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U.S. injects over $30M to train FIU analysts Page 4

Poor Probe No. 104988

S AT U R DAY , J U LY 2 9 , 2 0 1 7

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– Ramnarine, knocks police investigation into alleged plot to kill President Page 2

… says Top Cop had hand in release of suspects

Assistant Police Commissioner David Ramnarine testifying before the Paul Slowe-led Commission of Inquiry on Friday (Delano Williams Photo)

Evading the law

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–– vendors selling alcohol to minors not being prosecuted

Escapee nabbed in latrine

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Three ‘gen’ sets for Essequibo High Court adds new wing Coast … President hails move as quest to expand justice Page 3

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 29, 2017

Assassination plot

Poor Probe ––Ramnarine knocks police investigation

… says Top Cop had hand in release of suspects By Ariana Gordon ASSISTANT Commissioner of Police David Ramnarine on Friday testified that the police’s investigation into the alleged plot to assassinate President David Granger was improperly done and that the early release of both the accused and accuser by Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum was influenced by Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud. Persaud was on annual leave during the initial period of investigation and Ramnarine who acted as Commissioner of Police from February 13 to March 31, 2017, told the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) set up by President Granger to investigate the matter that he had no role to play in the release of the accused Nizam Khan or the accuser Andriff Gillard. On March 29, he said he received a call at about 10:00hrs from Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum and reported that Gillard indicated that sometime in June 2015, he was approached by Nizam Khan of Grove, East Bank Demerara, to engage in an act which has to do with the assassination of President Granger. He said Blanhum told him Gillard said the assassination was scheduled to take place before the President relocated from his private residence to State House. The Crime Chief disclosed too that Gillard and Khan were very good friends who had established a relationship since 2005. He said too that there were no witnesses and noted that based on reports, Gillard wanted to purchase a home valued at $12M and needed an additional $6M to complete the transaction. He approached Nizam Khan who told him that he would not loan him the money, but would give him $7M to carry out an act “my people want to be done.” It was at that time that Gillard queried what Khan’s people wanted to be done and was told to assassinate the

“I said notwithstanding this appears to have its origin some one year and three quarter in June of 2015, this is a matter which concerns the head of state and you are to spare no effort to launch immediately a thorough investigation into the facts and circumstances and to keep me posted.”

Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud

SERIOUSNESS Blanhum was instructed to conduct the investigation himself, given the nature and seriousness of the allegation. The assistant Commissioner of Police said he immediately contacted the Minister of Citizenship Winston Felix who was holding the

at home, he said he received a call indicating that President Granger needed a brief on the matter at State House on March 30. “I immediately contacted the Crime Chief and the head of Special Branch for updates including whatever background information we would have thus far gathered about the two central characters at this point in time. And I learnt that in that point and time we didn’t have the kind of information which suggested they were dishonourable characters.” He noted that at about 5:30hrs on March 30, the Crime Chief reported to him the crime situation in the country. It was during that reporting period Ramnarine

by Andriff Gillard.” Ramnarine admitted that he found it strange that for such a serious allegation, Khan was released in less than 24 hours. COMPETENCE Notwithstanding his personal opinion, he said he gave the Crime Chief the benefit of the doubt as he was assured at the time that the accused would return to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to assist with the investigation. He said he did not rebuke Blanhum because “his competence was above board.” Ramnarine made it clear during cross-examination that he was not consulted when the men were sent on bail and noted that if he had been consulted he would not have agreed to the men being released on bail. “ A b s o l u t e l y n o ! We incarcerate persons for 72 hours for far less serious offences or allegations,” said Ramnarine. After hearing the report from Blanhum, Ramnarine reported all information available to the president and assured him his safety was going to continue to be assured by the Guyana Police Force. He was asked to submit a report to the President and as such, he returned to his office and held what he

Lawyers at the CoI: from l-r, Justice Ian Chang, Attorneys, Christopher Ram and Selwyn Pieters President, an act he refused to do. Gillard also reported that he received “very adverse attention from Nizam Khan” to the extent that Gillard was living in a home as his wasn’t completed and someone purchased that said property which resulted in him being evicted. “Gillard was of the opinion that Nizam Khan had been behind the court matter which eventually led to Gillard’s eviction, among other things,” recounted Ramnarine. He continued:

Public Security Portfolio as substantive Minister Khemraj Ramjattan was out of country. His call to Felix was futile, but he subsequently contacted Minister of State Joseph Harmon and gave him a brief based on the information he had received from the Crime Chief. At about 16:00hrs on the said day, Ramnarine said he was informed that Nizam Khan was arrested and investigations were continuing. At about 20:00hrs the said night, while

asked Blanhum the position of Khan who was arrested the day before. The assistant commissioner said Blanhum at no point prior to his questioning noted the alleged assassination plot. “He said the person would have to return today. I said return? How come? Wasn’t he in custody yesterday afternoon? And he said he was released. I was surprised at that. I asked him on whose instructions and he said his instructions because he does not believe the story

Assistant Police Commissioner David Ramnarine

called a Performance Group meeting of the force attended by senior ranks. That afternoon, Khan had returned to the station as there were a number of issues to be cleared up. On April 1, the substantive Commissioner of Police resumed duty and according to Ramnarine, he briefed the Commissioner via telephone on important matters which occurred while he was on leave. “I also informed the Commissioner that his Excellency had requested a report and that I was in the process of completing such, it wasn’t completed because I was awaiting some information from CID as the statements taken were not that legible,” said the Assistant Commissioner of Police. He said the Commissioner told him to send whatever files he has and he will prepare the report. He said he gave Seelall the written brief on the matter. “On my return to the office, I called His Excellency’s aide-de-camp (ADC) Colonel Abrahams and I indicated to him that he [the President] had asked me to prepare a report and the fact that the Commissioner resumed duty on Saturday, I apprised commissioner and the commissioner has indicated to me that he will submit the report.” Thereafter, Ramnarine said he returned to his substantive duties and sometime in May, Persaud was out of country on two engagements and as such he was acting as Commissioner. He said while reporting at a national security meeting where he provided an update on the progress made, “I was subjected to a number of questions and comments which caused me to realise that there was some indication about a possible involvement of senior members of the force in the very early stages of the arrest of Nizam Khan and his brother Imran Khan.” The Assistant Commissioner said he assured the See page 8

High Court adds new wing 3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 29, 2017

… President hails move as quest to improve justice

By Alva Solomon ALL the divisions of the Supreme Court of Judicature, including the Land Court, are now housed under one roof following the opening of the new wing of the High Court, on Charlotte Street, on Friday. At the same time, President David Granger has likened the move to the opening of a new chapter in the country’s quest to improve the administration of justice and to expand access to justice for all. The new wing houses the Land Court and three Civil Courts. This is according to Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette Cummings -Edwards. Speaking at a brief ceremony to officially open the new facility on Friday morning, Justice Cummings-Edwards told a gathering, which included President Granger; Chief Justice (ag), Roxanne George-Wiltshire; Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan; Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams; among legal luminaries and invited guests, that the Land Court has come full circle . The Land Court was previously housed in the Maraj Building on Charlotte Street and later moved to Brickdam. It has now returned to Charlotte Street, Justice Cummings-Edwards noted. She said the new wing will accommodate courtrooms with modern

technology, noting that the hope is that in the not-too -distant future, ”we are looking forward to have what is termed an E-judiciary.” Justice Cummings-Edwards said that today, the High Court in Georgetown is experiencing changes of a new era, noting that the new building is viewed as a start involving changes which will improve access, justice and dispensation of justice. Justice Cummings–Edwards, while noting that the Victorian and Tudor architecture style of the edifice will be maintained, told the gathering that the new wing is accompanied by the new civil procedure rules and new family processing and procedure rules. She said this has brought Guyana up to par with case management direction hearings

which are designed to eliminate delays. To this end, she informed the gathering that such moves will ensure faster disposal of cases, with a timeline set to two to 28 days. She said that since the new rules were implemented some five months ago, a total of 1258 cases were filed and of that almost half of that number has been disposed. Justice Cummings-Edwards noted that the latter demonstrates the judiciary’s overall commitment to improve the administration of justice in the High Court. She said the judiciary has taken many initiatives in relation to continued judicial education and enhancement of the capacity of the judiciary, and judicial officers at the personal as well as professional level. The Acting

President David Granger is assisted by Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Yonette Cummings-Edwards and Chief Justice (ag), Roxanne George-Wiltshire, in cutting the ribbon to officially open the new wing of the High Court.

The new wing of the High Court.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, sits alongside members of the gathering at Friday’s event.

Chancellor also noted that moves for the establishment of the new wing, including the general oversight of the construction of the facility as well as representation to the Ministry of Finance, came via the vision of former Chancellor (ag), Justice Carl Singh . She suggested the wing be named in his honour. President Granger, in remarks to the gathering, noted that the opening of the new wing “is in a way in the opening of a new chapter in the country’s quest to improve the admin of justice and to expand access to justice for all”. He said that the judiciary requires a system that is characterised by independence, impartiality and

integrity, noting that it requires persons whose qualities are of a “fit and proper person to be elected to high office.” He said the impartiality of the judiciary will be secured by insulating the judiciary and appointing officers from political influence. The President told the gathering that the executive branch of government has taken steps to ensure that the judiciary does not feel beholden to the government of the day. He said that the enactment of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Amendment Act 2015 a few weeks after assuming office, provided for the financial autonomy of the judiciary in accordance with Article 122A of the Constitution. ”The judiciary is now administratively autonomous,” he said. The Head of State noted that government has provided resources for the construction of the new wing in

keeping with its intention of providing enhanced working conditions and additional courts to improve the administration and access to justice. He said the government has ensured that positions in the judiciary have been filled, noting that persons were appointed to fill vacancies in the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) and to act as Chancellor and Chief Justice. “So I have obeyed the constitution in every respect,” the Head of State noted. President of the Bar Association, Kamal Ramkarran noted at Friday’s event that the opening of the new wing at the High Court is the latest in a series of development which has transformed the face of legal practice in Guyana. He said those developments provide a clear commitment by the government and the judiciary to significantly improve access to and the delivery of justice.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 29, 2017

U.S. injects over $30M to train FIU analysts By Navendra Seoraj

THE US through the State Department’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs has injected US$150,000 into training operatives of the local Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). Analysts will be trained by the International Business Machines (IBM) on how to operate the unit’s newly-acquired I-base software. Speaking at the ceremonious announcement of the venture, Finance Minister, Winston Jordan acknowledged the contributions by the US, but noted that the scale of money laundering has increased globally, resulting in national security risks where those acts are prevalent. The risk assessment

done by Guyana has however identified a number of core sectors that pose severe money laundering and terrorist finance risks to the country. In addition, their action plan will guide policymakers in their attempts to implement combative measures which are commensurate with the level of risk identified. “The employment of advanced technology has aided in the detection of money laundering activities, however, more sophisticated money launderers are coming forth and this increases the demands on the authorities to deploy new and appropriate techniques to enhance the country’s ability to detect and prevent these activities,” said Minister Jordan. The acquisition of the

FIU Director, Matthew Langevine and Finance Minister, Winston Jordan (centre) share a moment with Ambassador Perry Holloway.

I-base software will allow the unit to map and import data and information from structure and unstructured sources into the centralised repository. It will also hasten the

pace at which data is analysed, connections are found and actionable results are generated. The project funded by the US will as such be geared at training per-

Saturday, June 29th, 2017 - 9:00hrs Sunday, July 30th 2017 - 9:30 hrs Monday, June 31st, 2017 -10:00hrs

sons who are involved in the financial analysis section of the FIU and is expected to last about three months. “I-base software is standard equipment and we are now getting to the stage where FIUs from around the world are already at or have surpassed,” FIU Director Matthew Langevine said. With the assistance of the US to train persons on how to use the programme, Langevine said they will be better able to carry out their mandate of receiving, analysing and disseminating information on suspected cases of money laundering and financing of terrorism. Once the new system is fully operational, he said all the information from their current

database will be moved forward. Since the FIU’s establishment, when it comes to organising and getting value for the quantum information gathered, it was a challenge because they lacked the basic level of technology to help the analysts consolidate and make best use of it. “This tool will not only assist us locally but it will help us through the fourth round of the CFATF mutual evaluation process which requires us to express the effectiveness of our Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT),”said the FIU’s Director. Ambassador of the US to Guyana, Perry Holloway said the US held their end of the bargain by assisting the FIU with training since the government purchased the software. He said it was an important step by Guyana to acquire the intelligence database management application because it allows teams of analysts to capture, control and analyse multi-source data. “The tool will allow them to be better at what they do… we are pleased to continue the support we give to Guyana, particularly in this area, given that over the last year you have made great strides by complying with international standards, concluded a money laundering and terrorist finance risk assessment, and is in the process of developing a risk-based action plan,” said the ambassador.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 29, 2017

Professor Griffith installed

By Alva Solomon

THE University of Guyana (UG) will make an effort to improve compensation for faculty and staff members, among several bold moves under its Renaissance initiatives, Vice-Chancellor (VC), Professor Ivelaw Griffith has said. Professor Griffith made the remark after he was officially installed as the 10th Vice- Chancellor of UG on Friday at the Turkeyen Campus. The ceremony was attended by a host of guests

Professor Griffith in his inaugural address told the gathering of UG’s Renaissance Bridge Building Project which he noted has several “daunting “elements. He said they entail “facing and fixing” and pursuing new ventures and setting new baselines, some of which are new to UG and the country. He said the efforts of the project have begun to show several notable results, including several which are infrastructure-related. These include improve-

-- promises better compensation for staff, faculty members

works on a new Student’s Social Complex, extension of the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry as well as a new maintenance complex. The university’s property at Pere Street, Kitty, will be renovated, and according to Professor Griffith, that building will be transformed into an entrepreneurial facility. As part of its plans, the university has reorganised its senior leadership to include the creation of Deputy Vice-Chancelleries. He said UG cannot operate alone and requires the

Professor Ivelaw Griffith addresses the gathering shortly after his official installation as the 10th Vice-Chancellor of UG

Professor Griffith is decorated with the Vice-Chancellor’s robe, while Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Nigel E Harris, applauds

including President David Granger, Prime Minis ter Moses Nagamootoo, ministers of government, visiting professors and other local and international guests.

ments to physical facilities and of wifi access at the Turkeyen and Tain campuses, as well as the residency halls. UG has also commenced infrastructural

support of both the private and public sectors. In terms of specific areas which require attention, Professor Griffith highlighted that as a university, “we are in near-crisis mode” in relation to the hard sciences and engineering.

He said the same can be said for instruction, research and the synergistic utility linkages to multi-disciplinary spaces such as biodiversity. As such, he said he will be establishing a 15-member Renaissance task force to examine comprehensively, the state of affairs of the areas highlighted and for that body to offer recommendations on the way forward. Professor Griffith noted too that a series of initiatives have been undertaken to support the arts and these include the use of his home, Renaissance House, as a gallery to showcase the painting and sculpture of students and lecturers as well as for hosting an inaugural painting, music and poetry session. He announced that famous Guyanese musician Dave Martins will be

named Distinguished Visiting Artiste in Residence. Professor Griffith also touched on the issue of compensation for staff. “Important too, will be efforts to improve the compensation to faculty and staff, mindful of the importance of performance and accountability,” he noted. It was noted too that multiple challenges which the law department of the university faces will be addressed. This will be undertaken following a comprehensive review of the department. Meanwhile, Dr Warren Smith, President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in bringing greetings to the auspicious occasion, noted that the bank will be “doing business with UG.” Dr Smith said he had the opportunity to meet

with Professor Griffith this week for the first time and is confident that UG is in good hands. He pointed out that while Guyana is on the cusp of development, there are several social deficits which need to be addressed. There are social indicators “which are not where they need to be”, he said, pointing out that UG will play a part in the correction process. He also said that the CDB has assisted UG in the past and will be working along with UG in the future. The investiture ceremony was part of the university’s Diaspora Engagement Conference. The conference, which attracted more than 200 attendees, concluded on Friday with a cultural extravaganza.

Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 29, 2017

Fighting HIV stigma, discrimination

JUST last week, Minister within the Public Health Ministry, Dr Karen Cummings, urged that discrimination against people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) should be a thing of the past, stressing that such persons have the same rights as everyone else, as enshrined in the United Nations Human Rights Declaration. Dr Cummings was commenting on one of the biggest setbacks in fighting HIV. Since the first case of HIV/AIDS was recorded decades ago, millions of persons around the globe have died annually from the various symptoms associated with it. According to the latest statistics as recorded on the UNAIDS website, 19.5 million people were accessing antiretroviral therapy in 2016. •36.7 million [30.8 million–42.9 million] people globally were living with HIV in 2016.; 1.8 million [1.6 million–2.1 million] people became newly infected with HIV in 2016; 1 million [830 000–1.2 million] people died from AIDS-related illnesses in 2016. •76.1 million [65.2 million–88.0 million] people have become infected with HIV since the start of the epidemic. •35.0 million [28.9 million–41.5 million] people have died from AIDS-related illnesses since the start of the epidemic. Despite public service messages, advertisements and seminars hosted to educate persons on the dangers attached

to having unprotected sex, there is still a substantial number of persons dying every year from AIDS-related complications. Millions of dollars are annually being spent to help sensitise the public on the disease which was first diagnosed here in Guyana in the year 1987, not only because of its ability to rob otherwise healthy persons of their lives which knocks decades off of a country’s national development, but also for its ability to “widen the gulf between rich and poor nations and push already stigmatised groups closer to the margins of society.” Since then a combination of factors, such as increased access to antiretroviral treatments, programmes focusing on youth development, reproductive health and counselling have seen a constant decrease in the number of new cases each year. Guyana also seems to be doing well in the fight against mother-to-child transmission of the disease as a result of the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) programme, and soon may be able to boast of the public health achievement of eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV as Cuba did. For all the improvements over the years however, doctors are now of the opinion that a new formulated strategy needs to be put in place with the spread of the virus as many persons across the country are taking comfort in its success rate of reduction and this has encouraged complacency, as many have stopped seeing the urgent need for protection which has resulted in “a growing trend of new HIV cases.”

There is an urgent need to sustain and intensify efforts in the fight against infection, so that its levels can be kept at a minimum level, particularly amongst young people. Recent statistics have shown that over 60% of the new cases are isolated to young persons, showing the need for more education regarding the virus and its potential dangers amongst the young. Education on prevention aside, more also needs to be done in helping to eliminate or diminish the amount of stigma and discriminative attitudes held towards those with the disease. Stigma in Guyana and around the world is often so strong that those who are infected or suspect that they are, are often hindered from seeking treatment or learning of their status and being educated on preventative measures. This creates a barrier, which could potentially become life-threatening and significantly decrease the mental health of the person. While there has been some progress over the years with the monitoring and reduction of stigma within the workplace as guidelines have been put in place to help in that respect, the stigma within the wider society is still largely in place and for the most part will largely remain that way over the next few years.

Mervyn Williams responds to Stabroek News article

Dear Editor

THE Stabroek News article headlined: “Ministerial advisor faces private criminal charges after property dispute” which was published on Monday, July 3, 2017 at page 13 refers. It is evident that the Stabroek News has over time run out of reporters of a certain quality. It is now more than three weeks since the publication of this offensive article and no one from that news outfit has considered it appropriate to contact me so that I may be afforded an opportunity to benefit from the right to reply. In fact, a true professional would have taken the time to seek a comment from me prior to publishing such a character-damaging article. Sadly,

this did not happen. I state categorically that I have never been charged with any criminal offence in my entire life. I have not ever been served with any summons, complaint,or any other legal instrument indicative of any charge of any kind whatsoever being instituted against me. It is clear that the Attorney-at-Law named in the said article solicited and secured the full cooperation of the Stabroek News in his carefully calculated scheme aimed at casting aspersions on my good character and damaging my unblemished public image. The attorney’s client(s) and members of the Guyana Police Force have together succeeded in gaining forced entry into my private dwell-

ing and unlawfully removing valuables worth in excess of one million, five hundred thousand dollars [$ 1,500,000:]. This was on June 13th while I was at work. The Guyana Police Force in spite of being in receipt of an official report from me, a statement of the occurrence and a complaint to the commissioner of police has failed, omitted or neglected to bring the known perpetrators to justice or to have my valuables replaced. Instead, the attorney’s client(s) together with members of the Guyana Police Force proceeded to again unlawfully break and enter my dwelling on June 25th, this time removing important documents from my office. This was while I was at the market. Again, a report was

made at the Leonora Police Station, a written statement delivered to the divisional commander and a complaint lodged with the commissioner of police. Again, the Guyana Police Force has failed to investigate and bring the known perpetrators to justice. The events and the letter written by the attorney-at-law referred to in the article are carefully calculated to destroy my good character and to lure me into confrontation with persons and the law. This will never happen. I am not so disposed and those who know me know this to be a fact. The Stabroek News would do well to investigate the conduct of those members of the Guyana Police Force involved and the

named attorney-at-law and fearlessly report its findings. Did the Stabroek News consider investigating whether the Savitrie Benimadhu referred to in its article is the same Savitrie Benimadhu who lives in Florida, goes by six different names and set up an online account to raise USD 5,000 in the name of her dead child? Or did the Stabroek News consider investigating whether the Kawall Parasram named in its report is the same Kawall Parasram who featured in a CBS Miami report of November 7th 2014 charged for stabbing an elderly neighbour with a pitch fork? This would be of greater public interest and usefulness instead of contributing to the defaming of upstand-

ing citizens in the furtherance of the narrow political agenda of a few wicked persons with mal-intentions. Instead, the Stabroek News presented its heroes in print while sparing no opportunity to destroy my good name. I believe that I am owed a prominently published apology by the Stabroek News and the publication in full of this statement. I also believe that those who gleefully peddled or ‘shared’ this mischievous article in the various social media outlets should likewise share this statement in the interest of fairness and common decency. Regards Mervyn Williams

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 29, 2017

CPGs being devoured by the PPP Dear Editor, OVER the past two months or so a lot of talks have been happening about the security sector and its way forward or how it is being managed. Anyway, I will surely have my say about those in follow-up missives. But let me deal with some comments that are circulating on social media and some print media, regarding the former PPP Minister of Home Affairs Hon. Clement Rohee, MP, in recent times as to community policing groups in Guyana. This MP should very well know by now that he failed this country tremendously when he was Minister of Home Affairs. Everything he did had the head and involvement of politics in all sectors. He did all this to have everything in the palms of the PPP and to take advantage of situations.

When this MP, who is a former minister started to empower community policing it was for his party’s gains and support. I do believe that 90% of the CPG groups under this man’s watch was all PPP supporters and members. Almost all of the policing groups were taking directives from him or his PPP comrades. They were instructed as to who should be arrested, send to the police and make their lives miserable. Those were people that are supporters of the then opposition. Members of the CPGs were very active during the PPP’s time because of the political affiliations to the PPP. Members of CPGs were seen cleaning Freedom house and its environs at Bath and I know it happens all over the country. CPG members were used to doing political work, plastering of posters, putting up banners, setting up flags and also CPG vehi-

cles being used to transport people to their (PPP) village meetings and rallies and did announcements. I can recall that this MP, who was then minister in charge of security, has dealt with many matters by himself rather than to allow the police to deal with the matters. Maybe, if he is to reply he would ask me to name a few, well here is one name that comes to mind Mr. Paul Slowe, does this ring a bell Mr. Rohee?. CPG’s where active then because of politics in favour of the PPP by them. Groups were seen day and night doing what they were told to do or mandated to do by Rohee and PPP. What has happened all of a sudden that makes the CPGs forgetting their role in communities?. Today, CPG members, esp supporters of the PPP have been warned not to be active by the leadership of the party (PPP) at

City Hall is being mismanaged Dear Editor, CITIES all around the globe are introducing wide-ranging measures to optimize municipal expenditure in the face of the current economic challenges worldwide. Some of these measures include a freeze on hiring new staff, stricter controls on overtime, curbs on various expenses and a cut in spending on all municipal-organised events. The City of Ottawa, the capital of Canada, cut 75 managerial and 102 unionised staff positions late last year, to save money. The city of Hamilton took the step of cutting 23 management and other jobs so as not to raise property rates. The PLYMOUTH City Council in the UK has made up to 200 people redundant and has cut

about £15million from the capital programme as it seeks to balance its budget. A further 100 council posts left vacant since last year will also be axed. In Tallahassee, about 47 city positions will be eliminated from next year’s budget to make up for a $4.5 million funding gap, and the list goes on and on. But in our ‘Garden City’ Georgetown, the story is quite the opposite. In the face of bankruptcy, heavy debts and the delivery of very poor services, our City Council has decided to vastly increase its expenditure by hiring more garbage contractors to add to the others to whom they owe millions of dollars, by hiring many more persons to senior positions, by travelling frequently overseas, and by upgrading small sections to bid departments.

This has to be some new and bizarre economic concept that would upturn all of the theories and concepts taught in economics, and one which central government seems willing to allow. One just has to enter any municipal office at any time of the work day and one would see scores of employees just idling or messing about. Just visit the Public Relations Office as an example. It is just inconceivable that the Mayor and 29 Councillors who campaigned just two years ago on a mantra of restoring Georgetown to its former glory would be willing to be led by their noses by an incompetent administration. Regards Shanta Singh

both the national and regional levels. They were told that if they continue doing what is their mandate they will make the government and Public Security Ministry look good. They were warned not to get involved in protecting their communities and people, although resources are available. They were told to sit back and allow petty crimes to rock their villages, because the police can’t be all over at the same time. I can recall when this government took office in 2015 in Region Five, CPGs were on top of things. In the villages of Bath, Woodley Park, Bush Lot, Blairmont, Rosignol, Cotton Tree, Shieldstown, Experiment\Hope, CPG members used to march the streets as usual in their uniforms and patrolling in the night. But all of a sudden those activities were halted by most of the

groups because of political warnings and exploitations by the PPP. Groups are hardly functioning in those areas, Why? because the PPP activists on the ground are driving fear into the people and making all sorts of problems in ensuring that the groups do not function. It is not this government or Minister of Public Security that does not want CPGs to function, but it is Mr. Rohee and his PPP cabal that don’t want to see the groups functioning. The entire PPP does not want to see Guyana moving positively forward. They are doing everything to cripple this nation because of their selfish ways, their determination to make Guyana ungovernable and to ensure that there is no proper security in place for the nation. CPGs need to stop taking political directives and start regroup-

ing for the betterment of their communities and our country. CPGs must put their act together and do what’s best for our communities. I call on that in-charge to oversee the functioning of CPGs to move around in the fields and see that the groups are re-organised and better able to serve the people of the various communities. Mr. Rohee and his PPP cabal need to stop taking advantage of their supporters and start thinking of Guyana as we are moving forward. Rohee and his cabal need to stop politicising people lives and welfare because the PPP is no good and only want to destroy our nation. Stop the fighting PPP and let’s start uniting for a better Guyana under the APNU+AFC government. Regards Abel Seetaram

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 29, 2017

Three ‘gen’ sets for Essequibo Coast –– reliable power supply expected by December

RESIDENTS on the Essequibo Coast from December 2017 are expected to receive a reliable supply of electricity. In October, three generator sets, procured from Germany, are expected to

arrive in the country for installation at the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Anna Regina Power Station. Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson, made the disclosure on Thursday

as he responded to a number of questions posed by People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Member of Parliament (MP), Dharamkumar Seeraj, in the National Assembly. Seeraj had expressed

concerns about the spate of power outages experienced by residents on the Essequibo Coast. In response, the Public Infrastructure Minister informed the House that for the past two weeks, residents there have not experienced blackouts. Sections of the Essequibo Coast were plunged into darkness after the aged Wartsilla generator blew a gasket. The

minister explained that the situation was further compounded by other age-related problems that cropped up during the fixing of the generator set. Well aware of the need to replace the 20-plus-year-old generator, Minister Patterson said in 2016 provisions were made for the purchasing of new ‘gen’ sets. The brand new generator

sets are expected to arrive in Guyana in October. “We do intend by Christmas to have them powered,” he told the House. The sets have been procured from Germany and will replace the more than 20-year-old Wartsilla generator set which is currently powering the Region Two ( P o m e ro o n - S u p e n a a m ) coast.

From page 2

legal advice and all others and submitted same to the President,” the assistant Commissioner told the CoI. Meanwhile, Ramnarine told the Commission during cross-examination that when he was initially told of the allegation, he did not know who Nizam Khan was. “Sometime after, I learnt of the individual’s brother being Imran Khan and the fact that I recall seeing Imran Khan in the Commissioner’s conference room…and a number of other places and I formed the impression that they were friends. That in itself is public knowledge.” Additionally, Ramnarine who is second in command of the force said he believes Blanhum may have been influenced by Persaud to send the Khans and Gillard on bail on March 29, noting that the Police Commissioner had called him. “Do you think this would have influenced the way the investigation was conducted?” asked Commissioner Slowe, to which Ramnarine responded in the affirmative. “Do you think…that this matter was properly investigated?” Slowe asked. Ramnarine said, “Taking into account all the circumstances surrounding the conduct of this investigation, my sincere answer would be no. It was not properly done.” He said too that the fact that Gillard and Khan were released the said afternoon after being in police custody indicates “a lack of serious effort” on the part of the police. It was at this juncture that attorney representing Imran Khan, Christopher Ram, objected to the mode of questioning by Slowe. He argued that Slowe was asking leading questions, which he did not think was permissible in a CoI. “I have the greatest personal and professional respect for you, but I really do believe that you have been crossing the line this morning,” said Ram. Slowe noted the concerns and then asked Ramnarine if when acting as Commissioner he would from time to time seek ad-

vice or guidance from the Commissioner. “The only time I seek the advice or guidance of the Commissioner while he is on leave is when the Commissioner while on duty would have been personally involved in a matter in the interest of the organisation to which I have no knowledge and to which he would have made decisions for the furtherance of the work of the force and during the time he was on leave, the matter would have come up which would have now necessitated me to have the Commissioner’s train of thought in the initial stages of the matter.”

Poor Probe

meeting that he would speak with the required officers and to find out who or what was occurring. He said there were concerns that the police were being lethargic and were being unprofessional and purposely so. Ramnarine said upon his return from the meeting on May 16, he summoned the Crime Chief along with the head of the Special Branch, Commander ‘A’ Division and other senior officers and reminded them of the seriousness of the matter. He said he asked the Crime Chief whether he was aware of senior officers being involved in the early stages of the investigation when Khan was arrested. Blanhum referred the question to the Head of the Special Branch Unit, who then indicated that Blanhum, Commissioner Seelall Persaud and Superintendent Mitchell Caesar from the Major Crimes Unit were being fingered. It was reported that Persaud called Imran Khan and thereafter instructed Detective Sergeant Petamber to release the men on bail. “I cautioned everyone in the room that we are a professional organisation and the fact that names can be called in such an important matter challenges our professionalism…I reminded the Crime Chief of the instruction that he himself must oversee such an investigation,” Ramnarine added. He noted too that while preparing the written report to President Granger, he requested the legal advice provided by the Police Legal Advisor (PLA) Justice Claudette Singh. It was then that he was made aware that the PLA had asked that investigators make enquiries into whether the Police Commissioner had called the afternoon in question and handed down instructions. KHAN IN THE TOP COP ROOM “I embodied that bit of

MISLED BY BLANHUM Meanwhile, Ramnarine said he felt very bad about being misled by Blanhum and noted that he trusted the Crime Chief’s judgment. “Did you feel misled by the crime chief?” asked Selwyn Pieters, attorney representing television journalist Travis Chase to whom Ramnarine responded, “Obviously so…I felt very bad about it.” When he discovered that Blanhum was not forthright he did not take action against him. He also accepted that he had the power to order the re-arrest of Gillard, and the Khan brothers. Attorney representing the interest of the police, former Chief Justice Ian Chang, declined to cross- examine Ramnarine, noting that “this is the acting commissioner and deputy commissioner and this is why I perhaps find myself in an embarrassing position. They’ve put me in a very embarrassing position with the evidence.” As such, Chang said when the Police Commissioner appears before the Commission on Monday, he should appear with an attorney. “At this juncture, out of an abundance of caution, I do not think I should ask any more questions,” he told the commission.

Evading the law 9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 29, 2017

–vendors selling alcohol to minors not being prosecuted By Ravin Singh

VENDORS who sell alcohol to minors and those who employ them to sell the substance are getting away with it although both acts are illegal in Guyana. According to Senior Superintendent Royston Andries-Junor, because the Guyana Police Force (GPF) focuses much of its attention on robbery and drug-related crimes, alcohol vendors have been able to get away with the act without being prosecuted. “We focus mostly on crime and less attention is given to the sale of alcohol. As such, the vendors are not arrested and prosecuted as should be in keeping with the law” he said. The Senior Officer made this disclosure during a meeting of the Social Services Sector Committee at Public Building on Friday. Andries-Junor was accompanied by Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum and ‘A’ Division Commander, Assistant Police Commissioner, Marlon Chapman. The trio was being quizzed by the committee on the general status of alcohol procurement by minors across the country. In a short power-point presentation, the Senior Superintendent said that findings of the GPF pointed to the fact that elders were using children to purchase alcohol and shop owners who were found to have been allowing it, were asked to desist. He added that shop owners have been complying

From left: Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum; ‘A’ Division Commander, Marlon Chapman; and Senior Superintendent ,Royston Andries-Junor, at the Social Services Committee meeting on Friday. (Delano Williams photo) with this request. are talking about the lives of publicly display at their place the importance of data canHowever, Opposition children and it is a matter we of business. not be emphasized enough Member of Parliament (MP), need to take serious. So we However, one of major because it helps to provide Dr Vishwa Mahadeo dis- need them to understand how concerns raised at the meet- an analytic consideration of agrees with the officer that serious an issue this is” he ing was the fact that the force an issue. She said that such shop owners are complying said, while calling for greater does not have data about this data would have informed after being asked to stop. public awareness about this issue. Andries-Junor was the force about which areas “The law is there and we illegal practice. keen to note that this defi- had high concentrations of have to find a way to prevent S u p p o r t i n g D r. M a - ciency was not as a result of minors accessing alcohol it. I disagree that shopowners’ hadeo’s call was fellow oppo- limited capacity to prosecute, and it would have helped the stop. It happens in Region sition MP, Indra Chandarpal, but because of the fact that force to have a targeted and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne who also advocated for man- the force has placed greater strategic approach in dealing ,” Dr. Mahadeo, who is the datory placement of notices emphasis on “serious crimes” with the issue. Region Six geographical on shops to inform the public which includes robberies and The Crime Chief interMP, said. that the sale of alcohol to mi- murders among others. jected and made mention of He recommended that nors is illegal. She said that But this did not sit well several cases where persons for this practice to stop, shop upon granting a licence, the with Minister within the Min- were prosecuted in 2015, owners ought to be given two Guyana Revenue Authority istry of Natural Resources, 2016, and 2017, even while warnings after which their (GRA) should issue the no- Simona Broomes. She re- he admitted that there are licence be taken away. “We tice which shop owners are to minded the gentlemen that countless cases which have

not been documented. He noted too that many of the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) campaigns in the hinterlands also examined underage drinking and minors accessing alcohol. Blanhum shared with the Committee members that the force supports reform and what is currently being worked on now, is a strategy to eliminate entirely, alcoholic beverages being available at schools’ sporting events. “…we have to ensure we do not have cases where minors or school children are purchasing alcohol. We can do that immediately” he said, adding that there are many sporting events planned which the force will monitor. Bringing the curtains down on the meeting was Chairperson of the Committee, Dr Vindhya Persaud who touted re-examination of the legislation which protects children against this form of exploitation. She added that not only does the legislation needs to be amended, if there is a need, but enforcement officers, including the police, need to be trained and be informed about the laws to be able to enforce them effectively. Dr. Persaud also encouraged the senior officers to build a database with the data they have so it would be easier for them to compare statistics and measure progress. The next time the officers meet the committee, they are expected to provide an update on what has been achieved.

Jagdeo could submit third GECOM list next week

LEADER of the Opposition, Bharat Jagdeo, is expected to submit his third list of nominees for the post of Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to President David Granger by next week. Although the list is not fully complete, Jagdeo told members of the media on Friday that he has made “substantial” progress and will soon conclude his search. “I am getting difficulties finding solid professionals who will accept the nomination, because a lot of people do not want

to be a part of the political domain, but I have made a commitment to submitting a third list and I will continue with that process,” he said. Prior to the compilation of the third list, he had submitted two lists to the President; however, both were rejected. None of the persons from the previous lists has been included on this third list, but it includes a mixture of persons, some from the legal fraternity and others who fall within the “fit and proper category,” Jagdeo said.

The second list comprised retired justices BS Roy and William Ramlal, attorneys Oneidge Walrond-Allicock, Nadia Sagar and Kashir Khan and businessman Gerry Gouveia. The first list comprised chartered accountant Christopher Ram, governance specialist Lawrence Lachmansingh, business executives Ramesh Dookhoo and Norman McLean, author Ryhaan Shah and historian, Professor James Rose. Back in March, the President had pointed out that Article 161 (2) of the

Opposition leader Bharat Jagdeo

Constitution of Guyana states that “Subject to the provisions of paragraph (4), the Chairman of the Elections Commission shall be a person who holds or who has held office as a judge of a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in some part of the Commonwealth, or a court having jurisdiction in appeals from any such court or who is qualified to be appointed as any such judge, or any other fit and proper person….” Businessman Marcel Gaskin had however approached the High Court to

interpret the article, which resulted in Chief Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire confirming that the President acting on his own deliberate judgment must determine whether a person is ‘fit and proper’. “I am still waiting on the written judgment, but I hope that when I submit the third list someone will be chosen and the issue will become mute,” said Jagdeo. If no one is selected from the third list, a process has been identified which includes the Opposition and the government discussing a way forward on the matter.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 29, 2017

Education system affected by personal conflicts

–– CoI report states

THE commissioners of the inquiry into the state of the education system are calling on policy-makers to instill strong moral and ethical moral values in staffers, since it would help in preventing a transfer of bad attributes at work. The preliminary report which was handed over to the Education Ministry by Chairman Ed Caesar and his team some weeks ago, found that a clash of personalities is adding to setbacks within the education system.

He said various levels of workers are having personal issues with each other. “The vast majority of issues that were found by the Commission of Inquiry related directly to, and resulted from, a lack of integrity, negative attitudes, egotism, inflexibility, a lack of consultation with teachers on the ground and a lack of respect for teachers by officers who supervise them,” the report said. It also revealed great hostility between edu-

cation staffers, particularly between regional education officers and the teachers in their respective regions. The report further noted that there seemed to be a lack of care and concern by education officers in the execution of their duties. To this end, the commission submitted that the education system, “… should seek to complement academic learning with a strong sense of integrity, morality and service, particularly in

secondary schools.” This, it said, is for the simple reason of patterns of thought and behaviour being fixed to adolescents at that level of schooling. The report noted that in some cases, there is no clear communication chain between the regional staff and the regional official, which causes some matters to go unreported and unchecked. It also noted that it appeared that some officers were not aware of their responsibilities in the region. And the authorities do not properly consult stakeholders and teachers when policies are at their drafting stage “Such would ensure that they can work on the ground and in all the regions and that they re-

ceive the support and cooperation of all those who have the responsibility to implement them.” The inquiry pointed out that several policies that failed to include all stakeholders were found to be unsuited for their identified locations, particularly where the peculiarities of hinterland communities exist. Outside of this, the commission found that most of the regions had an acute shortage of education officers to monitor schools and assist teachers. The commissioners said one way to reverse this situation would be to rehire retired teachers and/or officers who have proven themselves to be highly effective and strive for standards of excellence.

They also recommended that the criteria used to determine the number of officers to be assigned to each Department of Education should be reviewed and consideration should be given to a re-orientation programme for education officers and rigid monitoring of performance. Despite being engaged in the Cadet Programme to adequately prepare education officers for their tasks ahead, the CoI report found that in a number of instances, cadets were found to be ineffective and disrespectful to teachers. With an improved appraisal system, the commissioners said there would be appropriate sanctions for poorly performing education officers.

Robbery accused back in court on another charge ONE of the accused implicated in the $9M Princess Casino heist in 2016 was on Friday arrested and placed before the court on another robbery charge. Wayne Griffith, 30, of Nismes, Bagotville, West Bank Demerara, appeared before city Magistrate Leron Daly and was remanded to prison after denying the charge. Particulars of the charge alleged that Griffith on July 25, 2017 at the Stabroek Market area, while being in the company of another, robbed Rizal Khan of a 23-pennyweight gold band valued 230,000 along with a 10-pennyweight gold chain worth $120,000. Police Prosecutor Sanj Singh related to the court that the prosecution’s file is still incomplete. Griffith, along with Junior Stewart, 31, of Thomas Street, Kitty, and security guard Andrew Blackman, 36, of Middle Street, McDoom, East Bank Demerara are currently on trial be-

fore Magistrate Daly for the armed robbery carried out at Princess casino on April 29, 2016 at Providence, East Bank Demerara. The magistrate opposed Griffith being released on bail based upon the ground that he was out on bail when he allegedly committed the robbery on Khan. The matter was adjourned until August 10. Griffith’s sister who was present in court explained that her family is willing to pay the victim back for his gold chain since the police had recovered the gold band. However, the magistrate explained that it was up to the discretion of the victim. According to reports on July 25, Khan and his wife were proceeding in the vicinity of the Stabroek Market stelling when he was approached by the defendant and an unknown accomplice. The two men demanded that Khan hand over his gold jewellery and attempted to make good their escape. Khan managed to raise an

Wayne Griffith alarm and police who were in the area pursued the two robbers who ran through to the Stabroek Market. The police managed to catch Griffith while his accomplice escaped. Griffith was found with the gold band when searched by the police. He was also positively identified by Khan as one of the men who robbed him.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 29, 2017

Guyana to stop analog transmission in 2020 By Svetlana Marshall

AFTER years of consultation and preparation, Guyana is on the verge of transition from analogue to digital terrestrial broadcasting. Friday, Public Telecommunications Minister, Catherine Hughes, and Director of the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU), Valmikki Singh, discussed the roadmap for the transition from analogue to digital terrestrial broadcasting with television broadcasters. The roadmap was developed since September 2013 by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) expert, Andres Navarro, with assistance from the National Roadmap Team (NRT). According to the draft roadmap, the digital switchover is expected to take place in phases with initial focus on the less populated areas to the heavily populated areas. Minister Hughes, in her opening remarks, pointed out that Guyana has set 2020 for the end of analogue transmission. The country, according to her, may or may not meet the deadline but it is important for television broadcasters to initiate the process. Minister Hughes said Guyana must bring itself on par with developing and developed nations. “In some re-

Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes, speaking during a meeting organised to discuss the roadmap for the transition from analogue to digital terrestrial broadcasting. spects in Guyana, we have been a little slow to embrace a lot of the changes in technology. Having said that, the reality is, we either prepare and change, if not we will be left behind,” she told the terrestrial television broadcasters. It was said that if Guyana fails to make the switch after 2020, it runs the risk of not being able to access analog sets due to the evolving nature of the technological world. It is believed that these sets would no longer be manufactured, and therefore, would not be available, or would be very expensive to purchase. “We all know that our systems are still on analog systems, and many parts of the world have already

Reliable electricity for Essequibo by December RESIDENTS on the Essequibo Coast from December, 2017 are expected to receive a reliable supply of electricity. In October, three generator sets, procured from Germany, are expected to arrive in the country for installation at the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Anna Regina Power Station. Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson, made the disclosure on Thursday as he responded to a number of questions posed by People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Member of Parliament, Dharamkumar Seeraj, in the National Assembly. Seeraj had expressed concerns about the spate of power outages experiences by residents on the Essequibo Coast. In response, the Public Infrastructure Minister informed the House that for the past two weeks, residents there have not experience blackouts. Sections of the Essequibo Coast were plunged into darkness after the aged Wartsilla generator blew a gasket; the Minister explained noting that the situation was further compounded by other age-related problems that cropped up during the fixing of the generator set. Well aware of the need to replace the 20 plus year old generator, Minister Patterson said in 2016 provisions were made for the purchasing of new generator sets. The brand new generator sets are expected to arrive in Guyana in October. “We do intend by Christmas to have them powered,” he told the House. The sets have been procured from Germany and will replace the more than 20-year-old Wartsilla generator set which is currently powering the Region Two coast.

transitioned to digital terrestrial television. The reality is whether we like it or not, unless we are going to start manufacturing our own analogue equipment, we are not even going to be able to provide and to purchase the equipment that our businesses, and our television stations and radio stations are built on,” Minister Hughes explained. For her, there is no

question about the direction Guyana must go. However, she posited that the issue lies with how it will be executed and the roadmap helps in this regard. It was pointed out that countries as close as Suriname are making headway while French Guiana has completely transitioned to digital terrestrial broadcasting. The same is true for the U.S and many other developing and developed nations. The NFMU director told the terrestrial broadcasters that while Guyana has completed the first two phases of the roadmap – preparation and development –

which were based on three rounds of consultation, the last phase has to be initiated. Singh said it is time for the country to implement the plans highlighted on the map but underscored the importance for all broadcasters to be on the “same page”. He emphasised that having a full and clear understanding of the plan is important. After a number of concerns were raised with respect to several elements of the roadmap, Minister Hughes made it clear that it is not written in stone, and as such, meetings create

opportunities for further consultation before it is concretised. In addition to the roadmap, the social responsibility of broadcasters, the creation of new and improved business models, the importance of migration and content creation within the digital paradigm were among areas covered. Brazil will switch off analog transmissions in 2018, Venezuela in 2020; and from available though not precise information, Suriname in 2020. Paraguay had indicated it will close down analog signals in 2022.

Some of the terrestrial broadcasters at the meeting

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 29, 2017

New fee for int’l passengers at EFCIA

THE Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Egbert Fields, hosted a meeting between the Chief Executive Officers of the Ogle Airport Incorporated (OAI) and LIAT Airlines earlier this week to, among other things, decide on the administration of the Airport Service Fee, which passengers are required to pay to the Eugene F. Correia International Airport (EFCIA). The meeting was held at the GCAA’s Head Office in Kingston, Georgetown. In June 2017, the OAI advertised in the local media that effective July 1, 2017, they will be collecting this fee directly from passengers.

This move, while effective in terms of revenue collection for the maintenance of the airport facilities, given the short time, could have resulted in some passengers being charged twice of what they had already paid on their tickets, and infringing on the ease of travel for passengers. The outcome of the meeting saw both sides agreeing to have the International Air Transport Association (IATA) register the Airport Service Fee in the IATA’s Global Distribution System and for same to be collected by LIAT and remitted to the EFCIA. As a consequence, effective September 1, 2017, all bookings and ticket sales will include the airport

Director General of the GCAA, Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Egbert Fields, with OAI CEO, Mr. Anthony Mekdeci, (seated) and LIAT’s CEO Ms. Julie Reifer-Jones, and other officials service fee in the price of the ticket. All international passengers will be required to pay the fee of GYD$3,600 and children aged seven and under will be charged GYD$2,400. The agreement reached between the CEOs will not result in passengers being double charged and will

facilitate the ease of travel for passengers. The meeting was c h a i re d b y L t . C o l . (Ret’d) Egbert Fields, Director-General, GCAA. Present were Mr. Anthony Mekdeci, Chief Executive Officer of OAI, Mr. Phillip Lynch Deputy Airport Terminal Man-

ager – EFCIA, Ms. Julie Reifer-Jones, Chief Executive Officer of LIAT, Mr. Orin Walton, LIAT’s Country Manager, Mr. Gavin Bovell, LIAT’s Pricing and Revenue Manager and Mr. Saheed Sulaman, Director, Air Transport Management, GCAA.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 29, 2017

IDB keen on assisting flood-affected hinterland communities

THE Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has expressed an interest in providing assistance to villages within the hinterland regions that were recently affected by flashfloods. Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan made the disclosure in the National Assembly on Thursday in response to a series of questions posed by People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Member of Parliament (MP) Collin Croal, on the measures being put in place to assist the communities in Regions Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); Seven(Cuyuni-Mazaruni); Eight (Potaro-Siparuni); and Nine(Upper Takatu-Upper

Essequibo) that were severely affected by the floods that caused significant damages to properties and agricultural crops. In addition to the interest being shown by the IDB, Minister Bulkan told the House that the Governments of Guyana and Brazil are currently “looking at the dimensions of the impact” with focus on Region Nine, and to some extent Region Eight. The House was reminded by the Communities minister that from the initial stage, the Government through the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and the Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) focused its attention on pro-

viding much- needed relief to the affected. Assistance was provided as earlier as May when the first set of reports of flooding were made. By July, the situation had worsened and Government had intensified its relief effort. In the Rupununi, a number of villages were severely affected due to floods which were linked to rising water levels at main rivers within the region, as well as the Takutu and Ireng Rivers on the border with Guyana and Brazil. The villages of Kaibarupai, Sand Hill, Chenapou, Waipa and surrounding areas in Potaro-Siparuni (Region

Escapee nabbed in latrine ... police appeal to eight at large to surrender

IN light of the arrest of wanted fugitive, Pascal Smith, who along with 13 others had escaped from lawful custody from the holding area at Lusignan Prison, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Friday re-appealed to members of the public to provide information which may lead to the arrest of the others, who remain at large. Pascal Smith was arrested by the police shortly after noon on Friday in a pit latrine in Barr Street, Kitty, Georgetown. He along with 12 others dug a hole within the pit latrine in the yard of Lusignan Prison and escaped during a heavy downpour between Sunday night and early Monday morning. Police said Clive Forde C/D El Sinkie, Paul Goriah, Shawn Harris C/D Shawny, Kerry Cromwell, Mark Royden Durant C/D Royden Williams and Smallie, Stafrie Alexander Hopkinson, Uree Varswyck C/D Malcolm Gordon and Cobena Stephens C/D OJ remain at large and are wanted for Escaping from Lawful Custody (Georgetown and Lusignan Prisons). The Guyana Police Force in its efforts to recapture the inmates is also appealing to members of the public, relatives and friends to give any relevant information as to the whereabouts of these escapees so that they can be captured and returned to the prison.

Also an appeal is being made to the escapees to surrender to the police or relevant authority, to avoid any serious confrontation that is likely to result in the use of force. All information will be treated with a high degree of confidence and also the rights of those escapees will be respected and upheld. Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Clive Forde C/D El Sinkie, Paul Goriah, Shawn Harris

C/D Shawny, Kerry Cromwell, Mark Royden Durant C/D Royden Williams and Smallie, Stafrie Alexander Hopkinson, Uree Varswyck C/D Malcolm Gordon and Cobena Stephens C/D OJ is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 2256411, 225-8196, 225-2227, 227-1149, 226-7065, 911 or the nearest police station. All information will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Eight), were also affected as a result of the overtopping of several rivers, including the Ireng River. Over in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), heavy showers had caused flooding in Bush Lot, Trafalgar, Bath Settlement, Kingelly, Rosignol and Tempie Villages while in Region Six, Number 47, 51, 52 and 54 Villages on the Corentyne Coast, along with Black Bush Polder were areas mostly affected by the floodwaters. Residents in Middle Mazaruni in Region Seven were among those also affected. Minister Bulkan said in response to the situation, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, led a team to Region Eight while he accompanied Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, along with another team to Region Nine to bring relief to the affected.

At Orinduik in Region Eight, a Forward Operations Centre was set up. “Regional Disaster Committees in the regions were mobilised and emergency centres,” Minister Bulkan pointed out, while noting that two shelters were set up in Lethem to accommodate in excess of 40 households, providing food and other necessities. Currently, the Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) are assessing the impact, Minister Bulkan told the National Assembly. “The RDCs in particularly in the hinterland regions are still compiling and doing their assessment reports, where they are receiving reports from the outlining areas and outlining villages, to determine the extent of the damages,” he explained. Though compensation is not normally provided by the

Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan State in these occurrences, Bulkan said the Government is open on the matter. “Compensation is not normally provided but following a determination of the extent of the damages the State is prepared to look at it but those figures are not currently available,” he explained. However, the Agriculture Ministry will be providing assistance to farmers through the provision of planting materials and feeds.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 29, 2017

Broomes honoured for humanitarian service By Kellcia Alphonso

THE Women of Mission International presented a prestigious award to the Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resource, Simona Broomes, at her Duke Street office Thursday morning. The group, whose headquarters is located in New York, is an organisation that was founded in 2010 with the aim of making a difference in the lives of women through education, counselling, support services, scholarships, mentorship and empowerment forums. The award which was given to Minister Broomes is

one that is offered to women who have performed exceptional in Guyana, the US and other countries. The Women of Mission International was created to empower all women and girls. “We also have a space for boys and a space for men in our organisation,” said Linda Felix-Johnson, the president of the organisation. In 2013, Minister Broomes was among nine persons from across the world honoured by then US Secretary of State, John Kerry, as an Anti-Trafficking in Persons hero, acting to end modern day slavery. The award recognised

her courageous efforts in finding and assisting victims of trafficking in Guyana by engaging the Government, raising public awareness and for incredible leadership in promoting rights and women empowerment in mining industry. Felix-Johnson said she knew of the minister but was unaware of what she did. “When I Googled I saw subjective opinions and objective and I did some research and I felt she was the perfect candidate to be one of our honouree’s coming out of Guyana,” pointed out Felix-Johnson. Minister Broomes was recognised since the organi-

President of the Women of Mission International, Linda Felix-Johnson, presents Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, with the award for humanitarian service sation felt that she possessed was one of the directors on all elements that contribute to the board, Joy Haymer Aga woman who is empowered nes, who said that she was and by extension she empow- delighted to meet Minister ers other women. Broomes and to be able to In addition, Felix-John- present the award to her. son said along with Joy Hay“We have a mandated mer Agnes and another col- purpose,” pointed out Agnes league, she is going to launch as the simply award ceremoa GLOW (Giving Ladies Our ny came to a close. Wisdom) Caribbean converConcluding the ceremosation on Caribbean Power ny, Minister Brooms exJams, which is an Internet pressed her gratitude towards and radio programme in New Linda Felix-Johnson and Joy York. Haymer Agnes. The programme is going “Let me thank you to be aired every Tuesday a both. I want to encourage 06:00hrs. women that once you’re “In addition, in deciding empowered, it’s not for us to give this award to the to be selfish but to use that minister, we also decided to passion to empower [other] make her our first distinguish women, empower young candidate in the category of girls, empower our people distinguish member of the across the world, wherever Women of Mission Interna- we go and that is a mestional,” Felix-Johnson said. sage I want to really send,” Present at the ceremony Broomes said.

‘Chokadag’ arrested A MAN known as “Chokadag”, who allegedly stabbed a fisherman to death during a ruckus last Thursday at the Meadow Bank Wharf has been arrested. Commander ‘A’ Division Marlon Chapman on Friday confirmed that the suspect was arrested at the Berbice minibus park, downtown Georgetown and is being questioned. He was arrested on Monday and is expected to make his first court appearance sometime next week. A police probe revealed that the victim Chan Wen Wong, 42, of Lot 14 Seaforth Street, Campbellville and the suspect had a quarrel which resulted into a physical confrontation. They were parted by onlookers and the victim walked away only to be pursued by the suspect who whipped out a sharp object and stabbed him (victim) to the left region of the chest and fled the scene, police said. The victim, who collapsed after being injured, was taken to the George-

town Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was pronounced dead on arrival. A visit to the man’s residence in Campbellville last week saw no one at the apartment which is occupied by a group of Chinese nationals, who are employed at Mei Tung Restaurant on the second floor of Buddy’s Building on Sheriff Street. At the Chinese eating house, employees said that Wong was a cook at the restaurant some years ago but quit and turned to fishing and used to be at sea for long periods. Employees added that Wong used to hang around the wharf area when he was not at sea and came to Guyana as a child with his Chinese parents, who have since passed away. They related that his parents had a business in North West, Region One and after they died, Wong came to the City and work as a restaurant cook. Police told Guyana Chronicle that the suspect is no stranger to law enforcement.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 29, 2017

Gov’t committed to level playing field for Guyanese abroad

–– Minister Harmon

MINISTER of State, Joseph Harmon, recently said that the Government of Guyana is committed to working with and engaging the Guyanese diaspora as, he noted, it possesses valuable skills, resources and talents, which can contribute to the growth and development of the country. The State Minister was at the time delivering an address at a special lunch for the University of Guyana’s Diaspora Engagement Conference of the Education Resource Ambassadors, at the Ramada Princess Hotel. The Conference is being held from July 23 to 28, under the theme, “Dreaming Diaspora Engagement, Doing Diaspora Engagement.” Minister Harmon said that the Government of Guyana recognises the crucial past, present and future roles of members of the diaspora in the nation’s affairs. “Our administration led by President Granger has used every

opportunity to emphasise the importance of the diaspora to our country’s development. Our administration also recognises that the Guyanese diaspora include some of our brightest, most talented and best trained people, who possess enlightened work ethics from being in more developed societies and that it constitutes a vast reservoir of resources and talents needed here at home to help to confront the challenges of development,” he said. It is for these reasons, he said, the administration has sought ways and means of meaningfully engaging the diaspora, including the further development of the Guyana Diaspora Project, which was initially launched in 2012. This was done, he said, with the expressed objective of streamlining, in a sustainable way, the interaction and relationship between the Government of Guyana and the Guyanese Diaspora. “I wish to underscore the

fact that our ongoing sustainable thrust to engage the diaspora goes way beyond obligatory efforts at fostering national identity and highlighting our cultural diversity abroad. Instead, the Government of Guyana’s enhanced diaspora engagement efforts also include, critical national development pursuits that seek to harness the expertise, resources, capacities and goodwill of the diaspora, which comprises our country men and women across the globe and who perhaps, outnumber us who reside in Guyana,” the Minister of State said. Minister Harmon said that the Government of Guyana is extremely mindful of the importance of each of the constituent groups that make up the Guyanese diaspora, whether in the Caribbean, North America, Europe, Africa, Asia or elsewhere. Further, the Minister said that diaspora engagement in today’s world has taken on

A section of the participants of today’s Conference of Education Resource Ambassadors, which is being held as part of the Diaspora Engagement Conference at the Ramada Princess Hotel

proportions that have evolved out of the complexities of an international arena in which rights and privileges are sacrosanct. Similarly, national Governments, not excluding Guyana, have had to be cognisant of these global shifts and take appropriate action at the local levels. “It is in this context that diaspora affairs have not only grown in complexity and influence but also in relation to the demands on and the expectations of the national governments. As such we are a Government committed to ensuring a level playing field for Guyanese abroad, wherever they may be and that at all time, our stated and functional diaspora strategy reflects this policy in a transparent and even handed manner,” he said. Minister Harmon, in providing an update on the New Diaspora Engagement Strategy and Action Plan, which is being developed with the help of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), said that it will be made available to the participants for them to give their thoughts and suggestions. This Plan will formally guide the Government’s relationship with the diaspora. The Action Plan is expected to address the concerns, which members of the diaspora have and have had over the years. This comprehensive policy document, Minister Harmon said will not be a dormant white paper but will instead, be a policy guide

Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, delivering an address at the Diaspora Engagement Conference that will require stakeholders intention to provide a neutral to adhere to principles based arena of engagement will be on international and other most useful,” he said. proven best practices and will Vice Chancellor of UG, be predicated on the unavoid- Professor Ivelaw Griffith, able pervasive precepts of ac- in brief comments, said countability and transparency. that the engagements over This, Minister Harmon said, the past few days have been is a clear demonstration of the very fruitful. He noted that Government’s commitment to the participation and inincluding and engaging the terest of the Government diaspora. and its Ministers, is also Meanwhile, Minister Har- heartening even as the Unimon commended the Vice versity is playing its role in Chancellor and the admin- bridging the gaps, which istration of the University exists. “This Conference of Guyana for the initiative, reflects our University’s which he said is indeed an ef- willingness to help address fort to move from “Dreaming the shore-home engageDiaspora Engagement to Do- ment gap, to help enable ing Diaspora Engagement.” our nation to move beyond “I have to no doubt that ‘Dreaming Diaspora Enits culmination in the es- gagement to Doing Diastablishment of the Diaspora pora Engagement and to Engagement Centre will help so mindful of our racial, to provide more structured political, demographic and and meaningful engagement socio economic realities at of our people in the diaspora. home and abroad,” he said. I also think that the expressed (Ministry of the Presidency)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 29, 2017

Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill

TV, radio operators must reapply for licences TELEVISION and radio broadcasters will be mandated to reapply for their licenses within 30 days of the commencement of the Broadcasting (Amendment) Act, and provide 60 minutes of public service programmes every day at no charge. The Bill was read for the first time in the National

Assembly on Thursday by Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo. According to the proposed legislation, failure to apply for the license within the specified timeframe will result in the broadcasting service coming to an immediate halt. The same will be for those applicants whose applications were rejected. “A person who…contin-

ues to carry on a broadcasting service after the expiry of time specified without applying for a licence or where he has applied for a licence within the time specified but his/her application for a licence has been rejected, commits an offence,” the Broadcast (Amendment) Bill states. Defaulters would be fined

$1M and imprisonment for one year. The proposed legislation calls for the seizure of equipment relative to the television and radio broadcasters. “All machinery and equipment used, or which can be used, for broadcasting and owned by or in the possession of, the person concerned is liable to be forfeited; but

property not owned by such person shall not be forfeited unless the court is satisfied that the owner of the property knew or ought to have, with reasonable diligence, known that the person convicted had no license to carry on broadcasting service,” the bill states. Operators or potential operators who currently have pending applications for broadcasting service licences will also be mandated to repay following the enforcement of the Act. The Broadcasting Regulations 2014 will also be revoked once the Act has been enforced. Additionally, under the proposed legislation, all broadcasting agencies will be mandated to broadcast public services programmes for a total of up to 60 minutes per day between 06:00h and 22:00h free of cost. The new classes of broadcasting services and zones will also be concretised in addition to a new fee structure, once the Bill is passed and assented to by President David Granger. The Bill, which seeks to amend the Broadcasting Act 2011, introduces three classes of broadcasting services namely, commercial, non-commercial and community classes; and three types of broadcasting zones – primary, secondary and tertiary. The primary zone comprises the Municipality of Georgetown, Region Three up to the Essequibo River, all of Region Four and Region Five east of Region Four to the Abary River. Additionally, there are four (4) Secondary zones with zone one covering all of Regions One and Two and the Essequibo Islands being part of Region Three. Secondary zone 2 includes all of Bartica while Secondary zone 3 covers all of Region Six including New Amsterdam and part of Region Five, west of New Amsterdam to the Abary River. The fourth and final Secondary zone includes all of Region 10. Meanwhile, the Tertiary zones are all of Region Nine including Lethem; all of Region Eight including Mahdia and Region Seven excluding Bartica. In the Primary zone, the base fee has been set at $1.2M for TV and Cable Operators while Radio Operators will continue to pay $2.5M. In the Secondary zone,

the fee has been set at $600, 000 or 3.5% of gross revenue of the preceding year, whichever is greater for TV and Cable Operators while Radio Operators will be $1.25M. In the Tertiary zone, the fee has been set at $300, 000 for TV and Cable providers and $625,000 for Radio Operators. Radio and TV stations providing Community Broadcasting Services will only be charged a fee of $150, 000. The Broadcast (Amendment) Bill provides for public service programmes, the prohibition of programmes containing hate speech while simultaneously addressing an international agreement for broadcasting any channel or programme as part of the local service. On Thursday, the Opposition Leader told reporters that the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill signals the end for press freedom in Guyana, as he called on Guyanese to comb through the proposed legislation. “After it becomes law everyone has to reapply for licences, they may refuse you, you could end up without. Lots of people with licences…could lose their licences,” Jadgeo cried. According to him, when the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) had taken office, many operators were “squatting” on the airwaves. He also objected to the 60 minutes per day of free air time for public service programmes. “When they were in charge of the Parliament, they argued that GINA (Government Information Agency) was carrying too many government programmes,” Jagdeo said, while recalling that there were instances in the country’s history when the Government Agency’s budget was reduced to zero. “At that time, a government minister visiting a project was propaganda…Now television stations and radio stations are required to give one hour per day for free to the government to broadcast those progammes, public services programmes,” the Opposition Leader noted. In the dying days of his presidency in 2011, Jagdeo had in a wholesale manner granted radio licences to several persons including his best friend, Bobby Ramroop, owner of Queens Atlantic and his party- the PPP.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 29, 2017

Shooting of Peters will be taken seriously –– Commander Brutus assures relatives

COMMANDER of ‘C’ Division, Senior Superintendent, Calvin Brutus has paid a visit to the home of Charles Peters who succumbed to the injuries at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after he was shot by police on Tuesday. The victim, Charles Peters of Lot 184 Melanie, East Coast Demerara, is a former rank from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and a father of two. He was shot in the right arm. Reports indicate that police mistook Peters for a prison escapee after they received information that an “untidy looking” man, wearing old clothes, with what seemed to be mud on his skin, was seen in Annandale, East Coast Demerara. Ranks immediately went to the location where they

was shot. The commander was accompanied by members of his division, along with officials from the Cops and Faith Community Network (CFCN). Relatives also received counselling and prayers. Brutus reassured the grieving relatives that the shooting will be taken seriously and ranks from Georgetown would be investigating the matter. Dead: Charles Peters saw the individual, who began running from them. The lawmen reacted by opening fire and hitting the man. Upon getting a closer look, residents in the area later identified the victim as someone of unsound mind who did odd jobs for persons in the same village he

Plaisance youths jailed for motor bike theft TWO Plaisance, East Coast Demerara men were jailed for one year on Friday on a charge of theft of a motor cycle. They appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Leron Daly. It is alleged that between the period of July 24, 2017 and July 25, 2017, Shaquille Mentor 21, of Plaisance Housing Scheme and Akeem Pashur 18, of lot 18 Prince William Street Plaisance stole one Honda XR 150 Motorcycle valued 425,000 property of Hananaiyah Ward. Police Prosecutor Corporal Harris Stated that on the day in question at around 12:30hrs, Ward parked his motorcycle in his yard which was secured by fence and gate bearing locks, and at around 04:30hrs checked on the said motorcycle and dis-

covered it was missing. A report was then made by Ward and it was during a police patrol that Mentor and Pashur were seen on said motorcycle. On seeing police they proceeded to discard the motorcycle and attempted to flee, police said. Police gave chase and informed them of the report made thereafter taking them in custody and charged the duo. The item was lodged. The two men who were unrepresented, pleaded guilty to the charge, as they additionally begged for the mercy and leniency of Magistrate Daly. Mentor was previously charged with robbery under arms and made bail, Pashur had no previous court matter. Magistrate Daly made the ruling of one year in prison to both of the accused

Princes St man gets bail on drug trafficking charge A 28-YEAR-OLD man charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking, was on Friday granted $50,000 bail by Magistrate Leron Daly. Thyval Roberts, a father of two, was allegedly found in his Lot 5 Princes Street home by police with eight grams of Cannabis for the purpose of trafficking. Roberts was represented by Attorney-at-law Adrian Thompson who made the request of bail on the condition that the man’s wife is nine months pregnant and is

expecting soon. Police Prosecutor Corporal Harris did not object to bail but requested the condition of Roberts reporting to CID Headquarters Narcotics Branch, fortnightly, on Mondays effective from July 31, 2017 at 09:00am. Magistrate Daly granted bail to Roberts in the sum of $50,000 along with the condition requested by Prosecutor Harris. Investigations are ongoing and the matter was adjourned until August 11, 2017.

He also noted that the Office of Professional Responsibility has commenced investigations and ‘C’ Division will be assisting with supplies to hold a wake for Peters. The police team that visited Peter ’s family included Deputy Commander Stanley; Inspector John; Community Relations Officer, Inspector Jupiter; Station Sergeant C o v e a n d J o h n , S e rgeant Fordyce; Constable George; and Constable Anderson.

Commander Brutus and Pastor Desmond Crandon speaking to Peters’ son during the visit.

Family of murdered Sophia fisherman to be compensated

THE Labour Unit of the Occupational Safety and Health (OS&H) Department has recommended compensation to the estate of murdered Sophia security guard, Gerald Henry, 64, and sanctioning of his employers for failing to report his death to the relevant labour authorities. Henry, who was performing guard duties on behalf of Sentinel Security Incorporated (COPS), was killed in a botched robbery at the Good-Luck Supermarket in Dennis Street, Sophia, on June 30, 2017. An investigation found that Henry was killed while operating on behalf of his employer and that his death could not only be classified as a murder, but also an industrial accident. According to a report from the investigation, his employer (Sentinel) failed to report the accident as prescribed by the Occupational Safety and Health (OS&H)

Act . “The least that they could have done was report the accident as prescribed by Cap 99:10. The matter of compensation is to be pursued by Henry’s estate and addressed by the employers and the NIS,” the report said, adding “… the management of the Sentinel should be sanctioned for not reporting the accident in the prescribed manner and time.” In its recommendations, the Labour Department found that first aid facilities were not located on the business premises where Henry worked, and recommended that the need exists for safety measures at workplaces as required by the Occupational Safety & Health Act Cap 99:10 part V (Duties of the employer, Workers and other persons) section 46, subsection 2 (0). The Labour Department said most accidents are easily identified and classified

immediately, but others can be more complex. The report said the accident in question which resulted in a fatality, in the opinion of some individuals, should not be classified as an industrial accident given the fact that the death resulted from a robbery. It said based on the definition of what an industrial accident is and advice from former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mohamed Shahabudeen, the security guard’s murder “…ought to be classified as an industrial accident and investigated as such”. The report also said that NIS and Henry’s employers must also treat the matter as an industrial accident. The Labour Department also put forward the case of Martin Fraser, who was a watchman also performing guard duties at Regent Street. It was while doing so that an unknown man walked up to Fraser and fatally stabbed him before

walking away. A claim by Fraser’s wife to the NIS for industrial death benefit was denied, but when advice had been sought from the attorney general, it was found that the watchman had suffered during the course of his employment and that the accident arose from his job. “The facts in that case are somewhat similar to the facts in the case under focus and while each case will be decided on its own facts, the facts in the Martin Fraser’s case and those in the Gerald Henry’s are too similar for different conclusions to be drawn,” the Labour Department said. In Henry’s case, the Sentinel has an insurance policy which covers all its employees and the deceased’s estate should be benefitting from it. The Labour Department is currently investigating five other work-related deaths and incidents.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 29, 2017

Enhanced security measures for passengers travelling to the U.S. THE Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has advised that effective immediately there will be increased mandatory security screening of all passengers for all outbound flights to the United States of America. These checks are in compliance with the recently issued United States Transportation Security Administration (US-TSA) requirements, which stipulates that additional screening of passengers and electronic devices larger than a handheld cell phone such as laptop computers, tablets, iPads among others, be conducted. According to a statement by the GCAA, passengers are strongly advised to adhere to the mandatory three hours check in time of flights for their airline. This is to ensure that all Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs) relating to security checks and screening are conducted by the airline operators, and to guarantee hassle free travel for passengers. Guyana is among 104 countries globally that will

be adopting the required additional security measures. Those measures include, but are not limited to the following: •Heightened overall passenger and baggage screening; •Screening of electronic devices larger than a cell phone, (for example laptop computers, Ipad, tablets, etc.), which are being taken in cabin baggage or carry-ons or checked luggage; Use of advanced technology for screening passengers, baggage, and electronic devices. Failing to subject electronic devices to enhanced security screening as referenced above will result in such items being refused transport on board aircraft operating into the USA. “The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority would like to encourage all travelling passengers to conform to the requirements stipulated by the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) authorities and the airline operators since these new security measures are intended to ensure their safe and secure transport,” the statement added.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 29, 2017

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 29, 2017

USA eye redemption, ‘Green Machine’ want title

By Rawle Toney

IT WAS American race-car legend Bobby Unser who said: “Success is where preparation and opportunity meet” - a statement that is oftentimes exemplified by Guyana’s National Rugby team, which is considered as one of country’s most consistent national programmes in sport. Nicknamed the ‘Green Machine’ because of their style of play which made them the Caribbean’s top Rugby-playing nation at both formats of the game (15s and 7s), the Guyanese side will face the USA today from 14:00hrs at the National Park Rugby Field, in the final of the Rugby Americas North (RAN) 15s tournament.

“I still remember what happened in 2014 like it was yesterday and that’s one of the reasons we’re here; to get revenge and win the title,” said the USA head coach Rene Daniel while speaking to Chronicle Sport after the team’s first practice session since arriving in Guyana. Daniel, reminiscing on the game where captain Ryan Gonsalves scored a conversion in the closing seconds of extra time to give Guyana a 30-27 win over the USA in Atlanta, said that the game was one of the best of the year (2014) across the IRB, and while he didn’t have sleepless nights about the loss, a win today against Guyana is the only thing on his side’s mind. “We’re hoping to return the favour, absolutely. In fact, it’s nice that we’re down here (in Guyana) because this is our first visit. It will be a good rivalry just like the USA in soccer,” Daniel said. He added “I have been following Guyana over the past year when they played against the usual teams – Trinidad, Barbados – and as usual their sevens team have been playing really well. I thought they’re a team that could win one against USA or Canada because Guyana has tremendous athletes” “Our biggest strength for the game (today) is that we’ll

Kenilworth 08:30 hrs Merysagos 09:10 hrs Ultimate Dollar 09:45 hrs A Time To Dream 10:25 hrs Spending Spree 11:00 hrs Mister Colin Greyville 08:50 hrs Rodney 09:30 hrs Macduff 10:10 hrs It’s My Turn 10:50 hrs Bella Sonata 11:30 hrs Lucky At Last English Racing Tips Ascot 08:50 hrs Dance Diva 09:25 hrs D’Bai 10:00 hrs Makzeem

play as a unit. We don’t have a particular player to say that if he’s lacking we’re going to replace him, so we will certainly be playing together,” the USA coach. Guyana will have a chance to not only reclaim the title that was won by Mexico last year, but also do something that several teams in RAN have never done; beat the USA twice. After Guyana outclassed Trinidad and Tobago 24-17 on June 10, they were preparing for a trip to Mexico City to face Mexico who were tipped to beat the Cayman Islands. H o w e v e r, t h e g a m e proved how unpredictable sports could be, since the Cayman Islands emerged winners 39-17 over the Mexicans, which means that the Americans were crowned RAN’s North Zone champions. The visit by the USA will mark their first to Guyana and their second in the Caribbean after travelling to Trinidad and Tobago in 2013 where they left with the RAN 15s title; winning 26-18. “This game means a lot for us and I know the guys are going to leave everything on the field tomorrow (today) because we have a point to prove,” said the Green Machine captain Gonsalves. Not since their triumph 10:35 hrs Highland Reel 11:10 hrs Tigre Du Terre 11:45 hrs Classic Seniority 12:20 hrs Royal Associate York 09:05 hrs Salateen 09:40 hrs Muntadab 10:15 hrs Victory Bond 10:50 hrs Hey Jonesy 11:25 hrs Frederic 12:00 hrs Lady Bergamot 12:35 hrs Validator Newmarket 09:15 hrs Groveman 09:50 hrs St Malo 10:25 hrs Gymnaste 11:00 hrs Hyperfocus 11:30 hrs Roussel 12:05 hrs Don’t Give Up 12:40 hrs Oh So Sassy

at the 2010 CAC Games (7s championship) at the Guyana National Stadium have the Green Machine played any of their many major finals at home, and as such, Gonsalves believes that crowd support will be significant. Gonsalves said that most of the squad from 2014 will be returning to face the USA today, including Vallon Adams and Claudius Butts who brought the game back for Guyana in Atlanta. The scrum off player told Chronicle Sport that more than anything, he’s hoping that a ‘sea of yellow and green’ will flood the National Park to cheer them on. Gonsalves said that he’s happy, that for the first time in seven years, Guyana will be playing for a major title at home and as such he encouraged everyone to “come out and give us that energy.” TEAM: Jason Tyrell, Claudius Butts, Rickford Cummings, Ryan Gonsalves, Vallon Adams, Richard Staglon, Peabo Hamilton, Avery Corbin, Godfrey Broomes, Ronald Mayers, Ahmed Issacs, Dwayne Schroeder, Kevon David, Rondell McArthur, Ronald Mayers, Allen Crawford, Dillon Downer, Cyon Pitt, Lancelot Adonis, Cloyd Prowell, Jamal Angus and Patrick King. Irish Racing Tips Curragh 08:45 hrs New To Town 09:20 hrs Fleet Review 09:55 hrs Kailee 10:30 hrs Silverkode 11:05 hrs Miss Power 11:40 hrs Zeftan 12:10 hrs Ringside Support American Racing Tips Saratoga Race 1 Mojovation Race 2 Master Merion Race 3 Kirby’s Penny Race 4 El Dulce Race 5 Coal Front Race 6 Call Provision Race 7 Ack Naughty Race 8 A. P. Indian Race 9 Ascend

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 29, 2017

Kohli returns to form, India lead nears 500 GALLE, Sri Lanka (Reuters) - A dominant India spared Sri Lanka the ignominy of a follow-on but Virat Kohli and Abhinav Mukund struck fluent half-centuries to tighten the touring side’s grip on the first Test yesterday. The world’s top-ranked Test team shot out their depleted hosts for 291 to take a 309-run first-innings lead and were 189-3 after the third day’s play at the Galle International Stadium. Sri Lanka, already a batsman short after Asela Gunaratne fractured his thumb, received a new setback when Rangana Herath, leading the side in absence of ailing regular skipper Dinesh Chandimal, left the field with a hand injury. India captain Kohli was unbeaten on 76 at stumps, after adding 133 runs with Mukund whose dismissal for 81 signalled the end of the day’s play.

Virat Kohli overcomes a rough patch with some pleasing shots to finish unbeaten on 76 as India’s lead stands at 498.

Earlier, Sri Lanka resumed on 154-5 and could have been in bigger trou-

ble but for Dilruwan Perera’s gutsy 92 not out. Angelo Mathews held

the key to Sri Lanka’s survival and the former captain made 83 before Ravindra Jadeja (3-67) sent him back. The spinner sent down a flighted delivery and Mathews moved towards leg and slapped it straight to Kohli at short cover. Mathews hit 11 boundaries and a six. Perera enjoyed an eventful stay at the crease. Two balls after an appeal for a catch off his boot was turned down, Perera was adjudged lbw to Jadeja. The decision was overturned after replays suggested the ball would have sailed over the stumps. Perera hit Ravichan-

dran Ashwin for a six and took a single off the next ball to bring up his fifth Test fifty. Jadeja dismissed Herath for nine and debutant Hardik Pandya castled Nuwan Pradeep for 10 to claim his first Test wicket. Perera was eight runs away from his maiden Test century when he ran out of partners. His belligerent knock included 10 fours and four sixes. Perera then returned to dismiss Shikhar Dhawan for 14 after India opted against enforcing the follow-on and Lahiru Kumara sent back Cheteshwar Pujara for 15. Kohli and Mukund shared a century-plus partnership for the third wicket as India moved 498 runs ahead and in a commanding position to take a 1-0 lead in the three-Test series.

SCOREBOARD

INDIA1st innings 600 (S. Dhawan 190, C. Pujara 153, A. Rahane 57, H. Pandya 50; N. Pradeep 6-132) SRI LANKA 1st innings (o/n 154-5) Dimuth Karunaratn lbw b U. Yadav 2 Upul Tharanga run-out 64 Danushka Gunathilaka c S. Dhawan b Shami 16 Kusal Mendis c S. Dhawan b Shami 0 Angelo Mathews c Kohli b Jadeja 83 Niroshan Dickwella c Mukund b R. Ashwin 8 Dilruwan Perera not out 92 Rangana Herath c Rahane b Jadeja 9 Nuwan Pradeep b H. Pandya 10 Lahiru Kumara b Jadeja 2 Asela Gunaratne retired hurt 0 Extras: (lb-4, w-1) 5

Total: (all out, 78.3 overs) 291 Fall of wickets: 1-7, 2-68, 3-68, 4-125, 5-143, 6-205, 7-241, 8-280, 9-291. Bowling: M. Shami 12-2-45-2 (w1), U Yadav 14-1-78-1, R. Ashwin 27-5-84-1, R. Jadeja 22.3-3-67-3, H. Pandya 3-0-13-1. INDIA 2nd innings S. Dhawan c Gunathilaka b D. Perera 14 A. Mukund lbw b Gunathilaka 81 C. Pujara c K. Mendis b Kumara 15 V. Kohli not out 76 Extras: (lb-1, w-2) 3 Total: (for 3 wickets, 46.3 overs) 189 Fall of wickets: 1-19, 2-56, 3-189. Bowling: Nuwan Pradeep 10-244-0, Dilruwan Perera 12-0-42-1, Lahiru Kumara 11-1-53-1 (w-2), Rangana Herath 9-0-34-0, Danushka Gunathilaka 4.3-0-15-1.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 29, 2017

Centurion Stokes & Roland-Jones put England in control LONDON, England (Reuters) - Ben Stokes underlined his prowess as the rarest of all-round talents with his glorious century propelling England to a challenging total of 353 on the second day of the third Test against South Africa at The Oval yesterday.

served ton. Attempting to smash spinner Keshav Maharaj, he miscued, allowing Faf du Plessis to catch him on the long-on boundary. However, with momentum sending him tumbling backwards, the South African captain fell into the boundary markers and six was

England’s all-rounder Ben Stokes went on the attack to reach his fifth Test century at The Oval.

To cap a fine afternoon session for England, debutant Toby Roland-Jones, who had earlier hit a robust run-a-ball 25, struck with his 10th ball, having Dean Elgar caught behind and leaving South Africa

awarded much to the delight of a packed crowd. Stokes celebrated by hoisting the next ball in the same direction, connecting perfectly as the ball sailed into the crowd to take him to

three figures off 144 balls. THREE SIXES Stokes made it three sixes in a row over deep mid-wicket, the first time an England batsman had achieved the feat in a Test since Wally Hammond against New Zealand 84 years ago. Stokes’ assault had echoes of his incredible double hundred against the South Africans in Cape Town last year but, going for one blow too many off Morne Morkel, he was caught by Kagiso Rabada. E a r l i e r, C o o k , w h o had batted throughout the rain-interrupted opening day to anchor his side’s struggle to an overnight 171 for four, added six runs before being trapped by Morkel. He looked dismayed by the lbw decision and called for a review but it showed the ball would have clipped the bails, thus ending his 200ball vigil. The dismissal brought together Stokes and Jonny

Debutant Roland-Jones collects his fourth wicket of a dream spell that came soon after he had Quinton de Kock edge to gully.

18-1 in reply at tea. Not for the first time, Stokes proved the scourge of the Proteas, smashing two consecutive sixes to take him to his fifth Test century. He also struck his next delivery over the ropes before being the last man out for 112 from 153 balls. Alastair Cook had earlier missed out on a 31st Test hundred, falling for 88, but with a magnificent counter-attack combining watchfulness and remarkable power, Stokes delivered the performance The Oval merited in its 100th Test. There was a moment when, with Stokes on 91 and down to his last partner James Anderson, it appeared as if he was about to miss out on his richly-de-

SCOREBOARD

ENGLAND 1st innings (o/n: 171-4) A. Cook lbw b M. Morkel 88 K. Jennings c Elgar b Philander 0 T. Westley c du Plessis b Morris 25 J. Root c de Kock b Philander 29 D. Malan b Rabada 1 B. Stokes c Rabada b M. Morkel 112 J. Bairstow c du Plessis b Rabada 36 M. Ali c de Kock b M. Morkel 16 T. Roland-Jones lbw b Maharaj 25 S. Broad c Amla b Rabada 3 J. Anderson not out 1 Extras: (b-7, lb-7, w-3) 17 Total: (all out, 103.2 overs) 353 Fall of wickets: 1-12, 2-64, 3-113, 4-120, 5-183, 6-258, 7-279, 8-316, 9-331. Bowling: M. Morkel 28.2-7-70-3, V. Philander 17-6-32-2 (w-1). K. Rabada 26-4-85-3, K. Maharaj 15-1-61-1, C. Morris 17-1-91-1 (w-2).

SOUTH AFRICA 1st innings D. Elgar c Bairstow b Roland-Jones 8 H. Kuhn lbw b Roland-Jones 15 H. Amla c Bairstow b Roland-Jones 6 Q. de Kock c Stokes b Roland-Jones 17 F. du Plessis lbw b Anderson 1 T. Bavuma not out 34 C. Morris c & b Anderson 2 K. Maharaj c Cook b Stokes 5 K. Rabada b Broad 30 M. Morkel not out 2 Extras: (lb-4, nb-2) 6 Total: (for 8 wickets, 43 overs) 126 Fall of wickets: 1-18, 2-23, 3-30, 4-47, 5-47, 6-51, 7-61, 8-114. Bowling: J. Anderson 10-5-16-2, S. Broad 10-4-28-1, T. Roland-Jones 11-3-39-4, B. Stokes 7-1-26-1 (nb-2), J. Root 2-0-5-0, M. Ali 3-0-8-0.

Bairstow, no strangers to putting the Proteas to the sword after their epic stand of 399 in Cape Town, and the pair again combined sweetly in a partnership of 75. After South Africa had taken the second new ball, Bairstow was quickly snaffled

for 36 but Stokes, who went past 2,000 runs in Tests, found another willing partner in Roland-Jones, who enjoyed his six and four fours immensely. The touring side were again hampered by the absence of key paceman Vernon Philander, who, just

as on Thursday, bowled well early on before having to leave the field feeling unwell. The team later reported that Philander had gone to hospital for further tests because his stomach bug symptoms had worsened.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 29, 2017

Fighting is in his DNA – boxer Christopher Moore By Tamica Garnett MANY persons are impressed by what they see when they watch this young boxer, 16-year-old Christopher Moore, perform even if he doesn’t win. He’s sure to leave a lasting impression by his performance. At such a young age, Moore leaves one to wonder just how much better he could get in the years to come. A member of the Vergenoegen Gym, Moore recently returned from the Commonwealth Youth Games, where he was one of two boxers to represent Guyana. At the Games, Moore made it all the way to the quarterfinals in the Boys’ lightweight (60kg) division, where he lost to Englishman Charles Frankham. On the way, however, he picked up a win in his bout

against Cyprus boxer Dimitris Christofi. Despite not medalling, team coach Sebert Blake commended the performances put forth by Moore at such a high level of competition, especially for his age. Moore is now scheduled to represent Guyana at the upcoming South American Youth Games later this year. Moore’s performance this year follows outstanding ones last year, particularly at the Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors tournament, where he claimed the ‘Best Boxer’ award. Later in December of last year, he again did well at the Caribbean Development Boxing Tournament in Barbados. Though Moore’s skill impresses, it does not surprise. Coming from a family packed with boxers, including four national champions,

it was only natural that Christopher would one day follow the same path. Six of Christopher’s uncles are former boxers. He is the kin of former national boxers Clayton Adams, Clifton Moore, Colin Moore and Compton Moore. Colin is also an Olympian, having represented Guyana at the Olympics in 1988. “I love fighting because of my family,” Christopher commented about his affinity for the sport. It was his uncle Clifton who first started coaching Christopher at the age of 11 years, and continues to coach the Vergenoegen Secondary school student to this day. “He was just eager. As a kid he would hang around the gym, he would try hitting the bag, he would keep saying that he wants to get involved, and that was how it was,” Clifton said.

Christopher Moore

“It wasn’t just putting him in the ring just like that though. He had to go through the paces, learn proper stance, learn proper positioning, and stuff like that, how to throw the different punches - just grooming him from the grassroots.” Early on, Christopher just continued showing signs of greatness, and his development just continued to flourish, particularly in the past two years. “It’s rapid, I would say rapid,” Clifton expressed. “What makes Christopher stand out the most is his defence. Now it’s just a matter of perfecting it to withstand any opponent he comes up against, and he just might be the boxer that puts Guyana on the map. “He has an impeccable defence and aggressive style. He attacks in a flurry,” Clifton said.

Neymar storms out of training, Chinese event cancelled (REUTERS) - Brazilian striker Neymar stormed out of a Barcelona training session on Thursday as speculation mounted about a world-record move to Paris St Germain. A personal appearance in China next week was cancelled because he was said to be “busy with transfer

business”. Pictures of Barca training in Miami for today’s game against arch-rivals Real Madrid in the International Champions Trophy showed Neymar having to be kept apart from team mate Nelson Semedo before removing his bib and stomping away from the session.

FC Barcelona player Neymar

Suggestions that he might have weighty matters on his mind increased when Chinese travel agent Ctrip posted on its official Weibo account that it has had to cancel an event with Neymar because he is “busy with transfer business”. Ctrip said the event was scheduled for Shanghai next Monday and that anyone who had bought tickets would be refunded. PSG have reportedly held discussions with Barcelona about a transfer for the 25-year-old that would smash the world record £89 million ($117) Manchester United paid for France midfielder Paul Pogba last year. N e y m a r ’s b u y - o u t clause was set at over 200 million euros ($234 million) but that does not appear to have deterred PSG, who are backed by Qatari finance and lost their French league title to AS Monaco last season.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 29, 2017

ECB abandons 50-over Super League plan

Southern Vipers celebrate their Women’s Super League title. (Getty Images)

THE ECB has shelved plans for a women’s domestic 50over competition to mirror the T20 Kia Super League (KSL). The second edition of the KSL, which commences in August, was originally supposed to pave the way for an additional 50-over version involving the same teams, starting this summer. But the ECB will instead expand the KSL next year, doubling the group games for each of the six teams from five to ten, and consider other ways to improve the domestic struc-

ture of 50-over cricket. A major reason for the decision not to create a new competition is the perceived lack of a sufficient window in which to run anther domestic tournament alongside the expanded KSL. Despite England’s success in the recent Women’s World Cup, there has long been concern at the lack of a strong pyramid structure in the women’s domestic game. The unwieldy county set-up has led to a dilution of talent in comparison to Australia, where the

50-over domestic WNCL, made up of seven state and territory teams, has been running successfully for more than 20 years. Instead, England have developed most of their players through the high performance academy at Loughborough. Players who are contracted to WNCL teams are paid on at least a semi-professional basis and the New South Wales Breakers became the first fully professional domestic women’s team last year when sponsor Lend

Lease guaranteed them a minimum wage of $35 000.Such a scenario is unworkable in the current women’s 50-over county structure in England, which consists of 36 teams spread over three divisions. While the ECB recognises it must find ways to strengthen the talent pathway through counties and regions, no changes will be made to the 50-over competition until 2019 at the earliest. The next World Cup will be held in New Zealand in 2021. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Teams confirmed for GTT ‘Do More’ Softball finals tomorrow FIFTEEN teams will go head-to-head tomorrow at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground, in the finals of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) ‘Do More’ tapeball tournament. After registering more than 100 teams for the fourday tournament, the 15 teams will battle in a ‘win or go home’ style until one team remains. Doosan Vipers, Enmore Stars, Rising Stars and Modern Media are the teams chosen after the East Coast leg of the tournament was completed, while Invaders, Specialist, Rising Star B, South Side, West Dem 08 and Spartans were the teams that made it through after matches played at the Uitvlugt Community Centre ground. Ruimveldt Sports Club, PSI Legends, GT Strikers, Outlaws and CIJA B are the

Part of the action in this year’s GTT Softball tournament. (Photo compliments GTT)

city teams who will vie for the tournament’s $200 000 first-place prize and 10 tickets to see the GTT Amazon Warriors compete at this year’s

Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Second-place finishers will go home with $100 000 and third-place $50 000..

The company noted that patrons will also have a chance to cash in on several prizes by competing in novelty events.

London 2017 set to break world championships attendance records

LONDON, England (Reuters) - The world athletics championships in London next month are expected to have the highest attendance figures in the event’s history after organisers announced yesterday that more than 650 000 tickets have been sold. The championships, which began in 1983, have completely sold out for the opening night at the London Stadium when Britain’s Mo Farah will bid for his third successive gold in the 10 000 metres. More than a quarter of a million spectators are expected over the first weekend with the highlight set to be Jamaican Usain Bolt’s final major 100 metres race. “For those that missed out on the London 2012 Olympic or Paralympic Games this is really it, the

best chance to see the stadium in that form once more and I cannot stress enough how amazing the action is going to be,” championships director Niels de Vos said in a statement. Tickets remain in high demand for the session on Sunday, August 6 when Briton Jessica Ennis-Hill is to receive her 2011 world championship gold medal in heptathlon. Ennis-Hill was upgraded from her silver in Daegu, South Korea after champion Tatyana Chernova of Russia was found guilty last year of doping in that period. “It is going to be a special night for me and I am honoured that the IAAF and the organisers of the London world championships have offered me the chance to receive my medal in front of the British fans,” Ennis-Hill said.

Kenya name London lineup after meeting anti-doping deadline

David Lekuta Rudisha (KEN) runs to win gold, ahead of silver medallist Taoufik Makhloufi (ALG) (L) and bronze medallist Clayton Murphy (USA) in the Men’s 800m final Olympic Stadium - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, August 15, 2016.

NAIROBI (Reuters) - Kenya announced the final list of competitors heading to next month’s world athletics championships in London, with double Olympic 800 metres gold medallist and world champion David Rudisha flying the flag. The announcement came after Kenya failed to meet two deadlines to submit anti-doping materials, under a strict new testing regime, because some athletes were racing in the Diamond League circuit. They were given a final deadline of Saturday, according to the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya. “We are happy to announce that all the doping procedures have been completed today (yesterday) and we are ready to depart for London on Tuesday,” Jackson Tuwei, Athletics Kenya chairman, told reporters. Kenya’s reputation for

middle and long distance running has been tarnished by failed doping tests among its elite athletes, including former three-time Boston and Chicago marathon winner Rita Jeptoo and Jemimah Sumgong, the first Kenyan female to win an Olympics marathon gold medal. The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has demanded that each Kenyan athlete submit to three urine tests and one blood test. Middle-distance runners Ferguson Rotich, Kipyegon Bett and Emmanuel Korir will be heading to London but Michael Saruni will not. “Technical officials have advised us that his form is wanting,” Tuwei said. Another to miss the trip is Nicholas Bett, the defending 400-metre hurdles champion who was ruled out due to injury.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 29, 2017

Royal Dutch Football Association representatives call on Foreign Minister

The Netherlands Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) Instructor Andre Simmelink shakes the hand of Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge in the presence of Suriname’s Vice-Director at the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs Kenneth Jaliens.

SURINAME’S Vice-Director at the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs Kenneth Jaliens and The Netherlands Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) Instructor Andre Simmelink yesterday paid a courtesy call on Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge.

The duo spent the last week with 26 football coaches from around Guyana, helping to develop their skills both on and off the field. The Government, t h ro u g h t h e N a t i o n a l Sports Commission (NSC), is benefiting from the training provided by the Gov-

ernment of the Kingdom of The Netherlands through the World Coaches and International Social Programme of the KNVB. The week-long training programme concludes today. Minister Greenidge noted that Jaliens and Simmelink’s visit was rather timely as the

Guyana crash out of Centrobasket U-17 tournament … lose final game 74-63 against Mexico By Rawle Toney

DESPITE putting up their best performance, Guyana fell short by 11 points (74-63) against Mexico in what was their third and final game at this year’s Centrobasket U-17 tournament, held in the Dominican Republic. Andrew Wiggins was once again the team’s ‘hot hand’, finishing the game with 22 points, though shooting a miserable 9-28 from the floor. Wiggins also had seven rebounds. Nigel Bowen turned in a ‘double-double’ performance, scoring 21 points, shooting 50% from the floor (7-14), while grabbing 10 rebounds. No other Guyanese was able to reach double digits, but centre Akeem Crandon had another good night on the glass, grabbing 14 rebounds; 13 of which were defensive. The 17-year-old Berbician also had two blocked shots to

go along with his three points. Mexico’s shooting guard and captain Moises Andriassi had a game-high 25 points, hitting six of his 13 attempts from beyond the arc to lead his team to the ‘final four’. Andriassi also had 11 rebounds. Forward Javier Gonzalez scored 15 points, while all the Mexicans featured on their team’s score sheet. It was the Spanish-speaking country’s second win after toppling the Bahamas 83-5 in their previous game. Guyana went into yesterday’s game having suffered heavy back-to-back defeats, and needed to end their campaign on a positive, but, the script for the game was written differently. Mexico raced to a 21-8 lead at the end of the first quarter, but, Guyana rebounded in the second period, scoring 21 points though allowing 25 by their counter-

Kevon Wiggins

parts, closing the first half trailing 29- 46. While Wiggins and Bowen tried their best to keep Guyana in the game, Mexico were able to have their way with Guyana’s defence and entered the final quarter with a 25-point lead (67-42). With the Mexican coach resting some key players in the fourth, Bowen and Wiggins made a surge and attempted to make a final ‘hooray’ but the 21 points scored was not enough to hand them their first win at the tournament.

country was in need of assistance in sports, especially in areas such as football. “The lack of equipment needs to be urgently addressed; because of the number of young Guyanese this is an issue here. Systems must be in place to raise morale and provide opportunities to develop their skills at sports,” Minister Greenidge said. During the week-long training programme, Simmelink found while the coaches were open to learning new methods, he understood the challenges they faced with the lack of equipment. “In this situation, it is better to play smaller groups to facilitate more complex playing and decision-making in the field,” he explained. Simmelink shared that while the training focused on developing coaching methods on the field, yesterday the coaches also participated in an exercise to demonstrate their ability to impact players beyond football. “You are more than a coach,” Simmelink said. “You can influence players by addressing problems and social issues that they have.” Diplomatic relations between the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and The Kingdom of the Netherlands were established on May 15, 1970.

REGIONAL Under-15

Charles stars as Guyana beat T&T, Clarke fires for Barbados BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – All-rounder Rivaldo Clarke produced an outstanding performance to power hosts Barbados to their second straight win but Trinidad and Tobago stumbled to their second straight defeat, in the second round of the Regional Under-15 Championship here yesterday. Playing at 3W’s Oval, the Barbadians got the better of Leeward Islands by 35 runs while the Trinidadians slumped to a seven-run loss to Guyana at Lucas Street, in the southern parish of St Philip.

Guyana’s Sheldon Charles

At Crab Hill in the north of the island, Windward Islands grabbed their first victory when they downed Jamaica by eight wickets. However, it was Clarke who took centre stage with his all-round heroics. Sent in, Barbados rattled up 192 for seven off their 50 overs with Clarke stroking 76 off 114 deliveries with eight fours. The right-hander put on 70 for the second wicket with the left-handed Jacob Bethell who made 29 Kenny Sutton (2-23) and Jaylen Francis (2-26) finished with two wickets apiece. In reply, the Leewards

were dismissed for 157 off 44 overs with off-spinner Clarke grabbing six for 28. They were given a dashing start by Carlton Tuckett and Anderson Amurdan who staged a 69-run stand off just 86 deliveries. Tuckett did the bulk of the scoring striking four boundaries in an attractive 54 off 90 balls while Amurdan made 15 from 34 deliveries. Left-arm spinner Renacko Belgrave accounted for both, but it was Clarke who sliced through the middle and lower orders with a devastating spell, as the Leewards lost their last seven wickets for 44 runs. T&T’s poor form meanwhile continued as they failed to overhaul a target of 134 and were dismissed for 126. Opener Kyle Roopchand top-scored with 37 off 86 balls with three fours but was the only one to pass 20 as the Trinidadians lost wickets steadily. They were undone by newball bowler Sheldon Charles who claimed three for 24 while Andre Seepersaud picked up two for 12. Sent in earlier, Guyana were lifted by Charles’ top score of 42 as they were bowled out for 133 with two balls left in the innings. Arriving at number six, he faced 84 balls and counted four boundaries before being last out. Darren Samlal led Trinidad with four for 18 while Aneil Pitiram ended with three 30. In the other game, Ackeem Auguste stroked 62 as Windward Islands chased down Jamaica’s 133 all out to win in the 42nd over. Sanjay Walker had earlier scored 35 and Jordan Johnson, 27, to lead Jamaica’s batting.

Riley wins BCA presidency in landslide

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Cricket West Indies director Conde Riley won a landslide victory here Thursday night to become the new Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) president. The veteran administrator garnered 284 votes to easily beat out challenges from former Director of Sports, Erskine King, who collected 85 votes and former BCA acting president Deighton Smith who picked up 80 votes. Riley, an outspoken retired banker who has served in various capacities, both at the BCA and CWI, replaces legendary former West Indies fast bowler, Joel Garner, who

is now the senior Windies team manager. “I am very surprised at the number of people who voted for me. I have served on the board of the BCA with my two opponents and I know their ability,” Riley was quoted as saying afterwards.

Cricket West Indies director Conde Riley

He said one of his first priorities would be seeking an end to a dispute which has marred the Everton Weekes Under-13 Championship. Lawyer Calvin Hope was also elected a vice-president after picking up 170 votes to defeat former England Test batsman, Roland Butcher (118), Maurice Gaskin (107) and Kamal Springer (37). Another lawyer Gregory Nicholls has returned as board secretary after winning the race with 172 votes, with Anthea Ishmael (142) and Winston Stafford (112) failing to gain sufficient favour with the BCA membership.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 29, 2017

Minister Henry urges swift end to cricket crisis

By Rajiv Bisnauth EDUCATION Minister Nicolette Henry has called on cricket stakeholders to put aside their differences and channel their energies in bringing a swift end to the administrative crisis that has dogged the sport in recent years. Henry, who also holds the portfolio for Culture, Youth and Sport, made the appeal yesterday when she, along with Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams met with executive members of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and members of the cricket stakeholders in the boardroom of the Legal Affairs Ministry. The meeting was called

Education Minister Nicolette Henry makes a point during yesterday’s meeting. Also in photo is Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams.

ry noted that while the matter is a legal one, she called on the GCB and cricket

so that process can take place. “I also want to point out that cricket is one of those sporting activities where government’s involvement is very minimal in terms of its administration, and therefore that’s where the Cricket Ombudsman (Dr Winston McGowan) comes

separate breakout meeting, just to ensure that the necessary guidance is given in keeping with the powers vested in me,” Minister Henry said. Minister Henry promised to meet with the Cricket Ombudsman sometime next week, providing he is avail-

the work of Dr McGowan was previously hindered because there was no meaningful consultation with Cricket West Indies (formerly West Indies Cricket Board) on his appointment. To this end, the Legal Affairs Minister has made it clear that the cricket ombudsman will have to execute his remit under the provisions of the Cricket Administration Act. Further, Ronald Williams said the cricket stakeholders are ready to support a democratic process. Meanwhile, GCB secretary Anand Sanasie said after the meeting that the GCB is prepared to move forward. “We are always prepared to move forward. However, I want to make it clear that we definitely did not agree with aspects of the bill, which we challenged, and to date there has not been a hearing to that, so we will continue to ensure that our objections are being

it is done within the Cricket Administration Act,” he said. Sanasie added, “As the sitting body for the sport here we would have perused the bill so we are ready anytime … we ready tomorrow morning (today), but my perusal of the bill, not being a legal mind clearly indicates time lines which have to be met.” Sanasie further stated that the GCB is willing to work with stakeholders who are actual stakeholders in the cricket structure. “I recognised that some people are calling themselves stakeholders, but don’t know their role, so if the stakeholders will be involved we have to know who we are talking to, but once the ombudsman is properly put in place, we will go through him so we will not engage directly with anyone. As the governing body we will follow the rules,” he mentioned. Finally, Sanasie, who is

Anand Sanasie

in order to iron out the cricket crisis, and at the same time bring some semblance of normalcy to the manner in which cricket is administered in Guyana. However, while the government seems ready and willing to bring a swift end to the cricket dilemma, the way forward lies with the Appeal Court. It was announced by the Legal Affairs Minister that the Order, which was granted by Justice Nareshwar Harnanan on June 16, 2017, has since been appealed. This decision will definitely stall the enforcement of the Cricket Administration Act. The Act will pave the way for order, accountability, free and fair elections and full participation of all including Linden. However, Minister Hen-

stakeholders to rise above the differences and to forge a way forward. “We need to rise above the differences and to forge a way forward in the very immediate future that will be the best interest, particularly for the young people out there who you need an opportunity in cricket,” she said. Minister Henry added, “I will be guided by the Attorney General as to the outcome and deliberation of the Court, having received the guidance from the Attorney General, I will certainly act within the powers granted to me as Minister with responsibility for Sport to ensure that due process takes place, and since there is no current impediment to the holding of those elections, I will certainly provide the necessary permission

Some of the cricket stakeholders

in, so I will have discussion with the Ombudsman and we will take it from there, but I will certainly meet with the stakeholders in a

able. However, it is unclear whether the cricket ombudsman will be able to function in a meaningful way, since

heard through the regular judicial process. “Having said that, we are not opposed to whatever has to happen. We are prepared to work together once

also a director on Cricket West Indies made it clear that despite the numerous off-field troubles, Guyana’s cricket has done well over the years.

Minister Henry urges swift end to See cricket crisis page 39

Rugby action today at the National Park

USA eye redemption, ‘Green Machine’ want title See page 33

Guyana National Rugby Team

USA during practice session yesterday at the National Park

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SATURDAY, JULY 29, 2017