Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 08 02 2017

PARK IT No. 104817 WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 8, 2017

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

–– AFC calls for suspension of Parking Meter System

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Cop shoots man, hides ganja Page 2

Phillip Mozart wanted for fraud Page 8

Women soldiers decorated

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Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo decorating a member of the Women’s Army Corps during Tuesday’s medal presentation at Defence Headquarters, Camp Ayanganna (Samuel Maughn photo)

Dead: Ganpat Ganpat

WANTED: Phillip Mozart Thomas

Disabled man run over by truck Page 16

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 8, 2017

Reg 7 syndicates to start working lands next month

BY March month-end, miners of Region 7, who have formed themselves into Syndicates, will be able to work maiden lands made available to them through the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).

Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, in an invited comment on Monday told the Guyana Chronicle that the miners have formed themselves into a Syndicate called the Karrau Mining Syndicate and have applied to the GGMC for a prospecting permit after which, once granted they’d apply for mining licence.

“The area has been identified, and I must say it is maiden land; that is, land that has not been worked before.

That land has real potential…but I should say that not every land has potential

was given to miners through a lottery system but small miners did not benefit as the cost for the lands were as high as $100M. “[Small] Miners were crying out that there was not equal opportunity because they didn’t have the money,” she added, noting that many of the persons who received lands through the lottery and auction could not locate the lands easily and when located discovered that the lands could not be worked because they were either worked out or a swamp.

But notwithstanding the past, Minister Broomes said with the formation of Syndicates, miners have an opportunity to work together for a collective benefit. “It is about human development….Minister Trotman and I have made lands available to you…never before in the history of this country… all of these areas with real potential was given to you.”

In the case of the Karrau Mining Syndicate, the Minister said they have taken a loan and begun the application process for a prospecting permit and thereafter mining licence, but warned miners that the lands provided are not for sale.

“Ensure your dredges are registered; we will support you in terms of training- GGMC will help you…Syndicates can benefit from concessions once there is evidence of tax compliance,” Broomes added.

Additionally, the Minister charged small miners to ensure that the land provided is free of trafficking in persons (TIP), a sore area for the mining industry.

“You will mine safe and take care of the environment…all this government wants is for you to get rich, get a good life. Let us work together- the opportunity is real, here and for you to benefit from,” she said.

Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes

Cop shoots man, hides ganja

the scene and the hatchet have been lodged.

Meanwhile, it was a twist of tales when the Guyana Chronicle visited the home of Robertson.

Speaking to the Chronicle, the victim disclosed that crime has been on the increase in the area, so along with a few other villagers, he formed a vigilante group.

And, on the night of the incident, he alleged that he was driving when he noticed the vehicle, driven by Das, pulling over to the corner of the road at Fair Field. “We getting a lot of robberies in the area these days, so when the vehicle pulled over, the lights came off and someone came out, I decided to stop and see what the driver’s motive was… after quite some time went by, I went off

to get two more of the villagers so that we can go speak to the diver,” said the victim.

However, upon approaching the car, without any questions being asked, the officer allegedly lowered his window and discharged two shots at the men, both of which struck the victim.

The men subsequently ran away from the car and contacted the police, said Robertson, but when they turned to look, Das was allegedly acting “suspicious” and seen hiding a parcel under a nearby “sucker tree.”

Later when police visited the scene, they found a parcel of marijuana, which has been lodged at the police station. The officer is being investigated for both the shooting and the discovery of the drug.

ASSISTANT Superintendent (ASP), Rovin Das is now under close arrest after shooting 46-year-old Bertrand Robertson of Rebecca’s Lust, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD), on Monday night and for also allegedly hiding a quantity of Marijuana under a tree.

Police reports indicate that at around 23:30hrs that night, the officer was returning to Georgetown from Berbice when he felt

but based on the reports I have seen, the land has real potential.”

Additionally, the minister told the Guyana Chronicle that her Ministry will aid in expediting the process for the miners noting that small miners have been calling on the government for years to provide land for them to work.

“We are going to expedite it…so that they can have access to the land in the fastest possible time,” Minister Broomes said while noting that even as that process is taking place miners are currently examining the possibility of gaining full access to the identified land and will be counting their expenses to make entry to the land accessible.

“We are making progress, small miners have been pleading with the government-not just this government-for years to get access

Assistant Superintendent, Rovin Das

to lands because of the hassle they experience, and I am happy that my government’s promise is coming to fruition.”

Meanwhile, on Saturday, Minister Broomes, along with the Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Godfrey Statia, visited the mining community of Bartica to talk to miners about tax compliance and other mining related matters.

At that meeting which was held at the Regional Office, Broomes reminded miners that it is because of the APNU+AFC coalition government that they are experiencing several firsts, which includes the first female minister within the Mining Sector, several concessions being granted to miners once they are tax compliant, and the distribution of maiden lands to name a few.

She said in the past land

sleepy and decided to park his vehicle in the corner of the Fair Field Public Road, ECD, to rest.

He alleged that he was subsequently awaken by someone knocking on the window glass of the driver side, where he was seated and he lowered the glass and saw the suspect (Robertson), who enquired as to his presence there, to which he explained.

After the explanation was given, the suspect allegedly removed the car key from its ignition and as the officer attempted to retrieve it, Robertson drew a hatchet so the officer immediately drew his service revolver and discharged two rounds hitting him in the left ankle.

Bertrand Robertson Robertson was es corted to the Mahaicony Hospital where he was treated and sent away.

The officer is assisting with the investigation. The weapon along with two spent shells recovered at

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 8, 2017

PARK IT –– AFC calls for suspension of Parking Meter System

WITH concerns mounting over the operations governing the metered parking system, the Alliance for Change (AFC) is calling for the implementation of the project to be suspended until pertinent issues are addressed.

The party which shares executive power with the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) articulated its position in a statement to the media on Tuesday. “…with regard to the publicly expressed concerns, the party strongly implores the M&CC [Mayor and City Council] to suspend the implementation of this project…” the statement read.

AFC said that it recognises the autonomy of the M&CC as the duly elected

representatives of Georgetown and the M&CC’s legal right to regularise parking in Georgetown and raise revenue to better manage the affairs of the city.

However, the party is calling for the local government body to reconsider pertinent aspects of the Ministry of Finance’s review of the project and seek a second independent review of its contract with National Parking Systems (NPS)/Smart City Solutions (SCS) – the companies contracted to manage and operate the parking meters.

After several issues regarding transparency of the project surfaced, the Government requested both the Ministry of Finance and the Attorney General’s

(AG) Chambers to examine the contract between the M&CC and NPS/SCS. The Ministry of Finance’s review pointed out that if, under the arrangements the tender and procurement procedures were breached, it was enough for Government to void the contract.

And according to the party, the absence of a competitive bidding process and other practices, “do not appear to be in the best interest of the people of the city”.

“The party therefore registers its serious concern with regard to the handling of this project from its inception to its current stage, but specifically in terms of the lack of sufficient prior public consultation; the absence

AFC Leader Raphael Trotman of transparency and of a competitive bidding process; the seeming lack of proper planning with regard to exemptions and the pricing and penalty structures” the AFC noted.

The statement pointed out too that available documentation suggests that the municipality may have “overreached its authority” on a number of matters, including taxation arrangements, traffic arrangements and road ownership.

As such, the party said it views this with “alarm” as it does the apparent

“exclusivity and monopolisation” of paid metered parking in the city.

Additionally, AFC expressed that while it is neither supportive nor against the implementation of paid metered parking in Georgetown, it has been monitoring the implementation of the joint venture project.

Having observed the developments, the party noted that it has raised its concerns through Deputy Mayor, Sherod Duncan, but is concerned that the implementation has advanced without much compromise.

Duncan, who has protested this parking meter project, has said that while he is not opposed to the idea of having parking meters in the capital city, he could not support this particular project, which, since its inception, lacked transparency.

He said that the project could not be supported for several reasons, including the fact that the contract was signed outside of the purview of current council, and it was never sent to tender.

The current contract provides for the private

companies to receive 80 per cent of all revenues generated from paid parking, while the M&CC will receive the remaining 20 per cent.

The cost for parking is $50 + $8 Value Added Tax (VAT) for 15 minutes, which can be purchased using a GeoPark parking meter card which varies in price. But Duncan, who contends that this cost is too high and should be reflective of the minimum wage and cost of living in Guyana, has been supported by the ‘Movement Against Parking Meter’ group, which staged a peaceful protest outside of City Hall on Friday.

Meanwhile, NPS/SCS and M&CC have commenced implementation of the project and have been charging drivers who park on the demarcated spots without paying for those spots.

However, many are contending this is illegal since the by-laws governing the metered parking system has not been approved by the Attorney General (AG) nor Cabinet.

Major PS shakeup looms … as gov’t seeks to optimise skills, performance

By Zena Henry

CONSIDERATIONS are said to be on the way for a major shakeup of public servants holding the post of Permanent Secretaries to government ministries.

The Guyana Chronicle was reliably informed that discussions are on the way to shift around the PS’s in a bid to optimise their skills and performance. “Nothing has been done yet, but I can say that it is under consideration,” a government official noted. The official said that in some instances the consideration for rearranging was not directly linked to the PS’s performance, but rather a need to utilise them in areas better suited to their skills.

It was explained that outside of this, PS’s are public servants and there is nothing to say that they must remain

at a designated ministry.

“Sometimes people get comfortable,” the source said, noting however that, “their strengths could be better utilised somewhere else.”

Since the ascension of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition to government, they have had their share of run-ins with Permanent Secretaries, many of those leftover from the last People’s Progressive Party (PPP) administration.

In 2015, Attorney General (AG) Basil Williams had cause to send his Permanent Secretary, Indira Ananjit on a 52-day administrative leave to facilitate an audit into millions of dollars’ worth in missing law books and computer parts. The AG said the PS had purchased the books which went missing.

Another incident saw the

PS at the Ministry of the Presidency, Omar Shariff being sent on leave last June

by Minister of State Joseph Harmon, after he was arrested by ranks of Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) in connection with large sums of cash which were found in his personal bank accounts.

While the PS claimed it was his personal earnings, investigators are still probing the source of the money.

More recently, a Commission of Inquiry into the procurement of medical drugs recommended that Health Ministry PS Trevor Thomas be fired after it was found out that he had lied to the commission. They said he gave “inconsistent” and “deceptive” evidence. It was found that staffers of the Materials Management Unit were conspiring with bidders to help them win drug con-

tracts by making them more competitive than others.

In other cases some PS’s have been replaced. Health Permanent Secretary, Leslie Cadogan was fired in 2015 amidst allegations of gross negligence and misconduct in the performance of his duties.

PPP Member of Parliament, Nigel Dharamlall was booted from the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affair and Colin Croal was also fired as the PS to the then Local Government Ministry. A Permanent Secretary is equivalent to that of the Chief Executive Officer of a company. It is the most senior civil office in the ministry and is charged with running the department on a day-to-day basis.

Back in June last year President David Granger and Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, had convened a meeting with the permanent

secretaries of the various ministries with a view to ensuring that their work is in line with the policies of the Government. At the meeting the President said that the position of permanent secretary is the pinnacle of the professional career of a public servant and, as such, his Government will ensure that the conditions under which they function are as close as possible to ideal and that there is a high level of satisfaction and commitment among them.

He explained that like law and medicine, public service is a profession that requires a high level of competency and professionalism. “Ministers may change, but permanent secretaries are meant to be permanent… to run a ministry continuously for a long period of time, every day and whoever the minister is, the Permanent Secretary must

be able to discharge his/her function in an efficient manner but they cannot do that unless they are educated,” President Granger had said.

Similar sentiments were expressed by Minister Harmon, who emphasised that permanent secretaries have a critical role to play in the functioning of the ministries.

He informed the permanent secretaries that the President will soon introduce a draft strategic plan for the various ministries, which outlines a broad framework within which each ministry will function and what they should focus on.

This draft plan also highlights the Government’s green agenda. Minister Harmon said that, “the first and foremost responsibility of every Government ministry is to push that green agenda.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Cecil Dhurjon slams Ramotar’s falsehoods

SENIOR Counsel, Cecil Dhurjon, has slammed former President Donald Ramotar for lying about the circumstances under which he demitted office as the Chief Parliamentary Counsel.

In a letter to the Editor of the Guyana Times, dated Saturday, 4th February 2017, Former President, Donald Ramotar, listed Dhurjon as a victim of victimisation by Attorney General, Basil Williams. “This is a falsehood to which I cannot acquiesce,” Dhurjon wrote in a letter to this newspaper.

“I was working on a contract of three and a half years,

but after just over a year I decided that I should heed the advice of my doctors and cease active duties. So I tendered my resignation, which took effect from 1st January 2017,” the senior counsel said.

It was only on Monday Williams corrected several inaccuracies in the said letter, in which Ramotar listed a number of other persons mostly of East Indian descent. However, Dhurjon would have none of it: “I consider it a moral duty to society to correct the falsehood which time and its non-refutation could lead to the belief that it is true, and

this would be most undesirable. It is wrong to cast blame on an individual where that individual’s action has been nothing but honourable and just. I was never victimised in my fifty years as a law officer. I owe gratitude to the present Attorney General for his kindness; he was considerate and appreciative of my effort and was a source of encouragement,” Dhurjon wrote.

“I take this opportunity to thank every Administration that afforded me the opportunity to serve Guyana for thirty three years as Chief Parliamentary Counsel to seven of the eight Attorneys General, all of whom approved of my work and to whom I am deeply indebted for the learning acquired from them. I thank the officers of the Ministries and Departments of Government, especially those of the Ministry of Legal Affairs for their co-operation and assistance without which my goals as a draftsman could not have been achieved. It was a pleasure serving as Chief Parliamentary Counsel, having learnt so much from so many for so long,” Dhurjon concluded.

In a release issued by his chambers on Monday, Williams made reference to Ramotar’s letter in the February 4th, 2017 publication of the Guyana Times which stated that the AG had “fired, harassed and forced to resign” many persons since taking office. However, Williams

Former President, Donald Ramotar

detailed the circumstances under which the persons Ramotar referenced parted with the chambers.

•Indira Ananjit (Former Permanent Secretary, Legal Affairs Ministry)-She was sent on administrative leave following the discovery of millions of dollars’ worth of law books and computer parts authorised by her for purchase but not being found in the Ministry. Her contract was not renewed.

•Sita Ramlall (Solicitor General, Legal Affairs Ministry) -retired at age 65.

•Prithima Kissoon (Deputy Solicitor General) - Cur-

rently on Administrative Leave pending investigations in relation to matters she was dealing with in which she acted inimically to the interest of the State.

•Cecil Dhurjon (Former Chief Parliamentary Council, Legal Affairs Ministry)- Mr Cecil Dhujon was given a three years contract by the Hon. Attorney General Basil Williams and resigned for medical reasons.

•Further, His wife Mrs Ananda Dhurjon who retired at age 55 from the Ministry of Legal Affairs was subsequently re-contracted as a Consultant to the Par-

liamentary Division by the Hon. Attorney General Basil Williams.

•Sasha Mahadeo (State Council)- She resigned after being accepted the opportunity to further her legal education in Canada.

•Rajendra Jaigobin (State Council) –He resigned and went to work with Mr Anil Nandlall.

•Fareeda Baksh- Ms Baksh was found unlawfully giving out files and documents to Anil Nandlall and his driver. Contract not renewed.

•Dwajendra Rooplall (Personal Assistant) He Campaigned with Mr. Anil Nandall at the last National and Regional Elections and was a member of his personal staff. His contract was not renewed.

•Kemraj Mangroo- Resigned to take full time studies at the University of Guyana.

•Deborah Chan (Clerk)This individual was never employed at the Ministry of Legal Affairs.

•Chandradat Mangroo (Mr Nandlall’s personal driver) He Resigned and is now employed at freedom House.

•Adrian Smith,- His contract was not renewed while Stephen Roberts resigned to further his studies. Beulah Williams retired at age 55 and had no interest in renewing her contract, finally Ms Vonetta Atwell is currently on six months Maternity Leave.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Moise sworn in as new Haitian president --IMF providing US$41.6M to help rebuild country Jovenel Moise was on Tuesday sworn in as the Haiti’s 58th president taking the oath in the Parliament packed with legislators and foreign dignitaries including those from Haiti’s fellow Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries.

The 48-year-old businessman succeeded Michel Martelly, who left office one year ago in an environment of political uncertainty after efforts to stage presidential and legislative elections before his departure were unsuccessful.

Moise won the November 20 presidential election last year and members and allies of his party were swept into office in the legislative elections. Moise took the oath of office declaring “I swear before God and the Nation, to faithfully observe the Constitution and laws of the Republic, to respect and enforce the rights of the Haitian people, to work to the greatness of the Fatherland, to maintain the National Independence and territorial integrity.”

But as he was doing so, members of the Lavalas Party that was once headed by former president Jean Bertrand Aristide took to the streets to denounce what they call the “electoral coup” On Monday, Moïse went to the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) to receive his certificate confirming his election as the new Head of the State and took the opportunity to express his desire to work for the strengthening of republican institutions, including the CEP. His critics contend that while he won the presidential election by gaining 55 per cent of the votes cast, he does not have a mandate as barely 20 per cent of the electorate bothered to go to the polls. Three former

presidential candidates had unsuccessfully filed legal challenges to his victory. A businessman from northern Haiti, Moise had never run for office until he was handpicked to be the Tet Kale party candidate by outgoing President Michel Martelly.

He is scheduled to address the nation later on Tuesday.

President, David Granger, who is also chairman of CARICOM, travelled to the country for the inauguration.

The President was accompanied by Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Carl Greenidge and Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms.

Rapid Credit Facility (RCF) in the wake of the damage caused by Hurricane Matthew last October. The Washington-based financial institution said that Port au Prince had made the request to help with urgent balance of payments needs in the aftermath of the Category 4 hurricane that struck the nation on October 4, destroying infrastructure and killing hundreds of people.

The IMF said that with the support of the RCF disbursement, the Banque de la République d’Haïti (BRH) has continued to rebuild its net international reserves.

“At the same time, the pace

President David Granger, at the dinner in honour of visiting Heads of Delegation in Haiti Monday night. The Guyanese Head of State represented the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) as Chairman of the regional body at the Inauguration events for new President Jovenel Moise (MOTP photo)

Audrey Waddell. In addition to the main inauguration ceremony, President Granger also attended several other activities organised to mark the occasion, including a dinner hosted by Provisional President, Mr Jocelerme Privert.

Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is providing US$41.6 million to Haiti under the

His Excellency, President David Granger is greeted by Provisional President of the Republic of Haiti, His Excellency, Jocelerme Privert at a dinner in honour of visiting Heads of Delegations as Haiti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Pierrot Delienne looks on (MOTP photo)

of currency depreciation has slowed, from 25 per cent year-on-year through September 2016, to 17 per cent year-on-year in December -10.5 percent quarter-on-quarter annualized rate”.

The IMF said that despite the favourable impact of the slowdown in depreciation, increases in food prices – due in part to the hurricane – have pushed inflation from 12.5 per cent in September 2016 to 14.3 per cent in December 2016. “As a country with widespread development needs, Haiti continues to face substantial challenges.

The successful conclusion of the recent presidential election provides Haiti with an opportunity to rebuild from the storm and to advance its reform agenda,” the IMF said, adding that it was looking forward to continuing to work together with the Haitian authorities in designing policies to support macroeconomic stability needed to boost economic growth. (CMC)

Haiti’s President Jovenel Moise sits with his wife Martine during his swearing-in ceremony at Parliament in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on Tuesday. In background is President David Granger who is also Chairman of Caricom

gnnleditorial@gmail.com 6

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Editorial

Door open for dialogue Yesterday this newspaper carried an article titled, “Door open for dialogue on parking meters--Bulkan,” where views were expressed by Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan and the Private Sector Commission (PSC) on what is clearly a contentious issue. In that article Minister Bulkan expressed his ministry’s openness to dialogue on the issue. This gesture, notwithstanding previous back and forth, allegations and counter-allegations, is one all Guyanese should welcome.

It is not unreasonable to say that the Minister’s approach comes as a breath of fresh air in a society where intolerance for the other’s view or input has become the norm. As Guyanese, irrespective of our history, identity, and political association,we all deserve to and must work towards the success of this country and the comity of its peoples. One

way of making this possible is being prepared and willing to listen to others. None has the monopoly on knowledge and all can benefit from the view and input of the other.

It is not our intention in debating who is right or wrong on this matter, save to say that evidence has been produced by the minister and PSC that sometime back,efforts were made to have engagement. This engagement, in spite of the allegation from the PSC that continuity was torpedoed by the Mayor and City Council on excuses that the Mayor was out of the jurisdiction and none could stand in her stead, ought not to cease.

Though conflicts and finger pointing are inherent characteristics in engagement,conflicts do not have to be incapacitating. Somebody has to look at the bigger picture and be prepared to put in the requisite work to achieving it. Bringing people together for the common

This is a falsehood

Dear Editor,

A LETTER to the Editor of the Guyana Times, dated Saturday, 4th February 2017, by Former President Donald Ramotar wrongly lists me as a victim, the import of which I believe, is that I was forced to resign from the post of Chief Parliamentary Counsel. This is a falsehood to which I cannot acquiesce. I was working on a contract of three and a half years but after just over a year I decided that I should heed the advice of my doctors and cease active duties. So I tendered my resignation which took effect from 1st January 2017.

I consider it a moral duty to society to correct the falsehood which time and its non-refutation could lead to the belief that it is true, and this would be most undesirable. It is wrong to cast blame on an individual where that individual’s action has been nothing but honourable and just. I was never victimised in my fifty years as a law officer.

I owe gratitude to the present Attorney General for his kindness; he was considerate and appreciative of my effort and was a source of encouragement.

I take this opportunity to thank every Administration that afforded me the opportunity to serve Guyana for thirty three years as Chief Parliamentary Counsel to seven of the eight Attorneys General, all of whom approved of my work and to whom I am deeply indebted for the learning acquired from them.

I thank the officers of the Ministries and Departments of Government especially those of the Ministry of Legal Affairs for their co-operation and assistance without which my goals as a draftsman could not have been achieved.

It was a pleasure serving as Chief Parliamentary Counsel having learnt so much from so many for so long.

Yours sincerely, Cecil Dhurjon, C.C.H., A.A., S.C. Attorney-at-Law

good is not weakness but represents a fortitude that recognises the importance of all in the achievement of success.

It has not escaped attention that where contention arises it creates political fodder and opportunity for the self-serving. Correspondingly, it must not escape attention that the same situation opens the door for opportunity to improve the political climate. Through discourse,politicians can take the pride of place in destroying a divisive and intolerant culture that has held sway for far too long, and continues to prove not in the nation’s best interest.

Guyana belongs to all and by extension every group and individual has a stake in what is happening.

And whereas the Leader of the Opposition made clear the PPP/C’s aim is to take back Guyana, which he is focused on, the average Guyanese want the space where

he/she can truly say, ‘I feel I belong and my voice will be heard.’ Guyana belongs to all Guyanese. The APNU+AFC had committed to the electorate to be all-inclusive. Where Minister Bulkan is seemingly prepared to defuse the tension by creating the opportunity for dialogue, dialogue must take place.

The PSC said it invited the trade unions to be a part of the discussion and this is also a positive development. When stakeholders can recognise and appreciate that while each has specific interests, when combined they prove to the benefit of all, an inclusive environment is being created. Recognition that engagement is deemed necessary to arrive at a mutually agreed position which would ensure that the Council increased its revenue without unduly burdening the citizens and the businesses which ply their trade in the capital,

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

none can fault. The need to restore Georgetown to its pristine state, prudent management of the Council’s business, and law and order, ought to be everyone’s dream. As Guyanese look around the globe to the series of protests surrounding Donald Trump’s ascension as United States’ President, making him the most powerful and influential politician, whose actions can have far reaching conse-

quences, we see written on those placards some of the same concerns we have.

People want assurances that governments will govern in their interests. They want to know their voices will matter, their rights and freedoms protected.

Minister Bulkan opened the door to such possibility. The private sector, trade unions, major and city council, and other stakeholders must now walk through it.

Who is misleading whom?

Dear Editor, GuySuCo went on a tirade accusing me of misleading and poisoning the minds of readers in its response (KN, Feb. 2nd, 2017).

I responded that GuySuCo doesn’t need my help to achieve these feats.

The executive management team is doing so in fine style and I shall demonstrate once more to this nation.

Let’s go back to KN of Nov. 13th, 2016 news item titled “US$200M Skeldon factory falling to pieces-GuySuCo”. The impression created is that the factory will collapse at any moment. It was explained that, “The US$200M Skeldon Sugar Factory is falling pieces and it isn’t worth the effort Io it back

together. This is according to officials of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo)”. GuySuCo’s Chairman also weighed in: “The reality before us is that the factory has lots of faults; it is badly designed and poorly constructed.

The factory is deteriorating. New steel is needed; some of the furnaces don’t work, some of the boilers don’t work… The factory is just not properly built.

The cost for the repairs needed is about US$60M ($12B). It is that big of a disaster.” He continued, “We are trying to find a way out but that is like trying to find a way out of a minefield.”

We now come to Feb. 5th, 2017 edition of Demerara Waves which carried a news item “Indian company wants to take

over Skeldon Sugar Factory; Guyana yet respond.”

The article explained that Managing Director of Sunrise Holdings, Mr. Tony Joseph advised that Skeldon can become profitable in 18months. He was quoted as saying “From our conversation, we believe that within 18 months or less that Skeldon could be profitable.” He went on to say “We believe that with proper management techniques, changes and some modernization of certain areas of the sugar plant, some harvesting changes that we can bring the price of sugar to world market competitiveness”.

Editor, here we have two clear positions. First being, GuySuCo’s executives and Chairman, Dr. Clive Thomas asserting that Skeldon Sugar Fac-

tory is falling to pieces and not worth Govt.’s investment. Second being, an Indian firm with expertise in sugar brought

by Mr. Joseph assessed and concluded that the factory can be profitable in 18 months or less and meet world market price of sugar. These positions are as clear as night and day. Who’s misleading here? Is it GuySuCo’s executives or Mr. Joseph? If Skeldon Sugar Factory can become profitable in just 18 months, why can’t GuySuCo do it with the IMC and the battery of experts it hired? I leave this for my fellow Guyanese to judge.

Regards Sookram Persaud

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Madam Mayor, get with the programme Dear Editor, Like a medieval queen, Her Worship the Mayor has issued her decree from up high in the form of a letter in Monday’s Kaieteur News. “Parking Meters will stay” Madam Mayor, get with the programme. The five hundred plus people you saw protesting on Friday don’t care about who

belongs to the PPP or to APNU. We are way past that old time nonsense.

Regardless of our political beliefs we share the same views about corruption, accountability of elected officials and transparency.

Read our collective lips “We don’t care about party politics when it comes to the meters“.

Stop worrying about who is “high class” “middle

class” or “low class” and start worrying about what our Ministry of Finance said about your meter project in their review report: “The findings of the review underpin a call for a reconsideration of the feasibility and hence the viability of the project( s) of the MCCCG to provide quality service to the citizens and businesses of Georgetown and its en-

virons and to the Nation as a whole.” “Overall the team has concluded that subject to legal implications, there are grounds for the contract to be withdrawn” “Re-tender (assuming that it was done before and includes provision for funding by the tenderers) for bidding in the six zones with Georgetown, separately, so as to allow for greater com-

A smarter alternative to parking meters ...and abolition of Vehicle Licences

Dear Editor The City Council of Georgetown should consider a smarter alternative to collect more revenue, than by what is considered by many, as an ill-conceived, burdensome and expensive parking meter venture for a small return, even if all the meters are fully used. The negotiating brains in the City Council should have explored the best possible options for revenue generation, and after careful study, canvassed views of the consuming public, residents and businesses in the city.

This should have been the decision of a duly constituted full Council meeting, although not the best

options.

Here is an option: the City Council should negotiate with Central Government for a subvention to cover the estimated net income from the parking meters. Government can institute a small increase in the price for each gallon of fuel, collected up front from the few distributors for this venture. This small increase in the price for fuel can be extended to the entire country as vehicles use and park in other cities and along public roadways. This can contribute to the subventions for other Municipalities and Regional Councils.

This is a more equitable solution. The parking meters should therefore be abandoned along with

Smart City Solutions. The same negotiators of the Council should negotiate the scrapping of this venture.

Abolish Motor Vehicle Licences It is also proposed that the annual motor vehicle licences be abolished, and that the accurate estimate of net revenue from motor vehicle licences be applied by a small increase on each gallon of fuel. This can be collected at source from the few distributors. The control and regulation con-

cerning motor vehicles will reside in the registration and annual road fitness.

The revenue generated under these proposals will be garnered easily without additional cost of personnel time, materials and administration, and considerable savings in productive time of all drivers and those purchasing these licences.

Let good common sense prevail; bite the bullet, and take the right course of action in the interest of all.

Regards Samuel J.Goolsarran

Wednesday, February 8th, 2017 -14:30 hrs Thursday, February 9th, 2017 - 14:30 hrs Friday, February 10th, 2017 - 14:30 hrs

petition.”

This same report finds that Smart City Solutions, in their dealings with the Mayor, adopted what they term as a “rogue approach to exploit the “apparent ignorance “of M&CC [CG]’s business and financial analyses competencies.”

Madam, when you see the empty parking spaces on your streets you are seeing what the public truly thinks about your project. Those empty spaces are not the doing of any movement against parking meters. These are

the spontaneous reaction of a citizenry who cannot afford your draconian fees , who don’t like to be bullied and who sense that something is amiss with your dealings with Smart City Solutions.

I note that you refer to the “new era of council democracy “ . Given the heavy handed manner in which you are dealing with the response to your meter programme , your use of this phrase is indeed ironic.

Regards Marcel Gaskin

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 8, 2017

Women soldiers decorated –– as WAC celebrates Golden Jubilee

By Zena Henry

FIRST Lady, Mrs Sandra Granger, and wife of the Prime Minister, Mrs Sita Nagamootoo, were on Tuesday honoured for their sterling contribution to the empowerment of women here, and the pivotal role they play in today’s society.

For such an achievement, they were presented with 50th Anniversary medals commemorating the Golden Jubilee of the Women’s Army Corp (WAC) during a cocktail reception at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF)’s Officer’s Club and Auditorium.

The event followed the conferral earlier in the day of similar tokens of achievement on 31 other ranks and one

officer during a special event on the Drill Square of Base Camp Ayanganna.

Both conferrals were done

by Prime Minister Mr Moses Nagamootoo, in his capacity as Acting President while the Head of State is abroad on official business.

The military women who were honoured were drawn from the revitalised People’s Militia, the Coast Guard and various Army Base Camps.

It was said that the medals were granted “To honour all female Officers, Warrant Officers, Non-commissioned Officers and soldiers who are on active duty in the Guyana Defence Force as at February 6.”

COMPOSITION The medal is made of nickel, circular in shape, and measures 35milimeters in diameter.

On the obverse side of the medal is the insignia of the GDF, which is an eight-sided star with the Canje Pheasant inset at the centre. This is encircled by the inscription, “Guyana Defence Force Military Commemoration Medal”.

On the reverse side of the medal is the Victoria Regia Lily, supported by two crossed rifles at the centre, with the words “Fiftieth Anniversary Women’s Army Corps” enscribed.

The AWC’s anniversary is being celebrated under the theme, “Celebrating our Women: Empowering them

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo inspects a guard of honour during the Women’s Army Corps 50th Anniversary Medal Presentation Parade held at the Drill Square, base Camp Ayanganna Tuesday (Samuel Maughn photo)

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo and Chief-of-Staff of the GDF, Patrick West pose with First Lady, Mrs Sandra Granger and Mrs Sita Nagamootoo for Total Defence”.

Week-long activities are being held by the army, with the most recent being a Thanksgiving Service held at the National Cultural Centre, where the First Lady was the guest speaker.

SPECIAL INVITEE The army also sent a special invitation to US Navy Rear Admiral, Martha Herb to come and share in celebrating the milestone.

Herb was specially selected because of the work she continues to do throughout the Caribbean and the Americas in relation to women’s integration.

Women were integrated into the GDF on January 30, 1967 to function as a reserve unit. The WAC

Phillip Mozart Thomas wanted for fraud CIVIL Society activist Dr Phillip Mozart Thomas, who sued former President Donald Ramotar and others for $2.5 billion for libel and slander is now wanted by the Guyana Police Force for questioning in relation to fraud which occurred between 2016-02-04 and 2016-05-20.

It is unclear what is the nature of the investigations.

Thomas who was the Chairman of the Guyana National Council on Public Policy, Inc. (GNCPP) and the Guyana National Civil Society, Inc. Council (GNCSC), in December 2014 was accused of hosting a two day summit at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre and owed the state-owned

WANTED: Phillip Mozart Thomas Conference Centre GYD$4 million for use of the facility at Liliendaal.

Thomas had said that the Conference Centre was

booked for the 17th -19th of December, 2014 and that documents requiring conflicting amounts, one billing him $5million and the other billing him $4.2million were sent to him. Neither is accurate, he had said, as they had billed him for a three-day usage and other services he did not use since he ended up using the Centre on the 17th alone.

However, the Conference Centre in a statement had offered a different story stating that its initial bill was approximately $6.6million for the three days, of which he was required to make a 50%down-payment and pay the remaining amount 15:00hrs on the 17th. The Management of the con-

ference centre had noted that Thomas’ initial bill was eventually lowered to$4.2 million after factoring in several concessions. The Conference Centre reportedly said that the GNCPP must pay the full cost since Thomas did not give official notice that he was no longer using the facility on the 18th and 19th and therefore breached his contract.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Thomas is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 227-2128, 226-1389, 226-7065, 2256411, 225-2227, 225-0575, 911 or the nearest police station. All information will be treated with the strictest confidence.

was, however, formed to complement the number of men in the Force at a time when neighbouring Venezuela seized the Ankoko Islands on the Corentyne River.

Captain Joan Granger and Officer Cadets Brenda Aaron, Clarissa Hookumchand and Hyacinth

King of the first company of Women’s Volunteer Corps had undergone training for the newly developed arm. They were later joined by 56 women recruits. The army women were well received on Tuesday as they paraded to a cheering crowd of supporters.

US-based Guyanese jailed for gun smuggling A NATIVE of Guyana, who lives in Georgia, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to smuggling dozens of guns to the South American country.

Federal prosecutors in Atlanta say 39-year-old Jermine Prosper, who lived in Conyers, legally purchased about 50 guns in Atlanta and smuggled them in shipping barrels to Guyana, where they were sold on the streets. Prosecutors say the legal permanent resident bought the guns between October 2013 and November 2015.

They included 34 9 mm pistols, eight .380-caliber pistols and six .25- caliber pistols. He was sentenced last week. (Associated Press)

Bartica – Fun town on the rebound

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 8, 2017

IF you’re not spending Easter on the coastland, you’re headed for one of two places – the Lethem Rodeo or the Bartica Regatta. Unofficially known for decades as a place of fun and frolic, Bartica attracts thousands to its shores, avenues and waters every Easter weekend for the grand Bartica Regatta. Those who have been there know of the powerboating spills, thrills and intense battles; they know of the daring open-water swimming competitions, the hospitable, fun-loving and easy going people, the enthralling pageantry and parties aplenty of every variety. Bartica, every Easter, is ‘fun town.’

Being the ‘Gateway to the Interior’ it has been the place where those who strike it big in the backdam would arrive to celebrate with lus-

tre and extravagance, either while in transit to the coast or before heading back to camp.

Historically and understandably, Barticians are more attuned to the world market price for gold than they are to the weather. Gold is what is synonymous with the town.

In 1970 gold fetched a modest US$221 per ounce but ten years later this skyrocketed to an all-time high of US$2032 per ounce.

Things went south for a few decades until it hit a 30-year low of US$355 per ounce in 2001. After the turn of the century, gold prices started on a steady climb back to the US$2000 mark and business and interest in Bartica began to respond and boom. New hotels, entertainment spots and businesses were erected and they thrived.

At the height of this Bartica resurgence, in 2008, a

pall of darkness and fear enveloped the hinterland community when crazed men ran amuck in the streets causing bloodshed and dread. This interrupted lives and families but did not interrupt the upward climb of gold prices.

The darkness remained for some time but business continued to flow.

Then things slowed considerably in 2013 when the price of gold plummeted from US$1945 to US$1230, falling by over US$700 in less than 24 months. That downward trend continued until the last quarter of last year, when in November the world market price for gold sat at US$1080 per ounce.

It has been on the upswing since and is now hovering just below the US$1250 mark.

While gold prices are showing signs of a revival, there is a different kind of

boom which is also happening in Bartica. The town has become the epicentre for Guyana’s green development thrust. President David Granger, pole-vaulted Bartica into the national spotlight when he identified it to be Guyana’s first green town.

The initial signal came when an aberration and injustice, which he noted, was allowed to persist from 1887 (when an Ordinance was passed to make Bartica a town) until 2016, was remedied and Bartica was belatedly declared a town.

Today, Bartica is a hive of activity. The Green Bartica Development Plan was proposed and presented. The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) has opened a new office in the town. The Guyana Water Inc. (GWI), the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, the Department of Sport, the

Department of Culture, the Ministry of Communities and the Ministry of Public Health among others all have Bartica high up on their priority lists.

Radio Bartica 95.1FM, a flagship project of the Office of the Prime Minister, and part of the Community Broadcasting Project, will be live on air by May this year.

A mega solar farm is planned for Bartica to finally alleviate the issues it has faced with regard to power generation.

Speak to Region Seven, Regional Chairman, Gordon Bradford, or Bartica

Mayor, Gifford Marshall, and they are energised that the town is on its way back. They exude enthusiasm and optimism that no longer will Bartica be denied its fair share and just due. The attention and constant inflow of government officers, technical experts and other officials may cause the long denied people of Bartica and their elected officials to blush.

But it forms part of Bartica recapturing its stride and being on the rebound. Pioneering town, green town, model town, fun town – all year round.

What purpose does it serve to plaster the images of minors across the Internet?

By Akola Thompson OFTEN, I would wonder about societal change. It is an interesting and sought after ideal of progressives even if it is an elusive one. There are many factors that prevent us from achieving the changes we seek but there are two in my opinion that do the most damage to the movements we are trying to build.

The first one is that too often, we as a people believe we have no power. It is this belief that we cannot make a change in the status quo that stymies our revolutions. The second

factor is that too often, we are trapped in the cycle of reactionary activism where we only bring up issues that need constant vigilance when something already happens. We then further forget about it until another similar incident occurs.

This behaviour of ours was once again seen when a video surfaced online showing high school girls performing sexual acts on young men. I have not seen the video, nor do I wish to see it. Aside from being ethically wrong, the sharing and viewing of sexual images of underage boys and girls is an offence and can see one being registered as

a sex offender.

Incidents like these reveal the ugly underbelly of society. It is in these times that we see the blatant misogyny, victim blaming, double standards and shaming that too often accompany women throughout their lives.

We have a culture where we are constantly exploiting, sexualising and policing women’s bodies, even from the youngest of ages because it helps to reinforce the stereotypes we have of them and makes it easier to continue treating them as lesser than. The damage is two-fold when women become the biggest defenders

of the social systems that keep them at a standstill.

I will not comment on whether the young women were right to have performed sexual acts on camera (it is unclear to me whether they knew they were being filmed) because that is entering into a moral debate that I have no interest in. We need to ask ourselves not only why they would choose to video sexual acts, but also we need to ask ourselves why it is that we as a people feel comfortable to distribute the video and shame the young girls in said video. What purpose exactly does it serve to plaster the images of minors

across the Internet and do you see yourself as part of the problem?

What I do have an interest in is how we as a society continue failing our children. There has been much chatter about the need for the students to be more “religious” in that they should not be partaking in sex. While I do not have a problem with abstinence messages, I have a problem when that is the only message being sent to young people.

Whether parents, teachers and policy makers decide to take the blinders off of their eyes or not, the majority of adolescents will

have sex before they are ready or are already having it. So, to teach abstinence only approach can be seen as counterproductive. What we should be doing is not telling children that the only option is to not have sex but to explain that while that option is preferable, if they do partake in it, they should do so responsibly.

Countless studies have shown and proven how abstinence only approaches not only fail, but see many children partaking in riskier sexual behaviours than those who would have had access to comprehensive sexual education.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 8, 2017

Sweeper/Cleaners’ plight ...

Late payment, poor conditions add to woes

IN the midst of heavy workload, ‘Sweeper/Cleaners’ in Region Four said they are still determined to hold on but are calling on the Ministry of Education to provide better tools for them to do their job and pay them on time.

When the Guyana Chronicle spoke to some of the Ministry of Education em-

ployees recently, those employed in the public service system and who are on the school’s payroll claimed satisfaction with their job, but they want some things to change. Sweeper/Cleaners employed on contract complained of having to wait months before they are paid a small salary although many of them are single-parents.

One of the staff-cleaners at a school just outside Georgetown on the East Bank Demerara said her salary is reasonable, given that she has been on the job over a decade now but her dissatisfaction includes the lack of respirators available for them to work, especially when they must clean toilets and sweep

Some single-parents who work as sweeper/cleaners in Region Four explain their plight during a press conference hosted by the GPSU on January 19, 2107 in a dusty environment. Their health is put at risk within those very schools even as children sometimes attend school while they have a contagious illness. “(When) diahorreah go

around, we don’t have the diahorreah but if anybody have it and they go in the toilet and you clean now, you catch it. We have gloves but we don’t have respirators. If we get respirators it’s better.

We need lil more things to help with the work,” the woman said.

The fact that she has only one other colleague at the school makes it harder on each of them, especially when one is unable to attend work and the other is left to clean both floors at the school for those days.

“At least we need most things to work with and we need more people, two people can’t clean a big school like this. This is a big school and all over we gat to clean from 3:00 pm… What I am saying we need a worker more to assist. If I sick, she alone work. Now she can’t wuk she wuk and me wuk, nor me cyan wuk she wuk and me wuk,” the cleaner explained to the Guyana Chronicle.

THOROUGHLY CLEANED The schools must be cleaned thoroughly and almost all of them are two floors. Cleaners are responsible for sweeping and wiping the buildings daily, wiping benches and desks, cleaning toilets at various times during school hours, changing curtains and cleaning even the compounds.

“Every day yuh gah sweep out upstairs, downstairs, from that end to that end. Yuh gatto wipe the downstairs everyday and two times a week yuh wipe the upstairs. Then yuh gatto clean windows and so on because remember it’s a school right and children deh over.

We gat toilet fuh clean, you gatto clean upstairs, yuh gah clean downstairs, yuh gatto clean right away round this whole place,” the woman said.

This sweeper/cleaner said she wishes too that government would review the working hours of sweeper/ cleaners, who report at schools for 9:00 hours or 10:00 hours while their main cleaning is done until after 15:00 hours.

“We gatto come in and sit down here till three o’clock, and you get tired when it’s 3 o’clock. So if you can come in like 1 o’clock and so on it’s okay.

The salary would cover fuh the time that we work,” she

stated. Her colleague said she too is comfortable with the salary of about $61,000, which would increase from year to year. She has been working as a cleaner at the school 16 years now.

ON CONTRACT Meanwhile, at a secondary school on the East Coast Demerara, one cleaner is on the school’s ‘payroll’ while the other three are on contract. The cleaner employed permanently said she enjoys a fairly good salary and receives her payment on time but she feels it to hard for her colleagues who work equally as hard as she but receive a delayed salary of just over $30,000. “Some cleaners don’t get their money every month, sometimes three (to) four months dem ain’t get pay. Then the money is thirty-something thousand dollars a month.

That is one standard money. So we need the next three to be on the payroll so they could get money every month and a fixed salary-something better,” that cleaner said.

She said even though she is a permanent employee at the school, while teachers enjoy a leave allowance and such vacation time, she has never once in ten years received leave passage nor vacation leave.

One of the contract cleaners said she waits months to receive her $37,000 monthly salary and $27,000 for months which have holidays.

BADGE OF SHAME Only late last month the Guyana Public Service Union made a special appeal to government to look into the plight of sweeper/ cleaners. GPSU head, Patrick Yarde and other senior officials sat alongside the sweeper/cleaners, a number of women from several administrative regions, namely Regions Three, Four, Five, and 10.

The women told members of the media that they work beyond the four and six hours stipulated time, mainly as a result of the school hours, which sees them cleaning the public schools classrooms, toilets and corridors beyond the time of duty. The women, most of whom are single mothers, noted that the See page 13

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 8, 2017

25 now sit on death row … questions raised over status of parliamentary consultations

By Shauna Jemmott WITH the recent sentencing to ‘death by hanging’ of two condemned high-profile mass killers by Justice Roxanne George, the number of persons on death row has moved up to 25 and acting Director of Prisons (DoP) Gladwin Samuels said the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) is ready to execute the death penalty as long as President David Granger signs

Dennis ’Anaconda’ Williams the order. But there is a moratorium in place since 1997 and the President himself has made it clear he has no intention of taking anyone’s life.

Human rights activists continue to be angered by judges here who hand down death sentences and have railed against successive governments for still having capital punishment on the law books. Guyana is also party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Article 6 protects the right to life. It does not make the death penalty illegal, but it imposes a treaty obligation on states to proceed to complete abolition of the death penalty.

President Granger made it clear last year that he does not intend to sign the order of execution of any prisoner, even though no concrete decision has yet been made as to whether his government intends to abolish the death penalty.

“I don’t have any intention of executing anyone… some members feel that the death penalty is a deterrent, some members feel that it is not a deterrent. But David Granger doesn’t have any intention of approving the execution of anyone.”

The President also stated that “There is no single statement out of the gov-

ernment on whether it will abolish the death penalty or not. In due course, we will arrive on a position.”

High Court Judges continue to hand down death sentences.

PARLIAMENTARY CONSULTATIONS Last week’s sentence also brings into question the status of an August 9, 2012, Parliamentary Special Select Committee Resolution, which speaks to the abolition of corporal punishment in schools; the abolition of the death penalty; and the decriminalisation of consensual adult same sex relations and discrimination against Lesbians, Gays, Bi-sexual and Transgender persons.

The Committee at the time comprised of Chairperson, Ms. Jennifer Webster, M.P., Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, M.P., Ms. Carolyn Rodrigues Birkette, M.P., Ms. Gail Teixeira ,M.P., Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, M.P., Ms. Volda Lawrence, M.P., Ms. Afirco Selman, M.P., Mr. Renis Morrian, M.P., and Ms. Catherine Hughes, M.P. Its work was to deter-

Mark Royden Williams, called ‘Durant’ mine the attitude of Guyanese, especially parents and children, to corporal punishment and its possible abolition; the attitude of Guyanese, particularly the families of victims, criminologists, and professionals, on capital punishment and its possible abolition; and the attitude of Guyanese of any changes in legislative provisions and the criminal code regarding consensual adult same sex relationships and discrimination, perceived or real, against Lesbians, Gays, Bi-Sexual and Transgender persons.

The action by the then

Parliament had stemmed from Guyana’s appearance before the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) during the first cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in May, 2010 and again in September, 2010. At the conclusion of its review,

Guyana received several recommendations and committed itself to consult on three main matters that may be considered controversial in Guyanese society, namely the abolition of corporal punishment, the abolition of the death penalty and the decriminalization of consen-

sual adult same sex relations and discrimination against Lesbians, Gays, Bi-sexual and Trans-gender persons, with a view to garnering public sentiment which may lead to legislative changes.

Meanwhile, on Thursday last, Mark Royden Williams, called ‘Durant’ and ‘Smallie’; and Dennis Williams, called ‘Anaconda,’ were each sentenced seven times to death by hanging after a jury found them guilty

of 7 counts of murder. They were also found guilty on five counts of manslaughter and sentenced additionally to life imprisonment.

The two men were part of the most notorious gang in Guyana’s history led

by Rondell Rawlins called ‘Fine Man’, which invaded the mining community of Bartica on February 17,

See page 12

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 8, 2017

Roraima Airways donates TV sets, DVD players to prison

RORAIMA Airways on Monday donated five television sets and DVD play-

ers to the Guyana Prison Service during a simple ceremony at the correction-

al facility.

The donation was accepted by acting Director of Prisons (DoP,) Gladwin Samuels, on Monday. Roraima Airways Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Captain Gerald Gouveia, made the donations at the Guyana Prison Service Sports Club on Camp Street, Georgetown.

Samuels said the donation is timely since the prison service has implemented stronger support programmes for the rehabilitation of inmates within the system. The rehabilitation effort has a greater purpose in improving lives and ensuring safety within communities in which criminal activities have been prevalent.

“We have a responsibility to rehabilitate persons who are sent to this institution so that when they leave they can go back to their various communities better equipped and able to meaningfully contribute to those communities. These televisions will go a far way in terms of being used as teaching aids especially for persons entering prison and are not literate,” Samuels told the small gathering.

He said the donations are significant and televisions will be utilised in training and in keeping prisoners abreast with news and other programmes reflecting what is happening in the general society, on the outside. He thanked Captain Gouveia and Roraima Airways and called on other businesses to partner with the GPS in

Roraima Airways CEO, Captain Gerald Gouveia, greets acting Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels, as he hands over the five television sets and DVD players to the Guyana Prison Service (Photo by Delano Williams) making Guyana more secure.

“The quality of work that we do as an organisation will make Guyana a safer place.

So I would like to encourage other businesses to see it as an example. We need help in a number of areas which will enhance our ability to rehabilitate persons sent to this institution and in doing so will create a better working environment. Persons will be able to go to sleep knowing that persons in their communities who would have left this institution are no longer

a threat to their communities and in general this nation,” Samuels said.

Captain Gouveia said he had made a promise to the GPS to donate the television sets since he held the position of Chairman of the Prison Sentence Management Board. At the time he “travelled throughout the prison system at the various locations. Since then one of the things we identified was the issue of the rehabilitation of the prisoners and as well tools to help with the training

of Prison Officers.”

He made the promise just before he vacated the post and has also added a box filled with educational DVDs to the gift set, which will be beneficial to both prisoners and officers.

Gouveia said he remains committed to the prison service and will work closely with the new Chairman of the Prison Sentence Management Board, of which he is still a member, to contribute toward the prison’s development.

25 now sit on death ...

From page 11 2008, and murdered Lance Corporal Zaheer Zakir, and Constables Shane Fredericks and Ron Osborne, Edwin Gilkes, Dexter Adrian, Irving Ferreira, Deonarine Singh, Ronald Gomes, Ashraf Khan, Abdool Yasseen, Errol Thomas, and Baldeo Singh.

Some members of the gang were also fingered in the execution of 11 persons – including five children - when they stormed Lusignan Pasture, East Coast Demerara, on the morning of Saturday, January 26, 2008, armed with high-powered machine guns. Armed with AK-47s and shotguns, they entered Lusignan around 2:00 am, and invaded the homes of five families, killing the occupants within 20 minutes. Those shot dead were Clarence Thomas, 48, Vanessa Thomas, 12, Ron Thomas, 11, Mohandan Goordat, 32, Seegopaul Harilall, 10; Seegobin Harilall, 4; Dhanwajie Ramsingh, 52; Seecharran Rooplall, 56; Raywattie Ramsingh, 11; Shazam Mohammed, 22; and Shaleem Baksh, 52.

Samuels, told reporters in an invited comment Monday that the decision to

execute by hanging lies in the power of President Granger and though Guyana has signed on to a convention the death penalty is still an option that is available.

“This convention that the government has signed on to, there is some degree of resistance or lack of use of the death penalty. However it is still an option that is available. If the president decides that he is, gonna enforce the death penalty, that’s all that is needed,” Samuels told the press.

According to Samuels the hanging of those persons sentenced to death who would have exhausted their rights to appeal, will be carried out if the President signs the order of execution.

“So those persons who are sentenced to death, provided that they would have exhausted their rights to appeal and their death sentence is confirmed, the President at any one time can sign the order of execution and it will have to be carried out.” However, if such orders are not given prisoners on death row will remain there for the rest of their lives, and will be treated in keeping with the laws and guidance outlined for ‘death sentence’ prisoners.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 8, 2017

Late payment, poor conditions ...

From page 10

matter was brought to the fore under the previous People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government. They said that in December 2013, the Cabinet at the time recognised the need for them to be paid standard salaries.

Vanessa Simon of Region Five, has been on the job for some nine years to date and while she started off on her first salary being $15,000, her present salary is $37,000. She said that she works from 0800hrs daily and returns home as late as 16:00hrs on most days. Maryan

Fordyce, another sweeper/cleaner, has been on the job some 16 years to date and her salary has moved over the years from $15,000 initially to $24,000 to $37,000.

The woman was upset that several current government officials stood in solidarity with the women while in the Opposition.

“The present government went on the picket line with us for this same thing,” she said of the matter. Fordyce said she is not entitled to any leave, noting that maternity leave is not an option for her and colleagues.

VERY EMOTIONAL

Yarde said that the matter is one which sees him becoming emotional. “All we are asking is for it to be regularised”, he said of the various salary amounts the women receive.

He said that he has spoken directly with President David Granger on the matter and the Head of State has indicated that the Minister of Finance would address the issue.

Yarde said that within another two weeks, the union and the sweeper/cleaners would decide on the way forward. The GPSU said that a Cabinet decision was made on the issue in December 2013.

The union is calling for the mainly female employees to enjoy conditions of service as all other full-time workers of the public service, specifically to earn at least the minimum wage of the public service. In addition, annual vacations leave, as well as vacation allowances, were placed on the cards for the sweeper/ cleaners.

In December 2013, the Cabinet of the previous government had supported the itemised matters as highlighted by the Minister of Education at the time.

The government at the time supported the proposal that the wages of the sweeper/cleaners be set in accordance with the Minimum Wages Order and be made timely, and also that the women

employed in all regions as well as supplementary provisions sought, be paid retroactively.

Last year at the GPSU Labour Day rally, the union called for the sweeper/cleaners to be recognised, noting that they work extremely hard to ensure proper sanitary conditions within schools across the country.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 8, 2017

EPA, other ‘green’ agencies to be revamped As Government continues with its thrust toward a Green Pathway, the Department of the Environment (DoE), will work on the restructuring of its related agencies in order to ensure that they are properly equipped to be responsive to Government’s Green State Development Plan.

Head of the DoE, Ms. Ndibi Schwiers, in a statement, said that the Department will first be looking at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and will work to ensure that its structure is one that is equipped to efficiently deliver on Government’s promise of a Green State. “Because of the importance of [the EPA], it is being given priority for reform to make it more efficient, cost effective and ready for providing support to investors in the various fields of endeavour. In this regard, the EPA cannot continue to operate in its current form. The modus operandi must change to effectively achieve the policy objectives of Government,” Ms. Schwiers Head of the DoE, said. She explained that Ms. Ndibi Schwiers the Department will over the course of the next few months work with the staff and other national, regional and international advisors to develop an architectural and legal framework that is best suited to achieve the policies of government.

Ms. Schwiers said that since the establishment of the Department, the Government, with technical advice from international, regional and local expertise, has been looking at how the Department can be configured to be more efficient and to achieve the policies of Government.

The Department of the Environment was officially gazetted on September 1, 2016 and was later established on October 1 of the same year. The Department holds responsibility for the activities of environmental compliance and management, protected areas development and management, national parks management and wildlife conservation and protection. It is also directly responsible for the EPA, Protected Areas Commission (PAC), National Parks Commission and the Guyana Wildlife Division.

The Department’s mission is “To develop a robust, world-class environmental system that safeguards the integrity of the natural environment and protects public health through the development and adoption of appropriate, sustainable and coherent policies and programmes. It will further work to nurture this system through the utilisation of best available science, up to date information and the engagement of all stakeholders to effectively advance the environmental initiatives of the government for the benefit of all Guyanese and the global community.”

The establishment of the DoE is also seen as critical to the advancement of the “greening” of Guyana’s Economy, which aims at the long term well-being of the country. Since its establishment, the Department’s first order of business was to meet with the related agencies and Ministries to assess those policies and programmes, which currently exist and to assess where gaps lie within the management of the country’s environmental resources.

Once these gaps are identified, the DoE would be tasked with developing bridging policies to ensure that they are filled.

Ms. Schwiers said that the Department was established to integrate the work of the related agencies, offices and programmes to catalyse actions that will help the Government to provide a more efficient service through a Green State that will seek to provide a good life for all Guyanese.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 8, 2017

CARICOM stands in solidarity with Haiti-Pres Granger

CHAIRMAN of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), President David Granger, welcomes the democratic renewal represented by the Inauguration of the 58th President of the Republic of Haiti, His Excellency Jovenel Moise.

The Guyanese Head of State, who just attended the Opening of the National Assembly for the Constitutional Swearing-In Ceremony of the new Haitian President, in an interview Monday night, said, “The Caribbean is not only a zone of peace from a strategic point of view in terms of the absence of war but it is also a zone of Constitutional stability. There is predictability and we don’t want to see that there are elements in any member state, which disrupt the Constitutional process, [or] which use extra legal means to seize power or delay the holding of elections. There have been delays here but Haiti has finally come through and I am very happy to be here to put the stamp of approval on behalf of the entire Caribbean Community on those elections and the duly elected President Moise.”

The transfer of power ends nearly a year of transitional rule by interim President Jocelerme Privert and

follows what is referred to as a political crisis, which was initiated in October 2015, when President Moise won the later annulled first round of voting, which was said to have been plagued with fraud. In February 2016, Haiti’s Parliament elected interim President Jocelerme Privert, since President Michel Martelly’s five-year term was nearing its end. The elections were finally held in November 2016, after having to be rescheduled from October because of Hurricane Matthew.

The CARICOM Chairman said that his presence at the Inauguration activities represents the region’s solidarity with Haiti, noting that the country has faced major catastrophes over the past 15 years, which have resulted in significant loss of life and damage to the country’s infrastructure. “It is a matter of recognition of the democratic process. President Moise has been elected democratically and it is a matter of support for the people of Haiti generally to let them know that they are not alone in their adversity… and we will continue to stand by them. So it is very important for me as President of Guyana and of course as Chairman of CARICOM that at this moment

Bandits blitz Bagotstown store … escape with day’s sales, US currency

THE Gossai family of Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara has been left in a traumatised state on Monday evening following a brazen robbery at the family’s business establishment by several bandits.

According to Phylis Gossai, around 20:00hrs on Monday evening her son was about to leave the family’s business establishment, R. Gossai Liquor and General Store at Lot 25, Bagotstown, for home when five armed men pounced on him.

The men, she noted, were hiding in the family’s yard.

The bandits tied-up her son and took him into the family’s home, while asking for her husband, well-known businessman Rabindranauth Gossai. The 63-year old businessman was at another section of the yard and the bandits later hauled him into the house.

One of the men she noted guarded her and her four year old grandson on the lower flat of the building, while the remaining bandits took her husband and her son upstairs and demanded cash. “They carry them and beat my husband on his head with the

guns”, she said. She noted that the bandits took away the day’s savings along with US$5000, cash which was given to her by persons in the US during a recent visit to purchase items.

Mrs Gossai noted that the unmasked bandits emptied the drawers in the family’s bedrooms before escaping on foot. She said that her husband was subsequently taken to the hospital to be treated for the wounds he sustained on his head. He remained hospitalised on Tuesday. The man’s wife noted that the entire ordeal, which lasted less than 20 minutes, has left the family frustrated. She said that Monday was one of the “slower days “for business and her son, who undertake sales for the family , was leaving her home with his four year old son when the bandits struck.

“This is real bad, day time and night time they coming for what you work hard to make”, the woman said in a fearful tone.

Ranks of the Providence Police Station revisited the family’s home on Tuesday morning to carry out further investigations into the brazen incident.

we should show support and solidarity for Haiti,” he said.

President Granger added that with the development of the economies of the region appearing on the agenda of the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting to be held in Guyana on February 16-17, the region is keen to support the economic revival of Haiti.

He said, “The most important thing is to help the revival of the Haitian economy… We feel that Haiti has a very important role to play in producing goods for [the regional] economy and also

in attracting investment from other countries... Haiti is a big market and we would like to see Haiti recover from its environmental problems as quickly as possible because what is good for Haiti is good for the community.”

The Head of State noted that in addition to natural disasters, Haiti’s economy continues to suffer from the economic effects of its struggle for Independence. “Haiti is the first Caribbean country to win its Independence. It was a long bit of struggle. I call it the 5000-day war and it was cruelly invaded by the

French; by the British and by the Spanish and other mercenary forces and a lot of people were killed. And the damage done to the Haitian economy was enduring because at that time of the outbreak of the rebellion it was the single richest country in the entire world. At the end of it the economy was really very badly damaged,” he said.

President Granger also said that the members of the Anglophone and Francophone Caribbean as well as the Latin American mainland, have all been influenced

and inspired by the Haitian struggle for Independence and noted that that the country is an important member of CARICOM and the region as a whole. The Inauguration events include a mass followed by a Te Deum by His Eminence Cardinal Chibly Langlois and a lunch offered by President Moise, in honour of visiting Heads of Delegations.

Last evening President Granger also attended a dinner hosted by former interim President Privert.

(Ministry of the Presidency)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 8, 2017

A DIFFERENTLY-ABLE man was killed by a truck as it was attempting to reverse on the Bush Lot Public Road, Berbice Tuesday morning.

Ganpat Ganpat 36, called “Jadoo” and “Paul” of Lot 298 Bush Lot Village, East Berbice, Corentyne, lost his life shortly after he was run over by the Guyana Beverage Inc. truck.

According to reports at around 08:00h the truck

was hurting him; he didn’t deserve to die like that and more so punish and die so the driver of the truck didn’t even come out to try help him; it was after so long then he get help.”

She related that her brother was born with the disability. He was dumb and would never trouble anyone, she related. In tears, the woman said the family never approved of him leaving home to solicit help but it was a “hobby” of him since he couldn’t walk or talk. She is calling on the police to conduct a thorough investigation, even as

Disabled man run over by truck stopped and parked on the western side of the road to deliver goods to a grocery shop in the opposite direction. The father of Ganpat, Ganpat Chunoo explained that his son would usually leave home and be on the parapet in front of the Chikree’s residence. There he would solicit help from passersby and would sometime ask persons to purchase items for him from the shop in the opposite lane since he

does not cross the road.

At the time of the accident, Chunoo, 76 in tears said his son was on the parapet when he was struck.

Sister of Ganpat, Yopattie Ganpat explained someone broke the news to her about the accident. She expressed disgust at the fact that it was one hour after her brother was hit that he was picked up and taken to the hospital. “It’s sad because he couldn’t talk or say what

Dead: Ganpat Ganpat

she demands justice for her brother. “The driver should at least help him or try to take him to the hospital fast; imagine one hour after then them pick he up.”

Another relative said he visited the mortuary and tire marks were visible on Ganpat’s right side shoulder and upper body. He reportedly sustained severe internal injuries. He leaves to mourn his father and four siblings.

Meanwhile, the driver of the truck is currently in police custody assisting with investigations, while the truck is impounded at the Whim Police Station.

Suspect in waitress’ murder, shooting of Fazal Azeez for court today THE chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions has advised the police to institute the charge of murder against 21- year-old Shelton George called ‘Boorie,’ who was arrested Wednesday last for the 2014 slaying of 48-year-old Debra Blackman called “Debbie”.

George is expected to attend court today. Police also said George is also expected to be charged with the attempted murder of former Magistrate and Attorney-at-Law, Mr Fazal Azeez, who was shot in April, 2015.

Reports indicate that Azeez was shot to the abdomen by a lone gunman at Eccles, East Bank Demerara. The incident occurred around Former Magistrate and 11:55 hrs as Mr Azeez was Attorney-at-Law, Fazal Azeez

in the area known as Eccles New Scheme. The gunman is said to have escaped on foot after discharging the round.

Blackman, 48, of Critchlow Circle, Tucville was shot and killed on August 23, 2014, in a Chinese Restaurant on Durban Street, Georgetown. The mother of five was killed while standing behind Shelton George the counter of the restaurant called ‘Boorie’ where she had worked for some eleven years. The killer and an accomplice reportedly arrived and left on a CG motorcycle.

Police arrested George in his mother’s Better Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD) home. He has been wheelchair-bound, after he was shot in the back while in Suriname.

Police are also investigating George for the murder of Bernadette Campbell, who was shot in a minibus at Plaisance, East Coast Demerara (ECD) in August, 2014. Campbell, 40, was sitting in the front seat of a mini bus when she was shot in her stomach at Plaisance, East Coast Demerara (ECD). The shooter escaped with her jewellery. The bandit had approached the vehicle in a ‘hoodie’ and demanded the passengers exit the bus after which he discharged two rounds robbing some of the passengers before fleeing the scene.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 8, 2017

Gov’t to recoup $1.2 M over-payment for Plaisance Market Tarmac

THE Ministry of Communities, is making efforts to recoup $1.234 million in over-payment made to Compustruct Engineering Inc. for the construction of the Plaisance Market Tarmac.

Permanent Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Communities, Emil McGarrel, explained that in accordance with the Public Accounts Committee’s (PAC) advice to take the necessary actions to bring closure to the matter, a letter was sent by the ministry to the contractor on February 3, 2017.

McGarrel explained that the letter called on Compustruct Engineering Inc. to respond to the ministry’s call for repayment by February 14, 2017, or face the consequence of legal action.

After February 14, 2017, the matter will be forward to the Attorney General’s Chamber for legal recourse. McGarrel explained that this was also indicated in the letter to Compustruct Engineering Inc. The contract for the construction of the market tarmac provided for an asphalt concrete surface along with shoulders and reinforced concrete curb. A physical verification of the works was carried out on August

27, 2012 and based on the measurements taken on site and calculations done, it was found that the construction did not conform to the Bill of Qualities hence the over-payments.

The matter remained unresolved as at July, 2015, and was addressed in the Auditor General’s 2015 report. Since then, it has been engaging the attention of the PAC and was again raised at a meeting of the committee on Monday, February 07, in the Parliament Chambers.

McGarrel, supported by staff of the ministry and of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, appeared before the PAC to provide information on the matter and other information revealed in the Auditor General’s 2015 report, relating to the Ministry of Communities.

According to McGarrel, efforts to bring closure to the matter have been delayed by the contractor’s requests for a re-measurement of the market tarmac. The PS explained that the ministry had sought to facilitate the re-measurement by engaging the Auditor General’s Office but decided against facilitating a third request from the contractor. McGarrel explained that the Auditor General disagreed with the last request on the grounds that at such prior efforts, the

Jail for East La Penitence robbers TWO men were on Tuesday sentenced to prison after they were found guilty of robbery under arms by city magistrate Dylon Bess at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

It was alleged that on July 10, 2015 at Freeman Street, East La Penitence, Isaac Greaves and Devon Carrington robbed Sherlyn Martindale of a quantity of

Isaac Greaves

Devon Carrington items, including a cellphone, a handbag, an ATM card and $10,000 in cash, which amounted to $96,000 in total value.

Greaves, who was present in court was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment, while Carrington who was absent was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment.

It was reported that the duo used a handgun during the robbery.

contractor failed to send a representative.

According to McGarrel, the Auditor General’s office felt that a third re-measurement would not change the findings and as such the contractor has since been advised to make the repayment of face legal proceedings. (GINA)

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Permanent Secretary (PS,) Emil McGarrel, appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 8, 2017

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 8, 2017

Bandits attack Corentyne mechanic THREE armed bandits on Monday, robbed a mechanic of Hampshire Village, Corentyne, just after he had secured his place following his daughter’s birthday party.

At approximately 1:10 am Monday 6 , February, Devindon Reddi, 30, of Hampshire Village , Corentyne, East Berbice, was attacked by three men who were armed with handguns. The men concealed their identity with the use of handkerchiefs across their faces.

This newspaper was told

that the men pointed a gun at Reddi and demanded cash and valuables. The mechanic fearing for his life and the safety of his family complied and handed over a gold chain valued at $100,000 and $15,000 cash.

They immediately made their escape by scaling the front fence of Reddi’s home. Meanwhile, Divisional Commander, Ian Amsterdam, said no one was arrested; however investigation into the matter is ongoing.

Citizens urged not to share explicit videos of school children

THE Ministry of Social Protection, is calling on all citizens to act responsibly regarding inappropriate video content involving school aged children which has been circulating on social media.

In a comment to the Government Information Agency (GINA), Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, said video images of children in inappropriate acts have been brought to the attention of her ministry. She said the first response is to stop the circulation of the video. Ally warns that circulating the videos constitutes a criminal offence.

Additionally, the Minister said, if identified, the children involved will be given all the support and counseling needed. She urged parents, teachers and relevant personnel to get involved to help stop the circulation of the explicit videos and support the children.

Meanwhile, Director of the Child Care Protection Agency (CPA), Ann Greene, reinforced that sharing the videos is a crime and persons found guilty can be penalized. The CPA Director urged that if the videos fall into the hands of one, it should not be passed on but deleted immediately. “You’re exposing the children; you’re putting them at a risk and you’re making them more vulnerable so it should stop. Yes you sent it to the authorities we got it. We’re going to do something about it but please stop. We need to help our children,” Greene appealed.

Greene added that her department is taking immediate action. She noted that the CPA has engaged some parents and students and is arranging for them to be counselled “to let us understand what has happened, if these children were drugged and so on. We’re concerned and there is a lot of work to be done with our young people.”

THE CPA Director noted that her department will also collaborate with the School’s Welfare Department to work along with them to bring the children back on track and help them with their self-esteem.

Decomposed body of retired GDF member found THE decomposed body of a retired member of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) was discovered at his at Lot 38 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, Berbice, home on Monday evening.

Ranks from Central Police Station discovered the corpse of 70-year-old Ernest Reynolds, following reports of a foul smell emanating from the house where he resides.

A neighbour, Gavin Sankar, said he became uncomfortable with the obnoxious scent and was under the impression that it was the dead animal on the road way. However, even though

the animal was removed, the odour remained and he decided to make a report to the police station.

Sankar recalled that it has been a while since he saw Reynolds, who lived alone; he called out for him several times and did not get a response. The police ranks broke the door and discovered the maggot-filled decomposed body of the pensioner.

Sankar said he shared meals with Reynolds who became withdrawn lately and had in recent times, refused to accept any assistance. Reynolds never married and does not have any children.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 8, 2017

Medical team heads to Middle Mazaruni

By Svetlana Marshall

A MEDICAL team is expected to visit the Middle Mazaruni this week to address a range of problems facing health workers in the mining district.

The visit comes on the heels of a report published in this newspaper, which painted a grim picture of the challeng-

es and problems being experienced by health workers in Issano and Kurupung, in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni District.

Chief among the issues is shortage of drugs and medical supplies.

Health workers operating the two health posts had said they were battling with a shortage of drugs and medical supplies, lack of electricity

… to address drug shortage, workers’ conditions

and potable water, and the transportation system leaves much to be desired.

On Monday, the Regional Chairman (Region Seven), Gordon Bradford, told Guyana Chronicle that the medical team will be headed by the Regional Health Officer

(RHO), Dr. Edward Sagala.

The RHO will be accompanied by the Hospital’s Administrator, Merlyn Ferreira; a Junior Department Sister, Patricia Smith; Supervisor of the Vector Control Unit, Nathalie Griffith; and Medex Ishan Persaud of the Maternal and Child Health Department.

According to Bradford, drugs and medical supplies were sent up to communities in the Middle Mazaruni area ahead of the visit.

The team is expected to visit Kurupung, Issano and Isseneru. “They will be walking with a full team to assess the situation in the entire Middle Maz and to carry out a medical outreach,” Bradford posited.

Bradford told this newspaper that the news about the challenges faced in the identified villages came as a major surprise, since he is in constant contact with the affected health workers. According to him, when matters pertaining to health and other critical areas come to his attention he would often take the necessary steps to correct the situation.

David Joseph, the lone

health worker working at the Issano Health Post, had told this newspaper that the health post was running low on supplies, given that a request was made more than two months prior to the interview.

Additionally, it has been over two years since the health post’s radio system is down, as such the health worker is unable to communicate with his superiors in Bartica in cases of emergency.

“The other thing is, we have a medical boat and I would use my engine to transport patients and do field work but the condition of the boat aint nice at all. Whenever we have to use it, it is like a suicide mission we are on,” he had told Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, who was visiting the village at the time.

At Kurupung, the health post lacked basic things. “We don’t have basic things… we don’t have medicine, we don’t have tablets, we don’t have injections, we don’t even have a bed only a bed frame, and we are desperately indeed of a doctor. For the past five years, it has just been the two

of us, but we need a doctor here,” Janelle Johnson, one of the health workers, had said.

It was noted that whenever medicine and medical supplies are sent from Bartica through the Regional Democratic Council or the Public Health Ministry, the health workers would have to pay for the supplies to be transported from Olive Creek to Kurupung, and according to them, it is usually very difficult to get a refund.

In a mining community where malaria is very prevalent, there is no equipment to do the required tests. “About two years now the microscope is out of service, and it not like we haven’t been reporting these matters, we have,” she said.

Additionally, with the solar power system being down for more than five years, Johnson and her colleague, Shondel Abrams, in cases of emergency would have to attend to patients with torch lights at nights.

However, there are times when the Guyana Geology and Mines (GGMC) Office would provide the health post with electricity.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 8, 2017

Natural Resources Ministry launches Mash band Staff members of the Ministry of Natural Resources during the fitness walk

THE Ministry of Natural Resources will today launch its Mash Band and on Sunday it held a Fitness Walk to get its staff ready for the festivities.

The walk was held amid overcast conditions and some showers.

Staff of the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, the Guyana Forestry Commission, the Guyana Gold Board, Students of the Guyana School of Agriculture and representatives of the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport braved the weather to attend the event.

Spurred on by lively steelband music by the National Steel Orchestra, the fitness walkers; flags of Guyana in hand, headed east on Brickdam and walked briskly until they arrived at the Square of the Revolution. The Parade was headed by Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Hon. Simona Broomes, M.P. She noted

that the Ministry of Natural Resources is ‘in it to win it’ and called upon the staff of the Ministry and its agencies to display the colours of the flag on their respective buildings and vehicles, and to play national and patriotic songs.

Minister Broomes also urged participants to come together to celebrate unity as Guyanese for Mashramani 2017. The uniqueness of the Ministry with its three diverse agencies and its countless avenues for contributing to the development of Guyana’s Green economy trajectory makes it a prime example of the power of this year’s Mashramani theme.

Participants left the event “pumped up” for Mash 2017, a GINA release stated. The Ministry of Natural Resources will be carrying forward the positive energy from last Sunday to the launch of its Mash Band today at 1.30 pm at the Guyana Forestry Commission, Kingston, Georgetown.

Bail for man on ‘ammo’ charge reduced CITY MAGISTRATE Leron Daly on Tuesday placed an Essequibo man on $400,000 bail on a charge of illegal possession of ammunition.

It was alleged that 20-year-old Ishan Alli of Riverstown, Essequibo had in his possession four .32 rounds of ammunition without being the holder of a firearm license at the time.

Jerome Khan, Alli’s lawyer told the court that his client and his family were been victimised by a man who was once married to Alli’s cousin.

Khan stated that the former partner of Alli’s cousin made reports to the United States Embassy that Alli and his entire family, who are all holders of United States visas, were terrorists. Alli, who is a student at the Essequibo Technical Institute, was eventually called into the Embassy to answer the claims.

Alli was placed on $500,000 bail but an appeal from his lawyer saw the sum reduced to $400,000.

The matter was transferred to the Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for February 13.

However Alli was instructed to report to the Suddie Police Station every Monday.

Another section of the staff who participated in the fitness walk

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 8, 2017

PAHO hails strides in he DIRECTOR of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr. Carissa Etienne, has hailed Guyana for having made strides in the health sector, saying it is testament of the commitment of government, and other stakeholders in the health sector.

“I need to tell you that you have made advances. You

have contributed to the region achieving the elimination of measles transmission; we are the first region in the world to stop measles in its track. And Guyana achieved that more than ten years ago, we were waiting for other countries to catch up,” Etienne conveyed.

Etienne was at the time delivering a speech at a cocktail reception held in her honour

at the Guyana Marriott Hotel Monday evening. Etienne spoke to an audience that included Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, Health Minister, Volda Lawrence, and Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, as well as former Minister of Health, Bheri Ramsaran, Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira and members of the diplomatic corps.

Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO, Dr. Carissa Etienne (right), greets Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, as PAHO/WHO Representative in Guyana, Dr. William Adu-Krow, looks on (left)

Etienne agreed that the fight to see the health advancements achieved is not one that can be done by the health sector alone, but requires several sectors, and entities working together towards these goals.

“Health cannot on its own confront all of the challenges. It is only together, working with the other sectors that we will be able to confront our challenges and overcome them.”

Etienne explained.

Arriving last Sunday, Etienne is in Guyana on a four day trip to meet with high-level government officials and sign a new strategy for technical cooperation in health.

This Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) was signed between Etienne and Lawrence earlier Monday. “I am here because the work of PAHO is at the country level. It is at the country level that we touch the lives, it is at the country level that we can sit with the government and discuss the priorities, our cooperation, and how we can, together, build a better world,” Etienne related.

During her address Etienne added that there still remains more to be done in the Guyana health sector. “Yes there is a

lot more to be done. We shall always be journeying towards perfection so there is a lot more to be done, but if you can achieve measles elimination there is nothing else that you can’t do.”

Also making an address at the ceremony, Nagamootoo, who is currently performing the duties of President, stated that the work of improving on health care is a vast one that must be combatted collectively, as it cannot be done by just the government or any one entity. Therefore the government was greatly thankful to PAHO and the World Health Organisation (WHO), for its continued support throughout the years.

“To say that we need help is an understatement. It is a challenging task to stretch our limited resources to fully satisfy the needs of our people who populate our 83,000 square miles. In this regard, we are grateful to PAHO and WHO for the technical assistance they have provided and the good work they have done over the years.” Nagamootoo said.

He said the Government of Guyana is committed to deliv-

ering on its promise of “a good life for all Guyanese”, a critical component of which is our nation’s health and well-being. “Our National Budgets provide for free medical care in public institutions. It is a challenging task to stretch our limited resources to fully satisfy the needs of our people who populate our 83,000 square miles and live on the Atlantic sea coast, the river rain areas, in the hinterland, spanning vast savannahs, forests and mountains.”

Nagamootoo said there is a long history of PAHO’s involvement in the Caribbean.

Offices were opened in 1951, before any of the Caribbean states had gained independence. It is now 50 years since PAHO’s technical cooperation in Guyana was formalised in October 1967, with the establishment of the country office.

The country office is responsible for providing technical cooperation, which facilitates activities aimed at improving health conditions in Guyana.

Furthermore, the National Health Strategy for Guyana 2013-2020 coined “Health Vision 2020,” is the framework to (1) advance the wellbeing of

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 8, 2017

ealth sector the people of Guyana; (2) reduce health inequities; and (3) improve the management and provision of evidence-based, people-responsive, quality health services.

“We welcome PAHO’s interventions and thank the Director Dr. Etienne for her stewardship in providing much needed and greatly appreciated assistance to our health sector.

We note with satisfaction that during her tenure at WHO and PAHO, Dr. Etienne led the efforts to renew primary health care and to strengthen health systems in countries such as Guyana,” Nagamotoo said.

“The Government of Guyana is very thankful and appreciative of your service, Dr. Etienne. And we do hope that your visit serves as a catalyst

Two of the Karowka Singers during the band’s lively performances

Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr. Carissa Etienne, (left), with former Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsarran

Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira, (left) and Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr. Carissa Etienne, smilingly greet each other

for strengthening the efforts of PAHO in Guyana. At the recent UNDP launch of the United Nations Multi-Country Sustainable Development Framework in the Caribbean 2017-2021 and the Signing Ceremony of the UN Country Implementation Plan, - I called on all stakeholders to work together improving the lives of the Guyanese people. I can assure you that the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana is committed to delivering a better health service to our people and with the timely intervention of PAHO/WHO, we can make the sector an envy of the Caribbean.”

Etienne was accompanied during her visit by PAHO Chief of Staff, Dr. Merle Lew-

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Seated (from left) are Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr. Carissa Etienne, Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, and PAHO/WHO Representative in Guyana, Dr. William Adu-Krow (Adrian Narine photos) is and PAHO/WHO Represen- tions (UN) Resident Coordi- Singers, an appreciative Etienne complimented the band tative in Guyana, Dr. William nator, Mikiko Tanaka.

Adu-Krow. Adu-Krow also The night also saw per- saying she felt right at home made a speech at the cocktail formances of a medley of being a former folk singer reception, as did United Na- folk songs by the Karowka herself.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday February 8, 2017

Witness testifies via Skype in ‘Cornbread’ murder trial

AS the murder trial of 32-year-old miner, Glenn Xavier continued in the High Court on Monday before Justice Navindra Singh and 12-mumber jury, a civilian eyewitness who reside overseas, testified via Skype.

According to the indictment, the three accused – Ray Yokum, called “RayRay,” Steffon Campbell called “Burnham” and Faisal Moore called “Winston Bostwick,” “Vizul” and “Hard Mouth” on May 8,

2012 murdered Glen Xavier in the furtherance of a robbery at Cornbread Mini Mart at D’Urban and Lime Streets, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown.

Ronald Nedd, who now resides overseas, testified via Skype that during 2012 he was a minibus driver living at D’Urban Street, Werk-enRust and was the neighbour of the Glenn Xavier.

In sworn testimony, while being led by state prosecutor, Siand Dhurjon, Nedd explained that on May 7, 2012 about 5:30pm, he

along with a friend was at the ‘Cornbread shop’ on D’Urban Street ‘taking two beers.’

The witness further explained that later that evening about 8:00pm, Glenn and his friend (Orin John) came to the said shop and bought a round of beer for him and his drink-mate and went away onto the bridge.

“Glenn and his friend sat at the bridge drinking…..

Shortly after I went across the road to the drug store to get some credit for my

phone” the witness pointed out.

Nedd noted that while at the drug store he heard loud explosions, sounding like gun shots, a few minutes after he left the drinking shop. He continued that after retrieving his credit he went back over to the drinking spot but was stopped after he saw a large crowd standing in front of the shop.

“I noticed my friend (Xavier) and his friend laying on the bridge in a pool of blood” Nedd said “Someone

in the crowd said they just got robbed and shot.”

The witness further testified that he took the injured persons to the hospital in his minibus which was parked a few feet away. While at the hospital a police took a brief statement from him.

Under examination by State prosecutor, Dhurjon the witness declared that he did not notice anyone fleeing the scene after he heard the loud explosion.

However, it was under cross-examination by Campbell’s attorney, Maxwell McKay, that Nedd’s testimony was debunked.

According to McKay, during the preliminary inquiry at the city magistrates’ court, Nedd had given the description of a blue motor cycle fleeing the scene.

When the question was put to the witness he paused for a few seconds and said “No…. I can’t recall.”

Detective Sergeant Rodwell Sarabo attached to the Major Crime Unit of the Guyana Police also testified on Monday. Sarabo’s testimony would be based on the caution statement he had taken from the two

defendants Yokum and Campbell.

HEARING CONTINUES On the day in question Glen Xavier and Orin John were having ‘drinks’ at the popular bar when two men arrived on CG motorcycles and pointed a gun at them while demanding that they hand over their money.

Both Xavier and John were relieved of their cash and jewels then shot. The robbers escaped on their motor cycles.

Xavier, 32, of Harlem, West Coast Demerara, died from shock and hemorrhage due to gunshot injuries to the abdomen while his friend John, 48, of St. Cuthbert’s Mission was shot to the shoulder but survived his injuries after being hospitalised.

The state is being represented by Siand Dhurjon and Tuanna Hardy and they are expected to call more than 10 witnesses to testify.

Yokum is represented

by George Thomas and Peter Hugh, while Campbell’s attorney is Maxwell McKay and Moore’s counsel is Trenton Lake.

High Court trial for ‘driveway killer’ BUSINESSMAN Robert Benn was on Tuesday committed to stand trial for the murder of 24-yearold Colin Perreira after city magistrate Dylon Bess ruled that a prima facie case had been established against him.

Benn had been charged with murdering Perreira, called ‘Malcolm’, of Barr Street, Kitty on August 24, 2016 at Tucville and had been further charged with discharging a loaded firearm at 22-year-old Gail-Ann Chachon, with intent to murder her on the said day and at the said location.

Magistrate Bess in his ruling told the court that after the Police Prosecutor, Christopher Morris called 16 witnesses he was satisfied with the evidence presented to the court. The defendant will stand trial in the High Court at the next sitting of the Demerara Assizes.

“The Prosecutor presented a strong case,” Magistrate Bess said, adding that Benn’s intent was to cause serious injury against Perreira and Chachon.

In Benn’s defence, his lawyer Ronald Burch-Smith told the court last year his client was living in fear since persons had threatened to attack, rob and kill him.

Robert Benn Burch-Smith added that his client felt threatened when he saw the car turning on his bridge, since he believed the vehicle had potential bandits, so he shot at it.

On August 24, Perreira was driving a heavily tinted motor car and the other victim was seated in the front passenger seat. He attempted to turn the vehicle on the defendant’s driveway and in the process, the suspect, who was in his yard, drew his handgun and discharged several rounds at the vehicle, hitting the victims about their bodies.

Perreira was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

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Cont. fr. Back Page

Gayle leads seven West Indians retained

by IPL franchises also been retained by the team, but West Indies

One Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 captain Jason Holder has been dropped.

West Indies Twenty20 skipper Carlos Brathwaite has retained his place with the Delhi Daredevils, while Kieron Pollard and Lendl Simmons have been retained by the Mumbai Indians. There was no such luck for Jamaican fast bowler Jerome Taylor, however, as he was dropped by the franchise.

We s t I n d i e s all-rounder Dwayne Bravo will also be looking for a new club after b e i n g re l e a s e d b y t h e Gujrat Lions.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) auction is confirmed to take place on 20th February.

Chris Gayle

South Africa Racing Tips Greyville 08:20 hrs Al Ciberano 08:55 hrs Nala 09:30 hrs What A Poet 10:10 hrs Mark My Card 10:45 hrs Kudra English Racing Tips Ludlow 09:40 hrs Shantou Rock 10:40 hrs Tara View 11:10 hrs Icing On The Cake 11:40 hrs Master Blueyes 12:15 hrs Bear’s Affair 12:50 hrs Le Dauphin Carlisle 09:50 hrs The Blue Bomber 10:20 hrs Freddies Portrait 10:50 hrs Which One Is Which 11:20 hrs Celtic Tune 11:55 hrs Tonto’s Spirit 12:30 hrs Join The Clan Chemsford City 10:00 hrs Captain K 10:30 hrs Driver’s Girl 11:00 hrs Bracken Brae 11:30 hrs Ashadihan 12:05 hrs Silvanus 12:40 hrs Lost The Moon 13:10 hrs Whaleweigh Station American racing Tips Gulfstream Park Race 1 Skippy Is Back Race 2 Roll On The Navajo Race 3 Aire Bueno Race 4 Third DAY Race 5 Beckett Race 6 Nuclear Fashion Race 7 Stay Safe Kitten Race 8 Lucent Lady

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Milo/Petra football weekends are back! … 5th edition launched

By Stephan Sookram

MILO football weekends are back from this Saturday, following the launching of the fifth edition of the Nestle-branded Schools Under-18 tournament, yesterday, at the company’s Sophia headquarters.

The Milo/Petra tournament, which will feature 32 teams, split into eight groups of four, will be back in full swing on Saturdays and Sundays at the Ministry of Education ground.

Petra co-director Troy Mendonca indicated that the tournament has garnered hype throughout the years, saying, “I think the Milo tournament has become a household name especially among the schoolboys.”

He continued, “This tournament will play its part in the development of the sport. Beyond just your (Beepat) social responsibili-

ty, I think the football fraternity should be very thankful for your support.

Milo representative Renita Sital said, “The perfect alignment for Milo is sports.

We see that Petra’s purpose and approach is to carry sports and especially this sport to the next level and we are glad to be a part of that.”

She noted that fans and spectators on game days will be treated to special Milo giveaways and tokens, while urging those parents to come and support their children as they participate in competitive action.

The tournament was not complete without blessings, the first of which came from the president of the Guyana Football Federation Mr Wayne Forde, who also praised the organisation for its continued push for excellence.

“What the Petra organ-

isation is doing with youth football correlates very well with what is being executed at the GFF. Guyana is at this moment pursuing some ambitious goals and the only way that we can make a realistic attempt at achieving those goals is to invest at the group level.”

Meanwhile, Department of Education representative Nicholas Fraser said, “It is good to see that football is being played a bit more and we need to continue in this direction.”

He further urged other businesses to come on board as there is still a gap between the 11 - 15 age groups where there aren’t many competitions.

The winners will cart of $500 000, second- placers $300 000, third-placers $200 000 and fourth-placers $100 000 in projects for their respective schools as well as individual prizes.

No evidence of fixing in Olympic bouts, says AIBA

By Alan Baldwin LONDON, England (Reuters) - “Unprofessional relationships” within AIBA created an atmosphere of collusion between senior management and judges that undermined boxing at last year’s Rio de Janeiro Olympics, the governing body said in a statement recently.

It added, however, that an investigation committee had found no evidence of active interference in the results after carrying out 50 interviews over a four-month period.

“An unwelcome axis of influence and sole decision-making had been created and used by former senior management that led to a lack of due process being carried out,” AIBA president Ching-kuo Wu said.

“Whilst there is no evidence that this had a direct influence on results in Rio, if best practice is not followed 100 percent of the time by our officials and R&Js (referees and judges), that is unacceptable.”

AIBA said the 36 Rio referees and judges, who

were sidelined pending the investigation, would now be reintegrated on a caseby-case basis.

The tournament in August was embroiled in controversy surrounding a new ‘10-point must’ scoring system, with allegations by some boxers that they had been robbed of victory.

Ireland’s world bantamweight champion Michael Conlan called AIBA “cheats” after he lost on points to Russia’s Vladimir Nikitin in a quarter-final.

AIBA also dropped a number of judges and referees during the competition, after finding that “less than a handful” of the decisions from 239 bouts reviewed were not at the level expected.

T h e o r g a n i s a t i o n ’s French executive director Karim Bouzidi was also reassigned to a new role.

AIBA’s statement spoke of a “lack of proper procedural norms” due to “a concentration of decision-making power and the assigning of roles assumed by former senior management that had a detrimental impact on in-competition best practice.”

It said the actions taken

by AIBA post-Rio had been justified.

An automated Swiss Timing system will now assign officials to matches, with all five judges’ scorecards used to determine the winner of a bout instead of just three chosen at random by a computer.

“There is no evidence that the reallocation of medal rankings is required for Rio 2016, but AIBA will be researching the feasibility of processes for the appeal of decisions in the future,” it said in the statement.

A broad education programme involving boxers, coaches, officials and fans will be set up “to instil a greater understanding of scoring and give a strong reminder of the importance of sportsmanship, respect and fair play values.

“The subjectivity of scoring is part of what makes the sport unique, and the nature of the contest means that strong opinions are formed by teams and fans, but that should not impact negatively on the integrity of the officials,” AIBA said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Regional Super50 cricket

Gabriel’s five for 33 puts Red Force on the brink of semi-final spot TRINIDAD & Tobago Red Force created an eight-point cushion over Kent Spitfires for second place on the Group A table with a 32-run win over Windward Islands

at Coolidge on Monday night.

Despite a 104-run opening stand between Evin Lewis and Kyle Hope, Windwards held T&T to 214 after sending them in, but could only manage 182

in reply.

Lewis propelled T&T early by dominating the opening stand with Hope, scoring 75 off 69 balls with 11 boundaries.

Hope (29) and Nicholas Alexis

(46) combined for another 75 as the top three accounted for the bulk of T&T’s total.

Denesh Ramdin was the only other batsman to reach double-figures, making 22, before he was dismissed by Kesrick Williams at the end of the 43rd over to make it 180 for 4.

His wicket sparked a rapid collapse as T&T lost their last seven wickets for just 34 runs and they couldn’t last all 50 overs, bowled out in 47.5 as Williams, Shane Shillingford and Kavem Hodge took three wickets apiece.

Man-of-the-match Shannon Gabriel helped pin down Windwards’ reply, taking two wickets with the new ball while Rayad Emrit and Khary Pierre struck once each in the space of three balls to make it 43 for 4 in the 15th over.

Sunil Ambris resuscitated the chase, continuing his superb tournament with his fifth half-century in six matches.

Ambris added 58 with Hodge (27) and another 50 with captain Liam Sebastien.

Gabriel, though, struck a controversial blow two balls into the 41st over, claiming Sebastien leg-before, playing back to a good-length ball which replays showed had pitched six inches outside leg stump to the left-handed Sebastien with Gabriel bowling over the wicket.

With the tail exposed, G a b r i e l a n d R a v i R a mpaul brought a swift end to

play. Kyle Mayers fished an edge-behind off Rampaul for the seventh wicket before a pair of catches on the boundary by Alexis put T&T one run away from victory which Gabriel sealed by bowling Williams with a full straight ball two deliveries into the 47th, leaving Ambris stranded on 75.

Gabriel’s 5 for 33 was his maiden five-for in List A cricket and he did it in just 50 deliveries.

A win for Trinidad & Tobago over Kent in their next match would clinch semi-final spots for both T&T and Leewards.

Windwards are still mathematically alive, but need a pair of bonus-point wins over Leeward Islands and Kent in their final two games, combined with three losses by Trinidad & Tobago and another Kent loss to West Indies Under-19.

Man-of-the-match Shannon Gabriel

SCOREBOARD RED FORCE innings E. Lewis c & b Hodge 75 K. Hope c Johnson b Hodge 29 N. Alexis b Williams 46 J. Mohammed lbw b Hodge 1 D. Ramdin c Hodge b Williams 22 R. Primus run-out 0 Imran Khan b Shillingford 3 R. Emrit c Fletcher b Williams 0 K. Pierre not out 3 R. Rampaul lbw b Shillingford 7 S. Gabriel b Shillingford 0 Extras: (b-6, lb-5, w-17) 28 Total: (all out, 47.5 overs) 214 Fall of wickets: 1-104, 2-117, 3-121, 4-180, 5-180, 6-195, 7-203, 8-205, 9-214.

Bowling: Williams 7-0-47-3 (w-9), Johnson 4-0-17-0 (w-1), Mayers 7-0-42-0 (w-1), Shillingford 9.5-0-24-3 (w-3), Hodge 10-2-34-3, Sebastien 10-0-39-0 (w-3).

VOLCANOES innings J. Charles c Mohammed b Gabriel 5 T. Theophile c wkp. Ramdin b Pierre 19 D. Smith c wkp. Ramdin b Gabriel 4 A. Fletcher lbw b Emrit 8 S. Ambris not out 75 K. Hodge c Mohammed b Imran Khan 27 L. Sebastien lbw b Gabriel 25 K. Mayers c wkp. Ramdin b Rampaul 5 S. Shillingford c Alexis b Gabriel 4 D. Johnson c Alexis b Rampaul 1 K. Williams b Gabriel 2 Extras: (b-2, lb-3, w-2) 7 Total: (all out, 46.2 overs) 182 Fall of wickets: 1-14, 2-23, 3-39, 4-43, 5-101, 6-151, 7-156, 8-165, 9-168.

Bowling: Gabriel 8.2-1-33-5 (w-1), Rampaul 9-1-28-2 (w-1), Pierre 8-1-17-1, Emrit 6-2-24-1, Imran Khan 10-1-46-1, Mohammed 5-0-29-0.

Points: Red Force 4, Volcanoes 0.

LABA Under-23 tournament set to bounce off on Saturday

PLANS are in train as the Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) Under-23 basketball championship is set to bounce off this weekend with play among its eight affiliated clubs - Victory Valley Royals, Block 22 Flames, Christianburg Pistons, Half Mile Bulls, Bankers Trust Falcons, Amelia’s Ward Jets, Kwakwani and Retrieve Raiders - vying for honours at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court, once it’s available.

The tournament has four seeded teams in Half Mile Bulls the number one, number two Amelia’s Ward Jets, Victory Valley Royals third and Retrieve Raiders fourth.

They are placed in groups and Group A has the Bulls, Raiders, Royals and Flames

while in Group B conprises Jets, Royals, Pistons and Flames.

On Saturday, the opening night, top-ranked Bulls face Flames at 18.30hrs and at 20.30hrs Jets take on Falcons.

The following day Raiders clash with Pistons in the first game and the second pits Kwakwani against Royals.

Next Friday, February 17, the tournament continues when in the first game Bulls face Pistons and in the other Jets oppose Royals.

On Sunday, February 19, Kwakwani will be up against Falcons then Flames meet Raiders, The following Friday, February 24, Bulls and Raiders meet in the first game and Jets challenge Kwakwani in the other.

The final matches in the round robin will be on Saturday February 25 between Pistons and Flames and Royals versus Falcons.

The preliminary round will pave the way for the semifinals where the top two teams will advance to the semifinals set for March 4 with the final billed for Saturday March 11 at the tournament venue (subject to its availability) the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court.

Additionally, two other planned events are the Inter-School Under-17 competition among the secondary schools in Linden for Wednesday February 22 then on Sunday February 26 an Inter-Club 5-a-side for the MSC hard court pending its availability.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Aussies yet to work out a plan how to stop Kohli - Lehmann (REUTERS) - Australia have yet to work out a plan to foil India captain Virat Kohli beyond bowling well and hoping for some ‘luck’ against the in-form batsman, coach Darren Lehmann has said.

Virat Kohli has scored six of his 15 centuries in his 12 matches against Australia.

Kohli was man-of-theseries against England, plundering 655 runs off their bowlers at an average of 109.16 to comfortably top the batting charts during the 4-0 win in November and December.

The buccaneering 28-year-old looms as a

huge obstacle to Australia’s hopes of capturing a first series win in India since 2004, with the first Test to start in Pune on February 23.

Kohli has scored six of his 15 centuries in his 12 matches against Australia, averaging 60.76 compared to his overall average of 50.10.

Former Test batsman Lehmann, a member of that victorious Australian side, said his players had been watching videos of Kohli and his team mates for months but were yet to work out how to combat the India skipper.

“Bowl well and have a bit of luck along the way,” Lehmann told reporters.

“For us we’re going to have to come up with an ideal plan that works for us, depending on (the) wickets and what’s going on.

“At the end of the day you’re going to have to bowl enough good balls and that’s going to be the challenge for our spinners and for our quicks, challenging his defence and making sure he’s playing in the areas we want him to play.”

Michael Clarke’s Aus-

tralia were whitewashed 4-0 during their last tour of India in 2013 where a breakdown in team discipline prompted former coach Mickey Arthur to sensationally stand down four players for a match for failing to complete an off-field assignment, the infamous ‘homework-gate’ incident.

Australia were outclassed by bat, ball and in the field during that tour, but four years later, Lehmann said Steve Smith’s side have the bowlers to take 20 wickets against Kohli’s men.

“We’ve got spinners who can take 20 wickets and quicks who can reverse the ball,” he said.

“So we’re not fearing getting the 20 wickets, we’ve just got to put enough scoreboard pressure on them.”

That would mean a break-out performance from at least one of their batsmen, similar to the 2004 efforts of Damien Martyn and Clarke, Lehmann added.

Martyn and Clarke, who made his Test debut in the series, together scored over 800

Australia players want review of performance pay (REUTERS) - Australia cricketers have demanded a review of performance-related pay for contracted players who stand to take another financial hit after an under-strength one-day international team was defeated by New Zealand last week.

Selectors have rested top players for one-day series to cope with the demands of the packed international schedule and without the team’s best batsman David Warner, the tourists lost 2-0 to New Zealand.

Frontline pace bowlers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood were also rested from the one-day series in South Africa in November and the depleted side were whitewashed 5-0 by the hosts.

With compensation burnished by performance bonuses for winning series, Australia’s cricketers can find their pay packets diminished when teammates are rested due to overlaps in the schedule.

Australia could also lose their world number one ranking in one-day cricket if South Africa defeat Sri Lanka in the last

two matches of their series this week, meaning another potential hit for players who can receive further bonuses when the team holds the top ranking across the three formats.

Players, who have been negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement with governing body Cricket Australia, said the performance-based system needed to be revisited.

“The performance pool was agreed in the last MOU negotiation but now we have a system that needs to be reviewed,” Australian Cricketers’ Association chief executive Alistair Nicholson said.

“There is a situation when this model is combined with the overlapping of the schedule and having players rested, it will need revisiting in the MOU negotiations.

“The ACA will be exploring both the schedule and the performance pool as part of the current discussions.”

Cricket Australia declined to comment but has described the global scheduling regime as “difficult” and said it wants less international cricket rather

than more.

Australia’s Twenty20 side for the series against Sri Lanka starting February 17 will be without a number of key players who will be touring India for the Test series.

Warner, captain Steve Smith, Starc, Hazlewood and batsman Usman Khawaja will all be in India preparing for the first Test in Pune from February 23.

The proliferation of limited overs series with little context or meaning has been criticised by former players and pundits.

World governing body, the International Cricket Council, proposed a radical shake-up of international scheduling at its meeting in Dubai last week which would provide more contests for cricket’s three formats from 2019 onwards.

Austrailia’s captain Steve Smith

runs to set a solid platform for Australia’s bowlers, led by pacemen Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie, and spinner Shane Warne.

“The great thing with the Australian cricket team for years has been, backs to

the wall brings the best out of players,” said Lehmann.

“Someone like Matthew Hayden will stand up or Damien Martyn will come out of nowhere and actually play well on a tour.

“We hope we’ll have a

Martyn or a Hayden-type series from someone. And if we do that we’ll make enough runs, obviously.

“It’s a great challenge for the group, being a young group and they’ll be giving it their all.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 8, 2017

GSCL Inc. Republic Cup 4…

Success stun Regal Allstars to claim open title … Savage, Mike’s Wellman share Masters crown

SUCCESS produced a stunning performance to clinch the Open title over Regal Allstars in the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc. Republic Cup 4 final on Sunday.

Felix picked up four wickets each for the eventual winners.

Success in reply reached 68 without loss, with three overs to spare.

Surujpaul Deosarran top-

Batting first in the Masters final, Savage Masters posted 154-4 in 12 overs.

Ricky Deonarain fashioned a brilliant 53. He clobbered seven sixes in his robust innings.

Success stun Regal Allstars to claim open title.

Savage and Mike’s Wellman share the Masters title.

Playing at the Everest Cricket Club ground, Regal Allstars were bowled out for a paltry 67 in 10 overs.

Richard Latif who hit one four and two sixes was the only batsman to offer any resistance, with a fighting 28.

Puran John and Stephan

Young Warriors Mash Cup postponed THE fourth edition of Young Warriors Cricket Club (YWCC) Mash Cup has been postponed to a later date in March, according to a release from the club.

The release further indicated that due to the current inclement weather, the club has no alternative but to reschedule the one-day event.

A number of teams from the East Canje area are expected to compete in a five overs-a-side softball cricket competition, with cash prizes over $100 000 up for grabs, while Floodlights and Regal Masters softball teams will engage each other in the feature 15 overs-a-side game.

Over the years, the event has been a major boost for the club, since funds raised have contributed to the transformation of the ground and ongoing maintenance.

A new date will be announced shortly.

scored, with 23, while Dindyal Lakhan made 19. Extras contributed 27 to the winning total.

M e a n w h i l e , M i k e ’s Wellman and Savage Masters shared the Masters title, after they played to a tie in the final.

Unnis Yusuf and Patrick Khan supported with 39 and 20 respectively.

In the run chase, Nandram Samlall and Greg DeFranca added 37 for the first wicket, but the dismissal of Samlall (18), saw Mike’s Wellman reduced

to 74-4.

Lloyd Rooplall and Wayne Jones then steadied the chase nicely, with a stand of 48. Rooplall smashed one four and five sixes before he departed for 40.

Following his demise, Mike’s Wellman lost a few more wickets, but Jones kept them in the hunt, with ten runs required in the final over.

Jones and Hardat Heer-

anandan scored nine runs from the first five balls, but Heeranandan lost his concentration, and was bowled off the final ball of the innings, Mike’s Wellman finished on 154-8.

Jones, who hit two fours and a similar number of sixes, remained unbeaten on 36.

Zameer Hassan (2-3) and Navindra Pooran (2-29) were the successful bowlers in a

losing cause.

Earlier in the day, Success beat Farm by 65 runs, and Regal Allstars overcame Farm by 38 runs.

Mike’s Wellman beat Ariel Masters by six wickets in their semifinal match, while Savage got the better of Regal Masters by seven wickets in the other semi-final game.

In the other game played, Ariel Masters beat Success Masters by 39 runs.

Faf du Plessis (185) outguns Tharanga (119) in high-scoring Newlands ODI

By Nick Said CAPE TOWN, South Africa (Reuters) - South Africa’s Faf Du Plessis smashed a career-best 185 off 141 balls as the hosts beat Sri Lanka by 40 runs after surviving a fierce onslaught in a high-scoring fourth one-day international to take a 4-0 series lead yesterday.

After opting to bat, South Africa posted 367 for five in their 50 overs at Newlands but were then put under pressure by the tourists who made a magnificent start, only to wilt at the death to finish on 327 all out with nine balls remaining.

Sri Lanka captain Upal Tharanga led their charge with a brilliant 119 from

90 balls but the home side clawed their way back as they built up the pressure and wickets began to fall.

South Africa head into the final fixture of the five-game series in Pretoria, on Friday, looking for a clean sweep to extend their 13-match winning run at home.

The hosts’ innings was anchored by the magnificent century from du Plessis, the highest ODI score at Newlands and three runs shy of South Africa’s 50-over record of 188 scored by Gary Kirsten against the United Arab Emirates in the 1996 World Cup. Du Plessis was well supported by Quinton de Kock (55 from 46 balls) and AB de

Faf du Plessis smashes a career-best 185 off 141 balls.

Villiers (64 from 62) before a tired swipe to long-on off seamer Lahiru Madushanka saw him lose his wicket.

Du Plessis’ stand of 137 for the third wicket with de Villiers from one ball shy of 20 overs laid the platform for what became South Africa’s record ODI total at Newlands.

Sri Lanka made a thrilling start to their reply, crashing 100 without loss off the first 10 overs of their innings.

Tharanga and the classy Niroshan Dickwella (58 from 47 balls) added 139 in 16 overs before the latter was dismissed.

Tharanga carried on his merry way, crashing 11 fours and seven sixes, and when he was the third man out with the score on 216 in the 30th over, Sri Lanka were still in the driving seat.

But as South Africa began to find dot balls, Sri Lanka slipped from 307 for four to lose their final six wickets for the addition of only 20 runs.

Seamer Wayne Parnell was the pick of the home bowlers, returning figures of 4-58 in 9.1 overs, with one of those wickets the crucial scalp of Tharanga.

SCOREBOARD SOUTH AFRICA innings H. Amla c Gunaratne b Kumara 1 Q. de Kock c Tharanga b Pathirana 55 F. du Plessis c Gunaratne b Madushanka 185 A. de Villiers b Pathirana 64 J. Duminy c K. Mendis b Kumara 20 F. Behardien not out 36 W. Parnell not out 1 Extras: (nb-1, w-4) 5 Total: (for 5 wickets, 50 overs) 367 Fall of wickets: 1-3, 2-103, 3-240, 4-287, 5-361.

Bowling: N. Kulasekara 10-074-0 (w-1), L. Kumara 7-0-73-2, L. Madushanka 10-0-69-1 (nb-1, w-2), D. de Silva 3-0-18-0, L. Sandakan 8-0-62-0, S. Pathirana 10-0-55-2 (w-1), A. Gunaratne 2-0-16-0.

SRI LANKA innings N. Dickwella c Behardien b De. Pretorius

58

U. Tharanga c Duminy b Parnell 119 K. Mendis c de Kock b Parnell 29 S. Weerakkody c Parnell b Tahir 58 D. de Silva lbw b Rabada 5 A. Gunaratne c Amla b Rabada 38 N. Kulasekara lbw b Tahir 1 S. Pathirana c de Kock b De. Pretorius 1 L. Madushanka c De. Pretorius b Parnell 6 L. Kumara not out 1 L. Sandakan b Parnell 1 Extras: (lb-7, w-3) 10 Total: (all out, 48.1 overs) 327 Fall of wickets: 1-139, 2-203, 3-216, 4-228, 5-307, 6-308, 7-317, 8-325, 9-325.

Bowling: W. Parnell 9.1-0-58-4 (w-1), De. Pretorius 8-0-55-2 (w-1), J. Duminy 1-0-12-0, 950-2 (w-1), I. Tahir 10-0-76-2, T. Shamsi 10-0-60-0, F. Behardien 1-0-9-0.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday February 08, 2017) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPAMY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Guyana Jaguars lost to Barbados Pride by 145 runs (2) Combined Colleges & Campuses Marooners Today’s Quiz: (1) Who captured the first wicket in the current CWI Nagicor Super 50 Tournament?

(2) Who was the first victim?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

43

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Black tie dinner for National Sports Awards ceremony in April

… new category for companies

By Tamica Garnett THE National Sports Awards ceremony is set for April 21 and will be hosted as a black tie dinner for the nominees at the Savannah Suite, Pegasus Hotel.

According to Director of Sport Christopher Jones, the hosting of last year’s ceremony in a ‘Grammy-style’ format did not garner the kind of attendance that was hoped for, so now the ceremony will take the form of a dinner.

“It was with the hope that we would have had a larger participation, but I didn’t see the result we were looking for.

“So the sports award this year will take the format of a sports award and dinner. All the sports awardees who would have been nominated would be invited to a dinner at a whole black-tie affair,” Jones explained.

Following deliberations, the varying sporting associations and federations are expected to be contacted by

The various winners of the 2015 NSC Sport Awards flank Sport Director Christopher Jones and Junior Minister of Education Nicolette Henry.

(Adrian Narine photo) this month to begin submitting their nominations.

In other changes, the awards list is also expected to see the addition of an award for companies that are ardent supporters of sports; as a means of letting the companies know that their work is greatly appreciated by the government.

“We will be adding companies, companies that would have been supportive to sports

throughout the year. That is a category that we would want to insert,” Jones said.

Jones has been advocating for some time now the idea of rewarding businesses that invest in sports, even going as far as to ponder the idea of engaging the Ministry of Finance in discussions of tangibly giving back to the companies.

“The National Sports Commission (NSC) will

have a conversation with the Ministry of Finance so we can say that these corporate companies have been investing heavily in sports, and we would want them to see the reciprocity of their spending; so that tax exemption, tax breaks, tax waivers could be had for those companies as an impetus to encourage them to continue to invest in sports development.

“We’re hopeful that

in 2017 those discussions can go further so that we at some stage can make a pronouncement that this is the position,” Jones had declared earlier last month.

On the question of perhaps even tangible awards for the sportspersons who win their nominations, Jones affirmed that there’s nothing being considered at the moment.

However, it is something that could be considered, more so if any company would like to sponsor any part of it.

“That is important, that is something I fully endorse but I think over time we could see expense. If by chance a corporate company would want to come on board and provide a cash incentive, I would welcome that. But from the department itself we wouldn’t include that as an incentive,” Jones stated.

With the current system, awardees are usually only bestowed a trophy, and the honour of being able to say they won their nomination.

Additionally, however, last year’s winners were treat-

ed to a trip to the Kaieteur Falls.

The National Sports Awards is an annual ceremony where athletes and other sportspersons are honoured for their involvement in sports in Guyana.

The nominations are submitted by the associations and then the winners are selected by a panel of judges, who decide based on their performance during the preceding year.

While in previous years the awardees would be announced prior to the night of the ceremony, last year the awardees were not announced until the night of the ceremony.

Motor racer, Kristian Jeffrey and the multi-talented Alisha Fortune are the reigning Sportsman- and Sportswoman-of-the-Year respectively, while table tennis player Chelsea Edghill is the Junior Sportswoman-ofthe-Year and badminton’s Narayan Ramdhani is the Junior Sportsman-of-theYear.

ICC Americas clinch first Super50 win `We really meshed during the testing’ LUCAS STREET, Barbados (CMC) – ICC Americas ended their losing streak in style when they stunned Combined Campuses and Colleges Marooners by 78 runs here yesterday, to grab their first win of the Regional Super50.

Choosing to bat first at the Windward Cricket Club, ICC Americas rallied to 265 all out off their 50 overs, on the backs of half-centuries from captain Nitish Kumar (80), all-rounder Timroy Allen (69) and opener Kamau Leverock (55).

Fast bowler Jermaine Levy picked up four for 22 while off-spinner Vikash Mohan finished with three for 40.

In reply, Marooners were in the hunt at 117 for two at the half-way stage of the innings but lost their last eight wickets for 70 runs, to collapse to 187 all out off 43.3 overs.

Mark Deyal top-scored with 68, while Mohan completed a good all-round performance by stroking 30 and Aaron Jones, 23.

Off-spinner Nikhil Dutta (3-32) and leg-spinner Timil Patel (3-38) wrecked the innings and got support from left-arm spinner Saad bin Zafar who finished with two

for 29.

The victory put ICC Americas on five points while Marooners remained on nine.

Both sides are already out of the running for a semi-final spot.

ICC Americas, however, were unusually impressive in their turn at the crease, stumbling on occasions but refusing to collapse.

Akeem Dodson departed in the fourth over for six with the score on 14 to a catch at the wicket off Levy but Leverock struck his second half-century of

the tournament in a 77-run, second-wicket stand with Kumar, which repaired the innings.

The left-handed Leverock faced 61 deliveries and counted four fours and six while Kumar, a right-hander, struck three fours and a six in a controlled innings lasting 100 balls.

Leverock’s demise in the 18th over led to a slide which saw four wickets fall for 30 runs before Kumar and the big-hitting Allen put on 97 for the sixth wicket to again bolster the innings.

SCOREBOARD ICC AMERICAS innings K. Leverock c Levy b Mohan 55 A. Dodson c wkp. Jangoo b Levy 6 N. Kumar c Corbin b Henry 80 A. Amsterdam b Hinds 0 S. Wijeyeratne c Henry b Mohan 13 H. Tariq lbw b Mohan 0 T. Allen b Henry 69 S. bin Zafar c Harding b Levy 16 N. Dutta c Mohan b Levy 11 T. Patel b Levy 10 Pervez not out 1 Extras: (b-1, w-11, nb-1) 13 Total: (all out, 50 overs) 265 Fall of wickets: 1-14, 2-91, 3-92, 4-121, 5-121, 6-218, 7-251, 8-263, 9-264.

Bowling: Harding 6-0-38-0 (w6), Levy 5-0-22-4 (w-1), Henry 9-0-72-2 (w-4, nb-1), Mohan 100-43-3, Hinds 10-0-39-1, Deyal 10-0-53-0.

MAROONERS innings A. Jangoo stp. Tariq b Kumar 16 M. Deyal c Wijeyeratne b Patel 68 V. Mohan c and b Dutta 30 K. Corbin b Patel 8 C. Burton c wkp. Tariq b Patel 0 R. Hinds c Dodson b Dutta 1 A. Jones c wkp. Tariq b bin Zafar 23 J. Smith b Dutta 6 N. Henry c bin Zafar b Allen 6 K. Harding not out 13 J. Levy stp. Tariq b bin Zafar 10 Extras: (w-6) 6 Total: (all out, 43.3 overs) 187 Fall of wickets: 1-41, 2-95, 3-117, 4-117, 5-118, 6-133, 7-146, 8-162, 9-167.

Bowling: Pervez 6-1-21-2 (w-2), Allen 6-0-43-1, Kumar 5-0-24-1, bin Zafar 6.3-0-29-2, Dutta 1-032-3, Patel 10-1-38-3 (w-4) Points: ICC Americas 5, Marooners 0.

… Ming explains Pabst USF2000 signing

By Stephan Sookram OVERSEAS-based Guyanese Calvin Ming will race under the Pabst banner this season in the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda.

It was announced today by both the series and the team’s website that the 21-year-old will take the wheel of the number 22 car ahead of the March season opener.

Speaking to Chronicle Sport, he outlined the reason for his choice, saying, “We worked well together and we were fast during the testing sessions. I felt like we really meshed during our time and with the team’s racing history I think we can achieve great things in the coming year.”

The Guyanese, who started as early as six years old immediately, took a liking to the sport, moving on to take the local karting championship in 2012 before moving abroad to continue his studies to become a Civil Engineer.

His training was heightened at the Skip Barber racing school before driving with Pelfrey during the F1600 series last year.

He also competes in the FIA NACAM Formula Four series in Mexico where he currently leads

Calvin Ming will suit up for Pabst racing this year in the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda.

the championship.

According to the USF website, the season will begin with an official series test on February 28 at Homestead, Florida.

“We are very excited to finally announce the signing of Calvin for the 2017 season. After an impressive test with him in late 2016, we knew he was a great fit for our team. We are looking forward to great results,” said team owner Augie Pabst.

The Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship by Mazda will begin in St Petersburg, Florida, March 10 through 12.

Pabst Racing has been pre-

paring winning race cars since 1983. The Pabst team was started

by Augie Pabst Jr, former sports car racing legend from the 1950s and early 1960s who won many races and championships during his career. Current President Augie Pabst III (former driver as well), took over the business in 1991.

By 1998 Augie III decided to focus on owning and maintaining a wide variety of winning race cars including SCCA Spec Racer, Shelby Can-Am, 911 Porsche, Ford Mustang GT-1 and primarily Van Diemen Formula 2000 cars.

Black tie dinner for National Sports Awards ceremony in April See Page 43

Jamaica Milo/Petra football Scorpions beat weekends are back! … 5th edition launched Jaguars by 20 runs

See Page 39 From L-R Petra executive Mark Alleyne and Christopher Beepat watch as Petra co-director Troy Mendonca collects the sponsorship cheque from Milo representative Renita Sital in the presence of GFF president Wayne Forde and Ministry of Education representative Nicholas Fraser.

(Delano Williams photo)

Gayle leads seven West Indians retained by IPL franchises West Indies batting star Chris Gayle leads a list of seven regional players retained by their teams ahead of the 2017

Indian Premier League auction.

The 36-yearold left-handed batsman has been retained by Royal Challengers

Bangalore, who were beaten in the l a s t y e a r ’s f i n a l

by Sunrisers Hyderabad. Spinner Samuel Badree has also been retained

by the Southern Indian team.

All-rounder Andre Russell has also appeared on the list of the Kolkata Knight

Riders, despite being recently suspended for a year by his country’s Anti-doping authority. Predictably mystery spinner Sunil Narine has Turn to Page 38

Jamaica Scorpions won by 20 runs

JAMAICA Scorpions defeated Guyana Jaguars by 20 runs in their day/ night Group B game of the Regional Super50 at Kensington Oval last night.

Batting first Jamaica Scorpions were all out for 255 off 49.3 overs. Top scorer for the Scorpions was Steven Taylor with 86,while Andre McCarthy

hit 45 and John Campbell 42. The best Jaguars bowler was Raymon Reifer with 4-38.

The Jaguars in their turn at the crease could only muster 235 off 49.4 overs. (Assad Fudadin 57, Raymon Reifer 54, Anthony Bramble 39, Veerasammy Permaul 30; John Campbell 4-43)

2017 Limacol Round-Robin Knock-Out Football

Uitvlugt upset NA United; Den Amstel squeeze Santos

By Stephan Sookram

IT was a night of contrasting wins when the 2017 Limacol Round-Robin Knock-Out Football competition returned to the Leonora Stadium on the West Coast of Demerara, last Wednesday evening.

In the first game, the home side Uitvlugt made light work of their Berbician counterparts New Amsterdam United by three goals to one while Den Amstel eased past Santos 1-0.

Uitvlugt’s attacking style of play proved too much for the New Amsterdam team with goals coming from Ja-

mal Harvey (1st, 73rd) and Trayon Bobb (15th) Harvey spoke to the media after, saying “to come from a loss in the first game to a win in the second game is a great feeling”.

He says the side will be looking to continue their style moving forward.

Meanwhile game two saw Santos downed 1-0 at the whistle with the decisive strike coming five minutes into injury time thanks to Joshua Butts.

With that win, Uitvlugt move into second position in Group B, leaving the leaders Western Tigers untouched with six points but pushing

Eagles United down to third due to superior goal difference.

Den Amstel, on the other hand, move into the lead of Group C with Ann’s Grove second, Santos third and Pouderoyen in the cellar.

The final round of matches begins today when Grove Hi-Tech face Northern Rangers at GFC from 18:30hrs and Uitvlugt oppose Western Tigers from 20:30hrs.

Currently in third place, the Grove side will have to register at least a draw to climb into second position in Group A, which is held

by Milerock (three points from two games), while a

win would see them shoot into the lead with Winners Connection on four points from four games.

Should Northern Rangers win by a four-goal margin, they will lead the group while a win by less than that margin will place them second.

In the second game, the table-toppers of Group B, Western Tigers, will confront second-placed Uitvlugt. Should the Tigers continue their unbeaten streak, they will move further ahead in the group while Uitvlugt must win by more than two goals to move into the lead.

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Uitvlugt scorers Jamal Harvey (left) and Trayon Bobb

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017