps are expected in the region to aid in the alleviation of the flooded Cookrite Savannah.

This movement of water from the back to the front is necessary, since according to Deroop who is also the Chairman of the Works Committee for the region,” the situation is bordering [on] a state of emergency”.

Deroop further noted that the NDIA commenced repairs to the Number 66 double-door sluice which will drain water from the Manarabisi/Seaforth area bringing relief to farmers in the 52/74 area as well.

Deroop however noted that several rice farmers have been calling and visited his office on Friday morning to complain about cows grazing in their fields.

“Several farmers called and a few visited today and said the cattle owners are allowing their cows that

are coming out from the backlands to graze in their rice fields and when they approach them, a confrontation begins with the cattle people and the rice farmers.” Deroop explained that this was caused by the recent decision that the prime minister made, whereby he asked the stray catchers to pause until the situation gets better in the backlands.

“The cattle people misinterpreted the prime minister and it is causing a conflict with the people where they (cattle farmers) feel they can allow their cows to roam free and no one can tell them anything.”At a meeting with the cattle farmers on Wednesday, the prime minister had instructed the REO to issue an advisory to all stray catchers to halt

their operations immediately in light of the situation, since cattle farmers don’t have many options at this time. The PM continued that the farmers however must put the safety of others first and not be callous in their actions and pose a risk to the lives of others by leaving their animals to roam freely on the main thoroughfares.

Unprecedented rainfall has caused the Canje Creek to overtop its banks flooding several riverine communities, farmlands as well as pastures. According to the CEO of the NDIA, the current level of the Canje Creek is the highest is has been since 1960.One of the most affected areas is Cookrite Creek, which is home to over 12,000 heads of cattle.

Within the past week, cattle

farmers told this publication they have lost approximately 100 million dollars’ worth in stock since over 1200 cattle died as a result of the flood.

The NDIA, Civil Defence Commission, the RDC and Water Users’ Association have been working around the clock for the past few days to bring relief to the farmers and residents in the area by installing several 30” HDPE tubes, fixing structures across the region, as well as cleaning and maintaining critical canals coupled with installation of additional pumps at outfalls, all in an effort to ensure the water drains as quickly as possible and bring much-needed relief to the farmers and residents.

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Indian High Commission donates books

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 9, 2017

THE High Commission of India in Georgetown has donated 50 books on various subjects, mainly on religion, to Groenveldt Shiva Mandir, West Coast Demerara, on Friday, July 7, 2017.

High Commissioner of India, H.E. Mr. V. Mahalingam, handed over the books to members of the mandir at a short ceremony organised at the High Commission of India.

The High Commissioner urged the members to ensure that devotees of the mandir make use of the books donated by the High Commission, to enrich their knowledge.

Sun-dried... can’t be socially cohesive if some of us are more equal than others. These projects seek to address those inequalities,” he said.

Twelve thousand seedlings provided by NAREI have already been planted and weather permitting, 24,000 seedlings will be planted in time for this harvest. Chief Executive Officer of NAREI, Dr. Oudho Homenauth, indicated that the organisation will soon be constructing a building opposite the facility to house staff, as well as offices and a laboratory to enhance agricultural production in the region as part of the President’s push to improve hinterland agriculture. He also spoke of a number of other projects, on which Government has embarked.

“We want to ensure that there is continued food security and enhancement of livelihoods of all hinterland residents. We have a number of projects that are ongoing, these include in some areas rice production like in Monkey Mountain, shaded agriculture, which is gaining prominence, the production of spices, especially in Region One targeting turmeric, ginger and so forth and of course potato and onion cultivation in both Regions Seven and Eight in collaboration with the Canadian High Commission and the Propel Project among others,” he said.

Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Mr. Pierre Giroux, who also spoke at the event, said that there was no hesitation to support the project, which was funded under the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives. “We

From page 14

try as Canadian Government to help sustainable development, which means projects, which not only generate employment, but also create a sense of progress in communities. Even more important, Canada now which is a country of 150 years, and we are going through a great transformation, a process which we call reconciliation, we recognise the value of our own First Nations as contributors to the construction of our country and the project being done with the community of first nations of Guyana for us was extremely important,” he said.

The High Commissioner, who is approaching the end of his tour of duty in Guyana, indicated that supporting the exportation of the product produced by the Paramakatoi Tomato Project Facility to the Canadian market will remain a priority even after his departure.

Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Mr. Sydney Allicock, told residents that the project shows that Government has moved beyond talking about Guyana’s potential under the leadership of President Granger. “Under the leadership of His Excellency President Granger it’s all about action. It’s all about a ‘green’ economy.

It’s all about us finding our true potential, and if I can remember well, he said that you know Guyana has been talking about the great potential that we have. We have to stop talking about that and act and that is what is happening here today,” he said. (Ministry of the Presidency)

Baracara flood kills sheep 17

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 9, 2017

By Jeune Bailey Van Keric

FLOODWATERS at Bara Cara, Canje Creek, have resulted in the death of 30 sheep, reported Regional Executive Officer Ms. Kim Williams Stephen, during a verification visit to the community on Friday.

However, residents claimed that calves also died as a result of the high waters, which have extended to over 100 feet inland and has also damaged cash and other crops, while forcing domesticated and wild animals to higher lands.

The area has been flooded since May. Williams-Stephen, who was accompanied by Director of Health Services, Region Six, Mr. Jevaughn Stephens, Medical Practitioner Dr. Radlay, veterinarian Dr. Hamwantie Nauth , Livestock Extension Officer Navendra Sookmangal, amongst other medical and regional staffers, told villagers, who had converged at the Bara Cara Health Centre, that the fact-finding impromptu visit was to have first-hand information of what is happening in

their community and to render the necessary support .

Consequently, she said the veterinarian and team administered antibiotics, vitamins, and electrolytes to 136 sheep, 8 goats, 38 cows and 205 poultry.

Further, scores of patients were seen and treated for conjunctivitis, skin rashes, diarrhoea and vomiting, along with uncontrolled hypertension, amongst seniors.

In addition, the REO said, among relief items given over for the benefit of the members of the community were medications, dietary and janitorial supplies.

In an invited comment, Dr. Radlay opined that the high blood pressure was a result of poor management of the disease by the patients, who need to be educated further on their condition.

‘If they cannot manage the condition, then in the nottoo-distant future we will have persons experiencing attacks of stroke, and it may be detrimental, considering the 60-mile distance by water to the New Amsterdam Hospital.’

In the meantime, 69-yearold Norman Amsterdam told the Guyana Chronicle that

Families and their animals from Baracara on their way to New Amsterdam

the water started to rise two months ago, and although the Community Development Council officials visited farmlands to assess damage, noting had been forthcoming.

The farmer claimed that it was the second time in his lifetime that he has experienced such severe flooding, whilst arguing that even in high tide, the water level has never risen to over five to seven feet inland.

However, he cast the blame on the long, continuous rainfall.

Amsterdam’s losses in-

clude his cash crops, eddoes, plantains, cassava and his creole fowls .

Another resident, 27-yearold Kingsley Park, expressed concern over the cattle which have now turned to the surviving cultivation farms for sustenance, creating further difficulty for farmers who depend on their crops for their livelihoods.

‘But who will pay for damage incurred?’ he questioned.

The water, he said, is contaminated. The outhouses are flood-

ed. So, to avoid illnesses, we have to catch the rain water for drinking, cooking, bathing and washing purposes.

Meanwhile, Earla Amsterdam, age 47, complained about her losses which include a few acres of rice and corn. While the cultivation plot is not within commercial quantities, the woman says she depends on the produce to sustain her immediate and extended family.

Another resident, Fenton Liverpool, said he developed a pasture and was able to rescue most of his animals with the minimum loss of a few calves.

Currently, he is assisting other residents with pasture land for their animals’ survival.

He said although he had noticed the Guyana Sugar Corporation irrigating the Torani Canal, the water was not receding, and suggested that nature would have to take its course.

However, medex Karl

Amsterdam, a retiree on a three-year contract, said he had initiated a plan of action for water-borne diseases, and have been conducting weekly outreaches to other communities within the Baracara Health Centre catchment.

He noted that over the past two months, persons were treated mainly for conjunctivitis and skin rashes. However, he observed that with excrement from wild and domesticated animals and, humans which could be seen floating in the river, it makes it difficult to use the only available water, and residents now have to depend on the rainfall to supply their needs.

However, as some residents opted to remain in the flooded area, others took the opportunity to move their families and animals to the New Amsterdam township until the water recedes.

Cartridges, ammo found in abandoned mining camp REO Kim Williams Stephen addresses the residents while Director of Health Services Mr Jevaughn Stephens looks on A flooded Baracara

POLICE Friday afternoon found eighteen twelve gauge cartridges and seventeen 9mm rounds; all live ammunition in an abandoned camp at Seamang’s Backdam, Issano, Lower Mazaruni, Region Seven.

The discovery was made by police acting on information received. The items found have been lodged as investigation continues into the discovery, police said in a release. Above are the items found.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 9, 2017

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Church helps promote healthy lifestyle

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 9, 2017

THE Restoration Life Ministries, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, on Saturday held a multi-faceted health and wellness fair at its Caneview Avenue, South Ruimveldt Gardens premises.

Those in attendance benefitted from blood-pressure and blood-sugar testing, VIA screening for cervical cancer, dentistry, and HIV testing among other health-related services. They were also treated to talks about family planning, and persons in need of prayers were also accommodated.

According to the youth group leader of the church,

Dr. Maneke Williams, “The entire health and wellness fair was conceptualised by the purpose-driven youths of the Restoration Life Ministries, under the leadership of Pastor Wade Ridley.”

She related that the Ministry of Public Health has a mandate to ensure that all members of the population are healthy, and cognisant of this, the church decided to assist in carrying out this mandate. As Dr Williams said, “Health is wealth; so let’s get rich!”

The fair is part of the activities planned by members of the church as it will celebrate it’s 10th anniversary in September.

A patron having her blood pressure tested on Saturday at the fair by a Ministry of Public Health official

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 9, 2017

Barbados sweep CASA titles to end Guyana’s dominance

By Tamica Garnett

IT was a disappointing day for the Guyana squash fraternity as the juniors conceded the Junior Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) Championships

team title, ending their more than decade long monopoly, after Barbados blindsided the longstanding winners on their home turf yesterday when the competition concluded at the Georgetown Club.

Boys’ under-15 champion, Shomari Wiltshire was Guyana’s only silver lining of the day with his stress-free 11-2,11-2,11-1 win over Darien Benn, during the afternoon session.

However, by that time the win was of no consequence as Guyana’s dismal fate had already been sealed; the point of no return touching down after Barbados closed off their 5 – 0 victory against the girls earlier during the

SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Scottsville 09:00 hrs The Great One 09:35 hrs Rock Of Africa 10:05 hrs Princess Analia 10:40 hrs Cosima ENGLISH RACING TIPS Ayr 08:40 hrs Pouvoir Magique 09:10 hrs Kodiac Khan 10:45 hrs Regal Mirage 10:50 hrs Royal Shaheen 11:20 hrs Town Charter 11:55 hrs Dark Profit 12:30 hrs Perfect Words MARKET RASEN 08:50 hrs Western Miller 09:25 hrs Symphony Of Angels 09:55 hrs Miss Conway 10:30 hrs Work In Progress 11;00 hrs Maxed Out King 11:35 hrs Vol Nay De Thaix 12:10 hrs Banff IRISH RACING TIPS Limerick 08:30 hrs Gagas Horse 09:00 hrs Madurai 09:35 hrs Denham Sound 10:05 hrs Salsa Sensation 10:40 hrs Top Of The Town 11:10 hrs Valgor Du Ronceray 11;45 hrs Aranhill Chief 12:20 hrs Osco Mosco

morning session.

It was nothing but loud celebrations in the Bajan camp as Barbados lifted the towering team trophy for the first time in 12 years; not just winning, but doing so in fine style after claiming both the girls’ and boys’ team titles.

“This is just a combination of all that has been happening over the years.

What has been happening is that for the last three or four years we’ve been building and each year we’ve been getting better and winning more and more titles,” explained Barbados team coach Marlon White.

“We weren’t taking anything for granted.

As the days went on we realised that the players were confident and we went out trying to get the job done as good as we can and I guess it worked for us.”

Things were already looking bleak for the Guyana side going into the final day of competition, after they started off the day being a match behind Barbados. The “Land of Many Waters” would’ve needed to claim seven of their ten matches for the team win, but with the Barbados team boasting six title champions, it proved to be too much for the Guyanese.The general consensus for Guyana’s loss was that Barbados

just had the better team this year.

Guyana team coach Carl Ince believes it may have been a matter of complacency, and the local side may have just gotten a little too comfortable winning without changing up the strategy “If you’re winning all the time, you’re doing the same thing all the time [it won’t always work], ” Ince commented.

“Barbados deserves to win; they were better prepared. It’s obvious that they spent more time on court than our players did. They’ve gone on camps, they’ve done their solo work.You could tell that by just looking at the way they hold their racket and swing it, and now we’re going to have to do all those things if we hope to get it [the team title] back.”

G u y a n a ’s M a k e d a Harding was the first victim when Barbados began their onslaught on the home team. Harding fell in yet another match against Jada Smith-Padmore; going out 9 – 11, 6 – 11, 5 – 11.

Amanda Haywood then destroyed Rebecca Low 11 – 3, 11 – 7, 11 - 5.

But the upset of the day was achieved by girls’ under 17 champion, Megan Best, as she overwhelmed girls’ under 19 champion, Guyana’s Taylor Fernandes; taking just three

games to do so, ending with a 11 – 5, 11- 4, 11 – 1 victory margin. From there it was just about over for the Guyana side, since Barbadian young powerhouses Sumaira Suleman and Chelsie Samuel were still to make their appearance.

Suleman had already crushed Guyana’s Kirsten Gomes in the girls under 13 finals, so it was just a matter of formality as she disposed of Gomes again 11 – 2, 11 – 4, 11 – 1.

Samuel’s 11 – 6, 11 – 9, 12 – 10 win against Abosaide Cadogan gave a clean sweep to the “Land of the Flying Fish”.

The boys division was not much prettier for Guyana. Boys’ under -17 champion Khamal Cumberbatch quickly sent Daniel Islam packing; collecting a 11 – 2, 11 – 5, 11 – 4 win.

Reginald Brewster avenged his earlier lost to Alexander Cheeks in a tight five set play-out. The score ending at 11 – 5, 11 – 7, 11 – 13, 6 – 11, 11 – 6.

Another rematch was played out between Joshua Griffith and Benjamin Mekdeci, with Griffith maintaining his dominance (14 – 12, 11 – 8, 11 – 6). Michael Alphonso suffered Guyana’s final lost. Even after taking the first game 13 – 11, he went down 7 – 11, 8 – 11, 5 – 11 against Alex Stewart.

Four more medals for Guyana ...

From back page

were garnered from the 120Kg class FESUPO Master 2, FESUPO open and NAPF Masters 2 categories.

His silver medal on the other hand, came from the 120Kg NAPF male open category, where he was narrowly thwarted

by Manuel Compos from Costa Rica after he edged past bronze medal winner Alex

Alvarado from Puerto Rico.

With Edwards ‘lifting’ Guyana’s total with his four medals on the fifth and final day of the competition, Team Guyana finished the competition successfully and will be returning home with 33 medals, including 19 gold medals, 9 silver and 5 bronze.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 9, 2017

England take control of first Test at Lord’s (REUTERS)-England continued to hold the upper hand in the first test against South Africa by taking a first innings lead of 97 and extending it to 216 by the

De Kock ended Stuart Broad’s involvement in England’s bowling attack, striking 10 fours in his 51, which at 36 balls was the second fastest half-century in

successive overs to spinners Liam Dawson and Moeen after playing out the first 10 overs of the day.

Rabada edged the ball to wicket-keeper Jonny Bairstow to give Dawson his first test wicket in England.

Bavuma, having made 59 off 130 balls, was taken at slip by Stokes and in his disappointment headed off in the wrong direction for the pavilion before realising his error.

Broad wasted the new ball and lasted only four overs, which cost 35 runs, most of them in boundaries

by De Kock.

Philander was last out af-

ter reducing the lead to under 100 but was unable to bowl when England batted again.

Morne Morkel and Rabada kept the openers quiet early on and Cook twice survived a review for leg before.

Either side of tea, however, South Africa’s depleted attack found the going tougher and it took them until the 35th over of the innings to break England’s opening stand of 80.

Keaton Jennings edged Morkel to wicketkeeper De Kock, having made 33 but Garry Balance, 22 not out at the close, helped Cook push the lead beyond 200.

Scoreboard Quinton de Kock made the second-fastest Test fifty at Lord’s on the 3rd day. close on the third day at Lord’s on Saturday with nine wickets in hand.

They finished at 119 for one with former captain Alastair Cook unbeaten on 59.

The tourists had been dismissed for 361 with spinners taking six of the wickets, four of them to Moeen Ali for 59.

Resuming at 214 for five, South Africa fought hard to stay in contention, especially through Quinton de Kock and Vernon Philander, who made half-centuries and added 66 for the eighth wicket.

a Lord’s Test.

A fine low catch by Ben Stokes ended his innings but Philander stuck around long enough to make 52 despite having been hit on the hand by Jimmy Anderson.

He went to hospital for an x-ray which showed no break. It was though a further blow to South Africa, who will have fellow paceman Kagiso Rabada suspended for the second test next week for using “inappropriate language” on the opening day.

Nightwatchman Rabada and fellow overnight batsman Temba Bavuma went in

ENGLAND 1st innings 458 (J. Root 190, M. Ali 87, S. Broad 57no, B. Stokes 56; M. Morkel 4-115) South Africa 1st innings (Overnight: 214-5) D. Elgar c Ballance b Ali 54 H. Kuhn c Cook b Broad 1 H. Amla lbw b Ali 29 J. Duminy lbw b Broad 15 T. Bavuma c Stokes b Ali 59 T. de Bruyn c Bairstow b Anderson 48 K. Rabada c Bairstow b Dawson 27 Q. de Kock c Stokes b Anderson 51 V. Philander b Ali 52 K. Maharaj lbw b Dawson 9 M. Morkel not out 2 Extras (b-4 lb-7 nb-3) 14 Total (all out, 105 overs) 361 Fall of wickets: 1-10 H. Kuhn,2-82 H. Amla,3-98 D. Elgar,4-104 J. Duminy,5-203 T. de Bruyn,6-244 K. Rabada,7-248 T. Bavuma,8-314 Q. de Kock,9-337 K. Maharaj,10-361 V. Philander Bowling: J. Anderson 19 - 6 - 44 – 2, S. Broad 18 - 5 - 62 – 2, M. Wood 20 - 5 - 65 – 0, L. Dawson 15 - 2 - 67 – 2, M. Ali 20 - 7 - 59 - 4 B. Stokes 13 - 2 - 53 - 0(nb-3).

ENGLAND 2nd innings A. Cook not out 59 K. Jennings c de Kock b M. Morkel 33 G. Ballance not out 22 Extras (lb-4 nb-1) 5 Total (for 1 wickets, 51 overs) 119 Fall of wickets: 1-80 K. Jennings To bat: J. Root, J. Bairstow, B. Stokes, M. Ali, L. Dawson, S. Broad, M. Wood, J. Anderson Bowling: M. Morkel 10 - 5 - 25 – 1,K. Rabada 13 - 5 - 35 - 0(nb-1), K. Maharaj 19 - 8 - 34 – 0,J. Duminy 9 - 2 - 21 – 0.

Federer & Djokovic through to Wimbledon last 16

By Piers Newbery FORMER champions Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic were in impressive form as they reached the fourth round at Wimbledon in straight sets.

Third seed Federer played superbly in a 7-6 (7-3) 6-4 6-4 win over German 27th seed Mischa Zverev on Centre Court.

Djokovic, seeded second, had earlier looked fired up as he beat Latvia’s Ernests Gulbis 6-4 6-1 7-6 (7-2).

Federer will play Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov and Djokovic faces Adrian Mannarino in the last 16 on Monday.

An early argument with the umpire seemed to fire up Djokovic, who told the official to “focus” - something he later apologised for - and then appeared to take his own advice.

From a break of serve down at 4-2, the Serb powered into a 6-4 5-0 lead and had a set point for 10 straight games.

Gulbis, 28, clung on briefly but the second set soon disappeared and the Latvian then had lengthy treatment on his back.

Ranked down at 548 after a succession of injuries, the former world number 10 recovered sufficiently to earn a break point at the start of the third set.

Djokovic, a friend of Gulbis since their junior academy days in Germany, snuffed out the danger but required a tiebreak to eventually see off the Latvian after two hours and 12 minutes.

“I am delighted with my performance today,” said Djokovic, 30.

“I thought I raised the level of tennis, comparing to the first couple of matches. This was the most focused I have been on the court and it came at the right time.”

The 35-year-old Federer kept up the form that has seen him rated as the favourite to land a record eighth title, and first since 2012.

The Swiss played beautifully to overcome the attacking serve-volley game of Zverev, the man who beat Andy Murray in fourth round at the Australian Open in January.

Zverev pegged back Federer from 4-1 to earn a tie-break in the first set but a terrific backhand volley brought up set point for the seven-time champion and he duly converted.

A spectacular return game that included drive backhand and forehand winners gave Federer the crucial break early in the second set, and a Zverev double-fault gave up the initiative in the third.

A 27th win in 29 matches this year was wrapped up after one hour and 49 minutes, and the Swiss heads into week two in ideal shape.

“It’s important to get through the first week with a good feeling and I think I got that,” said Federer.

“The first match with the walkover saved me a lot of energy, crucial energy. We go one round at a time.

“The first goal is to get through to the second week and I am happy to sit back and relax and then come back on Monday.”(BBC Sport)

Calmejane defeats cramp to win Tour stage, Froome stays in control

By Julien Pretot STATION DES ROUSSES, France,(Reuters)-Lilian Calmejane fought off a bout of cramp to claim a solo win in the eighth stage of the Tour de France on Saturday, as the overall favourites stayed quiet on the eve of a punishing day in the Jura mountains.

The 24-year-old Calmejane, in only his second year as a professional, dropped his breakaway companions in the last climb of the day and despite cramping up in the closing stages, held off Dutchman Robert Gesink

for a second grand tour stage win.

Another Frenchman, Guillaume Martin (WantyGroupe Gobert), took third place.

Britain’s Chris Froome had a minor scare when he went off the road in a descent, but the Team Sky rider kept his cool in sweltering heat to retain the overall leader’s yellow jersey.

“Me and (team mate) Geraint (Thomas) took the wrong trajectory in a corner and we went off the road, it happens sometimes,” said Froome.

Direct Energie rider Lilian Calmejane of France wins the stage. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier

Thomas crashed but he was quickly back on his bike.

Calmejane of Direct Energie kept his strategy close to his chest in the day’s breakaway, but barely looked back after pulling away in the 11.7-km climb to La Combe de Laisia.

Gesink (LottoNL-Jumbo) chased hard but the Frenchman had too much power in the finale.

Calmejane, almost came to a halt five kilometres from the line, however, due to cramp in his right thigh.

“It’s huge. It was everything I was dreaming of,”

said Calmejane, who won a stage in last year’s Vuelta.

“When I had cramp in the finale, I decided to drop a gear so I could pedal softer,” he said.

“I suffered like never before,” added Calmejane, who snatched the polka-dot jersey as mountains leader.

Team Sky were in control all day despite a hectic start to the stage, with almost 50 riders managing to break away from the main pack.

Ireland’s Dan Martin attacked from the pack in the finale but the QuickStep Floors rider, fourth overall, was quickly reined

in.

They will be further tested on Sunday, when the ninth stage takes the peloton through the Jura mountains with three lung-busting climbs in prospect before a dangerous descent to Chambery.

“Tomorrow will be a very very hard day, it will be very selective,” said Froome ahead of a stage that features 4,700m of climbing.

Froome holds a 12-second lead over Thomas with in-form Fabio Aru of Italy in third place, 14 seconds off the pace.

28

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 9, 2017

UDFA/ GT Beer Inter Association

$6M Super Cup kicks off tonight

By Joe Chapman

PRESIDENT of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Wayne Forde will join regional chairman, Renis Morian and Deputy Mayor of Linden, Waneka Arrindel as special guests of the President of the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA), Terrence Mitchell, in a special opening ceremony before the night-cap encounter between the UDFA team and their Essequibo/ Pomeroon opponents in the second game of the inaugural GT Beer Sunday Night Super Cup Inter-Association football championships at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground.

The opening game at 19.00hrs is between the East Bank and East Coast Demereara association teams while the second game featuring the UDFA is expected to be an exciting game.

The two group preliminary rounds of this championship which will climax in September will see matches

COLWYN DRAKES being played on Sundays at the MSC ground.

The eight association teams are the Upper Demerara, Georgetown, Bartica, East Bank Demerara, West Demerara, Essequibo/ Pomeeroon , East Coast Demerara and Berbice Associations.

This lucrative tournament has at stake $2M for the winners, as two teams will emerge from each group of four and will cross over, with the top in one

group playing the second placed team in the other before the finalists are decided.

The UDFA team will have a youthful line-up as up front are Kevin Beaton, Marmalaque Davidson, Clarence Huggins, Denzil Pryce and Colwyn Drakes to choose from, with national player Clive DeNobrega in the middle scheming while in defence are the likes of DeShawn Dey and Oswald Benjamin, while in goal will be Kellon Major.

Their opponents are of an unknown quality but the fans will relish a positive start to a tournament that promises to be highly competitive with the UDFA side hoping to make a statement that would put them in a position to press for places in the national grid, as it once were not so long ago.

With only Topp XX being featured from the UDFA at the Elite League level, Mitchell feels that this tournament offers the UDFA team a chance to see where they are

CLARENCE HUGGINS among the best players in the country, as he feels this will be a better yardstick to assess players who are seeking to play at the national level. He feels that more players will be exposed and as such the level will be of a greater brand of football.

The last inter association games were reportedly held over two decades ago and this initiative promises to be one that has great potential.

July 21 is closing date for KMTC’s pre-Emancipation meet slated for July 30 RACE horse owners and trainers have until July 21 to register their animals for the Kennard Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) Pre-Emancipation Day seven-race meet which is billed for July 30 at the club’s facility, Bush Lot farm, Corentyne, Berbice, beginning at 13:00hrs.

The feature event on the day’s card is opened to horses classified `B2 and Lower’ Special Weights over a distance of eight furlongs.

The winner will earn for its owner $1M, while the other top three performers will receive $500,000, $250,000 and $125,000 respectively.

Entrance fee for the event is

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday July 09, 2017) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & the City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Jason Holder (WI) (2) Marizanne Kapp (SA)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Mahendra Singh Dhoni made 54 for India in the fourth ODI of the recent WI/IND series. How many balls he faced? How many fours and sixes he struck?

(2) What were Marizanne Kapp’s bowling figures in the WI/SA match of the current Women’s World Cup?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

$110,000 per animal.

The main supporting event is a five-furling race for horses classified `E Class non winners and F and lower open.

The winning stable will receive $400,000, while the other top three finishers will earn $200,000, $100,000 and $50,000 respectively.

There will also be a five-furlong race for animals classified `L’ non winners.The winner will earn $110,000, while the second, third and fourth place finishers will receive $55,000, $27,000 and $13,000 respectively.

There will be two seven-furlong races, one for horses classified H1 and Lower with the winner earning $250,000, while the other top three performers will be rewarded with $125,000, $62,000 and $31,000 respectively.

The other seven-furlong race is opened to Guyana-bred three-year-old and older horses and has as its first prize $240,000. The second, third and fourth

place finishers will receive $120,000, $60,000 and $30,000 respectively.

There will also be two six-furlong races, one for horses classified `K’ non winners and `L’ open.The winner will earn $120,000.

The second, third and fourth place finishers will collect $60,000, $30,000 and $15,000 respectively.

The other six-furlong event is opened to animals classified `J2 and Lower’ and will see the winner receiving $140,000 and the other top three performers will draw down $70,000, $35,000 and $17,000 respectively.

These races will be run under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority and entries closes on June 21. No late entries will be entertained.

To enter horses for the event, horse owners and trainers are asked to contact Fizal (657-7010), Nikita (662-4668), Dennis (640-6396 or 609-9143), T. Jagdeo (618-7278) Justice Kennard (623-7609) or Daloo (689-0629).

Former England captains criticise Rabada ban (REUTERS)-Three former England captains united on Saturday to condemn the one-match ban given to South African paceman Kagiso Rabada.

He will miss the second Test starting on Friday after receiving a fourth demerit point in 24 months for what the International Cricket Council called “inappropriate language” towards batsman Ben Stokes in the first test at Lord’s on Friday.

The three previous points were all for “deliberate physical contact” against Sri Lanka’s Niroshan Dickwella in February.

“It seems a nonsense to me that those two things combined have resulted in a test match ban,” Michael Atherton told Sky Sports viewers after watching film of both incidents.

“Three demerit points for that slight bit of contact with Dickwella and then yesterday when it’s hardly directed at Ben Stokes.”

“For me it’s ridiculous,” said one of Atherton’s predecessors Ian Botham.

“It’s a physical game and you’re talking about heatof-the-moment exchanges.

That’s just a nudge.”

A third former captain,

KAGISO RABADA David Gower, agreed.

“It’s highlighted by the fact that those points from a previous offence mean he’s not going to be playing in the next test match of the series. It is a very, very harsh punishment.”

South Africa are already missing paceman Dale Steyn for the whole series with a shoulder injury and on Saturday fellow seamer Vernon Philander was taken to hospital for an x-ray after being hit on the hand during his innings of 52. The x-ray showed no bones were broken.

He was last man out as South Africa were dismissed for 361, 97 behind on first innings.

Chandrika, Hemraj, Imlach, Jacobs and Lewis complete Jaguars contracted players

FOLLOWING the draft for the 2017/2018 Professional Cricket League (PCL) fourth edition of the tournament, discarded West Indies opening batsman, Rajendra Chandrika, along with former West Indies Under-19 players Ramaal Lewis from Jamaica, Steven Jacobs, Chandrapaul Hemraj and Tevin Imlach, have been drafted in by the Guyana Jaguars.

The draft was held on Friday at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, Jamaica.

Based on Cricket West Indies rules, each franchise must have 15 contracted players, and as such, the TEVIN IMLACH Guyana Jaguars Franchise retained 10 players.

Those retained are; Leon Johnson, Assad Fudadin, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Gudakesh Motie, Romario Shepherd, Keemo Paul, Veerasammy Permaul, Anthony Bramble, Keon Joseph and Raymond Reifer.

Guyanese opener Trevon Griffith was for a third time drafted by Jamaica Scorpions Franchise.

29

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 9, 2017

Bailey optimistic Guyana can win U-17 title, as squad departs for T&T

By Rajiv Bisnauth HEAD Coach Orin Bailey is adamant that Guyana has the potential to win its first Regional Under-17 title when the competition bowls off on Tuesday in Trinidad and Tobago.

The confident Bailey spoke to Chronicle Sport yesterday prior to the team’s departure, and was very optimistic about the team winning the title.

“I am very confident, the team has good potential, and once we play to our full

ability, we can definitely win the tournament,” Bailey said.

Bailey noted that despite the potential possessed by the players, Guyana still has to go out and play for its success, and taking it “step by step” will be the strategy.

The Under-17 trophy is the only title that has eluded Guyana at the Regional youth level.

Guyana were favourites to win the title last year, but rain put a halt to their quest after their

last game against host, Trinidad and Tobago was completely washed out.

The Guyanese then had to settle for the runner-up spot behind the host nation who finished with 20.6 points, while Guyana ended on 20.3.

Guyana played unbeaten throughout the tournament, but Trinidad and Tobago’s success was largely due to the 0.3 fast bowling bonus points they gained more than their closest rivals.

However, Bailey pointed out that his team is a

well-balanced unit, and once play is possible for all the rounds, Guyana can come out on top.

“Looking at the squad, we have a well balance one, a squad, which can make Guyana proud,” he concluded.

The team will commence their first game against the Windward Islands on Tuesday, the first of five rounds. Below is the 14-man squad along with manager/assistant coach Nazeer Mohamed and coach Orin Bailey.

The Guyana Under-17 squad before leaving fot Trinidad and Tobago.

BABA tournament…

Jammers boosted with the inclusion of Wiggins for today’s clash with Warriors THE Berbice Amateur Basketball Association (BABA) 2017 Tournament for teams in Berbice and which is sponsored by Nigel Hinds Financial Net. continues today at the Rose Hall Court on the Corentyne where New Amsterdam Warriors will clash with Rose Hall Town Jammers at 16:00 hrs.

Last Friday, the Jammers team were boosted with the inclusion of Kevon Wiggins who represented Guyana in the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) U-16 Championship just last year. He currently resides overseas.

Wiggins will team up with the likes of Michael King, Mickle Lewis and Rayborne Murray to face New Amsterdam Warriors.

BABA president, Vibert Garrett met with the Mayor and City Council of New Amsterdam. He raised the initia-

tive for the Council to grant permission to the Berbice Basketball Association in collaboration with Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation.

Garrett mentioned that the plan is to develop the Vryman’s Erven Basketball Court with lights so that basketball can be played at night.

Six teams are involved in the competition which is being played on a round-robin basis in two zones. Zone A includes Canje Knight, Fyrish Black Shark and Ithaca Hardliners while Zone B comprises Rose Hall Town Jammers, Hopetown Stealers and N.A. Warriors.

Trophies, cash and other incentives are up for grabs.

Last Sunday’s clash between Canje Knights and Ithaca Hardliners at Vryman’s Erven Basketball Court had to be rescheduled because of the inclement weather.

Overseas based Kevon Wiggins

Paul named brand ambassador of V Net Communications FAST rising cricketer, Keemo Paul has been named brand ambassador of longstanding local communication provider, V Net Communications.

Paul and the business entity completed the formalities on Friday at the company’s head office in Delph Street, Campbellville.

Managing Director Safraz Sheriffudeen, prior to formally handing over the agreement to the cricketer, welcomed the

all-rounder and said his company is honoured to have him as their brand ambassador.

The soft-spoken Paul thanked V Net Communications for their trust in him, adding that it’s an honour to represent the company as its ambassador.

V Net Communications provides satellite communications to remote areas in Guyana such as satellite internet, satellite phones and VOIP services.

Keemo Paul has been named brand ambassador of V Net Communications.

GCB Female Inter-County T20…

Berbice beat Essequibo by 10 wickets in shortened game –– president’s XI and Demerara game washed out BERBICE beat Essequibo by ten wickets in a shortened game yesterday when play in the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) female inter county Under-19 T-20 tournament continued at the Everest Cricket Club ground.

The game was reduced to five overs per side. Essequibo batted first and made 17-4. Berbice in reply made 18-0 off of five legal deliveries.

Meanwhile, the first game between the president’s XI and Demerara was washed out without a ball being bowled.

After two rounds, both Berbice and Demerara are on five points each, while the president’s X1 has one point. Essequibo with two loses is yet to earn a point.

The competition will conclude today with the president’s XI playing Essequibo, while Demerara will take on Berbice.

30

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 9, 2017

Windies coming full blast for powerhouses India in today’s one-off Twenty 20 KINGSTON, Jamaica, (CMC) – Captain Carlos Brathwaite has reminded powerhouses India that West Indies will be coming full blast when the two teams meet in the one-off Twenty20 International at Sabina Park here today.

Several of the West Indies stars including Brathwaite, Chris Gayle, Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard are popular faces in the Indian Premier League and have struck up great relationships over the years with many of the Indian players.

For instance, Gayle and India captain Virat Kohli are teammates at Royal Challengers Bangalore but Brathwaite warned there would be no friendships once play got underway at 10:30 am (11:30 am Eastern Caribbean time).

“Yes, we’re good friends off the field but once you cross the line you’ve come to represent your country and friendships don’t happen out on the park,” Brathwaite told media here Saturday.

Captains Carlos Brathwaite and Virat Kohli hold the trophy. With them are: Bhanudas Mehta, Vice President Commercial of Finolex Industries and Saurabh Dhanorkar, Director of Finolex Industries. Photo credit:CWI Media Photo/Philip Spooner are seeking redemption and “We can save the hi’s the West Indies.” and byes for afterward but India enter the series hoping to climax the tour when we get on the park and on a high following their on a positive note.

Brathwaite said despite cross the line it’s war and it’s comfortable 3-1 win in the country versus country and preceding five-match One- the result in the ODI series, we want to do as best as we Day International series. he did not foresee confidence can blood, sweat and tears for The Windies, meanwhile, being an issue as the quality

T20 players in the squad were high-intensity individuals.

“Confidence is always high. You don’t Kieron Pollard and Marlon Samuels and Chris Gayle sulking or low in confidence.

They always think we can win no matter the situation and that rubs off well,” Brathwaite pointed out.

“I still I’m one of the younger guys in the team so myself, Rovman Powell and even a Chadwick Walton … we look to those guys. So me as captain I’m still learning from them but I want them to go out there, express themselves, do as best as they can and make myself learn on the job as a skipper and as a player and do as well as I can for West Indies.”

The side has been boosted by the return of Gayle who has not represented the regional side in 15 months, since helping them to the capture of the T20 World Cup in India last year April.

His presence, along with that of Pollard, off-spinner Narine and leg-spinner Sam-

uel Badree, will make West Indies formidable opponents.

West Indies’ last two completed T20s against the Indians saw them emerge with emphatic wins. During the T20 World Cup, they chased down 193 to win their semi-final and last August in Florida, pulled off a one-run win after piling up 245 batting first in the opening match of a two-match series.

SQUADS: WEST INDIES – Carlos Brathwaite (captain), Samuel Badree, Ronsford Beaton, Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Jason Mohammed, Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Rovman Powell, Marlon Samuels, Jerome Taylor, Chadwick Walton, Kesrick Williams.

INDIA – Virat Kohli (captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Ajinkya Rahane, MS Dhoni (wk), Yuvraj Singh, Kedar Jadhav, Hardik Pandya, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammad Shami, Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Dinesh Karthik.

French Guiana go down in Petra/Corona Invitational opens today with triple- header CONCACAF Gold Cup opener HARRISON, New Jersey, (CMC) – French Guiana’s debut at the CONCACAF Gold Cup ended in disappointment Friday night when they went down 4-2

felled by a second-half brace from Alfonso Davies while Dejan Jakovic and Scott Arfield both netted in the first half to give the North Americans a 2-0 half-tiime

Roy Contout … scored for French Guiana. to Canada on the opening day of the confederation tournament.

The Caribbean side were

advantage.

Contout and Sloan Privat but the goals came too late for the confederation

minnows.

Playing at Red Bull Arena, Canada led on 28 minutes when Jakovic scrambled home a loose ball after goalkeeper Donovan Leon parried Scott Arfield’s free kick.

And in injury time, the lead was doubled when Arfield produced a volley from just outside the 18-yard box which beat Leon.

With a comfortable half-time cushion, Canada virtually put the game to bed in the 60th minute when Davies scored the first of his two goals but French Guiana injected some excitement into the contest with two goals in as many minutes.

In the 69th, Contout headed in from close range and moments later Privat was on target to also beat goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau.

Any hopes of a dramatic finish were dashed, however, as Davies netted six minutes from time to see off the threat from the Caribbean debutants.

THE first round of the Petra organised Corona Invitational Football tournament will get underway today with a triple- header at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground, Bourda.

The inclement weather had caused a postponement of the start of the tournament, which will take a round -robin knock-out format. Organisers have confirmed that the kick-off will take place today.

In the first of the three games, Northern Rangers will take on East Veldt FC from

17:00hrs with Riddim Squad and Flamingo going toe-to-toe from 19:00hrs.

In the third match of the night, Pele will take on Santos FC from 21:00hrs.

As part of the tournament’s promotion, free admission has been added for the first game-day and it will continue to be the same for women only throughout the duration of the tournament The tournament will feature the 12 top teams in the Georgetown area as they vie for $1M in cash and prizes.

Flashback:Top Brandz Sales and Marketing Manager, Pratima Prashnajeet and Petra Co-Director, Troy Mendonca hold a replica of the championship trophy in the presence of GFF president, Wayne Forde (far left), GFA vice-president Aaron Fraser (3rd from right) and other company representatives at the launch of the tournament

31

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 9, 2017

Chase dominates WIPA/ CWI player awards

KINGSTON, Jamaica, (CMC) – Rising Test star Roston [Misbah-ul-Haq] set defensive fields for me and I wasn’t as Chase swept four awards – including Cricketer-of-the-Year patient as I should be. I went back and worked hard, especially – to dominate the West Indies Players Association/Cricket on the sweep shot and I knew I had to be more patient when I West Indies(WIPA/CWI) player awards here Friday night. batted against them [in the Caribbean].

The right-hander, the Caribbean’s side’s leading Test bats“We have England coming up in a few weeks and I want man in recent times, also walked away with awards for Test to do well there as well.”

Cricketer-of-the-Year, Regional Four-Day Cricketer-of-theTest and One-Day International skipper Jason Year and Emerging CricketerHolder picked up the ODI of-the-Year.

Cricketer-of-the-Year hon“I’m extremely delightour while Andre Russell, ed to win these awards. I currently serving a one-year wasn’t expecting four in one anti-doping “whereabouts” night but I’m happy that my ban, took the Twenty20 contributions to my teams, International Cricketer-ofBarbados Pride and West the-Year award.

Indies have been recognised,” Women’s captain Stafanie the the 25-year-old said afterTaylor, meanwhile, took all wards. three women’s awards up for “I have been enjoying my grabs, clinching the Women’s cricket and I’m enjoying my ODI Cricketer-of-the-Year, success. It’s not just my success T20I Cricketer-of-the-Year but the success of my teamand Cricketer-of-the-Year. mates and the teams I play in.

A year ago I started my Test Awards: career, and I have been able to Under-19 Team of the settle and find my way.

Year: Guyana “It’s never easy. You have Under-19 Cricketer of the to work really hard off the Year: Joshua Bishop field and when you get on the WIPA in the Community field, work even harder to get Roston Chase receives his Test Cricketer-of-the- Award: Kameah Cooper your success.”

First-Class Team of the Year award from Cricket West Indies president, Chase announced himself Dave Cameron. (Photo courtesy West Indies Players Year: Guyana on the international scene in a Association) Regional Four-Day Crickmajor way last August when he eter of the Year: Roston Chase struck a superb unbeaten hundred on the final day of the second Regional Limited-Overs Cricketer of the Year: Ashley Test against India, to avert defeat for West Indies.

Nurse Following a modest three-Test series against Pakistan Regional T20 Cricketer of the Year: Dwayne Bravo later that year in the United Arab Emirates, he stamped his Emerging Cricketer of the Year: Roston Chase authority against the touring Pakistanis in the Caribbean ODI Cricketer of the Year: Jason Holder recently with a series-high 403 runs at an average of 100 Test Cricketer of the Year: Roston Chase with two hundreds.

T20 International Cricketer of the Year: Andre Russell The Barbadian said his 10-Test career had been a learning Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year: Stafanie Taylor experience and he was now looking forward to the challenging Women’s T20 International Cricketer of the upcoming tour of England.

Year: Stafanie Taylor “When I got my first century here in Jamaica, it was Women’s Cricketer of the Year: Stafanie Taylor wonderful feeling and I also took five wickets,” he exMen’s Cricketer of the Year: Roston Chase plained.

Windies Foundation Award: The Chris Gayle Foundation “I didn’t do so well in UAE but I believed in myself and CWI Lifetime Award: Walter Eden St John was determined to come back strong against Pakistan. In UAE, WIPA Lifetime Award: Cleveland Davidson

Jamaica sprinter Livermore returns positive test JASON LIVERMORE JAMAICAN sprinter Jason Livermore has tested positive for a banned substance, the chairman of the country’s Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel, Kent Gammon, has revealed.

According to reports, Livermore, a 2014 200m bronze medallist at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, tested positive for the unspecified substance in December of last year during out of competition testing.

The findings were announced at a preliminary hearing convened by the independent three-member panel on Friday, at the Ja-

maica Conference Centre, but a full hearing has been set for September 11.

Livermore is said to have violated Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) Article 2.1 of anti-doping rules, which refers to “Presence of a Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers in an Athlete’s Sample”.

The 29-year-old sprinter, also a gold medallist at

the 2014 Commonwealth Games in a 4x100m team that included Usain Bolt, Kemar Bailey-Cole and Nickel Ashmeade, did not compete at the country’s National Trials last month and as a result is not a part of the team selected for the London World Championships.

Livermore, who trains at the Jamaica-based Akan Track club, boasts a personal best of 10.03 seconds.

Police ‘arrest’ soldier to win feature P&P Insurance Brokers’ feature 35-lap cycle race GUYANA Police Force’s Mario King rode intelligently to out-fox Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) Alonzo Ambrose to win the feature event of the 17th Annual sponsored P&P Insurance Brokers Limited 11-race cycling programme held in the National Park yesterday.

King who made his move with approximately 150 metres remaining, returned a winning-time of one hour, 18 minutes, 21.22 seconds to win handsomely from Ambrose.

There were 22 starters who stuck together for most of the 35 laps. Raul Leal who finished fifth overall won the first and fourth prime prizes but he (Leal) could not keep up the tempo as the other riders were hot on his heels.

Guyana Police Force’s Mario King is unchallenged as he crosses the finish line to win the feature 35-lap event of the P&P Insurance Brokers sponsored 11-race cycle programme in the National Park yesterday.

The lead kept changing until the completion of the 28th lap when Dwayne Gibbs Jr jumped the pack and opened a small lead. However, he was kept in check by the peloton and with two laps remaining, Ambrose attacked but was followed by King who stayed on his (Ambrose’s) back wheel until approximately 125 metres from the finish line. King then moved to the outside and sailed past the soldier to win comfortably.

Warren McKay placed third, Jamal John fourth, Leal fifth and Paul DeNobrega finished sixth.

Silvio Inniss, Kemuel Mosses, McKay, Jamal John and Gibbs each won one prime prize.

In other results, Briton John won the juveniles 10lap race in a time of 21 minutes 13.38 seconds ahead of Nigel Duguid and Christopher Cornelius, respectively.

Simeon Chee was the winner of the three-lap race for BMX boys 9-12 years old. Jonathan Ramsuchit won the three-lap event for BMX boys and girls 1214 years of age.

Jaikarran Sukhai won the five-lap race for veterans under 50 years of age. Second was Ian Jackson and finishing third was Steve Ramsuchit.

In the five-lap event for veterans’ over 50 years of age, Andy Spencer won ahead of Linden Blackman and Shameer baksh, respectively.

The five-lap mountain bike race was won by Ryan Canterbury; second was Akram Singh.In the two-lap event for BMX boys and girls 6-9 years old, Hared Barrington was first, Jessica Mohabir was second and Antone Vandenburg third.

Barbados take their first Junior CASA team title in 12 years(Delano Williams photos)

Barbados sweep CASA titles to end Guyana’s dominance See story on page 26

Guyana ends in second place at this year’s Junior CASA

NAPF/FESUPO) Championships:Four more medals for Guyana on final day; 33 overall

Guyana’s John Edwards stands tall after receiving his three gold medals

GUYANA capped the final day of the 16th North American Powerlifting Federation (NAPF) and 32nd South American Powerlifting Federation (FESUPO) Championships being held in Orlando, Florida with three gold medals and one silver. All of them were won by powerhouse, John Edwards.

During the final day of the competition, Edwards competed in the equipped 120Kg weight class 3-lift ‘Masters 2’ and ‘Open’ categories for both the FESUPO and NAPF competitions.

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Edwards got off to a rocky start after failing his first lifts for his squat and bench press, but regained his composure both times in amassing 272.5Kg and 220Kg as his best lifts for his squat and bench press respectively. He pushed through to his dead lifts, where he got 255Kg as his best lift and scored 747.5 points overall.

Maintaining Guyana’s streak of excellence, he copped four medals: three gold medals and one silver. His gold medals See page 26 SUNDAY, JULY 9, 2017