Guyana chronicle e paper 07 16 2017

SEE INSIDE

See inside:

Celebrating freedom in 2017

► Centre page

Showcasing the best of

Guyana ► Page

III

Guyana’s Ambassador to the U.S. talks Guyanese culture, Diaspora relations

Caribbean delegations hyped for showcase at

CARIFESTA XIII

XXXIII

A prison in the centre of Georgetown ► Page

II

Too inflexible ► Page

– Barbadian organisers promise cultural explosion

– issues and events that plagued the Camp Street Prison for decades

No. 104975

SUNDAY JULY 16, 2017

Price: $140

(VAT Inclusive)

– Pres. Granger bemoans non-cooperation of Opposition

Page 3

New investment avenues for private sector CoI into GTT ‘blazes’ Internet speed Camp Street Prison break Page 2

Page 9

Page 4

An entertainer produces a ‘blaze’ at the launch of GTT’s high-speed Internet services at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara (Ravin Singh photo)

Another sad lesson from speeding Page 17

Some tax measures could be reversed ■ Page 9

2

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 16, 2017

New finance, investments avenues for private sector THE local private sector is set to benefit from new avenues for finance and investments with the signing of the Agreement for Encouragement and Protection of Investment with the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID).

Finance Minister Winston Jordan on Thursday signed the agreement in Vienna, Austria, with OFID Director-General Suleiman J. Al-Herbish.

According to a release, it is the first such agreement with a multilateral partner and sets in train a framework for the start of private sector operations in Guyana.

OFID’s private sector facility supports the private sector in developing countries through loans to micro, small and medium–enterprises, as well as directly to specific projects.

As a pre-condition to such

private sector investments, OFID requires the signature of a framework agreement with the country concerned for the encouragement and protection of investment.

The agreement accords OFID the same privileges as those normally granted to international development institutions.

The signing of this agreement comes at a time when a number of other initiatives are being implemented by government to help drive private sector growth.

These include the design of a fiscal regime and a fiscal sustainability framework to address the management of natural resources wealth, development of a local content policy and the development of a time-lined work-plan on what the private sector needs to do to prepare for oil and thereafter.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan on Thursday signs the agreement with OFID Director-General Suleiman J. Al-Herbish in Vienna, Austria

Additionally, building on the wide-ranging concessions granted by the previous government, the APNU+AFC coalition has introduced several legislative and operational changes in support of the manufacturing industry,

which include the importation of raw materials free of excise tax, waivers on duty and taxes for items that are not listed on the approved list of raw materials once applications are made to the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), initiatives by the GRA to reduce processing time, the introduction of the ‘Trusted Trader Status’ to compliant importers, including manufacturers, the implementation of one-year

tax exemption letters to manufacturers, and the reduction of the corporate tax rate paid by the manufacturing sector from 30 per cent to 27.5 per cent.

More recently, the government announced the first round table meeting with the GMSA scheduled for July 28th. This round table meeting aims for a more structured dialogue and effective engagement with key players in the sector.

OFID is the inter-govern-

mental development finance institution established in 1976 by the member states of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and is bounded in ‘the natural solidarity which unites OPEC countries with other developing countries in their struggle to overcome underdevelopment.’

OFID has 13 member countries: Algeria, Ecuador, Gabon, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Libya, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates and Venezuela.

Resources for the fund come from voluntary contributions made by members and its various operations.

Between 1976 to present, OFID has committed more than US$55 million to Guyana through its public sector operations. Much of this amount was provided as debt relief—some within the framework of the Enhanced Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative— while more than US$29 million was earmarked for Guyana’s energy, agriculture and financial sectors.

Too inflexible 3

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 16, 2017

– Pres. Granger bemoans non-cooperation of Opposition

By Ariana Gordon

THERE has been a consistent lack of cooperation by the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) to have dialogue with the government on matters of national importance outside of constitutional requirements, said President David Granger.

The President described the non-cooperation by the Opposition as “dysfunctional,” during an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Thursday.

He made it clear that his administration is not opposed to talks with the Opposition on non-constitutional matters, but noted that “It is good to speak with people who are prepared to speak with you and we have had some difficulties.”

The head-of-state cited several examples, including his address to the National Assembly at the beginning of every session and budgetary consultation.

“For example, last October, I addressed Parliament to lay out the legislative agenda, and the financial considerations and the entire Opposition was absent.

“When the budget consultations take place, they send a junior person or they don’t participate at all. The reform of the sugar industry,

President David Granger

the attendance is very spotty.

There has been a very low level of cooperation on the part of the Opposition,” said President Granger.

He noted that the resistance by the Opposition does not exist only at the level of central Government, but also regionally.

“I have been to some meetings and the regional chairman won’t come to meet me, the Ministry of Communities has had seminars and the persons who have been elected on the PPP ticket don’t show up; municipal and regional levels.”

President Granger assured that notwithstanding the challenges faced with regard to political dialogue

between the coalition Government and the Opposition, he has no issue consulting with the PPP outside of constitutional matters.

“So we have had a lack of cooperation from the Opposition in many areas.

I would consult them yes, in matters of GECOM and things I am required to consult him on, and outside of the Constitution, but they have been very uncooperative.”

Moreover, the President described the resistance from the Opposition as dysfunctional.

BEYOND DEFIANCE “We expect resistance from the Opposition, but it is uncooperative to the level of being dysfunctional. And, if you have a system in which [the] regional administration refuses to cooperate with the central Government, it is beyond defiance, it starts to become dangerous and I think the Opposition has to bear responsibility for that,” the President added.

Over the years, there have been calls for the major political parties, the PPP and the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) to put their differences aside and have political dialogue on social and economic matters as of high importance.

Collaboration by the

major political forces, it has been opined, can foster confidence, trust as well as good, cordial relations at the national level, thereby obtaining solutions to matters of national importance.

The APNU+AFC coalition government has from its very formation stressed inclusionary governance.

In fact, President David Granger has repeatedly said

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

that his administration is committed to inclusionary democracy and is prepared to consider executive power-sharing with the PPP/C. Back in September 2015, the President noted that at that year’s General and Regional Elections, the coalition secured 51 per cent of the votes cast by the electorate and as such, it would not be prudent for his

Government to exclude the PPP/C base.

“We have at all times aimed at having inclusionary democracy and inclusionary Government, so that the 49 per cent don’t feel locked out.”

The head-of-state stressed that national unity is part of the philosophy of the coalition and noted that there must be some form of sharing, national unity and inclusionary governance.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo was selected to lead the Government’s national unity talks with the Opposition, but the Opposition has since expressed reservations on engaging the prime minister. In fact, the PPP has rejected the prime minister, noting that the party is “uncomfortable” with him.

In a statement issued back in 2015, the PPP said, “Knowing the dim view the PPP holds of Moses Nagamootoo, the APNU+AFC by insisting that he is their

‘best man’ who will head its team must know that that initiative will go nowhere.

Thus, by pushing Nagamootoo centre stage, it is now pellucidly clear that the coalition’s objective is not to have any talks at all, but to put the PPP/C on the defensive and to project the party as refusing to engage in talks with the Government.”

The Prime Minister Nagamootoo, who is a former PPP executive, has maintained that he has no axe to grind with the party of which he was once a member and is ready to enter talks on national unity with the PPP. Nagamootoo had worked with the PPP under the late President Dr. Cheddi Jagan for a number of years and even after his (Dr Jagan’s) death, continued to work with the party.

Attempts on Saturday to contact Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and executive member Gail Teixeira on the subject proved futile.

4

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 16, 2017

GTT ‘blazes’ Internet speed

By Ravin Singh

AT the end of 2017, at least 20,000 homes across Guyana will be able to benefit from GTT’s newly-introduced ‘Blaze’ high speed Internet, which offers a download speed

Bank Demerara.

The investment for the service is estimated to be around US$25M (G $5B).

GTT’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Justin Nedd said that as development of the service continues, that figure is expected to climb.

‘Flaming’ plan for $10,999 allows users to download up to 20mbps and upload at a rate of 8mbps. The ‘Inferno’ plan which costs $13,999 monthly provides a download speed of 50mbps and an upload speed of 15mbps.

an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) device.

Nedd explained that these two equipment and the value of labour to install the service, pushes the overall cost to just about $100,000. However, consumers will only pay $12,000.

Customers will also receive a complementary Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone. This will allow them to make overseas call.

Asked how the company will compensate for the loss by allowing customers to make overseas calls with this phone, the CEO said that the company has a “long term vision”.

LONG HAUL “ We a r e h e r e f o r the long haul. We could charge everybody a million for service but [we]

could be out of business because people can’t afford it. So we really want to invest for the long term,” he said.

So far, more than 1000 customers are using the service, and the CEO boasted that by the end of the year, more than 20,000 homes will be able to benefit from it.

He was keen to note that the provision of that service will not be limited to Georgetown, as communities in Region Three are already benefiting.

He pointed out also that while some rural communities will not be able to access the service due to limited infrastructure, the only way to ensure this is rectified is by building private-public partnerships.

Further, Nedd said that if it is realised that the response is overwhelming,

then the service will be introduced to areas which were not initially identified.

Asked why the company took so long to introduce this service which Guyanese have been eager to subscribe to, the CEO offered that “money is a finite thing”.

He reiterated that GTT looks at investments on the long-term, and so since it introduced fibre-optic cables in 2010, the company spent time examining and understanding the market.

Guyana has a population of 749,000. Nedd noted that the introduction of these plans requires years of work and major investments in the country.

Meanwhile, several companies are already partnering with GTT to provide their services see page 5

GTT Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Justin Nedd addresses the gathering at the launch of the GTT Blaze Internet plans of up to 50 megabits per second (mbps).

The service was officially launched by the telecommunications giant on Saturday during an exhibition at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East

The GTT ‘Blaze’ plan offers three options to consumers.

The first is the ‘Ignite’ plan for $8,999 which offers 5mbps download speed and 2mbps upload speed.

The second option, the

According to Nedd, “this is the fastest Internet to be provided in Guyana”. He said the speed is comparable to those in the developed world, including the United States (US) and Canada.

Installation charge for the service is $12,000 and this provides for an Internet device, which the CEO said is neither inferior nor is it available on the market.

The package also includes

A representative from Richard Wilcox- Garage Doors explains to potential buyers the services that company offers

DATE: DATE: 26/11/2016 15/07/2017 26/11/2016 15/07/2017

N F 11 05 14 18 25 26 02 01 12 11 12 19 28

06 03 13 16

14 17

21 19

24 26

26/11/2016 15/07/2017

04 9

07 3

03 1

26/11/2016 15/07/2017

05 7

04 1

01 8

26/11/2016 15/07/2017 02 04

09 05

10 08

11 09 13 15 14 19

18 20

5

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 16, 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 McCo-

nnell’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.

A day after that CBO analysis was issued, McConnell postponed a planned vote on the legislation because of a revolt within his own party, including moderates and hard-line conservatives.

While the bill’s prospects may look precarious, the same could have been said of healthcare legislation that ultimately was passed by the House of Representatives.

Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan called off a vote in March in the face of a rebellion involving the disparate factions of the party but managed to coax enough lawmakers to back it and engineered narrow approval on May 4.

PENCE SEEKS SUPPORT Vice President Mike Pence sought to shore up support among the nation’s governors at a meeting in Rhode Island, but a key Republican governor, Ohio’s John Kasich, came out strongly against the revised bill, saying its Medicaid cuts were too deep and it does too little to stabilize the insurance market.

K a s i c h ’s o p p o s i t i o n could put pressure on Rob Portman, a Republican senator from Ohio, who has not yet taken a position on the bill.

If the current Senate legislation collapses, some lawmakers have raised the possibility of seeking bipartisan legislation to fix parts of Obamacare but leaving intact the structure of the Affordable Care Act, Democratic

former President Barack Obama’s signature legislative achievement, commonly known as Obamacare.

“There are changes that need to be made to the law,” Dick Durbin, the No. 2 Senate Democrat, told MSNBC, citing “a bipartisan appetite to tackle this issue.”

Moderate Susan Collins and conservative Rand Paul already oppose the revised Senate bill. Other Republican senators have

either expressed concern or remained noncommittal, including Portman, Mike Lee, Shelley Moore Capito, John McCain, Dean Heller, John Hoeven, Lisa Murkowski, Jeff Flake, Ben Sasse, Cory Gardner, Todd Young and Thom Tillis. Republican Senators Lindsey Graham and Bill Cassidy floated an alternative plan.

The new version was crafted to satisfy the Republican Party’s various ele-

ments, including moderates worried about Americans who would be left without medical coverage and hard-line conservatives who demand less government regulation of health insurance.

A provision championed

by Republican Senator Ted Cruz and aimed at attracting conservatives would let insurers sell cheap, barebones insurance policies that would not have to cover broad benefits mandated un-

der Obamacare.

But two major health insurance groups, America’s Health Insurance Plans and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, called on McConnell to drop the Cruz proposal, saying it would undermine protections for pre-existing medical conditions, raise insurance premiums and destabilise the individual insurance market. (Reuters)

GTT ‘blazes’ ...

From page 4

with a more reliable Internet option. Those companies include: CAME Automatic Gates, Starr Computers, Radioshack, Payments.gy, Ditec Automatic Gates and Doors, Moviestar, Innosysgy – Cloud Solution Platform, and Richard Wilcox – Garage Doors.

The services provided by those companies are accessed via applications, which are powered by Internet connection provided

by GTT. GTT made its entrance in the Guyanese market in 1991. At that time, the country relied on satellite Internet. However, in 2010, the telecommunications company introduced submarine cables.

The submarine cables, according to the CEO, allows for more capacity.

Currently, it is the only company in Guyana relying on submarine cables.

A GTT representative explains to a couple what the ‘Blaze’ Internet service entails (Photos by Ravin Singh)

6

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 16, 2017

Importance of re-establishing Ethnic Relations Commission

THE Government has recently, via public notice, announced its intent to re-establish the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC).

This constitutional body, enshrined in Article 212 of the Guyana Constitution, truthfully should always be in operation.

That its function was undermined, stymied, and politicised under the previous government which gave rise to concern about its usefulness, careful examination and appreciation of the services it is intended to provide make it a vital and necessary institution to society.

Ours is a society where tensions, accusations and counter-accusations towards and against individuals and groups are daily occurrences, though these are often publicly manifest in the forms of race, class, politics, governance, religion, and sexual orientation.

The importance of ferreting out the credibility of any of these claims, and the extent to ensure that where a legitimate grouse or discrimination exists, how it could be resolved and re-occurrence minimised or eliminated, is tough work.

The work of the ERC does not require the faint of heart nor non-committed. It entails continual gathering of evidence, maintaining open minds and open-door policy, being au fait and keeping abreast with universal declarations, international

conventions and charters, and local laws. To be effective, it has to not only function as a receiver and analyser of complaints, but as advocate to bring about positive changes to realise harmonious relations between and amongst the people.

It may very well find that one of its roles in promoting education and training programmes in pursuit of arriving at ethnic peace and harmony will met a society wedded to myths, which would require much undoing. One such is securing acceptance that diversity is strength, no one is superior to the other, and historical physical genetic appearances and religious beliefs are traits to be proud of not defiled, denied or ridiculed.

In our polarised society, treating each other with respect and dignity requires on-going conversations that allow for ventilation of perceptions, real or contrived, opportunities for recourse, and corrective actions taken where necessary. Politicisation of such an institution, in our suspicious environment, is bound to see its credibility being brought into disrepute and it would help in the re-establishment if such is avoided at all costs.

Whoever is entrusted the responsibility to be a member of the commission ought to know that this is hard and diligent work that requires commitment to human decency, growth and development. This is not a

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

commission to be trifled with. Where no interest lies in working assiduously to improve ethnic relations as against ethnic dominance and marginalisation, and recognition that the welfare of one group is intertwined with the welfare of others, should respectfully not sit on this commission.

The performance of the ERC under the chairmanship of Bishop Juan Edghill, who subsequently served as a minister in the PPP/C government and is a serving Member of Parliament of the party, though the right to freedom of association must be respected, the fist under which he led that institution left little room as to what was his agenda and to whom he felt he was in service to.

It would not be an untruthful statement in saying that the commission had instances where its decisions and work were not driven by objectivity, but that of furthering an agenda that not only denied the fundamental rights and freedoms of others, but set out to promote what the body was established to correct. Some such instances were the suppression of academic freedom, attempts to marginalise voices in society, and absence of rigour and due diligence required of research in order to objectively pronounce.

Another hindrance to the last ERC’s effectiveness outside of limited administrative staffing and other resources, biased, politi-

Editorial

cally driven agenda, was that of non-conformity with composition according to constitutional requirements. That commission operated without representatives from the Human Rights Commission, Indigenous People’s Commission, Women and Gender Equality Commission, and Commission for the Rights of the Child. This means that the named sectoral interests were not articulated by those constitutionally required to so speak and represent them.

The function of the ERC includes providing equality of opportunity between persons of different ethnic groups and to promote harmony and good relations between and among groups. The institution also has the responsibility to encourage and create respect for religious, cultural and other forms of diversity in our plural society. This includes promoting and encouraging the acceptance and respect by all segments of the society of the social identity and cultural inheritance of all ethnic groups.

The goals of the ERC in this polarised society are noble, timely, and needed like yesterday. What is required now is the appointment of honourable men and women to serve, who will bring with them the commitment and determination in working to realise its stated goals.

Some systems and policies are counterproductive Dear Editor I HAD rested my pen for a while to enjoy a much-deserved vacation and further direct my energy to a considerably more fruitful vocation.

However, in the light of a few recent disturbing national events, and a mind-boggling personal experience, my fingers compelled me to do this composition.

Living in Guyana can be very challenging, especially for those who are forward-thinking, objective or constructive. The challenge

is compounded by arrogance, laziness and backwardness in many sectors. The level of backwardness, I believe, is so endemic and broad-based that it threatens to destabilise this country and undermine its sovereignty. It is entrenched among many who are even highly academically qualified or otherwise elevated, and has been embraced as a standard of Guyanisation.

In a comment on the recent catastrophic fire and unfolding fiasco at the Georgetown Prison, the Head of State commented that the occurrence was “an accident

waiting to happen.” That comment raises a few of many underlying questions.

Did the prison authorities underestimate the magnitude of what was festering? Was the intellect of those incarcerated ever considered, or were they merely taken for granted?

Among those highlighted in the bulletin issued on the most dangerous escapees is a former policeman. The Guyana Police Force commemorated its 178th Anniversary with a route march the day before the riotous escape.

Invariably, the day following such an activity would be

treated as a rest day, when the force is not at full strength.

What a coincidence!

Guyana gained independence in May 1966, but this country still has a clot of colonial mentality. Most people tend to think that all solutions are extrinsic and not intrinsic. There is a distinct gap between actions and consequences. In most instances, that gap is only often bridged by punitive measures as against an overarching appreciation and proactivity to enable stop-gaps.

That type of mentality tends to fertilise grand-standing by

some who are mere incompetents. Things only get done as a consequence of some extremity or reproof from international sanctionative bodies. I will cite two examples.

Guyana did precious little to curb Trafficking In Persons (TIP) until it was faced with international sanctions. The same situation applied to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and Caribbean Action Task Force (CFATF) regulatory chastening due local lapses on Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism prior to 2016.

There are some persons in authority who will not budge to address certain issues or act on proposals by genuine local nationalists, but will snap into intense hyperactivity like a child who is stung by a wasp on a mere hint by any representative of the American, British or Canadian (ABC) countries on any matter. More amazingly, they do the full dance once Guyana is cited for any form of recalcitrance in ABC or International reports.

This is a clear indication See page 7

7

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 16, 2017

Prison fire: A failure and opportunity for good governance Dear Editor LAST week, swift public accountability reinforced good governance in Trinidad & Tobago. Ms. Marlene McDonald was sworn in as Minister of Public Utilities on June 30.

Three days later, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley fired her for countenancing a reputed member of the criminal underworld to attend her swearing-in ceremony.

Ms. McDonald introduced the gentleman, who is on the radar of security forces, to President Anthony Carmona with whom they were photographed.

This public outrage forced the prime minister to hold his minister accountable. Her firing restored public confidence in the government. Accountability is the essence of good governance.

Good governance is the foundation of a democratic society. In March 2016, inmates at the Georgetown Prison, Guyana’s main jail, rioted and burnt down part of the facility. Seventeen inmates were killed and several prison officers and prisoners were injured. The Commission of Inquiry (CoI) which investigated this fiasco made several recommendations. Minister of National Security, Mr.

Khemraj Ramjattan, said implementation of the reforms was unaffordable. Director of Prisons, Mr. Gladwin Samuels, posited that money was a major challenge to implementing the major CoI recommendations.

Last Sunday, July 9, 2017, the prisoners struck again. They rioted, shot several guards and burnt down the entire Georgetown Prison.

A prison officer was shot and killed. Several of his colleagues remain critical in hospital. Make no mistake, unaffordability to implement the CoI reforms led to the July 9 national tragedy that has left the Granger administration wanting.

We must laud our security forces. They commendably evacuated over 1000 prisoners safely and protected the lives of dozens of prison officials. In one year, the government’s only significant achievement in prison reform is a brilliant evacuation that was expertly executed.

Meanwhile, its vacillation and negligence allowed prisoners to hatch a more viable conspiracy to escape successfully, access weapons and incendiary devices that ultimately led to the prison’s destruction. It is inexplicable how such comprehensive planning went undetected.

The systemic failures, negligence, absence of prison intelligence-gathering and mismanagement, evince poor leadership of our prison service and national security.

The most dangerous inmates who masterminded the riot escaped. Authorities have given different numbers of escapees. Every two days the number changes and the names of some escapees are unknown. Obviously, there is an improper inmate registration system, which must be addressed by the reform project. Most of the prisoners were evacuated to the Lusignan Prison, where they have been video-taped roving the vast compound unrestrained, killing animals to cook, bathing openly etc. This lawlessness amplifies Mr. Samuels’ contention of lack of funding and the government’s laxity and unpreparedness for exigent circumstances.

The optics of prisoners casually roaming a compound with cutlasses and knives and killing animals is a traumatising image.

The inmates are currently housed in a swampy compound. They are exposed to elements of the environment, and to unsanitary conditions that are hazardous to public health. This development is repugnant to international

Some systems and policies ...

From page 6

that we are not as independent as we promulgate.

I recently went to the Brickdam Police station to have my vehicle certified for fitness. The prescribed time for that exercise is from 09:00 to 11:00hrs, Mondays to Fridays. That was the same time-frame for the past 25 years when there was just a quarter of the vehicle population. That time period is the same when most working-class persons, and by extension vehicle owners, are contributing to the economic growth and development of this country. Most people use a friendly connection or other method to get vehicle fitness outside of the prescribed process. I was for-

tunate to obtain my certification of fitness through the right, yet laborious process.

I spoke with a senior police officer who was empathetic with my observational analysis, but merely responded by saying that “this is the system”.

I respectfully believe that the current system employed for certifying vehicle fitness is archaic and backward. There are real solutions that I will not detail here. Solutions that would be vehicle-owner-friendly, ensure that vehicles are meritoriously certified, negate under-table inducements and corruption, thereby ensuring public safely and true compliance with the traffic laws.

Our policy-makers

ought to be realists, who embrace greater public consultation and feedback.

True sovereignty of a country is reflected in the way its policies and systems align to meet the needs and protection of its citizenry.

Ironically, in Guyana, most of those who make policies and enforce systems never have real interface with what they create and are often oblivious or overlook the associated challenges faced by the masses. This distortion often contributes to many of the lamentable ills in our country. I will reserve the other half of the story.

Regards ORETTE CUTTING

human rights norms. Moreover, rushing magistrates into that compound to convene a haphazard satellite bail court, and releasing over 300 prisoners willy nilly, seem reckless. It further complicates the balance of human rights against public safety.

Moreover, if there is a judicial basis to release a prisoner who is charged with a petty crime after the fire, what was the judicial basis for remanding them to prison before the fire? Furthermore, there must be transparency. The police has an obligation to inform the public of the nature of the charges against those who have been released, to assuage public-safety concerns.

Opposition leader, Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo, has issued sanctimonious condemnations of the government’s handling of the matter. However, his party, the PPP, was in government for 23 years.

He was President of Guyana for 12 years; from 1999 – 2011. What did he do to solve this problem? In fact, he ostensibly used a previous jail break to manufacture a national security crisis to blame his political opposition and slaughter hundreds of innocent, young black men. His party left this 100 year-old, antiquated, wooden facility to deteriorate to a national se-

curity risk, which they passed on to the Granger administration. Mr. Jagdeo therefore has no integrity to lecture us on this issue. If he were smart, he would just sit down.

The Minister of National Security and Director of Prisons must account to the nation for a prison in which inmates accessed guns, knives and cutlasses and gravely endangered the lives of prison officers. Why didn’t the government, recognising that the 2016 riot caused a national emergency situation, mobilise the necessary resources from the international community to fast-track the implementation of the CoI recommendations? How did the prisoners acquire weapons and incendiary devices?

How were the female guards overpowered? Was there a combination of male and female guards serving meals?

How were the prisoners able to move from their cell to different parts of the compound to set simultaneous fires? How could prisoners escape when there were mobile police patrol units around the outer perimeter of the prison? What kind of prisoner registration system is in place ? How can missing inmates’ names and identification numbers be not known?

Public safety is the most

inviolable responsibility of a government. The Minister of National Security has the unpleasant record of two prison riots, 18 deaths and the complete destruction of the Georgetown Prison on his watch. He must answer these and other questions to assure public confidence in the government. As the government contemplates solutions for this crisis, its actions must exude transparency , accountability and good governance. Part of the solution must include construction of a modern prison facility outside of the commercial district of Georgetown. The government has the ability to mobilise the resources for such a project. It requires political will, courage and forward thinking on the part of this administration. Guyana is a beautiful country.

It is rich in vastly untapped natural resources.

All of us, as stakeholders, must work to find solutions to the current economic and social challenges, and help mold and develop a modern country for new generations of Guyanese to inherit.

Regards RICKFORD BURKE International Law and Public Policy Consultant

8

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 16, 2017

Guyana, U.S. pledge to deepen ties …bilateral assistance pegged at $6.5B UNITED States Ambassador Perry Holloway on Thursday reiterated his government’s commitment to continued collaboration with the Guyana Government in a number of areas.

During the celebration of the U.S. 241ST Independence Day Anniversary held at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown, the American Envoy said that the U.S. Government has provided much needed assistance to the government of Guyana and will so continue.

“We have done a lot and will be doing so much more as long as President Granger and the people of Guyana want us to continue,” said Ambassador Holloway. He noted too that all activities and programmes established here were only possible as a result of cooperation of the past and present governments, civil society, the uniformed services along with the hard work of the Guyanese people. “At best at times, we have simply been a catalyst or strong supporter, but the real work of advancing Guyana as a country has always been done by Guyanese and there is still more to do. I am here to tell you today that if you want us, then the United States will be by your side going forward,” Ambassador Holloway stated.

Meanwhile, in an outline of his Embassy’s work over the past year, Ambassador

Holloway noted that over 500 Guyanese are employed by the Embassy. He noted that the embassy spends about US$30M or $6.5B in bilateral and regional foreign assistance here. “Remittances from the USA to Guyana are about US$225M a year or more than GY$48B,” he stated. Meanwhile, the US government has assisted Guyana considerably in the emerging oil and gas sector and according to the U.S Ambassador, the State Department’s Energy Governance and Capacity Initiative is to provide assistance to the Ministry of Natural Resources in supporting the development of a strong regulatory framework and oil-spill prevention strategies in preparation for oil production come mid-2020.

“We have also provided assistance via the Carter Center to help Guyana prepare for its candidacy for the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative or EITI. I am optimistic that Guyana’s candidacy will be approved this year and this will help ensure sound management of resources, as well as transparency.”

Additionally, support was also granted to increase fiscal transparency and capacity in tax administration by bringing in advisors from Treasury’s Office of Technical Assistance to work with the Guyana Revenue Authority to improve capacity,

support retention of talent, provide tools to curb potential corruption, and help develop the Oil and Gas Office within the Large Taxpayer’s Department.

“We also helped start a donor coordination working group on petroleum to ensure that we are not supplicating efforts and are seeking out synergies that will allow us all to provide maximum assistance to the government and people of Guyana,” Ambassador Holloway stated.

Two explosives detection scanners for use at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) were also handed over to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure through the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

The Ambassador pointed to assistance in the areas of USAID Skills and Knowledge for Youth Employment (SKYE) project, the Youth Empowerment Services (YES) Programme, work to help Guyana lower the incidence of HIV/AIDS and to ensure those infected can continue to contribute to society, transnational military assistance in the form of regional understanding and inter-operability, fellowships and the establishment of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) here, among other programmes.

Since the establishment of the DEA, Ambassador Holloway said there has been increased information-

Representatives of the U.S. Navy stand at attention as part of a presentation during that country’s 241st Independence celebration at the Marriott Hotel (Delano Williams photo)

sharing between the U.S. and Guyanese entities and that has thereby allowed for open investigations and “to deny bad people the ability to travel to the U.S. Like Ambassador Holloway, President David Granger hailed Guyana’s long-standing relationship with the United States. During his address, the President said the two countries have enjoyed high bilateral cooperation in sev-

A section of the gathering on Thursday during the U.S. 241st Independence Day celebration in Guyana (Delano Williams photo)

eral areas including, but not limited to culture, defence, economic development, education, governance, health, justice improvement and security cooperation and migration.

“Guyana attaches great importance to the bond and friendship which existed between our two countries since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations,” the President said.

The Head-of-State said too that Guyana looks forward to deepening and strengthening its relations with the U.S and referenced the Caribbean 2020 multiyear strategy to Increase the Security, Prosperity, and Well-Being of the People of the United States and the Caribbean. “The strategy would be instrumental in strengthening the economies and sustaining security within Caribbean states,” said President Granger. President

Granger said Guyana and the U.S. face the common threat of transnational crime which can be countered only through international cooperation.

International terrorism, trafficking in Persons, illegal weapons and narcotics all represent national security threats to states and “… international security cooperation is critical to combatting these threats. Cooperation is imperative to human safety, vital to preserving the Caribbean as a zone of peace, necessary to maintaining the integrity of the Criminal Justice System. Guyana and the USA have been reliable strategic partners over the years.”

Guyana, the President added, looks to the U.S which is a global leader in the area of renewable energy technologies for assistance in the reduction of high energy costs.

Gas company explores investment opportunities here NATURAL Resources Minister Raphael Trotman and a team of technical officers of the Petroleum Department of his ministry have recently met with Halliburton Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jeffrey Miller to explore business opportunities.

Halliburton, one of the world’s premier oil-and-gas supply and service companies, is seeking to open offices in Guyana to offer its upstream oilfield services to oil- and-gas companies as Guyana moves to becoming an oil-producing country.

Miller emphasised the

high prospects that are being seen in the Guyanese market and the room for these to develop over the coming years.

Halliburton is interested in investing here in areas of capacity-building for local vendors and education support through local universities.

Minister Trotman welcomed the high-level visit and was keen to indicate the need for local content to be an important consideration for all companies entering the Guyanese markets.

In response, Miller highlighted Halliburton’s philosophy of having people work where they live,

and building the capacity of locals over time to develop the expertise and technical skills needed to service the industry.

Halliburton was founded in 1919 and offers energy services internationally, ranging from locating hydrocarbons and managing geological data, to drilling

and formation evaluation and well-construction and completion.

It has operations in some 70 countries around the world and has provided services to some of the largest oil-and-gas companies in the world, including ExxonMobil here in Guyana and elsewhere.

9

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 16, 2017

CoI into Camp Street Prison break PUBLIC Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan has announced that a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) will be held into the fire and riot that flattened Camp Street Prison last Sunday.

The public security minister made the disclosure during a debriefing exercise with Opposition parliamentarians held at Public Buildings on Friday.

According to the Department of Public Information (DPI, Ramjattan along with Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson, Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud and Prisons Director, Gladwin Samuels provided a full briefing on the fire at the Georgetown Prison to Opposition members.

The Opposition parliamentarians were also briefed on the actions taken

by the government and the security services in securing and housing the transferred prisoners and other related matters, the DPI said.

The Opposition team led by Clement Rohee and which included Juan Edghill, Bheri Ramsarran and Harry Gill, asked a number of questions and these were addressed by Ramjattan and his team.

Minister Ramjattan said a CoI will be held on the Camp Street incident and there will be additional opportunities to examine the responses of the disciplined forces.

The Opposition team also made some suggestions which the government team acknowledged had some merit and will be considered and the government undertook to have an updated brief as soon as additional

Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan

information is available.

Meanwhile, thus far, three of the eight prisoners who escaped the riot and inferno have been recaptured.

On Friday, Desmond James, one of the prison escapees was arrested on a

dam at Canal Number 1 Polder, West Bank Demerara.

With James being arrested, the five now on the run 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 together.

The Georgetown Prison, which was built to accommodate 600, was holding 1,018 inmates at the time of the fire. 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 (GDF) helicopter provided aerial cover while ground troops patrolled the forested backlands. Ranks are convinced that the men might be lurking somewhere in the area.

Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan said every effort is being made to recapture the escapees – all of whom are murder accused and/or convicts.

“The Joint Services will be doing their best to hunt them down and bring them in,” the minister said.

A similar assurance was given by Police Commissioner, Seelall Persaud, who shared that the Joint Services is 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 other five escapees; and to restore order in the prisons.

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

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

Some tax measures could be reversed – President says matter under consideration

By Ariana Gordon THE Government of Guyana is currently contemplating the reversal of some budgetary tax measures implemented during the 2017 national budget.

Head-of-state President David Granger told the Guyana Chronicle in a recent interview that the implemented tax measures were not ornamental and were implemented because of revenue shortfalls.

“We are actually looking at means to reduce the taxation burdens,” said President Granger as he explained that the APNU+AFC administration did not implement the new tax measures to put an unnecessary burden on citizens.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan had announced during the reading of the 2017 budget that a 14 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) would be placed on Private education (tuition), electricity, water, medical supplies and services.

News of the new tax measures did not sit well with the citizenry and resulted in several protests on VAT on private education in particular. Protestors contended that the new tax imposed is burdensome to the working class, while noting that Guyanese are already finding it difficult to survive in this economy.

Several private schools and some students have called on the government to reverse the 14 per cent VAT on private tuition fees. In response, the government committed to revisiting its decision but noted that there are many private institutions that do not pay taxes to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

Dr Brian O’Toole, head of Nations University, during a consultation had said that the solution to the issue is “not to punish who pay tax” but to go after those who are not compliant.

But President Granger said while assessments are still ongoing on the matter on the reversal of some

of the new tax measures, he was not in a position to state which measures exactly would be reversed.

“Yes, we did put it (VAT) on private education but the likelihood is that we will be able to find revenue from other sources and that would be removed,” the President told the Guyana Chronicle.

WIDESPREAD The President said too that tax evasion is widespread across the country and must be curbed.

Many of the private schools, 33 of which operate within Georgetown, are unrecognised and of the 33 schools in Georgetown, 21 are unrecognised while 12 are. This represents a major problem for the Ministry of Education and the Guyana Revenue Authority.

In April, the President during his television programme, the Public Interest, called on citizens to be more patient and tolerant as he too desires to see changes made.

“We are asking peo-

President David Granger

ple to be more patient, more tolerant, we have committed to reviewing it and I would like to see it lowered,” the head of state said.

He explained: “We have explained that we had to widen the tax base, there was widespread tax evasion, we need to collect taxation and that is how governments work, once you see there is massive evasion and non-compliance, it then means that the government work will be hampered.”

He explained that in order for the country to pay for services provided

it must garner revenue and as such, government continues to look for other sources of revenue.

“As you know, sugar has not been performing; timber has not been performing because of the problems in the international market. So we have to look at other sources of revenue,” President Granger told this publication on Thursday at State House.

In November 2016, Finance Minister Winston Jordan presented a whopping $250B budget for 2017, the biggest for the coalition government, since assuming office in

May 2015.

Presented under the theme, “Building a diversified green economy: delivering the good life to all Guyanese,” the budget addressed new tax measures aimed at stimulating the country’s economy.

As such VAT was reduced to 14 per cent from 16 per cent. However, citizens have to pay VAT on their electricity and water bills.

Once the electricity bill exceeds $10,000 and the water bill is more than $1,500, then the 14 per cent VAT will have to be paid.

10

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 16, 2017

Elderly woman was reportedly raped by son’s friend

– police hunt suspect in Crabwood Creek incident THE daughter of the elderly Crabwood Creek woman who succumbed from injuries of rape on Friday said her mother did not deserve to die that way, lamenting that the act was reportedly committed by one of her brother’s

friends.

“She didn’t deserve that; she has been a widow for the past 27 years. She was hardworking and did everything for herself, including cooking and cleaning. She didn’t deserve that,” the daughter said as she struggled to con-

trol her tears.

The suspect, said to be in his 30s, had reportedly visited her brother earlier in the day.

“He come from river around 10.00 hrs and he come by me and bring a drink and

chicken, and he say he coming back when he come back he show me he buy a new slipper and he left me around four [16:00 hrs] and then say he coming back just now,” the daughter of the 75-year-old woman related.

The son of the deceased

woman told the Guyana Chronicle that the very slippers his friend wore when he visited him earlier in the day were found at his mother’s home.

The matter was reported to police at the Springlands Police Station, but by the time they arrived, the suspect had already fled the scene.

“Yesterday [Friday] morning he went by the workplace sleeping in a hammock drunk, drunk and smoke up. I tell the police he there but them just wine, wine and mek the man gone,” the saddened son said.

According to reports, around 02:00 hrs on Friday, the elderly woman was attacked by the rapist and following the ordeal she managed to run from her home to her daughter’s res-

idence a street away.

She collapsed on her way, but managed to crawl into the yard, calling out for help.

“She calling… come help me and my daughterin-law who live downstairs call out to me, I hurry downstairs and help her up the stairs,” the daughter said, noting that her mother was bleeding from her eyes, ears and mouth and a sheet was tied tightly from her back to her neck.

“I put her to sit and say let me see what happen to you, she tell me loose, loose the sheet, a man beat her up, to my surprise the person tear her mouth, one of her eye was closed and bleeding and she was crying out for stomach pain. I try to give her a tablet, but she say no and the pain got intense and she start rolling on the floor so my husband say this is emergency, we have to take her hospital; so I went to call out the neighbours to get a vehicle to take her.

Around three AM we reach Skeldon Hospital her ears were bleeding and she eye start close,” the daughter told this publication.

From all indications, after committing the act, the suspect tried to strangle the elderly woman, but she somehow managed to fight him off and escape.

The 75-year-old woman was subsequently taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital where she died while receiving medical attention.

She leaves to mourn five children and 17 grandchildren.

11

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 16, 2017

Our communities have become spaces of alienation: Time for a vision to stop the rut

By David Hinds

IN the wake of the recent jailbreak, there is understandably much debate over what went wrong at Camp Street. On one hand, there has been the usual partisan finger-pointing by the opposition PPP and its allies in the Private Sector Commission. On the other hand, the Public Security Minister and the President have defended the government against charges of culpability.

The minister blamed the slow implementation of the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry into the last prison riot on the government’s inability to come up with the necessary resources. He specifically cited government’s huge subsidy to the sugar industry—a clear and perhaps apt response to the PPP. The President, for his part, has absolved the minister from any blame for the jailbreak.

When all is said and done, the government of the day has to take responsibility for what happened—they are in charge. The current rulers must take responsibility, even if blame lies elsewhere. But we should be less interested in blame and more concerned with the lessons learned and how to use those to craft a clear strategy to minimise the possibility of a reoccurrence of what has happened during the last two years. My own view is that what happened points to a crisis in our penal system, which is a consequence of a larger crisis in our justice system and the social condition of the society at large.

To begin with, there is overcrowding in the prisons which stretches the resources in the prison service to the limit. We are now learning that most of the prisoners were incarcerated for petty offences and that most of them are young people.

This, of course, results from an uncaring justice system that facilitates the criminal-

isation of the young and the poor. Magistrates and judges seem to be too ready to mete out harsh punishment to the defenceless without due regard for the larger consequences.

The use of the criminal justice system to criminalise the poor in the name of law and order is not new.

But it’s not just the judges and magistrates who are at fault, it’s also the very legal framework within which they operate. The sentencing guidelines for petty crimes need to be reformed to ensure that offenders are given a chance at rehabilitation rather than face jail time.

Everyone knows that our prison system is not geared towards reform of errant individuals; it’s more of an institution for the nurturing of hardened criminals. In this regard, our political leaders need to step up and be bold enough to confront entrenched, but counter-productive notions of law and order.

Then there is the larger problem facing our youth— what drives them to socalled deviant behaviour?

My own view is that there is widespread alienation in our society that consumes our young people. Many of them do not feel a sense of ownership of our country; they feel alien to it. There is no sense of security--there is no guarantee, for example, of a proper job when they leave school. And as a society, we feed that sense of alienation and lack of worth among them—we give them a diet of reckless partying to the point where they come to believe that their only worth is in the dancehall. There is something sub-human about that message of constant jamming as the only outlet for the human spirit.

It is in this regard that I think successive governments have failed our people. Our governments have not invested in the humanity of people. Too often, we see them as voters and votes and not as human beings with

faces and dignity. Hence, we do not appeal to their humanity in all its beauty; we cater to the ugly part of us. We lock them up in our political prisons and use them to throw ethnic and political missiles at the other. One just has to spend a little time on social media and you become sick to the stomach at some of the nonsense that are encouraged by so-called leaders. Politicians must change course and the two ethno-political giants have to lead the way.

It is no secret that that prison break could not have occurred without some degree of collusion between the escapees and others operating within the system. Hence, there can be no prison reform without the sanitising of the prison service. Over time, our security forces have been allowed to become havens for corruption. I am sure that prison wardens have always helped prisoners to smuggle things into prisons, but one senses that that practice has now become a lucrative industry that has compromised the entire service. This is a serious problem whose roots extend beyond the prison walls.

Prison workers’ wages, like those of other public servants, are unlivable.

Many wardens, I am sure, are driven into compromising situations out of sheer desperation. But

these workers are too vital to our collective security to be allowed to continue in this way. Again, this is where government comes in—these are government workers. Government must quickly address the issue of public service wages; it has now become a matter of national emergency. Prison Wardens, soldiers and policemen and women are too central to the safety of our citizenry to be allowed to continue to function in a state of vulnerability to corruption. Better wages would not automatically bring an end to corruption in the public service, but it would surely reduce the vulnerability of workers.

So, I submit that in addition to building more secure jails, we have to pay the prison workers better wages.

And, critically, government must embark on a massive sensitisation programme aimed at instilling new ethics and values among the wardens. Threats of punishment and dismissal are not enough—there is need for fundamental change in habits and behaviour aimed at creating a prison service that values commitment to job and country. So many of our public service workers, from teachers to police to prison service workers, tend to see their jobs as just a source of a little paycheck and no more. If we are to become a viable nation, that condition

has to change.

Our public servants are recruited from communities—that’s where the root of our problems lie. Our communities, from village to town, have become spaces of alienation where human beings doubt their own human worth. These people are forgotten. They are ghettoized in their spaces of existence and can only reproduce the despair that has become their norm. They hear of policies that have nothing to do with them and their daily lives. They see politicians only when it’s time for voting. They are forced to defend their party and their race out of fear of the other, yet their party does not defend them from poverty and insecurity. They hear of half a million dollars rent for ministers, and they can’t pay their rent because they are either unemployed or underemployed. Is it any surprise that when the get a little job, they take that insecurity into the workplace? Is it any surprise that some of them are willing to protect the runaway prisoner? Is it any surprise that they seek refuge in the dancehall? We have failed them.

With all due respect to

Minister Ramjattan, I submit that if a government prioritises prison reform, then it would ensure that the required funds are allocated in that regard. Aren’t funds found for perks for the big ones? I continue to indict this government for not having a coherent approach to dealing with the big problems it inherited—there is no overarching vision. It is not that government is not doing good things, but because there is no proper direction, the desired effect is not being felt. The government, more often than not, reacts to developments and therefore finds itself on the defence. If your objective is to reduce prison overcrowding, then you don’t wait until a major jailbreak happens, then send magistrates to grant bail and release to non-violent offenders. Such a policy should have been part of an overall plan.

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

12

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 16, 2017

Being in the vicinity of Sunday’s prison revolt

LAST Sunday afternoon, while driving along Carifesta Avenue going towards Camp Street, I observed thick smoke billowing into the air. Curiosity caused me to drive into the centre of Georgetown to inquire which building was ablaze and it was the Camp Street Prison. The density of the smoke made me concerned that lives may have been lost, so I proceeded to the barriers set up around the prison’s vicinity to have a firsthand account of what was taking place.

While I’m in no position to account for the intimate details as to how the Joint Services performed, it is my opinion, based on peripheral observation, that they distinguished themselves in a moment of deep crisis.

Very rarely has this nation witnessed such efficiency in crisis management, moreso when it has to do with persons considered threats to society.

The ability to save the lives of all the inmates, who numbered in excess of 1000, which was more than twice the available accommodation, in a dense part of the city was no ordinary feat.

Further, that persons, houses, and businesses within the vicinity of that raging inferno and revolt did not suffer loss of property, lives and limbs cannot be ignored.

The Joint Services, individually or collectively, has/have attracted our condemnations for various reasons, but in this instance where they distinguished themselves under difficult circumstances -- material, physical, human and logistical -- is worthy of noting.

Let me take the opportunity to commend the outstanding performance of our men and women in uniform -- a job well done!

Containing that fire and the prisoners, notwithstanding the six or eight who escaped, required quick wit, bravery and sound judgement calls. Under the circumstances and with limited resources, your performance was excellent. The death of Prison Warden Odinga Wickham and injuries to others should not have happened and condolences are extended to his family and the Prison Service, and a speedy recovery to all the injured.

Milling around the overwhelming onlookers, in the

various streets within the prison’s vicinity, offered a window into their thinking and concerns. There was fear about the Joint Services’ ability to contain and restrain the prisoners and fire. Persons were deeply concerned what this uprising could mean for their safety, the prisoners, prison guards and firemen. Many were concerned about the likelihood of a repeat of the 2002 to 2006 reign of criminal terror. The general opinion was that the raging fire was likely to see casualties, charred and burnt bodies; an opinion I too held given that this incident was comparatively worse than the 2016 revolt.

As the fire raged, the Joint Services battling the resultant effects, and engagement with persons within the crowd, it was hard not to question why in our society there seems to be a penchant for making the same mistakes, over and over again. In March 2016, the prison was set afire and it is not for want of reports from commissions of inquiry or recommendations by prison management the society is deprived of. In fact, we have everything written and more needed to act, but

in the absence of political will, vision, prioritising and commitment the nation will suffer.

July 9 was an accident waiting to happen. In 2016, President Granger made similar acknowledgement, after the inferno that left 17 dead and several injured. If this government knows 2016 was an accident waiting to happen, it must ask itself why it allowed the inevitable to be repeated in 2017.

Accidents are caused and in order to prevent them, systems must be put in place to ensure this.

Government cannot hide behind the absence of resources to implement recommendations to bring about corrective actions.

Off the top, the over $1. 5 billion wasted in building the un-necessary D’Urban Park and fortress-like-fence around the Office of the President Complex could have been channelled towards there. Minister of State Joe Harmon’s view that this monstrosity is to prevent a repeat of what he thinks was an invasion of the complex in 2002, an incident more politicised than properly rationalised, those whom the State have

deemed deserving to be in protective custody, resources are being denied.

The PPP/C leadership has come out of the woodwork, like swarming, biting ants, to condemn and lay blame, but has no moral authority to such rectitude given that successive administrations presided over escalating prison-overcrowding, ignoring crucial recommendations for reform, and played a major role in setting back the prison and judicial systems.

It was under the PPP/C we have had the February 2002 prison break, which was followed by execution-style killings, where over 400 young men lost their lives, the Joint Services emasculated, phantom squads created and roamed freely with government support; former USA fugitive and convicted drug lord Roger Khan boasted of his role in the state security structure. Instead of implementing recommendations of the Justice Cecil Kennard Commission of Inquiry, that administration formed a parallel police force to carry out its junta acts, playing to racial fears, divisive politics, and running roughshod over

the people.

The PPP/C could not find the necessary resources to bring the system into compliance with universally acceptable standards.

Its response was to restrict traffic within the prison vicinity, as a method of increasing security, which was admittance that a crisis existed. Tens of millions of taxpayers’ money was found to give ministers to fix their teeth and take care of other medical expenses, US$15.4 million was wasted in the Makeshwar Fip Motilall cow-running scheme to build an access road for the hydro project, and so forth.

On this incident, the PPP/C leadership must sit it out, for it has no moral authority to speak much less condemn, unless it is to say we too have screwed up and let’s together work to fix the mess we have helped to create. There must not be a repeat of 9th July and pressure must be brought to bear on government, including the opposition, to ensure systems are put in place to implement the several recommendations of the various commissions of inquiry.

13

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 16, 2017

Strong regional foreign policy coordination critical in changing global environment PRESIDENT David Granger served as Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) from January to July, 2017 and during his tenure, he emphasised the economic, environmental and physical security of the citizens who make up the populations of member states. The Guyanese Head of State placed at the top of the regional agenda our right, as members of the community, to citizenship, to food security and economic viability, a safe and secure existence and the protection of our territorial integrity.

Recognising that the small states that make up the region must stand firmly together in the face of a constantly changing global environment, President Granger believes that the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) is the key to addressing these bread and butter issues for CARICOM citizens.

FOREIGN POLICY COORDINATION Effective foreign policy coordination is viewed as an important enabler for building resilience by effectively positioning CARICOM and the member states in the global arena through collaboration, cooperation and strategic alliances, the promotion and protection of the interest of CARICOM and other small states to mitigate vulnerability and the leveraging of resources for regional priorities. Heads of Government of CARICOM continue to articulate and harmonise policies and programmes to safeguard and promote the Community’s interests within the global environment. President Granger has attached great importance to foreign policy coordination, even as individual states within the Community pursue their national interests. He believes that foreign policy coordination is one of the four pillars on which the Caribbean Community stands.

Within a current international environment that is replete with uncertainty and complexity, President Granger warned that the efficacy of the Community’s international advocacy could be impaired if coordinated regional positions are weakened. “The Caribbean Community cannot cling to an obsolete model of insularity in light of these international changes. The mirage of 15 airlines, 15 cricket teams, 15 defence forces and 15 embassies in the capitals of the world might mesmerise a few sentimental romantics, but could deplete the treasuries of our states. The Community, challenged by the constantly changing international situation, must redouble its efforts to ensure a more safe society for its citizens, more stable economies for its countries, deeper solidarity and a more secure hemisphere,” the President said.

This strength in a unified foreign policy approach in the region, the Guyanese Leader said, is demonstrated in the Community’s collective stance on the Guyana/ Venezuela Border controversy. CARICOM, at the 38th Conference of Heads of Government Meeting, in Grenada this month, reaffirmed its collective support for the principles enshrined in international law for safeguarding territorial integrity, sovereignty and national

independence by supporting Guyana in the border controversy.

The President welcomed the Communiqué issued at the close of the Heads of Government Meeting, where CARICOM reiterated its “firm and unequivocal support for the maintenance and preservation of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” with regard to the Guyana/Venezuela controversy.

The Heads of Government welcomed the appointment of His Excellency Dag Nylander as Personal Representative of the UN Secretary-General in the Good Offices Process for the duration of 2017,

with a strengthened mandate of mediation. They noted that “if by the end of 2017, the Secretary-General concludes that significant progress has not been made toward arriving at a full agreement for the solution of the controversy, he will choose the International Court of Justice as the next means of settlement,” unless the Governments of Guyana and Venezuela “jointly request that he refrain from doing so.” They recognised the strong commitment of the Secretary-General to the process and joined Guyana in acknowledging his efforts.

During the closing press conference of that Meeting

of the Conference of the Heads of Government, President Granger said, “Since CARICOM has been established, the Caribbean has always stood behind Guyana and we are very satisfied with not only the Caribbean, but also the Commonwealth and other countries around the world that realised that the Venezuelan claim is completely absurd and spurious and we have always been able to rely on the support of our colleagues.”

Guyana’s Foreign Minister, Mr. Carl Greenidge, had expressed similar sentiments, while noting that Venezuela’s threats cut across international laws, treaties and sanctity, making it clear that the claim to two-thirds of the country was baseless.

The Community’s ability to come up with a coordinated stance on international matters was also tested on the matter of internal unrest in Venezuela. Member states of the Caribbean Community had to work together to arrive at a common position as it relates to the crisis in Venezuela.

Maintaining solidarity and unity of purpose and following deliberations, the CARICOM member states in their declared position in the Communiqué they “reaf-

firmed their guiding principles of adherence to the rule of law, respect for human rights and democracy, as well as for the fundamental principles of non-intervention and non-interference in the internal affairs of states.”

In a meeting ahead of the specially called ‘consultation’ of foreign ministers at the Headquarters of the Organisation of American States (OAS), held on May 31, 2017 , a draft declaration on behalf of CARICOM member states was presented by The Bahamas Foreign Minister, Darren Henfield, where CARICOM’s commitment to the principles of non-intervention and non-interference in sovereign states was emphasised.

The need for all parties to hold constructive dialogue and a peaceful outcome to the problems in Venezuela were reiterated. Since that time, CARICOM leaders have worked to refine and reaffirm their position and President Granger, speaking on the side-lines of the Heads meeting in Grenada noted that the region must remain a zone of peace.

“We hope that the Venezuelan people could return to full democratic rule and Turn to page 14 ►

14

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 16, 2017

Strong regional foreign policy...

full public order as quickly as possible without the interference of third states. That is our ambition. We don’t want to intervene. Venezuela, I think, is one of the most mature democracies in the Region. It has a tradition of elections. Right now they are undergoing some instability and we want to make sure that at the end of the day, you know, the Venezuelan people are satisfied with the outcome; it’s peaceful and they return to full democratic rule. Right now there is a bit of turbulence, but we all hope that it will end sooner rather than later,” the Guyanese leader said.

Director-General of the Foreign Service, Ms. Audrey Waddle, speaking at the Heads of Mission Conference held in Guyana in April, 2017, underscored the importance for Guyana; while a member of the Caribbean Community, as an individual state, to ensure that its foreign policy is crafted in a way which guarantees protection of its sovereignty. She outlined Guyana’s efforts to ensure that “prudent, pragmatic and sustainable” approaches to diplomacy are a valued investment, given the current global environment. In the

context of a small state such as Guyana, with well-known and varied capacity, a strong foreign service is imperative.

Ms. Waddle noted that “The preservation of sovereignty and territorial integrity, security against external threats and the pursuit of economic policy remain the central impulses … avails us of an unparalleled opportunity to undertake collectively a review of the discharge of our responsibilities in order to obtain our pivotal foreign policy objectives.

President Granger believes that the work CARICOM has done to arrive at collective positions on these matters has served to test and strengthen foreign policy coordination.

REGIONAL SECURITY The Caribbean is located between the continents of North and South America and several expressions have been used to describe it, including the ‘soft underbelly of the United States,’ as such, President Granger emphasised the need for citizens of the region to be aware its geopolitical significance. The fact that the Caribbean Community is constituted by many jurisdictions scattered over

thousands of square kilometres of sea space, President Granger said that makes the region susceptible to external threats.

He said “There is a fear that we could be taken advantage of. We are susceptible to transnational crime and as you know, in the western hemisphere there has been a substantial exportation of illegal narcotics; there has been gun running; there has been human trafficking and there has been terrorism. So these risks, these threats make us as a potential zone of instability and for that reason we need to ensure that the states of the Caribbean Community are protected from the threat of instability, because individually we cannot provide the sort of defence that big states like Brazil or Colombia would be able to provide for themselves so we have… unity is important. We have to work together and also we have to make sure that the Caribbean is a zone of peace and we have to make sure that the bigger states recognise their responsibility to protect our security.”

CARICOM is part of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) and other programmes within the re-

gion, however, the Outgoing Chair pointed out that finance and other factors have led to some of the agencies created over a decade ago, collapsing. He emphasised the need for countries in the region to share information and intelligence about persons moving throughout the jurisdictions, the need for better integration among the police forces and intelligence services within the framework of a transnational organisation. President Granger said there is no way a single state within the regional grouping can effectively track the movement of terrorists in and out of the Region, therefore information sharing is mandatory.

“We need to develop the assets, for example, surveillance. We need to have persons trained and we need to develop links with international organisations, but I would say that over the last ten years we’ve learnt a lot of lessons and the structures are there. We need to add meat; we need to add flesh to those structures to make sure that there are sufficient people trained, that the means of transmitting information are improved. So, we are in a good place. We have a high degree of trust with the people in the metropolitan countries with whom we have to deal,” the recent past Chair urged.

CARICOM SINGLE MARKET AND ECONOMY Upon his assumption of the Chairmanship of CARICOM, President Granger promised to work with his regional counterparts to promote the establishment of the economic basis for the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) and integration, the deepening of which is expected to boost the economic well-being of all member states. The Guyanese Head of State remains optimistic that the CSME is the best vehicle to allow small states to compete in the global economy while promoting economic and social development. He said that the Community is constantly challenged by the changing international environment and called for a redoubling of efforts to ensure stable economies.

Speaking more recently, the Head of State described the CSME as the single most important, most ambitious project of the Community in 44 years, hence he has attached great significance to it and its success, noting that it would be difficult for the

states to exist as a Community without it. He said, “It affects our single domestic space, it affects our internet communication space, it affects our single security space. It affects everything to the extent that [if the] CSME doesn’t work well, [that] means that the Community will fail to achieve its objective. We’ve been at it for a very long time. I feel that part of the problem is the shared size of the Community; it’s over 3000 sq. km between Nassau and Paramaribo and transportation has always been a big problem. Traditionally the Caribbean has been penetrated by commodities… from the bigger countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and because of our plantation economies we have never really developed a sufficiently wide base for local produce.”

The President expressed confidence that once the CSME progresses, the Caribbean Community would become very prosperous but, he noted that geographical and cultural barriers must be overcome. “The barriers are not insuperable.

We need to remove what I call the non-tariff barriers; bureaucrats put obstacles in the way of imports from other countries. We need to ensure that our civil servants at the level of customs, at the level of the port authorities are more appreciative. We are not asking them to break rules. We are asking them to be aware of the need to move more quickly to develop this single market,” the President said.

President Granger also described the CSME as CARICOM’s best response to changes in traditional European markets, growing economic liberalisation and the emergence of additional economic blocs and in order to advance this, there must be political will at the level of regional leadership.

The CSME is still the best vehicle to allow small states to compete in the global economy while promoting economic and social development. The CSME is the most ambitious project attempted by the Community; it must not become its most ambiguous,” President Granger noted.

AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY The recent past Chair has stressed that CARICOM’s food insecurity must be reversed if the Caribbean is to survive, pointing out that Guyana’s farmers can con-

From page 13

tribute to regional food security by increasing agricultural output. During a visit to the Sante Fe Mega Farm located in the North Rupununi, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo Region (Region Nine) in June, 2016 with Barbados Prime Minister, Mr.Freundel Stuart, extended an invitation to Barbadian entrepreneurs, urging them to combine their product with those available in Guyana, as part of a broader Caribbean project aimed at developing the countries for the citizens.

The President said that the door is open, since Guyana has the land space and once there are investments and expertise, the countries can become as prosperous as any other part of the world.

Prime Minister Stuart, while acknowledging the invitation, said that Guyana is definitely open for business and investments in agriculture and that the success of the Santa Fe farm can serve as a model for other investors from other parts of the Caribbean and farther afield to get on board. The Santa Fe farm spans a total of 29,000 acres of arable lands in the North Rupununi. It represents a thriving agricultural business venture which is a major investment by prominent Barbadian investor, Sir Kyffin Simpson in Guyana’s agriculture sector.

Progress would be realised faster, Mr. Granger said, once the countries overcome their “infatuation” with foreign foods and accept that the region as a whole can feed itself and export commodities to other parts of the world. During the 37th Regular Meeting of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community, in July 2016, President Granger seized another opportunity and called on regional leaders to invest in Guyana, including investing in the country’s vast agricultural potential.

He noted that the countries of the Caribbean have the capital, while Guyana has the land and freshwater. The President at that time said there is no reason why member states should not engage in a partnership aimed at increasing agricultural output to help achieve food security in the Caribbean.

President Granger has said that Guyana can play a meaningful role in becoming the rice bowl and vegetable basket of the Caribbean and envisions the country playing this role through investment, infrastructure, information and innovation in agriculture.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 16, 2017

‘Only a matter of time’

– a grieving father’s plaintive cry for deliverance from his deranged son

By Jeune Bailey Van Keric HEAD bowed in shame, 75-year-old Dennis Robinson tells of his stormy relationship with his son, a young man who’s so tormented by drugs, he’d do just about anything to lay his hands on it; even if it means killing his parents.

And to think that he and his wife, Ursula, took him in 24 years ago when he was just eight months old.

Of late, the New Amsterdamer said, the death threats have intensified, especially when he or the wife has cause to rebuke him about his lifestyle, or if he cannot lay his hands on the money he needs to finance his habit.

Just last Friday, the pensioner said, his son threatened to send him on a trip to “skin-teeth-land” to meet his Maker.

Such threats, he told the Guyana Chronicle, sent shivers down his spine,and he was forced to send his wife to spend some time with her sister, so she can be safe in the event anything should go horribly wrong at their Angoy’s Avenue home.

He also placed a telephone call to Central Police Station, and the police rank at the other end promised him faithfully that he would send the patrol, but up to the time of taking this report, the police were a ‘no-show’, Mr Robinson said.

“I do not know if they are waiting for something to happen before they come,” he muttered, “but, should anything occur, I will defend myself.”

The part-time bicycle technician re-

called that over the years, life with his ‘only-child’ has been a challenge, as he gave him no end of problems, even while he was at school.

Mr Robinson recalled that it was after the boy left school that he started to smoke marijuana, which resulted in his being convicted for possession.

But even incarceration did not help, as the boy escaped from prison, which resulted in his being rearrested and charged with escape from lawful custody.

This time around, he served his sentence, and upon his release, promised faithfully that he would change. But those promises were short-lived, as he continued his addictive ways.

“He stole several items, including a laptop, which was subsequently recovered,” his heart-broken father said, adding: “He later ‘tripped’, and a series of problems followed. He would behave disorderly. He was charged, but the presiding magistrate sent him for an assessment at the National Psychiatric Hospital.

“However, two weeks later, he was released and sent home with medication. But, he stopped using the tablets, and his behaviour pattern declined, as he continues to do utter nonsense.”

Mr. Robinson recalled, too, how his son would become easily agitated, whenever he asks him to be careful with the water, as it comes at a price. As he explained, his son is in the habit of using a whole bucket of water just to wash his hands.

“He launched into a series of expletives, threat-

ening to kill me; the way he glared at me, eyes filled with hate, I cannot sleep,” Mr Robinson said, adding: “But whenever I do, a baton has to be by my side.

My wife, too, cannot sleep, for she is fearful of what he can do.”

Robinson, a staunch Catholic, stated too that during his son’s mental episodes, the family Bible and other religious artifacts were destroyed.

Further, when meals are given to the unemployed youth, he would throw the food away through the window.

“I just don’t know what more to do,” the elderly man said, head still bowed, as his voice trailed off into a whisper.

15

16

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 16, 2017

CEO chides GPHC ‘slackers’

By Shirley Thomas

THE announcement made

by Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Brigadier George Lewis, that the institution is moving to place more emphasis on customer care has been well received.

In fact, it was greeted with enthusiasm and a breath of fresh air by members of the public, who depend on the institution for medical care.

A fortnight ago, the first batch of nurses trained was presented with certificates at a ceremony held at the institution’s Multi-Purpose Hall on New Market Street.

Brigadier Lewis first acknowledged the creditable performance of those dedicated nurses and doctors who take a very professional and humane approach to their jobs, regarding the patient’s health as foremost, even under trying conditions, but chided those who were not

pulling their weight .

He however, cautioned that, regardless of the conditions under which nurses and doctors work, it is their duty to go to work and provide ‘quality’ service to the public.

He drew to attention the many complaints from members of the public that the hospital needs to do better than it is doing.

Against this backdrop, he conceded that the only reason that the hospital can be perceived as not doing that

well is: “Our behaviour, our attitude, and how we interact with the public.”

The CEO added that sometimes when nurses (in particular) interact with the public seeking service, they do not do so in the manner as would make the hospital proud, hence the importance of the customer services training.

He stressed that customer care is about looking after customers and ensuring that they are satisfied with the

there is no job for each and everyone of us who are in the health care field, and we should at all times exhibit professionalism, in spite of the patients’ condition,” the welfare worker said.

GPHC CEO, Brigadier George Lewis

service, and since the GPHC is in the business of service, it behooves the staff to ensure they provide the public with a service that is second to none when they come to the institution.

“It is important how you speak to people; your demeanour; how you present yourselves and how you avoid conflict,” the CEO said.

ZERO TOLERANCE But Brigadier Lewis, on the issue of ‘conflict’, told nurses and doctors categorically that the administration has ‘zero tolerance’ for verbal altercations (let alone physical ones) with patients.

“It will not be tolerated. I have [already] warned … that any nurse or doctor getting into any altercations with any patient … I blame the nurse or doctor, I am not blaming the patient, because the nurse or the doctor has the responsibility to serve the patient who is a member of the public.”

He said even if patients’ attitudes towards the staff is bad or wrong, they (staff) are supposed to be able to lift themselves above that level and handle the situation in a professional manner.

He advised that if they can’t handle the problem, then they should seek the support of their supervisors, emphasising: “… you are not supposed to, under any circumstances, get involved in a verbal altercation or as has happened in some cases – a physical altercation with any patient.”

Among the many persons commenting on this stance, was welfare and humanitarian worker, Angela Grant, who spent her early childhood in Guyana and St. Lucia, and now works at the Brooklyn Hospital Centre, U.S.A. “First of all, health care workers have to understand that it is not about themselves, it’s about the patients, because without the patients,

LOVE AND CARE She said it matters not whether it’s a mental patient, whether it is a patient who is alert and knows what he is about doing or the reason he is in the institution -- nurses are there to provide that love and care.

“It is a hospital – an institution for helping those who are sick and who can’t help themselves when they are sick and staff must live up to that and deliver accordingly,” she reasoned.

Grant shared that in the U.S., patient surveys are done at some hospitals to ascertain how patients feel about the service.

On discharge, they are given a form to fill out and return by the mail, stating how they feel about the patient-care service.

If the patient complains about the attitude of the nurses towards them and state that they don’t want to come back to the institution, then the authorities know what they have to do.

But by and large, training is what prevents this kind of response. Nurses are also trained about how to handle the different ethnicities of people; ways of communicating with them, [paying attention to] language barrier and avoiding the risk of conflict through the use of interpreters.

“Customer service is very big in the U.SA,” Grant says, adding: “So I compliment who added that so because of that, patients are able to come back, feeling satisfied.”

She said nurses or health care workers must understand that whatever problems they may have in their homes – do not bring them to work, or they’ll transfer it to other people who did them nothing wrong.

“That is totally wrong,” Grant said, adding that in the U.S. it would not be tolerated, since the patients always have rights; the customer is always right, and nurses must understand that it is a business: “ you treat your customers right and they will always come back.”

Grant also said that doctors and nurses need to be trained in how to handle bereavement of families, stressing that such training needs to be put into place at the GPHC as early as possible.

17

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 16, 2017

Another sad lesson from speeding – relatives say Linden trio gone too soon

By Vanessa Braithwaite COMMANDER of ‘E’ Division, Senior Superintendent Fazil Karimbaskh has said that speeding was the main cause of death in the accident that claimed the lives of three Lindeners in the vicinity of Silver Hill, Soesdyke/Linden Highway on Friday.

Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle, Karimbaskh expressed worry at the number of fatal accidents this year on the highway as a result of over speeding.

The latest of these claimed the lives of Melroy Rose, 30, called Foulie, a Bosai employee and mechanic of 64 Block 22 Wismar; Vallan Bowen, 60, of 29 Fair’s Rust, Mackenzie, Linden; and Keston Bollers, 21, of Kara Kara Linden.

Keston Bollers died on the spot, while Vallan Bowen was pronounced dead on arrival at the Linden Hospital Complex. Melroy Rose died while receiving treatment at the same hospital.

The other two persons who were occupants of motor car PHH 9398 are driver of the motor car, Rayon Wilson, 32, who was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital in a stable condition.

Wilson is a Police Corporal who was reportedly transporting passengers in the motor car when the incident occurred. Junior Hudson, 29, was also injured and his condition has also been listed as stable. He is a resident of

The remains of the car that crashed into the parked truck

22 Industrial Area, Linden.

According to reports, Wilson was driving at a fast pace when he collided with parked heavy-duty truck GPP 2993. Driver of the truck, Ray Stephens, 32, is currently in police custody at the Mackenzie Police Station assisting with the investigation.

He told traffic ranks that the truck had developed a mechanical problem which he was looking into while lying under its front. It was then that he felt the impact at the back of it and upon

checking, he noticed the motor car completely foiled to the bottom, with the occupants trapped inside. Stephens along with publicspirited persons tried to free them from the mangled car.

The Linden community was plunged into mourning when news broke of another accident. Family members of the deceased have also expressed shock at the untimely death of their loved ones, whose return from the city they were awaiting.

Daughter of Vallan

Dead: Vallan Bowen

Dead: Keston Bollers

Dead Melroy Rose

Bowen, Cari Bowen, told the Guyana Chronicle that her father had travelled to Georgetown on business and was returning home when he met his demise.

out in a few seconds.

Keston was returning home to spend the weekend with relatives when the accident occurred. His cousin Dominique Cato said Keston will be missed for his loving and down-to-earth attitude.

He leaves to mourn his parents and siblings. Fiancee of Melroy Rose, Roshanna Rodrigues, related that Rose had travelled to Georgetown to conduct business, while other relatives described him as a vibrant, outgoing figure. His employees described him as hardworking and dedicated.

and they are over speeding and this is one of major causes of accidents,” he said.

While the traffic ranks were somewhat able to clamp down on drinking and driving, there are other problems.

“Drinking and driving is to a low level, but the incident [sic] of speeding is very high, especially on the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway.

Persons are bent on speeding and they are causing these accidents due to their recklessness. The division will continue to adopt the zero tolerance level and will prosecute speeding drivers; while evening patrols on the highway will be heightened, Commander Karimbaskh disclosed.

Residents of Linden are also worried about the many young, reckless, and inexperienced car drivers in the town and are calling for the highway to be lit, so as to improve for drivers in the night.

PROVIDER Despite being advanced in age, her father continued to provide for his family by logging at 16 miles Mabura.

“He was known for giving you a good laugh, giving you some good stories that would make you laugh so hard, a very jovial person, very hardworking,” the grieving daughter said, while trying to compose herself. Vallan Bowen leaves to mourn his wife, Clorene Bowen, daughter and three sons.

Meanwhile, relatives of Keston Bowen are trying to understand how the life of a young, vibrant 21-year-old, who was pursuing his diploma at the Guyana School of Agriculture was just snuffed

SPEEDING Commander Karimbaskh said for the past two months, more than 80 persons in the division have been prosecuted for speeding.

“The advice that I would like to give to drivers and motorists is to observe the five Cs and do not speed.

They are not observing the speed limit on the highway

STARR plugs ‘mod-tech’ in crime-fighting LAW enforcement administrations can further excel at protecting citizens, as the availability of high-speed Internet combined with the proliferation of CCTV cameras can assist tremendously i n t a c k l i n g c r i m e , a ccording to President of STARR Computer, Michael Mohan.

STARR Computer Inc. is one of many companies that participated at the “GT&T House of Blaze” Expo at the National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

The company showcased its ability to control smart home devices on your Samsung and Hyundai smartphones on the GTT high-speed platform. Other devices that were con-

The STARR Computer booth showcasing the benefits of high-speed internet with the ability to control smart home devices on your smartphones

trolled were light bulbs, electrical devices in the homes and a drone.

“A technological longterm trade-off with significant success worldwide would be for government regulators to support a joint public-private effort during the next 24 months by waiving up to 44 per cent taxation (30 per cent duty + 14 per cent VAT) on CCTV importation to Guyana,” Mohan said.

He explained that this can be done, based on a condition of waiver on equipment, since citizens will be required to provide surveillance video contents of criminal activities in their community to law enforcement command centre to help solve crimes.

Turn to page 20 ►

18

New Amsterdam student wins Energy Agency competition NEW Amsterdam Multilateral was adjudged winner of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA)’s secondary school competition on energy use, environmental issues and sustainable development projects.

Under the theme, “Reliable energy – economically, environmentally and socially sustainable – for all in Guyana,” 17-year-old Brianca Michael on Friday copped the first prize of a laptop and plaque, courtesy of Demer-

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 16, 2017

ara Bank.

The school also received a solar system valued at about $2M, which will be installed

by December 2017.

Second place went to School of the Nations’ Rajendra Singh, who received a

First-place winner Brianca Michaels, receiving her plaque from Demerara Bank representative, Ms Amrita Wailoo

tablet and plaque, sponsored

by Demerara Bank, while third place went to the Bishop’s High School’s Anuradha Sukha, who received a tablet and plaque, again courtesy of Demerara Bank.

Public Communications Officer, Taiwo Williams, said the competition was organised in an effort to sensitise youths at the secondary school level on energy use, environmental issues, and sustainable development, as well as encourage learning in a creative format.

She explained that renewable energy and energy efficiency offer the greatest scope for reducing Guyana’s dependence on fossil fuels, diversifying the energy mix, and attaining energy security.

“The wider use and exploration of cleaner, renewable sources of energy is also important, given the fact that Guyana possesses great potential in renewable energy sources, such as hydropower, solar and bio-energy,” Williams noted.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Deputy Head of New Amsterdam Multilateral, Ms Fhaundel Phillips, said she is humbled by the fact that the students were awarded.

She explained that it represents the culmination of hard work, and a marriage between the home and school community, since the project required a lot of after-school work.

“As a school, we try to let our school benefit from all upgrading courses to expose students, and we have reaped success,” she said.

Digital Media Teacher, Billy LeBennett, said he saw the competition on a poster and decided to sign up students and the school for the contest.

He said the project involved creating a biofuel apparatus which would be able to power appliances in the school.

“I urged them to work hard and do their research, and, of course, we spent lots of hours behind these projects,” LeBennett said.

Brianca Michael, who submitted the winning project, said she was surprised that she won, since she had worked towards her colleague winning.

She said that of the three projects that were submitted, it was the biofuel ingester that won, out of the solar and wind power projects that her male colleagues submitted.

Noting that biofuels are made mostly of harvested plants, Michael said the three main types of biofuel are ethanol, biodiesel, and biojet fuel. She said the project was realistic, since it could be implemented at the school.

“We discussed implementing the system, and it is a realistic idea, since there are organic waste material always available from the Home Economics Department,” she said.

As the only female in the group, she said each student had their initial ideas to reduce the carbon footprint.

She explained that biofuels are designed to replace gasoline, diesel fuel and coal, which are called “fossil fuels,” because they are made from animals and plants that died millions of years ago, and as such the biofuel was an excellent option.

In conclusion, she said, “I would like to thank God; my mom for being lenient for the hours I spent in school; my teachers who inspired and worked with us assiduously; Mr. Chan and the two boys in the group.”

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 16, 2017

Funding secured to tackle prison overcrowding SINCE the previous prison unrest and fire on March 3, 2016 at the Georgetown Prison, the Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Legal Affairs, has been assiduously working on addressing the issue of overcrowding at the prisons.

To this end, the Government of Guyana has secured financing, in the form of a US$8M loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for the “Support for the Criminal Justice System Project.”

The project became eligible for funding on June 16, 2017. The key objectives of the project are reducing the use of pre-trial detention, and increasing the use of alternative sentencing.

The Ministry of Legal Affairs, the Supreme Court of Judicature, the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the Min-

istry of Public Security, the Ministry of Social Protection, and the Ministry of Finance are the main stakeholders of this project.

Moreover, being the executing agency, the Ministry of Legal Affairs has demonstrated administrative capacity and commitment to oversee this project.

Early last week, the scheduled project launch was unfortunately cancelled due to the recent prison disturbance.

Nonetheless, the project workshop was held, and among the key outputs discussed was the establishment of a Legal Aid pilot project, which will provide legal assistance to persons accused of minor, non-violent offences in pre-trial detention.

Other matters were: Enhancing the capacity of the DPP and Police Prosecutors to handle their cases before they proceed to trial; build-

ing capacity enhancement at the level of the magistracy to expedite cases and address alternative sentencing; implementing a restorative justice pilot project under the Ministry of Legal Affairs to solve minor offences or disputes; strengthening of the Probation Service to perform adequate follow- up of treatments delivered in and after prison, so as to better tend to the rehabilitative needs of those who present a lesser risk of re-offending; and strengthening the Law Reform Commission at the Ministry of Legal Affairs in its role of drafting new legislation, introducing non-custodial sanctions suitable for different types of offences.

A Project Steering Committee, chaired by the Ministry of Legal Affairs, has been established to provide oversight and strategic direction for the project.

19

20

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 16, 2017

STARR plugs ‘mod-tech’ in...

“With high-speed Blazing Internet now becoming available in Guyana, this platform will help to process contents seamlessly.

And as law enforcement agents begin to work with this new video content source,” the tech expert explained, “it will become easier for them to develop

their skill-set and advance their knowledge on the more advanced biometric software with artificial intelligence (AI) to deploy resource to targeted specific dangerous areas.

“This venture will not only create more employment, but will restore citizens and investors’ confi-

dence in Guyana.”

Mohan underscored that statistics have shown that CCTV surveillance has become the top crime-fighting tool for law enforcement the world over. Some of the world’s largest cities such as Beijing, London, Chicago, Houston, and New York

are five good examples of these findings.

He explained that the recent devastating prison fire should serve as a good learning experience for all, since it would have been critical for the prison system and law enforcement to have fire and water -resistant safes to protect digitised files and backups of inmates within their care.

“Important documents can be scanned and stored easily on external flash drives,” Mohan said, add-

From page 17

ing: “Guards can be equipped with simple digital monitoring devices; intrusion alarm detection devices could be employed, and, of course, surveillance equipment would be a great asset at all prisons.”

He said with the introduction of high-speed Internet by GT&T, citizens can upload any CCTV footage to the Internet, which can be shared with law enforcement.

“Technology is changing the way we live, and

it is important that we employ modern technologies in our daily lives to improve the security of our families and our neighbourhoods,” he said.

But to make this all possible, he said, it is important for law enforcement to work in harmony with citizens. Equally crucial also is for the government to listen and respond accordingly, to citizens’ call for incentives for them to invest in shared electronic surveillance.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 16, 2017

21

22

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 16, 2017

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 16, 2017

23

24

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 16, 2017

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 16, 2017

25

ENGLISH RACING TIPS Perth 09:00 hrs Cesar Et Rosalie 09:30 hrs Its Pandorama 10:05 hrs Iora Glas 10:40 hrs Play The Game 11:10 hrs Valseur Du Granval 11:40 hrs Green Zone 12:15 hrs Scottsdale SOUTHWELL 08:45 hrs Larkhall 09:20 hrs Peace And Co 09:50 hrs The Wicket Chicken 10:25 hrs I’ll Be Your Clown 11:00 hrs Varne De Vauzelle 12:05 hrs Arboretum 12:40 hrs Runasimi River STRATFORD 09:10 hrs Mauricio 09:40 hrs That’s The Deal 10:15 hrs Free Stone Hill 10:50 hrs Accessallareas 11:20 hrs Play The Ace 11:55 hrs Rebel Yeats 12:30 hrs Innocent Girl 13:00 hrs Anton Dolin IRISH RACING TIPS Curragh 09:05 hrs Dawn Delivers 09:35 hrs Deep Breathing 10:15 hrs Laganore 10:45 hrs Spirit Of Valor 11:15 hrs Jet Streaming 11:45 hrs Sure Reef 12:20 hrs Famous Pearl 12:50 hrs Six Silver Lane SLIGO 08:50 hrs Mischievious Max 09:25 hrs Penny Jane 09:55 hrs Canny Tom 10:30 hrs Fridaynightlights 11:05 hrs Brooklynn 11:35 hrs Kilcarry Bridge 12:10 hrs Itsonlyrocknroll SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS TURFFONTEIN 08:35 hrs Manitoba 09:10 hrs Artemisia 09:40 hrs Moofeed 10:15 hrs Guns And Roses 10:55 hrs Scotland

26

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 16, 2017

Proteas sieze control of second George achieves Test after England batting collapse NOTTINGHAM, England (Reuters) - South Africa took a firm grip on the second test at Trent Bridge after a see-saw second day in which 15 wickets tumbled and the fragility of England’s fragile top-order batting was brutally exposed on Saturday.

The touring side reached 75-1 in their second innings at the close, a lead of 205, with Dean Elgar (38 not out) and Hashim Amla (23 not out) bringing some order to the final hour and ensuring their team are well-placed to force the victory that would level the fourmatch series at 1-1.

South Africa began the day on 309-6 in their first innings and from the first over, in which James Anderson claimed the wicket of Vernon Philander, the bowlers had the edge underneath grey skies on a pitch that responded to seam and spin.

Anderson mopped up the tail with a devastating spell of 4-4 in little more than half-an-hour to dismiss South Africa for 335.

But South Africa’s attack proved equally potent, with seamer Chris Morris and spinner Keshav Maharaj picking up three wickets apiece.

Only Joe Root provided real resistance, rallying his side after Philander and Morne Morkel removed both openers to reduce England to 3-2.

England’s captain is never inclined to sit back and let the bowlers dominate and he responded with an impressive counter-attack to hit 78.

But just when Root looked in sight of a third successive test century at Trent Bridge, he fell to a loose shot off Morkel that gave keeper Quinton de Kock one of his four catches.

Gary Ballance (27) had helped him add 83 for the third wicket before Philander forced him to inside edge the ball on to his stumps just after lunch After Ben Stokes departed cheaply, Jonny Bairstow (45) took England in sight of 200 before falling to a wonderful delivery from Maharaj which pitched on middle and took out off stump.

Moeen Ali failed to reproduce his batting from Lord’s and was caught in the covers for 18 off Morris, who trapped Stuart Broad lbw next ball.

By the time Morris finished off the innings on 205, having Mark Wood caught in the slips fending off a short ball, 14 wickets had fallen for just 231 runs.

There was one more to come when Anderson drew an edge from Heino Kuhn and Root took a fine low catch at slip.

The Lancashire paceman was on a high after his five first-innings wickets - the seventh time he had reached the landmark in nine tests at Trent Bridge - but watchful batting extended South Africa’s lead.

Captain Cremer helps Zimbabwe restrict Sri Lanka COLOMBO (Reuters) Captain Graeme Cremer picked up three wickets with his leg spin to help Zimbabwe reduce hosts Sri Lanka to 293 for seven at the end of the second day in their one-off test at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Saturday.

Sri Lanka trail Zimbabwe by 63 runs in their first innings after the touring side were all out for 356, having resumed the second morning on 344 for eight.

Sri Lanka’s spin spearhead Rangana Herath added to his overnight haul of four wickets to pick up five for 116, his 30th five-wicket haul in

tests.

Craig Ervine could add only nine runs to his overnight score of unbeaten 151 before he was the last man out for Zimbabwe.

Sri Lanka opener Upul Tharanga hit a fluent 71 before he was run out while backing up too far at the non-striker’s end. Tharanga and fellow opener Dimuth Karunaratne compiled an opening stand of 84 for Sri Lanka.

Leading Sri Lanka for the first time in Tests, Dinesh Chandimal scored 55 and added 96 for the fourth wicket with former skipper Angelo Mathews, who made 41.

Scoreboard SOUTH AFRICA 1st innings (Overnight: 309-6) 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 c Dawson b Anderson 54 C. Morris c&b Anderson 36 K. Maharaj c Root b Anderson 0 M. Morkel c Bairstow b Anderson 8 D. Olivier not out 0 Extras (lb-12) 12 Total (all out, 96.2 overs) 335 Fall of wickets: 1-18 D. Elgar,2-66 H. Kuhn,3-179 Q. de Kock,4-194 H. Amla,5-220 F. du Plessis,6-235 T. Bavuma,7-309 V. Philander,8-317 K. Maharaj,9-330 C. Morris,10-335 M. Morkel Bowling: J. Anderson 23.2 - 6 - 72 – 5,S. Broad 22 - 4 - 64 – 3, M. Wood 17 - 3 - 61 – 0, B. Stokes 18 - 3 - 77 – 2, L. Dawson 7 - 1 - 26 – 0,M. Ali 8 - 1 - 21 – 0, K. Jennings 1 - 0 - 2 – 0.

England 1st innings A. Cook c de Kock b Philander 3 K. Jennings c de Kock b M. Morkel 0 G. Ballance b Philander 27 J. Root c de Kock b M. Morkel 78 J. Bairstow b Maharaj 45 B. Stokes c de Kock b Maharaj 0 M. Ali c du Plessis b Morris 18 L. Dawson c Amla b Maharaj 13 S. Broad lbw b Morris 0 M. Wood c du Plessis b Morris 6 J. Anderson not out 0 Extras (b-4 lb-10 w-1) 15 Total (all out, 51.5 overs) 205 Fall of wickets: 1-3 A. Cook,2-3 K. Jennings,3-86 G. Ballance,4-143 J. Root,5-168 B. Stokes,6-177 J. Bairstow,7-199 M. Ali,8-199 S. Broad,9-199 L. Dawson,10-205 M. Wood Bowling: M. Morkel 13 - 2 - 45 – 2,V. Philander 13 - 2 - 48 – 2.

C. Morris 8.5 - 1 - 38 – 3, D. Olivier 7 - 0 - 39 - 0(w-1), K. Maharaj 10 - 1 - 21 – 3.

SOUTH AFRICA 2nd innings H. Kuhn c Root b Anderson 8 D. Elgar not out 38 H. Amla not out 23 Extras (lb-6) 6 Total (for 1 wickets, 22 overs) 75 Fall of wickets: 1-18 H. Kuhn To bat: F. du Plessis, T. Bavuma, Q. de Kock, C. Morris, V. Philander, K. Maharaj, D. Olivier, M. Morkel Bowling:J. Anderson 6 - 2 - 13 – 1, S. Broad 6 - 1 - 21 – 0, M. Wood 4 - 1 - 19 – 0, M. Ali 3 - 1 - 15 – 0, B. Stokes 2 - 1 - 1 – 0, L. Dawson 1 - 1 - 0 - 0

Scoreboard ZIMBABWE 1st innings (Overnight: 344-8) H. Masakadza c K. Mendis b Herath 19 R. Chakabva b Herath 12 T. Musakanda c Dickwella b Kumara 6 C. Ervine c D. Perera b Kumara 160 S. Williams c Gunaratne b D. Perera 22 S. Raza lbw b Herath 36 P. Moor c Kumara b Gunaratne 19 M. Waller b Herath 36 G. Cremer b Gunaratne 13 D. Tiripano c Karunaratne b Herath 27 C. Mpofu not out 0 Extras (nb-5 w-1) 6 Total (all out, 94.4 overs) 356 Fall of wickets: 1-23 R. Chakabva,2-38 H. Masakadza,3-38 T. Musakanda,4-70 S. Williams,5-154 S. Raza,6-195 P. Moor,7-260 M. Waller,8-282 G. Cremer,9-356 D. Tiripano,10-356 C. Ervine Bowling: Suranga Lakmal 14 - 1 - 58 – 0,Lahiru Kumara 17.4 - 2 68 - 2(w-1), Rangana Herath 32 - 4 - 116 – 5, Dilruwan Perera 24 - 0 - 86 - 1(nb-1), Asela Gunaratne 7 - 0 - 28 - 2(nb-4).

Sri Lanka 1st innings Dimuth Karunaratne c H. Masakadza b Tiripano 25 Upul Tharanga run out (Tiripano) 71 Kusal Mendis c Chakabva b Cremer 11 Dinesh Chandimal c Chakabva b Cremer 55 Angelo Mathews c H. Masakadza b Williams 41 Niroshan Dickwella b Cremer 6 Dilruwan Perera run out (Musakanda, M. Waller) 33 Asela Gunaratne not out 24 Rangana Herath not out 5 Extras (b-8 lb-10 nb-3 w-1) 22 Total (for 7 wickets, 83 overs) 293 Fall of wickets: 1-84 D. Karunaratne,2-107 K. Mendis,3-116 U. Tharanga,4-212 D. Chandimal,5-226 N. Dickwella,6-238 A. Mathews,7-274 D. Perera To bat: S. Lakmal, L. Kumara Bowling: C. Mpofu 11 - 2 - 41 - 0(w-1), D. Tiripano 10 - 1 - 38 – 1, S. Raza 18 - 2 - 60 – 0, G. Cremer 30 - 3 - 100 - 3(nb-1),M. Waller 1 - 0 - 2 – 0, S. Williams 13 - 1 - 34 - 1(nb-2).

meet’s first ...

From back page

is 10.12 seconds.

Walsh had a time of 10.29 seconds, sharing the same time as fourth place finisher, Emmanuel Callender.The only Guyanese athlete to make it to the 100m finals was Emmanuel Archibald who finished sixth with a time of 10.49 seconds.

On a day when just about a handful of Guyanese picked up first place wins, George gave perhaps the best performance for the locals for the day, save for a spirited win by Joanna Archer in the women’s 800m, and Leslain Baird’s 70.41m winning throw in the men’s javelin.

Competing in a field that included two Jamaicans, the 30-year-old proved that he is not letting up anytime soon.

Coming off the top bend, George just kept shooting pass the entire field, lengthening his gap with each stride on the home straight, ending with a striking lead as he drove home to a 45.16 seconds finish in the quarter mile. That erased the 45.25 seconds he set back in 2015 at the World Championships.

Overseas-based Guyanese Stephan James, in his first outing at the AP Invitational, was second with a time of 46.73 seconds, and Jamaica’s Jonia McDonald was third in 47.02 seconds.

As the meet neared its end for the day, no one doubted George’s ability to defend his title in the men’s 200m.

He went one step up and not only took the win, but also set another meet record, clocking 20.41 seconds, in total control of the race throughout his run.

Getting the modest crowd animated as they cheered on their countryman.

Trinidad’s Emmanuel Callender took second place with a time of 20.77 seconds, while Bardados Nicholas Deshong just pipped James to take third at 21.23 seconds. James had a 21.29 seconds finish.

After Guyana’s Jenea McCammon finished fourth in the Fly-Jamaica 400m hurdles with a time 59.92 seconds, at the opening of the day, it just continued to look bleak for the Guyanese athletes.

In the GOA women’s 100m finals, Guyana’s national record holder and defending champion, Brenessa Thompson finished last with a time of 11.87 seconds.

Thompson would later opt out of the Douglas and Associates women’s 200m suffering a hamstring injury.

CARIFTA gold medalist Kadecia Baird was in the 200m, however, she finished eighth overall with a time of 23.72 seconds. On the advice of her coach, Baird had elected not to defend her Star Party Rental women’s 400m title, as she was focusing on the 200m, which she has qualified for at the World Championships next month.

In the men’s 100m heats, golden boy Compton Caesar had cracked under the pressure of competing in the same heat as world champion Kim Collins, finishing at the extreme end of the heat with a pedestrian time of 11.30 seconds, the first time he touched 11 seconds all season.

However, there was a high note in the Ministry of Education men’s 3000m.

In an all-Guyanese clash, Winston Missigher overpowered Cleveland Thomas for the Ministry of Education men’s 3000m win. After running a tactical race, Missigher sprinted home the final lap of the race; clocking a time of nine minutes 12.67 seconds as he petitioned to be the next best thing in distance running in Guyana. Thomas ended on nine minutes 14. 59 seconds and Calvin Thomas had 10 minutes 46.07 seconds.

Junior athlete Joanna Archer was a force to be reckoned with in the National Sports Commission women’s 800m and with a time of 2:17.03s, she took a gold on her first outing at the meet, beating out Bahamas’ Katrina Seymour (2:20.38s) and US Virgin Island’s Mikaela Smith (2:37.24s). However, the race was missing Guyanese top performers like Andrea Foster, who has already closed off her season, and national champion Claudrice McKoy, who will be competing at the Commonwealth Youth Games later this month.

27

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 16, 2017

Muguruza blows away Venus to take first Wimbledon crown

LONDON (Reuters) - Garbine Muguruza clinched a maiden Wimbledon title on Saturday with a stunning demolition of Venus Williams, whose dreams of a fairytale victory at the age of 37 were blown apart in a devastating second set.

Like many a brutal demise, the end was messy and at times uncomfortable to watch as the Spaniard cut loose after tense early exchanges, winning nine straight games to crush the demoralised American 7-5 6-0.

It was Muguruza’s second grand slam title to add to last year’s French Open and was indisputably deserved after she absorbed everything her opponent could throw at her before taking control and inflicting a punishing triple break in the final set.

She was robbed of the picture-perfect conclusion and forced to wait as Hawkeye was called on to confirm that a mis-hit forehand from Venus had landed out before her emotional celebrations could begin.

It was the 23-year-old’s second Wimbledon final, having lost to Venus’s sister Serena on the same stage in 2015, and her legs gave way as she fell to the ground after the decision was relayed on Centre Court’s giant scoreboards.

“Two years ago I lost in the final to Serena and she told me one day I was going to maybe win and hey, two years after here I am,” she

said courtside.

“I played very well since the first game, and I kept the level, which is very hard because, you’re nervous... I was just very composed,” she added later.

Having been diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome, an illness that causes fatigue and joint pain, in 2011 and seen her ranking plummet to 103, her renaissance this year is still hugely impressive.

Spain’s Garbine Muguruza poses with the trophy as she celebrates winning the final against Venus Williams of the U.S. For Venus, who seemed to lack any sort of fight as the final blows were landed, it was a stinging reminder of her advancing years.

The five-times champion had last triumphed at the All England Club in 2008. She was looking to become the oldest woman to win a grand slam in the professional era and the most senior to triumph on Wimbledon’s lawns since 1908.

Yet her capitulation ensured a second grand slam final defeat of 2017, after she was also downed by her sister at the Australian Open.

“She played top tennis, so I have to give her credit for just playing a better match,” Venus said.

Meek Surrender While it ended in a meek surrender, the first women’s final played under the Centre Court roof had begun as a tense duel between two of

the game’s most powerful hitters, with a high-quality first set gradually building towards a captivating conclusion.

It included several tests of nerve for Muguruza, who showed an almost iron will not to give an inch even as Venus upped the aggression levels with ferocious intent Muguruza saved three break points, which included two tension-filled set points in the 10th game, the first of which saw the Spaniard emerge with a clenched fist from an epic 19-shot rally.

It was then her turn to go on the offensive. She crafted her third break point of the set when Venus netted a forehand and took her chance when the American sent a second forehand long after another lengthy exchange.

There were few clues in those opening games as to what was about to follow as having wrapped up the first set, Muguruza put her foot to the floor with astonishing brutality.

She broke on three straight occasions in the second set as Venus seemed to hit a mental and physical wall.

When the five-times winner could barely get her racket to a vicious forehand, it gave the Spaniard three match points, but in keeping with a messy second set, she needed two Hawk-eye challenges to put the beleaguered American out of her misery.

As the scoreboard showed the ball had bounced out at 40-30, she dropped her racket and fell to the ground, before covering her face in celebration.

After being handed the famous Rosewater Dish,

Muguruza was asked if she had a message for her coach Sam Sumyk, who is absent as his wife is expecting a baby.

She held the gleaming plate aloft and said: “Here it is.”

No agreement on new deal as talks continue in Australia SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia’s players and the country’s governing body have been involved in discussions since Friday but have yet to reach an agreement on a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) said on Saturday.

Australia’s “A” tour of South Africa has fallen victim to the drawn-out pay dispute with the squad deciding not to travel in the absence of a revised deal.

With talks between the union and the governing body deadlocked, around 230 players were left effectively unemployed when the previous five-year agreement expired at the end of last month.

“The ACA confirms that agreement has not been reached for a new MoU,” the union said in a statement with its Chief Executive Alistair Nicholson, calling for urgency in negotiations with the players already unemployed for two weeks.

At the heart of the acri-

monious dispute is Cricket Australia’s insistence that the two-decade-old model, under which players get a fixed percentage of revenue, should be jettisoned.

Cricket Australia believes the revenue-share model is unfit for modern times and is starving grassroots cricket of funding, while players say it has underpinned the game’s growth and prosperity over the past 20 years.

The ACA, however, welcomed the latest round of talks, believing it has boosted hopes of an imminent resolution.

“The increased involvement of CA CEO James Sutherland has been pleasing,” Nicholson said. “A better understanding has been established on both parties’ positions.”

The senior Australia team is scheduled to play a two-Test series in Bangladesh in August and September, before a limited-overs tour in India and then the Ashes at home against England.

Froome regains control as Matthews wins stage 14 RODEZ, France (Reuters) - Chris Froome reclaimed the overall lead on the Tour de France after he left Italian Fabio Aru trailing in a punchy finish of the 14th stage, a 181.5-km ride from Blagnac on Saturday.

The defending champion came seventh, one second behind stage winner Michael Matthews of Australia as Aru, who started the day with the yellow jersey on his shoulders, lost 25 seconds to the Briton in the final effort, a 600-metre climb at an average gradient of 9.6 per cent.

Aru was out of position

in the run-in to the climb and as he crossed the line his face wore a mask of pain after more than four hours on the saddle battling strong winds.

Overall, Briton Froome now leads Aru by 18 seconds and last year’s runner-up Romain Bardet by 23 seconds after the Frenchman finished five seconds off the pace.

Froome had lost the jersey to Aru in the opening Pyrenean stage, but normal service resumed on Saturday when he was the first of the overall favourites over the line.

“I just did not have the legs on that day, but I’d like to think that I’ve bounced back after two consecutive really hard days,” said Froome.

“This is all thanks to my team mates today. In the finale they were fantastic.

Amazing, amazing job. It’s an amazing feeling.

“It’s still so close in the top 5. Anyone within a minute is a threat,” he warned.

Colombian Rigoberto Uran, who finished with Froome, remains fourth, six seconds behind Bardet ahead of a tricky 15th

stage in the Massif Central, which features two first-category climbs.

The stage went through Carmaux, the hometown of Jean Jaures, one of the great figures of the French left and a committed anti-militarist who was assassinated in 1914 just after World War One broke out.

The one-day classics specialists had the stage victory in sight but sprinter Matthews stayed on their wheels on the last climb and outsprinted Olympic champion Greg van Avermaet, who ended up second two years after win-

ning a Tour stage that ended in Rodez.

Norway’s Edvald Boasson Hagen was third ahead of Belgian Philippe Gilbert, who launched his sprint too early and cracked 150 metres from the finish line.

“It’s a dream come true,” said Matthews, w h o s e Te a m S u n w e b claimed their second stage wins in as many days after Frenchman Warren Barguil claimed stage 13 on Bastille Day. “We’re room mates, so it’s two wins for one room,” said Matthews.

Team Sunweb rider Michael Matthews of Australia wins the stage.

28

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 16, 2017

GTT using Tapeball tournament to give back to the communities – CEO Nedd Company optimistic of successful event

pire. Bowlers are allowed to bowl a maximum of two overs.

By Rawle Toney THE Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) yesterday bowled off their inaugural Tapeball tournament at the National Park tarmac, featuring over 100 teams.

Matches will continue today at the same venue (National Park), while matches will also be played on July 22 at the Uitvlugt Community Centre Ground.

The finals is slated for July 30 at the GCC Ground.

Two Hundred Thousand dollars ($200,000) will be awarded to the winning team, while second and third place teams will pocket $100,000 and $50,000 respectively.

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

of teams that are vying for more than $300,000 in prizes, so I encourage all to enjoy, have a good time, support the warriors and support GTT,” Nedd told the gathering of teams at the National Park yesterday.

ICC Women’s World Cup scores in brief: GTT’s CEO, Justin Nedd showing off his bowling skills yesterday at the National Park. ‘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 compe-

tition may be a result of losing matches or by disqualification. The rules also states that a batsman cannot be given out via LBW; all other forms of dismissal may apply based on the decision of the um-

Meanwhile, after bowling the tournament’s first ball, GTT Chief Executive Officer, Justin Nedd stated that the event is being used by the company to give back to the communities, while adding that

Vintage upset Pepsi Hikers to reach semi-finals

VINTAGE produced the surprise of the tournament with a quarter final, nail-biting defeat of Pepsi Hikers as the Noble House Goals Galore Indoor Hockey Championships continued on Friday evening at the National Gymnasium.

The nature of the handicap format provides an opportunity for lower seeded teams to compete with those at the top by virtue of a goal handicap.

Bounty GCC also saw themselves through to the semi-finals with both teams awaiting the outcome of early Saturday matches to determine their opponents.

In the women’s competition, Saints and Pizza Hut GCC are similarly through to the semis thus far.

With Vintage enjoying a +6 goal difference at the start, the Hikers face the pressure of needing to play high tempo hockey from the beginning.

Their superior speed and conditioning have given them the edge in the past, while Vintage would be tired from an earlier defeat at the hands of Old Fort Damn.

Vintage, however, employing a defensive strategy managed to limit the opportunities of the Hikers in the first half of play which ended at 2 – 7 from Hikers field goals by Jamarj Assanah and Robert France and a penalty corner goal by Philip Fernandes for Vintage.

The second half would see a change of pace for Vintage as the tiring side conceded four

“this will also bowl off the cricket season, since GTT is also the proud sponsor of the Guyana Amazon Warriors. “ “This Tapeball cricket is going to be a success because we’ve seen an overwhelming response

goals in the first ten minutes to draw the Hikers to within one.

Vintage managed to slow the game sufficiently, however, to regain balance and managed to secure several penalty corners despite the overwhelming pressure by

off the 10-9 win and gain a semi-final berth.

Old Fort Damn had earlier in the evening handed Vintage their second loss of the tournament with a 9-11 beating.

Jason DeSantos, Jael Gaskin and Ascofu Simon each scored

Fort Gosh by 19-14 in the final men’s match of the day.

In ladies competition, Saints surprised all spectators by pulling off a 13-11 win against the Woodpecker Hikers.

With Saints enjoying a

INDIA beat New Zealand by 186 runs in Derby India 265-7, 50 overs (Mithali Raj 109, Veda Krishnamurthy 70, Harmanpreet Kaur 60; Leigh Kasperek 3-45, Hannah Rowe 2-30) New Zealand 79 all out, 25.3 overs (Amy Satterthwaite 26; Rajeshwari Gayakwad 5-15, Deepti Sharma 2-26) Player of the match – Mithali Raj (India) Australia beat South Africa by 59 runs in Taunton Australia 269 all out, 48.3 overs (Nicole Bolton 79, Ellyse Perry 55, Beth Mooney 53, Alex Blackwell 33; Sune Luus 5-67, Marizanne Kapp 2-26, Dane van Niekerk 2-41) South Africa 210, 50 overs (Laura Wolfvaardt 71, Trisha Chetty 37; Jess Jonassen 2-40, Rachael Haynes 2-12, Ellyse Perry 2-47) Player of the match - Ellyse Perry England beat West Indies by 92 runs in Bristol England 220-7, 50 overs (Heather Knight 67, Tamsin Beaumont 42, Laura March 31 not out, Jenny Gunn 24 not out; Afy Fletcher 3-33) West Indies 128-9, 50 overs (Hayley Matthews 29, Chedean Nation 23; Natalie Sciver 3-3) Player of the match – Heather Knight Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by 15 runs in Leicester Sri Lanka 221-7, 50 overs (Dilani Manodara 84, Eshani Lokusooriya 28, Ama Kanchana 21 not out; Diana Baig 3-41) Pakistan 206, 46.4 overs (Nain Abidi 57, Asmavia Iqbal 38 not out, Javeria Khan 24; Chandima Gunaratne 4-41) Player of the match - Chandima Gunaratne SEMI-FINAL fixtures: England v South Africa, Bristol, 18 July Australia v India, Derby, 20 July

GBA plans fund raiser

Old Fort’s Aderemi ‘Dove’ Simon on a counterattack against Vintage

the Hikers. Captain Devin Hooper scored a penalty for Vintage in the 31st minute and Fernandes slotted home two more penalty corner strikes to complete his hattrick and give Vintage a four goal cushion.

The final three minutes produced three goals for the Hikers who stepped up the pressure with an all-out attack but would run out of time. The wily Vintage managed to use the clock to their advantage in the dying minutes to pull

two goals for Old Fort with Simon entertaining the crowd with a brilliant solo run to finish his second.

Dwayne Scott scored two and Devin Hooper a penalty corner goal for Vintage. SHC New Tricks made up a twogoal handicap to pull off the win against HHC Recruits by 15-14.

The victory positioned the New Tricks to challenge Old Fort Damn in the men’s quarter finals. Bounty GCC was also in fine form as they routed Old

ten-goal handicap margin, the Hikers opted to play without a goalkeeper, giving them an extra field player in attack.

The strategy almost paid off but Saints were able to capitalize on one of the few counterattacks with Nia Williams scoring in the empty Hikers goal.

Captain Maria Munroe led the scoring for Hikers with four goals while Nicolette Fernandes, who also plays squash , scored a hatrick and Latacia Chung added two.

THE Guyana Boxing Association has planned a Take-away lunch in order to raise funds to send a team to Jamaica in October. The lunch is being organised for Sunday August 6th at the Burnham Court at Middle and Carmichael Streets.

The Guyana Boxing Association has been invited to send a team of pugilist to participate in the first ever Jamaica versus Guyana Goodwill competition scheduled for Kingston in early October.

President of the Jamaica Boxing Association, Stephen ‘Bomber’ Jones, wrote to his Guyanese counterpart, Steve Ninvalle, declaring his intention to commence the exchange programme between the two CARICOM states.

GBA president Steve Ninvalle said that a committee made up of himself, Elton Chase and Nicola Yhap have been formalizing arrangements for the activity.

He added that the committee is mulling an Under-16 boxing competition, under floodlights to be added to the day’s activities.

The GBA is seeking to send a five-man team of boxers to Jamaica.

29

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 16, 2017

Tyndall’s late minute goal sends PMTC packing THE race to the finals in Region #6 leg of Digicel School’s football competition is heating up nicely after Friday’s match between Manchester Secondary and Port Mourant Training School (PMTC) Due to overnight rain the pitch was soggy, but it didn’t deter the players from showing their determination to win.

A small but vocal crowd, which included a few Siparuta fans watched as the two teams played to a goalless first half.

Both sides created plays that may have resulted in goal-scoring opportunities in the first half. The defenders of Manchester Secondary had a tough outing as they cleared many possessions that ended up in their area.

By halftime the score was nil all.

At the resumption of

Manchester Secondary goal scorers: Pernell Tyndall (left) and Joel Glasgow. play the small crowd became impatient and urged on the players from both sides. In response, there was an absolutely brilliant header from striker Joel Glasgow in the 57th minute.

A corner from the right

resulted in Manchester’s first goal. Minutes later PMTC found their range with a defensive lapse from Manchester. That resulted in a perfect past to striker Micheal Warner in the 70th minute. He savagely placed a well curve left foot shot,

which ballooned to the net.

That goal sent the PMTC players in a celebratory mood.

Both teams were going for the kill in the closing minutes of the game. Manchester Secondary missed two opportunities to break away.

But they sealed the deal in the final stages of the match. Shane Campbell displayed clever ball skills as he essayed an eye-catching pass to Pernel Tyndall. Tyndall wasted no time to blast home a shot that deflected from the PMTC defender and landed straight into the goal. The goalie was found wanting as he watched the ball sailed past him with ease. The goal was scored in the 88th minute of the 90 minutes regulation.

Manchester Secondary will do battle against Siparuta on Monday at Skeldon Back Centre for a place in the semifinals.

Indian board makes U-turn on appointments

NEW DELHI - -India’s cricket board on Saturday made a U-turn on naming former paceman Zaheer Khan and batting great Rahul Dravid as consultants to the national Test team.

The move came only four days after Khan and Dravid were named in the team to assist new coach Ravi Shastri. Just days before India leave for a tour of Sri Lanka, it added to a sense of chaos within Indian cricket’s leadership.

Some reports said the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had forced the pair on Shastri and a Supreme Court-appointed committee overseeing BCCI affairs said the ruling body had overstepped its powers.

RAHUL DRAVID

ZAHEER KHAN

The committee confirmed Shastri as head coach but said the “appointments of other consultants will be decided by the committee in consultation with the head coach.”

The BCCI has formed yet another panel to decide on the role of Zaheer and Dravid or any other support staff that Shastri

wishes to use for overseas tours.

The BCCI said earlier it had picked the coaching staff until the 2019 World Cup, following recommendations made by former Test stars Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman.

However Indian media said the court appointed

committee felt the Test greats had gone beyond their brief in appointing Shastri’s support staff.

Shastri took over following the dramatic exit of former Test captain Anil Kumble following the breakdown of his relationship with current skipper Virat Kohli.

When they announced Dravid and Khan as batting and bowling consults, the BCCI said in a statement: “We sincerely feel that the new combination will steward the team to number one position in the World Cup.” I n d i a ’s S u p re m e Court appointed a panel in January to run the affairs of the BCCI and make sure reforms ordered by the court are carried out.(AFP)

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ National Playoffs ...

New champions crowned last evening THERE was a four-way battle last evening at the Demerara Park for the title of the Colors/ Guinness Greatest in the Streets football champions’ sixth edition.

After Friday evening’s fixtures, the battle remained between Dave & Celena All Stars and Swag Entertainment out of Linden and Showstoppers and Hustlers.

In any case, a new champion will be crowned after defending champions Sparta Boss was sent packing after the preliminaries on Friday night.

Sparta was on the receiving end of a 1-0 penalty shootout loss to the Money team after their matchup ended 0-0 after regulation time on night two of the playoffs at the Pouderoyen Tarmac.

The more defensive minded Money team looked bent on taking the game to penalties after they seemed not interested in creating and capitalizing on chances.

However, the Money Team would register their last victory of the night after losing in the quarter-finals to Hustlers 2-0. The Hustlers were in the form of their lives having disposed of the tournament’s inaugural champions, Back Circle by the same margin.

In the other preliminary matches, West Demerara champions Showstoppers worked like a well-oiled machine to stave off the challenges of River View-Bartica’s champions-- by a 3-1 scoreline.

Meanwhile, Plaisance held their nerves to sure up a 3-2 penalty shootout win against Broad Street after their clash finished nil-all in regulation time.

The first quarter final featured Marvin Josiah and Kayode King being supported by an own goal as the Showstoppers stopped Sophia 3-0 after which Hustlers ousted the Money team through Anthony Sancho and Jahal Greaves.

The winning team will receive $550,000 and the coveted trophy, runners-up$300,000 and trophy, while third and fourth placed finishers will take home $200,000 and $100,000 respectively. (Stephan Sookram)

Sir Garfield Sobers Int’l Schools Cricket Tourney

St Joseph, School of the Nations suffer third round defeats St JOSEPH High suffered their first defeat and School of the Nations their second on Thursday, in the third round of the Sir Garfield Sobers Int’l Schools Cricket Tourney being played in Barbados.

Playing at Bridgefield, St Joseph went down to Lodge School of Barbados by 57 runs. Batting first, Lodge School rattled up 203-9 off their 40 overs.

Rashone Williams led the scoring with 37, followed

by Tennyson Roach 28, Demarco Alleyne 26 and Shemway Harris and Jonathan Dowrich, 24 apiece. St Joseph skipper Kennard Moonsammy claimed 3-48, Nkosi Beaton 2-17, and Jeremiah Scott 2-31.

Taking their turn at the crease, the Guyanese lads made heavy weather of the target and were shot out for 146 in 26 overs.

Quinton Sampson led with 55, and he was supported

by Dodi O’Selmo,25, and Jeremiah Scott and Timothy McCalmont, 17 each. For Lodge School, Rashone Williams claimed 3-26, Akeel Hoyte 3-44, Shemwayne Harris 2-19 and Jamali Lynch, 2-30.

At Bank Hall, Bryanston School of the UK beat ‘Nations’ by eight wickets. Taking first strike, ‘Nations’ were bundled out for a paltry 88 in 34.3 overs. Mark Ramsammy topscored with 25, while Vishal Persaud and Mark Baptiste chipped in with 15 and 11, respectively. Hector Maclean, 5-11 and Alex Chetwood 3-6, were the chief destroyers for the UK school.

Bryanston then made light work of the meagre total, reaching 89-2 in 12.3 overs. Owen Morris was 44 not out and Max Truman made 38. (Anthony Layne)

30

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 16, 2017

Windies A set for busy period against Sri Lanka, England Lions ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – West Indies A will host their Sri Lankan and English counterparts for “Test” and one-day series in a six-month period beginning from October, in what will be a busy period for the region’s second string international men’s side.

They first host the Sri Lankans in three “Tests” and three one-day matches between October 11 and November 5 in Jamaica before welcoming the England Lions for an identical series beginning next February.

While the Sri Lankans toured the Caribbean as recent as four years ago, the Lions visit represents the first time in 12 years the English A side will clash with the Windies.

And Cricket West Indies Director of Cricket, Jimmy Adams, said the tour would be critical in terms of identifying players for the senior side.

“This series will provide an incentive for our players to excel during

CWI Director of Cricket Jimmy Adams the next Digicel Regional Four-Day and Regional Super50 tournaments,” said Adams, a former West Indies captain.

“It will also give the selection panel a chance to identify the next tier of players they believe have the capacity to be successful on the international stage and would offer those players the platform to announce themselves through the intensity of a higher level of competition

against their peers from England.”

The Lions last tour to the Caribbean resulted in a 1-0 defeat in a two “Test” series and a 3-2 loss in the five-match one-day series.

Players like successful former England senior captain Alistair Cook featured on that tour along with future West Indies stars like Marlon Samuels.

They play the first two “Tests” in Jamaica –

the first at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium on the island’s north coast from February 11-14 and the second at Sabina Park in Kingston from February 18-21.

T h e t h i r d Te s t i s scheduled for the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium in North Sound here from February 26 to March 1.

Antigua will also host the one-day series from March 6-11 at Coolidge Cricket Ground – formerly the Stanford Cricket Ground.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will play the opening two Tests in Trelawny, with the first game bowling off from October 11-14 and the second beginning five days later.

The third Test will be played at Sabina Park from October 26-29.

Sabina Park will host the first two one-dayers on November 1 and 3 respectively before teams return to Trelawny for the final match on November 5.

Yohan Blake plays down groin injury fears CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday July 16, 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) Sri Lanka (2) AUST, IND, SA & NZ

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who are the defending Women’s World Cup champions (50 overs)?

(2) Who were the losing finalist of the last Women’s 50-over World Cup?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

KINGSTON (Reuters) Jamaican Yohan Blake, the 2012 Olympic 100 and 200 meters silver medallist, is down playing the seriousness of a groin problem which ruled him out of today’s 100m at the Diamond League meeting in Rabat, Morocco.

“It is not an injury, I felt some discomfort in the groin area,” Blake told Reuters from the North African country on Saturday.

“With three weeks to go to the world championships I am being cautious,” added the youngest world 100m champion from 2011.

Blake, who posted 9.90 and 19.97 seconds to win the sprint double at Jamaica’s national trials last month in Usain Bolt’s absence, is among the medal contenders for the sprint events in

YOHAN BLAKE London.

The second fastest man of all time with 9.69 and 19.26 seconds respectively is scheduled to get an assessment from German d o c t o r H a n s - Wi l h e l m Muller Wolphart in Munich on Tuesday.

GBA to pull out all stops to send formidable team to the ‘Jamaica Versus’ series PRESIDENT of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Steve Ninvalle, said his association would be pulling out all the stops to ensure a formidable team of boxers represent the Golden Arrowhead at the intended `Jamaica versus’ series which is slated for Jamaica in October.

According to reports, the GBA was invited by the Jamaica Boxing Association (JBA) to be a part of the third annual `series’.

Following the success of the Jamaica versus the Cayman Islands and Jamaica versus Panama, the JBA need a sterner test from the best in the Caribbean, hence an invitation was sent to GBA president the GBA to field a team.

Steve Ninvalle The JBA president, Stephen Jones is quoted as saying “those two successful events set the stage for what will be the most electrifying night of all when Caribbean powerhouse Team Guyana visits the shores of Jamaica in October.

Guyana has been excelling at sports right across the board and boxing is certainly no different as they have been churning out Caribbean champions on all levels and have proven themselves as the nation to measure yourself against”.

According to Ninvalle, to this end, a take-away lunch is planned for August 6 as a means of raising funds to help offset the expenses that the GBA will incur.

Annual Grenville Felix Memorial Cycle Road Race set for next Sunday THE fourth annual Grenville Felix cycle road race that is being organised by the Flying Ace Cycle Club of Berbice is slated for next Sunday along the East Canje, Corentyne highway.

The event which is being coordinated by cycling coach Randolph Roberts is opened to cyclists countrywide and will get underway with a flying start. The participants will wheel off from Felix’s former residence at Canefield, East Canje, Berbice, and proceed to his former place of employment at the Rose Hall Estate before turning back .They will then proceed to the Number 51 Police Station then turn back t and will finish at Felix’s residence at Canefield.

Prizes will be awarded to the first 10 overall finishers as well as the first three juveniles, the first three veterans and the first

three females.

There will also be 10 prime prizes up for grabs during the course of the event.

The Grenville Felix trophy that will be up for grabs is a lien trophy and will be given to the first cyclist that gets his name on it three times.

The event is being held in honour of the late engineer who passed away four years ago at the age of 96.

Felix, a veteran engineer, worked with the Bookers and Guyana Sugar Corporation as well as other companies in Guyana and various parts of the world.

This will be the sixth cycling event to be held in his honour ; the first two were held in honour of his birth anniversary and was later changed to a memorial event after he passed away.

31

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 16, 2017

Roach returns, Kyle Hope, Reifer selected for England tour ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – Uncapped Barbadians Kyle Hope and Raymon Reifer have been named in a 15-man West Indies squad to tour England for three Tests starting next month while experienced seamer Kemar Roach has been recalled following a 19-month break.

Hope, a 28-year-old opener, recently made his debut in the One-Day International series against India while the 26-year-old Reifer, an all-rounder, is yet to play international cricket.

Both have gained favour with selectors following impressive first class seasons. The right-handed Hope piled up 649 runs for Trinidad and Tobago Red Force to be second highest run-getter of the competition while Reifer made 445 runs at an average of 37 and snared 36 wickets at 21 apiece, with his left-arm seam.

Chief selector Courtney Browne said both players would be assets to the touring party based on their performances at the first class level.

RAYMON REIFER “We have two players who will be new to Tests but they have experience at first-class level having played in the expanded Digicel Regional Four-Day tournament,” Browne said.

“Kyle will be our third option as opener and he can also be a possible number three. Raymon adds variety to our attack with his left-arm swing bowling and has proven to be very useful with the bat in the lower order.

He, therefore, adds value to our team and

Windies Women end disappointing World Cup campaign with 92-run loss to England THE West Indies women’s team ended a disappointing World Cup campaign on a low note following a 92runs loss to England at the Bristol County Ground on Saturday.

Already eliminated from advancing to the competition’s semi-final the Windies had hoped to end the tournament on a high note, but England, who had eyes on finishing top of the group, clearly had other ideas.

Sent in to bat the English seemed in all sorts of trouble despite an enterprsing half-century from captain Heather Knight, only an unbroken eighth-wicket stand of 48 from Jenny Gunn (31 not out) and Laura Marsh (24 not out) saw the hosts through to 220 for seven.

In reply, however, the West Indies could hardly muster much of a response. The team was two wickets down as early as the 13th over and with less than 40 runs on the board after opener Kycia Knight was run out for 17 and captain Stafanie Taylor trapped leg-before by Marsh. Matthews was dismissed in similar fashion by Alex Hartley for 29.

Chedean Nation was next to depart having put up 23, the beginning of a terrific spell from Natalie Sciver, which also saw her snare wicketkeeper Merissa Aguilleira lbw just two balls later and then also Afy Fletcher on three - the ball was missing leg stump but West Indies had no reviews left.

Sciver’s four-over spell ended with three wickets for just three runs, and one maiden.

Akeira Peters failed to trouble the score after falling to Katherine Brunt for a duck with West Indies then 100 for eight in the 37th over as the run-rate edged into double figures.

Anisa Mohammed was lbw to Anya Shrubsole for 14, while Kyshona Knight finished not out on 12 as West Indies ended 128 for nine.

could be very useful in English conditions.”

Roach, meanwhile, has finally returned to West Indies colours after a long stint on the sidelines because of injury and loss of form.

The 29-year-old, who has 37 Tests to his name, picked up 23 wickets for Barbados Pride in the last first class championship at 16 apiece, doing enough to convince selectors of his readiness again for international cricket.

Overall, Roach has taken 122 Test wickets making him the most experienced member of the Windies attack, and Browne said the Barbadian would be expected to play a key role.

“Kemar’s return is welcomed as he was one of the best fast bowlers in Tests in the recent past for us. We have seen him during the last Digicel R4Day season show signs of his return to form,” Browne explained.

“He may not be bowling as quickly as before but still possesses that skill we all knew he had, plus his experience adds greater depth to the attack.”

KEMAR ROACH One notable absence, however, is that of leading Test batsman Darren Bravo. The left-hander has not played for West Indies since being sent home last November ahead of the Tri-Nation Series in Zimbabwe.

He and Cricket West Indies only resolved the nine-month impasse earlier this week, too late to be considered for selection for the upcoming tour.

At any rate, Bravo last month indicated he would be unavailable because of his commitments to Trin-

bago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League which clashes with the England tour.

Meanwhile, selectors have persisted with 20-yearold left-hander Shimron Hetmyer despite his unflattering showing against Pakistan recently when he mustered 96 runs from six Test innings. However, they have ignored Vishaul Singh who struggled with 63 runs in his six innings in the three-Test series against the Pakistanis.

The squad, which will be led again by all-rounder Jason Holder, is a young one with more than half having played 11 Tests or less. Roach and vice-captain Kraigg Brathwaite are the most experienced with 37 matches each.

Despite the inexperience, Browne said the squad was a cohesive unit which had shown promising signs of development.

“The core group of this squad has been playing together from the Test series against India last year in the Caribbean,” he pointed out.

“The group is developing nicely and we are already seeing some good

signs from some individual players and the team as a whole. Our bowling again has shown that hard work and consistency will bring success.

“This bowling group has played around 10 Test matches consecutively and quite a number of ODIs together over the last year, and they had success which augurs well for their continued development.”

West Indies will play three three-day games against County sides Essex, Kent and Derbyshire before facing England in the day/ night opening Test at Edgbaston on August 17.

The second Test bowls off at Headingly eight days later with the third and final Test carded for Lord’s starting September 7.

SQUAD – Jason Holder (captain), Kraigg Braithwaite (vice-captain), Devendra Bishoo, Jermaine Blackwood, Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Shimron Hetmyer, Kyle Hope, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Kieran Powell, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach.

GFF appoints Beresford as International team coordinator for the female programme THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has appointed Paul Beresford as its International Team Coordinator for the female programme, including the senior female national team, commonly called “Lady Jags”, and the female youth national teams.

Beresford, whose appointment was made on 1st July, 2017 and will be effective until 1st July, 2018, has been a longstanding partner of the GFF. Among his primary responsibilities will be creating scouting and recruitment networks for our female national teams, implementing overseas Talent ID Camps, coordinating ‘Lady Jags’ overseas-based training camps, tracking and monitoring performance of ‘Lady Jags’ and youth players, coordinating the ‘Lady Jags’ International Programme, ensuring clear communication links to all

GFF International team coordinator for Female Programme, Paul Beresford. our overseas-based players, liaising with the Women’s Development Officer (WDO) to ensure there is an integrated system for

locally-based ‘Lady Jags’ players and assisting in the continued development of our GFF Women’s Programme, both locally and overseas.

Beresford’s appointment is strategically placed in the new structure for women’s football in Guyana as envisioned by the Executive Committee and developed by the Technical Director, Ian Greenwood. Greenwood, in an invited comment, explains: “This appointment will continue to strengthen the international outlook and professionalism of our female programme.

Tracking and monitoring of our overseas ‘Lady Jags’ is a crucial part of the role to ensure we have up to date information on our players.

Mr. Beresford is also tasked with the scouting and recruitment of potential new players at all

age groups for the female programme which will be done with a clear and robust recruitment strategy.

Overseas Talent ID and training camps will help ensure our ‘Lady Jags’ teams are in the strongest possible shape when competition and international engagements are upon us.”

Greenwood added: “It’s fantastic that Mr. Beresford is on board as he has indepth knowledge of female football both in Guyana and abroad, we are positive that his energy and passion for the role will improve the quality of the female programme.”

Currently, the National U-17 Women’s team is encamped preparing for the CONCACAF Caribbean Women’s U-17 Tournament, scheduled for the 9th – 13th August, 2017 at the National Track and Field Facility, Leonora.

Guyana’s Winston George cruises to the men’s 200m win

Another year, another record falls at AP Invitational

George achieves meet’s first men’s 200m-400m double

By Tamica Garnett

Guyana’s Winston Missigher checks on the clock as he comes in for the men’s 3000m win

GUYANA’s Winston George was a man on a mission as he charged through to what was a new meet record, and new national record for Guyana, when he took a massive win in the Quality Plus men’s 400m at the second edition of the Aliann Pompey Invitational yesterday at Guyana’s National Track and Field Centre at Leonora.

At night fall he closed off a sprint double by taking the men’s 200m victory with just as commanding a win in the meet’s final track event of the day; now qualifying to compete in this event at the World Championships next month.

The Olympian had already qualified to compete in the men’s 400m.

Aside from George, British Virgin Islands’(BVI) Ashley

Kelly (women’s 400m), Trinidad’s Semoy Hackett (women’s 100m/200m), and Barbados’ Kion Joseph (men’s 400m hurdles), also made World Championships qualifying times at the AP Invitational.

However, highly touted world champion Kim Collins did not qualify. Collins had to settle for second place in the Banks DIH men’s 100m, after Barbados Levi Codogon grabbed the top podium position with a time of 10.24 seconds in a blanket finish.

A dip at the line gave Collins the edge over Antigua’s Tahir Walsh.However, his 10.28 seconds finish was still not enough to see the realization of his dream to qualify for the World Championships, where the qualifying time See page 26

Successful Powerlifting team members receive NSC’S highest award

By Vishani Ragobeer THE successful 15-member team that represented Guyana at the 16th North American Powerlifting Federation (NAPF) and 32nd South American Powerlifting Federation (FESUPO) Championships held in Florida recently, was presented with medals of achievement by the National Sports Commission (NSC).

The simple ceremony was attended by the Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, the powerlifters and members of the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPF).

The athletes were bestowed with the NSC’s highest award, its Medal of Achievement, given to sportspersons who have represented Guyana exceptionally

well at an international level.

The endeavours of the lifters to garner 33 medals, inclusive of 19 gold and to break a number of records in the process did not go unnoticed by the NSC and the Director of Sport.

President of the GAPF, Ed Caesar stressed the progress of the federation in developing the sport in Guyana. Additionally, General Secretary Andrea Smith highlighted that the federation is striving to participate in the upcoming Commonwealth Championships, as well as the next Olympics.

Members of the federation also used the forum to address several of the issues encountered by the federation.

At the fore of these issues was the lack of funding for the athletes to participate in

competitions outside of Guyana, added to the lack of local support.

Though extremely grateful for the support received from all corners, they related that the federation does need much more.

Nevertheless, Jones reassured that the commission is cognizant of the difficulties faced and will be seeking to address these. He also acknowledged the will of the federation whereby members engaged in fundraising activities to support the athletes and sought the help of corporate entities.

Speaking to the Chronicle Sport, Jones related that since these sportspersons have demonstrated their ability to medal at an international level, the NSC now has the requisite impetus to foster the development of the sport in

Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, poses with the posse of powerlifters that represented Guyana at the NAPF and FESUPO Championships in Orlando, Florida recently.(Delano Williams Photo) agenda to ensure that pow- made available so that we Guyana.

According to him, “The erlifting and the enhancing can prepare these athletes Sports commission will now of the sport through the for the Olympics and other be looking into its 2018 facilities and equipment is international competitions.”

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

SUNDAY, JULY 16, 2017