Guyana chronicle e paper 07 15 2017

Nominees in for top judicial posts Page 16

No. 104974

SATURDAY , JULY 15, 2017

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

Three dead in ‘highway’ crash Page 2

Bank robber jailed Page 3

Dead : Melroy Ross

Former Republic Bank Employee Jamal Haynes

Escapee nabbed at Canal #1 Page 8

The mangled remains of the car involved in the accident

Recaptured escapee, Desmond James

Three dead in ‘highway’ crash

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THREE persons perished on Friday night following a horrific smash-up involving a car and a parked low-bed truck along the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway.

Confirmed dead are: Melroy Ross aka “Floulee”, 30 , an employee of the BOSAI mining company who lived at Lot 64, Block 22 Wismar and Keaton Bollers 20 also of Linden. Rose died while

receiving treatment at the Linden Hospital Complex. Two other persons died at the scene.

Those injured are Roshana Rodrigues, 22, ex-policeman Rayon Wilson 35, and Junior Hudson, 29.

Reports are that around 20:00hrs, the occupants of a motor car bearing registration PHH 9398 were heading to Linden and in the vicinity of Kairuni

The mangled remains of the car involved in the accident

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 15, 2017

on the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway the car collided with a parked low-bed truck bearing registration GPP2993.

The injured occupants of the car were rushed to the Linden Hospital Complex for treatment.

Over the years, there have been a number of accidents on the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway which were attributed to poorly lit trucks. Many persons died as result of

Keaton Bollers such accidents.

In a statement, the police said that they are investigating the fatal accident. The investigation so far revealed from the driver of the lorry that he was proceeding south along the eastern side of the road when his vehicle developed a mechanical problem, causing him to stop and whilst in the process of effecting repairs under the front of the lorry, he

Melroy Ross heard an impact at the rear and upon investigating, discovered that the car which collided with his vehicle, had five male occupants and all of whom appeared seriously injured.

With the assistance of passers-by -- all except one who was motionless -- were rushed to the Linden Hospital where two were pronounced dead on arrival. A further update will be given later, police said.

Bank robber jailed 3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 15, 2017

… cops, others deny charges, remanded to prison

By Naomi Marshall JAMAL HAYNES one of the men who attempted to rob Republic Bank just over a week ago was on Friday jailed for six years, and four other suspects including two policemen and an ex-staff of the bank were remanded to prison when they all appeared before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

The men were all jointly charged with attempt to

Constable Anfernee Blackman

Keron Saunders (in the blue jersey) being escorted into the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court commit a felony of which Haynes pleaded guilty. In addition, Haynes faced five other charges and Keron Saunders who was arrested on the day of the robbery another two.

The robbery which generated heated public discourse had shocked many due to the fact that one of the bandits, Elton Wray who was shot a killed was a graduate with a degree in agronomy and held a respectable job at a government agency.

Haynes, 24, of Wortmanville, Georgetown, was also a staffer at the bank at the time of the robbery he has since been dismissed. The other suspects are police constables: Gladstone George, 24, of Mocha, East Bank Demerara (EBD) and Anfernee Blackman, 21, of Lane Avenue, Georgetown. Shawn Grimmond, 23, of Kitty Georgetown was a staff at the bank.

It is alleged that all five

of the suspects on July 4, 2017 at Water Street, Georgetown, attempted to rob Republic Bank.

Haynes pleaded guilty to the charge while the four others pleaded not guilty.

George’s attorney, Roger Yearwood, stated that his client was not found on the scene of the robbery nor was he found with a firearm. The attorney also stated that George is not at flight risk, and is interested in clearing his name. Grimmond’s Attorney Dexter Todd stated that his client has no prior conviction and as such has no pending matters in court.

The Attorney also stated that Grimmond was not aware of what was going on until he heard gun shots. He stated too that his client was not found in possession of a firearm.

PROSECUTION Police Prosecutor

Ex-Republic Bank employee Shawn Grimmond Bess, objected to bail for all five men due to the nature and gravity of the offence. He also stated that if the police had not gone to the scene in a timely manner the men would have robbed the bank of millions of dollars.

According to the prosecutor, on July 4, 2017, at about 07:30 hours the police received a report of a robbery in progress at Republic Bank. The police arrived at the scene and were confronted with gunshots from the perpetrators, which resulted in the death of one of the suspected perpetrators who was shot and killed.

Haynes subsequently held Thendukar Singh (an employee of the Republic Bank) hostage to leave the bank and as he reached the arcade, he shoved the hostage and ran away.

Haynes was then arrested and interviewed. “ Ye s m a m … m y friend, the deceased that die…has a lot of information about the bank. The people that he included in the robbery, I do not know who was the driver of the vehicle because he disguised his self with a t-shirt and a rag around his face. He, the driver is the same person that give us the guns on the morning of the robbery. I thought myself and the now deceased friend Mr. Wray and his cousin, Keron Saunders was going to rob somebody that had a large sum of money in the ATM. It wasn’t until we went into the ATM and he shut the door that was when I was aware that we were

Gladstone George going into the bank to rob the night safe. That’s it.” said Haynes when he was asked if there was anything he would like to say since he pled guilty to the charge.

Haynes was also faced with five other charges.

It is alleged that on July 4, 2017, at Robb Street Georgetown, Haynes discharged a loaded firearm at Police Constable Leon Joseph with intent to cause bodily harm.

Haynes pleaded not guilty to the offence. It is also alleged that on July 3, 2017, at Sparendaam East Coast Demerara, armed along with three others Haynes stole from Ryan Myers: $19,000, one motor car valued $2,900,000, one cellular phone valued $25,000, totaling $2,944,000. Haynes pleaded not guilty to this offence.

It is alleged that Haynes on July 4, 2017, at Water Street, Georgetown, was found with one 9mm live round of ammunition without being an owner of a license. The ex-clerk of Republic Bank pleaded guilty to this offence. It is alleged that on July 4, 2017, at Rob Street, Georgetown, Haynes had in his possession one 9mm pistol gun without being a holder of a firearm license at the time. Haynes pleaded guilty to the offence. It is also alleged that on July 4, 2017, at Water Street, Georgetown, Haynes unlawfully restricted Thendukar Singh.

Haynes pleaded guilty to the offence. According to the Prosecutor, while attempting to make an es-

Former Republic Bank employee Jamal Haynes being taken away cape, the accused returned fire at the police officer and was shot. The police found the accused hiding in one of the arcade’s stall whereby a search was conducted on him and the 9mm live round of ammunition was found on him and the 9mm pistol was found on the ground in the arcade. The accused was arrested and confessed to being the holder of the said firearm and ammunition which was found next to him. “My now deceased friend Mr. Wray ran out the bank towards the southern side of the bank. Myself and his cousin, Keron Saunders was still trapped inside the bank. I saw one of my fellow colleagues and I took him hostage with the gun in my hand with no more ammunition. I took him and stand up outside in order for the police to stop shooting, cause I know if I ran outside I would have been shot.

When I took him outside and was screaming I am staff do not shoot,” said Haynes. “Why did you have the firearm in your possession?” Magistrate Ann McLennan asked. “De gun I had, de 9mm was given to me by my friend Mr. Wray who stood by the door inside the bank and was shooting outside,” said Haynes.

Why was ammunition in your possession? “There were no ammunition because my friend Mr. Wray shoot out all before he run outside. I cannot recall no ammunition being in the gun that I had.” Bail was denied due to the nature and seriousness of the

matter by the prosecution.

Haynes was sentenced to two years in prison for attempting to commit a felony which he pleaded guilty to. He was fined $90,000 and was sentenced to four years in prison for having ammunition in his possession and another four years for being armed with a firearm, but will spend four years for these two matters because they will run concurrently. He was also fined $100,000 for unlawfully restraining Singh or will spend six months in prison if he fails to pay the fine. Haynes is expected to return to court on August 10 and August 11, 2017 for those offences that he pled not guilty to.

Meanwhile, Keron Saunders was faced with two other charges.

It is alleged that on July 4, 2017, at Water Street, Georgetown, Saunders had in his possession 10 x 9mm live rounds of firearm ammunition without being a holder of a license at the said time. Saunders pleaded not guilty to the offence.

It is also alleged that on the same day he had in his possession a 9mm pistol without being a holder of a firearm licence, which he also pleaded not guilty to. Saunders was represented by attorney- at Law George Thomas, who stated that his client is willing to lodge his passport. The attorney also requested a bail application for his client. However, the prosecutor objected to bail, which was upheld by the Chief Magistrate.

The Prosecutor told the court that Haynes and Saunders had allegedly confessed that Gladstone George was involved and that Blackman supplied them with the guns and that Haynes would have visited Grimmond at about 05:12am the day of the attempted robbery.

He also stated that the police are in possession of video footage. Saunders, George, Blackman and Grimmond were all denied bail and were remanded to prison. They are expected to return to court on August 11, 2017.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 15, 2017

One more Republican defection would doom Senate healthcare bill

President Donald Trump turned up the heat on Friday on fellow Republicans in the U.S. Senate to pass a bill dismantling the Obamacare law, but with their retooled healthcare plan drawing fire within the party even one more defection would doom it.

Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has planned for a vote next week on revised legislation, unveiled on Thursday, and he has his work cut out for him in the coming days to get the 50 “yes” votes needed for passage. Republicans control the Senate by a 52-48 margin and cannot afford to lose more than two from within their ranks because of united Democratic opposition, but two

Republican senators already have declared opposition.

“After all of these years of suffering thru Obamacare, Republican Senators must come through as they have promised,” Trump, who made gutting Obamacare one of his central campaign promises last year, wrote on Twitter from Paris, where he attended Bastille Day celebrations.

The top U.S. doctors’ group, the American Medical Association, on Friday called the new bill inadequate and said more bipartisan collaboration is needed in the months ahead to improve the delivery and financing of healthcare. Hospital and medical advocacy groups also have criticized the bill.

“The revised bill does not address the key concerns of physicians and patients regarding proposed Medicaid cuts and inadequate subsidies that will result in millions of Americans losing health insurance coverage,” AMA President Dr. David Barbe said, referring to the government insurance program for the poor and disabled. A major test for McConnell’s legislation expected early next week is an analysis by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, which last month forecast that the prior version of the bill would have resulted in 22 million Americans losing insurance over the next decade. (Excerpted from Reuters)

Venezuela prosecutor urges U.S. detainee’s conditional freedom The Venezuelan state prosecutor’s office on Friday called for the conditional release of a U.S. citizen held on weapons charges for more than a year, citing delays in his trial.

The family of Joshua Holt, 25, a Mormon missionary from Utah, says he is in precarious health, was framed after traveling to Venezuela to marry, and should be allowed home. The Holt case has had a low profile, despite tense diplomatic relations between Washington and Venezuela’s leftist government.

A statement from the prosecutor’s office recommended that both Holt and his Venezuelan wife Thamara Caleno, also 25, be allowed out of jail, but prohibited from leaving Venezuela. The preliminary hearing for the pair was delayed “on repeated occasions” and their state of health should be

checked, the statement said, adding that they were being held by Venezuela’s intelligence service in Caracas.

Holt and Caleno were arrested in June last year in connection with a weapons capture by police in Ciudad Caribia, a showcase town built on a mountain outside Caracas close to the Caribbean coast during former leader Hugo Chavez’s rule.

Officials linked them to a murder gang, saying a rifle, a grenade, ammunition and maps were found at their home.

U.S. officials, who in the past have called the charges against Holt “questionable”, did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the case.

Head of Islamic State in Afghanistan killed: Pentagon The head of Islamic State in Afghanistan, Abu Sayed, was killed in a strike on the group’s headquarters in Kunar province earlier this week, the Pentagon said on Friday.

Pentagon spokeswoman Dana White said in a statement that other members of the Islamic State group were also killed in the strike on Tuesday.

U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told reporters, “The significance is you kill a leader of one of these groups and it sets them back ... it is obviously a victory on our side in terms of setting them back, it is the right direction.”

Sayed is the third Islamic State leader in Afghanistan to be killed since July 2016. Former leader Abdul Hasib was killed in

Saturday, July 15th, 2017 - 09:00 hrs Sunday, June 16th, 2017 - 10:00 hrs Monday, June 17th, 2017 - 11:000hrs

Holt’s mother declined to comment to Reuters for fear of prejudicing the case.

On a web site set up to help Holt, supporters say he was only planning to stay a couple of months in Venezuela but ended up being accused of conspiring against the government. “We are thoroughly convinced the evidence was planted and the process was rigged. He has never published nor expressed any desire to conspire against the Venezuelan government,” it says.

Venezuela’s chief state prosecutor Luisa Ortega has broken with the government of Chavez’s successor, President Nicolas Maduro, alleging erosion of democracy and rights abuses. (Reuters)

a joint U.S. and Afghan operation on April 27 in the eastern province of Nangarhar. Hasib’s predecessor Hafiz Saeed Khan died in a U.S. drone strike in 2016. Afghan troops, backed by U.S. warplanes and special forces, have been battling militants linked to Islamic State in eastern Afghanistan for years. The local affiliate of Islamic State, sometimes known as Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K) after an old name for the region that includes Afghanistan, has been active since 2015, fighting the Taliban and Afghan and U.S. forces.

General John Nicholson, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, has vowed to defeat Islamic State there this year. (Reuters)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 15 2017

PAHO seeks new solutions to improve health care delivery in the Caribbean The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) says it is looking for innovative community-based solutions for health care delivery issues related to infectious diseases in Central America and the Caribbean.

On Thursday PAHO said that it is collaborating on this initiative with the International Training and Medical Research Centre (CIDEIM) of Colombia, ICESI University of Colombia, and the World Health Organization (WHO) Special Program for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR).

PAHO said the call seeks to identify social innovation projects in health that empower indigenous com-

munities, improve health and well-being, and address conditions and root causes that contribute to death. The call for solutions closes on July 31.

Submissions can be done through the Initiative for Social Innovation in Health website, a global partnership of associates who are passionate about finding and advancing innovative community solutions in health. PAHO is part of this partnership, which, in 2015 identified 23 examples of social innovation in health in 15 countries around the world, including two in the Americas.

In Central America and the Caribbean, as in other

regions of the world, PAHO said thousands of people do not have access to affordable and quality health care. The health body says medications, vaccines and medical devices do not always reach those who need them. But PAHO said communities in the countries of the region are finding solutions to strengthen health care and make it affordable to the population. Health workers, business owners, students, government workers, programmers, community members and innovators who are addressing local health problems and applying more inclusive, effective, and affordable health care solutions can apply, PAHO said.

“Through the call for solutions, we will study, evaluate and select the most promising projects to carry out case studies that advance knowledge about innovative approaches to health care,” the organizations point out on the initiative’s website. The selected projects will be recognized by national and global health policy-makers, and case studies will be made and published, PAHO said. It said the awarded individuals will meet other social innovators in the region, and inspire others by sharing their experiences and help develop collective knowledge in this field.

Orange Economy: Innovations you may not know were from Latin America and the Caribbean Highlighting the contributions of creative talent to social and economic progress, the Inter-American Development Bank on Thursday launched the e-book “Orange Economy: Innovations you may not know were from Latin America and the Caribbean”.

The IDB uses the term “orange economy” to describe the cultural and creative industries, which include activities such as architecture, audiovisual

arts, digital services, fashion, graphic and industrial design, handcrafts, music, and software. In 2015, it generated more than $124 billion in revenues and provided jobs to more than 1.9 million people in the region.

The e-book, which can be downloaded for free, showcases 50 outstanding initiatives in the cultural and creative industries from 12 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The case studies underscore how creativity works as an

engine for innovation and a tool to help countries diversify their output and engage in the knowledge-based economy.

“Among the selected startups, we highlighted those that succeeded in bridging the analog and the digital realms, a key convergence for reinventing the entrepreneurship ecosystem and our cities, drawing from what communities need, their surrounding environment and leveraging our cultural her-

itage,” said IDB lead specialist Alejandra Luzardo, one of the authors.

The e-book compiles many of the examples exhibited in different editions of Demand Solutions: Ideas for Improving Lives, the IDB’s flagship initiative on creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship. Besides Luzardo, the other co-authors of the e-book are the international consultants Dyanis de Jesús and Michelle Pérez Kenderish.

Several countries have joined in the search to find the 13 fishermen who have gone missing off Nicaragua’s Caribbean coast.

The last recorded signal from the vessel – Miss Johanna Betsey, was heard on June 29 when it departed the port city of Bluefields. The police report that the boat’s captain appeared to have been trying to get a head start on the official lobster season, which was not scheduled to begin until July 1.

However, the day after the boat departed, weather conditions worsened and officials prohibited boats from leaving port until further notice. The vessel was first reported as missing on July 3 and Nicaraguan naval and army forces began a search south of Blue-

fields covering more than 800 nautical miles with 85 sailors and eight fast boats.

Since then, the search has moved north and grown in scope with help from Colombia, Costa Rica, Honduras and the United States. According to the US Embassy here, the U.S. Southern Command directed a U.S. Coast Guard HC-130 plane to assist in the international search coordination. But after 10 days of searching, the only evidence of the crew that has been found are a few objects believed to have come from the boat, including baskets, rope and a drum of oil. (CMC)

Colombia coca cultivation rises by 50% says UN The United Nations says there was a 50% increase last year in the area of land being used to cultivate coca leaf in Colombia.

The UN estimates that a third more cocaine was being produced in the country in 2016. The head of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, Bo Mathiasen, called the increase significant. Analysts say much of it was due to the end of the eradication of coca crops by spraying.

The report said the total coca-growing area rose from 96,000 hectares in 2015 to 146,000 in 2016.

Mr Mathiasen said that he held out hope for a reduction in cultivation because Colombia had signed a peace agreement with the biggest rebel group in the country, the Farc, which controlled much of the drug-producing areas. But local analysts argue that the rise was caused partly by a hiatus resulting from the government’s peace deal with Farc rebels. Under the deal, the Farc agreed to relinquish control over drug production areas and

help the government try to encourage local farmers to plant substitute crops.

Farmers have taken advantage of the delays while the crop substitution policy is set up to plant coca, which has increased in price by almost 50%, because they know they will be offered subsidies later not to grow the plant.

Meanwhile, the Colombian government has increased by almost 50% its seizures of cocaine - from 253 tonnes confiscated in 2015 to 378 tonnes in 2016.

(BBC)

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Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 15, 2017

Health Insurance for Government Ministers LAST month, Minister of State Joseph Harmon at a post-cabinet news conference, announced that the administration is in talks with an insurance company to finalise health insurance for ministers of government.

It is commendable that the government recognises the importance of effective health services being made available for the ministers to access. Putting an insurance plan in place for ministers hopefully would see expansion to Members of Parliament, magistrates and judges, who represent the other two branches of government. Examination of this approach outside of avoiding political accusations of bias or discrimination against any group, there are greater benefits to be derived in a group insurance by way of premium and areas of coverage. It is also past time that government officials at such levels participate in health insurance plan.

There have been several instances where society has been in uproar when it was felt that taxpayers’ money was being used by ministers and members of parliament to cover overseas care that could have been sourced here or elsewhere at cheaper cost. The other area of angst is that while the society is not opposed to government officials having access to overseas healthcare, the perception that such access allows for poor attention to the local public health services where the masses are forced to go to or have as their only choice,

should not be ignored.

People are generally not opposed to any seeking care, preventative or curative, once needed. The opposition has been the perception, real or contrived, that such is only accessible by a chosen few. Moving to erase this perception, as in the instance where a private plan is being established, the society will expect that the cost of its maintenance will see the beneficiaries shouldering at least some financial responsibility. Plans of similar nature extended by governments in other countries could serve as guide and best practices.

Healthcare reimbursement for most Guyanese, who are not in private insurance plans, is had through the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), and overseas treatment is only approved where such is not provided locally. In the NIS instance, this creates a level of social equity, however, private insurance is guided by its own rules and standards. Recognising the dynamics in the insurance industry, consideration could be given to the idea that the insured could be able to be a member of the plan, even after changing employment, which would allow continuous access to its benefits.

As government moves to establish an insurance plan which would benefit an identified demographic, consideration could be seriously given to improving the services available to the wider public. Taking such an approach

would improve public perception that elected officials are not only putting systems in place to address their health concerns, but are equally concerned about the health of every citizen. The announcement by the Minister of State, constructively analysed, can bring about bi-partisan support by the lawmakers/members of parliament which can morph into a national scheme that can be to the benefit of public officials, in and out of active service.

There was a time in the nation’s history when state agencies had group health plans for the workers, inclusive of NIS workers. With government presently examining this aspect of personal investment in one’s health, it may be feasible to examine the wisdom of resuscitating such benefit programme, which can well augment the benefits provided by the NIS, and expansion of workers and their beneficiaries’ social safety network in times of illness, regular check-ups, injuries, loss of lives, and so forth.

Inexcusable to treat LRC and CLR issue lightly Dear Editor, I REFER to a letter in KN, Wednesday, July12, 2017 under caption “Curry and roti, roti and curry argument of a Guyanese lawyer” by the name “Nand Puran.” If as I suspect “Nand Puran” is a lawyer, would the real Nand Puran please step forward and present your legal argument for the whole country and the world to read. The court is a rather cloistered forum where mistakes can remain unrealised.

My arguments (as invariably there are) are unassailable irrefutable . The letter evinces a persistence of an obstinacy in the outrage that LRC and CLR law reports are matters of semantics. And, there being a recognition of the unassailability of my legal argument, you (“Nand Puran”) resorts to casting and insinuating improper motives to my modus vivendi (which I readily admit and make no apology whatsoever) of when I was a magistrate recreating at the Chinese restaurant on Sheriff Street. (what you called my “annex”not my word, yours’.) it is only a naïve person who would

suppose (or hoped to be believed) that a person of my intellect would be so impetuous as to choose such a place of openness and public glare as a venue to commit the kind of impropriety you are cowardly insinuating. I was a “ladies man”.(many would like to be but lack the requisite dominant personality). Being at my “annex” was my relatively inexpensive and inconspicuous way of womanising (and that is no damn business of yours “Nand Puran”.

So, I turn now to the matters of serious legal import in your letter. Here is a simple test as to how wrong, misconceived and inexcusable it must be for a lawyer to treat and consider LRC and CLR as “curry and roti, roti and curry”. (a rather pathetic bemusing attempt at culinary analogy). If when arguing a case before the court (Judge or Magistrate) and you rely heavily on a case reported only in a volume of the CLR (not coincidentally also in the LRC reports) would you take to Court a LRC volume to cite and quote from, only if you are idiotic and a comedian. Would you in citing the report of the case on

which you so heavily rely, tell the judge/magistrate, LRC, rather than CLR? Only if you are idiotic and comical. The courts (much less the Chief Justice’s) is no kangaroo court. It is no restaurant where if you, intending to order “curry and roti” it makes absolutely no difference as to what you will be served, if you tell the waitress- “roti and curry.” The argument that the matter was argued in Court and the matter proceeded with and the conservatory order granted on the footing that all the dramatis personae (ie the Hon Chief Justice (ag); the state counsel representing the AG and SOCU, and Mr. Nandlall) were fully cognisant and aware that the subject matter of the application for the conservatory order were LRCs and not CLRs is neither credible nor supportable.

If that were so, then it was nothing but a comedy of errors.

Nandlall’s and theirs’ (mis) understanding is not to be attributed to SOCU. Besides, in that adversarial setting the State Counsel were quite right not to wise up but instead to leave Mr. Nandlall in his state of confusion (or perhaps ignorance) as to LRC and CLRs (this caused no prejudice to SOCU). And the learned CJ (ag)

was right (being a civil matter) not to get into the arena. In the circumstances she granted Mr. Nandlall just what he prayed for.

He, could not order (using this analogy) “curry and roti” (ie a conservatory order for CLR); and, expect to be served dhallpuri and dhall (ie conservatory order for LRCs). And “Nand Puran”, I hold no brief from Basil Williams, SC the Attorney General.

I recall an exchange of letters in the SN between myself and Mr. Nandlall as long ago as January 2002 over the appointment of Mr. Manning (rather than Panday) as the Prime Minister in the tied General Elections in T&T. And “NandPuran” if as you claim in your opening words of your letter: “I am not a lawyer”, then you are a pretender and imposter to legal knowledge; and you are intellectually in no position to know whether my legal views are “idiotic”; and it follows as day follows night that accordingly, your opinion is like unto “a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury signifying nothing”. And this tale extends to your apparent fetish for rumour mongering and your “more revelations will come soon” with which you end your letter.

But, I end mine with high

standards. Former Justice of Appeal Claudette Singh can write and defend herself. But if I were a practising lawyer and were I retained in this matter (even if in an advisory capacity) I would take and establish the point of law (as a preliminary point/point in limine) that the Court/Judge has and had, no power or jurisdiction whatsoever to grant a “conservatory order” which is in substance and effect, analogous to an INJUNCTION against the State (the Guyana Police Force in which SOCU is a unit); and, that such conservatory order would, and ought to have been refused were the provision of section 16(6) of the State Liability And Proceedings Act, 1984 Cap: 6:05 brought to the attention of the learned CJ(ag). Section 16(6) provides relevantly: “Where in ANY proceedings against the state any relief is sought… the Court shall NOT grant an injunction… but may in lieu thereof make an order declaratory of the rights of the parties.”

What is so prohibited directly, is equally indirectly prohibited in the form of some interlocutory conservatory order (ie “CO”), the effect of which (unwittingly

or otherwise) is to in, and by, a civil court, impede or frustrate the presentation of the prosecution’s case in a CRIMINAL trial and preempt a finding of fact it must be the duty of the criminal court to make. But these technicalities and idiosyncracies of the law would be beyond your brain grade. And if the CO ought to be discharged as void for want of jurisdiction (section 16(6)) it can only be a pyrrhic victory to boast in “Nand Puran’s” letter that a “High Court Judge has impounded the challenged search warrant” (ie the SW which SOCU abortively sought to execute recently). It is up to the State Counsel representing SOCU to take the point of jurisdiction and thereupon persuade the discharge of the CO. When that happens, there would be no colour of legal basis for impounding (if in fact that has happened) the search warrant. And by the way, it is not competent for courts to grant interlocutory/interim declaration of rights order.

Regards Maxwell E. Edwards Attorney – at – Law (Former Magistrate)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 15 2017

Development moving apace in Region Two Look out for your children during the holiday Dear Editor DESPITE the numerous challenges, including regular black-outs at this stage, Region Two remains stable and on course to expand its growing potential in the areas of agriculture, tourism, entrepreneurship and cultural diversification.

Rice indeed remains the economic stimulator within the region and I was pleased to learn that despite the consistent, heavy rainfall previously, little damage was done to the rice industry. This was attributed to the Regional Administration’s prudent management of the sector, including having resources readily available on the ground to facilitate decisive action and prevent excess flooding. The heartening news that the Government has secured markets in Panama and Mexico are positive indicators that have propelled farmers in the region to increase their yields. Additionally, agricultural state officials are on the ground visiting homes to advise households on smallscale farming of cash crops that could generate further income and for families to become self-sufficient.

Such unprecedented developments have created an increasing level of dynamism and which is benefitting communities across the Essequibo Coast. Region Two can be viewed as a sumptuous paradise for its scenic beauty,

including captivating lakes and resorts based at Mainstay, Capoey and Suddie. These are imminent tourist attractions that are depictions of natural beauty and splendour. I am also impressed with the glowing landscapes that are being developed in various parts of the region including in Anna Regina, Ex-Mouth and Cotton Field, which have transformed the social trajectory of those societies and which have been studiously undertaken by the Administration under the stewardship of the Regional Executive Officer, Mr. Rupert Hopkinson. These small but significant projects should be replicated in other villages too as a prerequisite towards sustaining social cohesion, family orientation and which can serve as positive channels to reduce stress and increase the level of participation and even relaxation.

These social instruments have certainly complemented the general nature of the people of Region Two, who are quite peaceful, sociable and hospitable. Such qualities are manifested daily by Essequibians who are considered as good Samaritans, regardless of their differing persuasions or political affiliations. As a sign of approval, entrepreneurs are investing in the local economy as more supermarkets are being established, thus increasing the competitive drive and more options for consumers; there are also constant infrastructural development with the

provision of better drainage and irrigation, roads, access dams for farmers as well as residents receiving clean and treated water into their taps.

The State through the Ministry of Public Telecommunication is now providing technological hubs in many parts of the region, whereby residents can now have access to free internet connection including in public offices and other institutions. These advancements have catapulted the aspirations of the people into enjoying a good life through the provision of better and transparent services. Our cultural chemistry is also thriving with the abundance of talented young people, who have been eager to express themselves at every given forum in the field of dances, songs and dramatic poetry. Essequibians are indeed proud to celebrate together whenever the opportunity arises and I have seen the joy in which this has occurred over the years. Such a harmonious atmosphere can only be strengthened therefore with the continued passion and commitment from the Government, local organs including the Administration, RDC, Community leaders, private sector, stakeholders and the people of Region Two. Essequibo’s stability as a community is evident with the potential to forge ahead.

Regards Elroy Stephney

Camp St riot was a well executed plan Dear Editor, CAMP Street prison killings not “an accident waiting to happen” but a nefarious, “Well Executed Plan.”

President David Granger, in remarks noted in the press on the most recent Camp Street prison riot and destruction by fire, has described the event as “…an accident waiting to happen.”

This extraordinary comment from a Head of State who, both in opposition and in government, has been a vociferous and insistent proponent for the holding of “Commissions of Inquiry” – the most recent of which is to inquire into the Guyana Police Force’s diligence or lack thereof, in pursuing investigations into an alleged plot on his life.

It apparently escapes the President’s attention or understanding that: the burning of the prison buildings simultaneously at more than four locations; the escape

of the most dangerous capital prisoners with weapons (who should not have been housed there); the lack of securing timely or effective supporting response from the fire, police military services and from senior government functionaries – inclusive of ministers and the chaos, panic and confusion engendered as a result, could only have occurred because of the planned, coordinated and deliberate action of prison masterminds and could not be viewed or suggested as being accidental.

It is apt to note that the lack of any action on the recommendations of the previous “Commission of Inquiry” into the 2016 “Riot and Arson” at the same location, which resulted in the deaths of 18 prisoners, was emphasised by the dismal response and renewed loss of life and property during the recent event.

What we all need to admit, is that we seem to have

an “accidental” President and government who are more concerned with personal comfort and silly grandeur, while pursing nebulous notions of governance – whenever they find the time to think about governing -- and thereby, putting at grave risk public safety and security.

The President and ministers seem to be “asleep at the wheel” on this and many other issues and the despicable and crass attempt to blame the prison fiasco on sugar is the lowest blow imaginable in the circumstances. It goes without saying that the Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, has to go! But given his statement on “… an accident waiting to happen” all bets are off that President Granger will take the necessary action to do what is right to ensure the safety of all Guyanese.

Regards Anjanie Seebarran

Dear Editor,

THE July/August term break is here. Children will be on vacation for the next 49 days. Many parents will take this opportunity to send their children to visit relatives or various summer camps. Parents therefore need to take serious precautions as they make plans for their children during the holidays in order to protect them from possible abuse.

When a parent allows his/her children to visit and stay over at a relative, they need to be clear on who will protect their children in their absence, considering all of the risk factors of communities and all those individuals who will have easy access to their children. Parents need to have important conversations with their children about topics such as “good touch/ bad touch.” Let the children know that they should be cautious with everyone.

A common misperception that many have is that abuse is usually committed by a stranger. The truth is, the abuser is more likely to be a close family member trusted by both the child and the parents.

Children should be guided to play in open areas where they can be easily monitored by their parent or guardian and adventures to creeks and secluded areas must be supervised by a responsible adult.

ChildLinK has dealt with many cases of child sexual abuse referred to us where the perpetrator monitored the child’s activities and followed him/her to a secluded area to commit heinous acts. If the parent is at home during the holidays, monitor your children as frequently as possible.

During the holiday period, parents can make a greater effort to strengthen their relationship with their children.

Take the time to do some low-cost activities together.

A game of snake and ladders, for instance, can be fun. This should build rapport with your children and help them to know that they can approach you to disclose any information without fear of judgment or punishment. Perpetrators usually threaten the child after abusing him/her. The threats of the perpetrator coupled with fear of judgment, punishment and even shame, prevents some children from disclosing information. This is especially important because when a child is sent to a summer camp

or a new environment, that child will inevitably meet new people and become familiar with them. This increases the possibility of encountering an abuser, as there were over 700 reported cases of sexual abuse in 2016.

Working parents, do ensure that arrangements for your children who have to be at home are protective and do check in on your children during the day where possible.

Take advantage of available communications technology and, if possible, video call your children and make this fun since children enjoy using their gadgets.

Finally, parents observe your children for possible changes in behaviour, their changes in development, making new friends, losing friends, going to a new school and interactions with new teachers. These are all areas where children need guidance on how to deal with the changes. And to the general public, we can also be a good neighbor and ‘keep an eye out’ for other children as well.

Regards Hasani Tinnie Communications Officer Child Rights Alliance

Good move to phase out private garbage collectors Dear Editor, WELL news coming out of City Hall reveals that the folk there have had an epiphany. Finally after more than two decades and billions of dollars later, they have realised that privatising the process of garbage collection, a municipal function, is unaffordable and unsustainable. What a moment of sudden inspiration, revelation, and recognition by the Fabulous Four.

For decades if not centuries, the municipality collected all of the garbage in our capital themselves, starting with animal-drawn carts and progressing all the way to modern compactors. It was the most cost-effective and efficient way of providing this service. Georgetown was immaculate and there were no avenues for municipal officials to benefit from inducements that could be offered by contractors.

But suddenly, just like the toilet rentals, we heard from municipal officials that it was more feasible to contract out refuse collection rather than do it themselves.

How preposterous! And so

the general rates of Georgetown has been literally and figuratively thrashed over the years. Now in a remarkable pivot we hear that the Council will be seeking to boost its capacity to better deliver the service itself, and that a team has been set up to look at all the details of their new plan into having their own garbage trucks, even if they start with one or two, come 2018.

Are they serious? One or two garbage trucks to clean the city? What has happened to the numerous garbage trucks they had, including the many that were donated to them by the government?

And will the team looking into this plan investigate why the Council just recently sold approximately one dozen garbage trucks and allied equipment they had, some in working order to the garbage contractors dirt cheap if the plan is to provide the service themselves?

Then the mayor was reported to have said that several things will have to be in place before this could happen, including the M&CC having its own workshop and employees to maintain the vehicles. Is this lady unaware that the Council has had its

own workshop almost 50 years now? Is she oblivious to the fact that the workshop has a considerable staff that is paid by the Council each month?

But the biggest question to be answered is why the two prominent garbage contractors were starved of payment for two years, causing the outstanding balance to run up to more than three hundred million dollars and why were the other contractors who are their friends and who never went through a tender procedure, not subjected to the same privation, but instead are paid up to date for weeding parapets, clearing drains and building bridges etc?

Public office is supposed to be a public trust.

Over the years, there have been clear signs of the rampant corruption at the highest levels of the Georgetown municipality. Corruption is the enemy of development, and of good governance.

It must be got rid of. Both the municipality and the citizens of our capital must come together to achieve this national objective.

Regards Mateo Phelepe

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 15, 2017

Escapee nabbed at Canal #1

POLICE on Friday night arrested prison escapee, Desmond James on a dam at Canal Number 1 Polder, West Bank Demerara.

Police said at around 22:50hrs Friday acting on information ranks proceeded to an abandoned house on a ac-

Pensioner dies from rape HOMICIDE detectives are hunting for a male suspect who allegedly beat and raped a 75year- old female pensioner at her Crabwood Creek home around 02:00hrs Friday morning.

Police in a release said the elderly woman succumbed while receiving medical attention at the New Amsterdam Public Hospital.

Investigation re vealed that shortly after the act was committed, the known suspect fled the scene and the victim rushed over to her daughter who lives nearby and related what transpired.

She was taken to the Skeldon Public Hospital but was subsequently transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital where she died.

cess dam at Canal # 1 WBD where Desmond James was arrested. He indicated that he was heading to Essequibo and was found with a knife and a few pieces of clothing, police said in a brief statement.

Security forces were able to confirm on Thursday that six Georgetown Prison escapees were on the run. With James being arrested the five now on the lam are: Mark Royden Durant called Royden Williams or “Smallie”; Uree Varswyck known as Malcolm Gordon; Stafrei Hopkinson Alexander; Cornelius Thomas and Cobena Stephens, called “OJ.” Police believe that the first four mentioned are travelling to-

gether while the other two are separate.

The Georgetown Prison, which was built to accommodate 600, was holding 1,018 inmates on Sunday.

But after fire ripped through the correctional facility that day, authorities were forced to relocate more than 1000 of them to a walled field neighbouring the Lusignan Prison on the East Coast.

For much of Friday there was heavy police presence in Victoria, East Coast Demerara where it is believed some of the escapees might be hiding out. A Guyana Defence Force helicopter provided aerial cover while ground troops patrolled the forested

Recaptured escapee, Desmond James backlands. Up to late Friday afternoon no one was arrested, but ranks are convinced that the men might be lurking

somewhere in the area.

On Friday Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan sought to assure the nation that every effort is being made to recapture the escapees – all of whom are murder accused and/or convicts. “Every effort is going to be made to catch those six escapees.

The joint services will be doing their best to hunt them down and bring them in” the minister said.

This was also the assurance of Police Commissioner, Seelall Persaud, who shared that the joint services are currently conducting several operations to recapture the escapees. “…at a joint services level, we have embarked on

several operations which are consistent with the plan,” he said. That plan which he referenced, is an operational plan developed by the joint services to be presented to the National Security Committee. The objectives of the plan are to ensure: security of the prisoners; security of the prisons; to recapture the six escapees; and to restore order in the prisons.

According to Persaud, that operation, along with the others, is intelligence-led.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the escapees are asked to contact the nearest police station. It is a criminal offence to harbour fugitives.

2.1 billion people lack safe drinking water at home … more than twice as many lack safe sanitation

SOME 3 in 10 people worldwide, or 2.1 billion, lack access to safe, readily available water at home, and 6 in 10, or 4.5 billion, lack safely managed sanitation, according to a new report by WHO and UNICEF. The Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP) report, Progress on drinking water, sanitation and hygiene: 2017 update and Sustainable Development Goal baselines, presents the first global assessment of “safely managed” drinking water and sanitation services.

The overriding conclusion is that too many people still lack access, particularly in rural areas.

“Safe water, sanitation and hygiene at home should not be a privilege of only those who are rich or live in urban centres,” says Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

“These are some of the most basic requirements for human health, and all countries have a responsibility to ensure that everyone can access them.”

Billions of people have

gained access to basic drinking water and sanitation services since 2000, but these services do not necessarily provide safe water and sanitation. Many homes, healthcare facilities and schools also still lack soap and water for handwashing. This puts the health of all people – but especially young children – at risk for diseases, such as diarrhoea.

As a result, every year, 361 000 children under 5 years of age die due to diarrhoea. Poor sanitation and contaminated water are also linked to transmission of diseases such as cholera, dysentery, hepatitis A, and typhoid. “Safe water, effective sanitation and hygiene are critical to the health of every child and every community – and thus are essential to building stronger, healthier, and more equitable societies,” said UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake. “As we improve these services in the most disadvantaged communities and for the most disadvantaged children today, we give them a fairer chance at a better tomorrow.”

Significant inequalities persist In order to decrease global inequalities, the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) call for ending open

defecation and achieving universal access to basic services by 2030. Of the 2.1 billion people who do not have safely managed water, 844 million do not have even a basic drinking water service. This includes 263 million people who have to spend over 30 minutes per trip collecting water from sources outside the home, and 159 million who still drink untreated water from surface water sources, such as streams or lakes.

In 90 countries, progress towards basic sanitation is too slow, meaning they will not reach universal coverage by 2030. Of the 4.5 billion people who do not have safely managed sanitation, 2.3 billion still do not have basic sanitation services. This includes 600 million people who share a toilet or latrine with other households, and 892 million people – mostly in rural areas – who defecate in the open. Due to population growth, open defecation is increasing in sub-Saharan Africa and Oceania. Good hygiene is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of disease. For the first time, the SDGs are monitoring the percentage of people who have facilities to wash

their hands at home with soap and water. According to the new report, access to water and soap for handwashing varies immensely in the 70 countries with available data, from 15 per cent of the population in sub-Saharan Africa to 76 per cent in western Asia and northern Africa.

Additional key findings from the report include: •Many countries lack data on the quality of water and sanitation services. The report includes estimates for 96 countries on safely managed drinking water and 84 countries on safely managed sanitation.

•In countries experiencing conflict or unrest, children are 4 times less likely to use basic water services, and 2 times less likely to use basic sanitation services than children in other countries.

•There are big gaps in service between urban and rural areas. Two out of three people with safely managed drinking water and three out of five people with safely managed sanitation services live in urban areas. Of the 161 million people using untreated surface water (from lakes, rivers or irrigation channels), 150 million live in rural areas.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 15, 2017

Countries urged to reap benefits of food trade … by engaging in standards-setting

PARTICIPATION in the development of international food standards for trade is essential if countries are to reap the benefits of booming global trade and prepare for imminent technological changes, according to a joint publication issued by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Tr a d e O r g a n i z a t i o n (WTO) on 12 July.

Developing countries, in particular, should invest in the capacity and skills to achieve effective engagement in institutions and multilateral bodies such as the WTO and Codex Alimentarius - the world’s primary international food standards setting body. The publication Trade and Food Standards offers a concise explanation of how international food standards are set and applied. It advocates for deeper involvement by developing countries in both the harmonized food standard setting processes in Codex Alimentarius and the WTO’s Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committees.

“When food standards and international trade work hand-in-hand, they help to ensure food safety, as well as improved nutrition across the globe.

This can help to promote growth and development, and to deliver on many of the new Sustainable Development Goals,” said WTO Director-General Roberto Azevêdo. More effective engagement has also the potential to make the international $1.7 trillion market in agriculture products more inclusive, allowing small-scale food producers and processors to participate in large-scale value chains. To achieve this, governments must devote attention and muster national consensus on their food policy priorities.

Such an approach is increasingly imperative in a time of growing consumer concerns about microbes, pesticides, food additives and nutrition and of greatly increased technological abilities to control the quality, safety and origins of food products. “Food safety and food standards are crucial to unlock the potential of an important tool to fight hunger, which is trade,” said FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva.

“Public and private sectors, operators from all parts of the food value chain, civil society organizations, academic and research organizations - all have essential roles in developing sound and credible systems of food

safety management.”

ROAD MAP TO ENGAGEMENT The central body for food standards is Codex Alimentarius, jointly run

by FAO and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Codex, whose 188 Members represent 99 percent of the world’s population, has since its establishment in 1963 promulgated food standards, guidelines and codes of practice covering almost 200 food commodities and more than 300 food additives and defined almost 5 000 maximum pesticide residue limits.

The WTO’s SPS and TBT Agreements set out the basic rules on how governments can apply food safety and animal and plant health measures as well as technical regulations for policy objectives including human health and safety, environmental protection and consumer information.

The SPS Agreement makes specific reference to standards developed by Codex for food safety, and WTO members frequently refer to these standards in discussions in the TBT Committee. While emerging economies have recently begun to increase their participation in key Codex and WTO committees, levels

of participation by many least-developed country members remain low.

One key message of the book is that countries will get most value from participating in such work if they bring together government officials and agriculture, health, industry and trade experts, as well as consumer and producer groups, to identify national food safety and quality priorities and identify possible means to address them.

CHALLENGES AHEAD The publication also illustrates some of the drivers of change in the area of food regulation

- digitalization, new production and processing technologies, and e-commerce, as well as labelling trends, new trade deals and changing dietary and consumer preferences - that will all have an increasingly profound impact on the food trade and food safety landscape.

Traceability of food products is increasingly obligatory to allow for the rapid response to outbreaks of foodborne disease. Methods to measure radiation, pesticides and other chemical contaminants in food stuffs are increasingly sensitive and underline the growing importance for developing countries’ ca-

pacities to assess associated risks and to appropriately manage and communicate them.

Such developments pose formidable challenges to many developing countries, where food control, inspection and certification systems are often in their infancy and supply chains are often fragmented and not well developed.

The WTO, FAO and others have created a partnership, The Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF), to disseminate best practices and support projects to help developing countries enhance market access by complying with international standards.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 15, 2017

President to spend birthday in quiet reflection SIGNALLING that he intends to celebrate his 72nd birthday quietly and reflecting on Guyana, President David Granger noted the importance of his colleagues within government.

The President described his Cabinet colleagues as his “second family” during a luncheon held at State House on Friday. “You are family; you came with me through the Campaign and we have battled to fulfil a dream of making Guyana a better place… We believe in a better Guyana; we believe that we are the people to deliver to the next generation that better Guyana,” a statement from the Ministry of the Presidency said.

Today also marks the 6th anniversary of the formation of A Partnership for

National Unity (APNU) of which President Granger is the Chairman. During the luncheon, the Headof-State pledged his commitment to the members of the APNU as well as to the APNU+AFC [Alliance for Change] Coalition Administration and expressed the hope that they will continue to grow from strength to strength well beyond 2020.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo said that the President has proven to be a great leader, especially in times of crisis and challenges. “We are fortunate that we have as a Commander-in-Chief, someone of the calibre of David Granger… Strong leadership is important in times of crisis that may pop up from time to time,” he said.

Meanwhile, over at the Ministry of the Presidency, the staff held a blood drive with the intention of raising a total of 72 litres of blood as a way of honouring the President on the occasion of his birthday. The President thanked them for donating blood in his honour; noting that lives will be saved in the process.

Earlier Friday, members of the Guyana Police Force Band, led by Assistant Commissioner Maxine Graham, serenaded the Head of State and presented him with birthday cake and a wooden sculpture in another early birthday surprise tribute. Expressing his appreciation to the band members, the Head of State said that he was pleasantly surprised by the warm gesture.

President David Granger looks on as this young woman gives blood as part of the President’s birthday blood drive organised by the staff of the Ministry of the Presidency

Assistant Commissioner Maxine Graham presenting President David Granger with a sculpture

An early birthday cake for the President presented by members of the Guyana Police Force Band and Joint Services Choir.

Members of the Guyana Police Force Band and Joint Services Choir singing the ‘birthday song’ for President David Granger at State House

President David Granger and members of the Guyana Police Force Band and Joint Services Choir

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 15 2017

Republic Bank injects $1M into steelpan competition THE Education Ministry’s efforts to keep steelpan music alive in Guyana have received a timely boost from Republic Bank which has injected $1.066M towards the worthy cause.

In a statement, the Education Ministry disclosed that Republic Bank Guyana Information Technology Manager, Yonette Greaves, handed over a cheque valued at $1.066M to Minister Nicolette Henry on Friday.

The handing over ceremony took place in the boardroom of the Ministry of Education, Department of Culture Youth and Sport.

The monies represent sponsorship for the Ministry’s ‘Republic Bank Right Start Pan-minors music literacy programme conducted by the National School of Music

from July 10- 28.

Another series of training is scheduled for Region Seven, Bartica from September 4-15.

Greaves, in making the donation, said “it is our corporate social responsibility to contribute to positive programmes and this donation is part of our Power to Make a Difference Programme at the bank”.

The programme started in 2010 as an initiative to develop the steel pan art form in Guyana in a period when it had become dormant.

“Now we are continuing because we have seen the successes and improvements particularly in the ‘Republic Bank Mashramani Panorama Competition’ and the fruits have rippled to the benefit

Education Minister Nicolette Henry receiving the cheque from Republic Bank Guyana Information Technology Manager Yonette Greaves

of other national events,” Greaves posited.

National School of Music Director, Andrew Tyndall, said more than 900 students have graduated from the programme.

Minister Henry in expressing her government’s gratitude, hailed the donation as a much-needed and welcome support.

“It is great that our children get opportunities because corporate citizens like Republic Bank offer tangible support such as finances which would help our children to move forward positively.”

Minister Henry also expressed the hope that the partnership will be continuous.

Republic Bank Events Coordinator, Rae Jagoo, was also present at the simple handing- ver ceremony.

Guyana and Spain to foster closer ties in trade and investment -Spanish Secretary of State calls on Minister Harmon

Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon on Friday received a courtesy call by Spanish Secretary of State for International Cooperation and Latin America, His Excellency Fernando Garcia-Casas, Ambassador of Spain to Guyana, His Excellency Javier Maria Carbajosa Sanchez along with the rest of their delegation.

Spain’s role in holding the European Union (EU) together was recognised by Minister Har-

Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon is flanked by Spanish Secretary of State for International Cooperation and Latin America, H.E. Fernando Garcia-Casas and Ambassador of Spain to Guyana (third from right), H.E. Javier Maria Carbajosa Sanchez (second from left).

mon, who said that a strong EU would better serve the interests of the people of the Caribbean region and more particularly Guyana. During their brief discussions, Mr. Garcia-Casas expressed his country’s interest in further collaboration with Guyana in the areas of trade and investment and added that the country is looking to foster new areas of cooperation, including eco-tourism, infrastructural development, agriculture, and energy generation by offering expertise and developing projects.

The Guyanese State Min-

ister and Mr. Garcia-Casas committed to regular consultations between the two countries. Minister Harmon also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Spain and expressed confidence that efforts to strengthen and develop areas of collaboration will be actualised. The Governments of Guyana and Spain established diplomatic relations on October 12, 1979 and collaborate primarily in the areas of culture and oil exploration.

(Ministry of Presidency)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 15, 2017

President focused on bettering lives of children

By Ariana Gordon ON this his 72nd birth anniversary, President David Granger continues to have his eyes set on ensuring the nation’s children enjoy “the good life” and he made it clear that his love for country is what drove him to seek the highest office in the land.

During an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Thursday the Guyanese leader, who is also retired military officer, noted that his love for country was a motivating factor in his decision to run for the presidency. In reflecting on his achievements, the President made it clear that he is a man for all seasons and no novice in the political arena. “I came into office with a great deal of experience and personal commitment, professional experience and political savvy and so I didn’t come as an apprentice, I felt I was quite mature and I knew what to expect from political office.”

Granger continued: “I wasn’t dreamy, my head wasn’t in the clouds, I wasn’t

starry- eyed, I knew that there would be difficulties and I focused on institutional change.”

Though the celebration of a birth anniversary represents a personal milestone, the President’s wish for his 72nd year on earth is to ensure that children receive a better quality education, life and are able to appreciate Guyana’s beauty. “My wish is that we would give our children a better quality of life,” he said, while hoping for children to be exposed to the wonders of their homeland. He told the Guyana Chronicle that his push for a ‘Green State’ is important and if children are exposed to areas across the country, then there would be a greater appreciation for the concept.

“I think the very spirit would encourage them to study harder at school and achieve better results and find satisfaction, employment, living in this country.

I really feel sometimes when I speak to children and adults who have never gone past Parika, they don’t know what

a blessed country we live in.

If they were able to move around, if I had the resources to move them around, there would be greater satisfaction,” the President said. He said too that much of what he desires is cultural and noted that while infrastructural development is critical, a good quality of life is also important.

In this thrust, the headof-state noted that with the good life, citizens should be safe, have access to better health care, education and be comfortable. “I’d like to see lovers going to Stabroek Square 2am in the morning, lights on safe, holding hands and so without fear of attack,” President Granger told the Guyana Chronicle, while noting that while his statements may sound dreamy, they are a reflection of his desires. “The good things in life; people want safety, health-- the good life,” he asserted, while noting that he is determined to ensure Guyanese start enjoying the good life. “You don’t really need to have skyscrapers,”

President David Granger

he added, noting that comfort and good quality of life are instrumental to development.

The President strongly believes that the structure of government is currently better than where it was under previous administrations.

He made mention of the Ministries of Public Telecommunications and Social Cohesion, two new ministries he believes are important to the country’s development.

“This is not bureaucracy; not having a ministry of public

telecommunications was a serious deficiency and now Minister Hughes has been able to push that sector.”

The Ministry of Social Cohesion is important in a country that is multi-ethnic, multi-religious, so I think we brought a different quality into public administration,” the Head-of-State noted. He believes that since taking office in May 2015, there has been an upsurge of nationalism, patriotism and citizens are proud. As such, he noted that the cultural change which has taken place over the past two years is not insignificant.

The President does not believe that 15 government ministries are too much and said, “It is just 15 ministries,” while noting that they are compact. “I feel it is a good thing, maybe to my credit that all of the ministers I started with in May 2015 are still with me. So I am loyal to my ministers and I think my ministers are loyal to the coalition.

The very fact that we have a coalition of six parties is also an achievement, even though we just have a oneseat majority,” he declared.

President Granger believes citizens are satisfied when they see the coalition at work representing their needs, something which has never

happened in the country’s history.

Meanwhile, he noted that prior to being elected president in 2015, he had held slightly different views about the state of affairs in the country, but “I have now realised much more clearly where the rot was and what we have to do.” Moreover, he noted that after 23 years there is need for infrastructural enhancement as many challenges exist. He spoke of the non-existence of a bridge over the 1000km long Essequibo River, the age-old Demerara Harbour Bridge and bridges being broken as a result of regular use by heavy-duty vehicles. “So we have taken a holistic look at the country, infrastructure, agriculture, business, public health and gradually we are bringing reforms and I think that is the contribution this administration has made, the contribution I have made.”

The President believes that there is a new level of awareness of what needs to be done in here and he and his ministers alike are determined to “make Guyana a better place. “I am convinced Guyana will be a better place in 2020 when the electorate will judge us.

I think the judgment will be that we have done well,” President Granger added.

Gov’t provides names of 57 early-release prisoners The Minister of Public Security by virtue of ministerial powers vested in him by the Constitution and advice from senior prison officials, who testified to the prisoners’ character and good behaviour, released a total of 57 prisoners within the past week.

They were released following the fire at the Camp Street Prisons which gutted the prisons last Sunday. The men had one month or less remaining on their sentences.

NAME OF PRISONERS 1. Kevin Allicock 2. Eloy Livan 3. Alvin Archer 4. Shivraj Hardwar 5. Anil Orie 6. Joseph Kellman 7. Melroy King 8. Sunny Viera 9. Shamo Jones 10. Shawn Gibson 11. Ronald Forde 12. Andrew Carter 13. Jamin Maning 14. Melroy Moore 15. Akeem Castello 16. Anil Cleglon 17. Nigel Codrington 18. Leon Duke 19. Gerally Henry 20. Cyril Winter 21. Dexter Withright 22. Iftikar Bacchus 23. Terry Hansraj 24. Frank Beete 25. Fazil Rahaman 26. Christopher Jeboo 27. Marvin Trotman 28. Deodat Rajkumar

29. Adrian Fernades 30. Gopaul Ramjattan 31. Joshua Joseph 32. Puran Nagaloo 33. Christopher Niles 34. Khemraj Persaud 35. Maxwell Duke 36. Anand Persaud 37. Uray Chapell 38. Lindon Flagious 39. Anim Dickee 40. Dextroy Kennedy 41. Randy Joseph 42. Kamal Feroze 43. Seecharand Singh 44. Randy Hawker 45. Paul Grant 46. Damion Austin 47. Clifton Nathniel 48. Colin Black 49. Daniel Butrim 50. Sunil Sumra 51. Sherwin Roberts 52. Randolph Smith 53. Oswin Lawson 54. Ewart George 55. Romain Chaitram 56. Kevin Christopher 57. Mark Bobb

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 15, 2017

Intermediate Savannahs pregnant with opportunities THE Agriculture Ministry is on a mission to promote investment opportunities in Guyana’s Intermediate Savannahs as part of a two-pronged approach aimed at tackling climate change and its effects on agriculture here.

During a recent visit to Linden, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder outlined the scope of agriculture potential available for development in the region’s savannah lands when he met with officials from Regional Democratic Council of Region 10.

Minister Holder was accompanied by a team of officials from a wide range of agencies.

In his preamble prior to a PowerPoint presentation on the Intermediate Savannahs and the opportunities that await investors, Minister Holder said mitigation does not only assist in the improvement of the country’s economy, but also prevents economic losses.

“In this regard, the hinterland and Intermediate Savannahs of Region 10 have been earmarked as Guyana’s new agricultural frontier, as the country continues its quest to narrow the gap between the

Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder, making his presentation in the presence of Region 10 Regional Chairman, Renis Morian (right) and another regional official (left) coastland and hinterland regions,” the minister said.

The Agriculture Ministry has since commenced construction of agricultural stations in the major eco-zones including one at Ebini in Region 10.

These stations demonstrate the agricultural potential of the area, such as orchards, nurseries and seed production, as well as breeding herds of cattle and small ruminants to provide breeding stock for farmers and seed stock for entrepreneurs.

“This region is unique….There’s no other region like this that is

so well connected, well wired to the whole country other than the Upper Demerara-Berbice Region,” Minister Holder stated.

To ensure the success of the model for the agricultural development of the Intermediate Savannahs, good planning and governance are necessary for both social and economic development.

To this end, a number of studies have already been initiated and incorporated in a detailed plan to make the development of the Intermediate Savannahs a feasible and ‘bankable’ proposition.

These include the preparation of a detailed land use plan; a road, river and air transport plan; a water supply and distribution plan; an institutional, organisational and management framework; a social services plan; a physical infrastructure plan and a plan for agricultural support services.

There are also plans for agro-processing, environmental protection and eco-tourism.

Meanwhile, Regional Chairman, Renis Morian, in welcoming the development, said the intervention by the Ministry is a timely one which will significantly aid the advancement of agriculture in the region.

He added that while work has been done in the past, much more needs to be done.

“We are indeed happy that the Ministry of Agriculture will be working with the region to advance

our agricultural potential; however, much more can be done and I am adamant that this will birth something spectacular,” the chairman added.

The Intermediate Savannahs cover areas of approximately 270,000 hectares. It consists of 70 per cent forest and 25 per cent of savannah lands and comprises five discrete areas; the Kimbia/Ebini Savannah (East of the Berbice River); the Wiruni Savannah (West of the Berbice River); the Ituni/Tacama Savannah (West of the Berbice River); the Kibilibiri Savannah (West of the Berbice River) and the Eberoabo Savannah (West of the Berbice River).

The development model for the Intermediate Savannahs speaks to a period of about 20 years and points to successful identified crops suitable for the soils types there.

These include soybean, citrus and peanuts, among others. The rearing of livestock as is the case at the GLDA’s pilot station at Ebini is another successful venture underway.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 15, 2017

Three constables recognised in police quarterly essay competition

THREE police constables were recognised in the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Quarterly Essay Competition under the topic “My best experience in the Guyana Police Force thus far”.

Constable 22842 Eron McGarrel of the Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters (CID HQ) emerged first place, followed by Constable 23882 David Prince of ‘A’ Division and Constable 21778 Dale Kewley of ‘E’ Division. These ranks will soon be recognised for

their efforts by the Force.

Meanwhile, the second essay has begun with the topic being “My worst experience in the Guyana Police Force thus far”.

“It’s very encouraging to note that the participation is greater than the first essay. The due date for submission, is Monday July 17, 2017,” Public Relations Officer (PRO), Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan said.

Ramlakhan has implemented a number of initiatives to improve the image of the Force and

which have received the blessings of the Force Administration.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, the Superintendent said one of those initiatives, is to have a Quarterly Essay Competition, apart from the President’s Gold Medal Essay Competition which is done annually. The aim of the Quarterly Essay, he said is to generally allow everyone within the organisation, an opportunity to develop their writing skill, “which undoubtedly is a police problem, on a topic

Constable Dale Kewley

Constable Eron McGarrel

Constable David Prince

selected by the Public Relations Department.”

The first, second and third place winners will be rewarded by the Force.

The essays are marked by the Institute of Distance and Continuing Education

(IDCE). The Quarterly Essay Competition is only one of the many deliverables of the Public Relations Department.

The creation of six (6) WhatsApp Groups, production of fortnightly

periodicals as well as the coordination of regular appearances of Divisional Commanders and their representatives on radio and television stations in their divisions, are just a few to mention.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 15, 2017

Freddie VC inauguration claims baseless –– says Professor Griffith, registrar declines to state budget

By Svetlana Marshall

ALTHOUGH they declined to disclose the amount of money budgeted for the inauguration ceremony of the 10th Vice Chancellor (VC) of the University of Guyana, Professor Ivelaw Griffith and Dr. Nigel Gravesande said the claim that the university is spending more than $10M on the ceremony is baseless, Freddie Kissoon, in his July 13, 2017 Column “Guyana is on autopilot mode; no one is in charge,” questioned why the country is spending $10M on an event it can do without.

“The previous nine didn’t have one. One of the union leaders said the projected 10 million-dollar figure is likely to be exceeded. The university’s response is that the money is not coming from the State. But that is nonsense, just like the atrocious explanation for the building of the Durban Park project,” Kissoon contended in his column.

When approached on the issue on Friday, Professor Griffith said not because it was never done in the past, means it should not be done now.

“It is a normal practice in all universities. The idea is to give yourself a time to accomplish something, to be able to build relationships, and to share not only accomplishments for the first period but plans you’ve got going forward,” he told reporters at his Turkeyen office.

According to him, the figure provided by Kissoon is not factual.

“They just plucked a figure out, so it’s no $10M,” he lamented.

“I don’t know the

UG Vice Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith exact amount but I also know whatever it is, we are judicious in how we spend,” Vice Chancellor Griffith added.

The university’s registrar, Dr. Nigel Gravesande, who is also heading the planning committee, declined from disclosing a proposed budgeted sum.

“I am still in fact working on refining the budget. I would be in a position by next week to have cost based on empirical information. I wouldn’t provide the media with guestimates,” he told reporters.

The investiture ceremony would be held in the George Walcott Lecture Theatre, Dr. Gravesande pointed out, while explaining that many of the costs associated with the university’s annual graduation ceremony, will not be applied to this ceremony.

THREE ELEMENTS He said the costs directly associated with the investiture ceremony are based on three elements: the hosting of a reception, in which significant sponsorship from the

private sector has been acquired; printing of the programmes and invitations; and at a minimal, transportation.

But when pressed for the proposed budgeted sum, Dr. Gravesande said there was none.

“We knew what was the cost associated with those elements, and we are seeking to finance those costs, through collaborative approaches involving corporate Guyana and the university itself.”

He added too that Kissoon is not known for having the “best evidence”.

“I have always defined the best evidence as that in which there is little or no element of self-interest, little or no element of ignorance, meaning lack of information, and little or no element of bias,” the registrar stated.

The investiture ceremony forms part of the university’s inaugural diaspora engagement conference billed for July 23-28 here in Guyana.

The objectives of the conference include engagement of the diaspora in facilitating the pursuit of entrepreneurship, innovations and social and human capital opportunities.

In addition, the event will be used to discuss global best practices in diaspora-engagement policies and strengthen partnerships with organisations overseas.

As part of the calendar of events, President David Granger is expected to host the welcoming reception on the opening day of the event and he is also expected to deliver the keynote address the following day.

Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira, will

also speak during the early days of the event, while several government ministers have confirmed their participation.

In addition, British Member of Parliament, David Lammy, is expected to speak during the conference, while

academics, civic leaders, businesspersons and members of the diplomatic community are also expected to participate in the inaugural event.

The investiture of Professor Griffith as the university’s 10th vice chancellor will take place on the last

day of the event. It is the first time a vice chancellor will be officially installed as head of the university.

The event’s last day will also be highlighted by a cultural extravaganza and will be organised by London-based musician Keith Waite.

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Nominees in for top judicial posts

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 15, 2017

… President says Cabinet to deliberate before consultations with Jagdeo

By Ariana Gordon

NOMINEES for the posts of substantive Chancellor of the Judiciary and Chief Justice have been identified President David Granger has disclosed, sev-

eral months after several persons were interviewed following public advertisements in the media.

During an interview with the Guyana Chronicle at State House on Thursday, President Granger said: “The

panel has made recommendations and we have approached the person who has been nominated by the panel and once there is a full agreement, I will then have to turn to the Constitution and consult with the Leader of the

President David Granger Opposition,” the President told Guyana Chronicle.

The selection panel comprised of former Justice of Appeal, Claudette Singh, Justice James Patterson, and Professor Harold Lutchman.

Currently, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards serves as acting Chancellor of the Judiciary while Justice Roxanne George- Wiltshire is the acting Chief Justice.

Cummings-Edwards also served as acting Chief Justice following the retirement of Justice Ian Chang and was appointed acting Chancellor in March after Justice

Carl Singh demitted office on February 23, 2017. She was then replaced by Justice George-Wiltshire as acting Chief Justice.

“I am confident that he (Opposition Leader) will recognise that this impasse has to be brought to an end and the acting Chancellor and Chief Justice are aware that their positions are temporary and I would like to see Guyana have a permanent appointee as Chancellor and a permanent appointee as Chief Justice,” said President Granger.

It is unclear whether the duo has applied for the substantive posts. In March, the Head-of-State following consultations with Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, appointed the two female justices. Meanwhile, Article 127 of the Constitution of Guyana sets out that “The Chancellor and the Chief Justice shall each be appointed by the President, acting after obtaining the agreement of the Leader of the Opposition.”

This consultation ensures that the appointments are done in an open and transparent manner and with agreement

from the Opposition. Back in January, the government advertised for suitably qualified persons to fill the vacancies of Chancellor of the Judiciary and Chief Justice.

The advertisement appearing in the January 13 edition of the Guyana Chronicle, was published days before substantive Chief Justice, Carl Singh, who was at the time also acting Chancellor of the Judiciary proceeded on pre-retirement leave.

Government had maintained that there is a vacancy for Chancellor as Singh was serving in an acting capacity. The minimum qualifications for the posts, pursuant to Article 129 of the Constitution are that applicants must be a judge or served as a judge of a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in some part of the Commonwealth or a court having jurisdiction in appeals from any such court; or he or she is qualified for admission as an attorney-at-law in Guyana and has been so qualified for such period as may be prescribed by Parliament.

January 27, 2017 was the closing date for the submission of all applications.

ADS-B system to strengthen air safety will be operational by September LAST YEAR, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) had announced several plans to bolster safety in the aviation sector including the operationalisation of four Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) systems.

Director General, GCAA, Retired Lieutenant Colonel, Egbert Field, told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that, to date, three of those ADS-Bs have been placed at the air traffic control towers at Kaieteur, Annai and Kamarang. The fourth one being set up at Port Kaituma is still under construction, Field said.

An ADS-B system is a surveillance system in which an aircraft determines its position via satellite navigation and periodically broadcasts it, enabling it to be tracked. The ADS-B systems took some time to be installed as they were awaiting the acquisition of the simulator to become operational. Field explained that the completed systems are powered by independent solar panels and are connected to the simulator. He noted that several operators are already connected to the simulator and will be tested shortly.

“We are looking at the first week in September to start testing the system.

The equipment (simulator) has on board a number of aircraft already. Roraima’s

fleet of aircraft is fully equipped and other operators are installing the equipment at this time, even Trans Guyana Airlines and the GDF (Guyana Defence Force). We hope that in days to come, we will have the almost more than 80 percent of the fleet of 60 something aircraft on the registry and the system would be fully operational.”

The Director General is confident that the ADS-B system for Port Kaituma will be completed shortly. He pointed out that the authority is currently resolving some issues with the contractor for this project after which the location will be fully solarised and completed for the fourth tower to be constructed. Air traffic is increasing rapidly, the Director General explained and the ADS-Bs will help with better spacing of aircraft in the air, “The system also allows air navigation to have the traffic management system, be used as a minimum safe altitude for short term conflict resolution.”

The GCAA recently commissioned its US$85M state-of-the-art simulator with features such as position for tower, ground and radar controllers, three pseudo-pilots, also 180 degrees display with ability of 360 degrees in 72 monitors, and recording and playback of audio and video for training exercise.

(DPI)

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GTT takes Mobile Money to UG

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 15, 2017

By Svetlana Marshall

STUDENTS attending the University of Guyana (UG) can now pay their tuition fees from the comfort of their homes using Mobile Money now that an agreement is in place.

The agreement, in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), was signed on Friday between the university’s administration and Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT). Mobile Money Guyana Incorporated (MMG) is

your application processing fee, the dormitory fee, your general dues, graduation fees, registration fees, summer registration fees, and the transcript,” Nedd explained.

According to him, Mobile Money is a much easier and more convenient way of doing business. “Everybody that uses the services suddenly can’t do without it and wonder why they weren’t using it all along,” he posited.

Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Ive-

came from a total of 33 countries, and the numbers are expected to increase.

Additionally, he said there is a “convenience factor”.

“The convenience factor also has a secondary benefit of a financial savings factor,” Professor Griffith posited while explaining that students will no longer have to travel long distances at their expense to pay the required fees.

“One of the things that will be captured in the agreement is the opportu-

UG Vice Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith receiving a copy of the signed MoU from GTT CEO Justin Nedd. Also in photo are representatives of the University of Guyana and GTT (Photo by Samuel Maughn) a product of GTT. MMG was launched by GTT in 2012 to afford customers the opportunity to purchase mobile credits, pay utility and other bills, receive loan disbursements and make loan repayments, send and receive money locally, make deposits and withdrawals.

Minutes before signing the MoU at the Vice Chancellor’s Turkeyen Office, GTT Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Justin Nedd, said the university students will join the more than 20, 000 people already utilising MMG’s services through the Mobile Money app.

He posited that the mobile money platform will allow students to pay their university fees.

“With mobile money you are now able to pay

law Griffith, who signed on behalf of the University of Guyana, said critical steps are being taken to enhance the services being provided to the more than 8,600 students on campus.

Approximately 60 per cent of the student population makes cash payment.

“This is a milestone of enhancing the delivery of quality services, better services to our students. It is also a milestone and an opportunity for us to enhance our partnership with GTT,” Vice Chancellor Griffith stated.

With more international students signing up to attend the university, the Vice Chancellor believes that mobile money service is being offered at a critical time. Over the last academic year, international students

nity for the partnership between GTT and the university to have other tangible elements to it, and part of what we are looking for the partnership to allow us to do, is to enable GTT to give to the university and its students additional benefits,” he explained.

For him, it is a “winwin” situation.

UG’s Registrar, Dr. Nigel Gravesande said the mobile money service will reduce the large sums cash within the system – a system that has its own challenges.

“So we have to move to being a modern society and a modern institution and lesser reliance on cash as a monetary instrument for the payment of goods and services. And that is one of the areas,” Dr. Gravesande said.

Once the app is installed, customers can simply get registered and deposit monies into their account at any of the more than 140 GTT agents across the country. It was noted too that once the app is installed on a phone, the service can

be accessed any part of the world as long there is Internet access.

In keeping with the strict guidelines established by the Bank of Guyana, a ceiling has been put in place. Payments can be made from a minimum

of $500 to a maximum of $60, 000 per transaction.

However, the maximum amount per day is set at $100, 000.

Representatives from the University and GTT were also present at the signing ceremony.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 15, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 15, 2017

Five-day workshop focuses on the quality and safety of food

FOOD and safety inspectors from the Ministry of Public Health and Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) participated in a five-day highrisk food inspection and sampling, and food based surveillance workshop.

The workshop, which began at the Herdmanston Lodge on Monday, is a collaborative effort between Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) and the Ministries of Public Health and Agriculture.

Delivering remarks to the participants on Wednesday, Minister within Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, stressed the need to strengthen food safety and quality control system, if the country is to ensure the good health of its citizens.

She noted that, “Globally

food safety has become an international issue where countries around the world are confronted as the demand for food increases.”

The Minister pointed out that, “The increase demand for food increasingly causes farmers and food producers to seek alternative ways to grow food more quickly to meet market demands.”

She noted that while the consumer has benefitted in many ways from this, “mass production, distribution and importation of food,” that these agriculture and supply chain gains are “not without significant cost.”

Dr. Cummings noted for instance that, this mass importation of produce into Guyana can introduce new pathogens to which the population is susceptible. The storage and handling of these food supplies also bring other

challenges in maintaining food safety, the Minister said. “…It is therefore imperative that we find cost effective ways to monitor food contamination and establish effective surveillance of food borne diseases,” she said.

She lauded the timeliness of the workshop and the other FAO developments, including the creation of a risk based food inspection manual, to the effort of improving the capacity of countries to establish and implement appropriate food safety and quality control system.

GLDA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nigel Cumberbatch, expressed his gratitude towards those who participated in the workshop and hoped that they are able to use the information given to strengthen food security.

(DPI)

Participants attending the High-Risk Food Inspection and Sampling and Food Based Surveillance workshop

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 15, 2017

Prisoners attempt to burn Lusignan jail –– construction of tarmacked area fast-tracked

By Navendra Seoraj QUICK action by members of the Joint Services saved the Lusignan Prison from being set ablaze by inmates on Friday

“Pieces of wood and bottles were set alight and hurled at the building by enraged prisoners,” said an official who added that the items fell short of their target.

take food and clothing for their confined relatives.

She went on to say that security officials informed her that self-support cards would not be issued until the situation quells.

be shifted to another “walled area” with better facilities. Following the Camp Street Prison fire which destroyed most of the facility Sunday last, over 1000 prisoners were forced to join their Lusignan colleagues. But due to overcrowding of the building, some of them had to take up residence in the pasture.

In an attempt to rectify this situation, the relevant authorities and stakeholders have taken a decision to transfer them to other holding facilities and construct a tarmac and sheds at another walled area obliquely opposite the current abode.

“We are making accommodation for them in another walled area that was tarmacked and has sheds… this is being done

ers are housed are unjust and said today, they are expected to be shifted to the new facility which has washing areas, toilet facilities and other basic amenities. With the congestion being decreased, the new area will be ideal to temporarily house the prisoners, Ramjattan said.

“We are obligated in accordance with international protocols and national standards to have the prisoners in better conditions than they are currently in,” said Ramjattan, while adding that they are in the process of rehabilitating the concrete structure at the Camp Street Prison which will house at least 250 persons.

SANITISED In order to maintain order in the new walled

times engaged in violent confrontations, but Samuels pronounced that these clashes resulted in only cuts and bruises.

In one instance, a prisoner was shot to the left arm by a guard after he was observed on the wall in an apparent attempt to escape. All the injured received medical attention on site.

“Because of the volatile situation in the facility, we were able to have only a bird’s eye view of what was going on… so that gave prisoners the opportunity to bury improvised weapons, which made it difficult to recover during search exercises,” the Director of Prisons said. On a more positive note, some prisoners received support from their relatives.

When the Guyana

A police vehicle makes its way past a barricade along the roadway leading to the Lusignan Prison on Friday morning. morning.

Firefighters and officers responded quickly to reports of a disruption at the East Coast Demerara (ECD) prison around 02:00hrs, where it was discovered that prisoners were hurling incendiary devices at the facilities in the prison’s compound.

Prison officials told this newspaper that the act was carried out by prisoners who were occupying the pasture within the perimeter of the prison.

Inmates were allegedly enraged by the submerged conditions of the pasture which was caused by torrential rainfall.

Prisoners reportedly accessed fuel from a generator at the facility which they used to ignite the items. Officials told this newspaper that a round was discharged to simmer the situation and reports indicate that a prisoner was grazed by the bullet.

Security has since been beefed up at the prison and its environs.

The actions of the prisoners had repercussions which left relatives of the inmates dissatisfied. A relative told this publication that prison authorities are not issuing self-support cards, which are usually given to them in order to

Meanwhile, following the Camp Street Prison fire which destroyed most of the facility Sunday last, over 1000 prisoners were forced to join their Lusignan colleagues. But due to overcrowding of the building, some of them had to take up residence in the pasture.

CONSTRUCTION EXPEDITED After spending a little less than a week in a pasture within the perimeter of the Lusignan Prison, the over 500 prisoners who are currently housed there will

Items being taken into the Lusignan prison. as we speak,” said Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan during a press conference in his office on Thursday.

The minister accepted the current conditions under which the prison-

area, the prisoners will be sanitised and thoroughly checked for improvised weapons, Prisons Director Gladwin Samuels said.

While domiciled in the pasture, the prisoners at

Chronicle visited the site on Thursday, the GPF had checkpoints set up and various areas barricaded, so that persons would not be able to be within proximity of the holding facility.

Man runs away with sleeping guard gun A SECURITY guard is in police custody after losing his shotgun and ammunition Thursday evening at Gafoors Housing Scheme, Cummings

Lodge, East Coast Demerara.

According to reports, the 44-year-old guard of Professional Guard Service and of West Coast

Demerara was performing his duties in the housing scheme at an apartment building with the firearm at the western hut, where he worked alone.

He told investigators that after falling asleep; he was awoken by a disturbance in the evening and saw a man riding away from his hut with the fire-

arm, but he did not give chase. There were two other guards, who worked 60 feet away, but who also did not raise an alarm.

The matter was re-

ported to the police and searches were done, but the weapon was not recovered.

There was no CCTV camera footage available.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 15, 2017

Police, Cops and Faith reps visit shot pensioner –– suspected bandit involved in shootout to be charged soon

REPRESENTATIVES on the Guyana Police Force a (GPF) and Leader of the Cops and Faith recently visited the 63-yearold pensioner of Agricola, East Bank Demerara (EBD), who was accidentally shot and injured during a shootout between police and a bandit on Tuesday.

The pensioner, Parmadai Parbattie called “Galo” is a housewife of 124 Caesar Street, Agricola, EBD. She was resting in her hammock when she was hit in the buttocks by a stray bullet. She is currently hospitalised at a city hospital.

Superintendent Anthony Vanderhyden, Assistant Superintendent Robinson, and Reverend Winston Assannah (Leader of the Cops and Faiths) spoke with the injured pensioner during the hospital visit.

Reverend Assannah offered words of comfort and prayed for her. Meanwhile, Superintendent Vanderhyden assured her that investigations into the shooting incident are ongoing and the suspects are in custody.

Residents in Agricola had called on the Police Force to remind ranks of standard operational procedure when

(From Left) Assistant Superintendent Robinson, Superintendent Anthony Vanderhyden and Reverend Winston Assannah (Leader of the Cops and Faith) speaking with the injured pensioner during a visit at the hospital. operating in residential areas. Parmaldai was shot in the aftermath of a robbery/murder that occurred when 32-year-old bus driver, Tedroy Neil James, was killed after a passenger stopped the bus on the McDoom Public Road, lower East Bank, where a man was sitting on the sidewalk.

The man attempted to rob all the passengers.

The Route 32 (Georgetown/Parika) minibus driver, also called “Six Head” of Suddie, Essequibo Coast, was en route to Georgetown when he tried to save the passengers by driving off.

He was however shot by the bandit and later succumbed

to his injuries. Police later intercepted and arrested an armed suspect in Agricola after an exchange of gunfire. The suspect, a Bagotstown, EBD resident, has reportedly admitted under questioning as being part of a three-man gang that killed the minibus driver. However, he denied being the

shooter. Police are seeking legal advice pertaining to charges. Police in a press statement said acting on information, ranks went to 4th Street, Agricola at about 15:15hrs Tuesday and on arrival they were confronted by two armed male suspects.

One was in possession

of a shotgun with its barrel sawn off and the other with a handgun.

“They opened fire on the lawmen who adopted tactical positions and returned fire. During the exchange, the suspect with the shotgun was injured.

He was apprehended and the weapon retrieved; the other suspect managed to elude the ranks,” the press statement noted. It also noted that Parmaldai called “Galo”, 63, of 124 Caesar Street, Agricola, who was resting in a hammock next to where the shooting occurred, was grazed by a stray bullet.

Police said she was taken to the East Bank Demerara Public Hospital (Diamond) where she was treated and sent away. However, her relatives took her to a private hospital where she was admitted. “The Police Force wishes her a speedy recovery.

The injured suspect is wanted for discharging of a loaded firearm at Grove, EBD, on July 5, 2017,” the statement said, as it pointed out that investigations continue.

Meanwhile, James leaves to mourn his wife and two young children.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 15, 2017

Team Guyana ready for the challenge

THE team that will be representing Guyana at the Inaugural Robot Olympics in Washington D.C. has arrived in the US and is getting ready to participate in the competition.

The team members are Anthony Frank, Arrianna Mahase, Christopher Nelson, Ryan Benschop, Vevekeannan Ramanarace and Saheif Poese.

They are accompanied by team manager Farnaz Baksh, coach Ricky Chan and adult mentor Horace Moseley.

Local Science, Technology, Engineer and Mathematics (STEM) project pioneer Karen Abrams said Team Guyana has all the resources and qualities to compete. “ Te a m G u y a n a i s ready to do our very best,” she affirmed.

The Robotics Olympics begin on Monday, July 17 and will finish on Tuesday, July 18. Today, the team will begin their practice rounds at the Constitution Hall.

More than 150 countries from around

Team Guyana is greeted by US Senator, Roxanne Persaud, upon their arrival at the JFK International Airport. (STEM Guyana/ Roxanne Persaud photo) the world are expected to participate at the Robot Olympics. This

initiative is part of the wider Science, Technology, Engineering and

Mathematics (STEM) programme, which was started last year under

the aegis of the First Lady’s Office.

It is being spear-

headed by Abrams, who is an overseas-based Guyanese.

Relatives bemoan sloth of rape investigation RELATIVES of a 13-year old Diamond, East Bank Demerara girl, who was allegedly impregnated by her uncle, have expressed frustration at the authorities’ sloth in investigating the matter.

Reports are the girl’s mother discovered that

her daughter was pregnant several months ago and initially she reported the matter to welfare officials.

The girl is seven months pregnant, a relative said on Friday.

The child’s mother also reported the matter to the police, but according to a

relative, the woman “suddenly stopped” pursuing the matter.

She said the family was enraged, noting that the police and welfare officials appeared uninterested in the matter, while the alleged perpetrator has relocated to the business

community of Kumaka, in the Mabaruma sub-region.

“The mother was pushing for the authorities to do something about it, but suddenly she stop,” a relative told Guyana Chronicle.

“She the mother mention that the push around is

too much and it costing her a lot so she just leave it just like that,” a relative noted.

The child’s uncle was spending time at the home with the family late last year when the incident occurred.

It was noted that the child’s parents have made

moves to keep the matter under wraps, including confinement of the child to her home.

“They keeping the child indoor all the time and whenever she goes out she wears big jackets and clothes to cover-up,” another relative stated.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 15, 201

Windies targeting England upset to climax campaign BRISTOL, England ( C M C ) – We s t I n d i e s Women are focused on signing off their disappointing ICC Women’s World Cup with an upset of hosts England Women, when the two teams meet at Gloucestershire County Ground here today.

A campaign which started with so much promise went badly awry when the Caribbean side lost their first four games to see their hopes of reaching the semi-finals dashed.

They subsequently won their next two games –

against Sri Lanka Women and Pakistan Women respectively – and believe a straight victory would be the ideal way to cap off the tournament.

“It’s going to be really important seeing that we won the last two. There’s only one more game to go and we would love to go off on a high,” captain Stafanie Taylor said.

“It’s going to be some hard cricket. All of their (England) players are pretty much in form. They would know this pitch seeing they’ve been playing here for

a couple games, so I think it will be a tough game tomorrow but also a good one.”

Expectations were high when the side left the Caribbean. They had dominated to win the Twenty20 World Cup in India last year and had played well enough to reach the final of the last 50-over World Cup four years ago.

But the challenge of the tournament proved too much for the side comprising four debutants and the warning signs were there when they lost all five of their warm-up matches.

But Taylor, just one of six

current players who featured in the 2013 World Cup final, said her side would use the experience as a learning curve.

“We’re a young team and it’s been a learning experience for everyone, especially being a captain at my first 50-over World Cup,” she noted.

“Sometimes you don’t get things the way you want them but we just have to take the positives that we can and go back home and work really hard.”

She added: I enjoy working with these girls; they’re a

really good bunch. Some of them are still learning their game and I do believe we’ll get better.”

West Indies will be boosted by their performance in the last game against Pakistan when they piled up 285 for four off their 50 overs with Deandra Dottin stroking her maiden One-Day International hundred.

While England sit on top of the standings on 10 points, the Windies are sixth on four points and can end no higher with fifth placed New Zealand already on seven points.

Kim Collins ready to ignite AP Invitational today at Leonora … aiming to use event to qualify for IAAF World Championship

By Rawle Toney KIM Collins is in Guyana, but the 42-year-old is making it clear that he’s not here for an exhibition.

Collins is hoping to use the second Aliann Pompey Invitational to qualify for next month’s IAAF World Championships in London.

Collins, the 2003 100m World Champion and fourtime bronze medallist in the event, will be among athletes from 20 countries, including USA, Jamaica, Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, Nigeria and Columbia. They will be competing in the ‘AP’ Invitational, set for today at the Leonora Track and Field Centre.

Olympic Games triple jump bronze medallist Leevan Sands of Bahamas, American Tawanna Meadows and Trinidad and Tobago’s two-time Olympic Games relay gold medallist Emmanual Callender are among the big names.

Should Collins clock 10.12 seconds or below, he will be heading to London for the August 4 – 13 IAAF spectacle, and during an exclusive interview with Chronicle Sport yesterday, Collins believes that the mark is more than achievable.

“I’ve had a cramp, but I’m good now. I’ve had three races since and I know my body and I know

I’ll be able to do it (qualify for London) …,” said Collins.

Despite not winning an Olympic medal, Collins remains one of the Caribbean’s most decorated athletes and, with a career that spans over 22 years, the St Kitts and Nevis native believes that competing at events like the AP Invitational is something all the region’s top athletes should do, since it’s a way of giving back to their fan-base and the people who are usually glued to their television to cheer them on.

the younger generation to want to be like us,” Collins stated.

He added, “The best thing to come out of it is for the local athletes in these countries to come out and compete against athletes that they see on TV, because it will help to build their confidence so when they go out on the outside they don’t feel inferior, having competed against persons who have been world and Olympic Champions.”

According to Collins, “Within the region, you’ll

Former IAAF 100m World champion Kim Collins “It’s very important as a Caribbean person to compete within the Caribbean and the reason for that is that most persons aren’t able to travel to Europe where most of the competitions are kept, so we welcome these opportunities to compete in the Caribbean to showcase our talent to hopefully inspire

have one person that will emerge, whether it’s the 100, 200 or 400m; you’ll have someone to show that yes, the Caribbean has the talent. But the trick is, for that person to follow up and ride that and use that inspiration to show that we have more people, not just in that event, but others as well. I know that the

Caribbean has the talent.

We have shown that and every time a young athlete rises from the dust in the Caribbean, I feel proud and always willing to lend a helping hand wherever or however I could.”

Collins burst onto the scenes in 1995 at the CARIFTA Games when he won bronze in the 100m.

After that, he went on to become CAC gold medallist, Commonwealth champion, World champion, World Indoor silver medallist, among other notable medals at some of the world’s top events.

“The thing is, young people they understand that it takes a lot and that comes from their own experience in competing and preparing; so when they see someone like myself who has been there for so many years, they know that it takes a lot more.

It’s just a simple understanding and following the formula. Most people don’t want to do that; they get excited and just lose focus,” said Collins.

Collins happens to be the oldest athlete on the international circuit, competing with the likes of Usain Bolt, Asafa Powell, Yohan Blake, Justin Gatlin among other world class athletes who are all younger, but the man, considered the ‘Caribbean Pride’, told Chronicle Sport that while he sees retirement

in the horizon, when to hang up his cleats is something that’s not on his mind at present.

“Yes, that moment is coming but I don’t know when,” said the 42-year-old Collins who doesn’t look a day older than 30 years old.

“I want to make sure that when I leave, I leave on my terms and not too soon. It is about doing the best as you can, as long as you can. I believe that God has given me a talent and I intend to showcase it. Surprisingly each year you keep going faster and faster,” Collins noted.

Meanwhile several rising stars, among them Guyanese duo of Kadecia Baird and Brenessa Thompson, Jamaican Martin Manley and Antiguan sprinter Tahir Walsh are also set to take centre stage at the IAAF sanctioned event today.

B a n k s D I H M e n ’s 100m: Kim Collins (SKN), Emmanual Callender (TTO), Tre Houston (BER), Jeremy Bascom (GUY), Jaquone Hoyte (BAR), Rupert Perry (GUY), Owen Adonis (GUY), Tevin Garrway (GUY), Emanuel Archibald (GUY), Caesar Compton (GUY), Tahir Walsh (ANT), Levi Codogan (BAR), Yancarlos Martinez (DOM), Fred Dorsey (USVI) and Chavanghn Walsh (ANT).

36

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 15, 2017

Federer and Cilic into Wimbledon final

Tour de France 2017

Warren Barguil becomes the first French rider in 12 years to win on Bastille Day.

Tomas Berdych could only break Federer serve once in their semi-final.

France’s Barguil wins on Bastille Day FRENCH cyclist Warren Barguil peeled away from the leading pack to clinch stage 13 of the 2017 Tour de France, a breathtaking mountain section that gave Italian climber Fabio Aru the edge over Briton Chris Froome, who failed to regain the coveted overall leader’s yellow jersey as the riders winded their way into Foix.

On the occasion of his country’s national holiday, Bastille Day, it was France’s

own Team Sunweb rider Barguil that brought the challenging mountain stretch to a close with 2 hours 36 minutes 29 seconds on the stopwatch, followed closely behind by Colombian Nairo Quintana (Movistar Team) and Spaniards Alberto Contador (Trek-Segafredo) and Mikel Landa (Team Sky).

Despite his best efforts, Team Sky’s Froome was unable to make up for the time he lost during the final climb

of stage 12, and Astana’s Aru will kick-start the next stage clad in that sought-after yellow jersey.

Stage 13 saw the riders tackle three category 1 summits over 101 kilometres (62 miles) of road that winded through the Pyrenees in what was the shortest non-time trial stage in this year’s Tour.

Heading into the final descent, Barguil, Quintana, Contador and Lander broke away from the yellow jer-

sey group and managed to maintain a gap of just under 2 minutes heading into Foix.

Aru retained his 6-second lead over Froome in the general classifications with France’s Romain Bardet (AG2R La Mondiale) staying in third, 25 seconds behind the Italian climber.

Today’s stage 14 shall bring the riders to Blagnac for a 181.5 km run through the southwest French countryside to Rodez.

South Africa steady themselves after Lord’s horror show

SOUTH Africa’s Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock and Vernon Philander frustrated England with fifties on an even first day of the second Test.

Stuart Broad enjoyed more joy in England’s first Test appearance at Trent Bridge since their 2015 Ashes demolition of Australia, but South Africa showed improved resistance on an even first day of the second game of the four-match series.

The hosts have not played at Broad’s home ground in the longest format since the seamer took 8-15 as Australia were bowled out for 60 in the first innings, England winning by an innings and 78 runs to reclaim the urn.

England could afford to have hope of another dominant performance versus the Proteas, who wilted far too easily in the first Test at Lord’s, Joe Root leading his team to victory in his first game as captain, as South Africa were beaten by 211 runs.

But South Africa, boosted by the return of captain Faf du Plessis - who missed the first Test following the birth of his first child - demonstrated improved resistance in seeing out

the first day.

Broad took 3-47 but Hashim Amla (78) and Quinton de Kock (68) each scored half-centuries before Vernon Philander (54 not out) joined them in achieving

frustrated England in a fine third-wicket stand of 113.

Amla took 93 balls to reach his fifty but did so in fine fashion with a straight six off Liam Dawson (0-26) that just reached

James Anderson makes the opening breakthrough - his 300th Test wicket at home. (Getty Images)

that feat, as he and Chris Morris (23no) put on an impressive unbeaten seventh-wicket stand of 74 to help South Africa to 309-6 at the close.

James Anderson (1-68) became the first fast bowler to take 300 wickets at home in removing Dean Elgar (6), Amla and Heino Kuhn putting on 48 before the latter dragged Broad on to his stumps for 34.

However, the dogged Amla and the more expansive de Kock

the rope, though he was soon dropped on 56 by Alastair Cook. de Kock’s half-century came in just 59 balls and when he hit Ben Stokes (2-77) for successive fours to start the subsequent over the signs looked ominous for England.

Broad changed the momentum with the first ball after tea, though, de Kock top-edging him to Cook, before a short ball resulted in Amla finding Mark Wood at the rope for his third

scalp. du Plessis (19) and Temba Bavuma (20) steadied the ship briefly but the collapse looked to be on after they each fell to Stokes.

However, Philander - who avoided a fracture after being struck on the hand in the first Test – took to his task superbly, producing extremely positive play to record his second fifty of the series in just 70 balls, he and Morris leaving England with work to do on day two. (Sportsmax)

SCOREBOARD

SOUTH AFRICA first innings D. Elgar c Dawson b Anderson 6 H. Kuhn b Broad 34 H. Amla c Wood b Broad 78 Q. de Kock c Cook b Broad 68 F. du Plessis c Bairstow b Stokes 19 T. Bavuma c Bairstow b Stokes 20 V. Philander not out 54 C. Morris not out 23 Extras: (lb-7) 7 Total: (6 wickets, 90 overs) 309 Fall of wickets: 1-18, 2-66, 3-179, 4-194, 5-220, 6-235.

Bowling: Anderson 20-4-68-1, Broad 19-4- 47-3, Wood 17-361-0, Stokes 18-3-77-2, Dawson 7-1-26-0, Ali 8-1-21-0, Jennings 1-0-2-0.

ROGER Federer is one win from a historic eighth Wimbledon title after beating Czech 11th seed Tomas Berdych in straight sets in the semi-final.

The Swiss, 35, won 7-6(74), 7-6(7-4), 6-4 to reach his 11th Wimbledon final, having last won the title back in 2012.

He will face Croatia’s Marin Cilic after the seventh seed beat American 24th seed Sam Querrey 6-7(6-8), 6-4, 7-6(7-3), 7-5 on Centre Court.

Cilic, 28, is into his second major final after winning the 2014 U.S. Open.

F e d e re r h a s a l re a d y added to his lengthy list of achievements by reaching a record 29th Grand Slam final, becoming the second-oldest man to do so after the 39-year-old Ken Rosewall reached the 1974 Wimbledon final.

Having waited five years to win his 18th major title at this year’s Australian Open, the Swiss could make it 19 just six months later.

Federer had won his past seven matches against Berdych, and 18 of 24 in all, but the Czech made him work for number 19.

There were just three breaks of serve over two hours 18 minutes, two for Federer, who hit 53 winners to Berdych’s 31 in a high-quality contest.

After dropping just one point on his serve as he eased

4-1 clear, Federer offered up two double faults that allowed Berdych to peg him back and earn a tie-break.

Again Berdych came back from an early deficit to trail 4-3 but a forehand error returned the advantage and Federer capitalised to clinch the set.

It was a blow for the Czech, but he fended off break points early in the second and kept pace with the seven-time champion.

Federer needed to produce a magnificent dipping forehand winner to hold serve at 3-3, and it was the same shot that dominated the second tie-break.

Four brilliant forehands in a row gave the Swiss a 5-1 lead that proved enough for a two-set lead, and there was more magic off that wing in the third.

Berdych saw a chance to extend the contest disappear when Federer saved two break points with successive aces before breaking in the next game.

At 5-3, the Swiss produced a stunning forehand flicked pass that had the 15 000 spectators on Centre Court gasping, and moments later he served out victory in his 42nd Grand Slam semi-final.

Federer saved a match point on his way to beating Cilic in last year’s quarter-finals, and said: “Last time we had a brutal match - I was two sets down. I had to get lucky to win. (BBC Sport)

Ervine 151* helps Zimbabwe take Day 1 honours A BRILLIANT unbeaten century from Craig Ervine helped Zimbabwe to reach a solid total of 344-8 on the opening day of the lone Test against Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium yesterday. The visitors won the toss and elected to bat first on a flat pitch.

After losing their top-order cheaply, Zimbabweans were in a spot of bother at one stage at 78-4. However, Ervine (151*) held the one end solidly and knitted crucial partnerships with Sikander Raza (36) and Malcolm Waller (36) to pull his team out of hot water.

Towards the end of the day’s play, the left-handed batsman stitched solid stands with the lower order to help his team

Craig Ervine

past 300.

His unbeaten partnership with Donald Tiripano (24*) remains the team’s best ninth-wicket stand against the hosts in a Test match.

Left-arm spinner Rangana Herath was the pick of the Sri Lankan bowlers as he picked up four wickets for 106 runs in his 30 overs.

37

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 15, 201

Win or lose Ben Mekdeci is not stopping anytime soon CARIBBEAN junior squash champion Benjamin Mekdeci has given more than seven years of his life to squash. He faced a lot of challenges during those years, but the 19-year-old credits those challenges as the main reasons for his development as a squash player.

A two-time Caribbean champion Mekdeci played his final year representing Guyana at this year’s Digicel Junior Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) Championships, but failed to go out with a bang.

Not only did Mekdeci not win a title, he had to watch Guyana’s 12-year winning streak at CASA come to an end. After making it to the Boys’ Under-19 final, he lost to Joshua Griffith, an overseas-based Guyanese who played for Barbados.

He lost to Joshua again when the Guyana Boys’ team were unable to defend their title, going down 4-1 to Barbados. But that’s not what Mekdeci is going to remember most when he looks back on his years as a squash player.

Benjamin Mekdeci

Mekdeci still remains in awe of the indelible legacy that the Land of Many Waters has left on this Championships and that is always the way he will remember his time as a squash player.

“I always thought (that) if I was captain when the (win-

Rowley claims CARICOM mulling legal challenge of WICB stewardship

TRINIDAD and Tobago Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley claims CARICOM could bring a legal challenge to Cricket West Indies’ (CWI) longstanding stewardship of the game in the Caribbean.

The Caribbean leadership bodies have been at sharp odds since the West Indies team controversially pulled out of a 2014 tour of India, causing several regional leaders to question the efficiency and effectiveness of the cricket body. A subsequent independent review panel commissioned by CARICOM recommended the dissolution of the board, calling it “antiquated”, “obsolete” and “anachronistic”. The CWI, however, rejected the proposal after informing CARICOM that they were a private body. Rowley claims members of the body are ready to test the premise.

“The CARICOM Secretariat was told by the CARICOM leaders, ‘go and get legal advice on this very fundamental point: where did West Indies Cricket Board or whoever it is get this asset called West Indies Cricket Inc and who really owns West Indies cricket’,” Rowley said.

“And until we are prepared to address that issue, what is going on now will continue and get worse and worse until what I predicted (West Indies’ relegation into a Division Two) is likely to happen.” He continued: “We got a legal view.

“The Secretariat indicated that one of our Trinidad lawyers gave a legal opinion that there is an arguable case that West Indies Cricket is a public good and therefore there is a role for the region’s leadership to get involved because the game is destroyed and that could be argued in any court of law.” (Sportsmax)

ning) streak broke I would have been disappointed, but I can’t be disappointed in a higher level of squash that we brought to the Caribbean. We played unbeaten for 12 years.

In my opinion you’re never going to see a streak like that again in CASA history, and I

was a part of that for seven years,” Mekdeci reminisced.

Notwithstanding no titles this year, he still has much to be proud of when he looks back on what he has given to squash and the times he’s been there.

The most memorable year of all is 2015. Playing in the Boys’ Under-17 his rivalry against Griffith had begun to take effect, and Mekdeci went under in the final. But it was not a lost cause. In a surprising come-from-behind victory, he had vengeance in the team’s final, bringing Guyana back from the brink as he played the deciding match.

“Personally I wanted to win the 2015 title so much.

He just wasn’t supposed to beat me that year, but I didn’t play well. But then I went into the Boys’ team final I just crushed him and it was such a good pick-meup for me. It was big for me because if we lost the match we would have lost the title that year as well. So it was really important to me. It was one of my most memorable matches,” he relayed.

Though Mekdeci’s journey at CASA began in 2010,

TO THE

Confusion continues over the administration of cricket in Berbice

THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) notes with disgust a press release emanating from the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), published in the Kaieteur News of Sunday July 2, 2017 on page 65, in which it seeks to inform the general public that “Mr Dhieranidranauth Somwaru is currently the president of the Berbice Cricket Board and should, along with his executives, be the point of contact for all matters relating to cricket in the County of Berbice.”

The BCB categorically refutes this assumption of the GCB and wishes to state the last elections of the BCB were held on the December 28, 2014, and the following persons were elected to serve on the board of the BCB. Anil Beharry (president), Dhieranidranauth Somwaru (vice-president), Qualis Winter (vice-president), Vemen Walters (vice-president), Angela Haniff (secretary), Plaffiana Millington (assistant secretary), Vicky Bharosay (treasurer) and Ricardo Bachan (assistant treasurer).

Five persons were also appointed to serve as members of the executive committee, and they are Hubern Evans, Albert Smith, Julian Cambridge, Vickram Seubarran and Rabindranauth Saywack.

However, for various reasons the following persons ceased to be executive members of the BCB and they are: Anil Beharry, Plaffiana Millington, Vicky Bharosay, Ricardo Bachan and Vickram Seubarran.

It should be noted that the sole surviving members of the 2014 board are: Dhieranidranauth Somwaru, Qualis Winter, Vemen Walters, Angela Haniff, Hubern Evans, Albert Smith, Julian Cambridge and Rabindranauth Saywack.

It is pertinent to note that after the resignation of Mr Anil Beharry in early 2017, Mr D. Somwaru sought to impose himself on his colleague executives by firing some and appointing others.

This matter is currently engaging the attention of the Court in an action filed by Mr Smith and Saywack. He also sought to fraudulently have himself elected as president in contravention of the Court order stopping elections of the county boards and the Guyana Cricket Board.

The Berbice Cricket Board wishes to inform the general public and the

he was playing squash way before, as a matter of fact with his dad, Joe, a former player, he can’t remember a time when squash wasn’t in his life.

“My father used to come to the Club every afternoon with some of the older folks to play squash, so I would come and while he’d be on court I would run around pick up a racquet that was bigger than me and in-between the games I would just knock at the balls,” Ben fondly remembers.

From there it was just natural that Ben took up the sport competitively, and after his first win he was hooked.

“My first tournament I won was the Under-11 Championships, in 2008, and I remember before I went in the tournament thinking, ‘okay I’m playing good squash and I’ll go in and see how good I am, just test myself against the juniors’. I ended up winning that tournament, and from there it was like, okay, I like this feeling of accomplishment after tournament so here I am today,” he said.

“Without squash I don’t

know what I would be doing.

It gives you a nice structure.

I don’t see myself stopping anytime soon.”

Soon after playing, Ben took his first CASA title at a time when he was the underdog. The year was 2011 and it was the Boys’ Under-13 category. Fellow Guyanese Patrick Fraser was the top seed, and little Ben was all the way in third. Destiny saw things a little differently.

“He had just beaten me in the Guyana National championships a month or two before and we went in, and I was two-love down in the semi-finals against him. I don’t know how I pulled it off. I was so surprised I didn’t realise I was up until I heard 10-6 match ball to me,” Ben recollected.

He defeated Fraser in a semifinals match and then went on to win the final.

His next title came in 2013, his favourite year at the tournament, after he didn’t drop a single game in any of his matches.

Now as he goes on, Benjamin Mekdeci just can’t wait to see the legacy he can build in his years at college.

Guyana Cricket Board that the Berbice Cricket Board is a body corporate (Act #14 of 2014) and is empowered to elect at its Annual General Meeting the following executives:- President, three Vice-Presidents, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer.

It is also pellucid that in the event of a “Vacancy occurring among the officers then such vacancy should be filled at a special general meeting of the board”, (Article 13 of the Constitution of the Berbice Cricket Board).

Further it is pertinent to note that Mr Somwaru could not have been elected to the presidency since this would have been in contravention of the restraining order granted to Mr. David Black and Mr Godwyn Allicock in a mater filed against the Berbice Cricket Board on the 4th March, 2015.

The BCB, therefore categorically states that Mr D Somwaru is not and has never been elected president of the BCB, and the person to be contacted in relation to cricket matters in the Berbice is the secretary to the BCB. The Guyana Cricket Board is also advised to refrain from publishing false information that is designed to create mischief and confusion in Berbice cricket.

ANGELA HANIFF Secretary, Berbice Cricket Board

Santa Rosa beat Karaburi for zone final

SANTA Rosa were the dominant force on an exciting day of football in Moruca when the Digicel Schools Football tournament continued there yesterday.

Rahul Archer was the chief architect for the win over Karaburi, with a hat-trick while Deon Gomes added one to ensure that the Santa Rosa side kept their winning streak alive in the tournament.

After a quiet first-half with chances for both sides, the eventual winners finally put their first away through Archer who hit the target in the 55th minute.

Archer doubled in the 60th before Gomes added the team’s third in the 70th and Archer completed his third six minutes later.

Santa Rosa will now move on to play Mabaruma.

38

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 15, 2017

Williams cops silver in Boys 400m at World Youth Championships A LATE surge in the final few metres pushed Guyana’s Daniel Williams to a new personal-best (PB) as he finished with silver in the Boys’ 400m of the IAAF World Youth Championships ongoing in Nairobi, Kenya.

The race was taken in a come-from-behind victory for Jamaica’s Antonio Watson, who also clocked a PB in the race, stopping the clock at 46.59 seconds. Williams was just milliseconds behind with a time of 46.72 seconds.

Running out of lane 2, Williams entered the home straight in third, with Jamaica’s Anthony Cox, and Brazil’s Bruno da Silva battling for an apparent lead. However, it all unravelled quickly for the duo.

As Williams closed in on the inside Turks and Caicos Colby Jennings and Watson were working them on the

Chantoba Bright

outside.

Cox continued to push hard, but da Silva all but gave

up completely, evident in his sixth place finish, after he was overtaken by even Ethiopia’s

Melkamu Assefa.

Cox and Jennings battled to a photo finish for third place, both recording 46.77 seconds, a PB for Jennings, to whom the third spot was eventually awarded.

The silver medal for Williams comes just after he had clocked his previous PB of 48.24 seconds just over a month ago at the South American Junior Championships, in Guyana.

Williams is one of two athletes representing Guyana at the Championships, the other being female jumper Chantoba Bright. The two athletes are being accompanied by their coach, Johnny Gravesande.

Bright will be in the Girls’ long jump tomorrow. The Upper Demerara athlete has also been experiencing a good season, peaking with a PB of 6.30m, also at the South American Juniors.

Cars loaded for CMRC Round Two

Team Mohamed’s Enterprise R6 strapped in and ready for the journey to Trinidad. (Stephan Sookram photo)

By Stephan Sookram THE cars and bikes for the second round of the Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championships (CMRC) 2017 were yesterday loaded onto containers at the John Fernandes Terminal on Mandela Avenue.

The vehicles, which will arrive in Trinidad and Tobago in just under two weeks are Azad Hassan’s Toyota AE-91, Rameez

Mohammed’s Toyota Starlet and Honda Civic, and Team Mohamed’s Enterprise R6.

Meanwhile, the others who had signalled their intentions to make the trip pulled out at the last minute due to mechanical troubles.

According to the president of the club, Rameez Mohamed, the plan is to use what team they have in order to continue to fly the Golden Arrowhead high.

“Yes, a lot of the guys

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday July 15, 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) 2 (2) Shikhar Dhawan Today’s Quiz: (1) Which team did the WI women defeat after losing four

games in a row in the current World Cup? (2) Which four teams did the WI women lose against before

recording a victory in the current World Cup? ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

pulled out at the last minute due to mechanical and other issues, but I think that what we have here is a team good enough to fly the Golden Arrowhead,” Mohamed added.

“What I know is that these guys that loaded today (yesterday) are going to really give it their all, and show that they are a force to be reckoned with in the Caribbean. I think

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Bryce has really done well in Jamaica and we expect another good showing from him in Trinidad.”

Meanwhile, the Trinidad and Tobago Automotive Sporting Association (TTASA) has confirmed that plans are being put in place to accommodate the drivers and their respective machines for the July 28 - August 1 event in the Twin Island Republic.

CWI has full suite of committees in place

ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies has completed the assembling of 12 committees which will provide policy guidelines for the day-to-day operations of the Secretariat for the period up to March 2019.

THE COMMITTEES ARE: » Finance » Audit, Risk and Compliance » Human Resources Development » Cricket » Umpires and Match Referees » Commercial Affairs – Marketing, Business Development and Communications » International Fixtures » Disciplinary Tribunal » Ethics » Medical » Corporate Governance and Nominations » Chief Executives Kishore Shallow, who is from St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), is the newest Member Director.

He is President for the SVG Cricket Association. Shallow is an Information Technology and Business Consultant. The newest Independent Director, Milton J Samuda, well-known Attorney-at-Law, chairs the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee.

OTHER CHAIRMEN ARE: Anand Kalladeen - Finance and International

Fixtures Conde Riley - Human Resources Development Enoch Lewis - Cricket Anand Sanasie - Umpires and Match Referees Dave Cameron - Commercial Affairs – Marketing, Business Development and Communications Hon Mike Fennell – Corporate Governance and Nominations Dr Donovan Bennett Medical Justice Winston Anderson – Disciplinary Tribunal and Ethics.

Johnny Grave - Chief Executives “We have assembled a great mix of professionals in the areas which the committees will cover and combine with the work the Secretariat continues to do.

We hope to improve on the management of the policies and programmes of Cricket West Indies,” says President Cameron.

“The industry is vital to the development of the Caribbean as a region and we think we can continue to make a tremendous contribution to the social and economic growth of this region. We also are ensuring we provide the right environment for our players to thrive on and off the field,” noted Cameron.

The next scheduled quarterly Board of Directors meeting is due September 2017. All committees are mandated to meet before to submit the relevant information required.

12:15 hrs John Kirkup

CONCACAF rules Malouda ineligible

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CONCACAF, the game’s regional governing body, yesterday issued its ruling on the controversial participation of former France international Florent Malouda in French Guiana’s 0-0 draw against Honduras in the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

... Honduras awarded win; French Guiana fined

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Florent Malouda

Malouda, who was born in French Guiana and played for France from 2004 to 2012, was ruled by CONCACAF to be ineligible for the Gold Cup before the start of the tournament.

While Malouda sat out French Guiana’s first group

match on July 7, a 4-2 win for Canada, he captained the side in French Guiana’s second match against Honduras on July 11 with head coach Jair Karam acknowledging he was playing Malouda even at the risk of possible sanctions.

CONCACAF ruled yesterday that the 0-0 draw against Honduras will now officially be ruled a 3-0 Honduras win by forfeit. The French Guiana federation will be fined an undisclosed amount, and Malouda has also been suspended two matches, which includes a stadium ban.

The ruling had massive implications as the final ‘Group A’ matches were played yesterday. Group A leaders Canada now know they have a smaller margin for error when they face Honduras in their group finale.

While even a 1-0 loss to Honduras would have still put the Canadians into the quarterfinals before yesterday’s forfeit ruling, the same 1-0 scoreline could potentially eliminate the Canadians depending on the results of other matches this weekend.

39

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 15, 201

Paul pledges to grab CPL opportunity with both hands

By Rajiv Bisnauth PRIOR to the start of the inaugural Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in 2013, former West Indies captain and batting legend Sir Vivian Richards believed the League would provide young cricketers an opportunity to display and hone their skills in a competitive environment.

Richards had also said the tournament should give the young players an opportunity to assess their professional career.

And over the years the tournament has definitely proved to be the gateway for a numbers of young professionals, not only in the Caribbean, but also in most cricket playing nations.

This year’s fifth edition will commence on August 4, and, as usual will be no different, with a number of young players having the opportunity to further enhance their cricketing career.

One such player will

Keemo Paul

be the talented Guyanese all-rounder, Keemo Paul.

The former West Indies Under-19 player has been selected as a replacement for

Guyana Primer Softball Cup billed for October

… 3-day tournament dubbed ‘Prime Minister’s Cup’

By Rajiv Bisnauth DUBBED the ‘Prime Minister’s Cup’, the Guyana Primer Softball Cup is billed for October 27, 28 and 29, according to information received from the organising committee.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

It was also revealed that the three-day tournament is being held in collaboration with the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL), the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport.

Aimed at attracting 16 teams, eight each in the Masters and All Stars categories, a member of the organising committee informed Chronicle Sport that the first 16 teams to register will participate in the tournament.

Players must be over the age of 45 in order to play in the Masters category, while the All

Stars format is open to all ages.

It was also disclosed that at least two teams from the United States of America have already confirmed their participation.

The Over-45 category will make the champions $500 000 richer while in the All Stars category the winning team will collect $600 000.

The proposed venues are the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC), Everest Cricket Club, Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO), Police and GNIC. Teams registering for the Over-45 category must submit photo identification, preferably valid passports for every member of their 15-man squad.

Registration will be done through Samuel Kingston on 619-5103.

The official launch of the tournament is set for August 25.

Samuel Kingston

Shimron Hetmyer ahead of this year’s CPL tournament, according to the management of the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) on Wednesday.

Hetmyer, who was initially selected by the Guyana Amazon Warriors as the West Indies Youth Player will be on West Indies Senior Team duties hence Paul has been chosen as his replacement.

Speaking with Chronicle Sport yesterday, the 19-yearold said he is eager to grab the opportunity with both hands, adding that his main aim is to learn as much as possible.

“Definitely I am overwhelmed, but at the same time humble at the opportunity given,” the first-class player pointed out.

He added, “I’m looking forward to the opportunity since it will definitely be a challenge, but having said that, I just want to make it count”.

Paul was a part of previous training camps with the Warriors, but this time around he is eager to learn as much from the international players.

“I was a part of previous

training camp, but this time I will be more with the squad, so I want to learn as much as possible, especially from the international players,” he said.

Paul who was Hetmyer’s deputy when the West Indies Under-19 team won the Youth World Cup in 2016, made his List A debut in January 2015 playing for the West Indies Under-19s in Tobago.

Sir Vivian Richards

In March this year, the 19-year-old right-handed all-rounder’s First Class debut was overshadowed by in-

jury at the Queen’s Park Oval but came back with a tournament-winning six-wicket haul at Providence for the Guyana Jaguars.

Meanwhile, the Warriors’ first step to winning their maiden CPL title will begin on July 26 when the official training camp gets underway.

The South American-based franchise have been one of the most consistent sides since the tournament’s inception, reaching the finals in 2013, 2014 and 2016. In 2015, the Guyana Amazon Warriors reached the semifinals phase.

The Guyana leg of the tournament will see the Warriors clash with the defending champions Jamaica Tallawahs on August 17, followed

by Trinbago Knight Riders on the 19th.

The three-time runners-up Warriors will then oppose Barbados Tridents the following day, after which they will play St Lucia Stars on the 22nd.

GTT ‘DO More’ Tapeball tournament bowls off today

By Rawle Toney

THE Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) will bowl off its inaugural Tapeball cricket competition today at the National Park tarmac from 10:00hrs.

The tournament will involve an unlimited number of teams, according to GTT, providing that teams had registered prior to last Thursday’s deadline. After today’s opening fixtures, matches will be played on July 16 (National Park), July 22 (Uitvlugt Community Centre ground) and the

final on July 30 at the GCC ground. $200 000 will be awarded to the winning team, while second-place and third-place

will pocket $100000 and $50 000 respectively.

The seven-a-side tournament will be played on a ‘win

or go home’ basis, until the top two sides remain. According to the rules of the tournament, matches will be played based on entry of teams to each zone or as assigned by the coordinators.

Exit from the competition may be the result of losing a match or disqualification. The rules also state that a batsman cannot be given out via lbw; all other forms of dismissal may apply, based on the decision of the umpire. Bowlers are allowed to bowl a maximum of two overs.

The tournament comes on the heels of GTT being named the Signature Sponsor of the Guyana Amazon Warriors for the upcoming Caribbean Premier League T20 tournament.

Justin Nedd, the company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), in a recent interview with Chronicle Sport, had explained that while his entity had taken a ‘step back’ from its usual corporate support to sports and its development locally for the past three years, after some evaluation, GTT is ready to ‘Do More’.

Pillay, Breetzke hundreds put Windies to the sword PIETERMARITZBURG, SouthAfrica (CMC) – A batting collapse sent West Indies Under-19s to a heavy 115-run defeat to South Africa Under-19s in their third Youth One-Day International here yesterday.

Asked to chase a challenging 289 for victory at City Oval, the Young Windies were in the hunt at 120 for three in the 26th over before dramatically losing their last seven wickets for 53 runs to be all out for 173 off 39 overs.

Opener Keagan Simmons struck 48 and the in-form Kirstan Kallicharan got 47 but they were just two of four batsmen in double figures as the middle and lower orders

slumped.

Fast bowlers Gerald Coetzee (2-27) and Fraser Jones (2-42), along with off-spinner Kgaudisa Molefe (2-33) and leg-spinner Jade de Klerk (2-33) were the main wicket-takers.

Openers Jiveshan Pillay and Matthew Breetzke had earlier stroked hundreds as South Africa, sent in by the Windies, piled up 288 for six off their 50 overs.

The left-handed Pillay hit 110 off 123 deliveries with 16 fours and two sixes while Breetzke, a right-hander, gathered 106 off 108 balls with nine fours and two sixes.

Together, they put on 198 for the first wicket before Jesse Christensen arrived at number four to help push the

innings along with 40 from 48 balls, including five fours.

Christensen and Breetzke put on 58 for the third wicket but West Indies applied the brakes towards the end as the hosts lost four wickets for 27 runs off 23 deliveries.

Seamer Te-Shawn Alleyne (2-28) and left-arm spinner Jeavor Royal (2-48) claimed two wickets apiece.

The Caribbean side equipped themselves early on in their turn at the crease, as Simmons and Bhaskar Yadram (18) put on 50 off 38 balls for the first wicket.

Simmons struck eight fours in his 64-ball knock while Yadram blasted two fours and a six in a small 17-

ball cameo before going lbw to Jones in the seventh over.

Captain Emmanuel Stewart fell cheaply for nine in the 12th over and Simmons followed in the 19th over, leaving the Windies on 90 for three.

Kallicharan, however, who faced 52 balls and struck seven fours, put on 30 for the fourth wicket with Cephas Cooper (19) to revive the innings.

Once Cooper fell in the 26th over though, the innings tailed away badly, with Kallicharan eighth out in the 38th over with wickets tumbling around him.

South Africa lead the five-match series 2-1 with the fourth contest set for tomorrow at the same venue.

Williams cops silver in Boys 400m at World Youth Championships

See page 38

Daniel Williams

Windies targeting England upset to climax campaign See page 35

Windies Women all-rounder Deandra Dottin made her maiden ODI hundred in the last game against Pakistan.

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Kim Collins

Kim Collins ready to ignite AP Invitational today at Leonora See page 35

SATURDAY, JULY 15, 2017